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Run away to the circus for Cruinniú na nÓg

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Galway Daily arts Run away to the circus for Cruinniú na nÓg

Have you ever wanted to juggle, or learn circus skills? Obviously. But though the window might have passed for most, children in Galway can get a taste of life in the ring for Cruinniú na nÓg.

Galway Community Circus will be teaching children to juggle and more as part of a nationwide Cruinniú na nÓg special event next month.

Over 5,000 free juggling balls have been distributed to every county in the country as part of this event by the Irish Street Arts, Circus and Spectacle Network.

Galway Community Circus will be holding their free open day at St. Joseph’s Community Centre, Shantalla next June 11.

It makes performers skills accessible to everyone, no matter their location, background or skill level.

The event will see kids learn basic skills such as juggling, acrobatics, balance and more.

Director of ISACS Lucy Medlycott commented on their Cruinniú na nÓg events this year.

“Circus is going through a huge renaissance right now, and we in ISACS are so thrilled to be able to play out part.

She added that they are happy to “take these small steps” working together with the Creative Ireland Programme, in order to make thee fun skills available to all in Ireland.

Woodquay street closing to traffic for the summer

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Galway Daily news road closure

Part of Woodquay in Galway City is closing to trafic for the next four months so that people will have space for outdoor dining once again.

The city council has ordered that the outbound lane in Woodquay shall be pedestrianised from Daly’s Place (L-5119), to the Headford Road (R-866).

The 24/7 road closure will come into effect next Thursday, June 2, and remain in place until Sunday, October 2.

The road is being closed to make space for outdoor dining, festivals, and events by local businesses.

This joins four other four other roads which have been pedestrianised, either for evenings or throughout the day, in order to encourage outdoor dining.

This was a measure introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to support struggling hospitality businesses.

The question now is whether it shall become standard practice in order to boost tourism and the night time economy in Galway.

850 free and subsidised 3rd level places offered at Galway colleges

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galway daily news free education places in galway colleges
Pictured at Government Buildings for the launch of the Springboard+ and HCI Pillar 1 initiatives were: Minister of State for Skills and Further Education, Niall Collins TD; Ciara Manning, past participant of HCI Pillar 1 course; and Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD.

Hundreds of free and subsidised higher education places will be made available in Galway colleges as part of the 2022 Springboard+ and HCI Pillar 1 initiatives.

Over 850 places across 28 courses have been allocated to colleges in Galway, including NUI Galway and ATU Mayo Galway.

Forty percent of all the courses nationwide will run entirely online, and 60% through blended learning, meaning those in Galway will have access to hundreds more courses.

The 11,600 places nationwide are open to people who are unemployed, or those who are in employment and are looking to upskill or change career.

Courses are available across a number of sectors, with a particular focus on areas where there are skills shortages.

This includes ICT, high-level manufacturing, financial services, medical devices, biopharma, entrepreneurship, and green skills.

Dr Vivienne Patterson, Head of Skills and Engagement at the Higher Education Authority, said Springboard+ has gone from strength to strength over the past 11 years, and they are delighted to announce the latest cohort of courses available.

The courses that are being made available address areas with critical skill shortages in the labour market – ultimately leading to qualifications that are in demand among employers.

“Now in its third year, the HCI Pillar 1 initiative also continues to offer graduate conversion courses to people across the country who may be looking to upskill for future job prosperity in areas such as ICT, engineering, data analytics and technology,” said Dr Patterson.

“We are going through a time of great change in the jobs market – with factors such as remote working, and the cost of living forcing people to re-evaluate their careers.

“These programmes are an excellent opportunity for anyone who may be hoping to return to the workforce after taking some time out; for people who may be hoping to upskill or retrain in a new area; or anyone who is unemployed and wants to re-enter the workforce.

“With the blended and online learning options, there are hundreds of options available to the people of Galway, which is vital in ensuring people in every corner of the country – whether they are in employment or returning to the workforces – can easily access courses.”

