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Extra €125 Fuel Allowance payment being paid from today

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Galway Daily new Extra €125 Fuel Allowance payment being paid from today

Recipients of the fuel allowance will receive a once-off bonus payment of €125 this week, starting from today.

Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys said that 372,000 households will receive the extra payment on top of their regular fuel allowance.

The bonus payment is part of a €505 million package meant to tackle rising energy costs, which have been greatly exacerbated by the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

Announcing the payment, Minister Humphreys said that she is “acutely conscious” that families are concerned about the rising cost of living.

“We have all felt it in recent months – through our bills, at the petrol station and in the supermarket.”

“And unfortunately, the situation is not being helped by the horrific war unfolding in Ukraine.”

The Minister said that other measures in the €505m package include a reduction in people’s energy bills of €200, which will come into effect this month.

“Government also responded last week by cutting excise duty on petrol and diesel, which has become the source of considerable concern for motorists in recent months.”

The Fuel Allowance, which is a means-tested payment, is paid to 372,000 pensioners, widows, widowers, jobseekers, lone-parents and people with disabilities.

It is meant to assist financially vulnerable households with their winter heating costs.

The payment is made at the weekly rate of €33; or if preferred, by way of two lump sum payments; and is paid over the winter season.

Plans submitted for 64 houses in Claregalway

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Galway daily news Knocknacarra social housing

Planning permission is being sought from the county council for the construction of a residential estate with 64 houses in Claregalway.

Valcris Limited has submitted plans to build 32 three-bedroom, semi-detached houses; 27 three-bedroom terraced dwellings, and 5 three-bedroom detached houses at Lakeview, Claregalway.

The developer proposes that access to the new estate would be via the existing Lakeview Estate road, currently a cul-de-sac, as well as onto Churchview Road at the other end of the site.

The Design Statement for the development said that the layout of the housing estate has been arranged so that the houses overlook central public open space.

“The public open spaces are linked by pedestrian pathways to create a green network within the scheme and connecting to the existing residential development within the estate.”

“Seating areas will be incorporated together with designated bicycle stands. A pedestrian priority area is incorporated within the centre of the site,” the design statement says.

There have been a total of 14 objections received by the county council concerning this project, including one on behalf of the Lakeview Estate Residents Association.

The objections focus on three main areas of concern, increased traffic and road safety, claims that the site is prone to flooding, and that the scale of the development is out of character with the area.

Multiple objectors said that the local road which is proposed to connect the new estate to the N83 is not suitable for the level of increased traffic, and that it would pose a danger to motorists and pedestrians.

Local residents also said that the site has flooded on multiple occasions, and that there would be a loss of residential amenity for existing homes.

A decision on this planning application is due from Galway County Council by April 3 of this year.

Signify Health announces 125 new jobs in Galway

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Galway Daily business Signify Health announces 125 new jobs in Galway

The healthcare tech company Signify Health will create 125 jobs in Galway City with the opening of a new technology centre here.

The US based company announced today that it plans to open this Technology Centre in Galway, with the jobs to be created over the next two years.

“The team at our Galway technology centre will be designing solutions that solve some of U.S. healthcare’s most difficult and elusive problems,” said Josh Builder, Chief Technology Officer.

For its first phase of recruiting, Signify Health is seeking candidates to fill a range of roles in product management and software engineering as well as scrum masters.

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise Trade & Employment, Leo Varadkar TD said: “I’m really pleased Signify Health has chosen Galway City for its new Technology Centre.”

“This investment is a testament to all Galway has to offer and the company can expect to draw from a deep pool of talent and expertise when recruiting for these new jobs.”

Founded in 2017, Signify Health is a technology-enabled services company that aligns payors, providers and patients to achieve the best health outcomes for individuals.

The company currently employs more than 2,000 people in the United States, and has a national mobile network of approximately 10,000 credentialed physicians and nurse practitioners.

