Foster care allowance must be increased says local TD

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April 21, 2022

Galway Daily news missing teen found safe

Gardaí in Sligo have confirmed this morning that a man who was attacked in broad daylight on Tuesday has died at Beaumont Hospital in Dublin.

Emergency Services attended the scene at Rockwood Parade, Sligo shortly after 6pm, and treated a man (late 30s) for a head injury.

He was taken to Sligo University Hospital before being transferred to Beaumont Hospital in Dublin, where he has since died.

A postmortem will be carried out, and its results will direct the investigation going forward.

Gardaí are asking anyone in the vicinity on Tuesday evening from 5pm to 6.15pm, or who may have camera footage or dash cam footage from the location at the time, to make it available to them.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Sligo Garda Station (071) 915 7000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.

County Council approves plans for backup gas power plant

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April 20, 2022

Galway Daily news Galway sports clubs share in €2.5 million energy costs support

Galway County Council has approved plans to build a backup gas power plant at Tynagh, between Loughrea and Portumna.

The council has okayed plans by EP Energy Developments for an Open Cycle Gas Turbine power plant, with associated infrastructure, at the site of Tynagh Power Station.

The plant is meant to operate as a “peaking plant”, providing additional capacity at times when the grid is strained due to high demand.

It will primarily burn natural gas, but will also have the capacity to run on locally stored distillate fuel.

The plant will have a total of 12 permanent staff, divided into three administrative staff, and three shift of three operatives each.

The developer also says that some 200 jobs will be supported during the construction phase of the €110 million project.

The plant will operate up to a maximum of 1,500 hours each year, calculated on the basis of the four hour high-demand period each day, from 4pm-8pm.

Information submitted by the developer at the request of the county council states that there is flexibility within this for lower demand in summer, and greater need during winter.

There were a total of 16 submissions made to the county council related to this project, raising a significant number of objections.

Concerns were expressed about the potential visual and noise impact from the plant, as well as the potential effect of emissions on human health.

A large number of objections were also raised based on Ireland’s climate obligations, arguing that building a fossil fuel plant is not compatible with climate goals.

In their application, EP Energy has stressed that the National Development Plan calls for the delivery of an additional 2GW of conventional electricity generation to support the transition to a predominantly wind and solar based grid

Planning permission was granted by the county council with a total of 27 conditions attached.

The council ordered that the maximum output of the peaking plant shall be 299MW, which was already what the developer said it would be.

One condition stipulated that power plant will have an operational life of 25 years, after which all structures must be removed, and the site reinstated in a plan to be agreed with the council.

In additional information which was submitted to the council the developer said that the 25 year operational life it aimed for was based on the design.

This would include regular reviews to identify potential modifications which could extend its operational life, but this would be subject to further approval from the council.

Galway GAA launching new mental health campaign

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April 20, 2022

Galway Daily sport Galway GAA launching new mental health campaign

Galway GAA are launching a new partnership with the HSE to promote mental health and wellbeing.

The ‘West be Well’ campaign is a collaboration between the Community Healthcare West and the GAA’s Connacht Council.

One of the first initiatives of its kind, it promotes timely, safe, evidence-based mental health messages.

The campaign also spotlights local and national mental health supports and services run by the HSE, or other state-funded organisations.

Other actions running as part of West be Well will include mental health and suicide prevention education and training programmes and events.

Galway GAA chairperson, Paul Bellew stated that the campaign builds on the already strong relations they have with the HSE.

“It is an opportunity for both organisations to assist our communities and members by raising awareness of this magnificent resource.”

“Our Galway Health and Wellbeing committee have been very active since its establishment promoting wellness, good health and inclusiveness for our clubs and communities and this resource assists them to assist clubs who may be seeking assistance.”

West be Well will run across a multi-channel digital platform incorporating Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts as well as its recently redesigned website www.westbewell.ie.

Breda Crehan-Roche from the HSE highlighted the fact that the GAA is “active and respected” in communities across the country, and “appreciates the importance of health and wellbeing”.

