Traffic disruption expected in Ballinasloe from water works

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April 27, 2022

Galway Daily news Injured man rescued from the water after nasty fall from Clifden Quay

An injured man was rescued from the water after hitting a boat following a dangerous fall from Clifden Quay on Tuesday.

The man fell a significant distance from the quayside, before striking a boat some 15 to 20 feet below, leaving him injured.

Fortunately, Clifden RNLI mechanic Joe Acton and crew member Andy Bell were in the area carrying out vessel maintenance.

They were able to quickly respond with the small Sillinger class boat, excellent for moving in shallow water.

The two crew members manoeuvred the boarding boat into position to allow paramedics to access the casualty and transfer him to the ambulance which was waiting at the quay.

The injured man was airlifted by Air Corps helicopter 112 to University Hospital Galway for further treatment.

Clifden RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager John Brittain said that this was a “great example” of multi-agency cooperation.

The operation involved the RNLI, Coast Guard, National Ambulance Service, Clifden Fire & Rescue, Gardai, and the Air Corps 112 helicopter.

“This call demonstrated great teamwork and decision-making and we all wish the casualty a speedy recovery.”

COVID cases continue dramatic decline in Galway hospitals

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April 27, 2022

Galway Daily news Galway hospitals see COVID cases double in recent weeks

The number of COVID-19 cases in Galway’s hospitals has continued to fall dramatically, down to less than half of what they were two weeks ago.

There has been a very sharp decline at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe, where there was just a single confirmed case on Tuesday evening.

This is down from seven cases a fortnight prior. On Monday night, the Ballinasloe hospital didn’t have a single confirmed cases.

At University Hospital Galway the COVID numbers have also continued to tumble, down from 50 cases two weeks ago, to 22 as of yesterday evening.

There are also just four COVID-19 patients in Galway’s hospitals who are being treated in the ICU.

There are three cases in the intensive care unit at UHG, and another one at Portiuncula Hospital.

While the ICU figures at Portiuncula are unchanged over the past two weeks, at UHG they have fallen from five seriously ill patients in the same period.

Nationwide there were just 427 COVID patients admitted to hospital as of Tuesday evening, of whom 31 were in the ICU.

Woman in her 70s killed after being struck by car

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April 27, 2022

A woman in her 70s was killed after being struck by a car while walking in the west on Tuesday afternoon.

The crash occurred at approximately 4pm on Tuesday at the junction of Castle Street and Market Street in Sligo Town.

Two pedestrians were struck in the crash, with a woman in her 70s being pronounced dead at the scene.

A male pedestrian sustained non life threatening injuries during the course of this collision and was taken to Sligo University Hospital.

The driver and passenger of the car involved were also taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward and contact them.

Any road users or pedestrians who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the Castle Street or Market Street areas between 4pm and 4:15pm are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Sligo Garda Station on 071 9157000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

A Garda spokesperson said that they are aware of some mobile footage being shared on social media.

They are appealing for people not to spread this any further, out of respect for the family of the deceased.

Plans approved for 111 homes in Claregalway

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April 26, 2022

Galway Daily news Plans approved for 111 homes in Claregalway

An Bord Pleanála has approved plans for the construction of 111 houses and apartments in Claregalway.

A minimum of 20% of the homes which are to be built at Lakeview, Claregalway must be reserved for Irish speakers for at least 15 years.

In total, An Bord Pleanála attached 24 conditions of planning permission for the residential development.

Among those, a minimum of 10% of communal parking spaces must have charging points for electric vehicles.

All other parking spaces must have the infrastructure ducting installed so that they are able to be fitted with EV charging points.

The housing development is being undertaken by K King Construction, which sought planning permission for a Strategic Housing Development directly from An Bord Pleanála.

The roughly 5ha site is located next to the Cuirt na hAbhann estate and Claregalway Community Centre to the west.

Access to the site will be via Lakeview Road, where the developer said that upgrade works will take place including building a new footpath, with pedestrian access intended to Cúirt na hAbhann also.

Realignment works will also be carried out at the junction of Lakeview Road and Lydican Road for safer egress.

The houses would be a mix of terraced, semi-detached, and detached units ranging from two to four bedrooms.

The apartments will be split between two blocks, which will be three and four storeys in height respectively, totaling 14 one-bedroom units and 24 two-bedroom units.

A total of 11 units, consisting of 10 apartments and one house, will be transferred to the council for social or affordable housing, as is required under planning law.