The Galway technology centre will drive technology innovation for Signify Health as it changes how US healthcare is paid for and delivered through its tech platform.

IDA Ireland Chief Executive Martin Shanahan said “Today’s announcement by Signify Health is a significant one for Ireland’s growing InsureTech sector and is an endorsement of the high quality of talent available in Galway and the West Region.”

“This announcement is an exemplar of IDA Ireland’s continued commitment to winning jobs and investment in regional locations. I wish Signify Health every success with this investment.”

Galway slow fashion brand launches pop up in Paris

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galway daily news mise tusa fashion paris

Galway slow fashion brand Mise Tusa has launched a pop-up at the iconic Jardin du Palais Royal in Paris in line with Paris Fashion week.

The mother-daughter duo behind the brand say that they hope it is the first of many, with Tokyo and New York also on their bucket list.

The pop-up will run from 28 February 2022 until 24 April and will also be showcasing designs from contemporary Irish Jeweler Rowena Sheen.

The designers will be in good company, sharing the Jardin du Palais Royal with internationally renowned labels including Manolo Blahnik and Sophie Hong.

Meritta and Bridget launched Mise Tusa in September 2021, and their pieces are designed and created in their west of Ireland studio on the Wild Atlantic Way, made with a strong environmental and ethical conscience.

It is their mission to nourish individuality in all women, and the brand embraces locally sourced wools and tweeds, luxury industry surplus which helps reduce waste within the fashion industry, organic, vintage and recycled materials, something they continue to build on each season.

Co-founder and human rights advocate Bridget, who studied the human rights impacts of fast fashion as part of her master’s degree in International Human rights law, said: “Paris has always been at the global centre of fashion, and we are thrilled to showcase Mise Tusa, and also pieces from contemporary Irish jeweller with Rowena Sheen at such an iconic location during Paris Fashion Week.

“It is our goal that through pop-up we can share with the world how innovative Irish fashion and design is.”

Co-founder and creative director Meritta, who has been designing and making clothes for over 35 years, added: “We are looking forward to sharing with Paris our unique designs.

“Each piece is carefully created by us in our West of Ireland studio and designed to last a lifetime. It’s time to buy less and buy better.”

You can visit the Pop-up at 15 Galerie  Montpensier,  Jardin  du  Palais Royal, 75001 from 28 Feb-24 April. 

PBP to hold anti-war meeting in Galway city tomorrow

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galway daily news anti war

People Before Profit will hold a public meeting entitled ‘No to Putin, No to NATO Escalation’ at Áras na nGael, Dominick Street tomorrow, Monday 14 March at 8pm.

The meeting will be chaired by People Before Profit Galway representative Adrian Curran and addressed by Prof. Kieran Allen, People Before Profit National Secretary and Associate Professor of Sociology at University College Dublin.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Adrian Curran said that the Russian invasion of Ukraine is an outrageous act of aggression by an imperialist power on a former colony which harks back to the darkest days of Russian chauvinism and Stalinism.

“People Before Profit stands in solidarity with the Ukrainian people. We call for the immediate withdrawal of Russian forces, for the abolition of Ukrainian debt, for opening the borders of the EU to all refugees from Ukraine regardless of colour or nationality, and for the sending of humanitarian aid to the people in Ukraine,” he said.

But Curran said that just as Putin is using militarism to bolster his despotic rule, NATO and the western powers are using the Ukrainian crisis to militarise the European Union, expand NATO eastward, increase its military presence and exercises in the region and more closely align Europe with US militarism.

“In this inter-imperialist conflict, People Before Profit is against both sides. While we support the Ukrainian people in their struggle against the Russian invasion, we oppose the sending of military aid by western forces to the Ukrainian state as it risks significant escalation and the drawing of the western camp into an actual hot war with Russia, which, by creating the possibility of nuclear war, threatens all humanity,” he said.

“While not a NATO member, Ireland is clearly situated in the western camp as is illustrated by the use of Shannon airport by the US military.