Galway TD calls for one-off cost of living cash payment

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Galway Daily business VAT refund changes threaten Galway's tourism and retail report claims

A Roscommon-Galway TD has called on the Government to take urgent action on introducing a cost of living package to support families and workers.

Deputy Claire Kerrane’s call follows the British Government’s announcement of a £15 billion package this afternoon to help families struggling with rising costs.

Their package includes a £650 one-off payment to low-income households and an energy bill discount of £400 this autumn.

Speaking today, the Sinn Féin TD said that it ‘speaks volumes’ that the Tory government is introducing measures before Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil.

She said the Irish government has ‘dragged its heels yet again’ at a time when households need supports.

Her party put forward proposals on introducing measures to support households, including a direct cost of living cash payment.

Under the party’s proposals, someone with an income of up to €30,000 would receive a cash payment of €200, and an individual on income of between €30,000 and €60,000 would receive a payment of €100.

“We have also repeatedly called for the introduction of a €15m Discretionary Fund, to support households facing utility debt especially for those who are locked out of supports like the Fuel Allowance,” said Deputy Kerrane.

“This is in addition to our proposals to cut childcare costs, freeze rents and address rising energy costs.

“These measures would ease the pressure facing families and workers, whilst ensuring those households that are most vulnerable to the soaring cost of living receive targeted supports.”

Lidl submits plans for brand new store

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galway daily news new Council rejects plans for Lidl supermarket in Claregalway

Lidl has submitted a planning application for a new store with wide aisles and high ceilings in the centre of Claregalway, which would create 30 new jobs in the town.

The application was made following a meeting with the local community who were interested to see the new store’s location and designs.

Lidl wants to transform the greenfield site on the N83 in the centre of Claregalway into a vibrant retail unit, bringing up to €7 million in local investment to the community.

As well as the 30 new jobs in store, the construction phase will also create up to 100 further jobs.

Lidl has said the plans have been designed to ‘contribute positively to the local area’ and will incorporate a range of sustainability features including two EV charging spaces and solar panels.

Dervla Nash, Regional Property Director for Lidl Ireland, said that they are committed to delivering high quality builds, and that leading architects and designers will make the best use of the site.

“We are hopeful for a positive planning decision and we look forward to developing the site and opening the store next year, should the application not be appealed by An Bord Pleanála,” said Dervla.

She said that a Lidl store doesn’t just bring better value shopping to an area, but it also means more fundraising for Ladies Gaelic Football clubs and schools in the area.

“The Claregalway LGFA team has recently won a set of new jerseys through the Lidl Plus LGFA reward card scheme and when the new store opens, we would hope to increase funding for the local team alongside youth mental health in Galway through Lidl Ireland’s charity partner Jigsaw.”

Lidl Ireland employs over 5,000 employees in its 174 stores, Head Office in Tallaght and three distribution centres and regional offices based in Charleville, Mullingar and Newbridge.

€700,000 funding announced for summer agricultural shows

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galway daily news heather humphreys agricultural show

Agricultural shows taking place over the coming months will receive €700,000 in funding, the Government has announced.

Minister Heather Humphreys made the announcement during a keynote address at the Tullamore Show and FBD National Livestock Show Sponsors Night yesterday. 

Announcing the funding, the minister said that for over two and a half years, we lost something that really sums up everything that is good about rural Ireland.

“As Minister for Rural and Community Development, I know that our Shows are intrinsically linked to that sense of community that Rural Ireland is all about,” she said.

The shows are key dates in the rural calendar and central points for the agri-food industry, farming community and local artisan producers.

Key dates over the coming weeks include Middleton (29 May), Belgooly (4 June), Ballyconneely Performance Pony Show (4 June), Ennistymon (5 June), Westport Horse and Pony Show (6 June), Leap Horse and Pony Show (6 June), Ballivor Horse Show (12 June), Dundalk (12 June), Claregalway (12 June), Ballinalee Connemara Pony Show (12 June) and Clonakilty (12 June).

