Man sent to trial for allegedly throwing petrol on man and lighting it

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March 23, 2022

A memorial native oak tree was planted at recent a ceremony of remembrance for the people who lost their lives in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council Peter Keaveney planted the tree at the ceremony in Rinville Park last Sunday.

The ceremony was to memorialise all those who have been lost in the pandemic, for those who have been bereaved, and paying tribute to the people who have guided us through it.

“Today, provides an opportunity for everyone across Ireland and for all communities across County Galway to remember those we have lost,” Cllr Keaveney said.

“We remember all those who have died during the pandemic and show our solidarity and support for everyone who has been bereaved and for all those who are still grieving.”

“The number of deaths is very hard to comprehend, for behind each death is a person who was loved and has left behind friends, partners, family and loved ones.”

The ceremony included a reading by Bemadette Craughwell of her diary piece as published in the “Lockdown Diaries Galway” publication, and a recital of a poem entitled “Cocooning” written by Joan Hardiman.

The ceremony also included performances on Uilleann Pipes from Ger Fahy, renowned composer and musician, as well as an address from the Cathaoirleach.

“For the past two years we have walked a long road together,” Peter Keaveney said, adding “There have been many twists and turns along the way.”

“We know our journey is not over, the threat of COVID-19 is very much still with us. We will continue on our journey walking together in unity and solidarity and supporting each other.”

Galway businessman Declan Ganley gets into the space race

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March 23, 2022

Galway daily news Galway businessman Declan Ganley gets into the space race

Galway businessman Declan Ganley has announced plans to get into the space race, planning to launch hundreds of communications satellites.

Rivada Space Networks, which was founded by Declan Ganley, intends to launch a constellation of 600 networked low-earth orbit satellites.

The goal is to create an ultra-fast and highly secure broadband network, connecting the satellites with lasers, that can rival land based fibre networks.

Speaking about the project, Ganley said “Our goal is to leverage the unique strengths of low-latency satellite communication to provide an enterprise-grade on demand experience anywhere in the world from any platform.”

“Rivada Space Networks will not only provide a competitive advantage, it will help to expand these markets by enabling new opportunities through previously unavailable levels of performance combined with global reach.”

“When wireless technologies converge with satellite over a single, highly secure network – you are going to get the best of both worlds.”

Based in Germany, Rivada Space Networks is rapidly moving forward with procurement of a low-earth-orbit network of 600 Ka-band communications satellites.

The Ka spectrum has been used by other high speed satellite communications systems, such as Elon Musk’s Starlink.

The company is currently undertaking an RFI with major satellite manufacturers to finalize the system design and manufacturing plan, paving the way for the production and deployment of the entire constellation.

Clarinbridge GAA are going Green

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March 23, 2022

Galway Daily sport Clarinbridge GAA are going Green

Clarinbridge GAA is going green as one of several clubs around the country chosen to take part in a pilot waste management programme.

The waste management scheme is part of the larger National GAA Green Clubs pilot initiative, aimed at promoting environmental sustainability.

Clarinbridge GAA are working with the GAA, Regional Waste Management Offices, and Galway County Council to develop guidelines on how best to deal with rubbish in GAA clubs.

Speaking on behalf of Clarinbridge GAA Club, vice-chairman Peter Boland said that they are delighted to be part of this initiative.

The club looks forward to “not only improving how we managing our waste going forward, but that our learnings will help other clubs identify and implement measures that will protect our environment,” he added.

The final stage of the project will be to develop a waste management toolkit, which will be made available to GAA clubs across the country.

Maria Finn of Galway County Council said “It’s wonderful to see a local club embracing good waste management practices.”

“This is a great example of a local climate action and is in line with the sustainability goals around sustainable cities and communities, around responsible production and consumption, climate action and life on the land.”

“We look forward to clubs around Ireland learning because of the hard work and commitment of Clarinbridge GAA here in Galway.”