“We condemn the Irish government for its refusal to criticise NATO’s role in escalating tensions in central and eastern Europe and for using the current crisis to further erode Irish military neutrality and align Ireland with the EU/NATO project of European militarisation.

“We also oppose sanctions imposed by western forces on Russia as they will have humanitarian consequences for ordinary Russian people, have the potential to escalate the conflict, and are a tool on the part of the western camp to assert its hegemony.

“It is clearly hypocritical for NATO powers to call for immediate sanctions against Russia for its military aggression in Ukraine while they arm and support Israel, arm and support the brutal dictatorship in Saudi Arabia conducting a murderous war in Yemen, and those same powers led invasions and wars in Afghanistan and Iraq that claimed the lives of millions of people,” he said.

HSE dementia awareness campaign marks International Brain Awareness Week

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Former physiotherapist Maureen O'Hara who featured in a Dementia Understand Together TV advertisement campaign

A campaign by the HSE is urging people across the country to take steps to protect their brain health and reduce their risk of dementia.

The Dementia: Understand Together campaign was launched to mark International Brain Awareness Week, which takes place this week from 14 to 20 March.

Prof Suzanne Timmons, Consultant Geriatrician, explained that people can take certain steps to minimise their risk of dementia.

“In taking steps like adopting a healthy lifestyle by having a balanced diet, not smoking and undertaking regular physical activity, we can all reduce our risk of dementia, not to mention many other diseases,” said Professor Timmoms.

“We want people in their 40’s, 50’s and 60’s in particular to know that taking action now can reduce their risk in the future.

“We also want people to know that social interaction with others can make a difference to their brain health and this message couldn’t be more relevant now as we all start to enjoy meeting friends and family again post Covid restrictions.”

A Lancet study in 2020 identified 12 modifiable risk factors that could account for 40% of dementia worldwide and the HSE has highlighted a number of these factors, creating awareness of the link with dementia and how people in their midlife can reduce their risk.

According to a nationally representative Behaviour & Attitudes survey undertaken by the Dementia: Understand Together campaign in 2021, many people continue to be unaware of risk factors for dementia.

The survey found just 44% of people agreed that not doing physical exercise increases your risk and only 48% agreed that if you eat a healthy diet you are less likely to experience dementia.

Steps to Brain Health

Step 1. Be a good sport

Physical activity is very important for brain health. Go for a brisk walk for 30 minutes, five days a week; activities that get the body moving (aerobic) like walking, gardening or housework all count when it comes to boosting brain health.

Step 2. Eat well

Eating a wide variety of nourishing foods provides the energy and nutrients you need to keep your brain healthy. A balanced diet, like the Mediterranean diet, that is rich in vegetables, fruit, wholegrains, and fish, and that is low in salt and sugar, is a good starting point.

Step 3. No Pressure!
Healthy adults above 40 years of age should have their blood pressure (BP) checked annually to see if it is within the healthy range – aiming for a systolic BP of 130 mmHg or less from around 40 years of age. There are many ways to decrease blood pressure such as through exercise, losing weight, reducing salt intake, limiting alcohol and, of course, by taking medication if prescribed.

Step 4. Quit While You’re Ahead!
Quitting smoking may reduce your risk of developing dementia as well as your risk of developing cancers and heart disease. Stop smoking for 28 days and you’re five times more likely to stop for good. Why not sign up for a free, personalised quit plan, including face-to-face support? Visit www.quit.ie, text Quit to 50100, or call the QUIT line on 1800 201 203.

Step 5. Stay Social

Keeping socially engaged helps you to stay mentally sharp. Even just ten minutes of social

interaction can greatly increase your brain performance, so just calling a friend or family member for a quick chat can improve your brain health. Even better, have a walk and a chat together.

The HSE hsa said that anyone who is worried about dementia can speak to a dementia adviser at The Alzheimer Society of Ireland on Freephone 1800 341 341 (Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm, Saturday 10am to 4pm).

