Pubs rush to secure late trading hours as restrictions removed

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January 25, 2022

galway daily news laptop working from home remote working sun freedom

Minister Heather Humphreys has encouraged employers to consider the advantages that ConnectedHubs.ie offers staff returning to work over the next few months.

Speaking about the opportunities offered by the network, the Minister said now that restrictions are being eased, many employers are keen to offer a ‘blended working’ opportunity to staff.

She said that many people don’t want to work from their kitchen table or bedroom forever and that there needs to be clear lines between where ‘work life’ ends and ‘home life’ begins.

“Equally we know that people don’t want to go back to the days of the long commute and spending hours sitting in their car when they could be spending that time with their family,” said Minister Humphreys.

“Working from a hub in your local town or village is the optimum solution to both of these issues – it means there are clear demarcation lines between work and family life while at the same time removing the requirement for the long commute. It will also increase footfall in our rural town and villages.”

Minister Humphreys said that there is nationwide coverage with over 177 hubs already using the ConnectedHubs.ie platform and she expects this figure to increase to 400 by the end of 2022.

“My Department has invested millions of euro in funding the establishment of new remote working hub facilities and also in upgrading existing hub facilities. This has ensured that remote working hubs offer a modern, safe and convenient environment for workers all across the country.

“I welcome the legislation which the Tánaiste has brought forward today and I would encourage employers to look at utilising these hubs as a means to allow their staff to continue to work remotely into the future.

“The National Connected Hubs network, ConnectedHubs.ie, currently has 177 hubs using the platform. A further 280 hubs have already been mapped and will be invited to join the network over the coming months.”

Large scale two-school development approved for Tuam

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January 25, 2022

Galway daily news Three Galway schools join Creative Clusters collaboration

A large-scale two school development has been approved for the Dublin Road in Tuam.

It will include a 41-classroom investment for Trinity Primary School, with five special education rooms through the delivery of a new multi-story building.

Also being provided are eight classrooms for Tuam Educate Together primary school, with 2-classbase SEN rooms.

Minister Anne Rabbitte welcomed the approval, saying that this is very welcome news for parents and families in the area.

“This will give both Trinity Primary School and Tuam Educate Together a more concrete future and allow the schools plan for the years ahead,” said the East Galway TD.

“Not only are we seeing almost 50 classrooms being added into the mix but 7 of these will be for supporting special educational needs.

“There is a great need for such additional supports and it’s good to see this included in the plans here.”

Over 600 Galway students to take part in Bar of Ireland’s annual TY programme

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January 25, 2022

More than 600 Transition Year students from 19 schools across Galway have registered for the Bar of Ireland’s ‘Look into Law’ programme for 2022.

The annual law programme for Transition Year students was a roaring success in 2021, and it promises to reach even greater numbers of TY students across Ireland this year.

The programme gives TY students a comprehensive insight into the role of the legal system, courts and the work of barristers.

It is open to all schools and is relevant to all students – not only those interested in pursuing a career in law.

In Galway, three of the 19 schools with students taking part are DEIS schools. When the Programme first started seven years ago, just 100 students participated.

Contributors on this year’s programme include the newly appointed Chief Justice, the Court Presidents, Chair of the Bar and numerous barristers, solicitors and legal correspondents.

Launching the Programme, Chair of the Council of The Bar of Ireland, Maura McNally SC, said: “One of the silver linings of the pandemic has been the ability to take our TY programme online and affording even more students the opportunity to gain an extensive insight into the different areas of law, the various legal professions and general knowledge about that law that govern our society.

“Last year saw record participation with 10,000 students, so to have a 60 percent increase with 16,000 students from every county in Ireland signed up is really exciting.

“The Bar of Ireland is looking forward to welcoming students from Galway and giving many their first taste of a life in law.”

New €5m training facility purchased for Galway Roscommon ETB

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January 25, 2022

Galway Daily news GRETB gets approval for expansion of Mervue Training Centre

A major new training facility costing over €5 million has been purchased for Galway Roscommon ETB (GRETB).

The Cambridge Building, in Mervue Business Park in Galway City extends to a gross external area of over 36,700 sq ft, and will almost double the number of spaces available for apprentices in training workshops and classrooms.