Michael Geraghty Galway football Chairperson noted the platform’s “abundance” of safe mental health messages.

He also highlighted the directory of supports and services, which makes it an “ideal reference point” for people who need information or help.

Iggy Clarke, Chairperson of Galway GAA’s Health and Wellness committee, said that the campaign builds on the work they have been doing with clubs and communities.

He describes the website as a wonderful resource, featuring detailed sections on health and wellbeing, anxiety and grief as well as a page dedicated to young people and mental health issues.

City Council announces programme for Decade of Centenaries finale

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April 20, 2022

Galway Daily news Closing out the Decade of Centenaries in Galway City

Galway City Council has confirmed a number of events planned for the Decade of Centenaries celebrations which will take place this year.

The council was awarded €50,000 in January to put on community led events this year, the finale of the decade the commemorates the most significant period in Irish history.

The Decade of Centenaries programme was launched in 2012, to highlight the economic and social conditions of the period, the shifts in cultural norms, and the experience of the Irish abroad, as well as the massive events that ended in Irish Independence.

It encompasses the different traditions on the island of Ireland and the initiative provides opportunities to focus on the everyday experience of ordinary people living in extraordinary times, as well as on the leaders and key actors in these events.

It also aims to offer fresh insights and constructive dialogue, and to foster deeper mutual understanding among people from the different traditions.

The Decade of Centenaries further provides an opportunity to focus on the development of access to historical records and primary sources from the time period, and for working with local and national cultural bodies to bring forward a diversity of exhibitions and public discussions.

Following the funding announcement in January, Galway City Council put out an open call for project proposals, the following of which have been confirmed.

The finalised dates and times of the coming events will be announced by the council in due course.

1922: Nora Barnacle and James Joyce – The Galway Story. An evening of readings, conversation and music highlighting Nora Barnacle, her life in Galway and her role in the Joyce odyssey.

Participants include Nuala O Connor, author of Nora: A Love Story of Nora Barnacle and James Joyce, and Ray Burke the author of Joyce County, a book which is being re-issued in 2022 with illustrations by Joe Boske.

Nora-themed music by the Mannions and Emily Greaney, from the 1921 project, will enhance the evening’s celebration. In addition to this various book clubs events will be hosted both online and in-person during April in our city Libraries.

1922: A Dialogue through Poetry and Music will be a collaboration between 3 Poets and Musicians commissioned to create new poetry and musical works on the theme of 1922.

These Poets and Composers/Musicians, representing the various districts in Galway City will collaborate and participate in this innovative project to create new poetry and musical work with emphasis on a cultural and social Ireland of the period…Sport, Creative Thinkers, Art, Fashion, Entertainment, Communication and Emigration.

The combination of words and music is aimed to lead us past the hard politics of the era to reflect more on a social, cultural and creative Ireland and, in doing so, combine the past with the present and the local with the national.

Galway Hooker ‘Truelight’, the last Claddagh workboat built – An exhibition to showcase the Galway Hooker ‘Truelight’, the last Claddagh workboat built at the Spanish Arch, Galway in 1922 and an event of historic talks on the role of the Claddagh workboat to the outbreak of the Civil War and the foundation of the State.

The Irish Civil War: The Galway Centenary Conference – Through a diverse range of topics with music and prose an environment will be created for reflection providing a more sympatric understanding of all those who took part in the event regardless of whichever side people took.

The programme also examines, one hundred years on from the Civil War, what are the lessons of the past and how we can avoid repeating them in the future.

Ó Máille & Mellows exhibition – Galway City Museum is planning to curate a temporary exhibition that examines the tragedy of the Irish Civil War through the personalities of Pádraic Ó Máille and Liam Mellows, whose lives and fates were intertwined.

More broadly, the exhibition will look at the Irish Civil War, with particular focus on key events in Galway, city and county.

It will be supported by an event(s) that explores the lives of Ó Máille and Mellows and their fervent and sincere beliefs in their stances regarding the Anglo-Irish Treaty in order to better understand both perspectives.

