Galway allocated €4.5m for housing adaptation grants

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March 29, 2022

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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March 29, 2022

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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March 28, 2022

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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March 28, 2022

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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March 28, 2022

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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March 28, 2022

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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March 28, 2022

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.”

Galway Theatre Festival to welcome back audiences in April

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March 28, 2022

Galway Theatre Festival has presented Festival 2022 which will run from 29 April through to 7 May.

GTF features nine days of exciting theatre, circus, spectacle, and storytelling, showcasing the vibrant performance culture of Galway.

The festival seeks to bring an exciting and fresh programme of performances to the venues of Galway, sparking conversation and excitement amongst audiences.

Kicking off our festival season is Tart, a comedic, semi-autobiographical look at the development of a Contemporary Woman from ‘tart’ to wife. Tart is a co-production between writer Eimear Finan and Galway Theatre Festival.

Niamh Ryan’s Girl In A Cell is a humourous depiction of a teenager’s view of the Irish medical system and a tender and sensitive play about life, illness and resilience.

Paddy Goes to Petra is the tale of a proud Irish man whose lust for life vanished long ago, and follows a rural farmer as he seeks to rediscover his wonder for the world, overcome tragedy and begin an exciting love affair… with himself!

Adventure of a Nighttime is a playful exploration of the realm and myths of sleep for young audiences.

The Song Collector (a work-in-progress) invites adults and children to directly input into the work’s progression.

Equipped with his Field Recorder, the Song Collector and his trusty dog Lomax have collected traditional music from all over the world, from American prison-songs to Mongolian throat singing (and everything in between).

But there’s one song – a ‘special’ song – from the island of Ireland that he’s never been able to collect.

For those interested in circus and spectacle, Snach and Grab is a topical two woman punk circus from Belfast, performed by award winning performers, this show includes partner acrobatics, acro-dance, tumbling, juggling, bottle walking, comedy, spoken word, movement and household appliances.

Alternatively, TearAway sees Beligan aerialist Suzon Gheur jumps out of the frame – completely and literally. On the trapeze, she combines Breakdance, Vertical Dance and Zero Gravity in an unusual and unprecedented manner.

If installation is your calling, see Where Mountain Kisses the Sea; a site-specific work on Renvyle Beach.

Exploring the myths of our Celtic ancestors, the legends of the women who came before, and the resilience it takes for life to survive in the raw Connemara landscape, this work sees the audience exploring a section of Renvyle beach at the changing of the light.

Galway City Youth Reach shortlisted for CIF’s Build the Future Competition

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March 28, 2022

galway daily news cif challenge — Minister Darragh O’Brien TD, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Tom Parlon, Director General of the CIF, Malahide Community School student Daniel O’Reilly pose for photos as the short list for the CIF’s Building the Future’s Schools Challenge. Fennell Photography 2022

Galway City Youth Reach has been shortlisted for the Construction Industry Federation’s (CIF) Build a School Competition.

The Youth Reach was shortlisted for its proposed development of housing and apartments on Ballymoneen Road.

Eight schools in total will compete for three finalist spots at the awards ceremony on April 7.

As well as Galway, the shortlisted schools represent Tipperary, Wicklow, and Dublin.

“This year’s finalists further raise the standard from last year,” said Frank Kelly, President of the CIF.

“The standard across all the entries was exceptional, and the judging process was very challenging.

“We want to recognise and commend all the schools that entered. The finalists demonstrated creativity and innovation and look forward to naming the winners in April.”

Darragh O’Brien TD said that the competition plays a critical role in encouraging the next generation to consider a career in the construction sector, as it shows the diversity and variety of skills and roles within the industry.

“The sector will need 27,500 additional workers to achieve the housing targets set out in Housing for All, and we must do all we can to encourage younger people to consider a job in construction.

“A job in this sector offers huge growth potential and multiple entry points and skills that will allow you to work and develop a successful career anywhere.”

The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) in association with Sherry FitzGerald has opened the competition, now in its second year, which is aimed at Senior cycle and Youthreach students.

The competition is a team-based project where students work together to design a residential housing development help address sustainability, climate change, solve the housing crisis and showcase innovation in construction.