The building is adjacent to the current GRETB Training Centre and FET Headquarters in the city and the facility will provide new craft workshops for Electrical, Plumbing, Carpentry and Joinery, Metal Fabrication and Pipefitting.

There will also be associated classrooms and flexibility to deliver more FET fulltime/part-time programs in the future and the apprenticeship workshops can be converted into other trades as required.

This will lead to an increase in training capacity from the current level of 216 apprentices per year to over 400 apprentices per year, with potential to increase to over 600 apprentices per year.

David Leahy, Chief Executive of Galway and Roscommon ETB, said that the acquisition of this additional space is an important strategic development for GRETB in Galway City in particular.

“It allows us to respond to the growing demand for further education and training, including apprenticeships, in the region,” he said.

“We can continue to develop important synergies with our existing FET centres in the city, creating opportunities for learners to progress their further education and training journey with GRETB across our full-time and part-time services.

“Access to a FET College of the Future in the Galway and Roscommon region is central to the strategic vision for the FET department in GRETB. This brings us another step closer to realising that vision.”

Sheep and goat census postal returns deadline extended

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January 25, 2022

Galway daily news sheep killed in serious animal attacks

The deadline for postal returns of sheep and goat census forms has been extended to 14th February – the same date for online submissions.

Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue extended the deadline due to some herd keepers experiencing delays with receiving their census forms.

While the deadline for postal returns has been extended to compensate for delays, the Minister said that farmers could always submit their forms online via agfood.ie where they would get real time confirmation of successful submission.

The Minister reminded all registered sheep and goat herd keepers that it is a legal requirement to complete their census forms.

A failure to return a completed form on time could impact on eligibility for certain DAFM schemes.

He also thanked sheep and goat keepers for their ongoing engagement with the census process, where response rates of some 90% are generally achieved.

“Forestry Industry is in a mess” – Galway TD

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January 24, 2022

Galway daily news Minister faces no confidence motion over forestry licencing backlog Canney says

Galway East TD Seán Canney has said that the Forestry Industry is in a “mess” as the number of licences fall far short of the Department of Agriculture own targets for 2021.

He said that this is happening despite an investment in additional resources 4,035 forestry licences were issued by the department of Agriculture Food and the Marine in 2021.

Deputy Canney said that it well-short of the Department’s own soft target of 4,500 for the year, and far below the of 7,000 licences the industry requires.

Of the 4,035 licences issued for 2021, the department issued just 512 (12.5%) for afforestation – permission to plant trees.

“Long delays in granting afforestation licences will see many approved licences fail to convert in to planting as landowners are forced to look at other incomes on their land during the process,” said Deputy Canney.

“I have cases where landowners made a decision to plant their land and have seen no progress or income for more than two years.

“The Government need to grasp this serious issue as a matter of urgency as the supply of native timber is collapsing and farmers are turning away from tree growing due the inordinate delays in granting licences.

“It is my view that the licence system needs to be overhauled and we need to have one licence application to deal with the planting, thinning and felling of trees in order to give certainty to farmers, sawmills and the construction industry.”

Councillor encourages women to highlight city areas that feel unsafe

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January 24, 2022

Galway City Councillor Owen Hanley has encouraged women to highlight areas of Galway City that feel unsafe while they are out walking or running.

Cllr Hanley said that over the past few weeks, women have sent him details of parts of their daily walks that they feel are not safe enough.

Among the issues highlighted were hedges that were too high, blindspots, or lights that should have been fixed.

He said that he will bring these areas to the attention of the council.

COVID-19: 3,692 cases reported today

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January 24, 2022

galway daily news Just one COVID patient in the ICU at University Hospital Galway

Health officials have reported 3,692 further PCR confirmed cases of COVID-19 today.

In addition, on Sunday 23 January, 4,347 people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal.

As of 8am today, 885 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of whom 76 are in ICU.

€2.5m announced for building works at 31 Galway schools

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January 24, 2022

Thirty-one schools in Galway will benefit from €2.5 million in funding under the 2022 Summer Works Scheme.

The funding is being provided to 20 primary schools and 11 secondary schools across Galway for small and medium-scale building works.