Gardaí in Galway, 1922–2022 exhibition – Galway City Museum in partnership with the Galway Division of An Garda Síochána and Galway City and County Councils will deliver the “Gardaí in Galway, 1922–2022”exhibition.

This exhibition will give an insight into the founding of An Garda Síochána; how An Garda Síochána has contributed to building a safe and peaceful society in particular as it relates to County Galway and how members of An Garda Síochána contribute to the local areas in which they work and live.

It will also show the changing roles of An Garda Síochána over the past 100 years. It is envisaged that a temporary exhibition will be on display at Galway City Museum in May and June 2022, and that a touring version of the exhibition will travel the county in the second half of the year.

Galway Snapshots 1922 – Galway Snapshots will present everyday scenes from life in the city in 1922. Taking reference from contemporary photographs, the project will re-create iconic heritage images of Galway.

The technique and methods for making the environments/images will be informed by the local film industry where the “Sets” will be propped and dressed to look exactly as they might have been at the time.

Using heritage buildings and streetscapes that still exist an authentic live picture of that space in 1922 will be made real. The Snapshot project will provide Artist led ideas with unique images for worldwide dissemination of social and worldwide media.

Commemoration of the execution of Liam Mellows – The Heritage Office of Galway City Council is commissioning a piece of music to commemorate the execution of Liam Mellows.

This will be developed as a lament for the Civil War dead and four poets are to be invited to respond on the theme of commemorating all those from Galway City who died during the Civil War.

A YouTube video/short film and a booklet will be produced which will provide a permanent record of the creative process. The music would be performed in the Town Hall or City Hall in December 2022.

Why the Four Cs Matter When Shopping for Diamond Jewelry

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Angela Mc Bride

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April 20, 2022

For centuries, people have revered diamonds for their beauty. Even today, diamonds are still one of the most expensive and intricate gemstones on earth. Gemstone dealers and jewelers classify diamonds using the four Cs — cut, carat, clarity, and color. Do you know why they matter? A piece of diamond jewelry can cost thousands of dollars. So, before parting ways with your money, you should know some basic facts about diamonds.

Each diamond is unique

Like snowflakes, diamonds are unique. They come in different sizes and shapes. Their internal properties vary, too. Some diamonds are whiter, while others appear brownish or yellowish. You can find clear diamonds like crystals, but some look cloudier.

The diamond industry has a standard way of grading every diamond gemstone. Several establishments certify gems, and they evaluate a diamond using the standard parameters listed below.

Cut

The cut of a diamond is the top parameter describing the proportion and symmetry of the stone. It considers whether the top or bottom of the stone is cut too shallow or too deep. When poorly cut, the diamond’s brilliance becomes lower. As a result, the stone may appear darker. Conversely, a diamond with an excellent cut will appear bright and radiant. You can read more at willyou.net/blog/4cs.

Color

Diamonds have color, and the most valuable is the white or colorless diamond due to its scarcity. Colorless diamonds have either a D, E, or F classification. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) assigns the color grade for every piece of diamond. But do not be confused because some diamonds have colors, such as yellow, blue, and pink, which have a different grade classification. The complete color grade chart for diamonds starts from D to Z, with D indicating that the diamond is colorless.

Carat

Carat is the unit of measurement that establishes the weight of the gem. One carat (ct) is 200 mg. The larger the stone, the more expensive it will be. However, the price of a piece of diamond jewelry will still depend on the other Cs.

Clarity

Diamonds may have external marks or blemishes and internal features or inclusions. The GIA describes the diamond’s clarity by grain lines, clouds, cleavages, feathers, fractures, cracks, and crystals. These are the flaws affecting its clarity. If the diamond has fewer flaws, its price becomes higher. Despite lowering the cost of the stone, these natural flaws are also your assurance that the gemstone is authentic and genuine. The minute blemishes and inclusions will not affect how the diamond will look to the naked eye.

