Deadline approaching in Texaco Children’s Art Competition

The Irish tech boom is well underway, and Galway has emerged as a contender for Dublin’s top spot as one of Europe’s best destinations for tech companies. Aside from being the cultural capital of the country, Galway also offers an excellent place for startups and has begun to attract the brightest minds from all over the world.

Compared to Dublin, Galway offers much cheaper rent and a lower cost of living, leading to more affordable costs for businesses. However, the overall tech and business market throughout Ireland is booming. The country is currently second in the GDP per capita rankings, only behind Luxembourg. The last few years have seen a steady increase in the number of businesses relocating to Ireland, and this trend looks set to continue. Emerging tech companies looking to grow see Ireland and Galway as an excellent opportunity to find the best talent and develop new partnerships.

Tech companies looking to generate new leads online often make use of digital marketing agencies. Many Irish tech organizations use the services of a link building agency such as AWISEE, a European-based company with a lot of experience in dealing with international clients. An effective digital marketing strategy can make a big difference to emerging tech companies, providing better ROI compared to many traditional forms of marketing.

Why Ireland Is So Attractive for Technology Businesses

Some of the world’s biggest tech companies, such as Amazon, Google, Facebook, and Apple, have all set up their European headquarters in Ireland. Despite being a small island nation, the country is now punching above its weight and has a booming tech economy. But what is it that attracts these big technology companies to Ireland?

Originally, companies such as Facebook and Amazon were drawn in by lower corporate tax rates. A flat rate of 12.5% was applied to all businesses operating within the country, making it a haven for big corporations looking to do business within the EU. However, as more international tech companies set up offices in Dublin, it became increasingly attractive for other businesses too.

The fact that Ireland has a young, English-speaking population and has a strong economy and reliable infrastructure made it ideal for new and growing businesses. As the number of young and talented individuals living in Dublin and Ireland has grown, it’s continued to attract new technology businesses.

However, the rising costs of Dublin, coupled with the fact that corporate tax rates for businesses with a turnover of more than €750 million will increase to 15%, could cause businesses to think twice. Luckily, Galway presents a less costly alternative, allowing tech firms to still establish themselves in Ireland and grow without having to worry about high costs.

A Comparison with the UK

Compared to the UK, Ireland is still setting the pace in terms of economic growth and startups. While the UK does have a larger economy, it also has a population that’s nearly fourteen times as large. Ireland has currently forecast economic growth of 14.6% for 2021, while the UK was forecast for 4%.

It’s clear that Ireland presents a much better opportunity for tech companies due to lower corporate tax rates, but it’s also better for emerging businesses too. Although the tax rate is increasing for businesses in Ireland, only those with large turnovers are affected, meaning most startups and growing organizations will still be able to thrive.

For professionals working in the technology sector, Ireland represents an excellent opportunity for jobs. However, the overall rate of unemployment for Ireland is slightly higher than that of the UK. Rising inflation is also expected to affect both countries, and the effects of the pandemic are still being felt. It’s unclear what this means for the future, but Ireland and Galway remain attractive locations for businesses looking to enter the European market.

Help fund new premises for Oranmore Men’s Shed!

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February 10, 2022

An online fundraiser has been set up this week to raise money for new premises for the Oranmore Men’s Shed.

The men’s shed is a non-profit organisation which promotes and protect the well-being of men in the community on a physical and mental level.

But the current premises have become so run down that the group is being prevented from doing some of its most important activities.

Jessica Lavery, who organised the fundraiser, said that because of the substandard nature of the premises, and the inability to provide proper ventilation, they desperately need new premises to continue to operate safely.

“We really hope that 2022 will bring this to fruition,” she said.

“Our organisation is part of the wider ‘men’s shed’ community-based project, where men can come together to learn, share skills and make long-lasting friendships together.

“We really hope to raise sufficient funds to purchase a new shed to continue our much-loved community group in Oranmore.”

A link to the GoFundMe campaign can be found here.

