Goals galore and fine football displayed in Galway City Ladies Blitz

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May 7, 2022

galway daily news national maternity hospital

Any form of religious influence at the National Maternity Hospital would see the pro-choice movement take to the streets, local People Before Profit representative Adrian Curran has said.

Curran called on the government to heed to calls regarding outstanding concerns over the future ownership of the National Maternity Hospital.

He said that any hint of religious influence over the provision of abortion and sterilisation services in the new National Maternity Hospital would result in ‘huge political backlash’.

“The movement for choice will mobilise against any deal that would see any form of curtailment of services in the National Maternity Hospital,” said Curran.

“The government and Minister for Health now need to come before the Dáil and make a statement on this matter.

“There must be absolutely no church influence on the National Maternity Hospital or any healthcare. It must be wholly publicly-owned and controlled.”

The PBP representative said that the struggle for choice is never over and the leaked draft opinion on Roe Vs Wade in the US is another example of continuous attempts to push back against the hard-fought gains that have been made.”

ATU students’ art exhibition opens in Galway city

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May 7, 2022

galway daily news art exhibition in galway city by ATU students

An art exhibition by 22 Contemporary Art students at Atlantic Technological University (ATU) opened in three locations across Galway city this week.

The exhibition, titled ‘Search Engine’, was launched by former Galway City Arts Officer James Harrold on Tuesday.

The work can now be viewed at Saolta Arts, University Hospital Galway, and Galway city library on Middle Street until 31 May.

It was also on show in ATU’s School of Design & Creative Arts until Friday evening.

The exhibition features a range of practices from painting and photography to printmaking, textiles, ceramics, sculpture and digital media, and explores many themes.

Celine Curtin, Head of Department of Creative Arts and Media, ATU, said they are delighted that the students have the opportunity to showcase their work through this dynamic and imaginative exhibition.

“This work demonstrates social awareness and their ability to critically reflect current societal issues,” said Ms Curtin.

“Some of the works were created during lockdown and isolation and reflect the impact of this situation.

“The main body of the work was created after restrictions were lifted and perhaps reflects the societal shift involved in a return to the ‘normal’.”

She said that the rapid deterioration of our biodiversity and diminishing natural resources and human responses to these are examined, and that human emotions and personal struggles are reflected in the works.

“Students had a desire to create work that viewers can relate to and that in some way impacts on and contributes to contemporary society.”

Opening times

10.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday until 31 May

Oranmore native wins renewable energy bursary worth €5,000

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May 7, 2022

galway daily news david cotter from oranmore who won energy bursary 2022

Oranmore native David Cotter has been chosen as one of the two recipients of this year’s Niamh Burke Memorial Bursary.

The annual bursary aims to support study and research in the field of renewable energy.

It awards €10,000 each year, which may be split between two recipients, to support students pursuing education in this area.

David shares the award with Aoife Stewart from Co. Louth after both impressed the judges with their commitment to working to tackle climate change.

The Oranmore man hopes to pursue his studies in Global Environmental Economics.

“It is both humbling and a privilege to be awarded this bursary in honour of Niamh Burke. The proceeds of this bursary will help me continue my studies at NUI Galway in Global Environmental Economics MSc,” he said.

“This course will enable me to make informed decisions on policies that can be used to address problems such as climate change, food security, pollution and many more.

“This programme will empower me to seek a greater understanding of the global interlinkages of environmental problems and how they differ worldwide.”

National Integration Conference to take place in Galway next week

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May 6, 2022

galway daily news immigrant council ireland

The Immigrant Council of Ireland’s National Integration Conference will take place over three days next week, with the final day taking place in NUI Galway on Thursday 13 May.

The third National Integration Conference is open to the public, free of charge and those interested in joining any conference sessions must register in advance on the Immigrant Council website.

The conference will together a range of voices, including migrant experts, activists, and allies.

Among those featured in the line-up for the Galway event, are Meath County Councillor Yemi Adenuga, and Esther Osayimwen, a Migrant Support Worker with the Galway City Partnership Bridge Project.

25-year-old teacher Victory Ike, An Post’s first black employee in the West Kola Oworu, and Manager of social enterprise Bounceback Recyling Martin Ward are also in the line-up for the event.