It is part of a €65 million package announced on Monday by the Department of Education.

Welcoming the announcement, East Galway TD Anne Rabbitte said: “I am delighted to see €2.5 million invested into 31 schools across Galway under the Summer Works Scheme for 2022.

“It’s really helpful for schools to receive this confirmation this early into the year so they have a good lead-in period to plan and deliver the projects in summer 2022.”

She said that everyone recognises that schools have done an exceptional job in adapting to the changes required to operate safely in a Covid-19 environment.

“A number of projects announced today include window improvement/replacement works in schools which will assist in managing ventilation in these schools,” added Minister Rabbitte.

“Other projects includes investment in roofs and electrical and mechanical works, as well as repairs and improvements to external yards and play areas.

“The provision of fun and engaging outside play areas is equally important in helping our students and young learners engage with each other in a Covid-19 environment.”

Connemara food truck named 4th best dining experience in Ireland!

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January 24, 2022

galway daily news food trck galway mistunderstood heron food truck

Misunderstood Heron in Leenaun has been named as the fourth best outdoor dining experience in Ireland in a list by The Irish Independent.

Opened by husband and wife team Kim and Reinaldo in 2017, the award-winning food truck is a unique eatery which serves creative Irish food and top-quality Irish roasted coffee.

At the edge of Killary Fjord, Misunderstood Heron is located in the heart of one of the most picturesque regions in Ireland, overlooking Connemara’s wild mountains and sea vistas.

Readers who voted for the ‘top ten dining experiences’ were undoubtedly impressed with quirky and uniquely styled outdoor seating, as well as their focus on environmental sustainability.

See the Irish Independent’s full list below

Multi-million fund to rejuvenate harbours and piers

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January 24, 2022

Galway Daily news Extension of planning sought to complete Deep Water Quay at Ros a Mhíl

Minister Charlie McConalogue has today announced a new €35 million fund to rejuvenate public piers and harbours.

This new fund comes under the EU Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR) and was one of the recommendations of the Seafood Sector Taskforce.

The Taskforce report published last October said that the structural integrity of many coastal structures such as piers and harbours has declined in recent years.

It’s recommendations included suggesting that BAR funding be used for work on publicly owned coastal and marine infrastructure.

This is to help address the economic implications that Brexit has for the Irish fishing industry.

This scheme targets projects which are ‘shovel-ready’ and ready to begin construction, with a budget of up to €1 million over 2022 and 2023.

It also offers the possibility of funding larger projects where there is particular exposure to Brexit due to proximity to UK waters and loss of fishing opportunities.

Announcing the scheme, Minister McConalogue said “This record funding for our coastal communities is an unprecedented opportunity for us to invest in our publicly owned piers and harbours and will shape the future of our coastal communities.”

“Brexit has and will continue to affect our seafood sector in a unique way compared to other industries.”

“I am delighted to be able to offer this level of investment so that we can deliver safe, accessible, lasting infrastructure and support economic diversification right around our coastline.”

Vacant properties can help meet housing targets – Naughten

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January 24, 2022

Galway Daily news Disappointment that no occupational injury benefits coming for Long Covid sufferers

Figures from the Northern and Western Regional Assembly show some 8,000 residential units in Galway which are either vacant or derelict.

In the latest analysis from the NWRA, 6.8% of Galway’s housing stock was either vacant or derelict in 2020, above the national average.

The worst affected towns in Galway were Portumna, where 14.5% of homes are unoccupied, along with Headford (11.6%), Dunmore (10.3%), and Glenamaddy (8.5%).

Along with housing, this problem is also prevalent among commercial stock, with an average commercial vacancy rate of 13.4% in Galway in 2020.

In total, the NWRA said that there are 45,000 empty residential and commercial premises in the eight western and northern counties. The bulk of these properties, almost 43,000, are homes.

Addressing these figures in the Dáil, Galway TD Denis Naughten said that the number of vacant properties could more than meet annual housing requirements.

“The reality is that the housing crisis is not just about a lack of houses, but also our failure to have empty homes occupied by families, particularly those in our towns and villages.”

“In fact, there are whole streets in our towns and villages that have not had a football kicked on them in a generation” said Denis Naughten.

