Twelve years is a long time to give over to anything, even if its for something that you love.
But giving over a chunk of your life to difficult and potentially lifesaving work is something that demands recognition.
That was the case with the retirement of Dom Sharkey, who stood down from the Lough Derg RNLI after 12 years with the station earlier this year.
Dom, a carpenter and master craftsman who works in building and renovation is recognized as a valued member of the RNLI team at Lough Derg.
Following his final exercises at the end of February, the other volunteers held a surprise leaving party for Dom at Lough Derg Yacht Club.
There he was presented with a beautiful woodcut by artist Henri Bocxe of the lake he has spent so many years safeguarding.
Ger Egan, senior helm at Lough Derg RNLI said of Dom that he was a “committed and dependable volunteer, humble and selfless.”
“Totally focused on whatever challenges a rescue threw at him, he was a huge asset to have at Lough Derg RNLI and will be greatly missed”.
Dom’s calm and considered approach to the challenges faced by crew when out on a shout earned the deep respect of his fellow volunteers.
Many new crew have benefited from his in-depth knowledge of both the theoretical and practical essentials in being a lifeboat volunteer as well as his understanding of the delights and vagaries of the lake.
For his own part, Dom reflected on how much it meant to him to be a part of such an important and vital service, and the friends he made being part of the RNLI station crew.
But saying goodbye does not necessarily mean the end of things, and Dom did not rule out returning to the RNLI when his professional life was less busy.
Michael Snee (58) was found dead on Tuesday night having been seriously assaulted
The second suspected murder victim discovered in Sligo Town this week has been named as 58 year Michael Snee.
Gardaí have commenced two separate murder investigations into the deaths of Michael Snee (58) and Aidan Moffitt (42) who were both found dead this week.
Chief Superintendent Aidan Glacken of Sligo Garda Station gave a statement today on the status of the investigation into the violent deaths of two men.
Michael Snee was found dead by Gardaí at a private residence on the Connaughton Road late on Tuesday night following a 99 call.
The day prior, at approximately 8:30pm, Gardaí attended at a private residence at Cartron Heights following a call from a member of the public, where they found the body of 42 year old Aidan Moffit.
Aidan Moffitt (42)
Both men had been the subject of vicious assaults, and were found with serious injuries, according to the Superintendent.
Michael and Aidan were well known and respected in this community,” Chief Superintendent Glacken said. “They were assaulted and murdered in their own homes.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with their families at this time and indeed their friends and the wider community in Sligo.”
“Family Liaison Officers have been provided to both Michael and Aidan’s families and An Garda Síochána continue to provide ongoing support to the families.”
“I have commenced two separate murder investigations. A Senior Investigating Officer is in charge of each investigation supported by an incident room.”
“Substantial Garda resources are dedicated to these investigations with further support from Regional and National Units.”
“Both scenes have been sealed off and remain so, the Garda Technical Bureau are conducting a detailed forensic examination of each scene.”
A postmortem examination was carried out on Aidan Moffitt yesterday by the State Pathologist, and an examination on Michael Snee is expected to take place today.
“I am not releasing any details of the post mortem examination for operational reasons,” Superintendent Glacken said.
A man in his 20s was arrested shortly after 1:30am on Wednesday morning on suspicion of murder following the discovery of Michael Snee.
He remains in custody at Sligo Garda Station under section 4 Criminal Justice Act 1984.
The Superintendent said that no further comment would be made on that aspect of the investigation at this time, adding that Gardaí are continuing to keep an open mind.
“I would like to thank the community for their cooperation and assistance so far, information received from across the community continues to assist us in our investigation.”
“It is heartening to see such cross community support at this time. I continue to appeal to the public for their assistance in that regard.”
“We are actively investigating as to whether there is any hate related motive to these murders, An Garda Síochána will endeavour to seek out all the available evidence, and ultimately it will be for a Court to decide on the motivation behind these appalling crimes.”
Gardaí are also investigating whether Michael and Aidan may have met their attacker online.
