NUI Galway holding information day for Ukrainians

-

May 17, 2022

Galway Daily news No Monkeypox cases reported in Galway to date

Medical scientists at hospitals in Galway, and around the country, will be going on strike tomorrow, with more planned for the coming weeks.

The Medical Laboratory Scientists Association, representing over 2,000 members nationwide, is to stage a one day strike on Wednesday, May 18.

The MLSA said in a statement that “Due to the failure of the employer side to issue a proposal that the union could put to its members, the Executive Committee has voted to serve industrial action notice on the HSE and section 38 employers today.”

The decision follows on from a meeting with the HSE and Department of Health which took place on April 27.

The one-day strike tomorrow is currently scheduled to be followed by more work stoppages on Tuesday & Wednesday, May 24-25.

It will then escalate to a three day strike during the following week on May 31 – June 2.

The MLSA is an affiliate of SIPTU which represents medical scientists providing laboratory services in the HSE, public and private hospitals, universities, and laboratories.

In a statement, the union said that negotiations with the government had failed, and that industrial action was the only way to achieve pay parity.

“The MLSA has made every effort to avoid taking industrial action, because of the serious impact it will have on the health service and on patient care, and to protect benefits already held by members.”

The union said that “lengthy negotiations” took place, but that they were unable to resolve their claims.

“it is now clear that without industrial action we cannot achieve our longstanding goal and rightful expectation of parity with clinical biochemists, as recommended by the 2001 Expert Group and accepted by the HSE and Department of Health.”

Water outages in Glenamaddy and surrounds after pump failure

By

-

May 17, 2022

Galway Daily news Moycullen water outage

Water outages affecting homes and businesses in Glenamaddy and surrounding areas are expected to continue into Tuesday night.

Irish Water has said that “essential works” following a pump failure in Glenamaddy are scheduled to last until 8pm this evening.

These may cause low pressure or water outages in Glenamaddy Town, on the Kilkerrin Road, Creggs Road, and to customers supplied by Knockmascahill Group Water Scheme.

Typically it takes two to three hours following the completion of works for normal supply to be fully restored to all areas.

Rónan Daly of Irish Water said that they understand that this kind of work can be very inconvenient for people..

“Working in partnership with Galway County Council, we will make every effort to minimise the disruption that these necessary works may cause.”

He added that “customers may experience some temporary discolouration of water following the works and occasionally issues such as internal airlocks may arise.”

Updates can be found on Irish Water’s supply and service website page.

Mobile gaming is thriving, but which titles are most popular in Ireland?

By

Angela Mc Bride

-

May 17, 2022

Alongside capturing high-quality images for social media platforms like Instagram and using instant messaging services such as WhatsApp for daily conversations, mobile gaming is a hugely popular option on a modern-day smartphone device. In fact, games account for 43% of all smartphone use, with the active number of mobile gamers worldwide said to be at over 2.2 billion at the time of writing.

In Ireland, the gaming opportunities for the public are just as good as they are anywhere else on the planet. The country is even producing its own releases thanks to some Irish-based games developers, alongside having the opportunity to download global hits such as Candy Crush Saga and Among Us. There are even Irish-themed titles, too, with people accessing browser games such as 9 Pots of Gold and other casino releases. Put simply; there’s an extensive selection of smartphone games for Irish gamers to tuck into in 2022. But what are the most popular mobile games in the country right now?

Console-quality titles have elevated mobile gaming’s package further

Given the power and sophistication of devices made by the likes of Apple and Samsung possess, games developers have been able to up the ante accordingly and release more detailed games are a result. Most impressively of all, many console games have been adapted for mobile and have thrived in recent times, especially if gamers purchase additional accessories to improve the all-round gaming experience on offer, with joysticks and VR headsets being particularly popular since their creation. In terms of the console-quality games that have made a successful transition over to mobile and are in demand in Ireland, they include the likes of Minecraft, Football Manager 2022, PUBG Mobile, and Call of Duty: Mobile.

