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Over 400 Ukrainian pupils now enrolled in Galway schools

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

More than 400 Ukrainian children are now enrolled in schools across Galway.

Figures from the Department of Education show that there were 295 Ukrainian pupils in Galway primary schools as of June 3.

A further 108 Ukrainian children were also enrolled in secondary level schools in Galway by last Friday.

Galway’s schools account for 5.9 percent of the 6,797 pupils in total who are enrolled in schools across Ireland.

The Education and Training Boards are continuing to operate Regional Education and Language Teams (REALT) to assist with their transition.

The primary goal of REALT is to assist families arriving in the country with securing school places for their children.

REALT are also supporting schools in the area to meet the needs of these children as they emerge, advising the Department of Education on what services and new capacity is needed.

Information for parents in Ukrainian and Russian on accessing school places is available on gov.ie/Ukraine.

Auto Parts store named winner of 2022 Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh

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Galway Daily news Auto Parts store named winner of 2022 Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh

KD Autoparts in Galway City has been named as the overall winner of the 2022 Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh.

Minister of State for the Gaeltacht Jack Chambers announced the winners of the 20th anniversary Gradam at a special awards ceremony at the g Hotel.

The awards are organised by Gaillimh le Gaeilge, in partnership with the Galway Advertiser, and supported by TG4 and Galway Chamber to promote the use of Irish in businesses.

KD Autoparts supply thousands of parts and accessories, from air filters to windscreen wiper blades, for all your automotive needs.

All their staff are trained experts and are happy to advise on any auto requirements and they also offer a complete Seirbhís trí Ghaeilge.

Maureen Duggan of KD AUTOPARTS, Gaillimh was thrilled on receiving the news and said that they were proud to support Galway’s status as a bilingual city.

“We use the Irish language in signage, marketing, website, stationery, service in Irish and also we have Irish on our vans which travel all around the county.”

“Our drivers deliver to Connemara every day, sometimes twice a day, the customers are thrilled to speak with the driver and do business trí Ghaeilge.”

“Winning Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh this year is an honour and something we as a team are so proud of as it is a recognition of our dedication to continue to do business bilingually and promote the Irish language in Galway and beyond.”

Before announcing the winners on the night, the Mayor of the city of Galway, Cllr. Collette Connolly presented all of the Gearrliosta with their certifications, acknowledging their achievement of becoming Gradam finalists.

Along with scooping the overall award on the night KD Autoparts were also named the winners of the Retail category, sponsored by Galway Bay FM.

The other proud Gradam award winners on the night were:

Plámás – Winner of the ‘Tourism & Hospitality’ Category, sponsored by Fáilte Ireland.

Tribes Press – Winner of the Services Category, sponsored by Computer Troubleshooters.

Irish Socksciety – Winner of the ‘Online Business’ category sponsored by the Galway Technology Centre.

Galway Hospice Foundation – Winner of the ‘Non-Profit & Other Companies’ Category sponsored by Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, OÉ Gaillimh.

The Gradam category winners all received a business package to the value of €2,000 from their respective category sponsor as well as a replica of Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh.

KD Autoparts will receive an advertising package from the main media sponsor of the Gradam, the Galway Advertiser. They will also receive a publicity package with TG4 and one year’s membership of Galway Chamber and Gaillimh le Gaeilge.

Minister of State Chambers also announced the appointment of Máire Uí Dhufaigh as the new Language Planning Officer for Galway City at the awards.

€3,000 prize for independent filmmakers at 2022 Film Fleadh

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Galway Daily arts Galway film fleadh marketplace award

Independent filmmakers will be competing for a €3,000 prize at this year’s Galway Film Fleadh Marketplace next month.

The Film Fleadh Marketplace brings together filmmakers with projects in development, and industry representatives such as financiers, distributors, sales agents, broadcasters, film funds and major producers.

Bankside Films, a London based sales and finances company for independent films, has partnered with the Fleadh on an award for the best project at the marketplace.

The Marketplace in the 2022 Film Fleadh will take place over two days on July 8 & 9, with the best project taking home a €3,000 prize.

