COVID-19 cases begin to fall at UHG

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January 19, 2022

A man in his mid-20s was arrested in Galway yesterday as part of an investigation into organised crime activity.

Sligo Gardai arrested the man on Tuesday, and he is currently detained at Sligo Garda Station.

He is being detained under the provisions of Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007.

This is the second arrest into organised crime activity by Sligo Gardai, following another last week.

In that instance, a man in his 30s was arrested at Dublin Airport last Tuesday, January 11.

He has since appeared before Sligo District Court on Monday, January 17.

Am Garda Síochána have stated that the investigation is ongoing.

Gang assault elderly man during vicious burglary

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January 19, 2022

Galway Daily news missing teen found safe

An elderly man was the victim of a vicious assault during a burglary by a gang of men in the west of Ireland yesterday.

At approximately 7pm on Tuesday, a number of men forced their way into a property on the N59, Skreen, Co. Sligo.

Once inside they attacked a 70 year old man who was present. A sum of cash was also stolen during the burglary.

The elderly victim was brought to Sligo University Hospital to be treated for his injuries.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to come forward. They are keen to speak to anyone who was in the Skreen / Dromard area, from 4-8pm yesterday who may have witnessed anything to come forward.

They are particularly keen that anyone who may have camera footage from this area at this time (including dash-cam) to make this available to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Sligo Garda station on 071 915 7000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.

€19 million Lotto jackpot winner in the west comes forward

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January 19, 2022

Galway Daily news Galway Lotto player scoops €54,583 in midweek madness

The winner of the largest ever Lotto jackpot in Irish history has made contact to claim their prize, as the store where the winning ticket has been sold has been revealed.

The €19.06 million ticket was sold to one lucky person in the west of Ireland at Laura’s XL store in Castlebar, Co. Mayo.

Speaking at today’s announcement, shop owner Laura Scriney spoke of the excitement she felt on receiving the news from the National Lottery that her store had now taken on such an historic title.

“The entire county really has been buzzing with chatter about the Lotto jackpot since the weekend with everyone wondering where exactly the winning ticket was sold.”

“When I heard that our store was the lucky location, I was in a complete state of shock. I knew that it was a Castlebar shop but finding out was completely overwhelming!”

“I am only in business since 2019 so this is certainly a big moment for me and my family. Saturday night was such a huge draw and one that’s been the talk of the town for the week now so we are absolutely over the moon to have played a part in this.”

“The winner truly is the luckiest player in Ireland now and we wish them all the very best with their win,” she said.

The staggering Lotoo jackpot, which has been rolling over since June 2021, and was capped in October, went to a single winner last Saturday.

After going unclaimed for so long, the rules were changed to allow for a must-win draw that would have seen the pot go to someone, one way or another.

The National Lottery has said that arrangements are now being made for the lucky winner to claim their life-changing prize.

COVID-19: 11,683 additional cases reported

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January 18, 2022

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

A further 11,683 cases of COVID-19 reported by the Department of Health today from PCR and Antigen tests.

There have been 5,767 PCR-confirmed cases notified by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre.

A further 5,916 registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal.

As of this morning there were 979 people in the country hospitalised with COVID, of whom 93 are in the ICU.

The cabinet is reportedly considering meeting this week to approve the lifting of public health restrictions.

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

Gardaí investigating after car stolen in home burglary

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January 18, 2022

Gardaí are investigating after a car was stolen from outside of a house in Knocknacarra after a burglary last last Wednesday.

This is one of several home burglaries in Galway City and Ballinasloe over the past week, for which Gardaí are currently appealing for information.

In the early hours of Wednesday, January 12 a house at An Clarin, Ballymoneen Road, Knocknacarra between midnight and 1:30am.

During the course of the burglary a set of car keys were taken from the property and used to take a black Nissan Quasqai parked outside.

“The Gardaí in Salthill are anxious to speak with anyone who may have noticed anything suspicious in the Ballymoneen Road area on Tuesday night/Wednesday morning or anyone with any information in relation to the burglary or the movements of the stolen black Nissan Quasqai,” a statement from An Garda Síochána said.

