Successful public meeting builds momentum for ‘Julia Morrissey Bridge’

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April 1, 2022

A successful public meeting was held as part of the ‘Julia Morrissey Bridge’ campaign by Éirígí For a New Republic this week.

The meeting in Áras na nGael on Dominick Street in Galway City was attended by around thirty people.

The campaign is calling for Galway’s new pedestrian and cycle bridge, adjacent to the existing Salmon Weir Bridge, to be named in honour of 1916 veteran Julia Morrissey.

The campaign includes an online petition, which has been signed almost 400 times.

The meeting was chaired by Éirígí Galway representative, Ian Ó Dálaigh and addressed by guest speaker, Jamie Canavan.

Jamie is a PhD student in NUI Galway whose thesis, which is sponsored by the Irish Research Council, examines foster care in 20th century Ireland.

Her talk included some background on both Julia Morrissey and the Cumann na mBan movement in Galway during the revolutionary period.

Canavan spoke about the contrast between the role of women during the revolutionary period, and the treatment of women following the counter-revolution of 1922.

Speaking after the meeting, Ian Ó Dálaigh said that this is the first public meeting they have organised in Galway since before the pandemic, so “it was very encouraging to see a large crowd gather to discuss the Julia Morrissey Bridge campaign.”

“Many thanks to our guest speaker, Jamie Canavan, for her brilliant contribution,” he said.

For Éirígí, it’s really important that we try to honour a forgotten hero of the 1916 Rising – a Galway native and Cumann na mBan commander who, like so many other women, have been airbrushed out of history.

“We also want this campaign to spark a conversation about both the role of women during the revolutionary period, and about the nature of the counter-revolution that took place in Ireland 100 years ago.”

Croí Corrib charity cycle returns in June for the 28th year

By

Michael Malone

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April 1, 2022

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Heart and stroke charity Croí has announced that registration is now open for the 28th annual Croí Corrib Charity Cycle.

The cycle will take place on Sunday, June 12th with the cycle starting and finishing in the picturesque village of Maam Cross.

People can register now at www.croi.ie/cycle to support Croí’s fight against heart disease and stroke, and all funds raised will go directly to supporting the charity’s services for patients.

Cyclists will have three scenic routes to choose from – 40km, 80km and a 110km – that will all start and finish within the grounds of Peacockes Hotel in Maam Cross.

The 40km, suitable for beginners or a light cycle, will depart from Maam Cross, heading towards Leenaun and turning back again towards Maam Cross.

The 80km route will take cyclists from Maam Cross, towards Leenane, along Loch na Fooey, towards Finny, Clonbur, Cornamona and finishing back in Maam Cross.

The difficult, advanced-level 110km route will take cyclists along a similar starting route before venturing to Toormakeady, Maumtrasna, Clonbur and returning to Maam Cross.

Christine Flanagan, Croí’s Fundraising Director, said that she is delighted to return to their new route in Connemara this year following the success of last year’s cycle.

“We’re so grateful to the cyclists who return year-after-year to take part in aid of Croí – this cycle is synonymous with Croí and one of our longest running events,” said Christine.

“All funds raised are vitally important to us to ensure that we can continue our work at Croí, leading the fight against heart disease and stroke in the West of Ireland.”

The registration fee is €50, with cyclists to fundraise an additional €50 before the event. Roadside assistance, support vehicles, refreshment stops and post-cycle food will be provided on the day, with safety precautions uppermost in mind.

All registered cyclists will receive a specially-designed Croí cycle jersey, water bottle and face covering, as well as being entered into a raffle to win a fantastic cycling equipment package to the value of €1,000 courtesy of West Side Cycles. Register now at www.croi.ie/cycle

For more information on the work of Croí, visit www.croi.ie, or follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @CroiHeartStroke.

Galway restaurants invited to sign up to Dining Week

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Michael Malone

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April 1, 2022

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Restaurants in Galway are being invited to sign up to Dining Week, a new hospitality incentive taking place from 19 to 28 April.

Using a new booking platform ‘Early Table’, the ten-day promotion will give a much-needed boost to the restaurant sector after two years of lockdowns.

Over 130 restaurants nationwide, from bistros to fine dining, have already registered to make the most of the opportunity to see their business benefit from a package of promotions aimed at filling tables at quiet times.

Dining Week is supported by the Restaurants Association of Ireland and Fáilte Ireland, with over 300 restaurants expected to take part.

Diners who book early via the Early Table platform will receive a 25% discount on their food, filling tables that would otherwise sit idle.

Restaurants load tables onto the Early Table platform according to how many extra customers they want to attract on that given day or night.

Through a comprehensive marketing and PR programme, Dining Week will be promoted to over 1 million potential diners, across media, broadcast and online.

James Lenehan, the entrepreneur behind the new Early Table dining platform, said: “We are delighted to announce the launch of Dining Week and would like to thank the Restaurant Association, Failte Ireland and WorldPay for their support for this new industry initiative.

“We believe a nationwide Dining Week event is long overdue and we hope it can become an annual showcase for the Irish restaurant sector, encouraging people to explore new tastes while saving 25% off their food.”