Stephen Kelliher, Director at Bankside Films, says: “We are delighted to be supporting the Marketplace Project Award at the Galway Film Fair.”

“We have seen real and quantifiable results from many years of attending the Film Fair and we hope that this award will be instrumental in helping others bring their creative visions to the big screen.”

Screen International described the marketplace as a “key networking event”, which has helped make the festival an international co-production hub.

Galway Film Fleadh is returning to the big screen in Galway this Summer, after moving almost completely online for the past two years.

Alongside the Marketplace many other industry events take place at the festival, including conferences, seminars, masterclasses, debates, workshops and much more.

And of course, there will be screenings of many films of all genres, drama and documentary, short and feature length, over the six day festival from July 5 – 10.

Public transport around college towns needed in student accommodation crisis

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Galway Daily news Eamon Ó Cuív: Cocaine usage a "national scourge" across society

Improved public transport around college towns would help in solving the student accommodation crisis, Éamon Ó Cuív has said.

Speaking in the Dáil, the Galway West TD said that Minister Eamon Ryan could “with the stroke of a pen”, act to improve “radial services” around university and college towns.

He gave the example that, until two years ago, no bus leaving Galway City went any further than Knocknacarra after 6pm.

“Unless student life has changed totally from the time I was in college, students did not want to go home every night at 6pm. They are entitled to a social life.”

He added that the addition of three evening and night services running up to 11pm have been “well patronised” since their introduction.

“That makes it possible for students not to have to get accommodation in the city. Students can bunk-up the odd night they want to stay overnight but they do not need five-nights-a-week accommodation.”

This is simply not possible if buses or other public transport services are not available, Éamon Ó Cuív said.

“I bet if there was a survey of all the third level towns around the country, you would find a very bad, patchy pattern of public bus services out of those towns, particularly in the late evening.”

Deputy Ó Cuív said that this would be a “quick win”, with it being essential to maintain the 50% reduction in fares for people under 24.

Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris said “As I travel around the country, it comes up that better public transport in rural areas could lessen the need for student accommodation”.

“In that there are students who would not necessarily move out of their homes if they had public transport.”

He said that he would take the matter up with Transport Minister Eamon Ryan.

Podcast details challenges of making Mirror Pavilion during COVID

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galway daily arts Podcast details the challenges of making the Mirror Pavilion during COVID
John Gerrard's Mirror Pavilion, Leaf Work (Derrigimlagh) 2020 pictured in situ on Derrigimlagh Bog as part of Galway International Arts Festival 2021. Commissioned by Galway International Arts Festival for Galway 2020, European Capital of Culture. Photo Ros Kavanagh

Galway International Arts Festival has released a podcast on the making of the captivating Mirror Pavilion during the COVID pandemic.

The Mirror Pavilion, an installation by John Gerard, provided a dazzling spectacle for audiences in Galway City and Connemara over the past two years.

The striking cube, measuring seven metres on each side, had three sides and the top clad with highly reflective mirror panels.

The fourth side was a high-resolution LED wall that allowed for the two part displays, Corn Work and Leaf Work to be played for audiences.

The artwork, which is powered by sustainable energy sources, is a response to the escalating climate crisis.

Mirror Pavilion, Corn Work, wowed an audience of over 120,000 when it was presented over three weeks on Claddagh Quay in Galway City in 2020.

John Gerrard at the Claddagh, where Mirror Pavilion, Corn Work was displayed. Photo: Ros Kavanagh

Its follow up Mirror Pavilion, Leaf Work equally captivated audiences in Derrigimlagh Bog in Connemara as part of Galway International Arts Festival 2021.

After it’s long stay in Galway, the installation went on the road, to feature at the prestigious Biennale of Sydney for three months this year.

This podcast by Galway International Arts Festival, and NUI Galway, documents the making and staging of the installation, against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It offers an insight into how an arts organisation was affected by the global pandemic, and how it responded to each of the challenges in an effort to present an artwork of scale.