The estate will be served by a total of 191 parking spaces, 10 of which will be designated for the estate’s creche, and the other 181 for residential use.

There were a number of objections made to An Bord Pleanála about this development, with locals concerned about road safety, land zoning, the density of the estate, and land consent.

Locals expressed concern that the increased traffic generated by the estate will pose a safety hazard to the multiple schools nearby, and also result in congestion.

Objectors also argued that the density of 34 units per hectare is far in excess of the 5-15 units per ha, which it is argued is the correct designation of the area.

The submission from Galway County Council also said that the density of the plans is greater than what is appropriate for the site.

The planning inspector for An Bord Pleanála ultimately said that Claregalway is within the Galway Metropolitan Area, and that the housing density was appropriate.

Third party submissions also raised concerns about legal consent issues for land that will be affected by the development, but the inspector’s report noted that legal issues are not something for the board to arbitrate when considering planning permission.

Oranmore Men’s Shed hammering out new home

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April 26, 2022

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

The Men’s Shed in Oranmore has become so popular that they are seeking approval for better accommodation for their growing numbers.

The Oranmore Men’s Shed has been up and running since 2015, and in that time has grown to have more than 25 members.

However, the prefab where it is currently located has had problems, and needed repairs to the deteriorating roof.

Planning permission is now being sought for a new premises for the group, which will have a floor space of 99.8m2.

A cover letter submitted with the planning application highlights the well known benefits of Men’s Sheds for mental health and social lives, and what they have done for the community in Oranmore.

“Despite the shortcomings in our facilities we have, for example, been supplying kindling and have made mud kitchens for schools as well as flower boxes and planters for our local community and healthcare.”

“Across all government departments and state bodies there is a recognition of the invaluable contribution of men’s sheds to the health, wellbeing, and quality of life for many whose lives are affected negatively by loneliness, social isolation, living along, or widowhood.”

It states that this need was never “more keenly felt” than during the COVID lockdowns, with a palpable sense of relief and enthusiasm at the shed’s reopening.

“Our plan and ambition, here in Oranmore, is to be able to facilitate all who need or want to join us in accommodation which is fitting for activities to their liking.”

The new site is located next to the Church of the Immaculate Conception on Main Street.

Oranmore Community Development Association has made the site available for the Men’s Sheds group, and are the ones making the planning application.

Galway County Council is due to make a decision on this planning application by May 18 of this year.

If approved, it is hoped that the new shed will be up and running within a few months.

Oranmore Men’s Shed is currently fundraising for their new premises, with €4,745 raised so far on Gofundme, out of a target of €10,000.

Become a Friend of Galway International Arts Festival

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April 26, 2022

Galway Daily arts Become a Friend of Galway International Arts Festival

Galway International Arts Festival is asking local businesses and arts lovers to help them put on a blockbuster show this summer.

After two years operating mostly online, Galway Arts Festival is returning to the streets this summer, for the extravaganza that makes it so renowned the world over.

Part of what allows this to happen is the Friends of the Festival programme, which allows people to support GIAF financially, in return for benefits such as complimentary tickets.

GIAF Friends Manager Aisling O’Sullivan said that they have developed “lasting friendships” with many people and businesses through the years.

“Especially over the past year when we looked to each other for support. I look forward to building on these friendships in 2022 and to developing new ones.”

GIAF is a non-for-profit organisation which relies on a mix of state funding, box office, sponsorship and the support of its business and individual Friends to make up Festival costs.

Friends membership, which starts from as little as €250 for businesses and €150 for individuals, comes with a host of benefits, including priority booking, tickets and festival merchandise.

Eugene Greaney, one of the eponymous Dough Bros of local pizza fame, said that the arts festival symbolises everything that is great about the city.

“It’s a celebration of the arts, the people, the culture, the music, the gigs, the pubs, the restaurants; everything about our city is merged into two great weeks.”

Seeing the Big Top erected each symbolises “the good times to come” he added, calling it a highlight of the type of craic Galway International Arts Festival brings.

For the past two years, it hasn’t been possible to hold the famed Big Top concerts, but this has just been a setback rather than a calamity.

In a promise of the fact that good times always return, the concerts which were due to take place before the pandemic are still going ahead this summer, and original tickets will remain valid.

Jess Murphy, head chef and co-owner of Kai restaurant, said that the arts festival is her favourite time of the year.

She said that there is always something on, and that there is a “real crossover” with local communities in the festival.