You can have your money’s worth for clarity if you get diamonds with SI1 or SI2 on the grading scale. Essentially, you should look at the locations of the inclusions or blemishes. If they are on the sides and the prongs can cover them when the stone is set, you will have an excellent piece of diamond jewelry that costs less.

Conclusion

The four Cs are critical when shopping for diamond jewelry. Although carat weight is vital, do not forget that cut, clarity, and color are indispensable to the gemstone’s quality too.

Candlelit vigil to take place in memory of Kate Moran

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April 20, 2022

Galway Daily news Memorial service Portiuncula Hospital

A candlelit vigil will take place in Athenry tonight in memory of Kate Moran, who tragically lost her life following an accident during a camogie game.

The vigil is being organised by Athenry Camogie Club, where Kate was a celebrated and much loved member.

The vigil will take place at Kenny Park in Athenry, on Wednesday night at 9pm.

“We wish to extend an invitation to all sports clubs to join us this evening,” Athenry Camogie Club said.

A book of condolences will be open at the entry gate to the part, for members of the public to express their sympathies.

Kate Moran received a head injury in an accident while playing a game against Ardrahan on Monday.

Her death game as a shock to the community, and tributes were paid yesterday to this incredible camogie player.

Among her achievements, she won two All-Irelands while playing at the U16 level with Galway.

Athenry Camogie Club praised her as a “tremendous role model” for younger players, a leader on and off the pitch whose “bubbly personality” will be remembered by those who knew her.

RNLI rescues lone skipper stranded on Lough Derg

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April 20, 2022

Galway Daily news RNLI rescues lone skipper stranded on Lough Derg — Photo Credit: RNLI/Eleanor Hooker

The Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat came to the aid of a lone skipper whose boat had run aground on a shoal over the weekend.

Last Sunday the lifeboat crew were called out shortly before 8pm in response to reports of a 30ft cruiser stuck on the rocks inside Red Island.

When they sighted the boat, the crew took soundings off their bow as they were well aware of the extended shoal inside Red Island.

As they approached they noticed that the skipper on the casualty vessel was signaling with a light, waving and calling to them.

Unable to make out what he was saying, the lifeboat asked Valentia Coast Guard for the skipper’s mobile phone number and called him.

A crew member assured him that, even though it appeared they were sailing away from him, they were just following a safe route to his location, so they didn’t end up on the rocks themselves.

By 8:30pm, the lifeboat was alongside the stricken cruiser, and determined that the skipper was unharmed and wearing his lifejacket.

After checking to see that the boat wasn’t holed, it was decided to take it off the shoal due to the secluded location and falling temperatures at nighttime.

The boat was taken off the rocks, and made its way back to Mountshannon Harbour under its own power.

Christine O’Malley, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Lough Derg RNLI advises boat users ‘if you are alone on the water, tell someone your plans and what time you expect to arrive at your destination.”

“Remember to carry up to date charts of the lake and do not venture off the main navigation channels”.

€10,000 prize for best dressed at Galway Races Ladies Day

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April 20, 2022

Galway Daily lifestyle €10,000 prize for best dressed at Galway Races Ladies Day

The best dressed woman at Ladies Day in this year’s Galway Races could take home a whopping €10,000 cash prize.

The Best Dressed Lady competition has a new sponsor for this year’s races with the Connacht Hospitality Group.

The overall best dressed lady will win €10,000, with another €3,000 cash prize up for grabs for whoever has the Best Hat.

The Connacht Hospitality Group and Galway Races have announced a three year partnership for the Ladies Day competitions.

This will start with the much awaited return to festivities at Ballybrit this summer, when the races of old return after two years of closed doors and limited crowds.

Eveanna Ryan, Director and Sales and Marketing for the Connacht Hospitality Group said that this is an exciting partnership for them.

“The Connacht Hotel has always been synonymous with the Monday racing for a number of years with our continued sponsorship of the QR handicap, but this partnership will give us the opportunity to showcase the entire group.”

