Senator Seán Kyne has urged people to check their passports and apply on-time for renewals and particularly for first time applications.
The Galway senator has said that Covid has meant that many people didn’t renew their passports over the last two years, leading to a backlog in the processing of applications.
“First time applications are taking up to 35 working days to process, where documentation is in order,” he said, but if there are errors then processing times are increased.
“One of the issues that has arisen relates to the signing of consent forms by parents in the presence of a Garda, with 2 different dates provided on the form leading to a new form request.”
Similarly, ‘Passport Express’ applications can be difficult to expedite individually as they are stored in bundles of paper files, for security reasons.
Senator Kyne urged people to use the online passport service, apply in time, check consent form, signatures and dates.
“Extra staff have been hired by the Passport Service to deal with the increased workload but the pent-up demand for holidays and the Covid backlog means there are increased demands which the service is trying to deal with,” he said.
Gardaí and the Road Safety Authority are appealing for people to slow down this Bank Holiday weekend, as road fatalities have risen drastically this year.
There have been a total of 50 deaths from 49 crashes in Ireland up to today in 2022, far higher than the 27 road deaths in the same period last year.
Roads over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend have also gone up in recent years, with the four deaths in 2021 at least twice of what was seen in any of the preceding five years.
Galway TD Hildegarde Naughton, Minister of State at the Department of Transport, said that the increase in road deaths this year is deeply concerning.
“We must all take action to reverse this trend by taking greater care when using the road – especially over the high-risk Easter Bank Holiday period.”
“Four people died and eight were seriously injured over the Easter bank holiday last year,” Minister Naughton added.
“That means as drivers, we have a responsibility to slow down, to never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, never to use our phones or drive while tired, and always to ensure that everyone in our vehicle wears their seatbelt.”
While the RSA and An Garda Síochána have issued a general appeal for road users to take greater care on the road this weekend there will also be focus on drug driving.
An Garda Síochána figures for the full year 2021 saw over 3,300 arrests for Drug-Driving. There have been 768 arrests for the same this year, up to March 31.
Assistant Commissioner, Paula Hilman said that enforcement over the weekend will focus on the four ‘lifesaver’ offences of speeding, drink/drug driving, not wearing a seat-belt, and using a mobile phone while driving.
Mandatory Intoxicant Checkpoints will be operating across the country as part of this operation.
“Don’t ever drive under the influence of an intoxicant. If you drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs you risk losing your licence,” she said.
“Our priority is to keep people safe, so I would ask you to please make responsible decisions this holiday period and don’t ever drive under the influence of an intoxicant.”
Mr Sam Waide, Chief Executive of the RSA said that at the current pace, Ireland could hit 180 road deaths by the end of the year.
This would be the greatest number of people killed on the road in the past decade.
Three of the 10 best restaurants in all of Ireland are located in Galway City according to the latest McKenna Guide.
The annual 100 Best Restaurants in Ireland from Sally and John McKenna was published recently, and the foodie capital of the west came out looking well.
There is a big difference between this year’s 100 Best Restaurants guide and previous entries, with merit based ranking for the very best of the best.
Previous year’s grouped the top 100 by region, without singling out which were better than others.
But for 2022, Sally and John McKenna have put together a “definitive, merit-weighted list” of the 10 best restaurants in all of Ireland.
Galway performed well on this list, with Kai coming in 4th place, followed by Aniar in 7th, and finally Éan bakery & restaurant placed 9th in the country.
Aniar recently retained its Michelin Star in the latest guide, while both Kai and Éan are Michelin Bib Gourmand eateries, for providing world class food at affordable prices.
This list also highlights how women have stormed the restaurant scene in Ireland, both as chefs and owners of some of the country’s best establishments.
Kai
Many voices have sang the praises of Kai and its chef/co-owner Jess Murphy, both of which have won too many awards to list in one article entry.
The McKenna Guide calls Jess “a symbol of generosity” among the restaurant community, for her willingness to experiment, and share the results with her colleagues.
Kai restaurant
“She is a model for other female chefs, proof that talent and amiability will succeed in a male-dominated business. She is the new Myrtle Allen, someone who always has an eye on the greater good.”
