Health officials have reported 23,817 additional cases of COVID-19 in the Republic this evening.
As of 8am today, 941 COVID patients are hospitalised across the country, of whom 90 are in intensive care units.
The latest HSE data shows that yesterday evening, UHG had 43 people diagnosed with COVID-19, while Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe had 11 confirmed COVID cases.
Updated Digital COVID Certs will begin to be issued from this afternoon to people who have received a booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Over 2 million booster jabs have been given so far, and recipients of these vaccines can start to expect their Digital Certs from today – but this may take a number of days.
New EU rules which will come into effect on 1 February 2022 mean that European COVID Certs will only be valid for a maximum of nine months.
Similar expiration rules for vaccine certs for access to indoor dining are not currently planned in Ireland.
Speaking today, Minister Stephen Donnelly said that he is “very pleased” to announce that the EU Digital COVID Certificates will be updated to reflect additional vaccine doses.
“Those who have received an additional dose can expect to start to receive their updated certificate over the coming week,” said Minister Donnelly.
“Ireland’s COVID-19 Booster Vaccination Programme has been a wonderful success, with all aged 16+ eligible to register for an additional dose now.
“Similar to our primary Vaccination Programme, uptake of the booster vaccine in Ireland is second highest in the EU at 57% of the adult population.”
Cyber security is becoming more vital than ever due to digital advancement and the pandemic. In addition, the growth in online work, trade, and work from home culture has made the Internet the data hub. So, keep reading to know why you need cyber security to protect your data, which is more important than ever.
It’s evident from the recent trends of online breaches that large firms are targeted and individuals too. In addition, the pandemic has compelled all companies to change their working dimensions, as physical interactions are avoided.
It has its advantages as the task is at your fingertips, but with all the good comes evil too. The evil is cyber breaches, which can be avoided with precautionary steps. So let’s know why cyber security is most important today.
The Internet of things (IoT) is increasing as every gadget is turning into a smart device. The handiest and everyday gadget is our phone; the apps and activities access our personal information and data. So, cyber security is of utmost importance as data is more valuable than oil.
The Virtual Private Network is quite effective as it alters your IP address, location and encrypts all your data. Therefore, you can take timely steps as an individual or company and stay safe online with the help of vpnpro.net. The website helps you pick the best VPN for you, securing all your internet activity and data. In addition, it lists all the advantages of a VPN and how it’s crucial for safeguarding all your information.
Past years have seen a massive increase in people storing their data on the cloud. Many celebrities and valuable accounts have been compromised. Cloud storage is so accessible as you can access helpful information almost anywhere. The cloud storage hack is quite common; slight negligence can lead to a breach.
The Internet is a hub for sharing personal information. Significantly, everyone shares their data like IDs, photos, passwords more online. The data leak of such information can cause you trouble. Therefore, the appropriate protection and cyber security are crucial for protecting you from violations.
Every business sector is turning online – For example, a new app lets pubs and restaurants work in a pandemic. Innovations like these that connect the world to the Internet directly or indirectly carry slots of data with it. Such an extensive network has discrete files, information, data, online banking details, and much more. So, the appropriate cyber security, timely updates are necessary.
As technology advances and brings more and more tasks online, so are the hackers. They know who is more susceptible to the hacks and encounter them. As a result, hacking tools are becoming refined.
As there are around 200 billion connected devices at risk, the range of the attacks is increasing. The hackers are now using machine learning and artificial intelligence for autonomous attacks.
You can create a robust security system by familiarizing your staff with all kinds of online pitfalls. You must share information with trusted people and protect everything with strong passwords and two-factor authentication. In addition, you should update all your security features and opt for VPNs. Formal learning and updates of security can make you and your date indestructible.
A status yellow weather warning is now in place in Galway with scattered showers of hail, sleet and snow, and icy stretches forecast this evening, overnight and on Friday morning.
