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Just 2 days left to submit applications for National Lottery Good Causes Awards

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galway daily news national lottery good causes awards
Lough Ree Lanesborough Angling Hub in Co. Roscommon. Pic: Mac Innes Photography

The National Lottery has called on Good Causes beneficiaries across Ireland to submit their applications for this year’s Good Causes Awards ahead of the deadline this Friday, 1 April.

The awards honour the inspiring work and achievements of thousands of projects, clubs and individuals from all who, with the help of National Lottery funding, have had a positive impact on their local communities.

Last year’s Good Causes Awards saw Lough Ree Lanesborough Angling Hub win the Health & Wellbeing category and then go on to be named as the National Lottery Good Cause of the Year.

The Roscommon-based not-for-profit organisation promotes inclusion within its community and provides equal access to fishing for people of all abilities.

To follow in the footsteps of the Lough Ree Lanesborough Angling Hub, the National Lottery is encouraging Good Causes beneficiaries to complete and submit their applications ahead of the deadline this Friday.

National Lottery CSR and Good Causes Manager, Jennifer Crowe, has appealed to the many outstanding groups and organisations all over the country who have received Good Causes funding between 2017 – 2021 to enter.

“Hearing how Good Causes funding has enabled beneficiaries to complete inspiring projects and make a difference to their communities, truly is one of the most moving aspects of the Good Causes Awards,” she said.

“Each of the extraordinary beneficiaries have a story to tell and with just days left until the application deadline, we would love to hear from even more of our deserving recipients.

“We are urging all of our Good Causes beneficiaries who have received funding between 2017-2021 to make sure to get their applications in ahead of the upcoming deadline this Friday – best of luck to everyone entering!” she said.

Organisations, projects and clubs nationwide who received funding through the following National Lottery part-funded schemes between 2017-2021 can enter:

• Sports – Sports Capital Programme or any funding issued through Sport Ireland

• Arts & Culture – Any funding provided through the Arts Council of Ireland

• Heritage – Any funding provided through the Heritage Council of Ireland.

• Youth – Funding issued by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs (i.e. UBU Your Place, Your Space grants, Targeted Youth Funding Schemes or Youth Information Centre’s)

• Health – Funding from the HSE National Lottery Grant Scheme

• Community – Any National Lottery part-funded scheme administered by Department of Rural & Community Development (Senior Alert Schemes or Scheme to Support National Organisations (SSNO)

• Irish Language – Any Irish Language support provided through the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

The total prize fund for the National Lottery Good Causes Awards is €130,000. Each of the 35 finalists will win €1,000 when they are announced at the National Finals stage this summer.

At the awards ceremony later this year, each of the seven category winners will receive €10,000 and the overall Good Cause of the Year will win an additional €25,000.

Good Causes beneficiaries can enter and check eligibility at www.lottery.ie/good-causes-awards.

Call for local authorities to help process accommodation pledges for Ukrainian refugees

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Galway Daily news

Local authorities should help to speed up the processing of accommodation pledges from the public for Ukrainian refugees, a Galway East TD has said.

Deputy Ciaran Cannon that said learning from the experience of the Covid Community Call, local government must repurpose Community Response forums across the country as soon as possible to support Ukrainian refugees.

The Fine Gael TD, who opened up his Galway home to Afghan refugees last year, said that while he is delighted that the Red Cross has launched such a platform, they are now under severe pressure to process thousands of offers of accommodation.

“Speaking at an online Fine Gael event last week, Liam O’Dwyer, interim Secretary General of the Red Cross, said they had received 20,000 pledges to date,” said Deputy Cannon.

“I know this number has increased since then and following up on this volume of offers is a mammoth task.”

The Red Cross is currently dividing the accommodation pledges into two categories – the first being vacant properties such as single units, empty apartments and standalone houses, and secondly, shared accommodation.

Thirty percent of the pledges are vacant properties, while 70% are shared accommodation.

“The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and the Red Cross agreed to begin with the processing of the vacant properties as there are no child protection issues or similar concerns with standalone accommodation,” added Deputy Cannon.

“Making contact with thousands of people in a short space of time is a huge job. Although the Red Cross and the Department have contributed significant resources to tackling the task, all organisations must pitch in to ensure we get Ukrainian refugees into safe and secure homes as soon as possible.”