Inland Fisheries Ireland to hire 5 Seasonal Fisheries Officers in Galway

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February 10, 2022

galway daily news inland fisheries ireland recruitment — Pictured are Fisheries Officers (From Left) José Peréz, Maureen Byrne, Andrew Crosbie and Christine Meehan. Photo: Peter Grogan, Emagine

Inland Fisheries Ireland is launching its recruitment drive today to hire 49 Seasonal Fisheries Officers, with five positions available in Galway.

The six-month posts are divided across seven River Basin Districts, covering sixteen counties including Galway, Mayo and Roscommon.

Recruitment is getting underway immediately and the new Seasonal Fisheries Officers in Galway will join teams over the summer months to help protect, conserve and develop fisheries resources.

The state agency is looking for candidates for both ‘protection’ and ‘development’ roles and they will play a crucial part in its plans for 2022, according to its Chief Executive Officer, Francis O’ Donnell.

Launching the recruitment drive today, O’ Donnell said that the new Seasonal Fisheries Officers will be joining them on the frontlines, helping to protect, maintain and conserve this country’s natural resources.

“As an environmental agency, enforcement, protection and development are a big focus for us,” said Francis.

“For example, our teams undertake over 30,000 patrols around the clock every year, including patrols by foot, e-bike, vehicle and boat.

“At the same time, our development teams ensure the sustainability of fisheries habitat, enabling access for this generation and for future generations.”

Inland Fisheries Ireland’s HR Director, Róisín Bradley, says the roles would particularly appeal to those who enjoy working outdoors.

“Our Officers working in protection will spend a lot of their time patrolling lakes, rivers and coastlines,” she said.

“While Officers working in development will also spend a lot of their time around lakes and rivers, as they build, repair and maintain structures.

“Those that enjoy being close to nature and working outdoors, in all types of weather, are likely to find these roles in Galway very appealing and rewarding.”

The agency plans to launch a second recruitment drive later in the year for Seasonal Research Assistants.

Those interested in applying for a six-month Seasonal Fisheries Officer role can apply on-line at www.fisheriesireland.ie/careers, before the deadline of Monday, February 21st, 2022.

Gardaí investigating petrol bomb attack in Loughrea

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February 10, 2022

Galway Daily news missing teen found safe

Gardaí are investigating a suspected arson attack which led to a fire at a property in Loughrea yesterday morning, Wednesday, 9 February.

At around 5.50am, Gardaí received reports of a fire at a residence in Tullagh Hill area of Loughrea. No injuries were reported, but the front of the residence was severely damaged.

No arrests have been made at this stage of this ongoing investigation but Gardaí in Loughrea are appealing for any witnesses to this incident to come forward.

Gardaí are also appealing to any persons travelling in the Tullagh Hill or Old Galway Road area of Loughrea between 5am and 6am who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) to make this footage available to them, or to anyone travelling in these areas who observed any activity which drew their attention, to make contact with Gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Loughrea Garda Station on 091 842 870, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Gardaí launch camapign to take on 800 new recruits

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February 10, 2022

galway daily news Further arrests made in connection with car park brawl

An Garda Síochána has today launched a recruitment competition for potential Garda trainees, with 800 new recruits expected this year.

They are hoping to attract candidates from across society and with a wide-variety of skills.

There were 14,539 members of the force in January and the Government has committed to increase this by 800 people in 2022.

The competition launched today is being supported by an advertising campaign under the slogan of ‘The Difference is You’.

The campaign will feature Garda members in a number of situations where everyday skills can be transferred into policing. It will run across radio, TV, and social media from today.

“For 100 years, An Garda Síochána has been keeping the people of Ireland safe and as we begin marking our organisation’s centenary this week it is particularly fitting for us to be able open up recruitment,” Garda Commissioner, Drew Harris said.

“Ireland is changing, and is more diverse and multi-cultural than ever before. We want our police service to fully reflect this important progress and to represent all the communities that we proudly serve.

“That is why our recruitment drive is focused on encouraging those who may not have previously considered training to become a Garda.”

Commissioner Harris said that they are very keen to break down some of the barriers that may have been deterring people of every ethnicity, minority background, religious identity or none from applying to become a Garda.