Met Éireann says that this will lead to hazardous travelling conditions in some parts of the country.
Showers will be most widespread in the West and north of the country, where some accumulations are likely and isolated thunderstorms will also occur.
Status yellow warnings are in place across all 32 counties and will be lifted tomorrow, Friday at 11am.
Galway County Council has appointed a contractor for the construction of a new footbridge to provide pedestrian access to Clarin College Athenry.
Galway East TD Seán Canney received confirmation from Galway County Council that Coffey Construction has been appointed as contractor.
He said that they are presently designing the steel structure, which will be fabricated off site.
“The project is expected to be completed by the end of April 2022,” said Deputy Canney.
“I welcome this progress on a project that will provide direct, safe pedestrian access for pupils attending Clarin NS.”
The Galway TD said that it is important that no further delays are encountered and that this project is delivered as quickly as possible.
“I have been working on this project with Cllr. Gabe Cronnelly, my Independent Councillor colleague from Athenry. I also commend Galway County Council who have taken on the project at the request of the Department of Education.”
Gardaí have again appealed for information relating to a fatal car crash on the N60 at Breaffy in Castlebar last Monday.
The collision, which involved two cars, occurred at approximately 5.40pm on Monday 27 December.
Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to the collision to come forward.
Anyone with information can contact Castlebar Garda Station on 094 903 8200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
There are 51 people on trolleys across Galway’s public hospitals today, according to data from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation.
University Hospital Galway has 33 patients on trolleys, while 18 people at Portiunucla Hospital has 18 people waiting on a bed.
As of yesterday evening, UHG has 43 people with COVID-19, while Portiuncula Hospital has 11 confirmed cases.
There are 941 cases in hospitals nationally today, but the number of cases in intensive care units has decreased by four, to 90.
Forty COVID-19 related deaths were reported to NPHET since last Wednesday.
People aged 16 to 29 may now book an appointment to get a booster vaccine at the Ballybrit Vaccination Centre.
The appointments are open to those who had their first round of COVID-19 vaccination at least 90 days ago.
People in this age category can book a free booster vaccine appointment for at hse.ie and search ‘book booster’ – or click here.
Ballybrit Vaccination Centre appointments are now available to book on:
Thursday 06 January between 8.30am and 6.30pm
Saturday 08 January between 8.30am and 6.30pm
Sunday 09 January between 2.00pm and 6.00pm
The hse.ie booster booking page is updated regularly with additional dates.
For those who have had COVID-19, they can get the booster dose vaccine three months after their positive test result.
People aged 30 or older can also book a booster appointment on hse.ie
The court case arising from the ‘Golfgate’ scandal involving alleged breaches of COVID regulations by a Galway TD and three others is getting underway today.
Independent Galway TD Noel Grealish, of Carnmore, and former Fianna Fáil Senator Donie Cassidy, of Castlepolard Westmeath have been charged in relation to an event for the Oireachtas Golf Society that allegedly breached COVID regulations in place at the time.
John Sweeney, owner of the Station House Hotel in Clifden, and his son James have also been charged in relation to this.
The charges relate to an event for the Oireachtas Golf Society which took place at the Station House Hotel on August 19, 2020.
It’s alleged that they did organise or cause to be organised an event for cultural, entertainment, recreational, sporting, social, community or educational reasons in a relevant geographical location and as a result, did contravene a penal provision of a regulation made under Section 31A(1) of the Health Act 1947 as amended, to prevent, limit, minimise or slow the spread of Covid-19.
This is contrary to Section 31A(6)(a) and (12) of the Health Act 1947 (as amended by Section 10 of the Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Act 2020).
There were 81 people in attendance at this event, at a time when indoor gatherings were limited to 50 people maximum.
At the time of this event, Deputy Noel Grealish was the captain of the golf society, and Mr Cassidy was its president.
The maximum sentence for this offence is a fine of €2,500, and/or a sentence of up to six months in prison.