For more information on dementia and services in your county, visit www.understandtogether.ie.

Irish language film Doineann gets TV braodcast on TG4

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galway daily news doineann ni film tg4

The first Irish language feature film shot entirely in the North of Ireland will broadcast on TG4 on Monday 21 March at 9.30pm.

Made by award-winning production company, DoubleBand Films, Doineann is the debut feature film from director Damian McCann.

The film was released in cinemas earlier this year, but this is the first chance the TG4 audience will get to savour the brooding thriller featuring a host of top Irish actors.

Doineann, meaning ‘stormy weather’, takes viewers on a tension-filled journey to a remote Irish island where a father, Tomás (Peter Coonan) returns home to find his baby son and wife (Clare Monnelly) have vanished.

In the film, it seems Tomás’ best hope of finding his family is to put his faith in the hands of the island’s retired policewoman, Labhaoise (Bríd Brennan), before a storm hits the island. A body is found on the beach, as is his wife’s abandoned car. But Labhaoise suspects there’s an undercurrent to this island mystery.

With the screenplay penned by Aislinn Clarke, Doineann stars Love/Hate actor Peter Coonan, Bríd Brennan (Calm With Horses, Brooklyn), Clare Monnelly (Moone Boy) and Seán T. Ó Meallaigh (Vikings).

“It’s wonderful for us now after a hugely exciting cinema run for Doineann, to be able to share our story with the TG4 audience,” said Dermot Lavery, Producer for DoubleBand Films.

“Doineann – the first Irish-language feature film of its kind here – was three years in the making during challenging times. We like to think it was worth it. I believe the TG4 audience will too.”

Máire Ní Chonláin, Commissioning Editor for TG4, added that she is grateful to the creative team behind Doineann.

“TG4 is very proud to support this special film in partnership with the ILBF and BBC Gaeilge under the Gealán scheme.

“It’s fantastic to see high-quality films in Irish that nurture new talent and that impact audiences at home and abroad.”

Doineann was filmed on location in Killyleagh and various locations around Strangford Lough in County Down.

It was produced under the Gealán scheme, supported by NI Screen’s Irish Language Broadcast Fund, TG4 and BBC Gaeilge.

Minister Rabbitte to commission research into gender-based violence against people with disabilities

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

Galway East TD Anne Rabbitte has said that she intends to commission research into gender-based violence against people with disabilities this year.

The Fianna Fáil TD, who is Minister of State with Special Responsibility for Disability, noted that Ireland ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities in 2018 and ‘remains committed to progressively realising the rights’ of people with disabilities.

She said that the UNCRPD contains important rights for women with disabilities, and the right of all people with disabilities to be free from exploitation, violence and abuse.

The Galway TD explained that the research will examine gender-based violence against people with disabilities ‘in the context of ongoing action’ to address gender-based violence more broadly in Irish society, and that it will provide a significant evidence base to inform future policy decisions.

Announcing her intention to conduct the research, Minister Rabbitte said: “We, as government, need to ensure we are considering all voices when we discuss gender-based violence, including women with disabilities.

“Such research, whatever the findings may be, will undoubtedly provide additional insight into this space, which we don’t often hear conversations about. To have such empirical evidence will help inform future policy development.”

Minster Rabbitte added that she is committed to ensuring that people with disabilities in Ireland are supported to live their lives and participate fully in their communities.

“No-one can do that when faced with the risk or the awful reality of violence or abuse,” she said.

“We know too well that the Covid-19 pandemic created conditions that heightened these risks, and this is particularly the case where intersectional issues arise.

“The research that will be conducted this year will help us to better understand how people with disabilities experience gender based violence and this will inform the steps that we will take, in consultation with people with disabilities, to address and eliminate the specific harms and jeopardy that they might currently face in this regard.”

Fields of Athenry songwriter Pete St John dies aged 90

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galway daily news fields of atherny

Traditional music legend Pete St John, who wrote world-famous ballads such as the Rare Auld Times and The Fields of Athenry, has died at the age of 90.