Rabbitte welcomes over €2.5 million for improved homes for older people and people with a disability

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March 28, 2022

Galway Daily credit unions sport Television broadcast deal sidelines GAA fans says Rabbitte

Galway East TD Anne Rabbitte has welcomed the allocation of €2,645,500 for Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability.

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

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

Commenting on the funding, Minister Rabbitte said that the allocation is an increase of over €300,000 compared to last year.

“As the Minister for Disability, I’m acutely aware of how important this funding is to families and individuals across Galway, and indeed the country,” said Minister Rabbitte.

“Home adaptations help reduce the dependency on our health services by supporting independent living for as long as possible and in other instances facilitate an early return from hospital, taking pressure off already over-burdened services.

“These grants have a huge impact on the quality of life of the many beneficiaries and play a vitally important role in helping people with a disability and people who are reaching an age in life when they are less mobile, to continue to live independently in their own homes.”

Minister Rabbitte criticised Galway County Council last year for being the only local authority that hadn’t drawn down any funds as of mid-year.

But she said that since then, the Council has ramped up its processing of applications, and hundreds of grants have been approved.

“The Council maxed out last year’s allocation and I’m positive that we’ll see similar a turnaround this year, which provides a major boost to people around Galway seeking to adapt their home,” said Minister Rabbitte.

The €81.25m fund announced today provides 80% exchequer funding through the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, with the remaining 20% in funding coming from the relevant local authority.

Public asked to play their part in red squirrel revival

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March 28, 2022

Researchers at NUI Galway have called for public support as the battle for the revival of the red squirrel moves to the streets, parks and gardens of cities across Ireland.

The Urban Squirrel Survey is on a quest to find out more about the urban squirrel population, both the native red species and its rival, the invasive grey squirrel.

The research is focusing on the seven largest urban areas on the island of Ireland – Dublin, Belfast, Cork, Derry, Limerick, Galway and Waterford.

Since their introduction to Ireland in 1911, the grey squirrel has caused a number of problems for the red squirrel.

The larger greys, which out-compete the reds for food and pass on a fatal disease to them, began to displace the red squirrel in many parts of the country.

However, in some rural areas, the recovery of the pine marten, a native predator which predates on the larger, less vigilant grey squirrel, has contributed to the recovery of the red squirrel.

A number of surveys on squirrel species have been carried out since 2007 showing the recovery of the red squirrel, however recent studies suggest that urban areas may act as a refuge for the grey squirrel, which may hinder red squirrel re-establishment in towns, cities, and urban parks, and may act as a source for further grey squirrel spread in the future.

The survey will be carried out by NUI Galway PhD researcher Emma Roberts and Dr Colin Lawton, researcher with the Ryan Institute in NUI Galway and lecturer in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Biology in the University’s School of Natural Sciences.

“With the spread of urbanisation, parks and urban green spaces are becoming important habitats for squirrels. By understanding where both species occur in urban areas, we can plan conservation actions to protect our native red squirrel,” said Ms Roberts.

“Red squirrels need a woodland to live in, so it can be difficult for an urban area to accommodate these animals.

“By researching their distribution in urban areas across Ireland, we can investigate the likelihood of their continued survival in certain areas and reestablishment in others.”

Dr Lawton said that previously, surveys have been looking for squirrel records in all areas of Ireland, “but this year we are focusing on urban areas, to highlight the increasing importance of these habitats to our wildlife and to see if they will remain a stronghold of the invasive grey squirrel.”

“We rely on the help of the public, our Citizen Scientists to provide us with information from their local parks and gardens.”

During the course of 2022, The Urban Squirrel Survey’ is looking for information on squirrel sightings from urban areas across Ireland, in Dublin, Belfast, Cork, Limerick, Derry, Galway, and Waterford.

More information can be found on the survey Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (@urbansquirrelsurvey) pages or email urbansquirrelsurvey@gmail.com. The online survey can be found at www.biodiversityireland.ie.

New writing showcase returns for Cúirt festival

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March 27, 2022

Galway Daily arts The MC for the event will be regular Over The Edge host Susan Millar DuMars.

Since its inception in 2006 the New Writing Showcase at the Cúirt Literary Festival has grown to become one of the most important platforms for emerging writers in Ireland.

This year’s New Writing Showcase features three participants from the Over the Edge literary series in Galway, Sadhbh Goodwin, D’or Seifer, & Hannah Ward.