To participate in Dining Week, contact: mason.mcgovern@earlytable.ie / 0857306327 or visit: https://diningweek.ie/

New Galway Poetry Trail plaque to be unveiled on Church Lane

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Michael Malone

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April 1, 2022

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A plaque featuring the poem ‘All in Together’ by Patricia Forde will be unveiled on Church Lane next Wednesday as part of Cúirt International Festival of Literature.

The plaque will be unveiled by Ronnie O’Gorman of The Galway Advertiser at 1pm at the Market Street end of Church Lane.

The poem describes the games that Patricia Forde and her friends played in the area and on the traffic-free streets of Galway city when they were young.

All are welcome along to the unveiling of what will be the 27^th plaque on The Galway Poetry Trail – a series of plaques dotted around the city which feature pieces of writing about the places in which they are situated.

Plaques can be found in locations such as on the wall of The Crane Bar (featuring the poem ‘the Crane Bar Galway by Tom French), on Wolfe Tone Bridge (‘Bright City’ by Moya Cannon), Nimmo’s Pier (‘Galway’ by Louis McNeice) and outside Tigh Neachtain (‘The Kasbah’ by Gerard Hanberry).

The Galway Poetry Trail is organised jointly by Kennys Bookshop and Galway City Council and in conjunction with Cúirt International Festival of Literature and has been added to annually since the first plaque was installed in 2005.

A list of the plaques and their locations can be found in Kennys Bookshop, Liosbán, or by visiting kennys.ie/galway-poetry-trail

Returning players boost Connacht for Benetton URC match

By

Briain Kelly

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April 1, 2022

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Galway Daily sport Connacht announce lineup for Bennetton URC match — Photo: INPHO

A number of changes have been made to the starting Connacht lineup for this weekend’s game, after a disappointing outing against Leinster.

Connacht have been boosted by a number of returning players for this Saturday’s away game against Benetton in the URC.

Long-term absentees Gavin Thornbury and Dylan Tierney-Martin are back with the squad, taking their place on the replacements, but with the expectation that will feature in the game.

Thornbury, who was one of Connacht’s stand-out players in 2020/21, has yet to play this season due to a long-term shoulder injury.

Similarly Tierney-Martin has been absent for four months following a hamstring injury in a club game.

Irish internationals Finlay Bealham and Mack Hansen have also been welcomed back into the fold, with the pair coming straight into the starting XV.

Bundee Aki is also back from his international obligations, but having only resumed training on Tuesday, is not in the lineup for tomorrow.

Bealham is joined by Matthew Burke and Dave Heffernan in the front row, while the other change in the pack sees Leva Fifita come in to partner Niall Murray in the second row.

The back row sees Paul Boyle start at number 8 alongside flankers Cian Prendergast and Conor Oliver.

Captain Jack Carty is again alongside Kieran Marmion in the half-backs, while Sammy Arnold comes in at inside-centre to partner Tom Farrell.

Hansen is named on the left wing with John Porch on the right wing and Tiernan O’Halloran at full back.

Head Coach Andy Friend said that the return of Finlay, Mack, Dylan and Gavin is a “welcome boost” at the right time for the province.

“For Gavin and Dylan in particular they’ve worked incredibly hard to get back to full fitness for this key block of games, supported by our excellent medical team.”

“We fully appreciate the challenges we face in reaching the URC playoffs now, but the best preparation we can have for the Champions Cup games is to go to Italy, put in a performance good enough for a win, and keep ourselves in the hunt for a top 8 finish.”

Speaking earlier this week, Friend acknowledged that they’re “licking out wounds again” heading to Benetton.

But he said that despite this, and while wary of the Italians’ strengths, he knows what the team is capable of, and that they can get a win.

Connacht and Benetton will meet at Stadio Monigo this Saturday, April 2

Number/Name/Caps
15. Tiernan O’Halloran (202)
14. John Porch (53)
13. Tom Farrell (74)
12. Sammy Arnold (34)
11. Mack Hansen (9)
10. Jack Carty (174) (C)
9. Kieran Marmion (203)
1. Matthew Burke (35)
2. Dave Heffernan (159)
3. Finlay Bealham (169)
4. Niall Murray (31)
5. Leva Fifita (10)
6. Cian Prendergast (25)
7. Conor Oliver (36)
8. Paul Boyle (71)

Replacements
16. Dylan Tierney-Martin (1)
17. Greg McGrath (5)
18. Tietie Tuimauga (8)
19. Gavin Thornbury (58)
20. Abraham Papali’i (21)
21. Caolin Blade (145)
22. Conor Fitzgerald (47)
23. Sean Masterson (16)

Connemara hotel housing Ukrainian refugees “who need our hospitality most”

By

Briain Kelly

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April 1, 2022

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Galway Daily news Connemara hotel converting to centre for Ukrainian refugees

The popular Peacockes hotel in Connemara has announced that it will be converting to an accommodation centre for Ukrainian refugees.