“Anyone with any information is asked to contact Salthill Garda Station on 091-514720.”

In another incident over the weekend, a burglar was interrupted while breaking into a house on the Headford Road.

At approximately 8:30pm on the night of Friday, January 14, a male person was disturbed while breaking into a house at Gort na Coiribe, and fled in the direction of the Headford Road.

“This male is described as being in his 20’s, about 5ft 10 to 6ft in height and wearing a long dark jacket, black tracksuit pants with a brown woolen hat and a red scarf.”

“Anyone who may have been in the Headford Road area around 8.30 pm on Friday evening and may have seen the male described or anyone who may have any information that could help with the investigation is asked to contact Galway Garda Station on 091-538000.

And finally, Ballinasloe Gardaí are investigating a burglary at Moher which occurred on Saturday evening last, resulting in the theft of deeply personally important jewellery.

At approximately 6:10pm on January 15 a house at Moher, Ballinasloe was broken into, resulting in damage to the property.

During the course of the burglary a solitaire diamond ring with a gold band along with a gold ring with an Opal stone were stolen.

“Four males travelling in a dark coloured saloon car were observed close to the property around the time of the break in and the vehicle was subsequently observed driving away from the area at high speed in the direction of the M6 motorway.”

“These rings hold a great deal of sentimental value to the owner and Gardaí in Ballinasloe are appealing anyone who may have seen any the four males or the vehicle described acting suspiciously in the Moher area on Saturday evening or anyone with any information in relation to the stolen rings to contact them at Ballinasloe Garda Station on 09096-31890.”

Free GMIT food entrepreneurship course returns

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January 18, 2022

Galway daily news Free GMIT food entrepreneurship course course returns

A popular and free food entrepreneurship upskilling course at GMIT will be returning this month.

The Certificate in Food Innovation and Entrepreneurship course at GMIT is part of the Springboard initiative by the Higher Education Authority.

he free part-time course is delivered by high-profile entrepreneurs such as Brendan Allen, Castlemine Farms, with input and contributions from course graduates including Ami Madden of Valhalla Meats.

First delivered in GMIT in 2016, the course is designed for Agri-Food sector workers such as local and regional food producers, rural farmers, food entrepreneurs and the wider agricultural community, where entrepreneurial training has not typically been prioritised.

It provides participants with the knowledge and work-based skills required to foster and develop their food ideas into successful businesses, encouraging participants to consider food entrepreneurship as a career.

Dr Lisa Ryan at GMIT said “This course has been developed by a combination of qualified staff in Food Science and Nutrition together with a panel of food entrepreneurs and promotes work-based learning.”

“Interacting with food entrepreneurs provides participants with the opportunity to network with like-minded people, be inspired by their success and learn the reality of setting up and growing a food business.”

“The industry leaders provide mentoring and support to participants throughout the course. Our graduates of the course found the experiential learning environment and interaction with industry an extremely beneficial and rewarding experience.”

This course is part of the Springboard initiative, which offers free or subsidised upskilling courses for people who have been unemployed or or are seeking to improve their prospects in modern industries.

The Certificate in Food Innovation and Entrepreneurship course commences at GMIT’s Galway campus on Monday, January 31.

It is completely free for those who meet the eligibility criteria, and costs €300 for those in employment.

Applications must be made online through www.springboardcourses.ie, where information can also be found on the eligibility criteria.

Applications for the course must be made no later than Tuesday, January 25.

Successful applicants will have access to high level support and mentoring throughout the course together with the opportunity of gaining practical support for business start-ups that will emerge from the programme.

Moving away from the traditional style of teaching, this course will take a practice-based, real-world, collaborative approach in its delivery methods.

Breaking: Man arrested on suspicion of murder in Ashling Murphy case

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January 18, 2022

Gardaí investigating the death of Ashling Murphy have today arrested a man on suspicion of murder in connection with the case.

