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5 Ways to Earn Extra Money With Mobile Apps

By
Thomas O'Brien
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Galway Daily news

Statistics show that the average user of a smartphone spends 3+ hours on their device every day – and the absolute majority of this time is spent on various mobile apps. It’s understandable: these days, you can do everything on an app, including but not limited to shopping, banking, and dating. But did you know that mobile apps can also help you earn? 

Naturally, money-making apps aren’t going to help you become a millionaire or even quit your 9–5 anytime soon – and yet, they can be a nice way to earn some money on the side when you have a minute or ten to spare. Below you’ll find 5 ways to make money with mobile apps in your spare time!

Watch videos

A lot of apps pay you for watching short videos, such as ads or trailers. This might get a bit boring and repetitive, but hey – you don’t even need to pay attention to the videos: what the app (or rather, the ad provider) cares about is the number of views. However, if you do decide to watch, you can discover interesting apps or games that you might have not come upon otherwise, so it’s a bit of a win-win!

With apps like Swagbucks, you get rewarded in points for every video you watch, and you can later exchange them for cash or gift cards for various retailers (including massive ones that you probably already shop with, like Amazon). 

Complete surveys

This is arguably the most popular way to make money with mobile apps. There are dozens of market research companies that help businesses to get to know their target market – and surveys are inseparable from that. If you’re someone who has an opinion on everything, this is a great way to turn it into an extra side of income!

We must note the availability of surveys varies in different locations: it depends on the markets the companies are targeting and looking to sell their products/services to (for example, a company that sells Christmas decorations is not likely to target countries that don’t celebrate it). Spending power also matters – and because of this, an US resident is likely to make more money than someone in, let’s say, Portugal. 

Invest in stocks/cryptocurrencies

The idea of letting your money earn more money is definitely not new – but mobile apps add a modern spin to it. Whether you choose to invest in cryptocurrencies or stock markets, you can have all the exchanges and all the information you need in your pocket, and you can be aware of how your portfolio is doing at any given moment.

Just don’t forget investments always come with a certain risk: the value of your tokens or your shares can go down as well as up! Don’t get into investing if you’re not willing to spend quite a bit of time doing your homework and understanding the way the markets work – and don’t invest more money than you could afford to lose in the case of failure.

Share bandwidth

While not everyone is aware of this way of making money using mobile apps, it is definitely the most effortless one. With Honeygain, you only need to sign up, download the free app, and leave it running on your phone (or tablet/computer, for that matter). From there, the app will share your excess internet bandwidth, generating you passive income – all without you ever lifting a finger.

Honeygain, which already has users in 150+ countries, is available on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS devices. Once you need to collect your earnings, you can choose one out of three payout options – PayPal, Bitcoin, or JumpToken. This is a great way to make the most out of your unlimited Wi-Fi or data plan: why couldn’t it pay for itself?

Get cashback

Some people would argue that cashback is not technically making money – and we do get their point. However, you need to do your shopping anyway, so why not take the chance to get some of the money you spend back? Apps like Ibotta allow you to get cashback for both shopping with selected online retailers (via the mobile or using a browser extension on your computer) and for uploading pictures of the receipts you get in physical stores. The fuller your pocket, the more fun you can have with it!

Mobile apps are incredibly versatile these days, so why not make the most of them? Replace pointless scrolling with making money online and enjoy additional earnings!

COVID-19: 4,208 PCR-confirmed cases reported

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Galway hospitals see COVID cases double in recent weeks

There have been a further 10,618 total cases of COVID-19 from PCR and Antigen tests reported by health officials today.

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has notified a further 4,208 PCR-confirmed cases.

In addition, another 6,410 positive antigen tests registered through the HSE portal have been reported.

As of this morning there were 624 people in the country hospitalised with COVID-19, of whom 66 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 115,451 lab tests completed in the past week, 29.8% of which have tested positive for the virus.

A total of 2,700,458 booster vaccine doses have been administered as of yesterday, with 2,162 jabs given on Monday.

Approval given for 1,000 solar panels at Medtronic in Mervue

By
Briain Kelly
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galway daily news Galway leads the pack in new Solar for Schools programme

The Medtronic plant in Galway has been given planning approval for the installation of a large number of solar panels.