“We continue to explore all the circumstances of these cases and are examining another recent incident which occurred in the Sligo area.”
“I am appealing to any person who may have been subject of any unwanted approaches or who was assaulted or otherwise attacked to contact the incident room at Sligo Garda Station.”
“I have a dedicated diversity team here, we need to hear from you, we are here to listen to you and we are here to support you.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Sligo Garda Station at the dedicated Incident Room phone number 071 9157088, the Garda Confidential Line phone number 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
“I would like to reassure the public that all any information received will be treated in the strictest confidence.”
“Finally, our thoughts and prayers are with Michael’s and Aidan’s families at this time.”
The two hospitals were also dealing with 57 confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of Tuesday evening, 50 in Galway and seven at Portiuncula.
Fortunately, the number of COVID patients in Galway’s hospitals has begun to decline again in recent days, after spiking in the wave after restrictions ended.
There are a total of six COVID patients being treated in the ICU in Galway, five of them at UHG and one in Ballinasloe.
The Easter Bunny is bringing a seasonal gift for visitors to Galway this year, as Aran Island Ferries recommences its award winning cruise to Inis Mór and the Cliffs of Moher.
Last year saw the ferry company add to its regular transport routes with a stunning day long, or even overnight trip to some of the most stunning locations in the west.
Setting off in the morning from Galway City, the tourist cruise of Galway Bay and beyond treats guests to the beautiful vistas of the west coast.
Awarded “Best Irish Experience 2021”, the cruise takes you to Inis Mór, the largest of the three Aran Island, to enjoy for several hours in the morning and afternoon.
The ferry will then return by way of the Cliffs of Moher, giving people a new way appreciate the staggering scale of Ireland’s most famous landmark, as the waterside wide truly puts the cliffs into perspective.
The new service received a “hero’s welcome” from Galwegians and visitors to the city alike when it was first introduced last year, said the company’s Marketing Manager Áine Mc Loughlin.
“The positive reaction and desire for the day out, was a huge motivator for the crew and has generated much demand for the season ahead”
The tourist experience was launched alongside the introduction of the Saoirse na Farraige, of ‘Freedom of the Sea’, Aran Island Ferries state of the art vessel, and Ireland’s largest domestic ferry.
A purpose built, 400 seater passenger ferry, it offers a 90-minute luxury cruise on Galway Bay showcasing the contrasting beauty and scenery of the spectacular Wild Atlantic Way.
Photo: Boyd Challenger
Voyagers can also take in the beauty of all of the Aran Islands, as it sails past Inis Oirr and Inis Meáin before docking in Kilronan on Inis Mór.
There, visitors can enjoy several hours enjoying the hospitality of the islands, taking in stunning vistas from Dun Aenghus, watching the waves crash at the Wormhole.
Or just sit some food and a pint while basking in the island life, snacking on Aran Islands Goats Cheese, and some of the freshest seafood in the world.
There is onboard audio commentary for guests to learn about the culture and heritage of the Aran Islands, the nature and beauty of Galway Bay, the Wild Atlantic Way and the world renowned Cliffs of Moher.
For people who want to turn their day trip into a staycation, there is a wide range of accommodation options on Inis Mór, with the option of catching your return ferry the following day.
Aran Island Ferries route from Galway City, now in its second year will run from Good Friday, April 15, through to the end of September 2022.
Eyre Square Shopping Centre has been sold for more than nine and a half million euro.
The Irish Times reports that the shopping centre, which went on sale last August attracted a price of €9.575 million.
The sale was handled by Colliers investment management company on behalf of its US owners Marathon Asset Management.
The final price reported by the Irish Times is significantly less than the €12.75 million price advertised for the property.
The shopping centre, which saw more than 270,000 people passing through a week back in 2019, is part of a larger complex together with Corbett Court and Edward Square Shopping Centres.
While the total complex comprises more than 70 stores, this sale was confined to eight retail units, common area / mall units and control of the centre.