Popular Galway salon chain closing city centre location

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March 23, 2022

Galway Daily business Popular Galway salon chain closing city centre location

The popular local salon chain Yourells has announced that the Eyre Street branch will be closing as they reinvest outside of the city.

Yourells on Eyre Street was opened by Carol Joyce and Anna Hosty in 2005, and became the first of three salons opened by the business partners.

The Galway City location was followed by Yourells Moycullen in 2013 and Yourells Oranmore in 2016.

The company said that all of the staff from the closing Eyre Street branch will be relocated to one of the other two branches.

Yourells management team said, “Our wonderful team will all continue to work within the Yourells Group and we can’t wait to welcome our Eyre Street clients to our locations in Moycullen and Oranmore.”

“We developed both these salons from scratch and put a lot of time and thought into designing these bespoke spaces so we could continue to provide premium experiences for our clients.”

The company also said that opening hours at the Moycullen and Oranmore branches will be extending, as the Eyre Street salon will be on March 26.

Man attacked after finding intruder in his car

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March 22, 2022

Galway Daily courts Man charged in connection

A man received a bad cut to the face after he was attacked interrupting someone who had broken into his car.

Mark McDonagh (33), of 11 Ballinfoyle Park, Headford Road received a total of 17 months in prison at Galway District Court, after pleading guilty to multiple offences from different incidents.

The most serious incident occurred on September 1 of 2020, when a Dariusz Melcer found an intruder in his car at Glenail.

He found McDonagh sitting in the front driver side seat of his car, which was parked in his driveway. The front driver side window of the car had been smashed to get in.

He yelled at McDonagh to get out. He then opened the door and tried to push past the other man.

As he was doing so, Mr Melcer suffered a cut to the side of his face, which was believed to have been caused by a broken bottle.

Gardaí found this bottle end nearby, with blood on it that led them to McDonagh. It is believed that he used it to break the car window, injuring himself in the process.

Mr Melcer required stitches at the A&E for the cut to his face. Judge Mary Fahy said that a victim impact statement handed into the court showed that he was still affected by this incident.

The damage to the car was estimated at just under €1,400, the District Court heard.

When questioned by Gardaí, McDonagh said that he couldn’t remember the incident, but that he was sorry if it was him.

McDonagh was sentenced to a total of 11 months for assault, criminal damage, and unauthorised interference with a vehicle.

In the second incident before the court, the manager of the County Club on Gaol Road arrived to work on April 24 of last year.

He found the electric front gate damaged, and a window smashed. When he entered the premises, the petty cash safe and a bottle of vodka were missing.

The manager found a very drunk man on the grounds with a bag containing their safe.

McDonagh admitted to being on the premises without permission when questioned at the time, but denied breaking in.

When he was searched back at the Murrough Regional Headquarters, a screwdriver was found on his person.

For the burglary and possession of an article to aid in burglary, McDonagh was sentenced to another six months consecutive prison sentence.

Mr McDonagh’s solicitor said that his offending arose from an addiction to alcohol, and feeding that addiction.

She said that he is remorseful, and could put together some compensation for the first victim.

Judge Fahy said that it was clear from his statement that “he doesn’t want anything to do with this man ever again”, and proceeded to sentencing.

She refused to suspend any part of the combined 17 month sentence, adding “it’s a very bad case”.

The court also imposed concurrent sentences for two shoplifting incidents which occurred at Tesco and Dunnes Stores.

Leave to appeal was granted by the court, on McDonagh’s own bond of €500 and an independent surety of €800, half of which were to be lodged with the court.

NUIG welcoming visitors back to campus for Open Days

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March 22, 2022

Galway Daily education NUIG welcoming visitors back to campus for Open Days

NUIG is welcoming visitors to check out its campus and more this weekend, in the first proper open days in two years.

Hundreds of prospective students, parents, guidance counsellors and teachers are expected at the two open days this Friday & Saturday, March 25-26.