New TG4 series to take viewers on interesting tour of Ireland’s bogs

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galway daily news bog series on tg4

A new 4-part series on TG4 presented by Manchán Magan will explore our complex relationship with the peatlands of Ireland.

‘An Fód Deireanach’ (The Last Sod) will take viewers on a visually spectacular, informative and entertaining tour of the secret treasure of the country’s landscape.

Each of the four episodes concentrates on a particular aspect of our peatlands. First up Manchán takes a look at climate change, asking ‘can saving our peatlands help save the planet?’

He visits Bord na Móna, who say “the world is changing and we are changing with it”. Investigating where this leaves the average turf cutter, Manchán meets with campaigners who say that without turf cutting rural Ireland can’t survive.

During episode two, Manchán looks at the ecological importance of our peatlands. With Éanna Ní Lamhna, he learns that there is more to the bog than just turf; observing carnivores plants within a fragile ecosystem.

He explores the healing properties of the bog, sampling a popular tonic for the Celtic curse, hemochromatosis.

Also in the series Manchán asks if we can strike a balance between the preservation of our peatlands and the preservation of our culture?

Bogs has been a source of inspiration for artists, poets, and writers from Paul Henry to Seamus Heaney, and a part of our fabric of society for centuries, always there, providing us with a fuel source to cook our food, heat, and light our homes.

But Manchán investigates what lies in store for the future of our peatlands. Managed properly they can provide so much for us, as “a sod of turf is worth more to us in the ground than on the fire.”

Living bogs provide protection against floods, increase biodiversity, improve the quality and amount of our drinking water and they are our greatest natural ally in the fight against carbon. In the series, Manchán questions whether it is time to cut our Fód Deireanach.

The series begins on Thursday April 7 2022 at 8.00pm on TG4

Early recordings of the West to be showcased for first time since 1930

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galway daily news tomas o maille recordings showcased for first time since 1930

An extraordinary audio archive from NUI Galway will be showcased at this year’s Cúirt International Festival of Literature in Galway – the first time it been played publicly since 1930.

Nearly 100 years after they were first captured, wax cylinder recordings held in the university’s library were digitised last summer with support from the government.

The recordings were made by Tomás Ó Máille (1880-1938), the inaugural Professor of Irish at NUI Galway who held the professorship from 1909 until his premature death in 1938.

Tomás Ó Máille’s greatest foresight was his commitment to the newest technology of his day – audio recording.

Focusing on folklore, song, and dialects, he created hundreds of recordings of Irish speakers from every county in Connacht and also Co. Clare.

He assisted the recording work of other collectors and scholars including Wilhelm Doegen, head of the Sound Department at the Prussian State Library in Berlin.

In this concert as part of the Cúírt festival, Dr Deirdre Ní Chonghaile will introduce Tomás Ó Máille and his work, along with excerpts of his recordings from the NUI Galway archive.

She will also introduce three special guests – singers Sarah Ghriallais, Mary Staunton and Saileog Ní Cheannabháin, who will perform their own renditions of songs retrieved from Ó Máille’s recordings.

“This event sees one of Ireland’s most significant audio archives come to life for the first time and witnesses songs returning to their rightful place – in each community’s repertoire,” said Dr Ní Chonghaile.

“We are thrilled to partner with Cúirt and Arts-in-Action to celebrate Tomás Ó Máille’s outstanding legacy in capturing artistic treasures of the Irish language from every county west of the Shannon.”

With surtitles in English, An Chartlann Bheo – Animating the Archive takes place at An Taibhdhearc on Wednesday 6 April at 1pm.

It is free to attend but booking is advisable at https://www.cuirt.ie/whats-on/an-chartlann-bheo-animating-the-archive/.

Grants announced for events and activities for young people

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CAPE Youth Project members working

€60,000 in funding has been announced by Léargas to support events and activities for young people across Ireland.

The Micro Grant Scheme will support opportunities for Galway young people at a local, national and European level, offering grants of between €500 and €5,000 for events and activities.

Hosted by Léargas initiatives Eurodesk and Youth Wiki, the funding was announced at a ‘Connect with Europe’ event held at the Alex Hotel, attended by Minister Roderic O’Gorman and Maria Walsh MEP.

The grants are available to youth organisations, schools, clubs and community groups, as well as informal groups of young people, from Galway.