In an announcement on Wednesday, Peacockes said that it would not be reopening for guest today as planned.

Instead, they would be providing accommodation to “those who need our hospitality most” for the coming months.

Ireland has welcomed an estimated 15,000 Ukrainian refugees since the start of the Russian invasion five weeks ago.

“It has a been a difficult decision to make, but Peacockes Hotel will not be reopening to the public this Friday as we had been planned,” the hotel said on facebook.

“For the months ahead our hotel will be an accommodation centre to house Ukrainian nationals who have been forced to flee their home country as a result of the ongoing war.”

“We know we are going to be letting a lot of people down, those travelling into the area for overnight stays and our loyal locals who have shown such wonderful support since we took over the property in 2014”.

“But we hope you will understand why we have made the difficult decision to close our hotel as we move to support those who need our hospitality most”

The mart, filling station, and food truck at the Maam Cross hotel will continue to operate as normal while it serves as an accommodation centre.

Appeals lodged against plans for Ballybrit hotel & spa

By

Briain Kelly

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April 1, 2022

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Galway Daily news An Bord Pleanála overturns planning permission for Galway City hotel

Multiple appeals have been made to An Bord Pleanála in relation to planning permission for an hotel and spa in Ballybrit.

Galway City Council approved plans by Parosi Developments for a seven storey hotel and spa at Briarhill Business Park last month.

The initial plans were for an eight storey building with 186 guest bedrooms, but the council instructed that one floor, the equivalent of 29 rooms, should be removed from the plans.

The ground floor of the hotel will contain the reception area, lounge area, a restaurant, a bar, a lobby, toilet facilities, and back of house rooms.

The first floor of the building will be given over to the spa facilities including a swimming pool, a whirlpool, a sauna/steam room, male and female changing rooms, and storage rooms.

Other spa facilities will include a treatment room, a studio, a gym, a lobby area, a storage area, and eight meeting rooms.

Two third party appeals against the city council’s decision to grant planning permission for the hotel have now been made to An Bord Pleanála.

Parosi developments have also lodged a first party appeal against two of the conditions of the planning permission.

They are appealing against the council instructing that one floor should be removed from the eight storey initial design.

The developer is also appealing condition No. 4 of the planning permission, which states that the gym shall be for guest use only, and not open to the public.

In both cases, the developer argues that removing a floor, and limiting the gym usage, will affect the commercial viability of the hotel.

An Bord Pleanála is currently due to rule on these appeals by July 26 of this year.

Twenty Galway swimming pools awarded €230,000 in grants

By

Briain Kelly

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April 1, 2022

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Galway Daily sport Planning permission refused for Loughrea Leisure Centre

Twenty swimming pools in Galway have been awarded funding totaling almost €230,000 as part of a COVID support package.

This is part of a total of €3.2 million in grants for swimming pool operators around the country announced by Sport Ireland and Ireland Active this week.

Galway East TD Seán Canney said that the funding is a “recognition of the positive impact swimming is having on our healthy living”.

Ireland Active was appointed by Sport Ireland to administer the swimming pools grant scheme, supported by partners Swim Ireland.

Karl Dunne, CEO of Ireland Active, said that this funding will deliver relied to pool operators who have been “severely hit” by both the pandemic, and rising energy costs.

“This investment will help swimming pool operators continue to provide essential services which is vital to sustain swimming and maintain high physical activity levels.”

Minister of State for Sport Jack Chambers added “swimming Pool operators demonstrated their resilience throughout the pandemic. It is important that this resilience continues.”

“The funding announced today will assist swimming pool operators to continue getting communities across the country active and providing a real-life skill.”

“This has never been more important and is essential for our physical and mental wellbeing.”

The full list of swimming pools in Galway which have been awarded funding is:

Active 24 Fitness and Leisure – €14,457.98
Ardilaun Leisure Club – €10,579.01
Clayton Hotel Galway Leisure Centre – €8,580.76
Club Vitae Oranmore – €9,403.57
Coral Leisure Ballinasloe – €12,694.82
Coral Leisure Tuam – €16,221.15
Core Fitness, Claregalway Hotel – €13,870.26
Energize Fitness & Leisure Centre – €10,579.01
Galway Bay Hotel Conference and Leisure Centre – €5,759.68
Kingfisher Club Renmore – €18,101.87
Kingfisher Club, NUI Galway – €20,452.76
Leisureland – €16,691.33
NRG Health & Fitness Bohermore – €7,405.31
NRG Health & Fitness Knocknacarra – €9,286.02
Ocean Fitness – €10,696.56
Renvyle House Hotel Ltd – €4,584.24
Shear Fitness – €12,812.36
Swan Leisure Club – €9,756.20
The Coast Club Leisure Centre – €6,935.13
Tranquillity Leisure & Spa – €10,461.47

Online Gambling Laws in Ireland

By

Angela Mc Bride

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April 1, 2022

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Ireland is an island nation located in Europe. Formerly a British Crown Colony, after numerous civil wars, the island was divided into two parts: Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK, and the Republic of Ireland, which gained independence. The main directions of the country’s economy are finance, agro-industrial complex, industries, tourism, and technology. Ireland annually occupies a leading position in terms of foreign investment. That is, the financial sector is very well developed.