Learn more about the range of benefits that come with membership here: https://www.giaf.ie/support/fr…

First sod turned on Salmon Weir Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge

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April 26, 2022

First sod turned on Salmon Weir Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge — 25//04/2022 repro free: Minister Hildergarde Naughton TD and Mayor of Galway Cllr Collette Connolly along with the designers engineers and the staff of Galway City Council at the sod turning for the new walk and cycle bridge across the river Corrib in the Heart of Galway City . Photo:Andrew Downes, xposure.

The first work has begun this week on the construction of the new Salmon Weir Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge in the city centre.

The new bridge will draw pedestrians and cyclists and facilitate a seamless and natural flow from either side of the river, in an area that is often plagued by congestion on the old bridge.

Brendan McGrath, Chief Executive of the council, said that this was a “milestone” event in the delivery of an “iconic new bridge” for the city.

“This world-class bridge will remove current conflicts between pedestrians and cyclists, and traffic, and will enhance links between both sides of the river, as well as facilitating the Cross-City Link public transport corridor over the existing 200 year old bridge.”

The 80m pedestrian bridge will involve three spans across three waterways, Persse’s Distillery River (formally called Mill Race), the Lower River Corrib and Friar’s River (formerly called Waterside canal).

The three spans will be roughly 10m, 55m and 15m in length respectively, and upgrade works will also be required to the footpaths on either side of the bridge.

Minister of State and Galway TD Hildegarde Naughton said, “I am delighted to see construction commencing on the Salmon Weir Cycling and Walking Bridge.”

“Anyone who has, like me, walked across the old bridge, will have been conscious that one slip could lead to a collision given how narrow the footpaths are.”

“This new shared-use pedestrian and cycle bridge at the Salmon Weir Bridge will bring a number of significant benefits to Galway City, including offering a dedicated safe crossing point for pedestrians and cyclists alike.”

Planning permission for the new bridge was first granted by An Bord Pleanála in August of last year.

It is expected that construction will finish, and the bridge will open to traffic, by early 2023.

Car dealer Windsor opens €10 million Galway facility

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April 26, 2022

Galway Daily business Car dealer Windsor opens €10 million Galway facility

The motor dealer Windsor has invested more than €10 million in opening a new MotorHall on the east side of the city.

The 120,000sqft MotorHall on the Monivea Road, the first the company has opened outside of Dublin, has seen 15 new jobs created for the area.

Like its Dublin counterparts, it will give car buyers the opportunity to choose from multiple brands under the one roof.

Jacinta Kilduff, General Manager of the new facility after a 25 year career with Windsor, said that it is a very exciting time for the company.

“We are a long-established business in Galway and our expansion is great news for the city and wider region, providing local car buyers and owners with extensive choice, service and convenience at one highly accessible location”.

“We have the largest selection of new and certified approved used cars anywhere in the region.”

“Our focus is on providing motorists in Galway and surrounding counties with great choice and great brands under one roof.”

Speaking about Windsor’s expansion and the roll out of its MotorMall concept, Peter Nicholson, the company’s overall General Manager, said that they plan to open them across Ireland.

“We are delighted to open our second MotorMall and to expand our presence in Galway,” he said.

“Nothing like this exists in the region and it enables Windsor to deliver an exceptional level of sales and AfterCare service to new and existing customers”.

There are six brands to be found at the MotorHall, including used cars: Nissan, Renault, Dacia, Citroen, Mazda and Windsor Certified used cars.

Along with new and used cars, it also offers a range of new and used light commercial vehicles (LCV), which can be custom fitted out for businesses.

Fun-filled Ballinasloe basketball day to open regenerated courts

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April 25, 2022

galway daily news Plans for new sports facilities for Roundstone village

A fun-filled day of basketball will be held in Ballinasloe on Saturday April 30 at 12pm for the opening of regenerated courts at Hymany Park/Esker Fields.

Basketball Ireland are hosting the open day, and national basketball players will be in attendance.

Galway County Councillor Evelyn Parsons welcomed the regeneration of the existing neglected courts – which are now ready to be used by the community once again.

“This regeneration project certainly gives great hope as a great example of what can be achieved for communities by working together,” said Cllr Parsons.

“Thanks to the willingness and drive to make this regeneration project work from all involved, it has been delivered quickly and efficiently to a very high standard.”

The project was a cross collaboration between the Galway Local Sports Partnership, the community warden, the Housing Department of Galway County Council, OMW suppliers and Basketball Ireland, the national governing sports body who will be supporting the opening day.

