Most popular stocks in December

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December 11, 2021

When you open a position in the stock market, you are purchasing a share of a company. For example, if you decided to trade Apple (AAPL) stock, you would own a minute segment of the tech leader.

Stock values are changing all the time, and prices are influenced by a multitude of external factors. These factors include:

Company performance
Politics
News releases
Investor sentiment
Macroeconomic events

You should take these factors, along with the technical data of the stock, into consideration before opening a position, in order to confirm the stock is a worthy buy. One of the most useful technical indicators is the Relative Strength Index (RSI), which can inform you of whether the stock is overbought or oversold.

Once you’ve taken all of these factors into consideration, you can open a position using an online trading platform like Skilling, for example and speculate on the value of some of the best performing stocks right now.

To help, we’ve already taken these factors into account and compiled some of the most popular stocks in December — that are popular for good reason.

Read on to find out more.

Chevron (CVX)

The American energy corporation Chevron is the US’ second largest oil company and is involved in all areas of the oil and natural gas sector. This includes:

Refinery
Production
Transportation
Power generation
Hydrocarbon exploration
Marketing
Chemical sales
Manufacturing

In 2020, Chevron proved its worth as one of the largest companies in the world, with a market valuation of $136 billion.

The company continues to perform well in 2021 and its Q3 earnings increased to $2.96 per share, with revenues also boosted by 83%, exceeding the prediction of analysts. Chevron has recently held a Composite Rating of 91 out of a possible 99, putting it firmly in the buy range.

This means that Chevron could be seen as a worthy investment right now and should continue to perform well going forward. Its popularity can also be attributed to the increase in demand for oil that has caused oil prices to surge.

Garmin (GRMN)

Garmin is a technology company, specialising in Global Positioning System (GPS) devices used in the automotive, marine, aviation, sport and outdoor industries. Garmin is a leader in wearable devices, and its smart watches compete with giants like Fitbit (FIT) and Apple (AAPL). At the end of the third quarter, the company recorded sales of $70 million, seeing its overall sales increase by 27% in 2021.

As a result of outstanding performance over the course of the year, Garmin’s sales are on track to reach almost $5 billion by the end of 2021. As the wearable technology industry continues to see high demand for its products, it’s likely that the company will continue to thrive going forward, making it a great investment for the future.

Gevo (GEVO)

Following the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) that ended in mid-November, you might have been prompted to make more sustainable choices. This may also have affected your investment focus, and if you’re looking to open a position in a renewable energy stock, then you might want to consider Gevo (GEVO). The company is the leading producer of renewable chemicals that boasts net-zero greenhouse-gas emissions.

Although it is still in its early stages of trade, the company is likely to be supported by the agreements that were passed during the COP26. As a result, they’ll potentially see an increase in demand, attractive tax policies and government grants, to help the world move towards cleaner energy sources.

As a growth stock, Gevo could be a great investment looking forward. They are currently in the process of expanding their production facilities, to enable the company to produce larger quantities of clean fuel.

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Opening positions in the stock market can be a great way to make your money do more for you, helping you to reach your financial goals more effectively, especially if you consider CFDs.

However, it’s important to dedicate time to considering which stocks pose as a viable and worthy investment right now, to minimise the risk of making significant losses on your capital and maximise the possibility of making profits.

Could a documentary expose a killer Ros na Rún?

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Briain Kelly

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December 11, 2021

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Galway Daily television Could a documentary expose a killer Ros na Rún?

Caitríona fears for her life after getting a threatening note, Berni embraces the light at the end of the tunnel, and more B&B madness for Laoise in Ros na Rún.

Caitríona thinks that filming of her documentary on Frances death is going swimmingly, until a threatening note and more make her fear for her life.

Colm has his own worries about the film, deeply concerned that the reenactment of Frances’ death may lead to new information on who’s responsible.

At Laoise’s B&B she pulls out all the stops to impress a vlogger guest, but some other unexpected guests may blow her hopes out of the water. Her woes are far from over there.

Berni is finally seeing that there is light at the end of the tunnel and is ready to put the past behind her, and embrace new beginnings.

Sorcha is worried about what Briain may say about her in court, leading Sadie to take dangerous, and potentially harmful, steps to help her daughter.