This includes units rented by brands such as JD Sports, Vero Moda, and Diesel, and a currently vacant corner unit.
A number of common area units over two floors, made up of multiple short and long term
rolling licence agreements for various kiosks, store rooms, telecoms masts and general mall income, are also part of the package.
The prime retail units take in €869,200 per annum, with another €160,202 from common area units, giving it an annual income of €1,029,402.
A man in his 20s has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a body was found in Sligo Town on Tuesday night.
Gardaí were called to an apartment at Connaughton Road, Sligo at approximately 10:30pm yesterday.
The body of a man in his late 50s had been found at the apartment with significant injuries.
“This scene remains preserved and the Garda Technical Bureau will conduct technical and forensic examinations at the apartment,” Garda statement said.
“The man’s body remains at the scene at this time and a post mortem will be carried out later today which will assist in the course of the criminal investigation.”
Following this discovery, and intense local enquiries, Gardaí assisted by the Armed Support Unit arrested a male in his early 20s at around 1:45am in Sligo Town.
“This male is currently detained under the provision of section 4 Criminal Justice Act 1984 at Sligo Garda Station.”
“Gardaí in Sligo are appealing for any person with any information on this incident to make contact.”
Investigating Gardaí can be contacted at a dedicated phone number at the incident room in Sligo Garda Station at 071 9157088, the Garda Confidential Line phone number 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
This is the second murder investigation in Sligo Town this week after the body of Aidan Moffitt was found in his home at Cartron Heights on Monday.
Gardaí said yesterday that they are investigating whether there was a hate related motive in the death of the 42 year old man, and whether he may have met his killer online.
Galway County Council has approved plans to replace a former bar and nightclub in Tuam with with a modern new apartment building.
P&C Investments Ltd has been granted planning permission to knock part of the former Sportman’s Inn bar and lounge, as well as part of the attached Cuba nightclub.
In its place, the developer intends to build a four storey apartment building, containing eight apartments, with access from the Circular Road.
Planning permission for the development was granted by the County Council with a total of 14 conditions attached.
A qualified archaeologist must be employed to monitor all ground works on site, and report on any archaeological material found.
The front bar area of the former Sportsman’s Inn on the ground flood will not be demolished, but instead converted to a commercial unit.
It is also proposed to add a second storey extension to this area, to use an an apartment along with the converted first floor.
The two shops next to the former pub would be amalgamated into one larger retail unit under the plans, and alterations will be made to the apartments on the upper floors.
The new four storey apartment building was redesigned after the council raised issues with its bulk and density.
The council had requested that the top floor, containing two apartments, be removed entirely.
But revised plans were instead submitted removing part of the floor, with the remainder not visible from Vicar street. This would allow it to keep the apartments, now reduced to one-bedroom units.
Galway Senator Pauline O’Reilly criticised the “dangerous language” referring to fascism in the debate over abortion safe-access zones legislation.
The Green Party Senator said that accusations of fascism showed why such legislation and safe zones are necessary for women.
The Safe Access to Termination of Pregnancy Services Bill 2021, sponsored by Sinn Fein Senator Paul Gavan, passed its final stage in the Seanad last week.
During the debate on the bill, Senator Ronan Mullen said on more than one occasion that the proposal was “flirting with fascism”, and also accused it of having a “radical marxist revolutionary” element as well.
He said that the bill was prohibitive of people’s right to freedom of speech.
Senator O’Reilly was deeply critical of this kind of language, adding that the people expressed their will in the 2018 referendum, and that the majority of government and opposition supported creating safe access zones.
“In all of the contributions where dangerous language is being used around fascism and all of those things it shows that this is exactly what can happen when one does not have safe access zones.”
“We have seen it in the US. We need to stop and ensure that our society does not turn into that.”
“People have had their say, we had a referendum in 2018, and regardless of what one’s views are on that, I believe that we are united, certainly across Government, when it comes to safe access zones, and across the majority of the Opposition.”
The bill is meant to prevent anti-choice activists from protesting outside healthcare facilities offering abortion services.