Free games are also favoured

Another key reason behind mobile gaming’s noticeable growth has to be down to its affordability, especially when factoring in the cost of alternative options, such as a PlayStation 5, and the spiralling costs of purchasing one in 2022. For many people, especially at the moment with the cost of living going up, mobile gaming represents a cheaper and more affordable option. In fact, many mobile games are either incredibly cheap or completely free, making it a worthwhile gaming option for most Irish people, especially when you factor in that the vast majority of the population own a smartphone device in the modern world anyway. The most popular free games being downloaded on iOS and Android in Ireland right now are Tall Man Run, Subway Surfers, Airport Security, Wordle!, Decor Life – Home Design Game, Count Masters – Stickman Cash, and Fill The Fridge.

Pokemon Go has gripped Ireland

A game that perhaps best sums up mobile gaming’s evident progress is Pokemon Go. Although the game was released in 2016, it is still being played by millions of gamers around the world, Ireland included. The game’s augmented reality aspect is mightily impressive, enabling gamers to immerse themselves in an outdoor environment as they hunt down specific Pokemon, take down gyms, battle against fellow trainers, hatch eggs, and a whole lot more. Pokemon Go has changed the landscape of mobile gaming, with more and more augmented reality titles expected to come to the fore in the future. We have seen other games crop up since Pokemon Go’s undoubted success, although in the case of Harry Potter: Wizards Unite, it didn’t quite go to plan. Pokemon Go, on the other hand, is one of the biggest games ever made.

Other popular games

Other go-to games for Irish players include Coin Master, Roblox, Geometry Dash and Clash of Clans.

Local community projects honoured at all-Ireland community awards

By

-

May 17, 2022

galway daily news galway groups honoured at community awards in kerry — Claddagh Watch Patrol, Galway City members pictured with Peter Sheridan – Chief Executive, Co-operation Ireland, left and Enda Devine, Executive Director at IPB Insurance, right at the IPB Pride of Place awards in the INEC, Killarney on May 16th 2022. Photo; Don MacMonagle

Galway community projects have been honoured at the all-Ireland Pride of Place community awards which took place in Killarney on Monday evening.

Within the City Council area, Tuatha of Terryland Forest Park voluntary group took top spot in the Creative Place Initiative category, while the Claddagh Watch Patrol were runners-up in the Community Resilience category.

In the County Council area, the Headford Lace Project came second in the Creative Place Initiative category.

Killannin Development Committee just missed out after being nominated in the Community Wellbeing Initiative category.

The awards, hosted by RTE’s Marty Whelan, took place in Kerry’s INEC centre with 400 community volunteers in attendance.

Sponsored by IPB Insurance, the Pride of Place competition began 19 years ago though a Co-operation Ireland programme to honour the work of volunteers.

It has grown into the largest competition recognising community development achievements on the island of Ireland.

President Michael D. Higgins, who is Joint Patron of Co-operation Ireland, said that the awards played an important role.

“The Pride of Place awards are a most important initiative, reminding us that creating societies that are ethical and inclusive is a task for all of our citizens, of all ages and circumstances,” he said.

Pride of Place founder and Chairman Tom Dowling said that the Awards continue to be as important as ever.

“The purpose of the awards has never changed,” he said.

“They are about recognising and celebrating the extraordinary, inspirational, and tireless work being done by communities all over the island of Ireland as they strive to make their place a better place in which to live.”

Athenry ‘eyesore’ to be toppled following demolition order

By

-

May 17, 2022

A derelict property in Athenry described as an ‘eyesore’ will be demolished by Galway County Council following a ruling of Loughrea District Court last week.

Judge James Faughnan made an order under the Sanitary Services Act for the immediate demolition of the property.

Local Sinn Féin representative Louis O’Hara said the building has been an ‘eyesore for many years’ and has been left in a very dangerous condition.

He said that it detracts from the appearance of Athenry town centre and that this ruling is long overdue.

“It simply isn’t good enough for properties like this to be left empty and derelict in our town centres and we need to see more action taken to address this growing problem,” said O’Hara.

“The introduction of effective vacant and derelict property taxes and a greater focus from Galway County Council on identifying derelict sites and collecting levies are examples of measures that would encourage property owners not to neglect their sites.”

O’Hara said that this is a growing problem in towns and villages across Galway and while it is welcome that this property will be demolished it is important that Galway County Council pursue other vacant and derelict properties across the County.