Catch up on all the latest in Ros na Rún in the double feature omnibus of this week’s episodes, Sunday on TG4 at 7:30pm.

COVID-19: 4,004 cases reported today

By

Briain Kelly

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December 11, 2021

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

A further 4,004 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland have been reported by the Department of Health today.

As of this morning there were 481 people in the country hospitalised by the virus.

Of these patients, 111 have been admitted to intensive care units for treatment.

The COVID-19 data hub provides information on the key indicators of the disease in the community, including the status of the vaccine campaign.

Power outages hit over 6,000 homes and businesses in Galway

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Briain Kelly

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December 11, 2021

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Galway Daily news SHundreds of homes remain without power in Galway after severe weather

More than 6,000 homes and businesses in Galway were without electricity this morning due to faults which have since been repaired.

A fault at Parkmore reported at 7:41am on Saturday morning left 5,198 properties without electricity.

It was repaired, and power restored, just over an hour later at 8:50am.

Hundreds of homes in the Claregalway are were also affected at the same time, in a fault causing outages to 875 properties.

This lasted for almost two hours before power was restored at 9:30am.

Met Eireann issues weather warning for Galway

By

Briain Kelly

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December 11, 2021

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Galway Daily weather Rough weekend forecast as weather warning issued by Met Eireann

Galway is in for a windy weekend, as Met Eireann has issued a weather warning for counties on the Atlantic Coast.

The Status Yellow forecasts that Sunday will be extremely windy throughout the afternoon and evening, with southerly winds veering westerly, and persisting for a time in the night.

“Some severe gusts are possible and this may lead to some fallen trees,” Met Eireann cautions.

The weather warning has been issued for counties Galway, Mayo, Kerry, and Donegal. It will be in effect from 3pm to 11pm on Sunday.

A Marine Gale Warning will also force for all Irish coastal waters from noon to midnight on Sunday.

“Southerly winds, veering westerly will reach gale force 8 or strong gale force 9 at times on Sunday and Sunday night on all Irish coastal waters and on the Irish Sea.”

Before that, Galway is expected to be dull and overcast today, with outbreaks of rain becoming patchier as the day progresses.

Moderate southwesterly winds will become lighter as the day progresses. Temperatures on Saturday will average 10 to 12 degrees.

Outbreaks of rain and drizzle are also expected on Sunday, heaviest and most persistent in the west.

Galway Hospice awarded €420,00 once-off funding

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Briain Kelly

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December 11, 2021

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Galway Daily news Galway Hospice awarded €420,00 once-off funding

Galway Hospice has been awarded €420,000 in funding as part of a once-off €10 million package for palliative and end of life care.

The funding will be used to develop multiple new hospices around the country, as well as to support existing voluntary care facilities.

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said “We are rightly, very proud of our palliative care services in Ireland. We have seen the availability and range of services grow significantly over the last 20 years.

“At the same time, we are aware that the provision of services is not equally spread across the country.”

Of this €10 million package, €3 million will go towards the development of hospices in Drogheda, Cavan and the Midlands which are currently in the planning stages.

More than half, €5.2 million, is allocated to the Voluntary Hospice Group, which includes Galway.

Another €1.6 million will go to a number of national organisations in the palliative care and bereavement sector.

The full list of funding allocations is:

Service	Allocation (€)
All Ireland Institute for Hospice and Palliative Care	100,000
Anam Cara	50,000
First Light	50,000
Galway Hospice & Mayo Hospice (Galway €420,000, Mayo €330,000)	750,000
Irish Cancer Society – Night Nursing	175,000
Irish Hospice Foundation	175,000
LauraLynn Children’s Hospice	800,000
Marymount University Hospital and Hospice, Cork	1,000,000
Midlands Hospice, Tullamore	1,000,000
Milford Care Centre, Limerick	700,000
Newgrange Hospice, Drogheda	1,000,000
North-West Hospice, Sligo	250,000
Our Lady’s Hospice and Care Services – Including Harold’s Cross, Blackrock, Wicklow	1,500,000
Scholarship Programme in Children’s Complex & Palliative Care	100,000
St Christopher’s Cavan	1,000,000
St Francis Hospice, Raheny & Blanchardstown	1,000,000
The Jack & Jill Foundation	150,000
Waterford Hospice Movement	200,000
Total	10,000,000

Enjoy a Christmas indulgence with this Festive Afternoon Tea

By

Briain Kelly

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December 11, 2021

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Enjoy a Christmas indulgence with this Festive Afternoon Tea

Big Christmas parties might not be on the table this year, but there’s still plenty to treat yourself with over the holidays with the Connacht Hotel’s Festive Afternoon Tea.