Minister Humphreys added that she believes it is of vital importance to our rural communities that they support the efforts of the show committees and the work of their volunteers.

“I hope that this funding will help put the shows on a firmer financial footing and provide vital support to the committees.

“I’m delighted to support the Irish Shows Association and like many others I look forward to getting out and about and visiting our Shows this summer.”

Galway students win top prizes in Texaco Children’s Art Competition

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galway daily news texaco children's art competiiton winning painting by galway student
'My Familiar' - award-winning artwork by Judith Sohn from Salerno Secondary School in Salthill, 2022

Two Galway students have won top prizes in this year’s 68th Texaco Children’s Art Competition.

Diarmuid Donelon (11), from Tuam Educate Together N.S and Judith Sohn (18) from Salerno Secondary School, Salthill, were both winners of Special Merit Awards. 

Both were winners of Special Merit Awards for artworks that Final Adjudicator, Professor Gary Granville said “displayed high levels of skill and creativity.”

Diarmuid Donelon won the award for his work entitled ‘Camouflage Birds’ and Judith Sohn took home the award for her work, ‘My Familiar’.

The brilliant ‘Camouflage Birds’ by 11-year-old Diarmuid Donelon from Tuam Educate Together N.S

The Texaco Children’s Art Competition is popularly regarded as the longest-running sponsorship in the history of arts sponsoring in Ireland, with an unbroken history that dates back to the very first Competition held in 1955.

This year, as has been the case throughout its life, it has been a platform on which young artists from Galway and counties across Ireland have had their talents recognised and their creativity commended.

From 31st May to 30th June, Belfast’s Royal Ulster Academy of Arts is hosting an exhibition of the top 126 winning paintings in this year’s Competition.

Admission is free and the Academy is open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9am-5pm.

Plans progress for Cross-City Link bus corridor

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Galway Daily transport Plans progress for Cross-City Link bus corridor

Plans by Galway City Council for a Cross-City Link bus corridor, that means to reshape public transport in the city, are continuing to progress.

The council engaged in a pre-planning consultation with An Bord Pleanála over the project back in October of last year.

After two meetings with the Bord in January and March, that consultation process has now come to a close.

This clears the way for the city council to lodge a full planning application with An Bord Pleanála for the Cross-City Link.

This is meant to enhance public transport links between the east and west sides of the city, by creating a route through the city centre where buses will be given priority.

The route, going from University Road to the Dublin Road, will see restrictions on private car traffic at certain times, as well as building new infrastructure.

These bus routes and traffic restrictions would be in place from 7am to 7pm, with a window in the late morning and early afternoon for loading and deliveries at city centre businesses.

The strategy also aims to improve pedestrian and cycling facilities such as footpaths, cycle lanes, and road crossings along the route, as well as to create public plaza areas to enhance the public realm.

Details about the proposed Cross-City Link bus corridor can still be found online in the virtual information room created for last year’s public consultation.

Galway among Top 10 cities in Europe to raise a family

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Galway Daily tourism Galway named one of the Top 10 cities in the world by renowned travel magazine

Galway has been ranked among the top ten cities in Europe to raise a family, with a high quality of life and recreation.

The rankings, which were compiled by e-learning company Preply, rated over 130 European cities on the basis of their ‘Education’, ‘Health and Safety’ and ‘Leisure and Lifestyle’.

Galway placed 6th in the entire continent, ahead of the likes of Helsinki, Florence, or more importantly, anywhere else in Ireland.

The City of Tribes’ high score is largely down to its prospects in the ‘Leisure & Lifestyle’, with the study highlighting a good choice of parks and an even more impressive choice of sports centres (per capita).

The harbour city also ranks as Europe’s seventh best for air quality, whilst also having free healthcare and 156 days’ paid maternity leave on offer.

The best city in all of Europe for anyone thinking of starting a family, is the city of Funchal, found on the Portuguese island of Madeira.