The 23 year old teacher was killed while out running along the canal bank at Cappincur, Tullamore at approximately 4pm on Wednesday, January 12.

A man in his 30s has today been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the case.

He is currently detained in Tullamore Garda Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.

An Garda Síochána said that they have no further comment at this time.

It’s understood that the investigation has focused on a man being treated for multiple injuries at a hospital in Dublin.

Gardaí have also appealed for anyone in Tullamore with information on a man dressed in a black tracksuit top with no hood, black tracksuit bottoms with a large white stripe or white writing on the side, and black runners to come forward.

Gardaí are eager to speak to anyone who noticed this man loitering at any location or involved in any activity which drew their attention that day.

Anyone who gave a lift to this man, or saw him walking in the Tullamore area, is asked to make contact with Gardaí.

Gardaí have appealed to any person in the general Tullamore area on the 12 January 2022 with any form of video footage to contact them.

Residential vacancy rate above average in Galway

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January 18, 2022

Galway Daily news housing allocation scheme Gaeltacht

The residential vacancy rate in Galway was more than a third higher than the national average in the last three months of the year

The latest report from GeoDirectory and EY Residential Buildings Report shows that Galway had a 6.2% residential vacancy rate in Q4 2021, compared with a 4.4% national average.

There were 855 new residential addresses in Galway registered by GeoDirectory last year, down 20% on 2020, and a further 853 residential buildings under construction in the final quarter of the year.

The average property price in Galway was €270,671 in the year leading up to last October. In Galway City that rose to €312,462.

On top of those properties that are fit for people to live in, there were 1,946 residential addresses classified as derelict in Galway in the latest report.

Dara Keogh, CEO of GeoDirectory said, “Covid-19 has proved to be a substantial speed-bump for the delivery of housing supply in Ireland.”

“The knock-on impact of the closure of construction sites in early 2021 can be seen in the relatively low number of new address points added to the GeoDirectory database, which was down 17.4% on the previous year.”

Nationally there were 18,047 new address points recorded in Ireland in 2021, with over a quarter located in Dublin (29.6%), a year-on-year decrease of 26% in the capital.

At 48.9%, almost half of the total of new addresses were found in the Greater Dublin Area of Dublin, Meath, Kildare and Wicklow.

In Galway there was a 23.8% reduction in construction activity last year, the sharpest contraction seen anywhere in the country.

Despite this, Dara Keogh said that there is a positive outlook overall, with 19,495 buildings recorded as being under construction in Q4 2021 nationwide.

This is the highest quarterly figure seen since GeoDirectory and EY began compiling this report in 2014.

Annette Hughes, Director at EY said “The level of housing supply coming onto the market in 2021 was well short of what was needed to meet demand.”

“While the data around residential construction activity in the latter half of 2021 is extremely encouraging, there is still exceptionally high levels of demand in the housing market.”

“This is evident from the significant increase in the average house price, up 9.4% nationally, with price increases recorded in every county”.

Plans for boutique hotel in Galway city centre

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January 18, 2022

Galway Daily news Plans for boutique hotel in Galway city centre

Plans have been submitted to demolish derelict buildings in the centre of Galway City, and build a boutique hotel in their place.

Hanoview Ltd is seeking planning permission to demolish No. 26, a commercial building, and No. 34, a house to its rear, on Nun’s Island.

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

Previous plans for an apartment building on the site were abandoned after consultation with the city council.

Of the 34 bedroom, it is intended that 17 will be “pod” style compact rooms, to make more economic use of the site.

The planning application documentation states, “this type of room is more economical to build and service, and with lower charges is very popular with business people and sight-seeing tourists who do not intend to spend a lot of time in their rooms.”

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

The entrance to the hotel will be off Nun’s Island Street. The hotel will also feature a central courtyard garden, and riverside garden for guests.

The application states that car parking on the site would be “unnecessary and undesirable”, but an area has been set aside for bicycle parking.

Galway City Council is due to make a decision on this planning application by February 23 of this year.