Powerful dance and dramatic performance to premiere in Galway this week

By

-

May 17, 2022

galway daily news the village dance show at the spanish arch in galway city — Spotted at the Spanish Arch in Galway members of Ériu Dance company rehearsing a scene from their new show “The Village” ahead of its world premiere at Black Box Theatre, Galway, this Friday, May 20th. See tht.ie Photo:Andrew Downes, Xposure.

A powerful new dance and dramatic performance The Village will have its premiere at Black Box Theatre this Friday, 20 May.

The performance is by one of Ireland’s leading dance companies, Ériu, in partnership with Town Hall Theatre, and has been two years in the making.

A trailer video has been released this week to give audiences a glimpse into the performance.

The show follows the story of five strangers who assemble on a hill, overlooking the town they all grew up in.

As their stories unfold the show breaks into a series of explosive and hypnotic dance routines, intertwined with dark and powerful confessional monologues.

As the characters reveal their stories and exorcise their personal demons, the audience is faced with a dissolving sense of reality.

The high-octane choreography is performed over the course of the 70-minute show to a blend of traditional, contemporary, and electronic music.

Breandán de Gallaí, Artistic Director of Ériu, is inviting audiences to come and be inspired.

“We’re excited to be bringing ‘The Village’ to the Black Box for its world premiere,” said Breandán.

“At Ériu we strive to push the boundaries of the Irish dance tradition and “The Village” is no exception.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for those who may not have been to a contemporary dance performance before to come and experience something fresh and inspiring that will challenge any preconceptions of what dance can be.”

Established in 2010, Ériu dance company aims to push the boundaries of the Irish dance tradition with a view to challenging and developing audiences for the genre.

Supported by the Arts Council of Ireland, the company’s founder Breandán de Gallaí began his professional career as a principal dancer with Riverdance in 1994.

Tickets are available here.

Govt should limit electricity price increases to 4% says PBP

By

-

May 17, 2022

Galway Daily news Number on Pandemic Unemployment in Galway drops below 20,000

People Before Profit has warned that people are facing a new price hike on electricity, gas and mortgages, which will see inflation rise above the already high 7%.

The party’s Galway representative Adrian Curran pointed out that the French government has limited increases in electricity prices to 4%.

He said that there is no reason why Irish government could not impose similar price controls.

“SSE Airtricity has increased electricity prices by 24% from May 1, affecting 250,000 customers. It will add another €338 to their annual household bill,” said Mr Curran.

“Gas is also going up again as Russia threatens to cut off Europe from supplies. Since 2020, gas prices have already risen by 80%.”

He said that the Central Bank is due to increase interest rates which will lead to an estimated €1,000 extra per year in re-payments for many.

“Meanwhile, this government does nothing,” he said.

As well as limiting increases in electricity prices, Curran said the government could also order banks to reduce the high mortgage rates that Irish homeowners already pay.

“They could also reverse policies that have put profiteering ahead of the needs of people. We need to mobilise to demand action. People Before Profit are fully supporting the Cost of Living Coalition protests on June 18th.”

Galway Rural Development praised for Joint Oireachtas Committee presentation

By

-

May 16, 2022

Galway Rural Development has been praised for its presentation before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection, Communities and Rural Development and the Islands last week.

The Committee spent much of Wednesday and Thursday reviewing the challenges that Tús and the Rural Social Scheme are currently facing and the call for collective discussions to resolve these issues.

Clement Shevlin, Strategic Organiser of SIPTU, credited Galway Rural Development’s RSS and Tús officers for forward what he described as “a very concise and thought-provoking contribution” to the Dáil committee.

Speaking to the Committee, Liz Macdonald, Supervisor of GRD’s Rural Social Scheme, said that the RSS is a unique programme that provides financial support to low-income farmers to sustain their livelihood, and in return they contribute enormously to rural groups.

“It was important to express its value in rural Ireland so that TDs understand both the issues, and the potential for the scheme,” she said.

“Tús too is such an invaluable programme. The benefits of both schemes for participants include a stable income, better mental health and wellbeing, and the provision of training and up-skilling, while simultaneously providing direct benefit to local communities by allowing participants support charities and community organisations to maintain their services.”

That view was echoed by Senior Manager of the RSS and Tús programmes at GRD, Sean Broderick.

“Today was a significant day and we were proud to make the case for community groups, rural dwellers, and our participants.

“It is important that the schemes get the support they deserve, and that the Supervisors of these schemes have adequate supports, pay and conditions.”