Planning permission has been granted for the installation of 1,000 photovoltaic panels on the roof of Medtronic’s Mervue facility, on the Michael Collins Road.

The 390W solar panels will be mounted on the south facing sloped roof, covering an area of approximately 1,700m².

The city council granted planning approval for the development with three standard conditions attached.

During the pandemic the medical devices manufacturer made huge numbers of ventilators from at the Mervue manufacturing facility.

Galway sees number of COVID patients in hospital cut in half

By
Briain Kelly
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galway daily news 61 COVID patients in Galway's hospitals

The number of COVID-19 patients hospitalised in Galway has been cut in half in the past week.

There were 41 confirmed cases at UHG in the latest figures from the HSE as of Monday, down from 55 the previous day.

It is also a massive drop from 77 confirmed cases in the hospital as week prior, when UHG had the most cases in the country.

Now the city hospital has the 5th highest number of COVID patients of Ireland’s hospitals.

Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe has also seen a massive drop in the number of cases.

There were five COVID-19 cases at Portiuncula Hospital as of Monday, less than half of the 12 that were there a week prior.

Of these patients in Galway, four total are being treated in the ICU, two each at Portiuncula and UHG.

This is a daily increase of one patient at UHG, but less than the four which were in the ICU there a week ago.

Popular Galway pub gets exclusive single cask whiskey

By
Briain Kelly
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0
Galway Daily food & drink Galway Bar gets signature cask whiskey

The popular Galway pub O’Connells have a very exclusive treat to entice customers in the door, with an exclusive 12-year old single cask whiskey.

This new Powers 12-year old whiskey comes from many visits to Midleton Distillery in Cork.

During these trips they had access to the best of casks stored in the warehouses, which led to the selection of the O’Connells Cask after much consideration (and tasting).

Two centuries of experience have taught the people of Midleton a lot about distilling, and creating some of the best whiskey made in Ireland.

With their help and guidance O’Connells have chosen a wonderful example of a Pot Still Irish Whiskey.

The whiskey starts to introduce itself straight out of the glass. Toasted oak, sweetness of toffee and caramel along with the subtleness of fig on the nose. A great intro into what’s to come.

Galway Daily food & drink

The first taste has a silky texture with spices coming in gently at first then gradually building up. Touches of dark chocolate, roasted coffee beans and nuttiness hit the taste buds.

On the finish the oak notes slowly fade allowing the sweet and nutty tones to linger until the end.

“We managed to whittle down the final line up to five whiskeys from five single casks,” explains Paul Flanagan of O’Connells.

“These casks were all over 12 years ago, some even longer. For our final tasting and selection day, we came back to our bar off Eyre Square”.

In the end the choice of cask was “fairly unanimous” he adds, a good sign for the customers that will get to sip this exclusive spirit.

This cask was originally laid down to mature on the grounds of Midleton in 2007, released and bottled in 2021 before becoming available this year.

O’Connells Powers 12-year-old Single Cask Release (€295) is available to buy from the bar in Eyre Square.

Eight day roadworks near Loughrea to commence tomorrow

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Roadworks to disrupt traffic near Portumna on Tuesday

Roadworks near Loughrea will affect traffic in the area for just over a week when they commence tomorrow.

Galway County Council is carrying out resurfacing overlay works on the R446 between Kilmeen and Dartfield.

The works are due to commence on Wednesday, and are expected to take a total of eight days to complete.

In order to facilitate these roadworks, traffic management measures will be in place each day from 7:30am to 6:30pm.

As a consequence users of this road are requested to expect delays and as such should allow additional time for their journeys.

Govt criticised for jobseekers announcement

By
Michael Malone
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Galway Daily news Galway TDs calls for support of Post Offices to prevent closures

People Before Profit Galway representative Adrian Curran has criticised the government announcement that those in receipt of Jobseekers payments will once again need to collect their payments in post offices.

Minister Heather Humphreys made the announcement last week, saying the move will bring additional footfall to post offices as well as helping to combat social welfare fraud.

But Adrian Curran has argued that this particularly disadvantages those in rural areas who need to travel to access a post office, and that it forces welfare recipients to take ‘unnecessary risks’ during an ongoing pandemic.