In general, the gambling market in Ireland is estimated at more than €1 billion. Naturally, most of this amount comes to the country’s budget in tax deductions. The jurisdiction is constantly improving the legislators’ base about the online industry.

The Current State of the Irish Gambling Industry

Despite such attractive financial potential, certain restrictions deteriorate the number of online casinos and people wishing to obtain gambling licenses in the jurisdiction, compared to Malta. This is due to a rather complicated regulatory system and strict supervision by regulatory authorities. Several organizations in the country carry out supervisory functions in various aspects.

On the other hand, the Irish land-based market (excluding casinos) generates a gross revenue (GGR) of around €2 billion per year. The lion’s share is brought by rates – about €1 billion of gross income. Online casino gambling gives out more than €200 million annually.

How it All Began

Since the country’s folklore is full of symbols related to luck and gold, the history of gambling in Ireland is quite rich and meaningful. The spirit of excitement has always been quite strong, especially in sportsbooks. Without a doubt, betting on horse racing has had a remarkable impact. This is due, of course, to the fact that Ireland occupies a relatively high position in the world regarding the number of stud farms. At the same time, a large share is occupied by breeds of horses explicitly bred for racing.

At the beginning of the 17th century, wagering became quite common throughout the state. Although Ireland was a British estate, the gambling control was relatively low. This meant that such activities essentially went unnoticed without any accurate regulation.

After gaining independence in 1922, the new government seriously thought about supervision on different forms of gambling. Already in 1926, the “Law on Rates” was adopted. But this measure did not make the market more transparent since anyone could organize sweepstakes. Therefore, in 1931, a series of amendments were adopted, according to which bookmakers must obtain a valid permit to carry out their activities legally.

Naturally, in addition to betting, underground casinos flourished in the country. They came to regulate their varieties only in 1956 by adopting the Lotteries Act and the Betting Act. However, the legalization of casino games was out of the question. They were banned anywhere in the country. But there was one loophole that allowed the opening of “private clubs.” It was the same with the bars hosting tables and card games. Given such “regulation” practices, casino gambling has been somewhat underground.

The development of modern gaming has not gone unnoticed. In 2013, many laws were passed to regulate terrestrial and digital spheres. This bold move detailed the regulatory methods and prescribed different niches as we know them today. In 2015, they were amended to clarify the activities of web-based bookmakers. Many new rules are established to allow players of all experience levels to participate. For example, you can find a 10 euro deposit casino Ireland site and start with a modest investment before further.

The Law Reform and New Gambling Regulations

Gambling in Ireland is legal and licensed. The controversial point is the legality of online and land-based casinos. But according to the Ireland gambling laws, there is an opportunity to work freely in these areas. In 2018, a bill was developed to change the Irish gambling laws and regulations radically. In 2019, a particular parliamentary expert group was created to analyze this law and made several recommendations by an independent panel of experts.

Licensing authorities

Gambling in Ireland is regulated and supervised by the country’s Revenue Commissioner, which works similar to the UKGC for the UK gambling industry and other regulated markets that bear its permit. Despite its complexity, the Revenue Commissioner is responsible for several functions that are the responsibility of a single regulator in other jurisdictions.

Ireland also has anti-money laundering measures in place. Preventive measures are being taken to protect the population from addiction. Unfortunately, players are practically not protected from a possible conflict with a bookmaker, for example, not paying out winnings. In this case, you will have to apply to the civil courts. And in case of a disputable situation with an Internet casino, it will be necessary to contact the licensee who issued the permit for this type of activity.

In addition to this structure, several other organizations are involved in the process and have an oversight function:

The Office of the Regulator of the National Lottery (ORNL) – regulates and supervises the operation of the Irish National Lottery, approves new lottery draws and operates the National Lottery Fund.
The Department of Justice and Equality (DOJE) – issues certificates necessary for organizing bookmakers in all spheres.
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASAI) – publishes and enforces advertising standards. Quite a demanding organization that has repeatedly fined the world’s betting companies.

The district courts issue licenses for small charity lotteries. Some owners of betting companies are certified.

Applications in the Jurisdiction

The following types of applications exist in the jurisdiction:

Gaming Licenses for both the premises and slot machines themselves
Remote Bookmaker’s Licenses allow you to accept small bets from Irish residents.
Remote Betting Intermediary’s Licenses allow the operator to provide facilities that enable individuals to bet with others (other than the operator) via remote means.
Bookmaker’s Licenses for a company that accepts bets sets odds and undertakes to pay out winning chances in its activities. So, to become the best payout online casino, a site must obtain this document.
Amusement Machine Licenses deal with gaming machines that meet the definition of “amusement games” where participants can win any cash prize not exceeding €7.

The initial fee for remote bookmakers and betting intermediaries is €10,000. When renewing a license, the fee amount is calculated based on its turnover, and it can reach €200,000 per year.