Commenting for GRD after the meeting, Sean Larkin highlighted that GRD are among the largest programme operators in the country so feel an acute responsibility to highlight the areas needing intervention.

Among these is the need to broaden the rules on the schemes to allow greater participation, thereby allowing for a greater contribution back to communities.

Issues on the pay and conditions for Supervisors and Participants were also raised.

“The role of Supervisors on the RSS and Tús Schemes has developed over the years and, with that, the amount of administration required has grown,” said Sean.

“This increase in workload is not reflected with pay and this needs attention.”

The areas of pension, maternity leave, and more were also discussed.

Croí to host webinar on heart failure next week

By

-

May 16, 2022

Galway Daily news Galway man tells harrowing tale of heart transplant and recovery

Local Croí heart and stroke charity Croí is hosting a webinar next week for those with heart failure to learn how to manage the condition.

This free webinar will take place online on Zoom on Thursday, 26 May from 7pm until 8pm.

Expert guest speakers on the night will include Dr John Barton, Heart Failure Consultant at GUH, Emer Burke, Advanced Nurse Practitioner at GUH, and Ian Burnett, who is living with heart failure and will share his patient perspective.

Special guest moderator on the night will be Aistė Štaraitė, a heart failure patient and Chair of the Global Heart Hub Heart Failure Patient Council, of which Croí is a founding Affiliate.

The interactive panel discussion will address questions about living with heart failure.

Heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to pump blood around the body as well as it should. It does not mean that the heart has stopped working, but it means that the body is not getting the oxygen and nutrients that it needs to function normally.

“Heart Failure is a serious chronic condition, but it doesn’t have to stop you from living,” said Dr Lisa Hynes, Croí’s Head of Health Programmes.

“There are lots of things that you can do to help manage your condition, including medical treatments, adjusting your lifestyle, and self-management.”

This event is in recognition of International Heart Failure Awareness Week (May 9 – 15).

Register now and submit your questions at www.croi.ie/webinar, or call Croí on 091-544310.

Minister marks one year since first hybrid double-decker buses in Galway

By

-

May 16, 2022

galway daily double decker buses green yellow city — PIC JULIEN BEHAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Galway West TD Hildegard Naughton has today marked the first year since the introduction of hybrid double-deck buses to Bus Éireann’s Galway fleet.

By this week, the buses will have delivered 200,000 kilometres of emission-free public transport in the city, saving almost 230 tonnes of carbon tailpipe emissions.

The first hybrid bus in the new green and yellow Transport for Ireland livery arrived in Galway in May 2021, with the full city fleet of swapped over to hybrid by September – 40 vehicles in total.

The new buses have been very well-received by customers and drivers and offer benefits including quieter operation and cleaner air to everyone in the city.

Galway West Fine Gael TD and Minister at the Department of Transport, Hildegarde Naughton, said that the government is committed to leading by example in decarbonising the transport sector.

“Providing reliable bus services by way of environmentally-friendly buses is key to encouraging more people to use public transport for work, education, leisure and other purposes,” said Minister Naughton.

“The fleet is also helping to improve air quality in the city, which has obvious health benefits.”

The Galway TD said that she is delighted that Galway has proven the benefits of this technology, and that she is looking forward to the continued roll-out of clean, green transport systems in all parts of the country.

The National Transport Authority has committed that no new diesel-only buses will be put into operation in Ireland’s urban areas.

Brian Connolly, Senior Operations Manager West, Bus Éireann, said that because of the buses having an electric drivetrain to connect the transmission to the axles, they have gained valuable in-service experience on the road and in the garage.

“This is proving very helpful as we plan with the NTA for Athlone’s town service to switch over to a fully-electric zero emissions fleet,” he said.

“Having Galway city as an entirely hybrid operation has been really positive for Bus Éireann, our customers and for the city as a whole.”

Fuel Allowance payment announced today is ‘not enough’ says Galway TD

By

-

May 16, 2022

galway daily news claire kerrane at dáil child maintenance

Roscommon-Galway TD Claire Kerrane has said that the additional €100 payment to Fuel Allowance recipients will give relief to only a limited number of households.

Minister Heather Humphreys announced this morning that over 370,000 households will benefit from the €100 payment, which is the equivalent to over three weeks Fuel Allowance.