He said that it was cynical for the government to present ‘forcing jobseekers recipients to travel’ to a post office to access their payments as a move to revive our post office network, given “how its persistent underfunding of our post offices over the last decade led to the closures of many post offices across Co. Galway, particularly in rural areas.”

“With the removal of these essential services and the cutting of bus routes in the county under this government further decimating the already limited public transport network in rural Galway, this measure will only serve to make it unnecessarily hard and prohibitive for jobseekers to receive essential supports to which they are entitled,” said Curran.

“Furthermore, the government’s dropping of Covid restrictions does not mean the danger of the virus has suddenly gone away, and Covid underscores why welfare payments should continue to be paid directly to all recipients, no matter their circumstances.

“It is entirely unnecessary and reckless for any social welfare recipient to be forced to queue up in a public place and risk infection to themselves and those around them during an ongoing pandemic.”

Third level students urged to take vaccine booster

By
Michael Malone
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galway daily news Vaccine booster clinic continuing today for people in their 50s

Minister for Further Education Simon Harris has encouraged students to get their COVID-19 vaccine boosters “as soon as they can”.

Speaking today, Minister Harris said that Omicron remains a concern for people who have not been fully vaccinated and received their booster.

He said that a significant number of people aged between 17 and 34 tested positive for Covid-19 over Christmas and therefore cannot get their vaccine yet, but he urged people to do so when they can.

Those who have tested positive for COVID-19 should wait three months before getting their booster.

Damien McCallion, HSE Lead Vaccination Programme, said current research shows that two weeks after a booster, someone’s protection against severe illness should go back up to 90%.

“You can book your booster appointment on hse.ie three months after your last vaccine,” he said.

“Or if you find it easier to get to a pharmacy, you’ll find a list of participating pharmacies on hse.ie. If you’ve had COVID-19 since you were vaccinated, wait three months before booking your booster.”

The minister also encouraged students who are going home during Reading Week to avail of the free antigen tests across third level colleges.

Druid Theatre announce 10 year partnership with NUI Galway

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily theatre Druid Theatre announce 10 year partnership with NUI Galway
Ethel Rose Murray and Luke Heffernan (NUIG students) Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh (NUI Galway President) Professor Patrick Lonergan (O’Donoghue Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance) Garry Hynes (Artistic Director and founder, Druid Theatre Company)) Marie Mullen (actor and founder of Druid Theatre Company) Photo: Boyd Challenger

NUI Galway and the world renowned Druid Theatre have announced a ten year partnership to boost their creative arts collaboration.

This partnership will build on the long standing relationship between the university and theatre company, aiming to strengthen arts programmes, offer internships, and build on the international reputation for arts Galway already has.

Garry Hynes, founder and Artistic Director of Druid, said that for the past ten years, the Druid Academy at NUIG has been a source of “pride and inspiration” for all involved, helping students embark on a career in theatre.

“We are delighted to announce the next stage of this academic partnership, deepening the relationship between ourselves, the students and the wider academic community in NUI Galway, the place where Druid was founded in 1975.”

Several concrete commitments have already been made, such as a series of bespoke on-site performances and conversations.

The first of these was Druid Gregory, which took place outdoors in the University’s Quadrangle in September 2020.

The University will also host an exhibition to mark Druid’s 50th birthday and NUI Galway 180th anniversary in 2025.

Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, President of NUIG said that the Druid Theatre is one of the great things to have started at the university.

“We have a great tradition here of the creative arts and this partnership with Druid renews this relationship and is very much embedded in our values.”

“When you ask why a student from Boston, Berlin or Beijing would choose to study in Galway, one aspect is the unique opportunity they have to learn with our world class creative organisations, including Druid.”

There will also be a focus on the NUI Galway alumni, partly through Druid’s international productions, as well bringing renewed visual presence for the creative arts company on campus.

Professor of Drama and Theatre Studies Patrick Lonergan said “Druid is not only an inspirational theatre company; it is also one of Galway’s most successful and resilient businesses.”

“Our students will learn from their example as they build their own creative arts enterprises, working in the west of Ireland, nationally, and internationally – just as Druid do.”

“We’ve already achieved so much from working together: the next decade of cooperation promises to be hugely exciting.”