Requirements for licensees

In general, registering a company in a jurisdiction is quite simple, but there are some subtleties:

It is necessary to report the company as a taxpayer
Registration in the ROS service to make payments, etc., is also required.
You need to obtain a Certificate of Aptitude issued in district courts and the Ministry of Justice.
If the documentation to the tax authority is provided to tax agents, a special “notice” is required to send it to the tax office.
Fill out an application. You will be notified as soon as your application has been reviewed.
If the application was approved, you must submit another application and pay the fee.
The Company shall have no repaid taxes.
Basic applications can be submitted at the Revenue Commissioner website, or you can download a particular form and send it by mail.

Conclusion

The current process raises quite a few questions. The issue of protecting the interests of the players has not been adjusted. There is no precise wording regarding the legality of playing slots and online poker games for residents of the jurisdiction. Everything is like a few decades ago; online sites are equated with gambling clubs and operate “underground.” At the same time, sports betting in Ireland is regulated quite tightly.

Still, the jurisdiction seems quite promising, given the latest changes in legislation. But since they do not operate in total, it is pretty challenging to predict how the business will develop in the country. Although, if we take the experience of other countries, it will take more than one year to increase the attractiveness of Ireland for online companies.

SIPTU members going on strike at LISK plant in Gort

By

Briain Kelly

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April 1, 2022

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Galway Daily news Workers to ballot on industrial action in Clifden Hospital

Employees at the LISK Ireland plant in Gort will be going on strike next week over an industrial dispute.

SIPTU members at the LISK plant will be engaging in a one-day work stoppage next Monday, April 4.

The union said that this is a result of management failing to engage with union representatives on multiple issues of concern.

SIPTU Organiser, Stephen Lavelle, said: “Our members were left with no option other than to begin industrial action due to a management refusal to respect a Labour Court recommendation that the company engage in negotiations with their union.”

“The Labour Court further recommended that these negotiations should aim to conclude a collective agreement for workers at the electronic component manufacturing plant.”

“Management has ignored a several invitations from SIPTU representatives to discuss and resolve a number of concerns that our members have expressed in relation to improving their terms and conditions of employment.”

The LISK Ireland manufacturing plant on the Ennis Road at Rindifin, Gort produces control devices, solenoids and solenoids valves for the New York based company.

Worst March on record for patients on trolleys

By

Briain Kelly

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April 1, 2022

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Galway Daily news 67 people on trolleys at UHG

There were over 900 patients on trolleys at UHG last month, in by far the worst March on record for overcrowding.

Last month there were a total of 947 patients without beds at University Hospital Galway.

This is more than six times what was seen in the same month last year, and far above the 722 on trolleys in 2019, the second worst year on record.

Portiuncula Hospital also experience record breaking overcrowding last month, with 339 patients who went without a bed, almost five times higher than the same period the previous year.

This is also significantly higher than the second worst year on record in 2017, where there 259 on trolleys in Portiuncula in March.

UHG was the second most overcrowded in the country behind UH Limerick, where there were a staggering 1,671 patients on trolleys in March.

INMO General Secretary Phíl Ní Sheaghdha said “When nurses and midwives use phrases like ‘out of control’ and ‘chaotic’ to describe hospital overcrowding we do not do so lightly.”

“It has been an extremely busy month for those working in our hospitals with over 37% of those who have been on trolleys since the beginning of 2022 presenting to our hospitals in March.”

Nationwide there were a total of 11,001 patients without beds in March, the highest figure for the month since records began in 2006.

“Hospitals are currently not safe for patients or for staff because of the level of overcrowding and COVID infection levels.”

“We need clear and coherent public health advice from Government and senior public health officials.”

“The public need to be made aware of why we need them to once again step up to the plate in order to protect those who are working on our frontlines.”

The INMO and Irish Association for Emergency Medicine (IAEM) have called for the reintroduction of indoor mask wearing to combat the spread of the virus.

CCTV will soon be used to combat illegal dumping

By

Briain Kelly

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March 31, 2022

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Galway Daily news CCTV code of practice public consulatation

The news that legislation allowing CCTV footage to be used to combat illegal dumping will be in place by summer, has been welcomed.

CCTV has long been advocated as a way to combat fly-tipping at blackspots, but concerns about data protection have stymied its usage.

Councillor Alan Cheevers said that illegal dumping is a huge issue in the city, and that he was pleased to see the government priortising it.

“This is an issue of real concern to every local authority and to local Councillors as well as Tidy Towns Groups and Development Committees across the country.”

The measures to combat fly-tipping are part of the Circular Economy Bill published by the government this week.

The Bill, which also encourages the reuse and recycling of resources, will be introduced to the Oireachtas in the coming weeks.

“Government is now prioritising this issue and I’m happy that they are taking on board the measures set on the Bill,” Alan Cheevers said.

“In theory, there was no difficulty for local authorities to use CCTV or drones or other technologies to try deter environmental crimes but without underpinning legislation, there are data protection concerns.”