He added that if these homes were brought into use, it would provide an “immediate dividend” for rural Ireland and homeless families.

The targets in the government’s Housing For All strategy said that Ireland needs an average of 33,000 homes per year until 2030.

David Minton, Director of the NWRA, said that towns and villages “need rescuing” in the regional, or communities will continue to falter.

“If action is not taken, we face a catastrophic situation where the decentralisation and fragmentation our communities will only deepen.”

“Development has been permitted away from town centres and we have seen a huge growth of commercial and public sector services move out of core urban areas.”

Christy Hyland, Chairperson of the NWRA, said that regional assemblies should have a role in managing and distributing resources in areas experiencing high vacancy and dereliction rates.

“The importance of towns and cities to re-building and reimaging our country in light of the pandemic, is fundamental.”

Flood relief works for east Galway village going ahead

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January 24, 2022

galway daily news Ballinasloe flood relief scheme

Flood relief works are due to take place in the coming months in the east Galway village of Clonfert.

Galway County Council has been allocated €90,000 or works to open and clean the existing open drain network at Clonfert

Galway East TD Seán Canney said that Minister Patrick O’Donovan has confirmed that funding has been approved been approved for the flood relief works.

“Galway County Council will carry out the works in the coming months and when complete will provide much needed protection from flooding in the Clonfert area”.

“I commend the Council on the work is accessing funding for this project and many similar projects throughout the County”.

The funding for this project is being allocated through the Minor Works Scheme by the OPW.

Galway weather: Mild and dry week ahead, with some sunny spells

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January 24, 2022

Galway Daily weather Galway weather: Mild and dry week ahead, with some sunny spells

Met Eireann is predicting a mild week ahead, with a forecast of little rain until next weekend, and some spells of sunny weather to enjoy as well.

Monday will be most dry and clear, with some sunshine to enjoy in the early afternoon, and mild patches of drizzle in some coastal areas.

Highest temperatures today of 8 to 9 degrees, with light to moderate south/southeasterly winds.

Tuesday will start of brisk but temperatures will reach as high as 9 degrees in some coastal areas, but reach close to freezing inland as the evening progresses.

Aside from some light patches of drizzle in the morning, conditions will be dry for the most part, with some clear spells during the day, and a light variable wind.

There’s no sun expected on Wednesday, as Met Eireann is predicting cloudy skies throughout the day, with patches of light rain developing in the evening.

Highest temperatures of 10 degrees on Wednesday, with a light southwesterly wind getting stronger and veering westerly as the day progresses.

Thursday and Friday are expected to develop in much the same way as the rest of the week, with some sunny spells and scattered rain showers.

But the weather will take a turn for the more Irish come next weekend, as heavy rain is expected to develop on Saturday.

Second €1 million Euromillions ticket sale for lucky Ballybrit store

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January 24, 2022

Galwat Daily news Euromillions Jackpot headed to €200 million prize — Spar store in the Ballybrit Technology Park in Parkmore, Co, Galway sell winning €1 million Euro EuroMillions Raffle Draw. Photo: Mac Innes Photography

They must be the luckiest store in Galway City, as the Spar in Ballybrit celebrates selling a €1 million Euromillions ticket for the second time.

One of the three €1 million Euromillions raffle tickets from last Friday’s draw was sold at the Spar store in Parkmore, Ballybrit.

The lucky Galway player purchased their normal play ticket last Thursday, January 20.

The store, which is owned by Gerard Geraghty and managed by his brother John, is no stranger to big lottery wins, having sold a similar EuroMillions Raffle prize of €1 million in July 2018.

The National Lottery has confirmed that it is still waiting for the three winners of the €1 million EuroMillions Raffle prize from last Friday night to make contact.

The three winning EuroMillions Raffle Draw codes which are worth €1 million each are: IMDZ91577, IMFC21006 and IMFF48547.

The EuroMillions Raffle draw guaranteed that 100 players across all nine participating countries would each win one of the €1 million raffle prizes.

Similarly, two separate retailers in Clonakilty and Dunmanway are also celebrating after they were informed that they also sold two of the winning tickets.

The two winning retailers which are based just 20km’s apart are: Minihane’s Gala store on Pearse Street in Clonakilty town and Healy’s SuperValu store in Dunmanway in Co. Cork.