Families need break from spiralling coal costs says local TD

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galway daily news claire kerrane at dáil child maintenance

Roscommon-Galway TD Claire Kerrane has urged the government to act urgently to address spiralling coal costs.

Deputy Kerrane said that coal costs are ‘reaching crisis point’, putting workers and families under financial pressure at a time when they are already struggling with the cost of living.

She said that reports from across the country suggest that a bag of coal is going to increase by as much as €5 next week.

Deputy Kerrane said that this is clearly unaffordable for people already under huge financial pressure.

The Sinn Féin TD said that her party’s cost of living proposals would ensure a further 50,000 households would have access to these much needed supports.

“We also outlined the need to introduce a discretionary fund of €15m to assist households with energy costs.

“It is clear that there is an urgent need for this and that it must include people struggling to afford to purchase coal.

“This will be vital in ensuring people aren’t plunged into debt and left at the mercy of moneylenders as they struggle to meet these sky-high costs.”

Deputy Kerrane added that there can be ‘no half measures’ and that the government must act ‘urgently, decisively and deliver for people now’.

“Families are facing huge pressures as they struggle with the costs of sky-high rents, petrol, childcare and groceries, to name just a few,” she said.

“No one should be faced with the choice of heating their home, or feeding their family. Too often, the government turns its back on this crisis and fails to support those who need it. This cannot be allowed to continue.”

Aer Lingus flights from Shannon to the US resume after two years

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galway daily aer lingus plane as recruitment drive nears deadline

Aer Lingus flights from Shannon Airport to the United States have resumed this week – the first since before the Covid-19 pandemic.

The flight Aer Lingus plane to Boston took off on Thursday evening, with daily flights to New York making a comeback yesterday, Friday.

These are the first transatlantic flights between Shannon and the US since March 2020 and the airline will be operating a total of 14 direct routes between Ireland and North America this year.

Speaking about the route restart, Donal Moriarty, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Aer Lingus, said: “We are delighted to resume our transatlantic routes from Shannon to Boston and New York, restoring regional connectivity to the mid-west of Ireland and allowing Aer Lingus to unite friends, families, and businesses once more.

“This summer we will be operating our largest transatlantic seat capacity from Shannon in 17 years.

“Aer Lingus customers will avail of a more innovative and sustainable travel experience as they travel across the Atlantic in our two A321LR neo which will operate from Shannon airport and our unique warm Aer Lingus welcome.”

Mary Considine, CEO of Shannon Group, said that the links between the US and the West of Ireland are a huge part of Shannon’s story.

“We are delighted to be here today to mark another milestone in the airport’s recovery with the re-establishment of crucial US air links that were suspended as a result of the pandemic,” she said. 

“It is a fantastic day for our passengers, our staff, the broader airport community and the US Customs and Border Protection team here at Shannon Airport.

“The restoration of these daily vital U.S. services will be a welcome boost for the West of Ireland economy, and will see friends, family and business communities reconnected.”

Connacht Rugby sign New Zealander Shamus Hurley-Langton

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Galway Daily rugby Four changes made to starting XV for Connacht v Glasgow

Connacht Rugby have announced their latest addition to the squad with the signing of New Zealander Shamus Hurley-Langton from the Manawatu Turbos.

The 21 year old, born in Taranki on New Zealand’s North Island, has made 18 appearances for Manawatu across the Mitre 10 Cup and NPC in the last two years.

He earned significant plaudits for his performances with the New Zealand outfit and was named Rookie of the Year for 2020, leading to him being named in the Hurricanes’ wider training group.

A versatile player, he has mostly filled the number 8 role over the past two years, but also has experience on both flank positions.

Head Coach Andy Friend said that Connacht have been following Shamus for some time now, and that his arrival is a major plus for the club.

“He’s extremely powerful and offers us something a bit different to our other back row options next season.”