It charts the delays and obstacles the team faced as the pandemic spread across the globe.

This included the challenge of getting the bespoke, seven metre by seven metre LED screen manufactured and transported from China in January 2020, as the Government there reported treating dozens of cases of an unknown virus emanating from Wuhan.

But also here at home, the project was affected by shut downs and delays, before finally getting to build and present Mirror Pavilion along Middle Quay for the reimagined festival in 2020.

The podcast was created by award-winning producer Andy Gaffney, creator and producer of the hit podcast, Promenade, which gained national and international attention when it was launched in early November.

It is available online on all major podcast platforms, and is also housed at NUI Galway’s library as part of GIAF’s Education Partnership with the university.

Listen to the podcast episode here: Podbean | Apple | Spotify

UHG is the second most overcrowded hospital today

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Galway Daily news 67 people on trolleys at UHG

University Hospital Galway is the second most overcrowded in the country today, with 37 patients going without a bed.

Daily figures from the Irish nurses and Midwives Organisation show that there are 35 people on trolleys at the Emergency Department in UHG today.

The INMO data also shows a further two patients without a bed in the hospital’s wards.

At Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe there are a further six patients admitted who are without a bed.

Four people at Portiuncula are on trolleys in the ED, and another two are in the wards.

Nationwide there are 306 people on trolleys in Irish hospitals today, with the worst overcrowding at UH Limerick, where 68 are without a bed.

Council approves open plan design for Ceannt Station revamp

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Galway City Council has approved plans for a more open design in a revamped Ceannt Station.

Iarnrod Eireann has received planning permission to amend already approved plans for a significant redevelopment of the station.

These will involve the partial removal of three internal walls in the northern buildings, leaving their upper portions in place.

In addition, the floor level on the eastern side of the building is to be lowered by 180mm to bring it in line with the rest of the station.

Planning permission was granted by the city council for the amended plans with eight conditions attached.

Among these, the council required that a conservation architect and archaeologist must be hired to monitor all works on the protected structure.

Stone taken from the walls that are to be altered must be reused somewhere else on the site, and plans submitted to the council for how that is to be done.

The archaeologist must also monitor all ground works for potential archaeologically important material.

On the completed structure, no “security shutters, canopies, projecting signs, projecting spotlights, or other additions” can be added without further approval from the council.

Iarnrod Eireann said that the removal of the internal walls is necessary for the free movement of passengers through the station.

The floor on the eastern side of the building needs to be lowered so that it is fully accessible to passengers with mobility issues. 

The “cellular layout” of the original 18th century Ceannt Station design is not suitable for the far greater levels of traffic in a modern train station, the application stated.

“These works are essential for the station to operate successfully as they will open up the space, leaving users in no doubt where to access the platforms,” planning documents said.

Planning permission was first granted for a major redevelopment of Ceannt Station back in 2014, and then extended for a further five years in 2019.

The expansion and renovation of the station will ultimately see an additional 2,336sqm of concourse and platform space added to make it more functional as a hub for rail travel.

Other improvements to the station will include the construction of a glazed entrance building, and a partially glazed new roof, to replace the existing structure.

New pedestrian entrances and ticketing facilities will also be added to make it more accessible for people traveling, along with multiple other improvements.

County Council needs more funding for Housing Adaptation grants

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

Galway County Council is in desperate need of extra resources for housing adaptation grants for older people and those with a disability.

Galway TD Seán Canney said as much in the Dáil during a debate on a motion stating that the fixed price grant is no longer effective for the programme, and that applicants are facing unacceptable delays.

He said that Galway County Council lacks sufficient funding to pay out to successful applicants, and also does not have enough inspectors to avoid lengthy delays.

Deputy Canney said that the he was informed by Galway County Council that more than 1,000 applications for grants had been processed by early May.

This followed on from reporting in the Tuam Herald that the council had already run out of funding for mobility and disability aid grants.

“There are seven months of the year left to go. Where is that director of services going to get the money to fund these schemes?”