The family friendly Connacht Hotel is serving gourmet afternoon teas with a festive twist for family and friends to meet in safety in the salubrious surrounding of the recently renovated hotel.

Some of the treats included are the beautiful red velvet verrine, with the Red Velvet cake also available in the restaurant every day.

Other mouthwatering delights include white chocolate and homemade jam Macaron, Christmas tree meringue, dark chocolate Truffle or Hazelnuts chocolate Truffle, all served with teas or coffee.

Of course, you just can’t have an indulgent lunch over Christmas without mince pies, and these homemade delights don’t disappoint.

If you’re in a festive mood, celebrating meeting up with friends why not add a cocktail, or a glass of bubbly or wine.

Younger guests aren’t forgotten, with their own set of offerings for a sweet tooth, such as the Christmas tree meringue, Vanilla Ice cream snowman, White chocolate cookies, Mince pies and milk chocolate candy mendiants.

More information about the treats on offer, and the packages available to make managing the afternoon easier, can be found at https://www.theconnacht.ie/en/festive-afternoon-tea/.

The afternoon tea is served from 1:30pm – 4:30pm, with bookings needed 24hrs in advance. For reservations contact 091-381251 or christmas@theconnacht.ie.

sponsored by the Connacht Hospitality Group

COVID-19: 4,115 cases reported today

By

Briain Kelly

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December 10, 2021

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

There have been a further 4,115 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported in Ireland today.

Health officials say that 511 people are hospitalised with the disease, and 110 of them are being treated in the ICU.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tony Holohan said that the country is in an “uncertain and unstable” position, with the current high incidence rates.

“This is a matter of very significant concern as we wait for more evidence relating to the Omicron variant and the impact it may have to emerge.”

“At the moment, based on the evidence available to us, we believe that the public health measures we are so familiar with will work to slow and stop the transmission of the Omicron variant, as well as the Delta variant.”

“Early indications suggest that a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine will offer good protection against infection from Delta and Omicron.”

The COVID-19 data hub provides information on the key indicators of the disease in the community, including the status of the vaccine campaign.

There have been 220,330 tests carried out in Ireland in the past week, 14 percent of which were positive for the virus.

Booster vaccines have been given to 1,114,334 people in the state now, including 95,469 to people who are immunocompromised.

“We are all aware that this day two weeks is Christmas Eve, a time of year when we all look forward to coming together with friends and family,” Tony Holohan said.

“You can take measures today and in the next few days that will ensure the safest possible interaction with your loved ones over Christmas.”

Plans to convert city centre apartments to apart-hotel

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Briain Kelly

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December 10, 2021

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Galway Daily news An Bord Pleanála overrules own Inspector to approve converting city centre apartments to apart-hotel

Plans have been submitted to the city council to convert 17 apartments in a complex in Galway City centre to a self-catering apart-hotel.

Cornacloy Property Holdings Limited is seeking planning permission for a change of permitted use of City Point apartments to an apart-hotel.

Other works in the project would involve internal alterations, including the provision of reception area at the ground floor, and a staff storage area.

The 17 apartments are currently part of a mixed-use development, occupied by TK Maxx at the ground level, along with other businesses.

The residential units are located on the third to fifth floors of the building.

The self-catering apart-hotel would consist of 6 one-bedroom suites, 10 two-bedroom suites, and 1 three-bedroom penthouse.

It is not proposed that there will be any change to the 17 basement car parking spaces currently assigned to these apartments, which will be allocated to guests.

A cover report for the planning application states that there is a long established hotel usage of this site, which predates the construction of the current building, which was first approved in 2007.

It also states that Fáilte Ireland found in 2018 that there is a need for more tourist bed spaces in the city centre, which the developer says is still true, despite the disruption cause by the pandemic.

Galway City Council is due to make a decision on this planning application by February 4 of next year.