It is intended that the money will help support events and activities for young people, such as conferences, workshops, information sessions or consultations, art exhibitions or photography competitions, mini festivals or musical events.

Speaking at the launch of the Scheme, Executive Director of Léargas, Lorraine Gilligan, said that after two years of lockdowns, they are delighted to welcome the European Year of Youth, “to celebrate young people, create new opportunities for them and to shine a light on the brilliant work happening right across the country.”

“At our event we’ve been hearing about the transformative opportunities which Eurodesk and Youth Wiki have helped young people from every background to access, and this new Micro Grant Scheme will make so many more of those opportunities possible,” she said.

“We’ll be announcing details of two national events to celebrate European Year of Youth in the coming months, and we look forward to working with organisations and groups from Galway and across the country to bring the celebrations into every community we can.”

There will be six application deadlines over the course of the year with the first on Friday, 15 April.

Applications are accepted online at https://insights.leargas.ie/european-year-of-youth-micro-grants-application-form-2022.

Further details of opportunities available as part of the European Year of Youth can be found at: www.leargas.ie/european-year-youth-2022/.

Missing woman from Clare found safe and well

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galway daily news missing woman county clare

Missing Clare woman Noelle O’Looney has been found safe and well.

The 44-year-old was missing from the Ennistymon area of Co. Clare since Saturday, 26 March.

A member of her family thanked everyone for sharing on social media and for their support.

They said that the response was amazing, and it meant so much to the family.

 

Galway TD hand-delivers personal stories exposing cost of living crisis to Taoiseach

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galway daily news Former east Galway Fianna Fail TD passes away

Roscommon-Galway TD Claire Kerrane has urged the government to take immediate action to help people affected by rising fuel costs.

The Sinn Féin TD hand-delivered to the Taoiseach’s office the personal stories submitted to her party’s cost of living survey, which saw over 10,000 people sharing their experiences of spiralling fuel costs.

Speaking today, Deputy Kerrane thanked everyone who took the time to share their story.

“The government has insisted that they will not act on this crisis until October, but it’s clear that people can’t wait,” she said.

“The cost of living crisis is urgent and people need help now. This government continually acts too late and it isn’t good enough.”

The personal stories submitted to the survey include:

“We have to drive to and from CHI Crumlin as our daughter is undergoing treatment for cancer. This rise in fuel costs has doubled our cost of travel. We can’t use public transport as her immune system is drastically compromised.”

“I am a single mum of a sick 8-month-old, sitting in the freezing cold unable to order oil due to the price of it.”

“As a college student, some days I simply cannot afford to drive to college and so I am missing out on important lectures, which is obviously affecting my grades.”

Deputy Kerrane said people need help, and that they need it now. “I accept that the government cannot do everything, but they can do more,” she said.

“They must cut the cost of energy and fuel. They must go further still, but that would be a good start.”

Free webinar aimed at small and medium businesses in food sector

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galway daily news food academy galway

A free webinar for food sector SMEs and start-ups will take place next Tuesday, 5 April at 1pm as part of a European project funded by the Atlantic Area Programme; AHFES.

Hosted by the Whitaker Institute at NUI Galway, the one-hour webinar will feature insights on the influence of sustainability, culture and consumer preferences.

Speakers include will include Dr Gary Goggins and Maeve Henchion, and there will be a panel questions and answers session during the event.

Dr Jane Walsh, lecturer in the School of Psychology at NUI Galway, said: “We are delighted to deliver this webinar on behalf of AHFES, the future of food is changing, people’s preferences are changing, the environment and sustainability is now a key driver of demand.

“Being able to track current and future trends in food in a rapidly changing world will help SME’s and startup’s to stay on trend in healthy foods.”

Registering for the free event can be done through https://bit.ly/NUIGAHFESAPR22.

Galway University Hospitals cancelling non-urgent procedures due to extreme pressure

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Galway Daily news

Galway University Hospitals continue to be heavily impacted by COVID-19, with added pressure from high numbers of people at the emergency department.

Non-urgent elective procedures are being postponed to the lack of bed capacity at the moment, with urgent, time sensitive cases being prioritised.

There were 50 confirmed cases at GUH as of last night, with three of them in the ICU.

In a statement issued today, the Saolta Hospital Group said that there are currently three wards dedicated to treating patients with COVID-19 and a further six wards have areas dealing with outbreaks.