A survey of all local authorities by Senator Malcolm Byrne last year estimated that the cost of cleaning up dumping and littering nationally runs to roughly €90-100 million.

New prize app aims to reward people for binning their litter

By

Briain Kelly

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March 31, 2022

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Galway Daily news New prize app aims to reward people for binning their litter

McDonald’s has partnered with the prize draw app LitterLotto to give encourage people to bin their litter by giving out rewards.

Mayor of Galway City Collette Connolly and Chairperson of Galway Tidy Towns Niall McNelis joined McDonald’s Franchisee Aaron Byrne and restaurant employees for a litter pick in Eyre Square to coincide with the launch of this initiative.

McDonald’s customers will be in with a chance to win instant spot prizes starting from €5, as well as being entered into a draw for a monthly jackpot prize.

This month to celebrate the launch of LitterLotto in Ireland there will be a special jackpot prize of €10,000.

Those taking part only need to capture a photo of themselves binning their litter and upload their image to the LitterLotto app.

Each time litter is binned an entry is sent into the app, allowing users to be in for a chance to win spot prizes.

Louise Page, McDonald’s Head of Partnerships said: “We are very excited to be partnering with LitterLotto here in Ireland and work together to help further incentivise people to take pride in their local community and bin rubbish responsibly.”

“It is also very exciting to give people the opportunity to also win some amazing monetary and spot prizes all while making positive change in their community”.

Simon Jacobs of LitterLotto added “By working together, we’re certain we’ll be able to achieve our ultimate goal of reducing litter, protecting wildlife and clearing our rivers and oceans of waste material”.

LitterLotto has been in operation in lots of different countries since last August, but it launched in Ireland recently, with the launch taking place in Galway.

Galway Film Centre expands mission to new creative industries

By

Briain Kelly

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March 31, 2022

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Ardan-3773 — At the unveiling of Ardán (Irish for Stage), Irish Actors, Seán T Ó Meallaigh and Amy Joyce Hastings and Alan Duggan, Chief Executive, Ardán, Ananya Sharma, Documentary Filmmaker, Cathy Ní Fhlaithearta, Telegael, Bríd Seoighe, Abú Media and Paul Conway, Spooky Doorwear. Photo Martina Regan.

Galway Film Centre has undergone a major rebranding as it expands its mission to promote Film, TV, Animation and Games across Galway and the West.

Ardán, the Irish translation for stage or platform and the centre’s new vision, is responding to the rapid growth in a myriad of creative industry sectors in the region.

The drive and vision to bring the Galway Film Centre and its’ authentic creative community under the Ardán brand is a direct response to the tangible economic growth and changing landscape of screen users worldwide.

In Galway and the West of Ireland across all sectors of the creative industries anticipated economic value will be €84m in 2025, with over 1,700 people directly employed in the sectors.

This is an increase from €56m in 2018, with employment of 1,100, as quoted in the WRAP report.

“Nurturing and fostering creative talent has been at the core of Galway Film Centre, now Ardán’s activity in an inspirational, highly driven and productive community for 30 years”, says Alan Duggan CEO of Ardán.

“The transition to Ardán will continue the organisation’s steadfast support for emerging and established talent,” he added.

But it will also now increasingly nurture “solid business growth, employment, production output and talent development” in the industry by working with its partners.

Ardán will facilitate training, networking, and development of ambitious creative career paths and businesses.

Providing the tools and asset support in terms of where to source talent and crew along with financial support to ensure stories and creations are brought to national and international audiences is one of the primary ambitions of Ardán.

Hospital staff call for reintroduction of mask wearing

By

Briain Kelly

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March 31, 2022

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Galway Daily news Hospital staff call for reintroduction of mask wearing

Healthcare workers bodies are calling for the government to reintroduce indoor mask wearing and working from home, as hospitals are put under extreme pressure from spiraling cases.

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation and the Irish Association for Emergency Medicine (IAEM), representing doctors in Emergency Departments, say that action is needed to combat the spread of COVID-19.

This comes as over 10,000 patients have been without a bed since the mask mandate was lifted on February 28, and roughly 1,600 patients are hospitalised with COVID-19.

NMO General Secretary, Phil Ní Sheaghdha said that wearing masks and working from home won’t stop the spread of the virus, but “have and will” reduce the intensity of the wave.

“Predictable overcrowding in winter, mixed with higher community spread of an airborne contagious infection means decision-makers are not in the dark.”

“Abandoning our public acute hospitals is a decision that Government cannot make, this would be the wrong decision for patients and the wrong one for staff.”

COVID infection levels, and typical overcrowding, mean that hospitals are not safe for patients or staff at the moment, she added.

The Saolta Group declared this week that Galway University Hospitals were having to defer non-urgent procedures due to extreme pressure affecting bed capacity.

Saolta said that there are currently three wards dedicated to treating patients with COVID-19 and a further six wards have areas dealing with outbreaks.

According to HPSV figures, there have were 89,432 cases in the two weeks leading up to March 27, accounting for over 6 percent of all cases in the pandemic.

Of the COVID deaths in Ireland, more than half have been linked to outbreaks, with 90 percent of outbreaks linked to healthcare facilities.