It would create a 100m safe access zone outside of any premises offering pregnancy or contraceptive services.
Several amendments to the bill put forward by Senator Sharon Keoghan, and seconded by Senator Mullen, were rejected at the debate.
Galway TD and Minister of State Anne Rabbitte stood in for the Minister for Health as the bill passed the Seanad on Thursday.
She said that the government would not be accepting any of the amendments to the bill proposed that day.
The bill passed the Seanad at the end of the debate, and will proceed to the Dáil stages.
Liam Mellows Statue, Eyre Square. Photo: DazW-Dub, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Sinn Féin are planning to host events multiple events commemorating the Easter Rising in Galway over the coming weekend.
The party’s main Easter Commemoration will take place in Eyre Square, at the Liam Mellows Statue, starting from 3pm on Easter Saturday.
A number of wreath laying events will also take place from Thursday, April 14 through to Monday, April 18 in Oranmore, Athenry, Loughrea, Clifden, Tullycross, Ballinasloe, and Caherlistrane.
Other Easter Rising commemoration events will also take place in towns, villages, and cemetery’s across the county.
“Easter is a special time for Irish Republicans, and County Galway was one of the principal areas that rose in 1916 in defence of the Irish Republic,” a spokesperson for the party said.
Sinn Féin has always honoured the men and women who sacrificied all in pursuit of freedom and a Sovereign Independent Irish Republic.”
“Even during Covid restrictions, commemorations were organised online. This year we are pleased and proud to hold a series of physical commemorations at Easter once again.”
The full schedule of the party’s commemoration events planned for Easter weekend is:
Déardaoin – Thursday – 14/04/2022
12:00pm – Irish Unity Tree planting, Cill Bhriocáin, Ros Muc
7:00pm – Wreath laying at Joe Howley Statue, Oranmore
Dé hAoine – Friday – 15/04/2022
5:30pm – Wreath Laying at William Freeney’s Grave, Teampall Geal, Athenry
6:30pm – Wreath Laying at Fr Michael Griffin’s Grave, Loughrea Cathedral
7:30pm – Commemoration at Woodford Cemetery
Dé Sathain – Saturday – 16/04/2022
12:00pm Wreath laying Castegar monument 3:00pm Easter Commemoration, Eyre Square, Galway. Main Speaker Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire T.D.
Dé Domhnaigh – Sunday – 17/04/2022 Connemara
12:00pm Easter Commemoration, Teach an Phiarsaigh, Ros Muc. Main Speaker Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire T.D.
2:00pm Wreath laying, Ardbear Cemetery, Clifden
3:00pm Wreath laying, Thomas Whelan Statue, Clifden
5:00pm Wreath laying, Tooreena Cemetery, Tullycross
East Galway
2:00pm Wreath laying, Creagh Cemetery, Ballinasloe
12:00pm Easter Commemoration in Athenry Cemetery (meeting at 1916 Commemorative Garden first at 11.45)
The overall level of compliance with regulations at the Acute Adult Mental Health Unit at UHG dropped in the latest inspectors’ report.
The Mental Health Commission gave the AAMH unit at University Hospital Galway a 94% compliance rate for 2021 in the most recent report, down more than 10% on the previous year.
The report noted one high risk area of non-compliance, as well as multiple moderate risk concerns.
The highest risk concern raised in the inspection related to risk management, with not all health and safety risks being monitored and documented.
It singled out a lack of documentation or monitoring on the potential risk that can from removing bathroom en suite doors.
This was also singled out as a moderate area of non-compliance for negatively affecting patients privacy and dignity, as single bedrooms do not have locks on the inside.
Dr Susan Finnerty, Inspector of Mental Health Services, said, “It is concerning to see that doors to en suite bathrooms in the Adult Acute Mental Health Unit in Galway were removed without due regard to residents’ privacy and dignity.”
“While the reasons for the removal may be to mitigate a risk, this was not balanced with residents’ right to privacy and dignity.”