Players are advised to check their tickets carefully and if they have a winning ticket in their possession, they should sign it immediately and keep it in a safe place.

To claim their prize, winners are asked to contact the prize claims team on 1800 666 222 or email claims@lottery.ie and arrangements will be made for their prize to be paid.

Galway Local Enterprise Office helped create over 200 jobs in 2021

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January 23, 2022

The Galway Local Enterprise Office helped create over 200 jobs last year.

There were 270 small businesses supported by the LEO in Galway last year, which created 220 new jobs.

In total, these small businesses spread across the city and county now employ 1,187 people.

At a virtual event this week An Tánaiste Leo Varadkar announced the annual results of the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) for 2021.

Head of Enterprise at LEO Galway Breda Fox said that these figures are a credit to the resilience the small business community.

“When faced with adversity, they adapted, pivoted, upskilled and took the necessary steps to sustain and grow their businesses.”

“The Local Enterprise Offices across the country have worked hard to support small businesses during this time and provided advice and financial support to help them succeed.”

Nationwide, the network of LEOs support 35,729 jobs across 7,158 companies.

In 2021 there were 7,440 new jobs created by LEO clients companies with a net jobs creation figure of 2,999. This was up 9% nationally on 2020.

From those figures, 85% of those employed in LEO supported companies are outside the Dublin region.

“There is a sense of optimism as demonstrated by the number of businesses with new ideas and the ambition to grow,” Breda Fox said.

“This year will be no different and we will continue to work closely with Enterprise Ireland and the local authorities to ensure our small businesses get the best possible supports to enable them achieve their potential.”

Local Enterprise Offices have also played a huge role in the pandemic administering supports such as the Trading Online Voucher scheme, which helped businesses establish or improve their online presence.

Leo Varadkar said that LEOs are “at the heart of communities” in every county, providing advice, training, and financial backing.

He added that they have been “invaluable” throughout the pandemic, during which time a “huge amount of people” relied on their local office.

COVID-19: Another 4,731 PCR and 3,395 Antigen tests cases

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January 23, 2022

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

There have been a further 8,126 cases of COVID-19 from antigen and pcr tests reported by health officials today.

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has notified 4,731 PCR-confirmed cases. a

A further 3,395 people have registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal.

As of this morning there are 845 people in the country hospitalised with COVID.

Of these patients, 79 are being treated in intensive care units.

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

Winning €1 million Euromillions ticket sold in Galway City

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January 23, 2022

galway daily news Galway lotto players claim €21 million in high-tier prizes since 2020

The €1 million Euromillions ticket that changed the life of one lucky person on Friday was sold at a store in Galway City the National Lottery has revealed.

There were three Irish winners in Friday night’s EuroMillions Raffle draw, with the two other winning tickets sold in two neighbouring towns in West Cork, Clonakilty and Dunmanway.

The three winning EuroMillions Raffle Draw codes in Ireland are: IMDZ91577, IMFC21006 and IMFF48547.

Players who purchased their tickets in Galway City are being urged to check their tickets carefully to ensure that they do not miss out on this life-changing prize of €1 million.

The National Lottery has said that the exact selling locations of the life-changing EuroMillions prizes will be revealed on Monday morning.

A National Lottery spokesperson said, “We were absolutely thrilled to see three of our players in Cork and Galway win one of the 100 Raffle prizes of €1 million each in Friday night’s special EuroMillions draw.”

“What is even more incredible is to see two neighbouring towns in the picturesque area of West Cork to share in the excitement which comes with a million-euro lottery prize win.”

“Compared to the overall size of the EuroMillions community, to have two of these raffle wins in such close proximity in a local community such as West Cork is very exciting, and we cannot wait to contact the local retailers on Sunday evening to give them the good news.”

The lucky players have not yet made contact to claim their prizes, and if you know you have the winning ticket, you’re advised to sign it immediately and keep it in a safe place.

To claim their prize, winners are asked to make contact with the prize claims team on 1800 666 222 or email claims@lottery.ie and arrangements will be made for their prize to be paid.

Searches continue for missing Galway man

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January 23, 2022