The first day of the hearing is getting underway today at a specially convened sitting of Galway District Court due to the number of witnesses involved.
It’s expected that the full hearing could last for five days, as the prosecution expects to call over 50 witnesses.
Almost €800,000 in funding has been announced for a project to rejuvenate Gort town centre.
The G’ort Inse Guaire’ project, which is expected to cost €1 million overall, involves the re-design of the Market Square and town centre streets.
It will also upgrade Canon Quinn Park, a greenspace in the town centre.
Minister Heather Humphreys announced a total of €21.5 million this morning for 27 projects in rural communities across the country.
The funding, under the Rural Regeneration Development Fund (RRDF), is being invested in projects that aim to rejuvenate town centres, drive economic growth and footfall, combat dereliction and develop pedestrian zones.
A number of the projects approved for funding involve the re-purposing of old, derelict and historical buildings into modern-day remote working hubs, as well as enterprise, cultural and community facilities.
Announcing the funding, Minister Humphreys said in 2022, “we will continue to roll-out unprecedented levels of investment in Rural Ireland – making towns and villages even better places to live, work, raise a family and run a business.”
“The projects being invested in represent the huge ambition that underpins ‘Our Rural Future’ and will have a truly transformational impact right across the country,” said Minister Humphreys.
“When complete, these projects will leave a lasting difference on these locations for generations to come, benefitting tens of thousands of families in Rural Ireland.”
There are 3,285 people in Galway receiving the Pandemic Unemployment Payment this week, according to the latest Government figures.
This is an increase of almost 500 since 21 December, when a total of 2,789 people were in receipt of the PUP.
Nationally, 67,000 will get payments paid into their post offices or bank accounts this week, at a cost of €16.66 million.
The sector with the highest number of people receiving PUP this week is Accommodation and Food Service Activities (12,717) and is followed by Wholesale and Retail Trade (10,832) and Administrative and Support Service activities (7,520).
Speaking about this week’s figures, Minister Heather Humphreys said that as the Omicron variant continues to pose significant challenges, it is vitally important that we take every necessary step to protect ourselves and our families from infection.
“My clear message to anyone who receives a positive test or is displaying symptoms is to follow public health advice and self-isolate immediately,” said Minister Humphreys.
“As a result of changes I introduced last week, the Enhanced Illness Benefit is being provided on a more flexible basis.”
She reminded people that those under the age of 40 who apply for an antigen test from the HSE can use this proof of application to apply for Enhanced Illness Benefit for the days they are out of work.
“My Department is currently receiving a large volume of applications and it is making every effort to process these as quickly as possible.
“The quickest and easiest way to apply is online through www.MyWelfare.ie.”
The Department of Health has reported 17,656 further cases of COVID-19 in the State today.
As of 8am today, 928 people with COVID-19 are hospitalised nationally, of whom 94 are in intensive care units.
There have been 40 new deaths notified in the past week, taking the total number deaths related to COVID-19 in the Republic to 5,952.
Health officials say that given the current high incidence, the daily case number is based on positive results uploaded to the HSE COVID Care Tracker the preceding day, and that these data are provisional.
The number of people in hospital with COVID-19 in Galway has remained roughly stable overall, as cases increased at UHG but fell in Ballinasloe on Tuesday evening.
There were 50 confirmed cases in Galway’s hospitals as of Tuesday evening, with 39 at UHG and 11 at Portiuncula Hospital.
NUI Galway will be holding a virtual information event next week for prospective mature students and adult learners.
The annual information evening hosted by the university’s Access Centre will take place on Wednesday, January 12 from 7-9pm for those thinking of enrolling for the next academic year.
The online event is aimed at people aged 23 and over who want to find out more about the study options open to them.
Course experts and current students in the university will be on hand to provide support, information, and to answer questions from interested parties to help them decides what path would suit them.
Kathleen Hartigan, Mature Students Officer at NUIG said “We have seen over the years that mature students bring an enthusiasm and a motivation to learn that enriches our campus community”.