“In previous recruitment campaigns, proficiency in two languages was required. For this campaign, proficiency will only be required in one language – which can be English or Irish.”

He said that there will be a significant focus in the recruitment campaign in reaching out to groups and individuals from communities across Ireland to encourage them to join An Garda Síochána.

“We know we have a lot of work to do in this area. An Garda Síochána has long attracted highly capable people to pursue a role in policing, who steadily build up a highly rewarding career in the organisation at various levels,” he added.

“Becoming a Garda is a chance to make a real difference in communities. We want people from all backgrounds to join us and make that difference.

“I am encouraging all those with excellent interpersonal skills or a unique skillset, a strong sense of community and those who are enthusiastic about making a real difference to people’s quality of life, to apply before 3pm Wednesday, March 16 2022 because the difference is you.”

NUI Galway launches six-week wellbeing programme for students

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February 10, 2022

galway daily news nui galway programme for wellbeing launch — From left, Eimear O’Tuathail, BA in Music and Psychological Studies student; Aisling Magner, Bachelor of Arts student; Kenneth Ryan, Exercise Physiologist and Yoga 'Mister' (instructor); James Kilkenny, Physical Activity Development Officer; and Méadhbh Ryan, MSc Marketing Practice student. Credit: Aengus McMahon.

NUI Galway has launched a new well-being programme to support students’ physical and mental health and research its impact.

The Mind, Body, Boost initiative aims to address social isolation, poor lifestyle balance, mental health difficulties and low levels of physical activity of young people.

The programme also involves research to assess the impact and benefit of a six-week health and wellbeing programme on physical and mental health.

Professor Michelle Millar, Dean of Students, NUI Galway, said that “we know from our students that the issues of anxiety and stress are real.”

“Mind, Body, Boost provides us with a new opportunity to help our students improve their overall well-being, to prevent isolation and open the door to physical activity. Most of all, it is a huge opportunity to learn the impacts of this approach.”

Mind, Body, Boost is designed to be accessible and welcoming for third level students with low levels of physical activity and mental health struggles and who have had limited opportunities to participate in physical activity, for whatever reason, through personal difficulties or other obstacles.

It is running in seven institutions across Europe, and recruits students via student sign-up and seeks referrals from student service, health professionals and educators.

An APP has been developed for participating students who will receive encouragement and motivation to achieve their goals each week.

Tuesday marked the introductory session for NUI Galway students, and sessions continue on campus on the same day each week for the next six weeks.

The sessions run for 25 minutes and 45 minutes and include a mix of low-moderate intensity physical activity, relaxation, and resilience sessions.

City venue to host ‘Tinder night’ for singles on Valentine’s Day!

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February 10, 2022

galway daily news tinder night galway city centre for singles

While most restaurants will be focusing on couples this Valentine’s Day, Bangin’ Restaurant in Galway city has opted for a different approach, hosting a ‘Tinder Night’ for singles.

Bangin’ operates an Asian food delivery service out of De Burgos bar on Augustine Street, and their Tinder events are based on classic speed dating – but much less stiff and awkward.

They pimp out the pub, turn up the music, and there are fun games and craic mixed into each date to make it a memorable night.

The restaurant group held its first ever ‘Swipe Right Night’ last November for college students, which proved to be a success.

“We organised it as a bit of craic and it sold out super quick,” said Evan O’Ceallaigh who owns Bangin’ Restaurant Group.

“We didn’t know what to expect and worried there may be a bit of ‘first date awkwardness’ but it was a great night and the feedback we got about the energy and craic everyone had was amazing that we knew we had to organise another one!”

The next event on Valentine’s night (Monday) is aimed at people that are not tied down, but don’t want to spend the night alone either.

“Let’s face it Valentine’s Day can be a hard day for many and some find it very awkward and tend to stay hidden away inside for the night,” said Nikola Kainarova who is the co-owner of Bangin and organiser of The Bangin Events.

“We want to have a space where those people can come and have a great night, have a few dates and enjoy their night… and not have to get the meal deal for 1 on Deliveroo.