“He told me there is a rolling amount of money. He gets a fixed sum of money but he is hoping some of the grants will not be carried out or will not have to be paid out until next year and that he will be able to take the money out of the budget for next year.

“He is already borrowing from next year to try to meet the demand this year. That type of financial arrangement is not sustainable,” Seán Canney said.

He said that increased funding is needed to cope with the growing volume of applications from older people seeking to remain in their homes.

Deputy Canney also said that the fixed price for the grant is not effective any longer, with rising constructions costs.

“There is a cap of €30,000 on grants. In many cases, that amount would have been sufficient until approximately two years ago.”

“Costs have gone up since then, however, and homeowners now have to borrow to supplement the grant, yet many people with disabilities have no means of paying back such a loan”.

The motion called for increased funding for the programme, raising the upper cap on grants, and linking the level of the grant to the cost of construction works.

It passed without opposition from the government. Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton said that there were concerns about linking grants to the cost of construction, due to the “uncontrolled nature” of such a committment.

However, she said that the government was not opposing the motion, as it was aimed at “properly and rightly” keeping older people and those with a disability in their homes.

She added that the programme for government commits to increasing funding for grants, and making them more accessible.

To date, funding for housing adaptation grants has increased from €15 million in 2019, to €24 million last year, Hildegarde Naughton said.

The Housing for All plan also commits to “increasing the housing options available to older people” to keep them living independently as much as possible, she added.

Refusal to set up mental health helpline for exam students criticised

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Denis Naughten TD and Galway County Councillor Dr Evelyn Parsons have criticised the HSE’s “refusal to consider establishing a mental health helpline” for students sitting State exams.

Deputy Naughten said that the West Regional Health Forum recommended to the HSE that they establish a helpline for those sitting exams this month.

The Roscommon-Galway TD raised the issue with the Minister for Health, but said that the HSE has informed him that they do not believe “establishing a national student mental and emotional helpline is an effective means of providing information and support.”

Cllr Evelyn Parsons said that she is extremely concerned students will have to wade through a maze of resources to try to find a service to have their needs met.

“I am strongly of the view that a properly resourced student helpline could provide a clear one-stop-shop and expedite access to supports and services,” she said.

“We must recognise the unique mental health challenges engendered by recurrent educational, health and social disruption through Covid, the prolonged delay in confirming the format of the Leaving Cert this year.”

“While there are many excellent emotional and mental health resources, a helpline manned by trained personnel and targeted to these young people is more user-friendly.”

Funding boost for Ballinasloe to target poverty and social exclusion

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galway daily news GDR funding for ballinsaloe
Pictured at the launch of the Empowering Communities Programme in Dublin were Steve Dolan (CEO, Galway Rural Development), Minister Joe O’Brien, and Sean Larkin (Supervisor, GRD). GRD will be targeting a new role and resources to Ballinasloe under the announced programme.

Ballinasloe has been included among 14 regions across Ireland to share in a €2 million programme targeting area-based deprivation.

The ‘Empowering Communities Programme’ aims to give local communities the chance to craft their own response to area-based poverty, social exclusion, and the resulting consequences.

The announcement was made at the weekend by Minister of State Joe O’Brien at the Rowlagh Community Centre in Clondalkin, with Galway Rural Development welcoming the award of funding to be targeted specifically at Ballinasloe, including supporting a new Community Engagement Worker. 

Speaking after the launch, CEO of Galway Rural Development Steve Dolan said that they are very pleased that Ballinasloe has been included in the programme.

“We had been unfortunate in not securing funding last year from other sources for a very similar role for the town, so this is both a timely and necessary intervention,” he said.

Dolan said that they will aim to ‘enhance the citizens’ voices in Ballinasloe’ and allow others to have their voice heard for the first time.

“We hope to identify areas of overlap, and certainly gaps in services that we can then try to close collectively. This will be a people-focused, capacity building, and collaborative effort.”

He said that having the voice of the community, empowered and engaged, will benefit all in Ballinasloe and help ensure this initiative has a sustainable future.

