Upgrade works to cause water outages in Gort

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May 23, 2022

Galway Daily news Almost 20,000 people in Galway City admit flushing wet wipes

Almost 20,000 people living in Galway City regularly flush wet wipes, and other sanitary items, down the toilet, where they clog sewers and ruin beaches.

This was the result of a survey for the ‘Think Before You Flush’ campaign, which aims to help protect Ireland’s sandy beaches, shores and secluded bays.

In Galway, the city council is working with Irish Water and Clean Coasts to try and get people to think about what they are sending down the drain.

“In Galway City our message is simple, only the 3 Ps, pee, poo and paper should be flushed down the toilet,” Louise Dywer, Compliance Specialist with Irish Water said.

“All other items including wet wipes and other sanitary products should go in the bin, even if they are labelled as flushable.”

“The impacts of flushing the wrong things down the toilet and pouring FOGs down the sink are stark, as we are still removing hundreds of sewer blockages from our network every month.”

Removing such blockages is nasty work, with people having to descend into the sewer to hack away at them with shovels, blast them with high pressure water, or employ suction in a way that real doesn’t bear imagining.

“I’ve seen pump blockages that workers have had to literally clear by hand in order to get the pumps up and running again in a race against time to avoid sewage overflows,” Louise Dwyer said.

Mutton Island Wastewater treatment plant, the largest on the west coast, removes almost 100 tonnes of wet wipes and other each items every month.

This, Lousie illustrates, is the equivalent of eight double decker buses, all of garbage that was never meant to go in the toilet.

Galway City Council have been involved with the Think Before You Flush campaign as part of their Sustainable Business Initiative with Galway’s West End Traders Association.

Tiarnan McCusker, the Galway City Environmental Awareness Officer. said: “Galway’s Westend is a thriving business community which is striving to create a more sustainable business neighbourhood.”

“As part of the Green Business initiative, 33 Businesses and 1 School received their Think Before You Flush packs and will be promoting the campaign via social media posts.”

“Galway City Council are delighted to partner with Think Before You Flush and Galways Westend in this campaign’’.

In Galway’s West End the campaign is also encouraging the public and businesses to ‘Think Before You Pour’, and reduce the amount of Fats, Oils and Grease (FOGs) being poured down the sink.

FOGs are liquid when poured, but they cool and harden as they travel along the pipe network and can cause blockages.

When FOGs combine with wipes and other sewage related litter such as hair and dental floss fatbergs can form.

It’s every bit as disgusting as the name implies.

City secondary school recognised by AIB Future Sparks programme

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May 23, 2022

galway daily news educate together school wins future sparks award aib — AIB Future Sparks Programme School Awards, Galway Educate Together Secondary School, Grianach House, Murrough, Galway. Photographed are back row from left principal Sarah Molloy, students Chloe Bourke, Riain Devaney, Patryk Pacak and Callum Devaney. Front row from left Nathan McNulty, Angelina Fiscuci, Akim Mwangi, Caoimhe Conway, Michael Lockett and Ava Leahy. Photograph Liam Burke/Press 22

Galway Educate Together Secondary School has been recognised by the AIB Future Sparks Programme.

The local Educate Together school is one of just sixteen to be recognised by the programme – which has a total of 585 registered schools.

The new skills-based programme is for secondary school students, aimed at supporting 12 to 18-year-olds in learning key life skills.

The programme focuses on themes such as sustainability, financial wellness, health and well-being, globalisation and civic literacy.

It also supports the development of core skills including communications, critical thinking and digital innovation.

Led by Principal Ms Sarah Molloy, health and wellbeing has always been at the forefront of Galway Educate Together Secondary School.

The school found its students were feeling a lack of connectedness during the pandemic.

To combat this, Guidance Counsellor Ms. Ann Marie Greene used a learning approach with her 2nd Year students that mixed different classes together online and tasked them to come up with ways to celebrate culture and diversity – making all students feel welcome when returning to, or joining the school.

Galway Educate Together Secondary School has received a plaque to commemorate its participation, as well as a native Irish tree which will be planted on the grounds of their school.