“He’s still only 21 so has the potential to get even better, so we’re really looking forward to integrating him into the group and seeing what he can produce.”

For his part, Shamus said that he’s excited to move to Connacht after conversations with Andy and the coaching team, where they spoke about what he had to offer at the club.

“Connacht play a very attractive brand of rugby and the idea of relocating to the West of Ireland was one that appealed to me.”

“I can’t wait to get settled, meet my new teammates and see what it’s in store for the future.”

Galway Lotto player is last not to claim Christmas Day prize

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Galway daily news galway syndicate claims 133,000 euro prize

There are just two weeks left for a Galway lotto player to claim their €22k prize, as they are now the last of dozens who have done so.

There were 36 Match 5 winners of the Christmas Day draw that netted each player an incredible €22,778 share of the prize fund, but only one remains unclaimed.

The winning ticket in Galway was sold at Mannion’s Mace on the Milltown Road in Tuam on Friday, December 24, 2021.

The winning numbers in the Christmas draw were 11, 17, 19, 23, 26, 43 and the bonus number was 31.

Ticketholders have just 90 days from the time of the draw to claim their prize, and the deadline for this incredible sum is Friday, March 25.

Galway lotto players are being encouraged to check their old tickets as soon as possible and to make contact with the National Lottery prize claims team to ensure they do not miss out of their €22,778 prize.

“With just two weeks left until the claim deadline for the December 25 Lotto draw, we are hoping to hear from the Galway winner very soon,” a National Lottery spokesperson said.

“We are urging all of our Lotto players who may have purchased their ticket on December 24 for the Christmas Day draw at Mannion’s Mace at the Top Service Station on the Milltown Road in Tuam, Co. Galway to check their tickets very carefully.”

“There is a ticket holder who is yet to claim €22,778 and the claim deadline is close of business on Friday, March 25.”

If you do find that you have the winning ticket, their advice is to sign the back of it immediately, and keep it safe.

The lucky winner should make contact by calling the prize claims team at 1800 666 222 or by emailing claims@lottery.ie to make arrangements.

Nearly 30 cent in every €1 spent on all National Lottery games goes back to Good Causes in the areas of sport, youth, health, welfare, education, arts, heritage, and the Irish Language.

In total more than €6 Billion has been raised for Good Causes since the National Lottery was established 34 years ago. In 2021 alone, €289 million was raised for local Good Causes in communities across Ireland.

Contraband cigarettes & tobacco worth of €16,000 seized in the west

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Galway Daily news Contraband cigarettes & tobacco worth of €16,000 seized in the west

Contraband cigarettes and tobacco worth more than €16,100 were seized by the Revenue Commissioners in two operations in the west of Ireland this week.

On Tuesday, March 3 Revenue officers seized 11,240 unstamped cigarettes and 450g of ‘roll your own’ tobacco from a property in the Ballina area of Mayo.

The cigarettes branded ‘Marlboro Reds’ and ‘Richmond’, and tobacco branded ‘Amber Leaf’, had an estimated retail value of more than €8,700.

An Irish woman in her 50s was questioned in relation to this seizure.

That same day, another operation in the Enniscrone area of County Sligo resulted in the seizure of 10,400 cigarettes from a property.

The unstamped goods branded ‘Marlboro’, have an estimated retail value of more than €7,400.

Another woman was questioned in connection with this seizure according to the Revenue Commissioners.

The contraband seized between the two operations represented a potential loss to the Exchequer of approximately €12,800.

Plans approved for city centre boutique hotel

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Galway Daily news Planning permission for new Galway City Centre hotel

Galway City Council has given the green light for plans to build a new boutique hotel on Nun’s Island in the city centre.

Hanoview Ltd has been granted planning permission to demolish two buildings on Nun’s Island; No. 26, a commercial building, and No. 34, a dwelling to its rear.

In their place the developer plans to build a a three storey over part-basement boutique hotel, with 34 guest bedrooms.