“We could not ask for a better team to work with than Michael, Sinéad and the team at the Galway Races and we are really looking forward to this year’s festival”.

The Connacht Hospitality Group is a family run Galway business that comprises of a bevy of well loved hotels and bars across the city.

Judging the Best Dressed Lady competitions on the day is Head Judge and well-known stylist Mandy Maher who will be joined by the Galway Player, Kieran O’Malley, Digital Marketing Manager for the CHG.

Mandy Maher said, “I’m honoured, overwhelmed and super excited to the Head Judge at this year’s Best Dressed Lady at the Galway Races. I can’t wait to see all the glamour and style back at Ballybrit”.

Public information event today for Clifden Flood Relief Scheme

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April 20, 2022

Galway Daily news Public information event today for Clifden Flood Relief Scheme

A public information event on the Clifden Flood Relief Scheme will take place later today.

The county council is inviting the public and Clifden stakeholders to submit feedback on what the scheme needs.

The event will take place at the Station House Hotel from 1p to 7pm today.

Feedback can be given directly to project representatives, or through forms which will be provided at the event.

Clifden has repeatedly been affected by heavy flooding in recent years, with the most notable recent events occurring in September of 2020, when heavy rain caused the Owenglen River to burst its banks.

Jacobs Engineering Ireland have been appointed by the county council and OPW to devise a flood relief scheme for Clifden.

The project is currently at Stage 1: Scheme Assessment, Development, and Design.

Tributes paid following death of Athenry Camogie player injured in match

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April 19, 2022

Shock and sympathy has been expressed today following the tragic death of Athenry camogie player following an accident during a match.

Kate Moran, who was a member of Athenry Camogie Club, was taken to hospital after sustaining a head injury in a camogie match against Ardrahan yesterday.

News of her death was announced this afternoon, after a mass was held for her this morning.

Athenry Camogie Club said that the death is a great tragedy for Kate’s family, and all the community.

“Today we learned of the death of our dear club-mate, Kate Moran,” a statement from the club on social media said.

“This is a terrible tragedy for her family, our club and our community. We are deeply saddened by these events.”

“Our sympathy and thoughts are with the Moran family and friends. Kate will be greatly missed by all who knew her.”

Athenry Camogie Club also celebrated Kate as an extremely accomplished player, who was treasured on and off the pitch.

“Kate began playing with Athenry Camogie Club at underage level and quickly progressed to Senior A level with great distinction.”

“She holds a Feile, Minor County and Intermediate County title. She played in a club All Ireland Intermediate final. She won two All Irelands at U16 level with Galway, both titles she was incredibly proud of.”

“She was a tremendous role model for our many underage players and a wonderful leader both on and off the field of play. Her bubbly personality will be remembered for eternity.”

Sylane Hurling & Camogie Club have also expressed their sympathies to Kate’s family, and all at the club who knew her.

It is understood that Kate’s family have requested that their need for privacy be respected at this time.

Turf sale ban must not go ahead says Galway TD

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April 19, 2022

galway daily news turf ban galway ireland

Roscommon-Galway TD Claire Kerrane has spoken out against proposals to ban the commercial sale of turf later this year.

She said that the plan is yet another sign that the government is out of touch with rural communities and the cost of living crisis.

The Sinn Féin TD said that many rural communities rely on turf, which has been one of the few forms of heating not to see prices spiral in recent months.

She argued that it will punish communities which rely on turf, instead of introducing measures to support communities in transitioning away from this form of heating in a way that is fair and sustainable.

“The refusal of Government to take any action on assisting households with rising home heating oil only leaves rural households even more vulnerable,” said Deputy Kerrane.

“Like the unfair carbon tax, their policy on turf hits those on lowest incomes and in rural areas hardest while failing to go after the major polluters.

“Climate change is one of the biggest issues facing our planet and I am concerned that ill-thought out policies like this damage environmental protection by alienating communities. We must ensure that communities can support climate action in a fair and workable way.”