“We are dedicated to providing them with the necessary information to help them choose the best educational option at NUI Galway.”
The University’s Career and Development Centre will deliver a presentation focusing on what course of study will best suit individuals needs and career pathways, and there will be an opportunity to hear from a diverse panel of current mature students.
Members of the Access Centre will be available to answer questions on pre-university courses in terms of Access courses.
The Disability Support Services, who have expertise in supporting students at third level who may have a long-term health condition, or a specific learning difficulty, will also be in attendance.
Staff from NUIG’s undergraduate and postgraduate courses, along with representatives from the University’s Student Services will also be present to guide attendees on the range of course options and supports on offer.
Registration for this event is essential. Those interested should register online at www.nuigalway.ie/caoevents or by contacting maturestudents@nuigalway.ie.
It has been 20 years since the Irish started paying with Euro instead of the Irish Pound. What has the Irish entry in the European currency system brought to the country? And how has the Euro changed the economic scenery?
In 2002 the Irish pound was replaced by the Euro. From 1938 the Irish Pound was the dominating currency in Ireland. However, you were able to pay with British Pounds in most places even though you could not pay with Irish Pounds in England. Even though the Irish Pound was officially introduced in 1938 valuta exchanges in Ireland had been based on pounds in different forms since the year of 997. Entering the European currency system was a big change to the culture and the economic situation in Ireland.
A country’s currency and what it is worth compared to the other currencies is telling for the country’s economic situation and whether it is healthy or not. A strong national economy means a strong currency. In 2002 when the Euro was introduced, bills and coins in Euros were officially distributed to 12 EU countries and the largest money exchange in history took place. The value of the existing currencies was converted into Euro, and the Irish Pound was set to 1 Euro at the price of 0,787564 Irish Pounds. Even though it had a rocky start it was a mark of an orientation towards the cooperation across the European countries’ boundaries.
As written a country’s currency is important for its economy. Having knowledge on the different currencies, their fluctuation and their value in relation to each other can provide a better understanding of national economics. If you want to learn more about the different currencies and their value compared to each other, you can use this guide to help you get started. Through this site you will be presented to the world of Forex Trading which is based on currency exchange. Forex Trading can give you a solid insight in the dynamics of currency values and a possibility to weigh the different currencies against each other. And if you want to try Forex trading yourself, this is how to get started.
Looking to Ireland’s neighbour, the consequence of not being a part of the European Union and the currency is obvious. The British Pound has fallen in value compared to the Euro. The Irish decision to introduce Euros as the currency seems to have been the right decision. In the first few years the British Pound’s rate was higher than Euros as it was a new currency and investors were concerned that it might just be a mayfly. However, a lot has happened since then and when you look at England, the value of the British Pound and the trouble Brexit has brought, it seems like it is good to be a part of the EU and the European Currency System.
If you are looking for a new job, you may want to take a look at online casinos’ open positions. The online gambling industry is one of the most exciting and captivating industries to work in. There are many people with different vocations who work in the iGaming industry, which is constantly changing. In essence, there is a wide range of employment opportunities in the field.
Casinos and companies affiliated with online gambling offer a variety of job opportunities. They do not merely need dealers, customer service reps, or IT staff. Additionally, instant withdrawal casino companies need marketers, account managers, compliance managers, tech folk, affiliate managers, and HR personnel. In online gambling, there is more than just a website. Major casinos employ several dozens of people. In addition, they have their own finance teams and customer support departments.
Unless you know someone who can recommend you for a job position at an online casino company, you will need to look for the vacant job positions on your own. To start with, you can always check some global and local hiring platforms like LinkedIn, Scouted, Ladders, FlexJobs and more. Also, keep in mind that some recruiters might be on the lookout for someone like you.