The number of people presenting to the Emergency Department continues to be very high, with 254 attending yesterday.

The number of patients with COVID-19 being treated in hospital and the number of people who need to be admitted from the Emergency Department is having a significant impact on bed capacity and as a result patients are currently experiencing significant delays.”

There were 38 patients waiting on trolleys for a bed to become available at UHG this morning.

The hospital acknowledges that these delays are very difficult for patients and their families and apologises for the inconvenience and distress these delays cause.”

Every effort is being made to discharge patients who are ready to go home so that beds become available for patients who need to be admitted, at the earliest opportunity.”

Patients whose procedures are being postponed will be contacted by the hospital directly. Saolta has said that the situation is being kept under review.

Outpatient appointments and day case procedures are proceeding as usual and people should come to their appointments unless advised otherwise, or if they have COVID symptoms.

The visiting restrictions imposed due to the outbreaks in hospital remain in place, with visits only allowed on compassionate grounds, if arranged ahead of time.

SOCCER: Moyne Villa qualify for Championship Cup final

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Galway Daily sport The U18 boys at Moyne Villa qualified for the Championship Cup final this weekend after securing a 5-3 victory over St. Bernard's.

The U18 boys at Moyne Villa qualified for the Championship Cup final this weekend after securing a 5-3 victory over St. Bernard’s.

The two clubs met at Abbeyknockmoy.on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon with  plenty of sunshine and a dry pitch. It would become a game of two halves.

St Bernards came out strong and physical for which Moyne Villa had no answer, and were not responsive enough to deal with the issues at hand.

That left St Bernard’s 3-0 up after the first 30 minutes. But like the old trusty diesel engine Moyne Villa were gathering steam and slowly building pressure.

In the last 15 minutes of the first half Villa  started to take control and after a poor kick from the St Bernards, David Quinn saw an opportunity.

Seeing the keeper off his line, he kicked from almost the halfway line, putting the ball neatly into the net.

Villa continued to dominate in the second half, with replacement Bryan Forde finding the net very quickly, exactly what Villa needed to find their mojo again.

Kieran Donnellan got goal number three not long after, leaving everything to play for.

A penalty not long after seemed like a good chance for Villa to pull ahead, but this was saved.

Nevertheless, with relentless pressure from the team Dean O’Malley got number four after a good assist through the middle from Guzi.

He then went on to also score goal number five after a scramble at the back post.

Villa will now play either Tuam or Colga in the Championship Cup final, to be decided after they have their semi-final on April 7.

Good Samaritan scammed by man saying he couldn’t afford restaurant bill

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Galway Daily courts Man charged in connection

A Good Samaritan found herself conned out of €150 she loaned to a man who said that he was short for a restaurant bill, and never paid her back.

Colm Prendergast (52), of Kilchreest, Loughrea was sentenced to two months in prison at Galway District Court by Judge Fiona Lydon this week.

He was sentenced after pleading guilty to Making gain by Deception at the Galleon restaurant in Salthill, under Section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act, 2001.

On March 17 of 2019, an Ann Donnellan overheard Prendergast on the phone, saying that he was short the cost of the meal.

When they spoke he introduced himself to her using an alias, the court heard.

She gave him €150 to pay for the restaurant meal, believing that he would pay it back the next week.

But the money was never paid back, and she came to believe that she had been deceived.

Solicitor for the defence Mr John Martin said that his client had a long standing gambling vice, but that he was addressing it.

He had been low on money at the time, and wanted to apologise to the woman

In addition, he said that there was €150 in court to repay Ms Donnellan.

The court heard that Prendergast had 14 previous convictions, including three for similar offences.

Leave to appeal was granted on the defendant’s own bond of €300, and an independent surety of €300, with no cash to be lodged with the court.

Temperatures to plummet below zero this week

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Galway Daily weather weather warning for low temperature and ice

After a mini summer experience, temperatures in Galway are set to plummet this week, dropping below zero in places.

Today will remain quite bright and warm, with sunshine forecast for the early afternoon, but with more cloud cover developing later.

Highest temperatures today of 13 to 15 degrees, with a mild variable breeze throughout the day.

Overnight there will be a possibility of the odd scattered shower, with some mist and fog developing, and temperatures reaching lows of 2 to 5 degrees.