These trees will contribute to the bank’s commitment to plant 90,000 native Irish trees over the next three years on behalf of new AIB second-level student account holders.

Students were also awarded with individual digital certs to recognise their hard work while supporting biodiversity.

Ms. Ann Marie Greene at Galway Educate Together Secondary School, said that the AIB Future Sparks programme is giving their students valuable life skills.

“Students learn better if they feel safe, connected and a sense of belonging to their school,” she said.

AIB’s Chief People Officer, Geraldine Casey, said: “I would like to congratulate Galway Educate Together Secondary School on their fantastic achievement and indeed all of the students and schools who have participated in the AIB Future Sparks Programme.

“At AIB, we are delighted to play our part in supporting students and teachers with educational resources under this programme to guide skills development and preparedness for life beyond school and the world of work.”

Through the programme, students and teachers have access to over 55 educational videos from more than 45 different business, thought leaders and entrepreneurs.

They also have access to 190 educational resources including case studies, worksheets, lesson plans and exam questions with content tailored to the various age groups throughout second level.

The AIB Future Sparks Programme is free for all teachers and schools to join, and they can register for the programme on AIB’s website.

Croí and NUIG to present inspirational garden during Bloom in the Park

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May 23, 2022

galway daily news croí bloom garden — Pictured from left outside Croí House: Christine Flanagan, Croí’s Fundraising Director; Christine Harnett, Croí Programme Participant; Croí Garden Designer and Project Lead, Dr Derek O’Keeffe – Professor of Medical Device Technology, NUI Galway, and Consultant Physician, Galway University Hospitals; and Mark O’Donnell, Croí’s Head of Foundation and Chief Operations Officer. Photo: Aengus McMahon

Heart and stroke charity Croí and NUI Galway will present an inspirational cardiovascular-themed garden to educate people about heart health this summer.

The #CroiGarden will feature as a show-garden in this year’s Bloom in the Park, Ireland’s annual garden festival in the Phoenix Park, over the June Bank Holiday weekend from Thursday 2 June – Monday 6 June.

The #CroiGarden highlights the importance of the three cardiovascular pillars – blood sugar (diabetes), blood pressure (hypertension) and blood lipid (cholesterol) control.

In addition, the other key trinity of diet, exercise and mental health feature as part of the garden’s theme.

Many garden plants give us the compounds for medications – the French Lilac flower gives us the compounds for diabetes medications such as Glucophage (Metformin) and Willow trees give us cardiovascular medications such as Aspirin.

The garden design incorporates architectural elements of the cardiovascular system such as large vessel-like cylindrical planting spaces and a pulsing water feature, mimicking the heartbeat and bringing movement into the space.

To highlight the global bee population collapse from the climate crisis, NUI Galway and Vodafone will also showcase robotic ‘Drone Bees’ in the garden.

These small, lightweight drones will communicate with sensors in the garden, connected via Vodafone’s IoT network.

The Drone Bees are part of the artificial intelligence research in the NUI Galway’s Hive Lab, based at the School of Medicine.

Project lead and Garden Designer, Professor Derek O’Keeffe, Professor of Medical Device Technology, NUI Galway and Consultant Physician, Galway University Hospitals, said: “The #CroiGarden represents a unique educational opportunity to remind people of the importance of looking after their heart health through blood sugar, blood pressure and blood cholesterol control, while paying attention to diet, exercise and mental health.

“The robotic Drone Bees concept starts an important conversation about planetary health, biodiversity and the current global bee colony collapse and this gives an example of how to help this crisis by leaving a part of the garden wild for insects to flourish.”

Croí’s Chief Operations Officer, Mark O’Donnell, said: “We are thrilled to be involved with this exciting project.

“A huge part of our focus at Croí is educating the public on the risk factors for heart disease and stroke, and preventing disease.

“Our partnership with NUI Galway’s School of Medicine on the #CroiGarden serves as a great educator around the control of risk factors like diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol.”

The #CroiGarden is supported by Diabetes Care West, Novo Nordisk, EireComposites and Vodafone Ireland.