The centre had a multi-disciplinary team which included the disciplines of psychiatry, nursing, psychology, occupational therapy, social work, dietetics, and pharmacy.
However, a psychology post has been vacant since March 2021, and there was no date for a replacement.
At the time of inspection, the arrangement was that the community treating team’s psychologist attended to the needs of the centre’s residents.
The other moderate risks found related to transfer of residents, register of residents and the code of practice on admission, transfer and discharge to and from the centre.
The Adult Acute Mental Health Unit at University Hospital Galway is located on the grounds of the hospital site.
The centre is registered for 50 beds and consists of four separate suites: Hazel, Ash, Holly, and Oak.
The latest inspection by the Mental Health Commission was carried out over November 16-19 last year.
The 83% compliance rate found in the latest inspection was down from the 94% rating it received the previous year, but still an improvement on 2019 & 2018.
One ‘Immediate Action Notice’ regarding individual care plans issued after the 2020 inspection was found to have been addressed in the latest report.
Numerous quality initiatives were also highlighted by the Mental Health Commission report, such as model with the aim of reducing conflict, improving safety, and enhancing nurse-resident relationships.
Multi-disciplinary staff from the centre were trained in ‘Decider Skills’ to enhance their therapeutic skill set.
‘Decider Skills’ uses cognitive behaviour therapy to enhance how young people and adults monitor and manage their emotions and mental health.
One hundred and seventy local projects across Galway will receive funding under the 2021 Community Activities Fund, the government announced this morning.
Over €286,000 was allocated to groups across the city and county, with Ballybane Community Resource Centre, Let’s Get Talking, and SVP’s Croí na Gaillimhe centre receiving €15,000 each.
Outside the city, the highest allocation was €4,500, for Mountbellew Community Centre and Ballinasloe Town Hall CLG.
The 2021 Community Activities Fund was launched in November 2021 with funding of €9 million available.
The fund supports groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, with their running costs such as utility or insurance bills, as well as with improvements to their facilities.
Announcing the successful projects for County Galway today, Minister Humphreys said that through ‘Our Rural Future’, she wants to support locally led, ground-up projects in local communities across Ireland.
“This funding is all about giving a helping hand to our local groups and clubs, which have continued to serve their community during COVID-19,” she said.
“While these grants are small in nature, they can make a big difference by allowing local community organisations to carry out much-needed works in their area.”
Minister Humphreys added that as we make our way out of the pandemic, she hopes this funding will allow these community groups to continue their great work.
“This funding also builds on the over 8,000 projects already supported under my Department’s Community Enhancement Programme over the last number of years.
“I would like to thank Galway County Council and Local Community Development Committee for their assistance in administering this fund.”
A list of the successful projects in County Galway can be found here.
Aldi has today announced that it sourced over €16 million of locally produced food and drink from Galway-based suppliers in 2021.
The German supermarket chain partners with twelve Galway producers including long-term relationships with Arrabawn Dairies and The Foods of Athenry.
Last year Aldi began working with four Galway suppliers for the first time, including Sronna Teoranta and Wildfolk.
Niall O’Connor, Group Managing Director of Aldi Ireland, said that their goal is to make a positive impact in every local community that our stores serve.
“Our operations and stores contribute to businesses, communities and families right across Galway,” he said.
“We have invested over €42M in our Galway stores over the last number of years, while we sourced more than €16M of locally produced food and drink from Galway based suppliers last year.
“Multiple local charities have also availed of our support through our FoodCloud partnership and Community Grants initiative.”
Operating nine stores in Galway, Aldi employs 209 full time staff, spending €6.5 million on wages annually. All available opportunities can be found on the Aldi Recruitment website.
Galway Chamber CEO Kenny Deery is set to walk 2,000 km over the next six months to help raise funds for people impacted by severe drought and hunger in Kenya.
Kenny will be taking part in a range of half-marathons, as well as walking the Camino de Santiago in northern Spain for a period in May.