The Spring Undergraduate Open Days are the biggest events to take place on campus since 2020, and include five exhibitions and a schedule of more than 50 talks each day.

This year there are almost 70 undergraduate courses on offer at NUIG, and those interested in them will be able to speak with lecturers and students to discuss them.

Prospective students will also be able to get information about work placements that may come with a course, and the career prospects after them.

Prospective students can explore the campus with seven different guided tours available including campus tours, accessibility tours and guided visits to specific spaces.

Sarah Geraghty, Director of Student Recruitment and Outreach at NUIG, is encouraging visitors to view the open day programme in advance due to the large volume of events planned.

“It’s important for prospective students to plan their day and know in advance which talks are most relevant to them,” she said.

“After two years of virtual open days, we are very excited to bring this informative and dynamic event back on campus to showcase the endless career opportunities that await students.”

“Nothing can match the sense of possibility that a student gets from visiting the university in person.”

“It helps them to visualise college life and to explore very thoroughly the potential courses and pathways that are right for them.”

The talks schedule will feature all courses across Arts, Science, Engineering, Business, Law, Nursing, Health Sciences and Medicine.

It also includes talks on Student Life, Sport, Study Abroad, Careers and ALIVE volunteering.

NUI Galway’s Access Centre will be holding events on the alternative pathways to higher education, mature students supports, and more.

Parents will also be interested in the Parents’ Talk taking place on Saturday only at 11am and again at 1pm which will address topics such as fees, funding, accommodation and student supports.

Advance registration is required in order to attend the event, with further info at www.nuigalway.ie/opendays, or by emailing opendays@nuigalway.ie.

Gardaí appeal for witnesses following Tuam arson attack

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March 22, 2022

Galway Daily news Gardaí appeal for witnesses following Tuam arson attack

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses after a suspected arson attack in an estate in Tuam.

Last Friday, March 18, shortly before 6am, Gardaí and local Fire Services a car on fire.

The attack occurred outside a house in the Parkmore estate in Tuam.

The fire was extinguished and there was no reports of any injuries.

In a statement to Galway Daily, An Garda Síochána said that the matter is being treated as suspected arson.

Gardaí are appealing for anyone who may have seen something in the Parkmore area between 5am and 6am that morning to make contact.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Tuam Garda Station at 093 708 40, or the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111.

This was the second reported incident of a car set on fire in Tuam in just over a week.

In the early hours of Wednesday, March 9, a car was set on fire outside of a house at the Cois na hAbhainn estate.

Connacht stars to attend Champions Cup Preview night at An Púcán

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March 22, 2022

The much loved sports bar An Púcán will be holding a Champions Cup preview night ahead of the much anticipated clash between Leinster and Connacht.

The event will take place before the before the first leg, on April 4, with several yet-to-be-announced first team Connacht players attending.

They will be joined by ex-Ireland and Connacht head coach Eddie O’Sullivan, and RTE pundit Bernard Jackman, who lined out for both Leinster and Connacht during a distinguished playing career.

Also on the night, supporters will have the opportunity to pose for photos with the Heineken Champions Cup trophy, and the chance to win a money-can’t-buy experience for the game at The Sportsground.

Fans will also have the chance to quiz the panel about a variety of topics ahead of the big match.

Connacht and Leinster will meet twice in the final 16 of the Champions Cup next month.

The first match will take place on Connacht’s home turf of the Sportsground on April 8, followed by a trip to the Aviva Stadium on April 15.

The preview night will take place on Monday, April 4 at An Púcán, with doors at 7pm.

Call for action to tackle speeding near Merlin Park Hospital

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March 22, 2022

Galway Daily news Call for action to tackle speeding near Merlin Park Hospital

Urgent action is needed to tackle dangerous speeding near Merlin Park Hospital a city councillor has said.

Cllr Alan Cheevers has said that speeding along Merlin Park Lane has become a “serious health and safety issue”, that needs to be dealt with before someone is killed.