COVID-19: Another 3,872 PCR and 4,759 Antigen test cases

By
Briain Kelly
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0
Galway Daily news 25 percent drop in COVID cases in Galway hospitals

There have been a further 8,631 total cases of COVID-19 from antigen and pcr tests reported by health officials today.

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has notified an additional 3,872 PCR-confirmed cases today.

In addition, there have been a further 4,759 positive antigen tests registered through the HSE portal.

As of 8am this morning there were 692 people hospitalised with the COVID, of whom 75 are in the ICU.

On Saturday the HPSC was notified of 5,091 PCR-confirmed cases, and 4,057 positive antigen tests registered.

Then on Sunday there were 4,400 PCR-confirmed cases reported, along with 3,893 positive antigen tests.

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

There have been 114,514 lab tests completed in the past week, 30% of which have tested positive for the virus.

A total of 2,695,836 booster vaccine doses have been administered as of yesterday, with 1,697 administered on Sunday.

New restaurant lights up the grill in Galway City

By
Briain Kelly
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0
Galway Daily food New restaurant lights up the grill in Galway City centre

A new restaurant in Galway City Centre is bringing the heat to the west of Ireland.

Ember Firehouse on Quay Street is the latest addition to the diverse and bustling food scene in Galway City.

They’re all fired up and ready to welcome diners with their filled flatbreads and bowls all served with a range of homemade sauces and sides.

Ember is all about grilled meats served with charged greens all combined together with the house Piri Piri, roast garlic aioli, lemon and chilli stinger and the signature chimichurri either in a freshly made flatbread or in an Ember bowl.

The sides are all important as the main attraction with home cut fries, roast spuds, braised lentils and charged greens packing a serious punch in the flavour steaks.

Who would have thought cabbage would be the star of the show, the Ember charged cabbage along with the grilled aubergine is raising the veggie steaks in Galway!

Ember Firehouse is open seven days a week from noon until late, for eating in or takeaway.

Check out the restaurant at Ember_Firehouse on Instagram for all the latest and menu specials.

Witness appeal for serious crash near Portumna

By
Briain Kelly
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0
Galway Daily news

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information on a serious crash which happened near Portumna this morning.

At approximately 6:15am on Monday a cyclist was seriously injured when he was struck by a car at Powers Cross, Ballyshrule, Portumna.

The cyclist, a man in his 50s, was taken to University Hospital Galway to be treated where he is currently in a serious condition.

The road was closed to allow for a technical examination to be carried out by Forensic Collision Investigators. It has since reopened.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to come forward and are also appealing to any road users with video footage from the location between 6:00 – 6:30am to make it available to them.

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

St Patrick’s Day festivities returning to the streets of Galway

By
Briain Kelly
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0
Galway Daily news Full programme announced for St Patrick's Day 2023 Festival Weekend
St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo: Galway City Council

For the first time in three years St Patrick’s Day celebrations are returning to the streets of Galway City this March for a weekend of festivities.

After being cancelled in both 2020 and 2021, Galway City Council are planning to take full advantage of restrictions lifting with a feast of family entertainment come March.

Plans are currently being developed for a special outdoor village with vintage amusements and family activities.

All this will last throughout the long weekend, giving Galwegians a change for some real community enjoyment once again. This will take place alongside a new spectacular ‘Greening’ initiative and much more.

Patricia Philbin of Galway City Council said “As the majority of COVID-19 restrictions are eased, the St Patrick’s Day Festival will be one of the first real opportunities to gather together and celebrate as a community once again”.

She said that the city council is encouraging as many people and groups as possible to get involved, and showcase the “vast abundance of creative and artistic ability” found in Galway City.

It’s expected that as many as 30,000 people will attend the events taking place over the course of four days.

The centrepiece of the celebrations will of course by the St Patrick’s Day Parade on Thursday, March 17.

After consultation with the emergency services, the parade will once again begin in the shadow of the Galway Cathedral.

Winding its way up University Road, onto the Salmon Weir Bridge and turning right onto Eglinton Street it will meander onto Williamsgate Street and past the official viewing stand in Eyre Square before finishing on Prospect Hill and Bóthar na mBan.

The city council is now calling for applications from groups interested in joining the parade.