“Recreation space for youth and our teens in particular is an urgent need I communicated to Galway County Council executive directly last year asking them to support funding and development of a skatepark and age appropriate accessible play equipment for the approx 2000 youth living and attending our town, and it is something I sincerely hope we can also achieve by groups working together in the near future,” added Cllr Parsons.

Mervue pupils take part in successful National Spring Clean

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April 25, 2022

galway daily news mervue pupils during national clean up in galway city

Pupils, parents and teachers at Radharc Na Mara NS in Mervue have taken part n a successful ‘National Spring Clean’ around the school’s grounds in the city.

The school teamed up with Galway City Council to take part in the initiative which saw a major clean-up of the area around the Walter Macken Road.

So far, 45 groups in Galway city have registered for the National Spring Clean – Ireland’s most popular and successful anti-litter initiative.

The campaign encourages everyone to actively participate and take responsibility for litter each spring by carrying out clean-ups in their own local areas.

Speaking about the clean-up, Tiarnan McCusker, Environmental Awareness Officer with Galway City Council, said that Walter Macken Road was mentioned in a recent IBAL survey as an area that was heavily littered.

“Galway City Council are reaching out to Schools, Residents Associations and community groups in areas mentioned in the IBAL report so that they can sign up to either National Spring Clean or indeed Galway City Councils own Community litter clean up program and do their own regular clean-ups,” he said.

“We are delighted to have collaborated with the ‘Picker Pals’ from Radharc Na Mara and the area is now looking clean and green again.”

To sign up to the National Spring clean visit https://nationalspringclean.org/

Galway researchers launch national remote working survey

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April 25, 2022

Researchers at NUI Galway have launched the annual remote working in Ireland survey which will gather data on employees’ experiences and preferences for remote working.

The third survey of its kind will explore how remote working has changed employees work and employment experiences.

It is led by Professor Alma McCarthy and Noreen O’Connor at NUI Galway, and Tomás Ó Síocháin and Deirdre Frost at the Western Development Commission.

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD welcomed the initiative and encouraged workers to take part in the survey.

She said that so much excellent work has been done in the last few years to support remote workers and employers and that it is imperative that momentum is not lost.

“The Government’s Rural Development Policy, Our Rural Future, clearly recognises the vital role that remote working can play in achieving balanced regional development” said Minister Humphreys.

“Remote workers support local economies and sustain communities, and I am determined to do all I can to encourage more to work remotely.

“This survey will help to ensure that we have the data to make the right decisions in this crucial area.”

Professor Alma McCarthy, Professor of Public Sector Management and Head of the J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics, NUI Galway, added that the 2020 and 2021 annual surveys were of huge interest to the public, with over 12,000 responses from employees who were working remotely.

“The findings have impacted policy including the national remote working strategy,” said Professor McCarthy.

“The way we work has changed dramatically since the Covid-19 pandemic. It is timely to capture the trends, preferences and career choice impacts two years on.”

The remote working study findings will be available to inform employers about employee experiences of remote working.

The research team will also provide recommendations for employers on how to better manage remote working following the Covid-19 crisis as well as more generally.

To complete the survey, visit https://bit.ly/remoteworkingsurvey2022

Parent’s room at UHG’s Neonatal Unit receives upgrade

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April 25, 2022

galway daily news neonatal unit university hospital galway

The Neonatal Unit at University Hospital Galway has upgraded a room used by parents travelling long distances to see their babies who are undergoing intensive care treatment.

The Neonatal Unit at UHG is the regional unit for the West and North West and cares for babies from as far away as Donegal.

Dr Johannes Letshwiti, Consultant Neonatologist at UHG, said that the distances involved means it can be difficult for parents to visit every day, particularly if their babies are in ICU for a substantial length of time.

“We care for babies who are born prematurely and the length of time babies spend with us ranges from 1 day to over 4 months,” sad Dr Letshwiti.

“Most of the infants who stay with us for a few months have birth weight less than 1500g and those born weighing less than 1000g stay even longer.

“Once the babies are stable we can arrange for them to transfer back to their local hospital for continued care whether that be to Letterkenny, Sligo, Mayo or Portiuncula University Hospitals.”

The parents’ room is located in the Neonatal Unit and has been decorated to be ‘as homely as possible’. It includes a resting area, a cot, a TV, telephone and emergency call bell.