Deputy Kerrane said that the Government could have identified several years ago the homes which use turf, to ensure that they received adequate support to help them with a fair transition.

But she said that instead, they failed to do so and have now gone straight to this punitive measure.

“The Government has been in chaos about whether they will introduce this policy or not. In the last twenty four hours, we’ve had two very differing views from two of the three leaders in Government. This flip-flopping on what their intentions actually are is unhelpful. Their in-fighting and deflection is failing people in rural communities.

“Government must also acknowledge that for many, turf is not simply a source of heating, it is part of rural life.”

Events planned across Galway for Darkness into Light

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April 19, 2022

galway daily news darkness into light 2022 galway — Kylemore Abbey DIL committee members pictured at the Galway launch of Darkness Into Light 2022 at Kylemore Abbey. Darkness Into Light 2022 will take place on May 7th. Sign up at www.darknessintolight.ie. Photo (l to r): Séan King; Niamh Philbin; Gemma Coyne; Conor Coyne (Executive Director, The Kylemore Trust); Patricia Joyce; Inez Streefkerk.

Nineteen events are planned in Galway for this year’s Darkness Into Light, the annual fundraising event organised by Pieta.

Supported by Electric Ireland, the event will take place as the sun rises on Saturday, May 7 in 17 countries across five continents.

The fundraiser will start at sunrise and continue through to dawn to symbolise the journey from despair to hope.

The Galway launch of Darkness Into Light took place at Kylemore Abbey, which will host its first Darkness into Light walk.

Speaking at the launch, Conor Coyne, Executive Director of the Kylemore Trust, said they are honoured to play host to Darkness Into Light for the very first time.

“The last few years have taken their toll on every household, village and town in the country and this type of community activity is more important than ever,” he said.

“We encourage people from near and far to join us, or any of the other locations, in getting involved. Let’s show our support for Pieta this May and welcome in a sunrise with thousands of others around the country.”

Calling on people to sign up at www.darknessintolight.ie, the organisers are reminding participants that by signing up to the event, they are making a valuable contribution to helping raise funds for Pieta’s life-saving work in therapy and support services for those impacted by suicide.

In 2021 alone, the 24/7 Pieta Helpline received almost 100,000 calls and texts and close to 2,000 crisis calls and texts each week. In response, each month, the team at Pieta provides over 4,000 hours of suicide and self-harm crisis therapy.

Call for government to take control of Derrybrien wind farm

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April 19, 2022

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

The wind farm at Derrybrien should not be decommissioned, a Galway TD has said.

Independent TD Seán Canney said that at a time when we need security of electricity supply, it is ‘unbelievable’ that the ESB are to decommission the 70 wind turbines in Derrybrien.

The wind farm has been generating 59.5 mw of green electricity and has been delivering renewable wind energy to power homes, businesses and farms since 2006.

Deputy Canney said that Derrybrien Wind Farm is a ‘vital component’ in the delivery of renewable wind energy and that the Government should not allow it to be decommissioned.

“The Government should take control of the project in the public interest,” said Deputy Canney.

“The Government need to look at the planning situation with substitute consents to ensure we save this project.”

The Independent TD said that the environmental damage must also be considered should the 70 wind turbines be removed, including the risk of further peat slides.

“Common sense needs to prevail, and it is imperative that we retain our renewable wind energy sources to ensure a secure affordable supply of electricity for our citizens.”

AtlanTec festival to mark 8th anniversary

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April 19, 2022

galway daily news atlantec festival announced in galway

AtlanTec festival will mark its eighth anniversary in Galway next month, where ethical hacking and social engineering will be discussed along with the use of AI and robotics in farming.

The theme of this year’s festival is ‘The Art of Digital Acceleration’, and will be held in person and virtually from 16 to 20 May.

The attendance is expected to exceed last year’s festival, which had a global audience of over 3,500 people.

Among the speakers participating in AtlanTec 2022 will be ethical hacker Freaky Clown, author Charles Leadbeater, and consultant Alexandra Deschamps-Sonsino.