Galway hotels encourage people to check out career in hospitality

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May 23, 2022

Galway daily news Plans for city centre hotel development off Eyre Square

Galway hoteliers have welcomed the launch of the new Works for Me campaign from Fáilte Ireland, aimed at attracting more people to jobs in the wider tourism industry.

With thousands of positions available in hotels across Ireland, local hoteliers are encouraging people of all ages to consider a career in the industry – including parents, people returning to the workforce, retirees and those simply seeking a career change.

Wayne Neilon, Chair of the Galway branch of the IHF, said that now is an ‘ideal time’ to consider a career in tourism, given the wide range of exciting options available for people at every stage of their working lives.

“We know there is an increasing number of people who are seeking greater flexibility in the number of hours they work, particularly those who may be returning to the workforce – and this is something hotels and guesthouses are ideally placed to accommodate,” he said.

“We are encouraging those with an interest in working with people to find out more about the many opportunities and positions available.

“Few sectors provide such a wide range of options for people across a variety of skills levels, backgrounds and interests – offering plenty of opportunities to support professional growth while meeting and working with great people and developing skills.”

The types of positions on offer are spread across a large number of different career choices including areas such as food and beverage, catering, accommodation services, reception, leisure centre and spa facility management, sales and marketing, human resources, IT, management and finance.

A national database of live opportunities in the tourism industry is available at tourismcareers.ie.

Before the pandemic, over 270,000 livelihoods were supported by the tourism and hospitality sector, equating to 1 in 10 of all Irish jobs, with 70% of these jobs located outside Dublin.

These jobs are crucial to communities, especially in many parts of regional Ireland where tourism is the only show in town.

One-off grant needed for all new Men’s Sheds says local TD

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May 23, 2022

Galway Daily news Oranmore Men's Shed hammering out new home

Galway East TD Seán Canney has called for a specific one-off grant for all newly registered Men’s Sheds.

The TD’s comments came after a meeting with the Irish Men’s Sheds Association in Dublin last week.

The association was in the capital to present its pre-budget submission to Oireachtas members.

Canney said he was delighted to meet with CEO Enda Egan, and volunteers Pat Towey and Jonathan King, to discuss a number of issues that are now facing Men’s Sheds.

The Men’s Sheds Association is seeking further support, and Canney said that a Shed Sustainability grant as well as a VAT and commercial rates refund are basic requirements.

“I also believe that a National recruitment campaign is important to ensure that the Men’s Shed Movement can continue to grow and thrive,” said the Independent TD.

“Men’s Sheds are a vital part of the community infrastructure and continues to meet in a supportive, collaborative space, improving the health and wellbeing of members and contributing positively to the communities in which they are based.

“Following on from the COVID-19 lock down Sheds need support to boost the re-opening and give confidence to their Men’s Sheds Movement.”

ATM plans for local Credit Union chain

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May 22, 2022

Galway Daily news Green light for new ATMs at local Credit Union chain

A large Credit Union chain in Galway is planning on installing ATMs at multiple branches around the county.

St Jarlath’s Credit Union is seeking planning permission to installs ATMs at their braches in Dunmore, Glenamaddy, and Mountbellew.

The plans are for the cash machines to be added to the front facade of the three branches.

St Jarlath’s is a large chain, with a head office in Tuam, and branches in ten other towns around the county.

First founded in 1967, St Jarlath’s now has over 53,000 members in Galway.

A decision is due from the county council on the three applications by June 13 of this year.

Public consultation on making safe school journeys

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May 22, 2022

School Streets pilot project at Scoil Iognaid.

Galway City Council is holding a public consultation with school communities on making journeys safer for kids walking and cycling to school.

As part of the Safe Routes to School programme, the city council is working on developing a ‘front of school’ design that will trips safer.

The design will also benefit residents and commuters walking and cycling through their neighbourhood.

For this, the Council is engaging with the school communities of Radharc na Mara NS, Scoil Bhríde NS, Scoil Iognáid NS, GET NS and St Joseph’s Special School.

Feedback, support and comments are now welcome on the concept design now at public consultation, online or in writing by June 10, 2022.

More information about Safe Routes to School can be found on the city council website here.