As this is a festive, carnival parade, entries involving costumes, performance, audience interaction, and those having musical accompaniment, are strongly encouraged.

The application form for parade entries can be found online here. The closing date for applications is February 21.

Network of high-speed public broadband points launched

By
Briain Kelly
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0
Galway Daily news Work underway to deliver fibre broadband for 2,500 homes in East Galway

A network of public broadband connection points have been launched to bring high-speed internet to rural areas of Galway.

There are currently 12 broadband connection points live in Galway, with plans for 10 more to follow in the coming months.

These BCPs, which are located in publicly accessible sites, provide a place for remote work and study, digital skills training, filing forms, and other digital services and amenities.

Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council Cllr Peter Keaveney “As one of the largest and most rural counties in Ireland, we must harness technology to ensure Galway remains an attractive place to live, learn, work, visit and do business.”

“Access to high-speed connectivity for all is essential for a digitally inclusive society and we look forward to supporting the BCPs and their communities on their journey”.

He added that this year will see a number of programmes run through the BCP network in the areas of remote work, digital skills, arts and e-health, with the goal of “future proofing” Galway.

The BCPs are part of the Connected Communities initiative, launched by the government in partnership with Vodafone and National Broadband Ireland (NBI), the company responsible for delivery of the National Broadband Plan.

Jim Cullen, Interim CEO of the County Council, said “The BCP project represents how the power of change driven on the ground at community level can shape our national future.”

“Connectivity is a tool and its importance in regenerating and revitalising rural communities cannot be understated.”

“I wish all of these communities well with their new Broadband Connection Points and am excited to see how they will grow and develop over the coming months and years”.

Funding to equip a number of sites was secured from the Department of Rural and Community Development.

Five BCPs received accelerated Town and Village funding in 2020 and eight BCPs received funding under the Connected Hubs Fund in 2021.

The Broadband Connection Points currently live in County Galway are:

  • Comhar Chuigéal Teoranta Leitir Mealláin,
  • Comhar Caomhán Teo
  • Leabharlann Inis Mór
  • Muintearas Teo
  • Inisbofin Community Centre
  • Glenamaddy Enterprise and Training Hub
  • Cortoon Community and Childcare Centre
  • Tuam Golf Club
  • Sylane Community Facility
  • Irish Workhouse Centre Portumna
  • Leitrim Ballydugan Community Centre
  • Clonberne Community Enterprise Centre

Further broadband connection points will be launched in:

  • Halla Pobail Thír an Fhia
  • Comharchumann Mhic Dara
  • Ionad Pobail Inis Meáin
  • Clonfert WiFi Hub
  • Blue I Hub Milltown
  • Raheen Community Centre
  • Lackagh Museum and Heritage Centre
  • Ballinakill Community Hall
  • Clarinbridge Care Centre
  • Ballyglunin Station

Cyclist hospitalised with serious injuries following collision

By
Briain Kelly
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0
Galway Daily news missing teen found safe

A cyclist has been hospitalised with serious injuries following a collision involving a car between Portumna and Woodford this morning.

Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of the crash at Powers Cross, Ballyshrule, Portumna on Monday morning.

The collision between a car and a cyclist occurred at approximately 6:15am this morning.

The cyclist, a man in his 50s, has been taken to University Hospital Galway where he is being treated for serious injuries.

The road remains closed, and gardaí say that investigations ongoing.

Roadworks to cause traffic disruption between Galway City and Oranmore

By
Briain Kelly
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0
Galway Daily news

Traffic disruption is expected between Galway City and Oranmore for two days this week due to roadworks taking place.

Colas Contracting Ltd are carrying out drainage works on the R446 dual carriageway on behalf of the county council this Monday & Tuesday.

The works will take place from the roundabout at the Maldron Hotel Oranmore towards the Martin roundabout at the Galway Clinic.

In order to facilitate these works, lane closures will be in place from 9am to 5:30pm each day.

As a consequence users of this road are requested to expect traffic delays and as such should allow additional time for their journeys.

Sod turned on long-awaited Moycullen Bypass

By
Briain Kelly
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0
Hildegarde Naughton T.D, Cllr. Peter Keaveney (left) Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council and Peter Walsh, Transport Infrastructure Ireland. Photo Credit: Mike Shaughnessy.