The festival is generously supported by the AtlanTec Cluster including start-ups, SMEs and global organisations such as Avaya, Cisco, DXC Technology, Ericsson, Fidelity Investments, Genesys, HPE, IBM,itag Skillnet, NUI Galway, State Street, Storm Technology and many more.

Speaking about the upcoming festival, Karl Gaffney, Avaya & Chair of the itag AtlanTec festival said they are excited about the programme that is being put together.

“There certainly will be something for everyone – covering every aspect of technology, from the Future of Software Development, to Sustainability and everything in between,” he said.

“Be it agile, big data, climate, cyber security, ethical hacking, quantum computing, sports tech and much more, if it’s relevant to tech then we have it covered. We will have speakers and topics that will appeal to all interests and all levels – from experts to those with only a passing interest in tech.”

People can register their interest to attend the events at www.atlantec.ie

Conservation funding for archaeological monuments across Galway

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April 19, 2022

Galway Daily news Conservation funding for archaeological monuments across Galway

Galway City and County will receive €363,000 for the conservation and promotion of a number of archaeological monuments this year.

Minister of State Malcolm Noonan announced today that €6 million has been awarded to a total of 128 projects around the country under the Community Monuments Fund.

The main aims of the Community Monuments Fund are the conservation, maintenance, protection and promotion of local monuments and historic sites.

In Galway a total of nine projects have been approved for funding under the three streams of the fund.

Under Stream 1, offering grants of up to €85,000 for conservation and essential repairs, two projects by the city council have been approved funding, and three by the county council.

There has been €85,000 allocated for work on Terryland and Merlin Castles, and another €85,000 for Menlough/Menlo Castle.

St. Kerrill’s religious house at Clonkeenkerrill in east Galway has also been granted €85k, while €50k will be spent on Abbeygormacan in east Galway, and €80k on Kilclooney Castle in Milltown.

Stream 2 of the fund offers grants of up to €30,00 for conservation management plans and approving public access, with three projects in the county approved funding.

Issertkelly Church and Graveyard, located between Ardrahan and Kilchreest, has been allocated €29,109 in grant aid.

The county council will also receive €16k for Killeroran Church and Graveyard in Ballygar, and €15k for St Mary’s, Athenry graveyard.

The final stream of the fund offers up to €30,000 for enhancement of access infrastructure and interpretation of monuments, including online projects.

Just one Galway project qualified under this stream, with €3,000 awarded for Tuam Market High Cross.

Minister of State Malcolm Noonan said that these awards will help deliver the commitments in the new national heritage plan launched earlier this year.

“It will provide further supports for communities and custodians and the heritage sector, for archaeologists, conservation architects, stone masons, and other professional trades.”

“These projects will also help build resilience against extreme weather and mitigate the impacts of climate change, a priority action embedded in our Climate Adaptation Plan.”

The Community Monuments Fund was first established under the Jobs Stimulus Package in July of 2020.

In its first year it received €1.4 million to distribute, increased to €4.2 million last year, and now at €6 million.

The fund is administered through the National Monuments Service of the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage, working with local authorities.

Approval sought to convert shuttered Miss Selfridge to restaurant use

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April 19, 2022

Galway Daily news Approval sought to convert shuttered Miss Selfridge to restaurant use — The now vacant premises at Edward Square were formerly a Miss Selfridge store up to 2019.

Planning permission is being sought to convert the former Miss Selfridge store in Galway City Centre to restaurant use.

Camiveo Ltd, the operators of Edward Square Shopping Centre, are seeking approval for a change of permitted use of the now vacant unit.

Miss Selfridge in Galway was one of the first casualties among retail outlets in Ireland when its UK parent company, Arcadia Ltd, ran into financial problems in 2019

Almost 500 people in Ireland lost their jobs when retail outlets for Topshop/Topman, Miss Selfridge and elsewhere were affected when Arcadia later went into liquidation.

Work on the change from a clothing store to restaurant use would include installing an extraction pipe at the rear of the premises.

