Pieta, Ireland’s national suicide prevention charity, has launched its ‘SIGNS of Suicide’ campaign together with Galway born signer-songwriter Aaron J Hart.
‘Signs of Suicide’ is a public awareness resource created to help family or friends support someone who may be at risk of self-harm or suicide.
The campaign encourages people to ‘swap the small talk for the big talk’ as over half of Pieta’s clients are under 25 years old.
Speaking about the campaign, Leigh Kenny, Regional Manager and Therapist with Pieta, said that January can be a particularly difficult time of year for people struggling with their mental health, though these issues are far from limited to one month.
“However, it is a great opportunity to highlight that it’s ok not to feel ok sometimes and the best thing you can do is talk about your feelings, whether that be with your family, friends or even your barber.”
“If you think someone you know is struggling then follow the three simple steps of A.P.R – Ask, Persuade and Refer. At Pieta we have trained professionals waiting to help.”
Pieta is urging everyone to be aware of the ‘Signs of Suicide’, so that you can help a loved one feeling blocked in by their own consuming thoughts and look towards feelings of hope.
Aaron J Hart, who is supporting the campaign as it seeks to reach a younger male audience, said that it can help people to spot if someone they know is struggling, so they can reach out in support.
“Anyone who knows my music will know that I’ve been through my own struggles, I know how difficult it is and how taking that first step is the hardest.”
“It can be very difficult to speak to your family or friends about your struggles but that’s exactly what we need to do, we need to talk more and be open about our feelings and the hard times.”
“Nobody can read minds, but Pieta’s SIGNS of Suicide really does help you to identify whether your friends may be struggling.”
“If you suspect they are struggling reach out, make the first move – you never know, you could save a life.”
SIGNS to look out for include:
Sleep disturbance
Isolation
Giving way possessions
No interest in anything
Speaking of no future
The campaign is also a partnership with Sam’s Barbers, as many young men have great relationships with their barbers and consider this a safe space to open-up and talk freely.
Sam Donnelly, Owner of Sam’s Barber’s said “We have young lads come in here and they really do open-up and talk to us, sometimes they talk to us more than they talk to their friends or the girlfriends. It’s almost like the chair is a safe space.”
“It is really important that people understand that there are signs of suicide and to know what to do if recognise these in a loved one. Pieta is a fantastic organisation and I fully support the work that they do.”
Pieta therapists found that most people who talk about suicide do not want to die. They simply want to stop the pain they feel.
Knowing some of the signs to listen and watch out for is the first step in helping someone.
Visit www.pieta.ie for more information about the campaign, and how you can be there for someone close to you.
If you or someone you know is struggling, contact Pieta’s 24/7 freephone helpline on 1800 247 2474 or Text HELP to 51444.
Correction: A previous version of this article included an image which does not represent Option 1 or Option 2 in this public consultation.
Public submissions can be made on the city council’s proposal for a temporary Salthill cycleway until the end of this month.
Galway City Council has given official notice of its intention to create a temporary cycleway along the entire length of the promenade and beyond in Salthill.
It is intended that this will be in place for a trial period of six months from March 2022, until September.
The plans are for the following:
The provision of a temporary 2-way (Contraflow) cycle lane on the seaboard side, from the R336 Seapoint Promenade/ L-5138 Grattan Road Junction to the Blackrock Tower
The provision of a temporary 1-way (Outbound) cycle lane on the seaboard side, from the Blackrock Tower to the R336 Knocknacarra Road/ R336 Barna Road/ R337 Kingston Road Junction
Associated temporary traffic management to provide for the proposed temporary cycle lane provisions.
Associated temporary traffic management to provide for the proposed temporary cycle lane provisions.
Drawings of the proposed cycleway will be available for viewing at city hall until January 28, by appointment only.
One lucky Lotto player in Mayo has woken up today as Ireland’s largest ever Lotto jackpot winner after scooping the €19 million jackpot in last night’s draw.
They won the largest Irish lottery prize ever after matching six numbers on a Quick Pick ticket, and players are being urged to carefully check their tickets.
The ‘Will be Won’ draw was not needed on Saturday night after the new multimillionaire matched all six numbers.
The winning numbers for Saturday 15th January 2022 were: 02, 09, 16, 30, 37, 40 and the bonus was 23.
As the Lotto jackpot was capped at €19.06 million, the funds that would usually go to the jackpot flowed down to the next highest tier at which there was a winner.