Of the 34 bedroom, the developer has said that 17 will be “pod” style compact rooms, to make more economic use of the site.

The hotel will contain a compact lounge and breakfast room for residents, neither of which will be open to the public.

The planning inspector’s report said that building would “assimilate well” with Nun’s Island street, and provide a “positive contribution” to the streetscape, noting that the existing building has been in a state of disrepair for years.

The inspector also said that the proposed balcony on the canal side of the building was “visually jarring and is surplus to requirements”, and the council ordered it removed from the plans.

Plans approved for city centre boutique hotel

There were eight submission made to the council concerning this development, with objections including that it was out of character with the area, would have a negative impact on visual amenity and built heritage.

Potential traffic concerns and the lack of parking were also highlighted in objections.

There is no car parking proposed for the hotel, but the council inspector said that this would not be merited anyway, given its location, and that more sustainable travel is preferable.

Planning permission for the new hotel was granted by Galway City Council with a total of 28 conditions attached.

Before any work commences, a qualified archaeologist must carry out testing on the site, and a conservation architect must also carry out a record and survey of the buildings on site.

Cycle parking proposed on Nun’s Island street must be removed from the plans, and the area landscaped instead, to improve pedestrian movement and the public realm.

GMIT holding first in-person Open Day in two years

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Galway Daily education GMIT holding first in-person Open Day in two years

GMIT will be unveiling a range of new courses at its first in-person open day in two years this weekend.

The open morning will take place at GMIT’s Galway campus this Saturday, from 10am to 1pm, with information on 100 CAO courses available for parents, teachers, and prospective students.

Among the offerings on display tomorrow will be new courses in the school of Business, as well as Design and Creative Arts.

Lorraine Cunningham, GMIT Schools’ Liaison Officer, says: “We are so looking forward to hosting an on-site in-person event again.”

“While the virtual open day events have been amazing, there is just so much excitement across campus for our five-campus Open Morning event to meet students and fellow staff from other campuses.”

“For so many students and families, they have missed out on the buzz of these events over the past two years so we really want to showcase all we have to offer.”

Among the creative courses that will be on display for the first time are the three-year BA (Hons) in Creative Media and Storytelling, focusing on bring together technology and storytelling in a way that is hugely significant in modern media.

The three-year BA (Hons) in Animation and Game Design is a pathway into the booming world of game design, possibly the fastest growing media sector in the world.

“The Animation and Games industry is booming worldwide, and career opportunities in the West of Ireland are increasing rapidly,” said Dr Paddy Tobin, Head of the School of Design and Creative Arts.

In addition, the BA & BA (Hons) in Design has been restructured to have a common entry first year, with students then progressing into one of four new degree programmes in second year.

These are the Product Design, Interior Design, Graphic Design and Illustration, and Textile and Fashion Design courses.

The Open Day will also see popular education podcaster Donnchadh O’Mahony give a talk on “What happens next on my journey to 3rd Level” for incoming students.

Other stands at the Open Day will include the Student Services, Students Union, Admissions Office, Access & Disability (DARE), Access & Participation (HEAR), and Careers Office.

Attendees can talk directly with GMIT staff to find the latest up to date information on important topics like CAO Change of Mind, student supports, financial supports, and more.

This is also a milestone for the IoT, as it is the last Open Day that will be held under the GMIT banner.

All that makes up GMIT will form part of the newly created Atlantic Technological University when it officially opens on April 1.

Weather warning issued as hazardous conditions forecast

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Galway Daily weather Weather warning for heavy rain in Galway tonight

Met Eireann has issued a weather warning for hazardous conditions in Galway and the southern half of Ireland this weekend.

The status yellow weather warning will be in force from 3pm on Saturday until 11:30pm that same night.

“Heavy rain and strong winds will bring a risk of flooding and hazardous conditions,” Met Eireann has warned.

Rain in Galway will be worst on Saturday evening, and will continue into the early hours of Sunday morning.