Also part of the lineup are Murphy and Siobhán Flynn, the winners of the Cúirt New Writing Prize 2022.

Also reading this year will be Flavia Simas who is chosen as part of the new Skylight 47 Open Window project which will, from now on, be an annual part of Cúirt.

Sadhbh Goodwin is a nineteen year old poet from Galway, who has published in the Wild Words anthology and Comhar Óg magazine.

They have been a featured poet at Lime Square Poets and Over the Edge, and write in both English and Gailege.

D’or Seifer regularly contributes her poetry to On the Nail, Filí an Tí Bháin, and Over the Edge.

Her works have recently been published in The Galway Advertister and Skylight 47, and she also co-runs Lime Square Poets, an online poetry gathering.

Hannah Ward produces her works of poetry while attending university. Her pieces have been published in the Galway Advertiser on their Vox Galvia creative writing page, and she has performed at Over the Edge reading events.

Flávia Simas was born and raised in Goiás, Brazil, where she completed her studies and earned a Master’s Degree in Linguistics.

Her work has appeared at the rabble.ie, Elephant Journal, and at the special edition of Skylight 47 published in 2019.

Shane Murphy won the fiction category for this year’s Cúirt New Writing Prize with his story ‘Welcome to the World’.

This year’s fiction judge Lisa McInerney wrote: “A character study that’s compassionate and raw, and a reflection on yearning and identity that was moving and surprising.”

Siobhán Flynn is the winner in the poetry category of the New Writing Prize, taking home the award with her poem “I’m Trying to Write a Poem About an Angel”.

Poetry judge Gail McConnell wrote: “Often the test of a true poem is the reader’s desire to return to it again and again.”

“I liked this poem when I read it first, but I noticed that I kept re-reading it, and each time I did, I noticed something new.”

The New Writing Showcase will take place at the Mick Lally Theatre on Tuesday, April 5 at 11am. Entry is pay what you can.

The MC for the event will be regular Over The Edge host Susan Millar DuMars. All are welcome.

Emergency services attend gorse fire in Connemara

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March 27, 2022

Galway Daily news Retained firefighters vote to accept WRC proposals to end industrial dispute

Fire services are dealing with a gorse fire in Connemara today.

Units from the Carraroe and Clifden services were dispatched to a gorse fire in the Carna area.

It is believed that the fire developed on Saturday and was monitored overnight, before services attended today

Hospital exhibition highlights staff experience of pandemic

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March 27, 2022

A special exhibition is hanging at Galway University Hospitals to remember and commemorate the difficult experience of the pandemic for frontline staff.

Staff at UHG and Merlin Park Hospital contributed photographs, poetry, prose, and more that shared their thoughts and experiences of the pandemic.

The call for staff to share their personal and professional experiences came after the announcement in January of a national Day of Remembrance and Recognition.

Margaret Flannery, Saolta Arts Director was one of the staff involved in arranging the exhibition.

She said, “A call went out to colleagues to come forward with prose, poetry, photographs or whatever medium they would like to use to tell their story, of their experience of the pandemic.”

“What we received was eclectic, representing the genuine fear, fatigue and pride of hospital staff.”

“It is good to know that despite the trauma of the past two years there is also a little humour,” Margaret added.

The exhibition is on display in the Arts Corridors in UHG and in Merlin Park until the end of April.

While access to the hospital for visitors is limited at the moment, people attending the hospital for appointments are invited to stop for a few minutes and read a few of the thoughts staff have shared.

Anne McKeown, End of Life Care Coordinator at the hospital said that they asked staff to share some of their thoughts from the early days of the crisis, and beyond.

“Fear of the unknown, to the relief of vaccination, the highs and lows and the effect it had on themselves, their family and work colleagues.”

“It is fair to say that there are some staff who are not yet able to talk about their experience of the pandemic.”

All of the exhibits are displayed anonymously, so that the contributors feel freer to share, and viewers can connect with the sentiment, rather than the person.

Plans for 27m Claregalway mobile & broadband mast approved

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March 27, 2022

Galway Daily news Planning refused again for Galway City mobile tower

Planning permission has been granted for a new mobile tower to improve phone and broadband coverage in Claregalway.