The monumental ;Will be Won’ event saw 149 winners at the Match 5 + Bonus tier who shared almost €5.5 million and they will now claim €36,687 each.
Meanwhile, last night’s draw also saw the first Lotto Plus 2 top prize win of the year. A player in Kilkenny scooped the €250,000 prize after purchasing their winning Quick Pick ticket on Friday 14th January in Kittys Cabin on Rose Inn Street in the heart of Kilkenny City.
The winning numbers for last night’s Lotto Plus 2 draw were: 06, 11, 19, 23, 26, 44 and the bonus was 16.
A National Lottery spokesperson said: “Last night’s Lotto draw was truly monumental in the history of the National Lottery. After rolling for an astonishing seven months, the largest Lotto jackpot ever seen in the history of the game has officially been won.
“The €19.06 million was won in the natural way as the winning ticket holder matched all six numbers which meant that the ‘Will be Won’ mechanism was not needed.
“If no player had matched all six numbers in last night’s draw, the entire jackpot prize fund would have flowed down to the next winning tier instead.
“We are urging all of our Lotto players in Mayo to carefully check their tickets today as one player now has a ticket worth a truly life-altering amount.”
They said that Saturday night’s draw also saw 150 other large winners from all over the country.
“A Kilkenny player became the first Lotto Plus 2 winner of 2022 after winning the top prize of €250,000 while 149 other players matched five numbers and the bonus in the main draw to share almost €5.5 million.
“The Match 5+Bonus tier winners benefited from the prize roll down from the jackpot and will all now go on the claim €36,687 each.”
A Galway People Before Profit representative has reiterated his call for the public to be granted access to Galway City Council meetings.
Adrian Curran reminded councillors of Section 45 of the Local Government Act, 2014, which states that “members of the public and representatives of the media are entitled to be present at a meeting of a local authority.”
He said that since Galway City Council switched to online meetings in 2020, the public has been denied this right.
Councillors agreed at their last meeting to continue holding hybrid council meetings where councillors can attend remotely.
“When the meetings are being filmed and streamed anyway, it would be easy and cost free to allow members of the public to watch the stream,” said Mr Curran.
“Given the current high levels of infection, it is perfectly understandable for the council to continue with hybrid meetings.
“It is unacceptable however for councillors to use this as an excuse to avoid scrutiny from the people who elect them.”
Front row: Wei Yang Lim, Brianna Reilly, Caoileann McDhonncha, Adithi Gowda and Rebekah Sartini.
Back row: Róisín Thornton, Dr Rosemary Geoghegan, Director of the NUI Galway Undergraduate Medicine programme, Thomas Butler, Professor Lawrence Egan, Head of the School of Medicine, and Dominic Butler. Photo: Aengus McMahon.
More than 40 students and academics at NUI Galway have been honoured at the annual National University of Ireland awards.
Twenty-eight of the awardees came from NUI Galway’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, including students honoured with the Dr Henry Hutchinson Stewart Medical Scholarships.
President of NUI Galway Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh said that this ‘clearly highlights the high calibre of students’ studying at NUI Galway.
“I congratulate everyone on their achievements and I would also like to pay tribute to the teachers and educators and other support staff for their work with our students and in helping them to achieve such high standards,” he said.
Dr Patrick O’Leary, former Head of Chemistry at NUI Galway and began his term as Registrar of NUI this month, said: “The NUI Awards reward exceptional achievement in academic endeavour but also seek to resource some of our brightest minds to continue their academic careers.
“Today we make awards in a wide variety of areas and the work spans studies of the early medieval era to the NUI Dr H H Stewart Medical Scholarships and Prizes, highlighting the importance of medicine and healthcare during Covid-19. Congratulations to all the awardees.”