He said that the laneway has become a rat-run for commuters going onto the Dublin Road by passing through the hospital.

“Only last week we saw a vehicle loss control and damage the front wall of a house at Merlin Lane,” Alan Cheevers said.

“Luckily there was no one injured, but we can’t see incidents like this happening again. That is why I am calling for urgent action.”

The Fianna Fáil councillor suggested that a barrier only accessible to hospital staff should be installed at the back gate of Merlin Park Hospital.

He said that the city council, Gardaí, and hospital management need to act to stop this kind of speeding.

Water outages reported around Claregalway today

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March 22, 2022

Galway Daily news Water outages in Athenry on Tuesday

Large numbers of homes and businesses in Claregalway and surrounding areas are without water today due to a leak.

Irish Water has said that a leak is affecting the water supply to Lisheenavalla, Gortatleva, Lissarulla, Caherlea, Cregcarragh, Cashla and surrounding areas.

Repair works are underway, and are currently expected to be completed by 5pm on Tuesday afternoon.

Typically, it takes two to three hours following repairs for normal supply to restore to all customers affected by an outage.

Ronan Daly of Irish Water, commented: “The repairs are being conducted as quickly and efficiently as possible to minimise disruption to the area and restore water for all customers.

“We understand the inconvenience bursts can have on customers and we appreciate your patience as we work to return the water supply to homes and businesses as quickly as possible.”

Updates can be found on Irish Water’s supply and service website page.

Dáil motion to demand urgent action on spiralling energy costs

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March 22, 2022

galway daily news claire kerrane at dáil child maintenance

A motion will be brought forward in the Dáil this evening demanding that people get an urgent break from spiralling home energy costs.

The motion, announced by Roscommon-Galway Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane, calls for urgent measures to demand that households affected by soaring home energy costs get much-needed help.

It includes the introduction of a ‘cost of living cash payment’ of €200 for every adult with an income less than €30,000, and €100 for every adult with an income between €30,000 and €60,000.

Sinn Féin is also calling for the cancellation of the scheduled carbon tax increase in May, and proposing a further reduction of excise duty on petrol and diesel and the removal of the excise duty on home heating oil for a temporary period.

The Galway TD said that energy costs are out of control and people need help now without delay, and accused the government of dragging their heels and being far too slow to act.

“Costs have already risen by around €500 a year for an average household with over 30 price hikes by providers in the last year alone and these costs continue to rise,” said Deputy Kerrane.

“Last week, Bord Gáis Energy announced further increases which will take effect from next month. This has devastated families who are deeply anxious about staying on top of these spiralling bills.

“It is clear that we are in a serious crisis and the Government must act now to help workers and families. People are worried that they cannot afford to heat their homes, or afford to drive to work or college. This is unacceptable. People need to see action now.”

Deputy Kerrane said that while measures announced by Government in recent weeks are welcome, they do nothing to address the spiralling cost of home heating.

Her party is again calling for a Discretionary Fund to support households who are struggling with utility debt.

“We also need to see the Fuel Allowance extended to those in receipt of the Working Family Payment, which is a payment for provided to low-income working households,” she said.

“In addition, we are calling for the existing 30-hour eligibility rule to access the Exceptional Needs Payment to be relaxed on a temporary basis. As it stands, anyone working more than 30 hours per week is locked out of the scheme.

“It is crucial that the Government take further action on soaring home heating costs, and that they take it now. We need to see supports that reflect the scale of this crisis.”

NUI Galway to welcome visitors back to campus for Open Days

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March 22, 2022

NUI Galway is to welcome hundreds of prospective students, parents, guidance counsellors and teachers back to campus for a weekend of Undergraduate Open Days.

The University will be pulling out all the stops this weekend, March 25 and 26, from 9am to 3pm, as it showcases everything it has to offer for studies and life at NUI Galway.

The Spring Undergraduate Open Days will be the biggest events to take place on campus since 2020 and include five exhibitions and a schedule of more than 50 talks each day.