The first sod has been turned on the construction of the N59 Moycullen Bypass, which has been long awaited by motorists.

The 4.3km bypass road is expected to take two years to build, with plans for it to open to traffic in 2023.

The €35 million project was granted planning permission in 2012, but the contract for construction wasn’t signed until last December.

The work will be carried out by Mayo based contractors Wills Brothers.

Present at the sod-turning ceremony last week were Galway TD Hildegarde Naughton, Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council Cllr Peter Keaveney, and Peter Walsh from Transport Infrastructure Ireland.

Also there were other elected members of the County Council and Seanad Eireann, senior management from TII, and Wills Brothers.

When completed the bypass will loop around the eastern side of the village, connecting with the existing N59 at two new roundabout junctions at each end.

Along with the 4.3km of new carriageway, improvements will also have to made to 3km of local roads, 1.7 km of accommodation roads and 10 structures.

Croí programme improved health of participants, report finds

By
Michael Malone
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0
galway daily news croí heart and stroke charity programme helps improve health
Irene Gibson, Director of Programmes and Innovation, National Institute for Prevention & Cardiovascular Health, Neil Johnson, Chief Executive, Croí, and Dr Lisa Hynes, Head of Health Programmes, Croí.

A programme developed by Croí has improved the health of participants, a report has found.

The report found that the innovative Croí MySláinte programme delivered a number of significant health improvements for participants, including those from Galway.

A newly-developed interactive platform was created due to COVID restrictions, which allowed participants to access the programme from the comfort and safety of their homes.

This included access to pre-recorded videos, resources and links to weekly live Zoom sessions.

The programme included lifestyle modifications such as smoking cessation, healthy food choices and physical activity; medical risk factor management of blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose; and electronic prescribing of cardio-protective medication where appropriate.

A total of 105 people, who had experienced a cardiac event such as a heart attack, opted to take part in the initiative.

Participants were aged between 35 and 84 years, and were referred from cardiac centres across the west of Ireland, including Galway, Donegal, Mayo, Sligo and Limerick.

Following a total of 423 virtual consultations over a period of 12 weeks, a range of health improvements resulted for those involved, including

  • Physical activity levels increased almost six-fold
  • Blood pressure control improved from 24% to 68%
  • LDL cholesterol target achievement increased from 14% to 41%
  • Over half of participants (57%) lost more than 2% of their bodyweight, with almost a quarter (23%) losing 5% or more
  • Anxiety and depression levels among participants were reduced by more than half.

Many of the participants were also living with other health issues such as diabetes, arthritis, chronic kidney disease and cancer, meaning wider benefits for their other conditions also.

Participants were empowered to manage their health and well-being, stress and emotional eating.

Advice was also provided on making and maintaining lifestyle changes in the areas of sleep hygiene, sexual health and returning to work. In addition, participants were provided with a Fitbit device to track their daily exercise activity, as well as blood pressure monitors for home measurement, and food and exercise diaries to help monitor progress towards their goals.

The programme, which was overseen by a consultant cardiologist, was delivered by a specialist interdisciplinary health team comprised of a cardiovascular nurse prescriber, a physiotherapist and a dietitian.

Dr Lisa Hynes, Head of Health Programmes at Croí, said that every year approximately 10,000 people die here from cardiovascular disease or CVD.

“Globally, and in Ireland, CVD is the leading cause of death and disability with approximately half of all deaths occurring in those with disease.

“Cardiac rehabilitation programmes, which are traditionally provided as a face-to-face activity, are proven to reduce cardiovascular death and disability.”

Dr Hynes said that they are proud to have developed a new way to deliver this care with clinical outcomes that are comparable with those observed in traditional face-to-face programmes.

“One of the really welcome outcomes of the programme was the improvement in meeting physical activity targets, which increased from 14% to 82%. Achieving this level of physical activity has been shown to provide a 20-30% reduction in cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes.

“Equally, improvements in weight management, LDL cholesterol levels, blood pressure, anxiety and depression, are all associated with significant reductions in overall cardiovascular risk.”

Galway mums come out in support of the Salthill Cycleway

By
Angela Mc Bride
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Galway Daily news Oranmore active travel

“You don’t see us cycling now, but you will,” was the message from a large group of Galway mothers who gathered on the Prom in support of the Salthill Cycleway last week.