Pedestrian brought to UHG with serious injuries after collision involving van

By

Briain Kelly

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December 10, 2021

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A pedestrian was brought to University Hospital Galway in serious condition after a collision involving a van yesterday.

A woman in her 30s suffered serious injuries after a collision involving a van in Roscommon on Thursday.

The incident happened at approximately 5:30pm yesterday on the Knock Road, Castlerea in Co. Roscommon.

The pedestrian was first brought to UHG with serious injuries, before being transferred to Beaumont Hospital for treatment of those injuries.

The driver of the van was uninjured.

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward.

Any road users who were travelling in the area at the time and may have camera footage (including dash-cam) are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Castlerea Garda Station on 094 9621630, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

COVID cancels Christmas Panto

By

Briain Kelly

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December 10, 2021

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The much loved tradition of some Christmas Panto for the kids is the latest to be affected in the second Christmas of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Renmore Panto have cancelled their run of Cinderella which was due to take place at the Town Hall Theatre over the Christmas and New Year’s period.

This decision, announced Thursday, was made due to the challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic.

“We would like to acknowledge the dedication of our Committee, Production Team and Cast for all their hard work over the past three months,” Renmore Pantomime said in a statement.

“Everyone involved has exceeded the expected commitment required during rehearsals and behind the scenes to bring our production to the current state.”

“We appreciate the dedication and hard work that has been demonstrated to date, and we recognise that all our Team will be disappointed by this difficult decision.”

“We would also like to sincerely thank the Management and Staff of the Town Hall Theatre for their collaboration to date and for their continued support at this time.”

“A special mention to our loyal Customer base who had already purchased tickets and those planning to, for our upcoming production.”

“We know this news will be disheartening as so many people were looking forward to returning to the tradition of attending Renmore Pantomime over the Christmas period.”

The group said that this decision was reached based on the “current challenges” associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, and the additional safety measures which would be required.

In the latest round of public health restrictions announced last week, the government said that indoor events such as theatre may only operate at 50% capacity.

“The Committee will continue to work over the coming months, with the expectation that we will be returning to the Town Hall Theatre in December 2022 with a full-scale unrestricted production.”

Full refunds will be given to anyone who has already bought tickets for the shows, and the Town Hall Theatre Box Office will be making contact with customers directly.

Connacht squad named for Champions Cup opener

By

Briain Kelly

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December 10, 2021

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Galway Daily rugby Four changes made to starting XV for Connacht v Glasgow

Connacht Rugby have named their squad for their opening match in the Heineken Champions Cup this weekend against Stade Francais.

The French side are coming to Galway for the fixture, where they will face Connacht this Sunday at 1pm in the Sportsground.

Five changes have been made to the lineup which lost to Leinster last weekend.

The biggest shift is in the forwards, where four additions have been made to the starting players.

Shane Delahunt comes into the starting XV, forming a front row with props Matthew Burke and Finlay Bealham.

There’s a new look second row of Oisín Dowling and Niall Murray, while Cian Prendergast is also named in the squad, starting at blindside flanker with Conor Oliver and number 8 Jarrad Butler alongside him.

The one other change being made is in the centre, where Shane Boylan is starting at number 13 alongside Sammy Arnold on the inside.

The back line is unchanged from last week, with Kieran Marmion alongside captain Jack Carty, and a back three of wingers Mack Hansen and Alex Wootton, and full-back Oran McNulty.

Head Coach for Connacht Andy Friend said that it is exciting to have the Champions Cup running in front of spectators once again.

“Sunday is the start of a really exciting opportunity for us to make an impact in the Champions Cup.”

“Knockout rugby in the competition is the aim so a win this weekend is vital if we want to get there, albeit against a very strong Stade Francais team.”

“There’s been some special occasions at our home in this competition so with a strong Sportsground crowd behind us it’s set up to be a great occasion”.