The money raised will go to support Self Help Africa’s work with the Baringo Project in Kenya which supports 60,000 farming families and their children to grow food in hot and dry conditions.
Baringo is an area that is very prone to drought where food insecurity remains a huge challenge, especially among women and children.
This is further exacerbated by climate change and extreme weather conditions which generate severe droughts.
This year Self Help Africa will be targeting water sources to help local communities and the charity has begun setting up irrigation kits in places like schools to ensure the resource is used effectively.
Quality seeds and planting materials will also be provided along with nutritious schools meals, the construction of school kitchens and the supply of soap and other sanitary supplies.
“I have some friends who are involved with Self Help Africa and when they started to describe the situation in Baringo I was deeply moved,” said Kenny Deery.
“They have been through so much in recent years including drought, flooding, locust infestations, instability and were also significantly impacted by the pandemic.
“Women and children have been particularly affected and that has had severe implications on the levels of malnutrition and hunger experienced by these people.”
Kenny said that he wanted to see what small part he could do to help, so he decided to try to raise some funds for the project.
“I’ve committed to undertaking 2,000 km over the next six months,” he explained.
“Hopefully this activity will raise some much needed funds for the people of Baringo and it will assist more families, schools and communities to get access to the food and support they will need to better insulate themselves against future droughts or other extreme weather conditions.”
Homelessness and housing charity Galway Simon Community is calling on people across the West to take a ‘Dip a Day in May’ in support of those facing homelessness.
The charity is encouraging people to take advantage of the finer weather coming into summer by taking a dip each day at their nearest beach, lake, river or pier as part of their challenge.
Everyone is invited to take part throughout May and funds raised will go towards safeguarding Galway Simon Community’s essential frontline services.
Karol Cooke, Community & Events Executive at Galway Simon Community, said that it is a simple initiative where people are asked to take a dip, and call on their friends, family and colleagues to show their support by sponsoring them.
“It’s the perfect opportunity to boost your well-being while also helping to make a real difference in the lives of people who are at risk of, or experiencing homelessness during these difficult times”, Karol said.
As high rents and a severe lack of affordable accommodation continue to drive people into homelessness, Galway Simon is seeing increasing demands on their services.
“Every day, our frontline services are supporting people who are having to make difficult sacrifices, placing them at risk of homelessness, due to the financial strains that they are under,” added Karol.
“We need to ensure that we can be there for as many individuals and families as possible and that is why we are calling on the support of those in our community to get involved in the ‘Dip a Day in May’ challenge.”
With the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions, Galway Simon is planning ‘The Big Dip’ on Saturday, 28 May, when all participants can come together in-person for tea/coffee and a chat.
Karol said this will be a great chance to gather in person having not being able to do so for the last couple of years.
To take part in the ‘Dip a Day in May’ challenge, visit https://galwaysimon.ie/events/dip-a-day-in-may/ and join Galway Simon’s dedicated Facebook group where you can virtually meet other participants, get tips, and be inspired.
Galway Simon are encouraging people to take pictures of their #DipaDay and to tag them on social media throughout May. For more information, get in touch with Karol on 091 381828 or email karol.cooke@galwaysimon.ie.
Galway Hospice has warned that there are people calling door-to-door in the county purporting to be raising funds in aid of the hospice.
Galway Hospice says that it does not permit or support door-to-door collections at any time.
In a statement, Galway Hospice said that if someone calls to their door that they do not know collecting for the hospice, “please do not donate.”
If this happens, people are urged to contact their local Garda Station immediately with a description of the person collecting.
A number of fundraising events are held by Galway Hospice throughout the year, such as its Sunflower Days street collections, which could not take place for the past two years due to the pandemic.
The criteria for the work permit system in Ireland needs reviewing to deal with a shortage of workers in the hospitality sector, Galway TD Noel Grealish has said.
Speaking in the Dáil, Deputy Grealish said that after two years of restrictions, the hospitality sector is facing a “new and significant” challenge to its recovery in the form of staff shortages.