“We also have a fridge and kettle for parents to prepare drinks or light snacks. We book the room on a daily basis depending on the needs of the parents of the babies in the unit at any particular time,” said Dr Letshwiti.

“Also, parents can spend a night in the room with their baby just before the baby goes home to help support their confidence, particularly for parents of babies who have been in hospital for a long time.

“It is like a stepping stone to going home and staff are available throughout the night to give a helping hand if it is needed.

“We are fortunate to have a parents’ room and we are grateful to the local businesses for donations which helped renovate the room.

“One room doesn’t meet the accommodation needs for parents living within the Saolta Group region who cannot commute on a daily basis to see their babies in the Neonatal Unit here in Galway, but it is a start.”

Back to back medical call outs for Aran Islands RNLI

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April 25, 2022

Galway Daily news Aran Islands RNLI carries out medical evacuation off Inis Meáin — Photo: Aran Islands RNLI

The Aran Islands RNLI lifeboat was put through its paces recently by back to back call outs for medical evacuations from the islands.

The two callouts occurred last Wednesday, April 20, when the lifeboat was dispatched to Inis Mór and Inis Meain.

The first call out came around 10am that morning, when the Coast Guard requested that the lifeboat assist with a man on Inis Mór who needed medical attention.

The man was brought to Kilronan Harbour by the local volunteer Fire & Rescue crew, and transferred aboard the lifeboat.

They then made directly for Ros a Mhíl Harbour, under good weather conditions, where an ambulance was waiting for the casualty.

After returning to the Pontoon at Inis Mór, the next call out came at 2:15pm, when the RNLI were requested to head to Inis Meain, where another man needed medical care on the mainland.

The boat launched under Coxswain John Ginely and headed straight for the island.

Once at the pier in Inis Meáin, the patient was helped aboard by the crew, before heading to Ros a Mhíl.

Speaking after the call out Aran Islands Coxswain John Ginely said “A busy day, but the crew responded without hesitation and we got both patients on their way as quickly as possible. We would like to wish them both a speedy recovery.”

As we head towards the summer months, could we remind everyone to always heed safety guidelines when visiting the Coast.”

“ Never swim alone and if heading out on the water, wear a lifejacket and always bring means of communication with you. Letting someone ashore know when you are due back.”

Over 2km of old water mains replaced in east Galway town

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April 25, 2022

Galway Daily news Water outages expected in Loughrea tomorrow

Major upgrade works to the water network in Ballygar have been completed in the past week, with over 2km of water mains replaced.

Irish Water has some 2.4km of aging, leak prone mains in the vicinity of the Pound Junction replaced over recent months.

The project was undertaken to cut down on the amount of water being lost underground from leaks.

It should also ensure that homes and businesses have a more reliable supply, less affected by outages from burst mains, Irish Water has said.

“Residents in this area will have noticed an immediate improvement in the consistency of their water supply as a result of the works undertaken,” said Gerry O’Donnell of Irish Water.

For years they were seriously impacted by frequent bursts but we are pleased to have now completed this essential project. We thank the locals for their patience and cooperation.”

“Irish Water and Galway County Council would also like to thank our delivery partners, Farrans Construction Ltd, for completing this project ensuring the operational performance of the road wasn’t impacted, for the benefit of our customers,” continued Gerry.

These works were part of Irish Water’s Leaks Reduction Programme, which is now in a new multi-year programme.

Between 2022 and 2024, the utility provider aims to invest a further €600 million in repairing and replacing old and damaged water mains around the country.

Gardaí formally end search after remains identified as missing Galway man

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April 25, 2022

Galway Daily news renewed focus in searches for missing Stephen Cunningham

Gardaí have formally identified missing Galway man Stephen Cunningham after remains found earlier this month have been identified.

The search for the 32 year old man has been formally stood down today following confirmation of his identity by forensic analysis.

Stephen went missing from his home in Ballybrit last November, and intensive searches in the weeks and months after came to focus on the Maam Cross area.

His body was recovered in the Maam Cross area on Saturday, April 9.

The discovery of clothes and shoes in the area not long before had brought new intensity to the searches.

A Garda spokesperson said today “Following the discovery of human remains in the Maam Cross area of County Galway on Saturday, 9th April 2022 and subsequent DNA analysis by Forensic Science Ireland, the missing person appeal for Stephen Cunningham has been stood down.”

Gardaí thanked the public for their assistance in the searches.