Among those awarded First Prize were
Recipient
Award
Martin O’Donoghue
Publication Prize in Irish History, joint award
Monika Jurkiewicz
NUI Travelling Doctoral Studentship in Latin American Literature
Tammy Strickland
NUI Travelling Doctoral Studentship in Neuroscience
Ciara Shortiss
NUI Travelling Doctoral Studentship Prize in Spinal Cord Injury Regeneration
Jenny Dixon
NUI Scholarship and Prize in Education, joint award
Lauren McMahon
Pierce Malone Scholarship in Engineering
Colm Ó Flathúin
Scoláireacht Chiste Theach an Ardmhéara sa Ghaeilge
Adam Mac Donnacha
Duais Chiste Theach an Ardmhéara sa Ghaeilge
Keith Dowling
French Government Medal and NUI Prize for Proficiency in French
First prize awardees from the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, included:
Dr Evan White
Anaesthesia
Rebekah Sartini
General Practice
Brianna Reilly
Medical Microbiology
Róisín Thornton
Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Dr Sinead McKenna
Ophthalmology
Rosie Waldron
Paediatrics
Adithi Gowda
Physiology
Thomas Butler
Psychiatry
Ellen Casey
Public Health
Dr Emma Callaghan
Surgery
Anu Mohandes Nair
General Nursing
Joseph Doherty
Podiatric Medicine
Elise Byrne
Speech and Language Therapy
Professor Niall Ó Dochartaigh and Dr Eugene Costello both received Commendations in the Irish History category.
NUI Galway was also successful in a number of Dr H H Stewart Literary Scholarships including Chloe Bright in English and Bláithín Breathnach in French, with Bláithín also receiving a Commendation in Italian. Chloe Kennedy was awarded 2nd prize in Spanish, and Amy Kennedy 3rd prize in German.
In the Irish categories Muireann Ní Cheannabháin was presented with 2nd prize in the Duaiseanna an Dr T K Whitaker sa Ghaeilge, and Amy Cox was awarded 2nd prize in Scoláireacht Liteartha an Dr H H Stewart sa Ghaeilge
Awardees from NUI Galway’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences also included second prize winners: Shania Coutinho, Anatomy; Anmol Mahesh, Biochemistry, Dr Aoife Fitzpatrick, Clinical Radiology, Cian Buckley O’Sullivan, General Practice; Zachary Hanrasi, Pathology; Emily Grehan, Midwifery; and Heather Gallen, Podiatric Medicine.
There were also third prize winners from the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences: Caoileann Nic Dhonncha, Anatomy; Dr Sarah Eustace, Clinical Radiology; Dr Rionagh Lynch, Medicine; Dominic Butler, Paediatrics; Wei Yang Lim, Pathology; Amy Marian Collins, General Nursing; and Muibat Cole, Children’s Nursing.
Sinn Féin’s East Galway representative Louis O’Hara has said that the health service is failing children by failing to provide them with their statutory entitlement of routine dental screening in primary schools.
O’Hara said that almost 100,000 children nationally, including 5,635 in schools in County Galway, are waiting for routine dental examinations.
The figures were revealed in a response to a parliamentary question put forward by O’Hara’s party colleague Mark Ward TD.
“Eligibility for dental services is a statutory entitlement under the Health Acts. Almost one million children aged up to and including 15 years are eligible for HSE Dental services,” said Louis O’Hara.
“All of the HSE Dental Services are provided free of charge.”
He said that prior to COVID, we saw reports from The Irish Dental Association that stated an increasing number of children are only being offered examination and dental care for the first time at sixth class – instead of at first, second, fourth and sixth classes.
“This situation has been exacerbated by the impact of Covid. The bar was already set low for dental screening in primary schools and figures released to Sinn Féin by the HSE show over 5000 children are waiting on routine dental examinations in County Galway.”
O’Hara says that this follows on from a 63% decrease in dental screening in primary schools nationally in 2020.
“This situation is not unique to Galway, but it is replicated right across the State, where there are currently almost 100,000 children waiting on an appointment. Some areas offer appointments to 6th classes only and emergency services to other children under 16.”
The Athenry native said that there are strong links between good oral health and good physical health, and it is “vital that the HSE develop a contingency plan so children can receive this vital service.”
Liam Ó Maonlai, Ronan Ó Snodaigh agus Myles Ó Reilly
A new ten-part radio series presented by Liam Ó Maonlaí will be broadcast on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta every Thursday.
Cuan an Cheoil, which begins on 20 January at 7pm on RnaG, is the first radio series produced by An Spidéal arts venue and production company Stiúideo Cuan.
The series will feature ten of the country’s best-known musicians, who will join Liam Ó Maonlaí each week to play and to chat with him about various aspects of music and life.
Liam describes the programmes as ‘a musical conversation’ between himself and his guests.
They were recorded in Stiúideo Cuan in An Spidéal in a relaxed and open atmosphere, an attempt to recreate the informality of a group of musicians playing together at home, as opposed to a concert setting.