There are almost 70 undergraduate degrees on offer at NUI Galway in 2022.

Visitors will have the opportunity to meet lecturers, staff and students at the exhibitions to discuss courses, entry requirements, work placements and career opportunities.

Prospective students can explore the campus with seven different guided tours available including campus tours, accessibility tours and guided visits to teaching and learning spaces including engineering, nursing and midwifery and the library’s Makerspace.

Sarah Geraghty, Director of Student Recruitment and Outreach, is encouraging visitors to view the open day programme in advance.

“With over 50 talks scheduled, representing all courses, subjects and student supports on offer, it’s important for prospective students to plan their day and know in advance which talks are most relevant to them,” Ms Geraghty said.

“After two years of virtual open days, we are very excited to bring this informative and dynamic event back on campus to showcase the endless career opportunities that await students.

“Nothing can match the sense of possibility that a student gets from visiting the university in person. It helps them to visualise college life and to explore very thoroughly the potential courses and pathways that are right for them.”

The talks schedule will feature all courses across Arts, Science, Engineering, Business, Law, Nursing, Health Sciences and Medicine. It also includes talks on Student Life, Sport, Study Abroad, Careers and ALIVE volunteering.

The Access Centre will host session on alternative pathways, mature student supports and the QQI/FETAC/PLC entry route.

Parents will also be interested in the Parents’ Talk taking place on Saturday only at 11am and again at 1pm which will address topics such as fees, funding, accommodation and student supports.

Advance registration is required in order to attend the event, with further info at www.nuigalway.ie/opendays, or by emailing opendays@nuigalway.ie.

City Council votes for 30km city speed limit proposal

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March 22, 2022

galway daily news New 30km/h speed limit now in place for Galway City Centre

Galway City Councillors have voted 8 to 6 in favour of a proposal put forward by Cllr Owen Hanley to create a city centre speed limit of 30km/h.

The Council will come back to Councillors with a report on creating special bye-laws for the proposal.

Cllr Hanley said that as we wait for active travel infrastructure, other steps can be taken to change our city, and thanked Fianna Fáil, the Greens and Labour for supporting the proposal.

The Social Democrats councillor also called on the Council to consider helping Council tenants with the burden of the cost of living by reviewing Council rents.

He said that the Chief Executive is reviewing this proposal.

Martina Callanan of Galway Cycling Campaign said that a 30 kmh speed limit is a relatively fast and cheap action to make city centre streets safer.

She said that so much has changed since the public consultation in 2020 and that she believes big institutions will want their boundary roads to be included, for example NUI Galway, UHG and Scoil Fhursa.

Public meeting to discuss ‘Julia Morrissey Bridge’ campaign

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March 22, 2022

galway daily news cumann na mban bridge julia morrissey galway

A public meeting will be held in Galway city to push for the new pedestrian bridge over the Corrib to be named after Cumann na mBan volunteer Julia Morrissey.

The meeting, hosted by Éirígí For a New Republic, will take place in Áras na nGael on Dominick Street on Monday 28 March at 8pm.

The campaign includes an online petition for the bridge to be named after the 1916 Cumann na mBan hero, which has so far gathered over 300 signatures.

Éirígí’s Galway representative, Ian Ó Dálaigh, will chair the meeting, and it will be addressed by guest speaker, Jamie Canavan.

Canavan is a PhD student at NUI Galway, whose thesis focuses on foster care in 20th century Ireland. Her research is sponsored by the Irish Research Council.

Ian Ó Dálaigh said that Morrissey was a Cumann na mBan commander during the Easter Rising in Galway – but she has been largely forgotten by history since then.

“The same can be said of many Cumann na mBan members,” he said. “Many of those women stayed true to the radical republican ideal envisioned in both the 1916 Proclamation and the 1919 Democratic Programme.

“These documents clearly expressed the republican vision of an Ireland built on the principles of liberty and equality – where all citizens would be treated as equals regardless of their gender, religion, ethnicity or any other false division.”