Held annually, the event features a range of authoritative perspectives on migration and integration, to help promote effective migrant integration and inclusion in Ireland.

Tuesday’s session will take place at the Morrison Hotel, Dublin and the Wednesday session will be fully online.

Commenting in advance of the Conference, Teresa Buczkowska, Integration Manager with the Immigrant Council of Ireland, said that the main aim of the Integration Conference is to provide a platform for migrant and refugee voices to lead the conversation on migrant and refugee inclusion in Ireland.

“It is also an important opportunity for migrants, leaders from migrant rights organisations, and people working in the diversity and inclusion space to come together and share their experiences and insights, so that we can learn from one and other, and work towards building a more diverse and inclusive society in Ireland.”

She said that it is great to be able to host the event in-person this year again, so that people have the opportunity to meet and form those important connections.

“We’re also delighted to be hosting one of the days of the Conference in Galway.

“This is a first for the Immigrant Council – but we feel it’s important that we ensure our work spans across Ireland, and reaches migrants in all corners of the country.

“Our theme for this year’s Conference is ‘coalition building’ – and it is a topic that is particularly pertinent today, in the context of diverse minority communities coming to Ireland seeking a safer and better quality of life.

“Having a unified, joined up approach across civil society organisations, key stakeholders and government is vital if refugees in Ireland are to be given access to the services and supports they need – and that includes refugees from all countries.

“When we work together, we are stronger and can reach far more people, with far greater impact. I look forward to exploring the ways in which we can work towards achieving change together, over the course of the Conference next week.”

Speaker Line-up

Speakers confirmed for the Conference include:

Roderic O’Gorman TD, Minister for Children, Disabilities, Equality and Integration;
Senator Eileen Flynn;
Ines Khai, Guadeloupean singer/songwriter;
Lucky Khambule, South African former asylum seeker and activist, and co-founder of the Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland;
Shamim Malekmian, Immigration reporter for the Dublin Inquirer;
Cllr Uremu Adejimni, Mayor of Longford and member of Longford County Council;
Dr. Lucy Michael, member of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, Fingal Together;
Dr. Salome Mbugua, researcher, gender equality activist and human rights advocate, founder of AkiDwA;
Rosemary Kunene, CEO, Dignity Partnership;
Dr Suha Shakkour, Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Arts Council Ireland;
Islamiyah Saudique Kadejo, CEO of GOCOM Radio;
Cllr Yemi Adenuga, Meath County Council;
Laura McDermott, Boston Scientific;
Kola Oworu, An Post;
Victory Ike, Secondary School Teacher;
Martin Ward, Bounceback Recycling;
Megan Maria Browne Ayers, Connemara Wool.

Programme of Events

The Conference will focus on migration and integration best practices, cultural identity, local integration, and coalition building. Some of the panel discussions and key-note speeches taking place over the course of three-day Conference include:

Tuesday, 10^th May

10am – 10.50am: Keynote speech: Sister Stanislaus Kennedy, Founder, Immigrant Council of Ireland.
10.55am – 11.55am: Panel discussion on ‘Coalition Building for Equality’.
2.30pm – 3pm: In conversation: with Lucky Khambule from Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland (MASI) and Shamim Malekmian from Dublin Inquirer.
3pm – 4pm: Panel discussions on ‘Local Integration’.

Wednesday, 11^th May

10.15am – 10.30am: Keynote speech: Salome Mbugua, Akidwa.
10.30am – 11.30am: Panel discussion on ‘The Power of Migrant Women’.
2pm – 3pm: Panel discussion on ‘Beyond Migrant Art’.

Thursday, 12^th May

10.30am – 11.30am: Interview: Islamiyah Saudique Ayaba-Kadejo, CEO of GoCom Media, the premier ethnic minority interest and multilingual community Radio in Ireland and Cllr. Yemi Adenuga.
11.30am – 12.30pm: Panel discussion on: ‘Trailblazers – Innovative migrants who are walking the path so that others may follow’.
14.00 – 15.00: Panel discussion on: ‘Business barriers & breakthroughs’.

The full programme with details of speakers and conference sessions can be accessed here.