Mr Fergal Hickey, IAEM President, said that the situation in Ireland’s hospitals is worse now than many of his colleagues have ever seen.

“The situation at present is intolerable for all who work in our hospitals. Our hospitals have been hanging together by a thread of goodwill of staff but that is about to snap.”

He added that it has been “repeatedly and robustly” proved that emergency department overcrowding leads to increased mortality for all patients.

Plans progress for major upgrade to Galway City water supply

By

Briain Kelly

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March 31, 2022

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Galway Daily news Water network improvements for Inverin as old mains being replaced

A compulsory purchase order application has been made to An Bord Pleanála for a major upgrade project to Galway City’s water supply.

Irish Water is seeking approval of a CPO for the Terryland WTP Intake Works and Transfer Main Project.

This will ultimately involve the construction of a new raw water intake on the River Corrib south of the Quincentenary Bridge, along with a transfer main to the existing Terryland Water Treatment Plant

The project will ultimately also include a new treated water rising main from the plant to the Clifton Hill Reservoirs on the west side of the city.

The new mains will be a series of underground gravity fed mains passing underneath Terryland parkland, the N6 approaching the Quincentenary Bridge, and Terryland River.

Galway City Council commissioned these upgrades to the existing system after shortages of raw water at the existing intake works occurred in August and October of 2014.

A new Water Treatment Plant with the capacity to treat 55 million litres a day was built in Terryland after the old plant was decommissioned in 2007.

However, the intake works can’t keep up with the new plant, as they only have the capacity for 46 million litres a day.

A new slipway at the intake works on the Corrib will also have to be constructed according to Irish Water, as well as a control building, a new access road from the Dyke Road, and a floating boom stretching 5m into the river.

An Bord Pleanála is due to rule on this Compulsory Purchase Order application by July 25.

Galway United approves billionaire Comer brothers takeover

By

Briain Kelly

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March 31, 2022

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Galway United sports Galway United builds back line with signing of James Finnerty & Mark Russell — Photo: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Galway United have approved a move by the billionaire Comer Brothers to become the majority owners of the club.

The Galway United Friends Co-operative Society voted in favour of the motion for the Comer Group to take an 85% stake in the club.

The remaining 15% of the club’s ownership will remain with the fan Co-Op.

Luke and Brian Comer have a long standing relationship with Galway’s soccer club, investing several million since becoming sponsors in 2013.

In 2019 they announced that a 40 acre site at Mountain South, Athenry would be dedicated to developing a €40 million centre of excellence for developing young players.

A special meeting of the Co-Operative Society was held on Wednesday night to discuss and vote on the takeover motion.

A statement from the club after said “The members of Galway United Friends Co-operative Society voted in favour of the motion for Comer Group to have an option to acquire 85% ownership of the club.”

“We extend our thanks to Luke & Brian Comer for their support of Galway United.”

Ahead of the vote, the brothers committed to injecting €500,000 into the club this year if their bid was accepted.

The ambition to see United climb back to the Premier Division of the SSE League of Ireland was also stressed by the brothers.

Radical overhaul coming for private pensions

By

Briain Kelly

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March 31, 2022

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Galway Daily business How much will I need to save for my pension

Private pensions in Ireland are going to be radically overhauled under new plans affecting hundreds of thousands of workers, which were approved by the Cabinet this week.

The Cabinet has signed off on draft principles for a new private pensions scheme which will automatically enroll workers who do not already have a plan.

The scheme will see employees contribute 1.5 percent of their salary, matched by their employer, a portion which will increase over the course of a decade.

After 10 years employees will be contributing 6 percent of their salary towards a pension plan.

The state will also contribute towards the plan, putting in one third the level of each employee.

By the end of the ten year period, the government will be putting €1 in the pot for every €3 that an employee saves, with their employer contributing another €3.

It’s estimated that this will cost the Exchequer roughly €2.8 billion over the course of the first decade.

The scheme, which will come into effect from 2024, will apply to employees between the ages of 23 and 60 who are earning more than €20,000 a year, and who do not already have a pensions.

It’s estimated that this will apply to roughly three quarters of a million people.

While contributions to the four funds will begin in 2024, automatic enrollment will commence immediately, and continue next year.

Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys said that an automatic enrolment system is needed to address a lack of pension coverage in Ireland.

It’s estimated that just 35% of private sector employees in Ireland have supplementary pension coverage, beyond the state pension.

This is below the average elsewhere in Europe, as many people lack information on pensions in Ireland.

“We all know that people are living longer. While this is very positive, we also want people to be able to enjoy their retirement years with some financial security,” Heather Humphreys said.

“However, for many people retirement seems a long way away and they think they have a lot of time before they need to think about a pension.”

“Some people may be of the view that the process of putting aside a little each week to provide for their retirement years is something to be considered next year, or maybe even the year after next.”

“However, that is not the case. If people want to retain a reasonable standard of living in retirement, they need to start saving as soon as possible,” Heather Humphreys added.