The total cost of the extra payment amounts to €37.1 million, which is paid out of the Exchequer.

Deputy Kerrane said that any additional measure to support households is welcome – but that the payment does not go far enough.

The Sinn Féin TD said many workers and families are seriously struggling to make ends meet, and they are excluded from receiving an additional payment for energy costs.

“Yet again there are no measures to support these households, despite soaring household energy costs affecting homes everywhere,” she said.

“That is why Sinn Féin called for the establishment of a Discretionary Fund to assist households, including those who are locked out of the Fuel Allowance, with utility debt.

“This call is reiterated by the Society of St Vincent de Paul who, like us, do not agree that the Exceptional Needs Payment (ENP) is enough.”

The Roscommon-Galway TD said that last week, she dealt with a Family Carer who was refused financial assistance through the ENP to help with home heating oil, because she received a payment six months ago.

“Supports like the Exceptional Needs Payment need to be flexible. However, cases like this show exactly why we are not confident it is enough to support families and workers.

“The Government have also refused to provide support to households who rely on home heating oil, the cost of which has increased by €1,000 in the last year and continues to rise,” she added.

Hundreds of cyclists Lap the Lake in charity appeal

By

-

May 16, 2022

Galway Daily news Hundreds of cyclists Lap the Lake in charity appeal — Photo: RNLI/Eleanor Hooker

In its most ambitious fundraiser undertaken to date, the Lough Derg Lifeboat Station drew out hundreds of people to Lap the Lake recently.

The highly successful charity cycle saw approximately 250 people come out to tackle the 130km route around the lake coast.

The cycle, which took place on May 8, started and finished at the Lifeboat Station in Dromineer, with the route giving participants the chance to take in the beautiful scenery of Lough Derg and the River Shannon.

The riders’ safety and well-being were well catered for with First Aid providers, out-riders, marshals, and bike maintenance stops along the route, as well as comfort and refreshments stations.

Niamh McCutcheon, event organiser and fundraiser for the station, said that the inaugural Lap the Lake was enjoyed by cyclists from around the country.

“The friendly welcome provided by the Marshall’s, RNLI crew and the enthusiastic and well organised committee was much appreciated by all”

Mrs. McCutcheon thanked Lough Derg Yacht Club and all the sponsors of the event, whose generosity also ensured its success.

The volunteer lifeboat crew of helm Owen Cavanagh, Doireann Kennedy, Joe O’Donoghue, Ciara Moylan, Ania Skrzypczynska, and Ciara Lynch, worked in shifts throughout the day.

They brought the lifeboat Jean Spier to the public harbour in Dromineer and to other harbours around the lake, and were pleased to answer questions about the RNLI, its life-saving work and of course the lifeboat itself.

The Lough Derg Lifeboat Station was opened in 2004 to safeguard people on the waters of the lake, one of 46 such stations in Ireland.

Despite working closely with agencies such as the Coast Guard, the RNLI is an independent non-profit organisation, and almost completely reliant on donations to continue its lifesaving work.

Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, the charity has saved over 142,700 lives in Ireland and the UK.

Plans progressing for Oranmore Passing Loop construction

By

-

May 16, 2022

Galway Daily news New timetable adds stops on Galway train services

Work is due to begin soon on a passing loop at Oranmore train station, with a contractor close to being appointed.

Galway City Councillor Alan Cheevers said that this was notified at meeting of local and national public representatives last week.

Transport Minister Eamon Ryan, along with Galway TD and Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton, met with the city council executive and county council public representatives on Friday.

Councillor Cheevers welcomed the news of the project, as well as the prospect of a designated commuter service between Athenry and the Galway City.

“This is something that is long overdue as a transport option, and it will also serve employees living in the county, [who are] working in city.”

“This is just one option of the Galway Transport Strategy that has been discussed for a number of years, but I welcome the news that it’s finally coming to fruition,” Alan Cheevers said.

The 1km passing loop at Oranmore Train station will allow trains to pass each other going different ways at the twin track station.

This will allow for greater commuter train services withing Galway county, without interfering with intercity rail traffic coming and going from the city.

An Post trialling green fuels in Galway

By

-

May 16, 2022

Galway has been part of a unique trial in Ireland, as An Post has been experimenting with sustainable fuels for their vehicles.