Changes made to Galway City Tidy Towns and Garden Competition

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May 6, 2022

galway daily news tidy towns competition garden 2022 — Overall winner 2018 School, St Pats

Galway City Council is now taking entries for this year’s Galway City Tidy Towns and Garden Competition, with some changes to previous years.

The residential areas category will now be the main focus of the competition, with residents associations in each of the three sections taking away a prize fund of €300.

The public and commercial buildings category will also be replaced by one overall winner instead of the many sub categories previously.

Speaking about the changes, Tiarnan McCusker, Environmental Awareness Officer with Galway City Council, said that they felt changes could create an even stronger competition in the years ahead.

“This year, we will be putting the focus on Residential Associations entering with an increased prize fund from €100 to €300 for the Residential Categories. The best private garden is now an institution in itself and this will not be changing.

“However, we will be removing the best lawn category and incorporating it into the best garden category.”

Entrants must be based in Galway City and can enter across categories such as ‘Best Residential Estate’, ‘Best Front Garden’, ‘Best School’, ‘Best Public and Commercial Building’ and ‘Best Community Project’.

This year judges will again be awarding marks for enhancing and promoting Biodiversity and pollinator friendly spaces.

Paper application forms will no longer be accepted and all applications must be completed electronically by visiting www.galwaycity.ie/tidy-towns-garden.

More information on the competition, including the full list of competition categories, is also available via this link.

Completed applications should be submitted no later than the closing date of 4.00pm Friday 3 June 2022.

Local distillery’s Irish Cream crowned best in the world!

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May 6, 2022

galway daily news micil distillery irish cream award

Micil Distillery’s new Connemara Irish Cream has been crowned the best on the planet at the World Liqueur Awards 2022.

The distillery’s Heritage Poitín also won Best Grain Spirit in the world in the unaged spirit category – a impressive result for their most authentic poitín recipe.

The announcement comes just months after Micil took home the award for Best Contemporary Irish Gin at the World Gin Awards.

Micil Connemara Irish Cream was launched just six months ago, and a 700ml 17% abv bottle has a recommended retail price of €29.

Commenting on the wins, Micil’s co-founder, Pádraic Ó Griallais, said that they are delighted to win these awards.

“It means a huge amount to us having our family’s poitín heritage at the core of these recipes and to be recognised by our peers in this way,” he said.

“We’ve received some tremendous feedback on Micil Irish Cream from our wholesalers, retailers and consumers since its release and it has also gained our first national listing with O’Briens Wines in Ireland.”

He said that at a time when they are growing the team with numerous new roles going live in the coming weeks, these awards give them great confidence in the future of the Micil brand.

Galway researchers make major breakthrough in study of aggressive breast cancer

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May 6, 2022

galway daily news breast cancer research nui galway researchers

Scientists at NUI Galway have made a major breakthrough in their study of aggressive breast cancer.

The researchers discovered how cells can rewire themselves to have a better chance of surviving and spreading to other sites in the body.

They found that a specific cell behaviour adapts the metabolism of triple negative breast cancer cells.

Afshin Samali, Professor of Cancer Biology at NUIG, said that the research shows that in fact this cell behaviour can be reversed through the use of specialised drugs.

The findings have been published today, Friday, in the internationally renowned Nature Communications journal.

The research focuses on cell behaviour in triple negative breast cancer, one of the most aggressive and difficult to treat forms of breast cancer.

It accounts for about 15% of all breast cancers diagnosed and is more common in younger women.

Unlike other forms of breast cancer, there are no targeted therapies available for triple negative breast cancer.

The research highlighted how fast-growing tumours often experience nutrient deprivation – meaning they lack what is required to grow and spread. However, cancer cells can rewire their metabolism – often referred to as metabolic reprogramming – to compensate for a low availability of nutrients.

The team at NUI Galway, led by Professor Afshin Samali and Professor Adrienne Gorman, demonstrated for the first time how the IRE1 stress response pathway rewires cancer cell metabolism.

It does this by altering the levels of a key enzyme in lipid metabolism, which in turn increases the resistance of triple negative breast cancer cells to low nutrient conditions that often occur in the tumour.