The city’s ‘chart-topping’ performance is owed to it having the lowest crime rate of all, low air pollution levels and a cheaper cost of living.

Back in Ireland, Cork and Limerick came in 25th and 29th place respectively, still impressive among the many old cities of Europe, while Dublin trailed behind in 66th place.

London placed at the very bottom of the list due to its  high crime rates, high pollution levels and poor distribution of education.

Over the Edge finally returns to Galway Library

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Over the Edge Open Reading audience in 2019.

After years of monthly zoom meetings, Over the Edge is welcoming lovers of the written word back to Galway City Library.

The May Over the Edge open reading will take place in the library on Thursday evening at the earlier time of 6pm, with an open mic after the night’s featured readers.

Those who can’t make it can still join in with the proceedings via Zoom, including the open mic, which is not being thrown out in a fit of post-pandemic delirious ecstasy.

The featured readers this evening will be Morag Anderson, Sinead Mears, & Caoimhe May.

Caoimhe May is a teenage writer, spoken word artist and performer in Galway.

She is an avid activist who focuses on issues such as eating disorder recovery, sex positivity, and self love.

Caoimhe’s writing has been published in Vox Galvia, Skylight 47 and elsewhere, and she is a published children’s author.

Sinead Mears has always had a love for language, as seen in the national writing competition she won at just 12 years old.

She stumbled upon a Spoken Word group in Debarra’s pub in Clonakilty, Co Cork at aged 17 and partook in their Open Mics from then on.

Since coming to Galway to further her writing studies, Sinead has read her work at poetry readings here, and had a poem published in the Galway Advertiser’s Vox Galvia creative writing page.

Morag Anderson is a Scottish poet based in Highland Perthshire, Scotland. Her debut chapbook, Sin Is Due to Open in a Room Above Kitty’s explores human connections—concealed violence, love, and everything in between.

Her poetry appears in Finished CreaturesGutterPopshot QuarterlySkylight 47The Broken Spine Arts Collective, and The Scotsman as well as several anthologies, including Best Scottish Poems 2021.

Morag as placed in the Oxford Brookes International Poetry Competition 2021, the Edwin Morgan Trust Competition 2021, shortlisted for the Bridport Poetry Prize 2021, and won Over the Edge New Poet 2018.

Those interested in taking the open mic after the readers should give their names to Kevin Higgins at Galway City Library before the reading starts at 6pm.

Those who wish to read remotely should text 087-6431748 in the half hour before the reading starts.

Road cleared after three car motorway crash

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Galway daily news

Emergency setvices atteneded the secne of a multi-vehicle collision on the M6 motorway in Galway this morning.

The three car crash occurred at the Oranmore junction westbound at approximately 7:15am.

A Garda spokesperson said that no injuries have been reported as a result of this collision.

Motorway traffic was down to a single lane westbound earlier, but the road has since been cleared.

Gardaí attended the scene of a road traffic collision involving three cars that occurred at approximately 7:15am on Thursday, 26th May, 2022, at Junction 19 on the M6 in Galway.”

“No injuries have been reported at this time. The road has since been cleared,” a Garda statement to Galway Daily said.

Soccer: Moyne Villa boys claim victory at Cup final

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Galway Daily sport Moyne Villa cup victory

It was a good start to the week for the U14 boys at Moyne Villa, as they claimed victory in the Cup final on Monday.

The Moyne Villa B team played the Renmore A side in the U14 Division 3 cup final at Eamonn Deacy Park on Monday evening.

The final score was 3 – 1 to Villa, after overcoming an early lead by Renmore. Villa went on the attack early, but went one goa behind to a looping header at 15 minutes.

Villa responded immediately when Conor Murphy was taken down just inside the Renmore half.

Mark Eco made full use of the wind advantage with the resultant free, chipping it into the top corner of the net.

Ten minutes from half time, Eco delivered again with a delightful lob from nearly 30 yards, giving the keeper no chance.

On the stroke of half time, captain Jason chased Mark’s through ball, beat the defender and chipped the keeper for a strong half time lead.