“There is a significant body of work to be done in the town, we’ve highlighted that repeatedly, but this is a most welcome first step. Indeed, we hope more supports will follow.”

Minor Football team named for Connacht final

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Galway Daily sport County senior hurling final replay - All you need to know

Galway GAA have confirmed the lineup of the Minor Football team which will face Mayo in the Connacht Final in Castlebar this evening.

The Galway and Mayo footballers will face of at MacHale Park in Castlebar on Monday evening, with throw-in at 7:30pm.

The Tribesmen will be hoping to match the performance of their senior counterparts, who claimed the provincial title in a 2-19 to 2-16 win over Roscommon at Pearse Stadium the weekend before last.

The Connacht Minor Football Championship Final will be broadcast live on TG4 Sport.

The Galway side named for this evening’s game is:

  1. Kyle Gilmore (Cortoon Shamrocks)
  2. Adam Colleran (Mountbellew Moylough)
  3. Tomás Farthing (Spiddal)
  4. Vinny Gill (Corofin)
  5. Mark Mannion (Salthill Knocknacarra)
  6. Cillian Trayers (Claregalway)
  7. Ross Coen (Corofin)
  8. Jack Lonergan (Claregalway)
  9. Shay McGlinchey (Tuam Stars)
  10. Seán Dunne (CLG Barna)
  11. Colm Costello (Dunmore McHales)
  12. Owen Morgan (Claregalway)
  13. Stephen Curley (Annaghdown)
  14. Éanna Monaghan (Claregalway)
  15. Charlie Cox (Moycullen)
  16. James Kelly (Salthill Knocknacarra)
  17. Padraic McNeela (Moycullen)
  18. Harry Duffy (Oranmore Maree)
  19. Cian Dolan (Monivea Abbey)
  20. James Summerville (St Michaels’)
  21. Fionn O’Connor (Spiddal)
  22. Olan Kelly (Annaghdown)
  23. Luke Carr (Killannin)
  24. Ryan Flaherty (Claregalway)

Extended Panel Members 

  • Sean O’Conner (Moycullen)
  • Aaron Doyle (Oranmore Maree)
  • Cian Molloy (Caherlistrane)
  • Eoin Geraghty (Claregalway)
  • Liam Gormley (Menlough)
  • Gavin Kelly (Corofin)
  • Brian Mitchell (Killannin)

Play It Safe: How to Gamble Responsibly When Using Online Casinos

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Galway Daily news

Playing casino games online can be a fun hobby and a good way to pass the time whether you are playing alone or with friends.

However, since you are spending money, it’s important to be careful since if you’re not tracking how much you are spending, you could quickly end up losing more than you bargained for.

While gambling can be a fun way to spend your free time and even win some extra cash to put towards treating yourself to something nice, being aware of when to draw the line and knowing your limits is crucial to avoid getting into financial trouble.

If you’re not careful, online gambling definitely has the potential to take over your life and put you in a sticky situation, and the fun will quickly disappear if this happens. With that in mind, let’s discuss several things that you can do to stay responsible when gambling and make sure that this pastime remains fun. 

Choose a Reputable Casino

First of all, it’s important to make sure that you choose a casino you can trust. Pick a casino with a good reputation like Play Live, where you can get free spins for joining or choose from other rewards.

Along with play live free spins, Play Live Casino also offers a range of other games to choose from and has a strong reputation for being a good, secure casino. Before you start playing, check out the casino to make sure that it is registered, and the features that it offers to help you gamble more responsibly. 

Set a Budget

Just like you might have a budget for other expenses in your life, it’s important to have a figure in mind when it comes to how much you can afford to spend on online casino games.

This will help you make sure that you know when to stop depositing if you’re going to end up spending money that you can’t afford to lose.

Go through your expenses and priority bills first to determine the amount of disposable income you have each week or month, and then determine how much of this you’re willing to lose, before coming to a decision regarding what your budget should be. 

Set a Deposit Limit

Once you have worked out your online casino budget, it’s a good idea to find out if the casino you are playing at offers the option to set a deposit limit. Most reputable casinos do, as they are committed to ensuring that playing remains fun and enjoyable for all their members.