The research also shows how this resistance can be reversed through targeted treatment.

“The new era of precision oncology aims to tailor treatments to individual cancer patients. Here at NUI Galway, we have made a breakthrough and it is hugely exciting to identify new therapeutic target for triple negative breast cancer,” said Afshin Samali.

“Our previous research showed that inhibition of IRE1 improves the effectiveness of chemotherapy and reduces relapse of this highly aggressive form of breast cancer.

“Building on that, we can now demonstrate that this same cell pathway works to create an environment which makes it easier for these breast cancer cells to survive.

“What our research also shows is that targeting IRE1, or switching off the response mechanism of IRE1, could be particularly beneficial for the many patients whose cancer cells rely on the specific metabolic reprogramming it induces.”

Professor in Biochemistry, Adrienne Gorman, said that we are getting ever closer to understanding the intricacies of cancer.

“Identifying new therapeutic targets such as IRE1 that are part of the tumour’s support system is very significant in offering another way to combat cancer,” said Professor Gorman.

Dr Katarzyna Mnich, added that the work has uncovered a previously unknown role for IRE1 in triple negative breast cancer and it shows we need further investigation into the biology of IRE1.

“Most importantly for patients, the research also supports further development of IRE1 inhibitors as therapeutics for the treatment of triple negative breast cancer.”

Man jailed for repeatedly threatening Gardaí and possession of a knife

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May 6, 2022

Galway Daily courts Man charged in connection

A man received a seven month prison sentence for repeatedly violently threatening Gardaí, one time while in possession of a knife.

Indulis Levans (58), with an address at Tirellan Heights in Galway City was before Galway District Court for multiple incidents where he violently threatened Gardaí, including one while in possession of a knife.

The most serious incident occurred at Millennium Park by Galway Cathedral on March 20 of 2021.

Gardaí received reports from the public about a man brandishing a knife and approaching a group of youths at the park.

When Gardaí arrived they told him to drop the knife, Sgt Rogers told the court, but he instead approached them aggressively.

The court heard that he had to be physically restrained until backup arrived. While being held he made multiple threats to kill the officers.

A knife was found on his person, along with multiple bottles of spirits. Sgt Cathal Rogers, presenting for the state, told the court that Levans was very intoxicated at the time.

In another incident on May 5 of 2020, Gardaí approached a group of extremely drunk men in Eyre Square.

As they were approaching, Mr Levans went up to Garda Nigel Silke and began threatening him.

He said that he was the Garda’s boss, and threatened to give him a ‘Glasgow Kiss’ a headbutt, and shoved him, before being arrested.

At Salthill Garda Station, on February 23 of last year, Mr Levans was extremely drunk in the station’s public office shortly after 6am.

He was highly aggressive and banging on the glass, the court heard, and officers had to use pepper spray while restraining him.

Judge Mary Fahy was extremely angry that he went in a park with playground while armed with a knife. “All of this in a public park, meant specifically for children,” she said.

She said that she didn’t think Mr Levans was taking the matter seriously, describing it as “one of the most serious cases I’ve come across recently”.

“He has treated the Gardaí with utter contempt, continuously threatened them,” Judge Fahy said, and reiterated that he was in a park while armed.

Mr Gary McDonald BL, for the defence, said that his client had a serious alcohol problem.

He added that Mr Levans had instructed him that he wanted to plea, and that he was sorry.

Judge Fahy sentenced him to a total of seven months in prison for the obstruction and possession of a knife offences at Millennium Park.

He received concurrent sentences for the various public order offences of public intoxication, and threatening, abusive, or insulting behaviour.

Judge Fahy refused to suspend any portion of the prison sentence. Leave to appeal was granted on Mr Levans’ own bond of €300.

Developer appeals rejection of Athenry supermarket and housing estate

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May 6, 2022

Galway Daily news Developer appeals rejection of Athenry supermarket and housing estate

An appeal has been lodged with An Bord Pleanála against the refusal of planning permission for a supermarket and housing estate in Athenry.

Ghost Zapper Ltd, part of the Comer Group is appealing the county council’s rejection of plans for 59 houses and apartments, along with a Lidl supermarket and other commercial units.