Wednesday will be overcast, though with some clear spells, and more light scattered showers.

Temperatures will reach highs of 8 to 10 degrees on Wednesday, with a light southerly breeze getting stronger and veering north easterly as the day progresses.

Overnight into Thursday will be the coldest part of the week according to Met Eireann, with temperatures dropping below zero in places.

Thursday will be bright and chilly, with clear sunny skies for most of the day, but with cold morning temperatures, before reaching highs of 8 degrees in the afternoon.

Friday morning will see the mercury dip to -1 again in the early hours, but it is forecast to get a warmer later in the day, with highs of 7 to 8 degrees.

Galway allocated €4.5m for housing adaptation grants

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Galway Daily news IWA launching Disability Action Group in Tuam

Almost €4.5 million in funding for housing adaptation grants for older people and those with a disability in Galway has been announced this week.

Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien has this week announced that €81.25 million in funding for housing adaptation grants will be available in 2022.

This represents an 8.3% increase in funding for the programme on last year, the Minister said.

In Galway City there is a total of €1,168,836 available this year, and in Galway County the programme has €3,306,875 for grants.

“I am delighted to be in a position to allocate increased funding to each local authority so that they can continue to support older people and those with a disability to live independently,” Minister O’Brien said.

“Importantly, home adaptations help reduce the dependency on our health services by supporting independent living for as long as possible,” he added.

He added that it also creates work among local contractors, in a boon for the economy.

The housing adaptation grants programme is 80% funded by the Department, with the remaining 20% coming from the local authority.

Grants of up to €30,000 are available to assist people with a disability in carrying out necessary works to make a house more suitable for their needs.

Additionally, grants of up to €8,000 are available to assist older people to have repairs or improvements carried out on their homes, and up €6,000 is available for mobility aids.

Minister of State Peter Burke said that these grants have a “huge impact” on the quality of life of people with a disability, and older people with mobility issues.

Construction industry in crisis says Galway TD

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

The construction industry is in a crisis due to the massive increases in costs and the fact that Public Works Contracts have fixed prices, a Galway TD has said.

Galway East TD Seán Canney said that contractors are losing millions due to rising costs, and that they cannot recover these losses as their Public Works Contracts are fixed price.

He said that contractors entered these contracts in good faith and would have priced normal inflation in their tenders.

“Due to the unprecedented level of increases in the cost of materials, contractors cannot sustain such a level of loss. In fact, it may be considered reckless trading,” said Deputy Canney.

“The fear is that Contractors will walk away from Public Works Contracts and they are reluctant to price for works because of the uncertainty in material prices.”

Deputy Canney said that the net effect is that contractors will go out of the business, workers will lose their jobs and the delivery of housing and other vital infrastructure will stop or be seriously delayed.

He added that civil engineering contractors are beginning to turn their back on Ireland and are concentrating their focus on work in the UK where fairer Public Works Contracts are in use.

“The Government need to act swiftly in this emergency and immediately introduce a contract clause to allow contractors recover the increases which are unprecedented and unsustainable.”

Gardaí appeal for missing woman in the West

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galway daily news missing woman county clare

Gardaí are appealing for the public’s assistance to find 44-year-old Noelle O’Looney who is missing from Co. Clare.

Noelle was last seen in the Ennistymon area of Co. Clare at around 8am on Saturday, 26 March.

Noelle is approximately 5 foot 4 inches in height with a medium build, shoulder length brown hair and blue eyes.

It is believed at this time that she may still be in the Clare region and may be travelling in a red/wine coloured Toyota Auris.

Gardaí and Noelle’s family are concerned for her welfare.

Anyone with information on Noelle’s whereabouts are asked to contact Kilrush Garda Station on 065 9080550, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Colaiste Bhaile Chlair honoured at European Digital Schools Awards

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galway daily news European Digital Schools Awards colaiste bhaile chlair

Colaiste Bhaile Chlair has been recognised for its use of digital technology at the European Digital Schools Awards today, a new educational initiative which aims to establish cross-border networks and learning.

Fifteen schools officially recognised for their digital education strategy at an event held at University College Dublin where Minister of Education Norma Foley congratulated them on their achievements via video.

The European Digital Schools Awards encourages and recognises innovation, collaboration, and skills development in the digital sphere.

With support from the European Commission’s Erasmus+ programme, technology companies such as HP and AMD, and a number of national education agencies, it is the only initiative of its kind in Europe.