This is why you need to make sure that you have your resume ready and updated, and that your LinkedIn profile shows that you are looking for further opportunities. Moreover, it is important to add all your experience relevant to the niche to your “Work experience” section.
Additionally, if you are looking for a job in an online gambling company, you might as well check some of the renowned casino brands and see if they are looking for additions to their team.
Many online casinos offer hundreds of different positions. These companies are looking for new workers with specific skills. Here are some of them:
One of the most important people within a casino company is the affiliate manager. A casino affiliate manager manages an affiliate network of partners that refer new players to the casino. This job involves finding new traffic sources and increasing revenue. It involves working with other companies every single day. This requires a creative edge and commercial acumen. By bringing out the best in your partners, you can make a lot of money. Managing affiliates can lead to bonuses as high as $50.000 per year.
Casino customer service representatives are responsible for ensuring the satisfaction of players. This means they interact with players on a daily basis via phone, live chat or email. Whenever they need help or have a problem, you’re there to assist. People normally start as customer support agents in the online gaming industry. Solving so many different problems gives you a lot of opportunities to learn. Many online gambling sites are seeking customer support employees from certain countries since they intend to offer customer care in multiple languages.
As more countries legalize online gambling, the market is changing drastically. Every country has their own laws and regulations governing online gambling and advertising. Compliance managers must keep an eye on all the advertising strategies of their partners. There are certain rules that online casino partners must follow in some countries. Your job is to verify their compliance. Once a partner violates these rules, you have to correct the problem.
A job at a casino can be very exciting. It gives you the opportunity to work with real dealers. And you get to play real games every day. And you are always filmed. Your table is shared with hundreds of players around the world through computer screens or mobile devices. You can engage in live conversation with your players and you can earn bonuses as a live dealer.
A wide range of online casinos is seeking qualified IT employees. As a developer, you can make a lot of money at online casinos. There are several advantages to your job. Developers with the right skills can earn up to $100.000 per year. The iGaming industry is always on the lookout for new developers, so finding a job won’t be hard at all.
The following list includes the most popular jobs at online casinos. However, there are many other roles available too. Most online casinos and online casino companies have these open positions:
Online casinos employ tens of thousands of people each day. Online casinos have their headquarters in sunny countries and iGaming is a fascinating industry. Moreover, employees can expect a good salary and amazing working conditions. This industry is constantly evolving, so anyone interested will have a chance to gain new experiences, grow in a safe professional environment and progress in their careers.
Community led celebrations for the Decade of Centenaries in Galway this year will benefit from €100,000 in funding announced today.
Galway City and County councils will each receive €50,000 to help develop community led commemorative activities for the final phase of the Decade of Centenaries Programme.
Minister Catherine Martin has announced a €2 million fund for local authorities this year, which includes the individual grants for each council, and a €450,000 supplementary fund.
This will be used to provide further supports to local authorities who have identified additional requirements in relation to specific centenaries of local significance and other larger projects.
Minister Martin said that local council have delivered “thoughtful, imaginative, and ambitious” commemorative programmes, with strong public engagement elements.
“Right across the country, community-led commemorative initiatives continue to make such a wonderful and important contribution to our understanding of these historical events – their impact, consequences and legacies.”
Council have been asked to set aside €15,000 of their allocations for supporting artistic and creative endeavours.
“The interpretation of significant historical events by our artists and creative practitioners provides an important platform to encourage reflection and the consideration of issues, both past and present”.
In many cases these may be “challenging, difficult and sometimes deeply personal” Catherine Martin said.
Galway and Ireland are in for more snow and icy conditions this week, with a status yellow weather warning issued by Met Eireann.
The Snow/Ice warning warns that accumulations of snow and ice are more likely in the west of the country, and that isolated thunderstorms are also possible.
“Scattered showers of hail, sleet and snow, and icy stretches, Thursday evening, Thursday night and Friday morning, will lead to hazardous travelling conditions in some parts.”