The site of the development is to be located at the south-east end of Athenry, next to the Clarin River, and close to the protected structure Athenry House.

The residential element of this proposal would consist of 28 three and four bed houses, and 31 apartments.

The business side of the project would include one building with two commercial units, a separate café building, and a supermarket with 2,662m² of commercial floor space.

The developer also intends to demolish a derelict outbuilding of Athenry House, and refurbish the old country house as a community and heritage centre.

The county council refused planning permission last month, based on concerns about some elements of the design of the estate, flood risk, road safety, lack of parking and heritage issues with demolishing outbuildings at Athenry House.

The appeal report argues that is necessary to demolish the outbuilding and former stables in order to gain access to the site, and rejuvenate Athenry House.

As far as concerns about the design of the estate not matching the character of the area, the appeal argues that the buildings directly around the site are mostly mid-late 20th, with no “significant architectural heritage” value, and that flexibility is needed in accommodating contemporary buildings.

Alterations were also made to the design of apartment blocks 11 & 12 at the southern edge of the site, which were singled out by the council.

The developer disagrees with the council’s conclusions on the flood risk at the site, saying that the design has been chosen to ensure there is no flooding on site, or an increased risk downstream.

Regarding traffic safety concerns about the internal access road, the appeal states that its alignment is “dictated by the existing constraints of the site”, and that clear sightlines will be provided by removing a boundary wall.

Finally the appeal acknowledges that the 214 car parking spaces proposed is less that then 291 spaces required under the county development plan.

However, it argues that this includes an “excessive” requirement of 179 parking spaces for the supermarket, more than is needed.

An Bord Pleanála is due to make a ruling on this appeal by August 31 of this year.

Briain tries to charm his way to information in Ros na Rún

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May 6, 2022

Galway Daily television Briain tries to charm information out of Nuala

Briain tries to charm information out of Nuala, Tadhg looks into Sonny’s finances, and Vince wonders if he could be more than friends with Vanessa in Ros na Rún.

In another slimy move, Briain arranges a date with Nuala, but all he really cares about is trying to plumb her for information about Berni’s pregnancy.

Tadhg is delighted to hear that Sonny is in dire straits, but soon tries to rope Colm into making some enquiries about Sonny’s investments and financial affairs.

Mack, seeing how well Vince and Vanessa get on, reckons there they could be more than friends.

Vince rubbishes such a notion, before pondering if indeed there could be some truth to what Mack has said.

Caitríona, taking matters into her own hands, informs Vanessa she is no longer needed to help out in the shop. But will Caitríona regret doing this.

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

Vote for the best Connacht Rugby Player of the Year

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May 6, 2022

Galway Daily sport Vote for the best Connacht Rugby Player of the Year

Pick your favourite Connacht player from a cracker of a season in the Fan’s Player of the Year Award.

Voting is open for 2021/22 Connacht Fans’ Player of the Year Award, and will close this Sunday at 5pm.

There are five nominees for the award, which were selected by the dedicated supporters of the Connacht Clan committee.

The five up for the award are Jack Carty, Shane Delahunt, Mack Hansen, Conor Oliver and Cian Prendergast.

The winner will be announced at the 2021/22 Connacht Rugby Awards Ball taking place next week on Friday’s May 13.

The winners of the 13 other categories of awards will also be announced on that night.

The full list of wards is:

U18 Player of the Year
Women’s U18 Player of the Year
U19 Player of the Year
Academy Player of the Year
Referee of the Year
Coach of the Year
Women’s Club Player of the Year
Junior Club Player of the Year
Senior Club Player of the Year
Club of the Year
Fans Player of the Year
Lifetime Contribution to Connacht Rugby
Women’s Player of the Year
Players’ Player of the Year

Mexican restaurant in Galway is one of Ireland’s most popular

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May 6, 2022

Galway Daily food Mexican restaurant in Galway is one of Ireland's most popular — Vocho via Facebook

Galwegians clearly love their burritos, tacos, quesadilla and more, as Vocho in the city centre is one of the most popular Mexican restaurants in the country.

Deliveroo recently compiled a list of the ten most popular Mexican restaurants in Ireland, with Galway’s Vocho coming 6th on their list.