Safety works planned for busy school junction in Tuam

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January 18, 2022

Galway Daily news Safety works planned for busy school junction in Tuam

A busy junction on the Dublin Road in Tuam close by multiple schools is due to get much needed safety upgrades.

Galway County Council plans to carry out improvements to the junction of the Dublin Road and Frank Stockwell road in the coming months.

Galway TD Seán Canney said that this area is very busy, with both cars and pedestrians, during school drop-off and pick-up times.

“This junction can be very congested at school times and any improvements to the junction are to be welcomed.”

“There are a number of national schools’ access points at this location, and it is imperative that safety is a priority especially young children trying to access the schools”.

Deputy Canney said that the upgrade works will make the area safer for all through improvements to footpaths and railings.

Mayor Connolly opens Book of Condolences for Ashling Murphy

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January 18, 2022

Galway Daily news Mayor Connolly opens Book of Condolences for Ashling Murphy — Ashling Murphy (rip.ie)

A Book of Condolences in memory of Ashling Murphy has been opened by the Mayor of Galway City.

Mayor of the City of Galway, Councillor Colette Connolly, opened the online Book and it will be available to the public for the entry of messages of sympathy.

Cllr Connolly expressed her own sympathies to the Murphy family, who are laying their daughter to rest today.

“Ar mo shon féin agus ar son Chathair na Gaillimhe déanaimid comhbhrón le clann Murphy.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dilís agus sólas dá muintir.”

“My Deepest Sympathies to the Murphy family on the tragic, terrible loss of their daughter Ashling and also to her extended family and friends.

Wishing you strength and comfort at this difficult time.”

Ashling Murphy was killed while out running by the Grand Canal in Tullamore last Wednesday.

Her funeral is taking place this morning at St. Brigid’s Church, Mountbolus at 11am.

The Book of will remain open until Monday, January 24. Messages of condolence can be left at https://www.galwaycity.ie/askgcc/index.php/372629?newtest=Y&lang=en.

Funeral of Ashling Murphy to take place today

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January 18, 2022

Galway Daily news Ashling Murphy funeral

The funeral of Ashling Murphy will take place later this morning, and will be live streamed for the public to view, as her family requests privacy.

The funeral will take place at St. Brigid’s Church, Mountbolus at 11am, followed by her burial in Lowertown Cemetery.

The family of Ashling Murphy have requested privacy at her family home on Tuesday, where she has been reposing since Sunday, and family flowers only at the funeral.

The 23-year-old teacher was murdered last week while out for a run along the Grand Canal in Tullamore.

The funeral can be viewed online at: memoriallane.ie/livestream/. There is also a backup link at https://vimeo.com/event/741550/0a650c8d93.

Messages of condolences can be left for the family on Lawless Funerals Website – https://tullamorefunerals.ie/notices/obituaries/.

Gardaí have said that as large numbers of people are expected to attend today, officers will be managing traffic and parking in the area.

Public Health advice remains that persons unable to social distance or in crowded outdoor areas should wear appropriate face coverings.

All of the main teachers unions in the country are asking schools to observe a minute’s silence at 11am on Tuesday in memory of Ashling Murphy.

COVID-19: 6,329 cases confirmed by PCR and 4,810 positive antigen tests

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January 17, 2022

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

The Department of Health has reported 6,329 PCR confirmed cases of COVID-19 this afternoon. On Sunday, 4,810 people also registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal.

As of 8am today, 1,006 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised nationally, of whom 97 are in ICU.

Dr Tony Holohan said: “Masks can play a key role in reducing transmission of COVID-19 if made correctly, well fitted and worn properly – that is, they cover the nose, mouth and chin.”

The Chief Medical Officer said that the best way to protect yourself against the most severe impacts of COVID-19 is to get your booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

“The evidence shows that people who have received a booster are less susceptible to infection and, if infected, are less infectious to others,” he said.

“According to our Amárach research, 68% of those aged under 35 years, who have received a full primary course of COVID-19 vaccination but are not yet boosted, said that they would receive a booster dose if they were offered it next week.