Despite being down two goals heading into the second half, Renmore came out of the gates storming, but were unable to overcome the Villa defences despite constant threat.

Cash, cocaine and MDMA seized in Galway drugs raid

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One man was arrested in a raid that saw multiple drugs and cash seized from a property in Galway City yesterday.

Gardaí attached to the Galway Divisional Drugs Unit searched a premises on the east side of the city on Wednesday.

During the search they found cannabis, cocaine, and MDMA with a combined value of €13,000.

Gardaí also seized €2,330 in cash during the course of the search.

A man in his 20s was arrested at the scene by Gardaí as a result of this search.

He was detained for questioning under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at the North Western HQ, Galway.

The man has since been released, a file will now be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

All of the drugs seized will now be sent to Forensic Science Ireland for further analysis.

Freedom of the City awarded to two women for heroic acts

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galway daily news freedom of the city
Mayor Colette Connolly with Patricia Burke Brogan and her Freedom of the City scroll. Photograph by Aengus McMahon

The Freedom of the City of Galway has been awarded to Patricia Burke Brogan and the late Ena Mc Entee at a special meeting held in the Hardiman Hotel.

The two women spent years assisting women who were in the Magdalene Laundry on Forster Street.

Patricia Burke Brogan was a noviciate, who used her writings to comment on what happened on the Laundry, when she left the religious order of which she was a member.

Ena Mc Entee and her family assisted women to escape from the Laundry and start a new life in new locations.

In her address, Mayor Colette Connolly said that these women offered a small glimmer of hope to those who were otherwise possessed of none at the time.

“They stood for women’s rights, and we are extremely proud of them.”

A plaque in honour of the women was unveiled at 2:30pm by Mayor Colette Connolly.

Second active travel meeting to take place next week

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Galway Daily news Oranmore active travel

Galway City Community Network and the Galway County PPN are once again collaborating to host the second online meeting on active travel within the city and county next Monday.

The meeting on May 30 at 6pm aims to bring together groups and individuals who are passionate about creating a Galway city and county that is accessible for all active travel.

They imagine a place that people of all ages and abilities, including blue-badge drivers,
disabled people, people with infants and young children, walkers, joggers, people on bikes,
trikes and scooters and bus and train users can all move with ease and be treated with respect.

The groups are calling for universally accessible active travel and public transport that will benefit all residents, and that will be a vital part of a just transition and a people-centred place to live work and visit.

Galway City Community Network and Galway County PPN say they are hosting the meeting to facilitate a collective voice for active travel and public transport users.

If you wish to register for the meeting, please contact Brian at development@gccn.ie. Further information is available on the GCCN website.

Women-led business invited to apply for She’s Next grants

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galway daily news she's next programme for businesswomen in galway
Irish women entrepreneurs Izzy and Ailbhe Keane, founders of wheelchair design company Izzy Wheels with Pamela Laird (centre), founder of MOXI Loves. Photo: Conor Healy / Picture It Photography

Women-led businesses in Galway have been invited to apply for grants in Visa’s She’s Next Grant Programme until the application deadline in August.

The programme supports women entrepreneurs to run, fund and grow their business, and has doubled the funding of last year’s inaugural She’s Next grant programme.

There will be five grants totalling €50,000, accompanied by a year of coaching provided by IFundWomen, the go-to funding marketplace for women-owned businesses.

Applications are now open until 16 August 2022 at IFundWomen.com/VisaIreland.

Mandy Lamb, Managing Director UK & Ireland, Visa said that women who own and manage businesses face a unique set of challenges including access to capital and peer networks.

“That’s why we’re excited to help make a difference to women business-owners across Ireland today through the second She’s Next Grant Programme,” she said.

“Our research also shows women are less confident than men in growing their business which is why we’re particularly proud to offer access to coaching and support through IFundWomen as well as that injection of €10,000 in capital.”

Last years’ winners are among the women entrepreneurs getting behind the campaign, with most emphasising the importance of the coaching provided.