The series’ goal is to allow the musicians the space to be creative, to improvise and to compose on the spot, and the musicians who took part in the series got great satisfaction and enjoyment out of the process.
Síle Denvir and Barry Kerr will join Liam for the first programme of the series on 20 January.
Síle, from Conamara, is a member of the group Líadan, and has also performed with the Chieftains. Barry Kerr, a musician, composer and painter, is originally from Armagh but is now living in Conamara.
Barry Kerr, Liam Ó Maonlaí & Síle Denvir
Other musicians taking part in the series include Colm Mac Con Iomaire, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh & Nia Byrne, Peadar Ó Riada & Mick O’Brien, Mary Bergin & Conor Connolly, Johnny Óg Connolly & Liam O’Connor, Róisín Chambers & Maitiú Ó Casaide, Méabh Ní Bheaglaoich & Niamh Varian-Barry, Rónán Ó Snodaigh & Myles O’Reilly, and Caoimhe & Séamus Ó Flatharta.
A visual stream for this programme will also be available online every week.
Stiúideo Cuan is a new creative arts and music centre based beside Ceardlann an Spidéil craft village in An Spidéal.
Founded by composer, fiddle-player and pianist Charlie Lennon and his daughter, fiddle-player Éilís Lennon, the studio has recently been redeveloped, enhancing the facilities which now include a performance venue, with rehearsal and production space, as well as recording and audio-visual post-production facilities.
One lucky lotto player is €19 million richer tonight after winning the jackpot in this evening’s must-win draw.
The jackpot prize had not been won since 9 June and was capped at €19.06 million in early October.
It is not yet known where the winning ticket was sold.
The numbers drawn in the main lotto were: 16, 9, 40, 30, 2, 37, and the bonus number was 23.
The Lotto Plus 1 numbers were: 41, 5, 16, 9, 33, 27, and the bonus ball was 12.
The Lotto Plus 2 numbers were: 44, 23, 19, 11, 26, 6 and the bonus was 16.
The National Lottery website crashed shortly before the 7.55pm must-win €19 million draw this evening, as high traffic volumes caused technical difficulties for the lotto website.
The National Lottery issued an apology to players who have been impacted.
East Galway TD Seán Canney has reminded people to go to Revenue.ie to claim their tax back this month.
The Independent TD said that January is ‘a good month to review your tax’ and claim back any money due to you in overpaid taxes.
He said that an average taxpayer could be entitled to hundreds of euros in back tax by claiming tax back on health expenses, dental expenses, tuition fees and other expenses such as remote working.
“I have contacted the Minister for Finance and asked how much money he believes Revenue received in overpaid taxes in 2020 and 2021 and what the Department is doing to inform people how best to claim back their overpaid taxes,” said Deputy Canney.
“I have also asked him what changes he intends to make to ensure that people working from home are properly recognised in the tax system in terms of the additional costs they incur for electricity, heat and broadband.
“This month is a good time to gather up your health and other expenses from 2021 and go on to revenue.ie to claim your tax back. If you have any queries in relation to this, I can be contacted in the office on (093) 26476.”
Tens of thousands of antigen test kits are being provided to students at NUI Galway as part of public health efforts to limit the spread of Covid-19.
From Monday, students will be able to collect packs at four locations across the University campus.
“Everyone attending campus needs to adhere to the basic public health measures in the first instance – including not coming to campus if you have symptoms and are supposed to be self-isolating or restricting movements,” said Professor Smyth, Chief Investigator of Project UniCoV and HSE West Director of Public Health.
“Being able to offer free antigen test kits on campus at NUI Galway and giving students the opportunity to take part in Project UniCov demonstrates how we can take a layered approach to public safety and the welfare of students and staff.”
Students can collect five tests at a time, and they are being advised to test twice a week, three days apart.
They are also being advised to self-isolate if they test positive or develop symptoms and to follow public health advice.
Students are also being encouraged to avail of the option for further free antigen and/or salvia PCR testing for 12 weeks in semester two. A special QR code is being made available to students to support the research.
NUI Galway students are also encouraged to get the vaccine booster, to continue to wear face coverings and sanitise hands.
The University saw high levels of compliance from students with public health guidelines during the academic year, and we thank them for that.
The distribution of free antigen test kits is funded by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
John Hannon, Director of Student Services at NUI Galway, said that there was huge demand for free antigen testing from students in semester one and there will be huge demand again.