Since last year, the Mails and Parcels Delivery Unit in Galway has been piloting the use of HVO (Hydro-treated Vegetable Oil) as fuel.

A recently released annual Sustainability Report from An Post shows that thisnhas resulted in a 91.8% reduction in carbon emissions compared with diesel fuel.

HVO is a renewable fuel made from certified waste oils and fats.

Since September 2021, An Post trucks in Galway have travelled over 119,000km on HVO fuel.

Speaking at the launch of the report in Galway, Nicola Woods, Chief Transformation Officer, An Post said, “We’re one of the largest employers in Ireland, with one of the largest fleets, and operating the largest retail network in the country.”

“Having such deep roots in Irish life and a presence in every Irish community, our sustainability strategy is about so much more than ‘being green’.”

“What also matters for us is planning for the future to ensure we leave a positive mark on communities and society.”

Post plans to expand this scheme to Waterford and Cork in 2022, retrofitting tank and diesel pumps.

Chief Executive of An Post David McRedmond said that other efforts such as “protecting biodiversity, reducing packaging, and sourcing responsibly”, also form part of their approach to sustainability.

Overall, An Post have achieved a 26% reduction in emissions since 2009, per the report, with a goal of a 50% reduction by 2025.

Funding boost for walking and cycling in Galway’s forests

By

-

May 16, 2022

Forest trails in Galway much enjoyed by cyclists and walkers will receive over €225,000 for maintenance and improvements this year.

The funding was announced by Minister Heather Humphrey as part of €3 million for work on outdoor recreation facilities that Coillte provides across its recreational sites this year.

The improvements to walking trails and cycleways are meant to help boost tourism in rural areas.

Three Galway projects have been awarded a total of just under €70,000 for upgrade works.

At Aghrane Forest near Ballygar, some €37,000 will be spent upgrading 900m of walking trails starting from the town.

Another €20,000 has been awarded for installing new toilets at Portumna Forest Park, and €12,500 will be used to create a new trail at Kilcornan Woods near Clarinbridge.

On top of the upgrade works, some €155,400 in grants have been allocated for maintenance works on trails, signage and more in 24 woods around Galway.

The largest of these include €21,000 for ongoing works to mountain biking trails at Derroura, Maam Cross.

At Portumna Forest Park, €20,000 will be spent replacing bog bridge sections along the trails, as well as resurfacing and general maintenance works.

“Our forest parks, walking and cycling trails and upland areas are what makes rural Ireland stand out,” Heather Humphreys said.

“Right across the country, people of all ages reap the benefits of these unique natural amenities on a daily basis.”

“We all know the benefits that our forest parks and outdoor trails provide in terms of both our physical and mental wellbeing.”

“And so, I’m really pleased to approve this new partnership today – which I have no doubt will be so important in terms of attracting more visitors to rural Ireland.”

Nationwide, the €3 million is for works on roughly 3,000km of trails and cycleways in 260 recreational forests and 12 forest parks.

This is the first part of a five year partnership between Coillte and the Department of Rural and Community Development, which will total €15 million.

Over the past two years, as the pandemic has seen people embrace recreation in natural areas, Coillte has seen visitor numbers surge, doubling at the most popular sites.

Imelda Hurley, CEO of Coillte added that as the largest provider of outdoor recreation space in the country, they have an important role to play in the growing demand for the outdoors.

“We are particularly keen to provide additional facilities at our recreation sites to support our visitor’s experience, such as food & beverage outlets, enhanced trails, waymarking and signage.”

Partnering with local businesses will also help to boost “local and rural economic activity”, and improve employment in the area, she said.

Approval sought for mobile and broadband mast serving Galway City

By

-

May 16, 2022

Galway Daily news Planning refused again for Galway City mobile tower

Planning permission is being sought for a new mobile and broadband mast to serve residents on the west side of Galway City.

Vantage Towers, owned by Vodafone, is seeking approval for a 24m high lattice tower out the Cappagh Road.

This will feature antennas, dishes, headframe and associated telecommunications equipment, along with security fencing and a new access track to the site.

The planning application by Vantage Towers says that they are undertaking this specifically on behalf of Vodafone, but also for eir and Three.

Its states that this tower is needed to ensure “continued coverage” of mobile and 4G services for people living on the west side of Galway City.