Last summer, eleven schools in Galway City and County were awarded funding in first round of the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme.

This was for improvement ranging from better footpaths and new cycle lanes, to a complete reworking of the road outside a school’s entrance as proposed here.

Galway City school wins national Mental Health award

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May 22, 2022

Galway Daily news Galway City school wins national Mental Health award

A Galway City primary school has won a national award for their innovations in promoting mental health and wellbeing.

St Patrick’s Boys and Girls Primary School won Best Programme Activity category at the 2022 Mission Possible Awards.

The Mission Possible Awards are run by the Walk in My Shoes mental health campaign, and celebrate projects in primary and secondary schools to raise awareness of mental health and reduce stigma in school and the community.

St Patrick’s won the Programme Activity award for putting in place an action plan with initiatives such as music and other creative activities.

“They ran several initiatives and events from Christmas concerts and gardening initiatives to performing on Galway’s Shop Street live on national television,” the judges said.

“They ran kindness awards and set up a Music Shelter as a place where students can sit and sing songs, even when it’s raining.”

“The school put an emphasis on a wide range of programme activities to improve wellbeing in creative and impactful ways.”

The winning secondary school in the Programme Activity category was Loreto Secondary School in Bray, Co. Wicklow.

Primary and secondary schools also received awards in the Best Standalone Project and Most Creative Idea categories.

Amanda McArdle, WIMS Campaign Manager and competition judge, said that there is a “deep understanding” of mental health in schools across the country.

“The challenges we have all faced over the last two years and the role schools have played in helping children and young people to deal with them has really underlined this.”

“The entries we received to this year’s Mission Possible awards blew me away with the skill, inventiveness and passion of teachers and students show in making mental health and wellbeing a real priority.”

She added that it was a “privilege to see all the incredible hard work being done by teachers and students”, so that people can be more open about mental health.

Taoiseach praises Galway welcome after letter from Ukrainian students read in Dáil

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May 22, 2022

Galway Daily news Tánaiste to officially open new Tuam Community Nursing Unit next month

Taoiseach Micheál Martin praised the welcome given by the people of Galway to Ukrainian refugees, after a letter from kids at Galway Community College was read in the Dáil.

Galway TD Noel Grealish brought the letter from Ukrainian pupils newly accommodated at Galway Community College.

They asked their Principal Mr Philip Cribbin if they could visit, and gave him “a short note of thanks” for the “heartwarming welcome” they have received in Ireland.

The letter read: “We would like to thank Galway Community College, the Irish government and its people for [the] warmth, support and hospitality we have received since we arrived [in Ireland].”

“When we return home we believe that what we have learnt and experienced in Ireland will help us create a positive new chapter in the history of Ukraine where we will work to rebuild our country’s economy, infrastructure and our lives.”

“A piece of our hearts will always be Irish. Slava Ukraini and Míle buíochas to the Irish people.”

Taoiseach Micheál Martin responded by thanking the “college and the people of Galway” for welcoming young pupils so warmly.

He also thanked the young people for “bringing insights to us and for shining a light” on what is happening to their families and country.

“Our students will be much the better for the experience of meeting with the Ukrainian students and sharing their classrooms and school with them.”

“They have enriched us, and we thank them for that,” Micheál Martin said.

Appeal taken to An Bord Pleanála over island sports facility

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May 22, 2022

Galway Daily news Galway County Council has granted planning permission for a housing development in Headford

A decision to refuse extending planning permission for a new sports complex on Inishbofin is being appealed to An Bord Pleanála.

Inishbofin Development Company sought a five year extension of planning permission for a sports facility at Middlequarter, Inishbofin.

Approval had originally been given for a single storey sports facility to include dressing rooms, referees room, showers, toilets, store, multi-purpose/meeting room in 2017.

However, the county council refused to grant the EOD application, on the grounds that no substantial work has been started or completed since that date.

In the application, Inishbofin Development Company said that “sufficient fundraising could not be carried out due to temporary shortage of staff, and later due to COVID-19.”

Work is now hoped to start on the project in February 2025, with the aim of completing it by February, 2027.