“The distribution of the free kits is one of many key steps we are taking as a university to help minimise the spread of Covid and keep our community as safe as possible,” he said.
A silent walk in memory of Ashling Murphy will take place in Galway city this afternoon, Saturday 15 January at 4pm.
The walk, which has been organised by NUI Galway Students’ Union, will start at Eyre Square, finishing at the Spanish Arch.
People are invited to gather at Eyre Square at 3.30pm, and bring lights or flowers to remember Ashling Murphy, who was murdered in Tullamore on Wednesday.
Gardaí have identified a new suspect in the murder investigation, and it is understood that the man is receiving treatment at a Dublin hospital for injuries.
The man will be interviewed by Gardaí when he is deemed well enough by medical professionals.
President Michael D. Higgins has led tributes today to RTÉ’s former Western Editor, Jim Fahy, who has died following a short illness.
Mr Fahy, 75, was the station’s longest serving regional correspondent when he retired in 2011.
President Higgins described the reporter as one of Ireland’s finest broadcasters, saying that for generations of people he was a familiar voice, associated with the reporting of events across the west of Ireland.
An Taoiseach Micheál Martin said that Mr Fahy’s “distinct voice and eye for a story uncovered every facet of life in the west of Ireland, as well as major international events like 9/11.”
Jim Fahy started his career with the Tuam Herald and made the leap to broadcasting in the early 70s.
His ‘Looking West’ radio series featured stories from people who had witnessed life in rural Ireland during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
He also travelled further afield, reporting on the lives of those impacted by famine, war and poverty.
Mr Fahy retired on New Year’s Eve 2011 after 38 years as RTÉ’s first Western News Correspondent. He is survived by his wife Christina, their children and grandchildren.
Ireland is home to some of the most loyal and avidfootball fans and watchers globally. The fans enjoy watching matches featuring teams from different parts of the world. The football betting market in Ireland is also popular. Irish football fans can bet on football matches from different global leagues. Below are some of the top football leagues Irish fans watch regularly.
The League of Ireland
The League of Ireland is one of the main governing bodies that organize association football in Ireland. It was founded in 1921. The league features five divisions; the premier division, first division, U19, U17, and U13 division. Airtricity currently sponsors the divisions. For this reason, the league of Ireland is also known as the SSE Airtricity League. The League of Ireland is understandably popular among Irish football fans. It works closely with the Football Association of Ireland.
English Premier League
This football league started in 1981 as the Football league before it was rebranded as FA premier league in 1992. The English premier league is one of the best football leagues globally. The league is currently theworld’s largest, brightest, and most dominant football league. The English premier league’s matches are televised in more than 210 countries. More than 4.7 billion people watch English Premier League matches, including Irish fans. About 90% of Irish football fans regularly watch English Premier League matches and also bet on it using some of the bestPremier League tips. Therefore, it is one of the top football leagues among Irish fans.
Spanish La Liga
The Spanish La Liga football league is also quite popular. It is followed by many global fans, including Irish football lovers. The league is home to some of the world’s greatest soccer teams and players. It is also regarded as the best European soccer league. Spanish La Liga matches are usually watched by more than 76 million people globally. It is worth mentioning that this football league brought up the world’s greatest footballers, like Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The two played for Real Madrid and Barcelona, respectively. While their departure from the league affected its popularity, it is still one of the world’s most popular football leagues.
German Bundesliga
The German Bundesliga is also quite popular. It is arguably the best league that natures and produces the best talents in the football world. German Bundesliga was established in 1952 as a talent factory. It is also considered one of the toughest leagues. Like football fans in different parts of the world, Irish fans enjoy watching the tough competition between teams in the German Bundesliga. This league also boasts of the highest average attendance globally. Bayern Munich is the most popular team in the German Bundesliga. It is also a 30 time German Champion. This is a challenge as it indicates a lack of competition. The Bundesliga has one of the most passionate and crazy fans.
The Italian Seria A
This football league was established in 1898. The Italian Seria A football league has gained popularity since Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Juventus. Cristiano’s participation in the league increased its viewership by millions. It is currently one of the world’s most exciting football leagues, with millions of Irish viewers. This can be attributed to the incredible football leagues with the most legendary players, like Diego Maradona, Nesta, Buffon, and Del Piero.