The full Connacht squad for this weekend is:

Number/Name/Caps
15. Oran McNulty (4)
14. Alex Wootton (24)
13. Shayne Bolton (1)
12. Sammy Arnold (22)
11. Mack Hansen (7)
10. Jack Carty (166) (C)
9. Kieran Marmion (193)
1. Matthew Burke (30)
2. Shane Delahunt (107)
3. Finlay Bealham (166)
4. Oisín Dowling (12)
5. Niall Murray (22)
6. Cian Prendergast (15)
7. Conor Oliver (27)
8. Jarrad Butler (80)

Replacements
16. Dave Heffernan (151)
17. Jordan Duggan (19)
18. Dominic Robertson-McCoy (69)
19. Leva Fifita (3)
20. Seán Masterson (14)
21. Caolin Blade (137)
22. Conor Fitzgerald (41)
23. Tom Farrell (66)

Galway restaurants in the running for Just Eat Takeaway Awards

By

Briain Kelly

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December 10, 2021

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Galway Daily news 2021 Just Eat Takeaway Awards

Some of the best grub in Galway that you can get to go is well represented at the 2021 Just Eat Takeaway Awards shortlist.

Voting is ongoing for the Just Eat Takeaway Awards, and its more that just the restaurants who stand to win something this year.

Chef Laura Rosso seaside restaurant in Salthill has been nominated in the ‘Gamechanger’ category, honouring restaurants which daring in their “innovation and uniqueness”.

Of course, Galway’s own Supermac’s is nominated in the ‘Best National Chain’ category, alongside other pizza, burger, thai, and burrito joints.

The Oranmore restaurant Banditos is in the running for the ‘Best Mexican’ takeaway in Ireland this year.

Khow Thai takeaway in the Liosbain Industrial Estate in Galway City has been nominated for ‘Best Thai’ food you can get to go.

The ever popular ‘Spice Bag’ is a beloved takeaway dish, and people love to get them from Xian Street Food in Tuam.

Deliveroo has previously said that the Spice Bag from Xian in Galway City was their single most popular item in the country.

For a healthier option, Café Temple and The Gourmet Offensive in Galway City are both in the running for ‘Best Vegetarian’ takeaway.

Or if you’re not concerned about that at all, Monster Donuts on St Francis Street in the city has possibly the ‘Best Desert’ you can get on Just Eat.

Outside of the specific food categories, Café Temple, Venezia, and The Chili Shack in Galway are all in the running for the ‘Best of Connacht’ on Just Eat.

The 2021 awards will be hosted by Irish comedian and writer Joanne McNally. Voting for the best of the nominees closes on December 31.

Those taking part in the voting will be in with a chance to win free takeaways from Just Eat for a year.

Grants approved for eight Galway City community groups

By

Briain Kelly

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December 10, 2021

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Galway Daily news Grants available to community groups in Galway City affected by COVID

Eight community groups in Galway City working in a variety of different areas have been awarded just under €20,000 in grant funding.

The Department of Rural and Community Development have this week approved grants totaling €19,806 to a range of Social Enterprises in Galway City.

This funding is meant to help these groups with repairs and renovations, new equipment and safety upgrades.

The announcement of the specific organisations awarded grants comes after Minister Health Humphreys announced €1 million in funding for the Social Enterprise Capital Grants Scheme 2021 back in September.

The funding for the Social Enterprise Capital Grants Scheme 2021 is administered locally by the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC).

The full list of community groups and projects awarded grants in Galway City is:

Social Enterprise Name	Summary of Project	Amount Approved
Westside Resource Centre CLG	Purchase of IT equipment	€2,823
Ballybane Community Centre CLG	Purchase and install CO2 detectors	€2,391
Le Cheile Westside Co Ltd	Upgrade of IT equipment	€1,600
Galway Community Circus	Purchase of kitchen equipment, IT equipment and office furniture	€4,532
Meals4Health	Purchase of food transport container	€2,079
Galway Co-Operative Housing Development Society Ltd (GCHDS)	Purchase of IT equipment	€899
Simon Community Galway	New shelving equipment in charity shop	€2,860
An Mheitheal Comhshaol Cooperative Limited (trading as An Mheitheal Rothar)	Purchase tools for ReCycle your Cycle programme	€2,622
	Total Amount Allocated:	€19,806

Galway medtech company Aerogen collaborating on first inhalable COVID vaccine

By

Briain Kelly

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December 10, 2021

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Galway Daily news Galway medtech company Aerogen collaborating on first inhalable COVID vaccine

Galway based medtech company Aerogen is collaborating on the delivery of the world’s first inhalable COVID-19 vaccine.