A deposit limit is a handy way to make sure that you are never going over your budget. You can set how much you want to spend based on the budget that you have worked out, and once you’ve deposited up to that amount in the time frame that you’ve specified, you won’t be able to deposit again until it resets.

For example, if you set $100 per month as your limit, you will have to wait until the next month once you have deposited your maximum amount. 

Set a Reminder

It can be all too easy to get carried away with playing online casino games, and if you’re finding yourself more often playing for hours or trying to chase your losses, then it’s a good idea to use reminders to your advantage.

Set a reminder on your phone or use features on the casino website or app to remind you to take a break every so often. This can be a helpful reality check if you’re going too far with the game and need to take a step back to focus your thoughts and decide your next moves. 

Don’t Drink and Play

Casinos and alcohol tend to go hand in hand, but the truth is that traditional casinos hope that their members are going to drink at the bar and end up making rasher decisions in games, which improves the house edge.

When you’re playing casino games online, it’s a good idea to try and stay sober throughout. Even one drink can inhibit your decision making and impulsiveness, which could mean you end up losing out especially if you are mainly playing strategy games like Blackjack or Poker, where you need to make strategic decisions in order to put yourself in the best position to win.

Playing casino games when you are sober will make it easier for you to make decisions that are rational, sensible, and well thought-out. 

Don’t Let Streaks Influence You

Both winning and losing streaks are common no matter whether you are playing a poker tournament or a slots game.

However, one thing to keep in mind is that you should avoid making the mistake of using your winning or losing streaks to determine how much you should bet next.

When you’ve been winning on a roll for a while, it can be easy to start betting more because you are feeling lucky, but eventually you are going to lose, and it could undo everything.

Instead, stick to betting a certain percentage of your bankroll, or the amount of money that you have to play with. 

Don’t Chase Your Losses

Just as a winning streak can influence you to start betting more because you feel like luck is on your side, a losing streak can also lead to bigger and more frequent bets as you might feel like you need to work harder to try and get your lost money back.

However, this is a common mistake that will rarely ever work and has led to the downfall of many casino players.

Chasing your losses is not only seriously frustrating if it only leads to you losing even more, but it can also be dangerous if you lose sight of your budget and are solely focused on trying to win back what you have lost.

It’s always better to accept your losses and take a break before returning when you’re in a clearer mindset. 

Playing casino games online can be a huge amount of fun, but it’s important to make sure that you are playing responsibly. 

Four free electronic waste collections this week

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Galway Daily courts Four free electronic waste collections this week

Free collections of electronic waste will take place at four locations around Galway County over the coming week.

Collections for county households will take place this Tuesday and Thursday at Abbeyknockmoy, Monivea, Clarinbridge, and Athenry.

This is an opportunity for county households to get free recycling of anything with a plug or battery.

Any household waste electrical items, batteries, or energy saving lightbulbs will be accepted.

This extends to electronic waste of any size or shape, small items such as a phone or cables, or larger goods like a fridge or lawnmower.

The schedule of collections announced by the county council for this week is:

  • Abbeyknockmoy – Tuesday 7th June 2022 at O’Donohoe’s Car Park: 10am – 1pm
  • Monivea – Tuesday 7th June 2022 at Monivea Abbey GAA Club: 4pm – 7pm
  • Clarinbridge – Thursday 9th June 2022 at Car Park at Paddy Burkes: 10am – 1pm
  • Athenry – Thursday 9th June 2022 at Co-Op Livestock Mart: 4pm – 7pm

Council refuses extension of Ros a Mhíl quay planning permission

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Galway Daily news Extension of planning sought to complete Deep Water Quay at Ros a Mhíl

Galway County Council has refused to extend planning permission for a new quay at Ros a Mhíl, as work had yet to begin on the multi-million euro project.

The Department of Agriculture, Food & The Marine received approval for a new deep water quay at the Ros a Mhíl Fishery Harbour Centre back in 2018.