Aine McGurk, owner of children’s clothing brand, Dainty Bear, said that the coaching has been invaluable in raising her confidence.

Ailbhe and Izzy Keane, founder of Izzy Wheels, the innovative and eye-catching wheelchair covers business, are encouraging women to apply for the She’s Next programme.

“We are passionate about supporting and encouraging other women to start their own businesses and follow their dreams,” said Ailbhe Keane.

“That’s why we’re very happy to get behind ‘She’s Next’ as the programme really resonates with us.  Whether the grant goes towards website development, social media, branding, marketing, or research, this is the extra support that women in business need right now.

“The coaching element is also wonderful to see as women can benefit from expertise and guidance to drive their business forward.”

How to apply

The She’s Next Grant Programme, in partnership with IFundWomen, is open to small businesses and organisations who are majority owned by women, operating across all industries and sectors, through a simple application process.

To enter, applicants are asked to submit details about their business and online presence at IFundWomen.com/VisaIreland.

Applications are invited under five different categories:

  • General awards for:
    • Micro business: sole proprietorships or microbusinesses with no more than two employees
    • Early-stage business: Businesses founded and incorporated within the last 24 months
    • Small business: Any small business with less than 50 employees
  • Additional two categories for:
    • Innovation: Businesses in science, technology, engineering or medicine that are focused on developing new technologies.
    • Sustainability: Businesses that show recognisable achievements in sustainability efforts e.g. sustainable energy, climate resilience, environmental and social best practice, environmental and social innovation, and gender and economic inclusion.

Lifelong friends to row from New York to Galway in world record attempt

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galway daily news two men to row across atlantic ocean
Photo: Emilija Jefremova

Lifelong friends Damian Browne and Fergus Farrell will attempt to break a world record by rowing unsupported from New York to Galway next month, while raising funds for four charities.

At an event in The Oslo bar in Salthill this week, Fergus Farrell announced that they will work with the National Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation, Ability West, Madra and Galway Simon Community as they try to break the world record.

All four charities will band together to promote the Project Empower’s fundraising effort by asking people to sponsor each of the 5000kms of the New York to Galway Bay Row.

Those wishing to support the event and their charity partners can do so by visiting: http://www.idonate.ie/projectempower2022

Speaking at the launch, Fergus said that both he and Damian are honoured to work alongside four amazing charitable organisations.

“As daunting as the task at hand is, we genuinely can’t wait to get started, and we hope our efforts will benefit all our partners,” he said.

Former Connacht and Leinster forward Damian would become one of only a few individuals to have rowed the Atlantic both ways having crossed from San Sebastian to Antigua in 2018.

In 2018, Fergus Farrell was given a 5% chance of walking again following a workplace accident which left him completely paralysed from below the waist. Extraordinarily, one year later he walked 206 km across Ireland for charity.

There have been 52 previous attempted crossings of the Atlantic by way of unsupported row. Only 11 of these attempts were by pairs and only six of those pairs managed to complete the row.

In total only 18 of the previous attempts managed to complete the crossing. In addition to the six completed attempts by pairs there have also been successful crossings by six solo rowers, five 4s and one 5.

The pairs world record is held by Norwegians George Harboe and Frank (Gabriel) Samuelsen who were the first pair to attempt the row. They crossed from New York to the Scilly Isles in 1896 in a time of 55 days and 13 hours.

After a short break in the Scilly Isles they continued their row for another five days at sea to Le Harve in France.

Over 200 delegates travel to Galway for major media conference

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galway daily news circom conference 2022 in galway poster

Over two hundred delegates will travel to Galway from across Europe this week to take part in the 38th Annual Conference of CIRCOM Regional.

The two-day conference for regional television will feature topics such as journalism’s sustainability, reaching young audiences, and climate coverage in the news.

It will take place on 26 and 27 May in the Galmont Hotel in Galway city, and will also be streamed live online for those who are unable to attend in person.