Inishbofin Development Company have now appealed the county council’s decision to An Bord Pleanála, which is due to issue a ruling by September 5 of this year.

Why online casinos are more popular than brick-and-mortar ones

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Angela Mc Bride

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May 21, 2022

For years, we have been able to observe how the gambling industry has been growing continuously. Behind this is a huge market in which, as in any other, supply and demand influence each other. Gambling is a broad term. But for most people, it probably directly triggers associations with slot machines, roulette and blackjack. This is not surprising, since these classic casino games are the main part of the game. In the past, fancy casinos or gambling houses in the city centers were still in fashion, but now the focus has clearly shifted to the entire online sector, which brings in considerably more revenue. The great hour of online slots and digital card games has thus struck, as interest continues to rise. Why is this so and what advantages do online casinos actually bring you?

The attraction of gambling

First of all, of course, is the question of why so many people are interested in gambling in the first place. This certainly has several reasons. On the one hand, there is the promising prospect of being able to dust off a considerable profit with a bit of luck. And who wouldn’t want that? Especially in the current times, which are strongly characterized by financial uncertainty and in which many have to manage very well with the limited salary. A casino win would be more than convenient and the temptation is correspondingly great. On the other hand, it certainly plays into the fact that one would like to be right with one’s tip and outsmart any mathematical probability.

In addition, the entertainment value should not be forgotten. Because while you gamble, you can leave your everyday life with all its worries and challenges behind you. Gambling provides variety and at the same time a pleasant thrill that releases endorphins in the body. It is quite understandable that one would like to evoke these emotions again and again. At the same time, this also explains why some players fall into a real frenzy or even become addicted to this pastime. The risks should therefore always be clear and not be underestimated.

In addition, playing cards, for example, can certainly increase one’s own chances of winning. By practicing continuously, one acquires more routine, can use moves much better and make wiser decisions. As a result, this means reducing the banker’s house advantage and thus winning more often in the long run. This creates a fascinating world in which luck still plays a big role, but you can certainly direct it to some extent.

Clear advantages of online casinos

All the aforementioned needs are served in the same way in a local gambling establishment, such as a slot machine hall, as they are in an online casino. Nevertheless, the latter have long since outnumbered their stationary competitors and enjoy enormous popularity.

This is simply due to the many advantages of gambling online like it is for betting on sports. For one thing, there’s the round-the-clock availability. Regardless of whether you work a shift or want to pass the time after a night out partying: online casinos have no opening hours. In addition, there is no need to travel to the gaming operation, as you don’t even have to leave your home, but can access it online from anywhere. You don’t need to change clothes, spend money on transportation or parking fees. And, of course, there is no entry fee at all, as is the case with some reputable casinos, for example.

Thus one comes financially from the outset better away. But this monetary advantage does not end here. Because the chances of winning are also proven to be higher in online casinos. This is simply because the operators of the sites have hardly any fixed costs. There are no expenses for rent, service staff or security, which is why they can ultimately pay out a higher percentage to the clientele. And that, of course, is attractive. It is important to know at this point that the odds not only vary from provider to provider, but also depend on the selected game. So if you are really interested in pure profit, you should inform yourself in detail here and compare the individual game variants with each other.

Financially, it is also interesting if you know how to make good use of the bonuses offered by online casinos. Because these advertise, for example, with worthwhile welcome bonuses or free spins for existing customers. This way, you always get an incentive to continue playing and can use the free credit immediately.

Another major plus point for gambling at the online casino is the incredibly large selection of games. Since all games are offered in purely digital form, the range can be constantly changed or supplemented. It is precisely this fact that ensures that many enthusiastic players are active at several online casinos at the same time. This is because they are constantly surprised with new games on these platforms and are guaranteed not to get bored. Especially with online slots, there are constant changes and game developers are constantly working on new versions.

Some of these games can even be tested for free, without having to use any gaming credits. This way, you can first find out what you personally enjoy the most, without directly taking the risk of gambling away money.