Ó Dálaigh noted that the membership of Cumann na mBan voted overwhelmingly to reject the Treaty, and that the handing of power to the capitalist class, big farmers, and the churches set back the cause of women’s rights by decades.

“So it’s no surprise that Julia Morrissey and many of her comrades have been effectively written out of history,” he said.

“The Ireland that grew out of the victory of counter-revolutionary forces was a place that was incredibly hostile to women’s rights.”

Jamie Canavan will give an overview of how the 26 counties treated women and how the movement for women’s rights has advanced over the last few decades.

Ó Dálaigh encouraged anyone who can attend to do so, as it’s “vitally important that we have these discussions in order to inform the building of a movement that will tackle – and end – all inequalities in Irish society today.”

PBP Galway says supports should be extended to all refugees

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March 21, 2022

People Before Profit representative Adrian Curran has welcomed community efforts to make Ukrainian refugees welcome in Galway.

He said that the State should do everything it can to make refugees from Ukraine and all those fleeing conflict, regardless of their background or nationality, welcome in Ireland.

He said the refugee crisis caused by the war in Ukraine has horrified the world, and that his party reiterates their demand for the “immediate withdrawal of Russian forces alongside an end to NATO escalation of the conflict.”

“All those working to aid Ukrainian refugees in Galway, notably the communities in Newbridge and Ballygar who converted a disused school into a hub for refugees from Ukraine, deserve our appreciation for how they have swiftly responded to this crisis,” said Adrian Curran.

“We further demand that the state ensure Ukrainian refugees are properly supported with access to vital measures such as good-quality accommodation.”

Curran welcomed the supports provided to date to refugees from Ukraine, including immediate access to PPS numbers and welfare schemes.

But he said this should be extended to all refugees resident in Ireland, regardless of background or nationality who are ‘no less deserving of these measures’.

“The horrifying treatment of African migrants in Ukraine who have been turned away at the Polish border while fleeing Putin’s invasion underlines the EU’s policy of ‘Fortress Europe’ designed to keep out migrants, asylum seekers and refugees from outside Europe,” he said.

“This policy has already led to the deaths of thousands of people with many more trafficked into slavery due to their vulnerable positions, and must be ended immediately.

“Ireland has a duty to welcome its share of refugees from Ukraine and from all countries where refugees are fleeing war, oppression, persecution and other inhuman conditions.”

Galway Wind Park launches €300,000 fund for community projects

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March 21, 2022

The latest round of Galway Wind Park’s €300,000 Major Projects Fund has been launched.

The launch was announced today by SSE Renewables and Greencoat Renewables, co-owners of Galway Wind Park.

The Major Projects Fund support community projects around the wind park as part of Galway Wind Park’s Community Fund programme.

It supports not-for-profit groups involved in local regeneration and long-term social, safety, environmental or economic improvements in the community.

The closing date for applications for this year’s fund is Friday, 29 April 2022.

Projects applying should be located within 10km of Galway Wind Park and aim to improve or enhance local infrastructure, landscape, biodiversity, heritage, or sports and recreation and make a lasting difference to the places where residents live, work and visit.

Awards available will range from €20,000 to €150,000 annually, and certain projects may qualify for multi-year funding.

In May 2021, the previous Major Project Fund round successfully provided €300,000 towards six large scale projects including improvement to pitch surfaces, local footpaths, capital works at a sports facility and recreation trails.

“SSE Renewables is very proud of the work that the Major Projects Fund has already achieved, and the quality of works completed from the 2021 funding awards,” said John O’Sullivan, SSE Renewables.

“The successful groups have worked diligently to deliver large scale transformational projects that are delivering lasting legacies to the local area.

“We look forward to working with the community once again to help develop and deliver projects that can bring a transformational difference to the local area.”

Patrick Maguire, Investment Manager for Greencoat Renewables, said they are delighted to support the second year of the redesigned Major Projects Fund.