TG4’s Director-General Alan Esslemont congratulated all those at CIRCOM who have been involved in shaping this year’s key conference topics.

“It is a truly compelling and forward-looking programme and I look forward to excellent discussions,” he said.

“As our media world globalises and becomes more homogenous, I believe that regional broadcasters and regional storytellers will move to centre-stage as guardians and exponents of the true values of public service broadcasting.”

Conference speakers include: Limerick satirist and podcaster Blindboy Boatclub, Senior News Reporter at Vice World News Sophia Smith Galer, Nergiz Nora Westerbergh; Head of Digital at Sweden’s SVT News, Máirín Ní Ghadhra; RTÉ Raidio na Gaeltachta, Páidí Ó Lionáird; Nuacht TG4, Eibhlín Ní Chonghaile formerly of Sky News and RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta and Tomás Ó Síocháin CEO of Western Development Commission.

As part of the conference events, journalists will take part in a 3-day digital journalism course at National University of Ireland, Galway.

The CIRCOM Regional 38th conference is supported by the BAI, Fáilte Ireland, Gréasán na Meán, Nuacht RTÉ and Creative Media Europe.

Concerns raised about July Provision in special needs schools

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Galway Daily news Additional Dog fines will have little effect without more Dog Wardens

Galway East TD Seán Canney has expressed concerns that the July Provision is not being made available to all Special Needs Schools.

The July Provision programme was set up to support kids with special educational needs, essentially extending the school year for those pupils.

Deputy Canney says that a committee has heard that 26 of 126 special schools have advised parents that they will not run the July Provision this year.

He said that the Government has also delayed issuing guidelines for the programme to schools, meaning even more schools will not provide the summer programme.

“The National Council for Special Education has highlighted the fact that home provision is not the solution as home tuition lacks any social dimension and requires further monitoring and regulation,” said the Independent TD.

“The Department of Education needs to ensure funding and resourcing are put in place. There needs to be a recognition that SNAs need to be paid at a level that reflects the work they do. Guidelines should be issued, and delays cannot be tolerated.”

He said that the Department also needs to set out plans for addressing the issue of regression for schools that do not participate in the July Programme.

“We need to support children and their families throughout the year. Special Needs children and their families have suffered enormously during the COVID lockdown and we must ensure that the July Provision is made available to all children.”

Charities urged to plan carefully if raising funds for Ukraine

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galway daily news University of Galway signs partnership with government of Ukraine

The Charities Regulator is reminding the public and registered charities in Galway to consider carefully how they support the people of Ukraine.

Registered charities and individuals are being urged to plan carefully before taking part in or organising initiatives, to ensure their efforts achieve their intended purpose.

Helen Martin, Chief Executive, Charities Regulator said that charities have a serious and significant duty of care and that they must have all required safety and safeguarding procedures in place.

“People across the country, including in Galway, continue to be moved by the plight of the people of Ukraine and understandably want to help in whatever way they can,” she said.

“Donating time or money to an established registered charity is a much more effective way of assisting people at a time of crisis than seeking to set up a charity from scratch.

“We urge the public to support registered charities with a track record of providing the kinds of practical supports and assistance that the Ukrainian people need at this time. They can check simply and quickly whether a specific charity is on the Register of Charities at Charitiesregulator.ie.”

Ms Martin also reminded registered charities that they must think and plan carefully before they undertake any new initiatives including those relating to the conflict in Ukraine.

“Any new activities must align with the charity’s stated charitable purpose and should be well thought through so that charity assets and volunteer efforts are targeted properly and effectively.”

“Where a charity is considering providing aid directly to Ukraine or neighbouring countries, for example, they should link in first with other registered charities already on the ground.

“Additionally they should check with the relevant government departments/agencies prior to undertaking any action so they fully understand all  the procedures that the charity must follow.

“Risk assessments are another fundamental step in the planning process, to ensure the safety and welfare of the charity’s personnel and volunteers, as well as the Ukrainian people they are seeking to help.”

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