“But if you do want to do that, then Bangin Restaurant on Deliveroo is the place to get the best deal!”

The event takes place this Monday, 14 February, at 7.30pm and is aimed at people in their late teens to early 20’s.

But for those older people that would like to attend, fear not, all going well with this event Bangin Events will be planning another Dating Night for a more mature audience in the coming months.

For more information on the event check out the Bangin Noodles Instagram and Facebook pages. There is an Eventbrite page set up where you can book tickets for the event.

Limited tickets available so be ready to book your place fast!

Town centre first policy “very disappointing” says Galway TD

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February 10, 2022

Galway Daily news Tenders issued for Loughrea Town Hall project

Galway East TD Seán Canney has said that he is disappointed with the content of the Town Centre First Policy.

He said that there is nothing new in the policy, and that there is no incentive within the policy to support first time buyers to buy vacant properties and turn them into living spaces.

“Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme are all in place for the last number of years,” the Independent TD said.

“The Crói Conaithe (Town) Fund is not yet in place and will not be in place until later this year.”

Deputy Canney said that the lack of Wastewater Treatment Plants in towns and villages is a glaring obstacle in the regeneration of our towns and villages.

“Typically, in Galway East, Craughwell, Corofin, Lackagh and Abbeyknockmoy are examples of growth centres that are left to stagnate due to the absence of Wastewater Treatment facilities.

“The concept of the Town Centre First Policy is good, but the lack of immediate new funding is very disappointing and offers nothing to young people to make their homes in town centres.”

Family syndicate claims life-changing €19m Lotto jackpot

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February 9, 2022

Galway Daily news Family syndicate claims life-changing €19m Lotto jackpot — Laura Scrinney, owner of the XL Store in Castlebar in Co. Mayo celebrates after she sold the winning ticket for the largest ever Lotto jackpot prize of €19,060,800 last January. Photo Credit: Mac Innes Photography

A large family syndicate in Mayo has come forward to claim the largest ever Lotto jackpot in the history of the state.

The record-breaking €19.06 million jackpot was won on Saturday, January 15, after rolling over for months.

The ecstatic family syndicate, who wish to remain anonymous, won their life changing prize with a Quick Pick ticket they bought at Laura’s XL store in Castlebar town.

Discussing the exact moment that they realised they had the all-important winning ticket, a spokesperson from the syndicate said that Saturday night is still a blur.

“Even though we’re finally collecting a cheque for over €19 million, we’re still waiting for somebody to tell us that we made a mistake and we’re not the winners at all!”

“There was a lot of excitement about the draw that night, so we watched it on the television at home.”

“I had the ticket in my hand and to see the six numbers come out one after another was like an out of body experience – it’s impossible to explain.”

“We didn’t get carried away one bit because we thought that there was no way we could have won it.”

“We got the phones out and frantically started scanning it on the National Lottery App.”

“After about 20 minutes, the ticket scanned, and a message popped up that will live with us all for the rest of our lives. It said, ‘You’ve won big!’ It was such an incredible moment.”

Over the course of the Lotto jackpot roll sequence which saw the jackpot capped for the first time ever, an incredible €87 million was won in prizes in the main Lotto game.

This included almost €24 million in excess jackpot prize funds which were distributed to lower winning prize tiers.

The National Lottery have also confirmed that the jackpot roll sequence alone raised in excess of €60 million for local Good Causes in communities across Ireland.

After claiming their prize at Lotto HQ in Dublin city centre, the large family excitedly discussed how they have come to terms with being Ireland’s largest Lotto jackpot winners ever and how they plan to make the very most of their new found fortune by helping their close friends and the wider community.

COVID-19: 5,677 PCR & 5,578 Antigen test cases reported

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February 9, 2022

Galway Daily news 25 percent drop in COVID cases in Galway hospitals

There have been a further 11,255 cases of COVID-19 in total reported by the department of health today.

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has notified an additional 5,677 PCR-confirmed cases of the disease today.

As well as this, a further 5,578 people who registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal have also been reported.