Vantage Towers Limited has received approval to erect the 27m high lattice tower at Cathair Ghabhann, approximately 1km northeast of the town.

The development will consist of the lattice mast, with associated antennae, dishes, and ground equipment, enclosed by security fencing.

Four submissions objecting to the plans were received by the county council, including from An Taisce and Cllr Jim Cuddy.

The objections stated that the site is within 500m of the Riveroaks estate of the N83, and that a mobile mast should not be located so close to a residential area.

Other concerns stated that the land could be used to develop community amenities such as a walkway along the river Clare, and that this would negatively affect those plans.

Multiple submissions also said that the mast would affect sightlines around the historic structures of Claregalway Abbey and Claregalway Castle.

In the planning application, Vantage Towers said that this mast is necessary as mobile network operators have been asked to vacate a rooftop location in the town centre.

Planning permission was ultimately granted by the county council with a total of nine conditions attached.

Full effect of rising costs unlikely to be felt until Autumn

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March 27, 2022

The full effect of rising cost of living will not be felt until next Autumn, Galway TD Seán Canney warned recently.

Speaking in the Dáil this week, Deputy Canney said the carbon tax and excise duties need to be taken away in order to combat rising fuel and fertiliser costs, as well as extending PAYE tax credits.

“I also contend that we will not see the full effects of what we are talking about today until next autumn when the harvest comes in from our agricultural products.”

“I have spoken to builders providers, farm suppliers, farmers and agricultural contractors who all believe the effects of increasing costs and scarcity of fertiliser will not be properly seen until next autumn.”

“A building provider told me last night that he is not buying in any more fertiliser because the next pallet he buys will cost him €500 more than the one he bought last week,” Seán Canney said.

His comments came during a debate on a motion brought forward by Sinn Féin calling for additional financial supports to combat rising energy and fuel prices.

He said that energy independence and retrofitting homes to be more energy efficient are good medium term solutions, but that others measures need to be delivered “as a matter of urgency”.

Galway West TD Claire Kerrane, who proposed the motion, said that the government has “overemphasised” the fuel allowance in this crisis, as it is unavailable to many vulnerable people.

“A person out sick from work on illness benefit cannot get the fuel allowance. Someone who is on a low income and relying on the working family payment to top up that income cannot access the fuel allowance.”

“A couple or older person with a small occupational pension does not get the fuel allowance.”

She added that energy efficiency and retrofitting are of no use to people who cannot pay their bills today.

Move to new Ambulance Base delayed by industrial dispute

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March 26, 2022

galway daily news Planning application submitted for long awaited Ambulance Base in Recess — Pic: Gregory Clarke

The move to a multi-million euro new ambulance base at Merlin Park Hospital has been delayed by an ongoing industrial dispute.

The ambulance service in Galway have been operating out of temporary facilities for a number of years, whether prefabs at Merlin Park, or another temporary facility at UHG.

A €4.9 million new base at Merlin Park Hospital has now been completed, and is ready to become operational.

However, in a written answer to a question by councillor John Connolly for this week’s meeting of the Regional Health Forum, it was said that no clear date could be given for when the base would be occupied.

This is due to an ongoing industrial dispute, with SIPTU advising that staff are seeking some form of compensation for the move.

This dispute has since been referred to the Workplace Relations Commission, which has held up the move to the new ambulance base.

Will Briain discover Berni is pregnant in Ros na Rún?

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March 26, 2022

Galway Daily television Will Briain discover Berni is pregnant in Ros na Rún?

Will Briain discover Berni is pregnant, is Laoise taking advantage of Máire, and can Tadgh exorcise Sonny from his life in Ros na Rún?

Berni and Tony have finally agreed to go ahead with their plan to publicly end their fake relationship.

But all of that changes when she sees that Briain is back in the village. Will he discover that Berni is pregnant?

Mack worries that Sonia is hoping to take their relationship to the next level. Is he right to be concerned?

Tadgh tries to rid the village of Sonny by spreading a rumour. But ultimately the matter will be decided when they have their day in court.

Vanessa thinks Laoise may be out to feather her own nest and is far from happy with her meddling in Máire’s affairs.

Catch up on all the latest in the village of Ros na Rún in a double feature omnibus on TG4 this Sunday.

Tomás Kenny of Kennys fame shortlisted for best Bookseller

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March 26, 2022