How to find the right online casino

The top priority when deciding on a suitable online casino should be personal security. No one has anything to gain from betting on a graphically fantastic site if the deposited gaming credit later disappears into nowhere. Therefore, it is important to bet solely on reputable operators that apply fair gaming conditions. A very good criterion is the presence of quality seals that guarantee consumer protection. In addition, the company behind the online casino should be clearly recognizable as such and have an English-speaking customer service. Furthermore, it is important to be able to make deposits and withdrawals in a trustworthy manner. For this, it is necessary that there are cooperations with renowned payment service providers. In addition, you should pay attention to a high encryption of the site, so that your own data security is guaranteed.

In order not to miss out on any financial advantages, it is also advisable to compare the welcome bonuses of several providers. For this purpose, independent comparison services help, thanks to which the currently best offer can be quickly identified. They also provide information about the game selection, the range of live games at the card table and the payout conditions at a glance.

Athenry Agricultural Show returns after long absence

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May 21, 2022

galway daily news Athenry Agricultural Show returns after long absence

Athenry Agricultural Show, one of the longest running in Ireland, is returning this weekend after two years of cancellations.

The show will take place tomorrow, Sunday May 22, with a wide range of events including Equine and Showjumping, many of which are qualifiers for national events.

There are also Show Classes for livestock, poultry, home baking, vegetables, flowers and arrangements, crafts, art & photography, and a dog show.

“We are delighted to be able to welcome you all back to Athenry in 2022 after a long spell away,” the blurb for this year’s show states/

“During our absence, we have been diligently working away and collaborating with the Men’s Shed Athenry on making our show better and better for our patrons and visitors.”

“In 2019, Teagasc’s Mellows Campus hosted the Show and it was an enormous success. We a very proud to say that we will be at Mellows Campus for this year’s show also.”

This year marks the 133rd year of the Athenry Agricultural Show.

Berni gets some very unwelcome news in Ros na Rún

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May 21, 2022

Galway Daily television Berni gets some very unwelcome news in Ros na Rún

Berni is in a bad way when Briain seeks a paternity test, Sonny gets an unwelcome call, and Vanessa may be holding a torch in Ros na Rún.

Sonny despairs when another item of significance is found on the development site. What could potentially put a dent in his plans?

Vanessa hates clothes shopping, but goes along happily when Vince asks her to help him buy a suit. More proof that she’s holding a torch?

Niall’s book launch is today and he is hoping it will be a success. But with Bobbi Lee at the helm will all go to plan?

For her part, Bobbi Lee is happy she can fit in her wedding dress, but has bigger problems with the shake in her hands from the pills.

Berni is hit with the double worries of the impending birth, and Briain seeking a paternity test of her child. Good thing there’s nothing else around the corner.

Catch up on all the latest in Ros na Rún this week with a double feature omnibus on TG4 this Sunday.

True crime documentary looks at woman’s murder and Inis Mór standoff

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May 21, 2022

Galway Daily television Documentary on Clare woman's murder

A Clare woman’s murder, and a suspect who vanished after a standoff on Inis Mór, are the focus of a TG4 documentary on next week.

Maru Inár Measc is a four-part true crime documentary series for TG4, which shines a light on the effect that fatal crimes have on society, local communities and on the victim’s families as they are left without answers.

The second episode of this series recalls the tragic murder of 23-year-old art student Emer O’Loughlin from county Clare.

On April 8, 2005, Emer met her untimely end. Her body was found in the burnt out remains of her neighbor’s mobile home. John Griffin, the owner of the mobile home disappeared without a trace.

Griffin was found two days later on the island of Inis Mór, having barricaded himself inside Dún Aengus fort.

He was eventually persuaded by Gardaí to remove himself and was then brought to St. Brigid’s hospital in Ballinasloe for medical attention.

He left after 5 days, signing himself out of the hospital and to this day has never been found.

In 2010, the investigation made progress and upon exhumation of Emer’s body it was confirmed that she had been murdered.

To this day, no one has been convicted of Emer’s murder and her family are left without any answers.

This documentary includes deeply personal interviews with Emer’s family and friends as well as journalists who reported on the case.

The episode will air next Wednesday on TG4 at 9:30pm.

Galway groups awarded grants for preserving peatlands

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May 21, 2022

Galway Daily news Galway site chosen for €8.5 million rewilding project

Two Galway community groups have been approved funding for peatlands conservation and education projects.