“In short, she’s a star, one of the great restaurateurs. And Kai is one of the most beloved restaurants in the country, the home of wonderful west-coast cooking by a truly talented crew.”
After a decade of blowing minds and taste buds, JP McMahon is still wringing new flavours out of local ingredients, and keeping the restaurant experience fresh.
The McKenna praises Aniar for turning simple ingredients into “marquee performers”, leaving diners with an unforgettable experience.
Aniar
“McMahon’s particular signature is his coastal cooking, and no one expresses better the glory of wracks, kelps, oysters, scallops, sea buckthorn and eels, and does so in such a particularly Irish way: the dish of oysters with sea lettuce is a defining modern Irish creation.
“Choosing the wine pairings allows the finesse of each course to stand out, and service from the kitchen brigade and the front of house team is exemplary.”
Christine Walsh, an alum of the Michelin Starred Loam restaurant, heads the kitchen at Éan, which is also owned by Loam’s Enda McEvoy and Sinead Meacle.
But Éan is no knock-off experience, as Walsh has made the kitchen her own, with completely unexpected, but always welcome, original plates.
Éan Bakery, Restaurant, and Wine Bar. Photo: Éan via Facebook
“Walsh is taking McEvoy’s terroir palette in new directions, and right from the first gush of Lissadell oyster with frozen kimchi, the cooking has an electrifying energy, girded by ley lines of interlinking flavours that transmit an intense experience straight to the nervous system.”
“Walsh’s flavour conduits are unexpected: katsuobushi with squid toast, smoked bone marrow with raw beef, preserved lemon with farm salad, raw honey with cheese, and the conduits slam the flavours and textures right into your consciousness.”
These three were far from the only places in Galway to make the cut in the 100 Best Restaurants in Ireland.
Among the rest of the McKenna Guide, also singled out as unmissable dining experiences were the casual but breathtaking Ard Bia at Nimmos; the farm-to-plate Basilico in Oranmore; the easy to miss, but impossible to overlook Lignum; and the much feted Loam.
Going outside of traditional Irish fare, Wa Sushi takes fish and shellfish from Galway Bay to create an experience new to most local palettes; and the renowned West restaurant located in Barna’s Twelve Hotel
A pan-European project led by NUI Galway has reached a major milestone in strengthening the continent’s pandemic response.
The PANDEM-2 Project aims to help future proof the EU against the next potential pandemic by improving member states to respond together.
The two year project was awarded €9.7 million by the European Union, and involves academic and private sector partners in multiple countries.
A significant milestone in the project has been the launch of the first version of ‘Pandem-source’, an IT solution that will enable countries and health organisations to share data in real time.
Pandem-Source is open-source and designed to meet the specific needs of public health agencies, governments and international organisations such as the ECDC and WHO.
It enables real-time pandemic-relevant data from international systems (ECDC, TESSy), laboratory systems, social media and other systems to be easily integrated.
Professor Máire Connolly, PANDEM-2 Coordinator at NUI Galway said “I would like to acknowledge all partners involved in achieving this major milestone in the PANDEM-2 project.”
“COVID-19 has affected every corner of society and had devastating health, economic and social impacts on countries worldwide.”
“In the event of a future pandemic, we hope that the Pandem-Source tool will play a role in the conversations that public health experts and policymakers are having.”
“Pandem-Source will provide them with the comprehensive, accurate, up-to-the-minute data that they will need to make better decisions.”
Pandem-Source will feed into the upcoming ‘PANDEM-2 Dashboard’ where its components relating to situational awareness will be further developed through state-of-the-art visual analytics.
This aims to combat the deficiencies in pandemic response revealed by COVID-19, where nations largely acted individually for a lengthy period of time in Europe.
These technologies are being created and produced by project partners and experts in the field including Epiconcept (France), UCLouvain (Belgium), Clarisoft (Romania), and NUI Galway (Ireland).
‘Pandem-Source’ is available to download here, feedback is welcomed and can be sent to info@pandem-2.eu.
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.