“As long-term owners of wind farms in rural areas we are keen to support and build strong relationships with the local community through projects like this,” he said.

“The Major Projects Fund offers communities the opportunity to deliver long term sustainable projects which brings value and growth to rural areas which represents true community development.”

All applications for the Galway Wind Park Major Projects Fund should contain a clear and concise business proposal with accurate costings, timings, and targets, and demonstrate that the proposed development is shovel ready.

Applications will be accepted from not-for-profit community groups within 10km of Galway Wind Park with preference given based on proximity.

Further information and application forms for download can be found online.

Free Croí webinar to discuss women’s heart health and menopause

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March 21, 2022

Galway Daily news Croi Connects Helpline

Heart and stroke charity Croí is hosting a free public webinar next week entitled Living Well with Cardiovascular Disease: Women’s Heart Health and Menopause.

The webinar will take place on Zoom on Thursday, March 31 from 7 to 8pm.

Expert speakers will address people’s priorities and concerns for cardiovascular health and the menopause through an interactive panel discussion.

Expert speakers on the night include Dr Mary Ryan, Consultant Endocrinologist; Dr Eva Flynn, GP and Medical Educator; and Prof Catriona Jennings, Cardiovascular Specialist Research Nurse.

“While the menopause does not cause heart disease, it does increase the risk for developing conditions that are linked to heart disease,” says Dr Lisa Hynes, Croí’s Head of Health Programmes.

“We’re delighted to be joined by an expert panel to bring attention to these risk factors and the link between the menopause and heart health.”

Don’t miss this special event – register now and submit your questions for the experts at www.croi.ie/webinar, or call Croí on 091-544310.

First Ballinasloe houses connected under National Broadband Plan

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March 21, 2022

Galway daily news ballinalsoe broadband connected under national broadband plan ireland — Martin and Yvonne Moran; Tara Collins, Chief Marketing Officer with National Broadband Ireland; Noel Madden, Broadband Officer with Galway County Council; and Michael Fitzmaurice, T.D. for Roscommon-Galway at the home of Martin and Yvonne Moran, one of the first premises connected to the NBI network in the Ballinasloe Deployment Area.

Ballinasloe’s first properties have been connected to high-speed broadband under the National Broadband Plan.

National Broadband Ireland (NBI) will be delivering broadband to around 39,000 homes, businesses, farms and schools across Co. Galway in the coming months under the plan.

Martin and Yvonne Moran’s house was one of the first to be connected by NBI, and Martin said that they delighted to have high speed broadband.

“It’s allowed myself and my wife to experience a variety of advantages, knowing that we can rely on a consistent connection to high speed broadband,” said Martin.

“This includes greater capacity to work on projects such as charity work and to enjoy leisure activities such as streaming, as well as video calls with family members abroad.”

Peter Hendrick, CEO of National Broadband Ireland, said that this a key milestone for the Ballinasloe intervention area under the broadband plan.

“As an increasing number of homes and businesses are being connected, we are confident that the rollout will continue to gather pace as we look to connect thousands more homes and businesses,” he said.

“We are acutely aware that people want access to high-speed broadband and our goal is to deliver that as quickly as possible.”

Roscommon-Galway TD Michael Fitzmaurice said that while meeting NBI representatives in the county this week, he stressed the need for urgency regarding the speed of the deployment of broadband.

“Our communities in rural Ireland are in immediate need of connectivity and every effort is required to expediate the fibre rollout,” he said.

NBI contractors have been on the ground since January 2020 surveying townlands across the county.

This involves physically walking the routes and documenting images, notes and measurements of the poles, cables and underground ducts in each area, and enables design solutions for the provision of the fibre network.

Under the National Broadband Plan, 554,000 premises nationwide are included in the Intervention Area, which was established by government to identify areas where commercial operators are not currently providing access to high-speed broadband or do not intend to.

Landlords’ short-term rental greed exacerbating the housing crisis

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March 21, 2022