Aerogen have signed a deal with Tianjin based company CanSinoBIO, to utilise Aerogen’s vibrating mesh aerosol drug delivery technology.

This will be the delivery system for CanSinoBIO’s Convidecia COVID-19 vaccine, where the aerosolised vaccine is directly inhaled via a cup dispenser into the patient’s airway.

John Power, Aerogen CEO & Founder said “The world has an urgent need for an effective, low cost, globally scalable and globally accessible solution to mass vaccination.”

“The pioneering development undertaken by Aerogen and CanSino has resulted in a system that meets all these requirements and with a capacity to vaccinate in the billions.”

Aerogen said that Phase 3 clinical trials conducted by CanSinoBIO show that their vaccine has a 95.47% efficacy at preventing severe disease within two weeks of the single dose vaccine.

CanSinoBio is preparing an application for commercial authorisation in China. Further clinical trials are in the process of being prepared for other countries.

Dr. Xuefeng YU, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CanSinoBIO commented; “Our partnership with Aerogen started in 2013 and for almost a decade, we’ve been advancing the possibility of aerosol drug delivery.”

“The innovative development on the inhaled delivery of COVID-19 vaccine is the testimony
of our collaborative efforts.”

“It is demonstrated that the aerosolised vaccine can stimulate mucosal immunity and significantly reduce the risk of transmission, which could be a solution to rapidly build mass
immune protection and accelerate the end of the pandemic.”

Commercial terms of the partnership have not been disclosed.

Plans submitted to county council for back-up power plant

By

Briain Kelly

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December 10, 2021

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Galway Daily news Galway sports clubs share in €2.5 million energy costs support

A planning application has bene made to Galway County Council for a back-up gas power plant between Loughrea and Portumna.

EP Energy Developments is seeking planning permission for an Open Cycle Gas Turbine power plant, with associated infrastructure, at the site of Tynagh Power Station.

The application states that this development will operate as a “peaking plant” that is designed to start-up quickly when there is a gap between electricity demand, and what it supplied by renewable energy.

The application says that the 2021-2030 National Development Plan calls for the addition of 2GW of conventional electricity generation to support the transition to a predominantly wind and solar based grid, and provide a “security of supply” when they fall short of demand.

“The key objective of the development is to facilitate the continued expansion of Ireland’s renewable generation while maintaining security of supply,” the planning statement says.

The application also states that the €110 million project will support up to 200 construction jobs while it is being built, and 12 permanent jobs once operational.

The proposed plant would have the capacity to generate 299MW of energy, just under the threshold of what would automatically make it a Strategic Infrastructure Development.

An Bord Pleanála ruled last September that the proposal wouldn’t constitute an SID, allowing a planning application to be made to the county council first.

The county council is now due to make a ruling on this power plant application by January 27 of next year.

COVID-19: 4,022 cases reported today

By

Briain Kelly

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December 9, 2021

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There have been a further 4,022 cases of COVID-19 reported by the Department of Health today, and six cases of the Omicron variant have now been confirmed in Ireland.

As of this morning there were 530 people in the country hospitalised with the virus, of whom 115 are in the ICU.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tony Holohan said “There are now 6 confirmed cases of the Omicron variant in Ireland. A number of other probable cases are under investigation.”

“Although this is a new variant, our early understanding gives us confidence that a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine will offer good protection against Omicron and Delta infection.”

“Our current wave of disease continues to be driven by the Delta variant of COVID-19. We know that the public health measures we are so familiar with will break the chains of transmission of Delta, and we are confident they will work on Omicron.”

“Please continue to layer up on the public health advice by getting vaccinated and boosted, reducing contacts, wearing masks, keeping distance, opening windows and cleaning hands regularly.”

The CMO said added that it is “heartening” to see the number of people who attended walk-in clinics for the booster vaccine.

“If you are eligible for a booster dose, then please do not wait until after Christmas to receive it. You will begin to receive the benefit of your booster protection within seven days of receiving your third dose.”

“This means that anybody who receives their booster vaccine this week or next can be confident in the protection the booster will offer as we move closer to the Christmas period.”

The COVID-19 data hub provides information on the key indicators of the disease in the community, including the status of the vaccine campaign.