Light variable winds in the morning will gain strength and veer easterly as the day progresses.

Despite this there will be some sunny spell in the early afternoon as well, with highest temperatures of 9° – 10° on Saturday.

The alert has been issued for Galway, Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois, Wexford, Wicklow, and all of Munster.

Ros na Rún – Sorcha faces her fears in court

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Galway Daily television Ros na Rún - Sorcha goes to face her fears in court

Sorcha faces her fears in court, Tadgh puts a new plan in motion, and Laoise and Máire butt heads as ill feelings grow in Ros na Rún.

Sorcha is determined to no longer be portrayed as a victim, and wants to testify in court to face her fears.

Malachaí tries to talk her out of it and fails, but will the outcome be what she is hoping for?

Colm, not impressed by Mack’s domestic skills, is keen for him to leave. But he quickly changes his mind when he sees Noreen belittle him.

Tadhg hears that Sonny’s wife may soon be joining him in the village, and acts quickly to put another plan in place.

The stubborn pair of Laoise and Máire are both harbouring feelings of hurt caused by the other.

They continue to butt heads, but will Laoise regret speaking so harshly to her business partner.

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

Public consultation events for draft City Development Plan

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Galway Daily news Public consultation events for draft City Development Plan

Two public consultation events on the draft Galway City Development Plan will take place next week.

The draft Galway City Development Plan 2023 – 2029 will be on display and open for feedback and written submissions until April 13.

Two public consultation sessions took place this week, and another two are planned for the coming week.

One will take place at the Connacht Hotel, Dublin Road on Tuesday, March 15, and the next will be at the Clybaun Hotel, Clybaun Road next Wednesday.

Both sessions will run from 4pm to 8pm, with city council planning staff available to provide information and discuss any issues relating to the draft plan.

In addition to information sessions weekly Draft Development Plan clinics will be held at Galway City Council Planning Office each Tuesday morning until April 13.

At these members of the public may meet with a member of the planning team to discuss any aspect of the plan.

Appointments are necessary and can be made on consult.galwaycity.ie or by calling 091 536599.

Along with the link above, copies of the plan including maps, environmental assessments and supporting documentation can be found at www.galwaycity.ie/development-plan-2023-2029.

Hard copies of all documents can be inspected at the Planning Office, Galway City Council during opening hours by appointment only.

They are also available to view during normal opening hours at Galway City Library, Westside Library and Ballybane Library.

To make a written submission concerning the draft plan, use the online consult link above, or email devplan@galwaycity.ie.

Submissions can also be posted to Senior Planner, Planning Department, City Hall, College Road, Galway, H91 X4K8.

Connacht Rugby sign winger Adam Byrne

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Galway Daily sport Connacht Rugby sign winger Adam Byrne
Photo: INPHO

Connacht Rugby has announced a new addition to their lineup with the addition of Leinster star Adam Byrne.

The winger will be joining Connacht from next season after a 10 year career with Leinster.

Byrne actually made his debut against Connacht, when he came on as a replacement in 2012, making him Leinster’s youngest ever player.

In the years since he has played for the province a total of 64 times, and racked up 24 tries during that time.

He made his international debut in the 2017 November Internationals, lining out on the wing for the victory over Argentina that month.

Adam Byrne said that he fells the time is right to seek out a new challenge, and that he’s looking forward to the time ahead with his new club.

“I am hugely excited by the challenge that Andy Friend has set for me and I look forward to contributing to a new environment from next season.”

“Connacht is an ambitious club and I am also fortunate that I already have mates playing there and I look forward to linking up with them ahead of a new season.”

Head Coach Andy Friend says that “everyone in Ireland” knows of Byrne’s quality, and that he will add something different to their back three options.

“He will complement the style of rugby we play here at Connacht, and his height and strong physical attributes will also offer us something different.”

“Many players have taken their games to a new level after being given the platform here at the club and I know Adam has what it takes to do the same.”