“It is important to remember that you don’t need to wait for the HSE to contact you about your booster appointment. You can book an appointment online on www.hse.ie, drop into your local pharmacy or contact your GP.”

Gardaí investigating Ashling Murphy murder appeal for info on man in black tracksuit

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January 17, 2022

An Garda Síochána have said that ‘significant progress’ is being made in their investigation into the murder of Ashling Murphy.

Gardaí have appealed for any information on a man dressed in a black tracksuit top with no hood, black tracksuit bottoms with a large white stripe or white writing on the side, and black runners.

Gardaí are eager to speak to anyone who noticed this man loitering at any location or involved in any activity which drew their attention.

Anyone who gave a lift to this man, or saw him walking in the Tullamore area, is asked to make contact with Gardaí.

Gardaí are continuing to appeal to any person in the general Tullamore area on the 12 January 2022 with any form of video footage to contact them.

Gardaí are still waiting to interview a man in connection with the murder.

An Garda Síochána also said that they are aware and concerned about the activity of people sharing information on social media, and in particular private messaging apps.

They appealed to everyone to stop sharing these messages.

“Not only are they misinformed, inaccurate and dangerous, they are unhelpful to the criminal investigation,” they said.

“If you have information, which is relevant to this criminal investigation you should contact the investigation team at Tullamore Garda Station with this information.”

The investigation team at Tullamore Garda Station can be contacted on 9357060, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Seven Galway Lotto players win €36,000 in Saturday’s mega draw

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January 17, 2022

galway daily news lottery winners galway

A lucky lotto player scooped the largest Irish jackpot ever on Saturday night, but seven Galway players also woke up with a smile on their faces on Sunday morning after winning €36,687 each.

A total of 149 players from across the country shared a prize fund of almost €5.5 million after matching five numbers plus the bonus in the Saturday’s mega draw.

The National Lottery has urged players to check their tickets carefully and for the 149 winners to sign the back of their tickets and keep them safe.

The lucky winners should make contact with the prize claims team on 1800 666 222 or email claims@lottery.ie and arrangements will be made for them to claim their prizes.

Where the winning tickets were sold in Galway

Galway	Amarillo Stores, Dublin Rd, Tuam, Co Galway
Galway	Duggan Supermarkets Ltd, Post Office, Renmore Rd, Galway, Co Galway
Galway	XL Newsagents, Unit 112, Eyre Square Shopping Centre, Eyre Square, Galway
Galway	McCanns Centra, Mountain Rd, An Fuaran, Moycullen, Co Galway
Galway	Murphy’s Centra, Dublin Rd, Tuam, Co Galway
Galway	Supervalu TA McInerneys, Loughrea Shopping Centre, Athenry Road, Loughrea, Co. Galway
Galway	Dunnes Stores, Galway Retail Centre, Galway West Business Park WTRN Distributor Road, Knocknacarra, Galway

The Cúirt New Writing Prize 2022 opens for submissions

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January 17, 2022

Submissions are now being accepted for the Cúirt New Writing Prize 2022, with a €500 cash prize being offered to the winner of two categories: poetry and short fiction.

The winner in each category will also be given the opportunity to read at the 37th annual Cúirt International Festival of Literature which will take place in Galway between Wednesday 6 and Sunday 10 April 2022.

Poet Gail McConnell will judge the poetry prize and author Lisa McInerney will judge the short Fiction.

The closing date for submissions is Monday 31 January 2022 at 5pm.

Cúirt New Writing Prize Guidelines for Entry

Poetry entries must consist of up to three poems under 50 lines each.

Short stories should be no longer than 2,000 words.

Entry costs €10 in total which covers one story or up to three poems.

Entries are welcome in English and Irish. An Irish language adviser will be approached to assess entries in the Irish language.

Writers submitting work should not have had a full collection or work published in the category in which they enter (novel or short collection for fiction, poetry collection for poetry); this does not include the publication of single poems, stories or chapbooks. If you have had single poems or stories published, you are still eligible to submit.