A total of 100 secondary schools in five European countries took part in the pilot programme, with just 79 receiving the top award.

Following the success of the pilot, the initiative is now being made available to all schools in Ireland, Scotland, Lithuania, Serbia, and Slovenia, with plans also in motion to roll out the programme more widely across Europe.

Minister Norma Foley said that the awards are an excellent example of industry bodies and educational organisations working together to support schools as they continue to incorporate digital technology into the curriculum.

“The success of the pilot programme across Ireland has been inspiring, and it is great to see so many of our schools involved. With the initiative now available to all Irish schools, we hope to see many more getting involved.”

Anna Doody from Digital Schools Awards said technology has become embedded into our everyday lives in a way we never thought it would, and at an unimaginable speed.

“In schools, the transformation is especially acute following the proliferation of remote learning during the pandemic,” she said.

“As we guide our young people through their developmental years and into adulthood it is essential that we give them the skills, knowledge and confidence to be able to navigate the digital world effectively and safely.

“The European Digital Schools Award is not about urging teachers to use technology in the classroom. It is about encouraging an inclusive, and whole-school approach to digital learning, where everyone in the school feels supported and confident to adopt best practices.

“Our pilot programme exceeded our expectations, and we are thrilled to be announcing the roll out of the initiative across our five participating countries.”

Consumers warned not to buy or eat Wonka branded chocolate bars

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galway daily news wonka fake chocolate bar

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland has warned consumers not to buy or eat Wonka branded chocolate bars due to reports that there are counterfeit bars for sale in Ireland.

The counterfeit chocolate bars may be unsafe to eat, as there is a possibility that they may not have been produced in line with food safety, hygiene and/or food traceability legal requirements.

Issues with the counterfeit chocolate bars include failure to provide an accurate ingredients list, a false business name and address on the label, and the rewrapping of various shop bought or homemade chocolate bars in Wonka wrappers.

Commenting today, Dr Pamela Byrne, Chief Executive, FSAI urged consumers to be aware of the possible risks posed by these counterfeit chocolate bars.

“The FSAI is working closely with the food inspectors in the Environmental Health Service of the HSE to ensure any counterfeit Wonka branded chocolate bars where there is a known or suspected consumer health risk are removed from sale,” said Dr Byrne.

“Consumers have a right to safe food and counterfeit foodstuffs will be pursued using the legal powers available to us.”

PBP Galway says Draft City Development Plan does nothing to save city’s nightlife

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Galway Daily news Iconic Galway nightclub reopening this weekend

People Before Profit Galway representative Adrian Curran has criticised the Draft City Development Plan for containing nothing to save the city’s nightlife.

Mr Curran said that Galway’s nightlife has been eroded over the past few years, with nightclubs closing and not being replaced.

He said that this would be a shame anywhere – but that it is especially concerning for Galway, with its reputation as a vibrant and cultural city.

“The City Council have shown practically no interest in reversing the shocking decline in venues and nighttime cultural outlets,” he said.

“The new Draft City Development Plan 2023-2029 contains one short paragraph on “Night-Time Economy” which contains no reference to the closures of nightclubs.

“It mentions an ambition of “Advancing and diversifying night-time entertainment, leisure and the creative offerings in the city” but gives absolutely no detail as to how the City Council intend to achieve this.”

Curran said that his party will be making a submission to the public consultation on the Development Plan.

“We would encourage members of the public who want Galway’s nightlife to be saved to make their own submission also. Submissions can be made at consult.galwaycity.ie until April 13th.

“Aside from better city planning, there are actions which central government should take. Ireland’s archaic licencing laws need to be reformed. Clubs and other venues close earlier in Ireland than anywhere else in Europe.

“Galleries, theatres and other cultural spaces should offer late-night openings to better accommodate working people. Later opening hours should be accompanied by increased pay for the staff and investment in late night public transport to allow workers and customers to get home safely.”

NUI Galway welcomes graduates back to campus for conferring ceremonies

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Galway Daily news NUIG holding virtual graduation ceremony for over 300 students
Photograph by Aengus McMahon

Thousands of NUI Galway graduates are being welcomed back to the campus this week with families and friends for almost two weeks of conferring ceremonies.