The new mobile tower will replace an existing 24m high monopole mast just over 100m to the south.

This tower, which is also owned by Vantage Towers, is currently the subject of an enforcement order by the city council.

It is due to be decommissioned due to the expiration of temporary permission, and the route of the coming ring road.

“Failure to secure a replacement site would have an enduring negative effect on local mobile phone and broadband service provision,” the application states.

“It would result in a densely populated area no longer having secure access to a high-quality high-speed network.”

“Avoiding the above scenario can only be achieved through investment in the form of replacement telecommunications structure with ample capacity.”

Galway City Council is due to make a decision on this planning application by June 20.

New Clifden lifeboat given emotional welcome after week-long voyage

By

-

May 15, 2022

galway daily news new RNLI Clifden lifeboat — The first ‘Launch a Memory’ lifeboat, St. Christopher. Photo:Andrew Downes, Xposure.

Clifden RNLI’s new all-weather ‘Launch a Memory’ lifeboat arrived to an emotional welcome from crowds gathered in the Connemara community on Saturday.

The St. Christopher lifeboat arrived following a week-long voyage home from the charity’s lifeboat centre in Poole in southern England.

The vessel carries the names of over 10,000 people on its hull, which were there by members of the public through a special ‘in memory’ fundraising initiative for the charity.

The lifeboat arrived into Clifden on in a flotilla made up of Achill Island lifeboat, Clifden’s inshore lifeboat and the station’s relief Shannon class lifeboat, along with a group of local vessels.

Friends, families and supporters lined the quayside to get a glimpse of the new €2.4 million search and rescue asset which arrived bathed in sunshine.

The main part of the arrival was held today, Sunday, with the new lifeboat beached at Clifden.

The Shannon is the first modern all-weather lifeboat propelled by waterjets which allow it to operate in shallow waters and be intentionally beached.

After the tide had receded, the 10,000 names on the lifeboat hull were visible and members of the public who had sponsored names were able to view them up close.

The names made up the letters RNLI and the number of the new lifeboat, 13-43.

The lifeboat was funded through a legacy from the south-east of England and will be officially named in a ceremony to be held at a later date.

The ten thousand names were provided by people pledging a minimum donation of €30/£30 to have their loved one’s name recorded onboard a working search and rescue lifeboat off the Irish coast.

Hundreds of people made the trip to see the lifeboat up close with some travelling over from the UK. It was an emotional trip for many who brought photographs of their loved ones with them.

Clifden volunteer lifeboat crew collected their new lifeboat in Dorset a week ago and sailed it home to Clifden with stops at Plymouth, Penlee, Ballycotton, Kinsale, Valentia and the Aran Islands.

While in Penlee the Clifden lifeboat crew paid their respects to the eight crew who were lost from there on 19 December 1981 while attempting to rescue the crew and passengers onboard a stricken coaster.

Commenting on the arrival, Clifden RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager John Brittain, said that this weekend was the culmination of a lot of hard work by the volunteers in Clifden.

“To receive a new lifeboat is an incredibly exciting time for a station but to receive a launch a memory lifeboat, which carries the names of so many loved ones, is a great privilege and an honour for everyone here in Clifden,” he said.

“We have been so moved by the stories shared with us in the run up to the arrival and we now take each one of these names out to sea with us every time we launch. We are so grateful of the public’s support of the work we do as we continue to save lives at sea.”

Three men taken to hospital following serious collision in Galway

By

-

May 15, 2022

Galway Daily news missing teen found safe

Three people were taken to University Hospital Galway following a crash in Co. Galway in the early hours of this morning.

Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of the serious collision on the R358, at Treanrevagh, Mountbellew, shortly after 2am.

A man in his 30s was taken to University Hospital Galway to be treated for his injuries which are understood to be serious but non-life threatening.

Two other males, one in his 30s and the other in his 20s, were also taken to UHG to be treated for their injuries.

The road was closed for a period to allow for a technical examination to take place. It has since reopened.

Gardaí are appealing to any person who may have witnessed this collision to contact them. Any road users who were travelling who has camera (including dash cam) footage, is asked to make this available to Gardaí.

Anyone with information can contact Ballinasloe Garda Station on 090 963 1890, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.

NUIG documentary tells story of Professor’s journey from refugee to cancer research scientist

By

-

May 15, 2022