Nine out of ten businesses are reporting staffing issues he said, citing Fáilte Ireland research, with as many as 40,000 vacancies nationwide.
“These vacancies are across all departments, including chefs, kitchen staff, front-of-house staff, waiters, waitresses, housekeeping staff and receptionists.”
Deputy Grealish said that a catering company in Galway has 15 vacant positions, with no applications for of the available jobs.
“The work permit system should be looked at to enable the hospitality sector to secure essential workers and to help our economy to recover as quickly as possible.”
“Difficulties organising visas, long processing times and many vacancies in job categories that do not meet the criteria need to be reviewed to help our economy in the short to medium term.”
“Another significant issue is accommodation, with many hotels setting aside a certain number of rooms for workers. This takes capacity out of the tourism sector,” Noel Grealish added.
He warned that a lack of staff for hospitality businesses could have a serious impact on tourism, and the success of Galway’s many festivals over the summer.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin responded that the government is responding to the labour shortage through expanded work permits, and upskilling programmes.
“A number of occupations in the hospitality sector have been removed from the ineligible occupations list and are eligible for the general employment permit,” the Taoiseach said.
He said that access to work permits was expanded to all grades of chef in 2019, with 400 such permits expedited in last year.
The Taoiseach said that there are currently 827 applications by chefs in the queue for work permits, with 749 in the standard queue and 78 in the trusted partner queue.
“We will do everything we can to accelerate the work permit process to meet a genuine shortage in the hospitality sector. There is no doubt about that.”
Noel Grealish said that hotels and restaurants are struggling to get many different types of front line-staff, not just chefs but also “ordinary kitchen staff, waiters, waitresses and reception staff”.
“They cannot even get them within the EU, never mind outside it, because of the difficulties with work permits.”
Taoiseach Martin said that Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has trebled the number of staff working on processing permit applications, to cut down on waiting times.
Minister Catherine Martin announced the approval of a Language Plan to promote the use of Irish on the Aran Islands today.
The Aran Islands will have €300,000 in funding each year to assist in the implementation of the plan over its seven year lifetime.
The Minister made the announcement during a visit to Inis Oírr along with Minister of State with responsibility for the Gaeltacht Jack Chambers.
This means that the language plans for all 26 Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas have now been approved.
“There has undoubtedly been a considerable milestone reached with the approval of this language plan,” Catherine Martin said.
She added that “Its approval signifies that all Gaeltacht areas are now either implementing their language plans or ready to begin implementation.”
“With the funding which has been made available for the language planning process rising gradually since its inception, the implementation of the process has been going from strength to strength to the benefit of the Irish language and the Gaeltacht.”
There is a total of €5.8 million available to support the language planning process in Ireland this year, an increase of €800,000 on 2021.
Galway City has been named as a Gaeltacht Service Town under the language planning process, while Loughrea is one of five Irish Language Networks approved by Foras na Gaeilge.
Minister of State Chambers said that it’s a “real cause for celebration” that all Gaeltacht areas now have language plans approved.
“This means that the three Aran islands and Údarás na Gaeltachta, with the help of my Department, can now undertake the next steps without any further delay”.
“I congratulate everyone – the people of the islands, the lead-organisations and the committees – who played a part in all the work involved in the preparation of the plan.”
He indicated his intention to organise visits to the two other Aran Islands, Inis Meáin and Inis Mór, in the near future.
Work is due to begin on the construction of a new Bullaun National School before long, with the appointment of a contractor for the project.
Galway East TD Ciarán Cannon said that the Minister for Education has confirmed the appointment of Coolsivna Construction for the project.
The Mountbellew based construction company has previous history with a number of school construction and extension projects in Galway.
When completed the new school building will have eight classrooms for primary level students in the east Galway village.
Deputy Cannon said that this was very positive news for the community in Bullaun.
“This is fantastic news for the board of management and the who school community, the parents, the teachers, and most of all the young people of Bullaun.”
He thanked the BoM and Bullaun National School principal Fergal Connaire “all of whom have been working so hard over the last number of years” on this project.