“Showers will be most widespread in the west and north of the country where some accumulations are likely. Isolated thunderstorms will occur also.”
The weather warning for all of Ireland will be in effect from 4pm on Thursday until 11am on Friday morning.
A status yellow gale warning has also been issued by Met Eireann for coastal waters around all of Ireland on Thursday and Friday.
“Southerly winds will reach gale force 8 on Wednesday night and on Thursday morning, veering southwest to west during Thursday, on all Irish coastal waters and on the Irish Sea. Gales continuing through into Friday.”
Temperatures in parts of Galway are expected to hit -1 degrees in places tonight, but will be ever so slightly higher on Thursday evening.
Thursday will start off wet and windy, with rain pushing eastwards over the morning, followed by some sunny spells that will turn to hail, sleet, and snow as the day progresses.
Southwest to westerly winds will be fresh to strong and gusty, bringing the risk of some coastal flooding during the morning.
One lotto player in the west could lose out on a €22,872 prize if they don’t claim it before the deadline by the end of the month.
A lotto player won the Match 5 prize in the draw on Wednesday, October 27 last, with a ticket sold in Claremorris, Co. Mayo.
But the 90 day deadline to claim their prize by January 25 is coming up, and the National Lottery is urging players to check their tickets.
The winning ticket was sold at the Centra store on Lower James Street in Claremorris.
The winning Lotto numbers for the draw on Wednesday, October 27 were: 03, 11, 25, 32, 40, 45 and the Bonus: 05.
A spokesperson for the National Lottery said “We are urging any of our Lotto players in Mayo who may have purchased their Lotto tickets for the 27th October draw at the Centra store on James Street in Claremorris to carefully check their tickets.”
“There is a Match 5 prize worth €22,872 which remains unclaimed, and we are hoping to hear from the winner soon as the last date to claim is 25th January.”
“If you are this lucky winner, please be sure to sign the back of your ticket and contact our prize claims team on 1800 666 222 or email claims@lottery.ie as soon as possible. We will then make arrangements for you to claim your prize.”
Nearly 30 cent in every €1 spent on all National Lottery games goes back to Good Causes in the areas of sport, youth, health, welfare, education, arts, heritage, and the Irish Language.
In total more than €6 Billion has been raised for Good Causes since the National Lottery was established 34 years ago. In 2020 alone, €254 million was raised for local Good Causes in communities across Ireland.
The €19 million Lotto jackpot is up for grabs once again this Wednesday evening, remaining unclaimed for over three months now.
The National Lottery has said that they are seeking a change in the rules that will allow for a must win game before long.
Galway County Council is organising a Christmas Tree recycling service at towns and villages for households to properly dispose of their trees.
The service will run from this Friday, January 7 to Saturday, January 15 at thirteen different locations.
The recycling service is free of charge, and for domestic households only.
County residents can bring their trees to the following locations:
Any enquiries can be made to the county council environment section at 091 509510 or environment@galwaycoco.ie.
Galway City Council is also running a Christmas Tree recycling service up to Saturday this week, and Monday and Tuesday next week.
This is open from 9am to 3pm at Hunters Depot on the Barna Road and Merlin Woods Depot in Doughiska.
The number of people in hospital with COVID-19 in Galway has remained roughly stable overall, as cases increased at UHG but fell in Ballinasloe.
There were 50 confirmed cases in Galway’s hospitals as of Tuesday evening, with 39 at UHG and 11 at Portiuncula Hospital.
This is an increase of three cases at University Hospital Galway on the previous day, but a decline of four patients in Ballinasloe.
However this is still roughly twice as many cases at both hospitals as they were dealing with a week ago.
There are seven COVID patients being treated in the ICU in Galway, five at UHG and two at Portiuncula.
This is a daily drop of one case at each hospital, but up from just two at each a week prior.
Nationwide there were 870 people hospitalised with COVID-19 on Tuesday evening, of whom 88 have been admitted to intensive care.
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