The current planning permission is not due to expire until April of 2023, but the Department is already seeking a five year extension of that approval.

In the application submitted in April, it was stated that work was due to begin in May, with an estimated completion date of July 2024.

The requirement for ‘substantial works’ to have been carried out in order to grant an EOD comes under new planning regulations which came into force last September.

This is not a major setback for the project, as with work expected to commence this summer, there will still be time to submit another Extension of Duration application later this year, or in early 2023.

The harbour redevelopment project consists of a deep water quay providing 200m of berthing frontage at the harbour.

An area directly behind the quay will also be reclaimed in order to provide a hard surface link to the shore.

Other construction work involved in the project will include low concrete sea walls, a rock armour revetment, an access road, lighting, drainage, and ancillary site works.

An Environmental Impact Statement was submitted with the original application.

The government announced in February of this year that €25 million would be invested in the expansion and redevelopment of the state owned Fishery Harbour Centre at Ros a Mhíl.

It was hoped that the project, which centred around the new deep water quay, would allow larger fishing vessels to dock at the Connemara harbour.

This would bring Ros a Mhíl more in line with the facilities available at Killybegs and Castletownbere, making it more commercially viable for the region.

A report by Údarás na Gaeltachta also highlighted that Ros a Mhíl is well placed to serve as a support hub for offshore wind power developments.

The redevelopment and expansion of the harbour will be funded under the Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme.

Plans for Headford Road social housing development

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Galway Daily news An Bord Pleanála refuses approval of Headford Road social housing

Galway City Council has announced plans for a social housing and Traveller Accommodation development of 24 units on the Headford Road.

The council intends to apply to An Bord Pleanála for planning permission for an apartment complex and Traveller accommodation at Ballinfoyle.

The development is to be built on an unused site on the city centre, approximately 3km from the city centre, located on the west side of the Headford Road.

The housing will consist of a three storey apartment building, with rooftop solar panels, and three Traveller Accommodation homes.

The apartment building will contain a total of 21 units, with three one-bedroom apartments, 14 two-bedroom units, and 4 three-bedroom units.

Each of the Traveller Accommodation units will be a two storey building, with four bedrooms apiece.

The social housing development will also include a children’s play area and multi-use games area to the rear of the site, and open green areas to the front.

A Natura Impact Statement and Environmental Impact Assessment Screening Report have been prepared for this application.

The documents related to this development can be viewed online, or at city hall up to July 18.

Galway weather: Wet week in store with low pressure set to dominate

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Galway Daily weather Weather warning for heavy rain and possible flooding now in effect

After some decent spells of sunshine across much of the west over the bank holiday weekend, Met Éireann has forecast a showery start to the week, becoming even more unsettled from Wednesday.

Monday will be mostly cloudy across Galway with scattered showers and light rain forecast later in the day.

There will be a good deal of dry weather though, with highs of 15 to 18 degrees.

Tuesday looks set to bring more scattered showers, and it will be cloudy and wet by evening.

It will be rather warm or humid on Tuesday night with temperatures not falling below 11 to 13 degrees in many areas.

Rain on Wednesday morning will clear to make way for some sunny spells interspersed with scattered showers during the afternoon

On Thursday, a spell of potentially heavy rain will move in from the Atlantic during the day.

Met Éireann says that there is uncertainty around what time the rain will arrive.

Highest temperatures on Thursday will be 16 to 19 degrees, becoming windier as the day goes on.

Low pressure near Ireland will continue to bring unsettled conditions for the end of the week.

Public urged to take care for remainder of holiday weekend

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Galway Daily news missing teen found safe

Gardaí have issued another appeal for the public to take care for the remainder of the bank holdiay weekend.

Since Thursday, Gardaí and other emergency services have dealt with a significant number of fatal incidents across the country.

These tragic incidents have left behind grieving families and friends and all incidents remain under appropriate investigation.

An Garda Síochána has appointed Family Liaison Officers to support families in all of these tragic fatal incidents.