Planning permission sought for 240 bed Westside student accommodation

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April 25, 2022

Galway Daily news Plans approved for 240 bed student accommodation development

Planning permission is being sought for a 240 bed student accommodation development in the westside of Galway City.

Westside Shopping Centre Limited has submitted plans to An Bord Pleanála for a six to part-seven storey block of student accommodation on the Seamus Quirke Road.

The 0.54ha site of the project is located at the south-western corner of the shopping centre car park, which would also be realigned as part of this project.

The complex will also include a café/takeaway at the ground floor level, as well as a plaza area on the east of the site.

The main part of the roof area will also form communal open spaces for the students.

The development will result in the loss of 94 parking spaces from the car park, with 238 remaining afterwards.

In 2019, An Bord Pleanála granted another third party planning permission for the construction of a café that would result in the loss of 27 parking spaces from the same car park.

However, according to this application, that land has since been purchased by Westside Shopping Centre Limited, and if this application is approved, that project will not go ahead.

The student beds will be grouped into 32 clusters of four to eight beds, with each cluster having its own kitchen, and living/dining spaces.

The planning report submitted by the developer says that the complex will provide a “significant architectural uplift” to the area, with a contemporary building that will “juxtapose” with the surrounding context.

The application also states that there is significant pressure on student accommodation in Galway, and that the subject site is well positioned due to its proximity to NUIG.

The government’s National Student Accommodation Strategy (2017) states that 6,652 purpose built bed spaces will be needed for students in Galway alone by 2024, it also states.

The planning application has been submitted directly to An Bord Pleanála as a Strategic Housing Development, after first going through the consultation process for the SHD last year.

An Bord Pleanála is due to make a decision on this planning application by August 2 of this year.

City centre street closed this week

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April 25, 2022

A street in Galway City Centre will be closed for five days this week due to construction work taking place.

Galway City Council has ordered Newtownsmith closed from its junction with the R863, to the Mercy Convent car park.

The road will be closed 24/7 from Monday, April 25 through to Friday, May 27.

The closure is to allow for piling works for the installation of the Salmon Weir Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge.

Temporary diversion routes will be in place via Mary Street and Francis Street, local access will be maintained at all times.

Planning permission for the pedestrian and cycling bridge across the Corrib from Newtownsmith to Galway Cathedral/Gaol Road was granted in August of last year.

The 80m bridge will involve three spans across three waterways, Persse’s Distillery River (formally called Mill Race), the Lower River Corrib and Friar’s River (formerly called Waterside canal).

The three spans will be roughly 10m, 55m and 15m in length respectively, and upgrade works will also be required to the footpaths on either side of the bridge.

New Galway research proves Indiana Jones’ famous scorpion theory

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April 24, 2022

galway daily news scorpion in nui galway research 2022

Scientists at NUI Galway have shown, for the first time, that smaller species of scorpions are more venomous than their larger counterparts.

The researchers tested the theory from Indiana Jones which warned of the dangers of small scorpions, and that “when it comes to scorpions, the bigger the better”.

While it may have simply been a throwaway line from a film, the research shows there is truth to it.

The team of scientists at NUI Galway’s Ryan Institute put the quip to the test by analysing 36 species of scorpions to show that larger scorpions have less potent venoms and really are better in terms of avoiding a nasty sting.

The results of the research have published in the international journal Toxins.

It shows the smallest scorpions in their analysis, like the Brazilian yellow scorpion, were over 100 times more potent than the largest species they studied, such as the rock scorpion.

The potency pattern was not just about body size, but also pincer size.

Venoms found in species with the smallest pinchers were ten times more potent than species with the largest and most robust pinchers.

Dr Kevin Healy, Lecturer of Zoology at NUI Galway and senior author of the study, said that outside of entertaining movie trivia, there are good evolutionary reason to expect the results and important medical implications for such patterns”

“When we look at the most potent, and dangerous, scorpion venoms we find they tend to be associated with species such as the deathstalker which are relatively small.

“In contrast, the biggest species such as rock scorpions have venoms that are likely to only cause slight pain.”

Alannah Forde, an NUI Galway graduate student and lead author of the study, said: “Not only did we find that bigger is better – when it comes to people being stung – we also found that bigger pincers are better when it comes to assessing the danger level of a scorpion.

“While species such as large-clawed scorpion might be small to medium in size, they mainly rely on their large pincers instead of their relatively weak venom.”

Galway city tops leaderboard for vegan friendly restaurants

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April 24, 2022