Minister of State Malcolm Noonan has this week approved €160,000 in grant funding for a total of 16 peatland related projects in Ireland.

Of the two Galway projects approved funding, the larger is €15,000 for Galway Telework Co-operation group.

This will be used to support the upgrading and further development of the interpretive centre and visitor amenities on Carrownagappul Bog SAC.

The presentation video at the interpretive centre will be updated to include all of the new relevant works that have taken place.

The second grant is for Leenane Development Association, which is receiving €1,500 for a new interpretive board in the southern part of Doolough Valley.

The interpretive board will serve as an educational resource by giving a visual overview of the catchment’s ecology, with particular focus on nearby peatland/upland habitats and Freshwater Pearl Mussel.

It will also lay out the farming practices being undertaken to protect and conserve the area, particularly the upland habitats.

Minister Noonan said “Communities are at the heart of nature restoration, and this is particularly the case with our bogs.”

“Time and time again we have seen groups of volunteers leading with passion and impact to restore, rehabilitate and share the wonder of these amazing habitats.”

“That’s why schemes such as this one are so important, in that they allow the local custodians of our natural heritage to continue their work and to grow it,” Malcolm Nooonan said

The Peatlands Community Engagement Scheme encourages local peatland communities, local groups, local schools and individuals to conserve and revitalise fens, raised, and blanket bogs.

The focus of the scheme is on community-led projects and volunteer group, who play a vital role in helping to promote and implement the protection of peatlands in Ireland.

The scheme is managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, a division of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Planning permission for 22 houses in Salthill

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May 21, 2022

Galway Daily news An Bord Pleanála green light's Salthill housing development

Galway City Council has granted planning permission for the construction of 22 houses in Salthill, ordering that none shall be sold to corporate entities

K King Construction has received the green light for six blocks of terraced houses, and one detached house, at Rockbarton Court in Salthill.

The infill site is currently an undeveloped field area on the south side of the Rockbarton Court road, surrounded by existing developments.

The estate will have a total of 26 parking spaces, after the council said that the originally planned 31 spaces was excessive.

There were 17 objections received by the city council to the initial planning application, and a eight follow up submissions after further information was requested and received from the developer.

These raised concerns about increased traffic, the density of the housing development and its affect on residential amenity, and overshadowing issues.

The original plans were for 25 homes, but three were removed from the eastern side of the development after council planners, and public submissions, expressed concern about encroachment on the boundaries of the site.

The public open space for the housing estate was also redesigned after planners raised doubts about the level and quality of space provided in the original plans.

Planning permission for the residential development was granted by city council with 18 conditions attached.

Among those, the council ordered that a bike storage building be removed from the plans, and that all cables must be undergrounded.

The developer must also pay a contribution of €250,830 towards the provision of public services in the area to the city council.

The council also ordered that all of these homes must, in the first instance, be sold to individuals, not corporate entities.

Cell Explorers celebrates 10 years of science

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May 20, 2022

Galway Daily news Cell Explorers celebrates 10 years of science

The Galway based Cell Explorers programme is celebrating ten years of informing, inspiring and involving the public in hands-on modern biology.

First created in 2012 by founding director Dr Muriel Grenon and ten project students, Cell Explorers was piloted with funding from the EXPLORE Innovation initiative.

This was a project by NUI Galway and its Student’s Union, which supported collaborations between staff and students.

The programme that provides authentic interactions between young people and local scientists.

This helps to widen young people’s perceptions of science and scientists and combat stereotypes that might prevent engagement in science.

Ten years later, the programme has expanded to 13 teams covering the entire nation.

Along the way, it has delivered either hands-on science to 750 classes in 500 schools, and activities to 26 counties across the Republic of Ireland.

Having raised close to €1 million for several projects, and secured Science Foundation Ireland support since its inception, it has trained more than 2,600 Cell Explorers scientists, students and staff.

All told, Cell Explorers has engaged more than 45,000 young people and their families in hands-on science in Ireland.