There have been an additional 63 deaths due to COVID-19 notified in Ireland in the past week.

This brings the total death toll from the disease here to 6,291 since the start of the pandemic.

As of this morning there were 627 people in the country hospitalised with COVID, of whom 68 are in the ICU.

The COVID-19 data hub provides detailed information about the disease in the community, including the rollout of the booster campaign.

There have been 121,760 lab tests completed in the past week, 31.9% of which have tested positive for the virus.

A total of 2,741,939 booster vaccine doses have been administered as of yesterday, with 2,673 jabs given on Tuesday.

Take a Wild Atlantic Walk with Croí

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February 9, 2022

Galway Daily news Take a Wild Atlantic Walk with Croí

Croí Galway is inviting people to join them on a journey of wellness for the third year of their Couch to Wild Atlantic Way Virtual Challenge.

This six week fundraising challenge encourages people to embrace a healthier lifestyle, while matching a coastal route along the Atlantic Coast from wherever you are.

Participants can walk, jog, or run their desired coastal route, alone or together with family and friends.

The challenge kicks off on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 2022, and participants can choose to take part as an individual or as part of a team.

Once you have chosen your desired route, you can track your progress through an interactive map – tracking your distance and virtually moving down the coast as you complete kilometers each week.

The interactive map also allows for others to track your progress too, with the option to support you via sponsorship.

“The best thing about the Couch to Wild Atlantic Way Virtual Challenge is that you can take part from wherever you are in the world,” said Croí’s Fundraising Director, Christine Flanagan.

“This year, we are excited to share the addition of the Wild Atlantic Wellness Programme where experts from the Croí Health Team will be sharing their knowledge and providing support and advice.”

This support will take the form of a weekly video message to “enhance your experience and to inspire you on your heart health journey” during the challenge.

The various route options available mean that you can select the right challenge for you based on your fitness level.

The individual routes are broken down by county: Donegal, Sligo, Mayo, Galway, Clare, Kerry and Cork.

They range in length from 148 km in distance (the Sligo route) to 604 km (the Donegal route), with the team lengths taking you on a longer journey along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Proceeds from this event will go directly to supporting Croí services, such as their virtual health and support programmes, including Heartlink West, and the Croí Courtyard Apartments.

We hope you will join us on this virtual mission in aid of Croí. Your support is vital and every euro raised will help the important fight against heart disease and stroke,” says Flanagan.

Registration is just €15, and all registrants will receive an eco-friendly Couch to Wild Atlantic Way medal, PLUS participants who raise over €50 will receive a special Croí beanie!

Register now at www.croiwaw.ie and get ready to start your Couch to Wild Atlantic Way Virtual Challenge.

Mortgages half as expensive as rent in Galway City

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February 9, 2022

Galway Daily news Galway City Council has announced plans for a social housing development of 84 apartments and houses in Knocknacarra.

The cost of a mortgage in Galway City is half of what it costs to rent for many properties, with the gap even greater in the county.

In the last Daft Rental Report for Q4 of 2021, the cost of a mortgage for a one-bedroom apartment in the city is €512, compared with €1,026 to rent.

Renting a two bed-house in the city will cost you €1,207 a month, compared with just €625 if you own.

This gap closes for larger homes in the city, €944 mortgage and €1,407 rent for a three-bed house, or €1,888 and €2,113 for a five bed house.

In Galway County the average monthly mortgage payment on a one-bed apartment is €316, compared with €778 to rent the same.

You’ll be paying just €387 a month if you own a two-bed house, or €908 if you’re renting.

At the other end of the scale, a four-bed house in the county has an average mortgage payment of €1,063, and costs €1,151 to rent.

The cost of renting in Galway City went up by 2.2% in the city during the last three months of 2021, and saw a yearly increase of 8.8%.

In the county rents also went up by 2.2% in Q4 of last year. But the real shift came in the year on year change, where rents in the county skyrocketed by 19% in 2021.

The average cost to rent is now €1,504 in Galway City, and €1,138 for homes in the county.