One of Galway’s newer Mexican places, this idiosyncratic restaurant on Forster Street is built from shipping containers, serving Tex-Mex style food.

Galway also has a greater than normal appetite for Avocados according to Deliveroo’s analysis.

People in Knocknacarra in Galway, and Templeogue in Dublin, purchased an average of three avocados with each order, one more than the nationwide average.

People aren’t just getting avocado with their Mexican food, but increasingly buying them with their groceries through Deliveroo.

The delivery company said that they saw a 62% increase in orders containing avocado from 2020 – 2021.

According to Deliveroo, orders containing avocado peak at 1pm, suggesting that the Irish prefer tucking into the fruit at lunchtime

Galway TD proposes new rules for unclaimed safe deposit boxes

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May 5, 2022

Galway Daily news Bank of Ireland to reopen closed branches on June 29

Galway West TD Éamon Ó Cuív has gained support in the Dáil today for a new bill to transfer historic items from unclaimed safe-deposit boxes to the National Museum of Ireland.

These unclaimed items would be transferred if they were of historical interest under the new rules, and no safe deposit box held by a bank for less than 80 years would be opened.

It is believed that many banks which opened in Ireland at the end of the eighteenth century could have items of historical interest in these unclaimed boxes.

Deputy Ó Cuív beleives that in the event of no owner being identified, these items should be transferred to the national cultural institutions, while any cash not claimed should be lodged into the Dormant Accounts Fund.

“This bill which includes 30 sections sets out the legal framework under which this can be done safeguarding property rights but also acting in the interests of the common good,” said the Fianna Fáil TD.

Football, parades and cake – Range of events organised for Bike Week!

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May 5, 2022

Galway’s thriving community cycling groups are hosting a plethora of events for Bike Week 2022, which begins on 14 May.

Volunteers in Galway city, Athenry, and Gort have organised events from 14 to 22 May to provide safe cycling experiences for children and their parents, as well and new, nervous or renewed adult cyclers.

Galway city

For Galway United supporters, Galway Cycling Campaign is organising ‘Bike United Bike Valet’ at the Galway United match against Athlone Town at Eamonn Deacy Park, Terryland, on Friday 20 May.

Parents involved with local soccer clubs are coordinating with the Galway (Knocknacarra), Renmore, and East of the Corrib cycle-buses to enable young fans to travel by bike across the city with the safety and comfort of ‘critical mass’.

Parents will have peace of mind to park their bikes, cargo bikes, and bike trailers as volunteers will have a space cordoned off where supporters can safely park their bikes.

There will be refreshments for the children and a special raffle for all who use the Bike Valet.

Athenry

There are two Bike Week events in Athenry on the afternoon of Saturday 14 May, organised by The Wheels of Athenry and volunteers.

CycleFest Athenry is a two-hour family-friendly event in Athenry Town Park from 1pm to 3pm with face-painting, bubbles, and lots of fun.

Youngest cyclers can safely cycle around the park on their balance bikes and trikes during the Wee Wheelers event.

An experienced mechanic will be at hand to give dusty bikes hauled out of the back of sheds a Bike to Basics health check.

This will be followed by the annual Pedal Parade from 3pm to 4pm. The start point is Market Square for a gentle cycle for all ages and abilities around the historic streets of Athenry.

This year’s theme is Super Bikes for Super Heroes. There will be prizes for best dressed bikes and riders.

Don’t have time to decorate your bike? No worries! There will be a Pimp Your Bike station so everyone can join in the fun.

Find the EventBrite registration here, and check out The Wheels of Athenry on Facebook and Twitter.

Gort

Gort Cycle Trails will host a community cycle from the Gort Railway Station to Coole Park for coffee and cake, and return, on Sunday 22 May.

This ‘mini greenway’ is 9km in length. It was a huge success last year, so numbers will be capped at 50. Register at www.gortcycletrails.com

Gort Cycle Trails will also host three two-hour sessions about Basics for Cycling for novice, nervous and returned cyclers (dates to be confirmed).

These sessions will cover cycle safety, bike balance, signalling, and other key information to help people feel confident to cycle around town.