The celebrations take place from Thursday March 31 to Tuesday April 12 involving graduates and graduands of the University’s four colleges and the Centre for Adult Learning and Professional Development.

The ceremonies are being held for graduates who completed studies in 2021 and whose winter conferring was postponed and special graduation celebrations are also being held for graduates who completed studies in 2020 and were conferred in absentia due to public held restrictions during the pandemic.

Several thousand graduates from 2020 and 2021 have registered to attend the ceremonies. All ceremonies will be live streamed to accommodate students and their families and friends who cannot attend in-person.

Speaking ahead of the conferring ceremonies, NUI Galway President Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh said that it is great to see the return of the conferring ceremonies in person, welcoming all those students back to our campus with family and friends.

“I would like to commend all of our graduates from 2020 and 2021 for learning through the pandemic, and congratulate them on their unparalleled achievements,” he said.

“We cherish all our graduates and each of the eight extraordinary Honorary Degree recipients has made an outstanding and distinctive contribution to the diverse fields of the arts, business, literature and journalism, education, and science and medicine. NUI Galway is very pleased to be in a position to openly respect the excellence of these individuals.”

NUI Galway has also announced the names of the eight individuals to be conferred with Honorary Degrees at the ceremonies:

  • Jean Kelly – Retired Chief Director of Nursing and Midwifery, Saolta University Health Care Group, University Hospital Galway.
  • Professor David Harper – Professor of Palaeontology at Durham University and leading international expert on palaeontology and evolution.
  • Evelyn O’Toole – Founder and CEO of Complete Laboratory Solutions (CLS).
  • Professor Hubert McDermott – Former Professor of English at NUI Galway and former Governing Authority member.
  • Dick Byrne – Architect by profession and life-long contributor to the arts in Galway.
  • Ronnie O’Gorman – Founder and owner of Galway Advertiser.
  • Ailbhe Smyth – Irish academic and activist.
  • Bob Quinn – Filmmaker, director, photographer, writer, editor and member of Aosdána.

The full schedule for the winter 2021 and 2020 conferring ceremonies is available at https://www.nuigalway.ie/conferring/.

Concerns raised about Leaving Cert students’ mental health

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galway daily leaving cert exams refunds

Galway County Councillor Evelyn Parsons has expressed concerns about the pressure on students who are sitting the traditional Leaving Cert and other state exams this year after prolonged uncertainty and disruptions through the pandemic.

Cllr Parsons was speaking at this month’s Regional Health Forum where she put forward a motion calling for targeted mental and emotional health supports to students sitting state exams.

The Independent councillor said that she was pleased to gain widespread support for the proposal, with members of the forum agreeing to escalate to the National Office Of Mental Health and Wellbeing.

“I welcome that it is now going forward for consideration of rolling out a National Student Mental & Emotional Helpline,” said Cllr Parsons.

The Independent East Galway Councillor proposed that HSE West put a Student helpline in place to provide additional mental and emotional health supports targeted specifically to pupils sitting state exams this year.

“Over 60,000 students sit the Leaving Cert annually and even more students experience exam stress also.

“I proposed to pilot it in HSE West and that it would assist in expediting a fast track for urgent intervention and referral to specialist services. I’m pleased the Regional Health Forum felt there was merit in my proposal.

Saolta CEO Tony Canavan, Ms Breda Crehan Roche of Community Healthcare West and senior executive staff supported the proposal of a student helpline at national level as well as other councillors.

“I hope to see this implemented without delay so that it can serve our youth as a valuable mental and emotional resource for years to come,” said Cllr Parsons.

While there are mental and emotional health resources available, funded by HSE through Jigsaw, Mindspace Mayo, West be Well, the East Galway councillor said she was concerned that students who are already overwhelmed with reading materials and bookwork and low mood might find it unwieldy to get to the information they need.

Cllr Parsons said she was also concerned that a national resource might not be in place quickly enough to assist this cohort of young people with upcoming exams in HSE West area.

Ms Breda Crehan Roche Community Healthcare West agreed to put together a more user-friendly format of existing resources immediately for students and youth.

”It is important the resource information is presented in a user-friendly manner for students’ quick access,” added Cllr Parsons.

“I welcome the additional online platform at Westbewell.ie which launched since I raised this issue at the Health Forum last month, and thank Ms Crehan Roache for her responsiveness in compiling mental health resources in a user-friendly format.”

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