This new scheme will still be voluntary, but employees will have to opt-out of it, rather than choose to enroll.

Almost 1,000 households in Galway waiting over 7 years for social housing

By

Briain Kelly

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March 31, 2022

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Galway Daily news housing allocation scheme Gaeltacht

Almost 1,000 households in Galway have been on a waiting list for social housing for longer than seven years.

The 2021 Summary of Social Housing Assessments shows that there were 502 households in the county waiting longer than 7 year as of last November, and another 457 in Galway City.

There are just under 3,000 households in total qualified for social housing in Galway, with figures in both the city and county increasing last year.

There were 1,641 households in Galway County in need of social housing as of last November, with a further 1,263 in the city.

This is a 5.5 percent increase on the figures for 2020 in Galway County, and a 2.4 increase in the city.

However, that figure has fallen by 62 percent in Galway City since 2016, the report claims, with the county seeing a 21 percent decline in the number of qualified households.

Nationwide there are 59,247 households qualified for social housing according to the report, a 4.3 percent decline on the previous year.

Almost a third of the applicant are employed, either in full, part-time, or self-employment.

Minister for Housing and Local Government Darragh O’Brien said “Over 23,300 households had their housing needs met in 2021 – this is despite the very significant impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on delivery.”

“It’s important to remember that most residential construction was halted for a 13-week period from January to April.”

“We must not, and will not, lose sight of the fact that there are still just over 59,000 households who are relying on us for the provision of housing support.”

He added that the government is watching the situation in Ukraine closely, as the Russian invasion is having “significant impacts” on all sectors of society.

“As we ramp up all types of housing delivery this year we will be wary of any impact the war will have.”

How to Choose the Best Online Games

By

Thomas O'Brien

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March 30, 2022

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The advancement of technology and the introduction of the internet has changed the way we play games. Gamers have an opportunity to experience some of the best playing environments on the internet. There are so many games the players have to choose from, such as lash games, arcade games, and online casinos.

For new gamers, it might be challenging to decide on what game you would like to play. This is similar to what it takes to get the best expert picks. The online casinos provide a variety of games that come in different themes to choose from and play. The intense games have something for everyone, and if you are wondering what game to play, here are the best ways to choose the online game.

Is It a Scam or Legit?

The internet has a lot of games that offer players money for winning. If you are a casino games fan, you will want to play games that you are assured you have a good chance at winning. It is not your money that is at risk of being stolen but also you’re with the internet but your data.

Hackers have figured out that the gaming industry has many people playing online. They have developed games with additional scripts which steal players’ data. This information, such as your credit card number and your user information, can be stolen or asked for Ransom for you to access.

The game’s legitimacy can be checked by looking at the game’s certification. A certified game has undergone all the checks, and it is safe for the users, and its data is protected.

Check Game Ratings and Reviews

The ratings and reviews provide how other users have experienced playing games. There are a lot of sites that provide game ratings. The best place for video games reviews and ratings from the Entertainment Software Rating Board.

When choosing a game for your children, you would like to avoid games rated as M. These games have adult content and are not suitable for children of that age.

The review section will help you identify if it is safe to play a game based on how other players describe it. A high-rated game is a good indicator that you will likely enjoy playing a game.

Money Options

If you are an online casino game lover, you would probably love a game with many payment options. Players love online games that provide them with many banking options for online games. You will be providing your banking details to these sites, so choosing a secure site that uses the best internet security protocols is the best option.

Many players have fallen victim to not being able to withdraw cash because the site probably does not allow them. Consider reading their terms and conditions for online casinos to ensure that the casino has a license to operate in your country.

A good game has a lot of online payment options such as PayPal, Amazon Pay, Google Pay, and Apple Pay. When buying a video game, you want to consider how much it will cost. Some games are free to download but will require the player to have a subscription for you to access and play the game.

How Well Are You Familiar With the Game?

If you are a casino lover, you will want to play a game that you know and understand how it works. Some casino games, such as slots, are very simple to play and don’t need any skills for you to know. A game like Blackjack needs a lot of skills and strategy for you to have a chance at beating the casino in the game.

If it is a video game you want, you should be sure it is a good game you will enjoy. You don’t want to pay for a game that you would not play. Most of the games have a demo option that allows you to play a free version before considering buying it.

The Game Setting

Online games are accessible to children and adults. If your children have access to the game, you should ensure that their playing activity can be monitored. The game time should be monitored so that the kids don’t overplay the game.

When choosing an online game, you should consider a game that will have fun. Games that allow multiple players are best when hosting a gaming party.

Verdict

Now that you know how to choose a safe online game, you should be able to ensure that you’re playing experience is enjoyable. Be sure to follow these tips the next time you are looking for an online game.

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The Current State of the Irish Gambling Industry

How it All Began

The Law Reform and New Gambling Regulations

Licensing authorities

Applications in the Jurisdiction

Requirements for licensees

Conclusion

Is It a Scam or Legit?

Check Game Ratings and Reviews

Money Options

How Well Are You Familiar With the Game?

The Game Setting

Verdict

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