Online meeting to discuss active travel within city and county

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May 5, 2022

An online meeting on active travel within the city and county will be held on Monday 9 May at 6pm.

The meeting, hosted by Galway City Community Network and the Galway County PPN, aims to bring together groups and individuals who are passionate about creating a Galway which is accessible for all active travel.

The groups envisage a place where everyone in the county can all move with ease and be treated with respect.

They say that universally accessible active travel and public transport that will benefit all residents is a vital part of a just transition and a people-centred place to live work and visit.

Brian Doherty, GCCN Development worker, welcomed this opportunity to collaborate with Galway County PPN and those who are passionate about active travel in Galway.

“It is imperative that Galway is an accessible place for everybody, and we are delighted to facilitate a collective voice for active travel and public transport users,” he said.

“It is important that a diverse range of active travel users have their voices heard in the decision-making process and this meeting can be a catalyst for that.”

Those who wish to register for the meeting can contact Brian at development@gccn.ie. Further information is available on the GCCN website – www.galwaycitycommunitynetwork.ie.

Progress being made on new footbridge in Athenry

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May 5, 2022

galway daily news clarin college athenry

Progress on the initial works on the site of the new footbridge in Athenry has been welcomed by Galway County Councillor Shelly Herterich Quinn.

The Fianna Fáil councillor said that the works at Clarin College will take around eight weeks to complete.

The bridge, together with new paths and crossings, will ‘transform the user experience around the town’, she said.

“Ensuring Safe Routes to Schools is a large part of the work I have been involved in locally both in Athenry and Oranmore since my election.

“Good quality paths and road infrastructure are crucial to busy developing towns.”

Cllr Herterich Quinn said that since the Government’s introduction of Active Travel Funding, council staff in the Athenry/ Oranmore area have been working diligently to spend the allocated monies which in total amounts to approximately €6 million.

“The long-awaited footbridge for the latest secondary school in Athenry was part of the initial planning application for the Clarin College and it was previously expected to be delivered ahead of the previous school term.”

Four Galway city streets to be pedestrianised each evening from today

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May 5, 2022

Galway Daily news Pedestrianising of city streets

Four streets in Galway city are set to become pedestrianised during certain evening hours from today until October to allow for outdoor dining during the summer months.

Dominick Street Upper, William Street West and Raven Terrace will all be closed to traffic from 6pm until 11pm every day until 2 October.

Small Crane, from New Street West to William Street West, will be closed to motorists 24/7 throughout the summer.

Galway City Council introduced a similar measure last year as a result of the pandemic, and it proved hugely popular with locals and tourists, as well as the hospitality sector.

Last year’s temporary pedestrianisations did not begin until 7 June because of COVID restrictions imposed on bars and restaurants.

Localised access will be maintained at all times and Galway City Council will install diversion signage for motorists.

Galway children invited to take part in Creative Schools Week

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May 5, 2022

Galway Daily news Almost 1,000 Ukrainian pupils enrolled in Galway schools

Children across Galway are invited to let their imaginations soar and be part of a special week which celebrates creativity in young people.

The theme of this year’s national celebration is Creativity Lives Here!, recognising that schools are ‘truly creative places, filled with very creative people’.

Creative Schools Week focuses on fun, festivities, imagination and innovation and this year will take place next week, from 9 to 13 May.

Speaking about Creative Schools Week, Arts Council Director Maureen Kennelly said it is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the many ways in which schools and school communities embrace creativity every day.

“I encourage everyone, no matter what stage of life you are at, to take a few minutes this week to consider where creativity lives for you,” she said.

This year the theme of creative schools encourages school communities to pause and reflect on where creativity is evident in our lives, in every class, in every school and in the experience of every student.

But schools do not have to be part of the Creative Schools programme to take part in next week’s celebration.

All Creative schools have received a digital school pack full of ideas, information and inspiration. Those not already involved can contact creativeschools@artscouncil.ie to receive more practical ideas and tips to help you participate in Creative Schools week.

Applications for the next round of Creative Schools are now open. Full details on how to apply are here.The closing date for applications is 17:30pm, 2nd June 2022.

City primary school takes home national mental health award

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May 5, 2022