Gort awarded €100,000 for town centre revitalisation plan

By

Briain Kelly

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December 9, 2021

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Galway Daily news Gort awarded €100,000 for town centre revitalisation plan

Gort has been chosen for a major shot in the arm via €100,000 in funding awarded to help revitalise the town centre.

Gort is one of 26 towns chosen for the new Town Centre First initiative tackling dereliction, vacant properties, and other issues plaguing small towns.

Each of the towns chosen for this project will receive €100k to develop unique masterplans for making their town centres more attractive places to live and work.

Galway TD Ciaran Cannon said that Gort is a town with a lot to offer, at a time when small towns are becoming better places to live thanks to remote working.

“This masterplan will look at ways of maximising the attractiveness of the town centre as a place to live and work in.”

Towns for this first phase of this new policy were selected based on submissions received from the Local Authorities.

The funding will support each local authority, working with a collaborative Town Team, to develop a bespoke plan for their locality through extensive public consultation.

Deputy Cannon said that having such a plan will place Gort on a “firm footing” to secure funding for any ideas that emerge through the Rural Regeneration Development Fund.

“There will be a significant public consultation phase as part of the study and I’m encouraging all stakeholders to play an active part in that.”

“This has been a very positive week for Gort in that it has also been identified as a major tourism hub on the new Dublin to Galway Greenway,” Ciaran Cannon said.

“We’re also seeing the development of the Gort River Walk, the opening of The Forge remote working hub and the turning of the sod on a major extension to Gort Community School.”

“This new masterplan will seek to build on these very positive developments and maximise Gort’s potential as a thriving rural town.”

Water outages in Connemara due to burst mains

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Briain Kelly

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December 9, 2021

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Galway Daily news Inis Oírr water network upgrades to begin this week

People living in and around Lettermore may experience water outages until Thursday evening, as repairs are carried out on a burst mains.

Irish Water is repairing a broken water mains which is disrupting the water supply to Tír an Fhia, Leitir Móir and surrounding areas.

Repair works are scheduled to take place until 6pm on Thursday, December 9.

Traffic management measures will be in place for the duration of these works.

People experiencing water outages today are advised that it can take 2-3 hours after repairs are completed before their full supply is restored.

Updates can be found on Irish Water’s supply and service website page.

Call for greater clarity on PUP eligibility

By

Briain Kelly

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December 9, 2021

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Galway Daily news Lack of Island specific group in LEADER programme criticised

A Galway TD has said that greater clarity is needed on just who is eligible for the reopened PUP scheme under new restrictions.

The government announced that there would be a limited reopening of the PUP scheme, which had been closed to new applicants since July, in response to new COVID-19 restrictions affecting the hospitality and events sectors.

Galway TD Claire Kerrane said that there is need for greater clarity on which workers affected by recent restrictions are eligible for PUP.

“It is crucial that workers have access to financial supports when they cannot go to work through no fault of their own,” she said.

“The reopening of the PUP to applicants is positive and we welcome the move to make €350 available again for some workers who are impacted by the most recent announcements.

The announcement of the new payment bands by Minister Humphreys at the start of this week said that the limited reopening was aimed at people who lost their jobs as a direct result of the new restrictions announced last Friday.

But Deputy Kerrane said that there is a “wider group of workers” who’s jobs have been affected by public health advice from mid-November calling for people to reduce socialising, cancel children’s activities, and not to have Christmas parties.

Hotels and restaurants have reported waves of cancellations around the country in recent weeks as people have stopped going out as much, and called of Christmas activities.

“That group of workers was simultaneously hit by planned cuts to the PUP scheme, which the government refused to halt at the time,” Claire Kerrane said.

“As well as this, the various cuts to the PUP since September mean that households now don’t know if they will be eligible for the payment and how long will receive it.

“The devil is in the detail, and we need to know more regarding the reopening of applications to the PUP.”

There are five bands of payment for the PUP scheme now, which reopened to applicants on Tuesday, including a new band for people earning €151 a week or less aimed at part-time workers.

The five new payment bands for the Pandemic Unemployment Payment are:

Weekly Earnings (Gross)	Rate from 7 Dec 2021
€400+	€350
€300-€399	€300
€200-€299	€250
€151.50- €200	€203
Less than €151.50	€150

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