The story or poems submitted should not have been accepted for publication elsewhere.

There is no restriction on theme or style.

The judges’ verdict is final.

Stories cannot be altered or substituted once they have been entered.

Judging is anonymous. Name and contact details must not appear on the stories or poems.

Entries should be submitted as follows

In a single document

In .doc or .docx format

Double spaced, in 12 pt font

The title of the document should be the title of the piece or pieces.

Entries in the body of an email will not be accepted.

International writers can enter the competition, but we are unable to provide travel expenses to attend the 2022 festival, should they be successful.

Entries submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.

Entry fees will not be returned if stories are withdrawn after entering.

Entry is taken as acceptance of these rules.

Submitting Your Entry

Submissions will be accepted through Google Forms only this year. You can submit your work and details through the link here.

Fees

The entry fee for each separate submission is €10. This can be paid through the Stripe link here.

It is important to us that the prize is accessible to as many writers as possible from all backgrounds around the world. Because of this, we are offering a limited number of subsidised entries. There is capacity for 35 subsidised entries for the 2022 prize. If you would like to avail of subsidised entry, please contact info@cuirt.ie. Subsidised entries should be accompanied by an explanation of the entrant’s need for subsidised entry (up to 200 words).

Contact info@cuirt.ie for any further enquiries.

Two Galway singers announced as Eurosong 2022 hopefuls!

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January 17, 2022

galway daily news eurovision galway singer

Rachel Goode from Ballinasloe and Brendan Murray from Tuam are among those who will compete to represent Ireland at this year’s Eurovision in Turin, Italy.

They will perform their songs, which both premiered this morning, on a special Late Late Show on February 4.

Six songs will battle it out on the night, and the winner will be chosen by a combination of national jury, international jury and public vote.

Rachel Goode will sing I’m Loving Me, composed by Joakim Övrenius, Thomas Karlsson, Johan Mauritzson, Anna Engh, while Brendan Murray will perform Real Love, written by Brendan Murray and Darrell Coyle.

Rachel was classically trained and has a strong voice that can uniquely cross through various genres.

She has a bachelor Music degree from DIT and a Master’s in Opera Performance from Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Rachel also has a keen love for fashion and has a certification in Personal Shopping and Fashion styling.

Since her beginnings Rachel has had a love for all genres of music but is most well known for her singing of Irish folk, country and opera.

Rachel is no stranger to the stage and has performed in most of the major venues throughout Ireland including the National Concert Hall and the Bord Gais Energy Theatre.

A member of Irish boy band Hometown from 2014 until 2016, Tuam native Brendan Murray represented Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2017, performing to almost 200 million people.

Popular Galway restaurant owners seek to convert vacant building

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January 17, 2022

Galway Daily news Green light for popular restaurant owners to convert vacant building

The owners of popular Galway restaurants Cava Bodega, Tartare, and Aniar are seeking planning permission for a new restaurant and guesthouse in the city.

Cava Restaurant Ltd, owned by JP McMahon and Drigin Gaffey, have submitted plans for renovations to 54 Dominick Street Lower, a vacant former bookstore.

They are seeking approval for internal alterations and a change of use from a bookstore on ground floor, and commercial use of the upper floors, to a restaurant on the ground and part of the first floor.

The remainder of the first floor, and the second floor of the building, will be converted to guest accommodation.

The development also includes plans to demolish and replace existing single and two storey extensions to the building.

Timber sliding sash windows on the upper floors are to be reinstated, and repair and upgrade works will be needed on the roof and rainwater goods.

The planning application states that finding an “economically viable function” for the protected structure will result in its “long-term maintenance and survival” instead of being left vacant.

“The reintroduction of timber sliding sash windows at the first floor level will enhance the appearance of the building both internally and from the street and will be more in keeping with the original character.”

A Conservation Report has been prepared for this application due to the fact that the building is a protected structure.

Galway City Council is due to make a decision on this planning application by February 19.

Galway saw highest ever Údarás na Gaeltachta employment in 2021

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January 17, 2022