The Major League Soccer
The Major League Soccer is an American professional league founded in 1993. The league has recently witnessed tremendous expansion and growth getting millions of new views per game. The Major Premier League features 23 clubs. The clubs play 34 matches, and the champion gets the Supporter’s Shield. The regular season spans from March to October. The league also features some of the best players internationally, like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Bastian Schweinsteiger, and David Villa. These players have played a significant role in boosting the league’s quality, creativity, and experience.
UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League
The UEFA Champions League is one of the most popular football leagues globally. It features tens of millions of global viewers, including Irish football fans. It is also one of the most competitive football leagues, with clubs competing to get the Champions of Europe title. On the other hand, the EUEFA Europa League is junior to the Champions League. While it is not as popular as the EUEFA Champions League, it still enjoys tremendous global viewership. Players consider this league as the ticket to getting into the Champions League. The UEFA Europa League’s champions qualify for the next year’s Champions League.
The UEFA Nations League
This is an annual international football tournament between members of the UEFA association. The league was established in 2018, and it features 54 UEFA national teams. The teams are divided into four divisions. The teams play according to their international football ranking and can be promoted or relegated depending on their position at the table. Winners from each group qualify to the final National League. Despite being a relatively new league, it boasts millions of international viewers. Its popularity can be attributed to its inclusion of several teams. Irish football fans enjoy watching the UEFA national league because it features their favourite teams and players. It is also one of the most competitive leagues to arise recently. So far, Portugal and France have taken the championship titles.
Conclusion
One of the best things about Irish football fans is that they are open to watching matches featuring international clubs and players. Arguably, international football leagues are more popular than the local Ireland football league.
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases at University Hospital Galway rose by seven to 83 in the latest HSE figures – despite hospitalisations falling nationally.
There were 907 people with the virus in Irish hospitals when the data was taken last night – with UHG recording the highest number of cases of any hospital in the State.
This has risen slightly to 940 today, but the figure is still a significant decrease since yesterday morning when 1,023 cases were hospitalised.
Five of the patients with COVID at UHG are in the intensive care unit, while one of the 11 11 confirmed cases at Portiunucla Hospital are in ICU.
Nationally, there are 89 people with the disease in intensive care units.
A further 17,065 confirmed cases of COVID-19 were reported by the Department of Health yesterday.
Sorcha has second thoughts about getting all the land from Cóilí Jackie, and John Joe tries to allay suspicions of an affair in Ros na Rún.
John Joe is being hammered from multiple sides, as both Micheál and O’Shea believe he is having an affair with Laoise.
He tries to convince them both that there’s nothing going on, but just how long can this last?
Malachaí is keen to get the land Cóilí Jackie possesses signed over to Sadie and Sorcha, as quickly as possible.
But Sorcha feels bad for bad for Cóilí Jackie and tries to get Sadie on board to reach a compromise with him over the land. Will this blow up in her face?
Berni is acutely aware that she will soon be visibly pregnant, and wants to hide the fact that Briain is the father. Just what is her plan to achieve this?
Rónán’s writing skills, or lack of them, is impacting on his work. Faced with losing his job, will he be able to face up to the fact that he has a problem?
Catch up on all the latest from this week’s episodes of Ros na Rún in a double feature omnibus on TG4 this Sunday at 7:30pm.
Galway County Council has refused planning permission for a new mobile broadband mast in Gort that would be double the size of the existing one.
Vodafone Ireland sought planning permission to take down a 15.1m high mast at the Eir Exchange site on Barrack Street, Gort.
In its place they sought to erect a 30m high mobile mast carrying antennae and dishes, along with associated ground equipment, to support wireless data and broadband services.
Eir and Imagine Broadband both submitted letters with the application, stating that they would be interested in co-locating equipment on the new mast to improve their services in the area.
The planning application stated that the existing tower and foundations are not capable of supporting two new operators.
Concerns were raised by the council inspector about the visual impact from a mast of this height in the middle of the town, as well as the view from Gort River Walkway.
In refusing planning permission, the county council said that “notwithstanding the fact that the site is already occupied by a telecommunications support structure”, this proposal would have a “significantly increased” detrimental visual impact on the area.
It would therefore detract from the visual amenity of the area, and be contrary to proper planning and sustainable development.
The Saw Doctors and Sunflower Children’s Hospice have joined forces for a special fundraising initiative at the band’s sold-out Castlebar gigs this weekend, with...