Two people seriously injured in crash involving truck and car

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February 9, 2022

Two people have been seriously injured following a crash involving a car and a truck in the west of Ireland this morning.

The car and truck collided on a stretch of the N5 between Swinford and Charlestown this morning at approximately 12:25am.

Two occupants of the car were seriously injured during the collision.

A male passenger (70s) was taken to Mayo University Hospital where his condition is described as critical.

A female passenger (50s) was transferred to Beaumont Hospital where her condition is described as serious.

The driver of the car is also receiving treatment in Mayo University Hospital for serious, but what are understood to be non-life threatening injuries.

The N5 road is currently closed between Swinford and Charlestown and traffic diversions are in place awaiting Garda Forensic Collision Investigators.

Gardaí are appealing to any person who may have witnessed this crash to contact them.

Any person who was travelling on the N5 between Charlestown and Swinford last night between midnight and 1.00am and who may have camera (including dash cam) footage, is asked to make this available to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with any information in relation to this incident is asked to contact Claremorris Garda Station on 094 937 2080, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

Arson attacks “deeply worrying” for local residents Cllr says

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February 9, 2022

Galway daily news Fianna Fáil City Councillor calls for extension of eviction ban

A city councillor said that the recent arson attacks on families living in the Castlepark area of Ballybane are deeply concerning.

Cllr Alan Cheevers said that this “very serious situation” needs to be de-escalated before someone is killed, and that local residents are extremely concerned.

There have two extremely serious arson incidents in Castlepark in the past week, both at houses with people inside.

In the early hours of Thursday, February 3 a house was set ablaze with four people inside, three of them children. Though fortunately no-one was seriously injured.

Three people were arrested in connection with this incident, one of them a juvenile, and later released pending a file being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Following that, on Sunday night shortly before midnight, a car was set ablaze outside a house in Castlepark, and a front window of the home was smashed.

“Luckily nobody was hurt and the families got away with no serious injuries from the first two attacks, but this may not be the case again,” Alan Cheevers warned.

He added that this has proved “deeply worrying” for the residents of Castlepark, saying that many have contacted him over the past few days.

“I have written to Superintendent Flanagan with the support of my council colleagues in Galway City East, requesting a meeting with the local councillors and a briefing to discuss this issue in more detail.”

SOCCER: Moyne Villa weekend results

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Martin Hughes

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February 9, 2022

Galway Daily sport SOCCER: Moyne Villa weekend results

Moyne Villa FC had a strong weekend for their U15 and U16 teams, with impressive results against Colemanstown and Kinvara.

U15 Girls: Moyne Villa vs Colemanstown Utd

After a night of torrential rain and early pitch inspection, the game was given the thumbs up to go ahead.

An early own goal by Colemanstown gave a boost to Moyne Villa, after which Ava Bohan manged to hit a shot through the hands of the keeper.

She scored her second goal of the match about ten minutes later after coolly finishing a through ball at the far post.

Just before the break Emma Curran played a nice pass into the box, allowing Ava Heneghan to put the scorecard to 4-0 at half-time.

In the Second half Eda Hyland showed some great skills with ball in attack and got herself on the score sheet.

Colemanstown rallied and managed to make it 5-1, before Aisha O’Malley put away goals 6 and 7 by full time.

U16 Boys: Moyne Villa v Kinvara United

Villa played with the gale in the first half and this proved crucial. After sustained early pressure, Matthew Cahill released Padraic Heneghan and he coolly finished.

After a foul on the edge of the box, Cian Earnor fired home a fine strike into the top corner.

Straight from the kick off Villa won possession through Muiris Flaherty, and Sandi Tshabalaba played Conor McNally through and he finished at the second time of asking.

Right on the stroke of half time Villa added a fourth when Conor turned home an Eoin Mannion corner.

Just after half time Conor McNally completed his hat trickafter a good through ball. Kinvara struck back with a fine strike of their own from a free kick, putting heavy pressure on Villa.

In the end, Mathew Cahill added a sixth goal for Villa after his hard work.