Professor Ciarán Ó hOgartaigh, President of NUI Galway, reflected on the Cell Explorers mission – to Inform, Inspire and Involve.

“A mission that the team has remained true to throughout the exponential growth in their first ten years”.

“I can’t help but hear echoes of our own Institution’s core values – respect, excellence, openness and sustainability.”

“That these very same values have underpinned the Cell Explorers model from its onset a decade ago speaks to the value this programme brings to our University community and society more generally.”

Professor Phillip Nolan, Director of Science Foundation Ireland, noted: “I would like to pay tribute to all involved in the Cell Explorers programme, in particular past and present volunteers and coordinators of its 13 teams.”

“By acting as authentic role models and sharing your excitement in research and innovation, you are helping to engage our young people, so that they maintain an interest in science and consider pursuing a career in research.”

“Thank you for making a real difference to our society and the growth of the research community in Ireland.”

In 2019, the programme received the Outstanding Contribution to Science Communication award by Science Foundation Ireland.

It is a member of the European Science Engagement Association (EUSEA) and a part of Scientix, the community for science education in Europe.

Cell Explorers visit schools, remotely or in person during the academic year with a peak around science week.

To arrange a visit to their school, teachers can visit the Cell Explorers website and contact the team closest to their school www.cellexplorers.com.

Connacht squad named for last game of the season

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May 20, 2022

Galway Daily rugby Four changes made to starting XV for Connacht v Glasgow

Connacht Rugby have confirmed their matchday squad for the last game of the 2021/22 season on Saturday.

Connacht will finish out the season at home when they play Zebre Parma at the Sportsground on Saturday at 5pm.

Head Coach Andy Friend has an upbeat attitude about the game ahead, saying “Even though we missed out on the playoffs we have plenty to play for tomorrow.”

“Finishing with a 50% win record is important, but more so is finishing on a high at our home ground – both for our playing group and our supporters.”

In the lineup, Dylan Tierney-Martin is handed his first Connacht start at hooker, while there are also starts for Seán Masterson at openside flanker and Oran McNulty at full-back.

Centurions Denis Buckley and Finlay Bealham partner Tierney-Martin in the front row, while locks Gavin Thornbury and Niall Murray are paired together.

Masterson is accompanied in the back row by his brother Eoghan and Cian Prendergast at number 8.

Kieran Marmion and captain Jack Carty continue at 9 and 10 respectively, as do centres Tom Daly and Tom Farrell. The side is completed by wingers Alex Wootton and John Porch.

Included on the bench are departing players Ultan Dillane, Abraham Papali’i and Sammy Arnold who will make their final appearances for the club if called upon.

Friend said that he wanted to give players a chance to start, and show what they have, in tomorrow’s game, as well as a last moment to savour for the old hands.

“The likes of Dylan, Seán and Oran all deserve their opportunity tomorrow and I know the departing players involved will savour the experience as well.”

A total of 12 players are leaving Connacht Rugby at the end of this season, some retiring, and others moving on.

As is tradition in Connacht, all the departing players will be presented to the supporters after the final whistle – the first time since pre-COVID that such a presentation will be able to take place.

CONNACHT RUGBY MATCHDAY 23 VS ZEBRE PARMA
Saturday 21st May, 17:00 @ The Sportsground

Number/Name/Caps
15. Oran McNulty (8)
14. John Porch (58)
13. Tom Farrell (78)
12. Tom Daly (60)
11. Alex Wootton (33)
10. Jack Carty (179)
9. Kieran Marmion (208)
1. Denis Buckley (207)
2. Dylan Tierney-Martin (5)
3. Finlay Bealham (173)
4. Gavin Thornbury (62)
5. Niall Murray (34)
6. Eoghan Masterson (118)
7. Seán Masterson (17)
8. Cian Prendergast (30)

Replacements
16. Dave Heffernan (164)
17. Matthew Burke (38)
18. Jack Aungier (31)
19. Ultan Dillane (126)
20. Abraham Papali’i (24)
21. Colm Reilly (8)
22. Conor Fitzgerald (52)
23. Sammy Arnold (37)

Eight Galway beaches awarded Blue Flag status in 2022

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May 20, 2022