A decision on this planning application is due from Galway City Council by May 10 of this year.

Knock Airport allocated €4.76 million in funding

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April 19, 2022

Galway Daily news €5 million funding for Knock Airport includes state of the art screening system

Ireland West Airport at knock has been awarded €4.76 million in funding this year under the Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025.

Galway TD and Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton has today announced a total of €16.4 million for five airports, with Shannon Airport also receiving €4.34 million.

Deputy Naughton said that today’s announcement builds on “unprecedented” support for the aviation sector during the COVID-19 crisis.

Last year alone saw €161 million in funding allocated to Ireland’s airports. “I am delighted today to be building on this commitment, as Irish aviation enters the recovery period,” Hildegarde Naughton said.

“Today’s announcement represents Government’s commitment to continue to support Ireland’s regional airports to remain financially sustainable as they prepare for growth into the future.

“This capital funding will support a great number of safety and security related capital projects, ensuring that airports can continue to remain compliant with regulatory requirements in these areas.”

A significant number of the projects approved this year have a focus on sustainability, through initiatives such as installing solar panels and energy efficient LED lighting.

Proposals also include replacing airport vehicles with electric models, and installing EV charging points.

Airports eligible for funding under the Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025 will also be able to apply for operational grant-aid later this year.

This €22 million pot is aimed at supporting air traffic control, fire services and security related operations.

Galway TD criticises lack of clarity on number of vacant properties

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April 19, 2022

Galway Daily news Galway TD criticises lack of clarity on number of vacant properties

The lack of clear figures on just how many vacant properties there are in Galway and around the country is a hindrance in the housing crisis, a Galway TD has said.

Mairéad Farrell said that the state needs to get to grips with vacant and derelict properties, and create a proper register of them.

Speaking in the Dáil, she said that while the Irish Times reports that there are 45,000 vacant or

“Some say they are too high while others say they are too low. Some say that the GeoDirectory database from which these figures are often drawn is not accurate enough.”

“Why, after more than a decade of a housing crisis, can we not say with certainty what the figure for vacant properties across this State actually is?”

“Why do we not have a property register for vacant and derelict properties? It is absolutely remarkable,” Mairéad Farrell said.

“I often raise this with the local authorities in my area when trying to find out the exact number of vacant properties but they find it difficult to tell me.”

Minister of State at the Department of Housing Malcolm Noonan acknowledged that many cities, towns, and villages are facing the “blight” of vacant properties, which could bring new accommodation and vibrancy to urban areas.

“The Government does not want to see habitable properties lying idle while people are homeless or living in unsuitable accommodation.”

He said that progress has been made on this issues, with the launch of the Town Centre First policy in February, that will take a whole of government approach to regenerating town centres.

“Under the TCF approach, there will be a preparation of town centre plans to identify challenges, actions and integrated responses across a number of themes, including business, commercial, community, cultural, housing, built environment and heritage.”

A number of pathfinder towns will be identified across the country to pilot this approach, he said.

The Minister also highlighted the repair and leasing scheme, which provides funding for private and public property owners to bring vacant properties back into use for social housing.

Beyond this, the buy-and-renew scheme supports local authorities in purchasing vacant homes to repair and utilise.

“Consequently, the scheme is particularly focused on older vacant homes to help tackle the problem of dereliction and to improve the appearance of the built environment in the community.

“Some 735 homes have been delivered through this scheme for social housing purposes since its introduction in 2016.”

Galway-Roscommon TD Denis Naughten said that there is something “fundamentally wrong” with a country in the midst of a housing crisis, which still has 90,000 vacant homes.

“The Northern and Western Regional Assembly has identified 44,905 residential and commercial premises that are empty in the five Connacht counties and the three Border counties of Donegal, Cavan and Monaghan.”

“This is one third higher than Ireland’s total national annual housing requirement of 33,000 homes.”

The housing crisis is not just about a lack of houses, he said, but about failing to get families into empty homes in towns and villages.

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April 19, 2022