However, things didn’t go as well for the U15 A team who faced Salthill Devon on Saturday afternoon, losing 3-0 after failing to hit their stride.

GMIT adopts new plan to support biodiversity and conservation

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February 9, 2022

Galway Daily news GMIT adopts new plan to support biodiversity and conservation — Photo Credit: Dr Katie O'Dwyer

Building up a green and verdant campus, and increasing knowledge and teaching of the natural world are key pillars of GMIT’s newly published biodiversity plan.

The recently released “GMIT’s Vision for Biodiversity” has ambitious plans to develop wildflower meadows on its multiple campuses, and to make “living classrooms” from their existing green areas.

On top of improving biodiversity on campus lands, GMIT also states that they intend to embed biodiversity in curriculum design, and encourage proactive participation in community-led biodiversity initiatives.

Approved by GMIT’s Executive Board on January 18, it will be implemented through the newly established GMIT Centre for Sustainability, led by Dr Mark Kelly.

Dr Katie O’Dwyer, who led the interdisciplinary group which prepared the plan, said “It’s three years since the Irish Government acknowledged the severity of the challenges by declaring a ‘biodiversity emergency’ and it’s encouraging to see GMIT stepping up to play our part.”

“Our efforts will also contribute to ongoing projects within the Galway National Park City initiative. Ní neart go cur le chéile.”

The plan aligns with the objectives of the Government’s National Biodiversity Plan 2017 – 2021, through four main objectives.

These include being proactive in biodiversity conservation, considering biodiversity in the planning and management of campus grounds and buildings, increasing knowledge of biodiversity among students and staff, embedding biodiversity related topics in curricula design, and engaging with communities and knowledge sharing across the region.

Substitute consent refused for controversial Derrybrien wind farm

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February 8, 2022

Galway Daily news Plans in the works for northwest Galway wind farm

An Bord Pleanála has refused substitute consent for the controversial Derrybrien wind farm, which is currently being fined €15,000 a day.

The 70 turbine wind farm in the northern Slieve Aughty Mountains suffered a severe landslide in 2003 while under construction.

This destroyed vast areas of forest and peat, and polluted waterways, killing large numbers of fish.

In 2019, the wind farm was found to be in breach of environmental regulations by the EU Court of Justice.

A €5 million fine was imposed by the court for the failure to carry out a proper Environmental Impact Assessment before construction.

Further fines of €15,000 a day were also ordered by the court so long as it was non-compliant, building to a bill of more than €17 million in total.

The ESB, owner of the wind farm, sought substitute consent for the wind farm from An Bord Pleanála.

Substitute consent is a retroactive form of planning permission allowing developers to regularise permission for projects that are deemed to not be compliant with EU law.

In making its decision to refuse this application, An Bord Pleanála said that it was “not satisfied that exceptional circumstances exist that would justify the grant of substitute consent”.

The specific reason for this was the “significant effects on the environment which occurred as a consequence of the 2003 peat slide”.

Remedial works incorporated into the construction after the peat slide “does not fully mitigate the significant environmental effects” which occurred in the event.

The Board said that there are “significant permanent residual effects” that cannot be fully mitigated. The residual environmental impact would preclude granting substitute consent.

COVID-19: 3,780 PCR-confirmed cases reported today

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February 8, 2022

Galway Daily news Galway hospitals see COVID cases double in recent weeks

There have been a further 9,365 cases of COVID-19 in total reported by health officials today.

The Health Protection Surveillance centre has notified an additional 3,780 PCR-confirmed cases today.

In addition, a further 5,585 positive antigen tests registered through the HSE portal have also been reported.

As of this morning there were 646 COVID-19 patients hospitalised in Ireland, of whom 72 are in the ICU.

The COVID-19 data hub provides detailed information about the disease in the community, including the rollout of the booster campaign.

There have been 121,146 lab tests completed in the past week, 32% of which have tested positive for the virus.

A total of 2,737,449 booster vaccine doses have been administered as of yesterday, with 1,438 jabs given on Monday

Contractor chosen for new 50-bed ward block at Portiuncula Hospital

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February 8, 2022