“In the last 72 hours my colleagues in An Garda Síochána and in the other Emergency Services across the country have responded to a number of tragic fatal incidents,” said Assistant Commissioner, Paula Hilman.

“Too many families have suffered trauma already this weekend.”

Assistant Commissioner Hilman said that no matter what activity you are taking part in this weekend, please take care.

“Please ensure that you are following all the appropriate safety advice. If you are travelling on our roads I appeal to drivers ‘please slow down’ and ask all road users to take care over the remaining days of this Bank Holiday Weekend,” she said.

€5 million air service contract announced for the Aran Islands

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Galway Daily news Aer Arann four month contract extension

The Aran Islands are set to benefit from a new €4.9 million air service contract which will last until 2026.

For the first time, Inis Meáin and Inis Oírr will have their own direct service under the new contract with Aer Arann.

The four-year contract will begin on Tuesday 7 June, and will ensure a vital connection to the mainland for island communities while also making a significant contribution to tourism.

Making the announcement, Minister Humphreys said that the contract provides reassurance to the people of the Aran Islands.

She said that it ensures that they have access to a reliable and affordable air service from Connemara Airport all year round.

Minister Humphreys added that this is good news for the people of these islands, and sends out a strong message at the start of the tourist season.

“There’s no better way to spend a summer holiday than on the Aran Islands or any of the offshore islands,” she said.

Over 68,000 PSO seats will be provided each year to the three Aran Islands under this contract which will be run from Connemara Airport, which has been in State ownership since 2019.

The contract will also introduce a flexible scheduling scheme that will enable the airline to better respond to demands for local services, such as festivals and events on the islands.

Galway TD ‘baffled’ as Dept confirms no funding available for new sports hall at Seamount College

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Galway Daily news Work begins on €2 million expansion of Kinvara secondary school

The Department of Education has confirmed to a Galway TD that no funding is available for a Sports Hall at Seamount College in Kinvara.

Independent Galway East TD Seán Canney said that this is disappointing news for the school, students, parents and staff as every secondary school needs to have appropriate facilities to support PE provision.

He said that the wellbeing of students and PE are part of the curriculum, and it is ‘baffling’ that funding is not in place to have the facilities available.

Canney has asked the Minister to meet with a delegation from the school, but he said that this request has not been accepted yet.

“Education is fundamental in the life of our youth; Physical Education is an integral part of the school and the appropriate facilities need to be supported by Government,” said Deputy Canney.

First call out for Clifden RNLI’s new St. Christopher lifeboat

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galway daily news First Christmas on call for Galway RNLI crew members

The Clifden RNLI volunteer crew joined Aran Islands RNLI and Shannon-based Rescue 115 helicopter to carry out a search of the waters around Bunowen Bay last night.

A member of the public reported seeing a distress flare in the area around Bunowen, west of Ballyconeely in Connemara at midnight on Friday 3 June.

Shortly afterwards the crew launched the new Shannon class all weather lifeboat St. Christopher, her first call on service since being brought to Clifden three weeks ago.

The weather conditions were good and the seas were calm overnight, a full search of the area to the south east of Slyne Head was carried out over several hours.

As no evidence of a casualty vessel was found the crew were requested by the Coast Guard to stand down.

The crew and St Christopher were back at base at 4am. The new ‘launch a memory lifeboat’ was refuelled, cleaned down and made ready for the next launch.

James Mullen, Clifden RNLI coxswain said that the crew is ready to respond 24 hours a day, whenever the pager goes.

“The search was stood down last night but it could have been a serious incident, it is so important to call the rescue services on 112 or 999 to report any concerns,” he said.

“We are grateful to the person who raised the alarm last night and thank the volunteer crew who sacrificed a night’s sleep to ensure a successful outcome.

“It is also worth reminding people that using fireworks in a coastal area can be mistaken for distress flares which can trigger an emergency response. Please notify the Coast Guard if you intend setting off fireworks anywhere near the coast.”

The operation was conducted by James Mullen (coxswain), Andy Bell, Daniel Whelan, Owen Hayes and Conor Ryan.