The group met to demonstrate that there are many people who would cycle the coast road given the opportunity.

“We just got a message earlier in the week seeing if people were able to make it and here we are!” said Eibhlín Seoighthe, who lives in Shantalla.

“To have a turnout of busy people who made the effort to come here demonstrates something for sure. There are so many of us who will use the Salthill Cycleway regularly.”

“We’re not advocating for ourselves as much as we are for our children,” said Neasa Bheilbigh who lives in Knocknacarra.

“We want to be part of building a better, cleaner, safer city for them.”

These people all cycle in Galway but very few of even these seasoned cyclists attempt to travel along the prom by bike.

“I don’t cycle this road at the moment and I certainly wouldn’t cycle it with my children,” said Gráinne Faller, a Salthill resident.

“We will use the Salthill Cycleway all the time, for school runs, for grocery shops, for going into town.

“It would change so much for us as a family. I think that some people think the cycleway is for the few people who bike along the coast road at the moment. It’s really not, it’s for all of the people who won’t cycle until it’s safe.”

The group made a point of praising the Galway City Councillors who supported the temporary cycleway 17-1 in a vote before Christmas.

Census data shows Salthill has one of the highest cycling participation rates in the country, followed closely by Taylor’s Hill and the Claddagh.

“Galway roads should and could be teeming with children cycling, scooting and walking to school every morning,” said Bheilbigh.

“We need to prioritise our children’s health and future by providing safe, sustainable alternatives. I’m just so thankful that the councillors agree with that. The Cycleway will transform how we move around.”

The group wanted to emphasise that every family using bicycles is another car left at home. Many Galway residents will be familiar with the heavy traffic during school run times.

“There are 17 schools within 1.5km of the Salthill Cycleway. I would definitely welcome the opportunity to leave the car at home for our school run,” added Faller.

“I think we will see all sorts of benefits that we haven’t even thought of. I know that the schools have noticed real benefits for children who cycle in terms of mood and concentration.”

A common concern among the mothers in the group was the climate crisis and the need for Galway to be a part of the change for the better that is happening across the world.

“It’s a real and present threat to our children’s future. I’m so glad that Galway City Council is taking this step. Galway needs to enable people to leave the car at home and this is a fantastic first step,” said Seoighthe.

“I think the fact that we get to try it out first is so sensible. A six-month temporary cycleway is the best way to see what works, and what issues arise.

“We then get to revise and implement something that works for everyone. This will really pay off for the people of Galway.”

Lidl allocates €195,000 for pay increases across Galway stores

By
Michael Malone
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0
Galway Daily news Green light for new Lidl supermarket in Moycullen

Lidl has announced that it will recruit more than 750 new employees to its Irish operations this year in a variety of operational and office-based roles.

The jobs will be spread across Lid’s network of 214 stores, four regional distribution centres and its Dublin head office, adding to a team of over 6,000 employees in Ireland.

In line with Lidl’s €550 million expansion plan over the next three years, the supermarket chain also announced a €10 million investment in pay increases for the Lidl workforce across the island of Ireland.

All employees will benefit from an increase from 1 March, with €195,000 allocated to its Galway-based employees across its eight stores in the county.

This increase is in addition to the retailer’s commitment to paying the new Living Wage rate of €12.90 as recommended by the Living Wage Technical Group.

Welcoming the jobs announcement, An Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said that Lidl’s decision to hire an additional 750 staff this year is a real vote of confidence in the company’s existing teams here.

“There will be in a variety of roles, catering to a wide range of skills. I’m particularly pleased to see Lidl is awarding a pay increase to staff, meaning they will continue to offer a living wage. Congratulations to the entire Lidl team.”

Commenting on the announcement, Maeve McCleane, Director of Human Resources at Lidl Ireland & Northern Ireland said: “We are delighted to continue to invest in our expansion in the Irish market, and as a result continue to grow our team with 750 new roles.

“Lidl has long been an employer of choice and we are pleased to underscore our commitment in maintaining that position with a significant additional €10 million investment in pay increases as well as offering the most competitive and all-encompassing suite of benefits in the jobs market at present.”

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