Storm Barra: Over 1,200 homes without power in Galway

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December 7, 2021

New rules have been announced for the Christmas Market Beer Tent in Galway City to get in line with the COVID-19 restrictions.

The operators of the Beer Tent have said that from Wednesday, the sittings pre-booked evening sittings have changed, and capacity has been reduced.

The government announced new public health restrictions last Friday, ordering bars and restaurants roughly back to where they were before October 22.

Starting from December 8, the Beer Tent will have two main evening sittings, from 5pm to 7:45pm and from 8pm to closing time.

Tables will be limited to 6 people, and multiple books will not be accepted for those times. Tickets are €5 per person, and will be available at roisindubh.net.

Before the evening time, the Beer Tent will be open from 12 noon each day, until being cleared at 4:30pm for the later sittings.

“It’s not ideal and it’s not what we want to do, but we must follow the guidelines,” a statement from the operators said.

“All ticket holders will need COVID certs and physical photo ID to gain entry. If tickets aren’t sold out for the evening sittings, we will take walk-ins at the door.”

The walk-in price will be the same €5 per person charge as for booking ahead.

Anyone who had previously bought tickets for the different sitting times will be contacted directly with their new time slot.

Refunds will be available to any ticket holder who cannot make it due to the capacity changes.

Connacht Rugby confirms two forwards renewing contracts

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December 7, 2021

Galway Daily sport Connacht Rugby confirms two forwards renewing contracts

Connacht Rugby have announced that two more players, Jack Aungier and Oisin Dowling have renewed their contracts with the club.

Both Aungier and Dowling came to Connacht Rugby in the summer of 2020, the latter coming over from Leinster, where he had made his senior debut the year before.

Since then Dowling has made twelve appearances for the province, and is also a former Ireland U20 international.

Tighthead prop Aungier is also a former Leinster and U20 Irish international player, and has made 20 appearances for Connacht.

“Both Jack and Oisin are key individuals in our long-term planning, so their re-signings are hugely important and significant for us as a team,” said Head Coach Andy Friend.

“Their respective games have improved since their arrival at Connacht, and they have shown that they have what it takes to play at highest level.”

“I’m delighted they have agreed to stay at Connacht. Our retention and recruitment is ongoing so we hope to share further news in the weeks ahead.”

Green light for Tuam Rugby Club upgrades

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December 7, 2021

Tuam Rugby Club has been granted planning permission for upgrade works to the clubhouse and grounds.

The county council has approved plans for a single storey extension to the clubhouse at Carrownagarraun, Tuam.

This will provide the Rugby Club with new changing rooms, toilets, a kitchen, and a general assembly room for club meetings and events.

Also involved in the project is upgrades to 668m of pathways around their pitches, and the addition of a further 300m to the same.

To go along with this, the club also intends to install pedestrian lighting along the new and existing pathways.

Founded in 1970, Tuam RFC has its club clubhouse and grounds on the Dublin Road at the eastern outskirts of the town.

Planning permission was granted by the county council with seven standard conditions attached.

Details announced for reopened Pandemic Unemployment scheme

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December 7, 2021

Galway Daily news Details announced for reopened Pandemic Unemployment scheme

The Department of Social Protection has outlined details of the reopening of the pandemic unemployment scheme following the latest restrictions.

The government has announced that the PUP scheme is being reopened for those who have lost their jobs as a result of last week’s announcement of new COVID-19 restrictions.

The scheme had been closed to new applicants since last July 8, as it was to wind down with the reopening of the country.

Last Friday the government announced public health restrictions which will be in place from December 7, through Christmas and the New Year, to January 9.

Bars and restaurants must ensure social distancing, no mingling, and just table service, as things were before October 22, though closing times remain at midnight.

Nightclubs must be closed altogether for this period, after only being allowed to reopen a few weeks before.

Entertainment, cultural, community and sporting events must also be fully seated, and operate at no more than 50% capacity.

Minister Heather Humphreys said that there will be five bands of payment for the PUP, which will open to applicants on December 7.

These include a new band of €150 a week, for people who earned less than €151.50 previously. The new band is meant to better reflect the earnings of part-time workers

“As the Government has introduced new restrictions to curb the spread of Covid-19, I am re-opening PUP for a limited period to support those people who directly lose their employment as a consequence of these new restrictions.”

“This is not where any of us wanted to be, however, reopening PUP for those directly impacted will provide vital support during these difficult times.”

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

Storm Barra: Businesses warned to secure outdoor dining gear

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December 7, 2021

Galway Daily news Pedestrianising of city streets

Hospitality businesses in the north of Galway are being advised to ensure their outdoor dining infrastructure is secure from Storm Barra.

Galway County Council has advised businesses in the Tuam Municipal District to move tables, chairs, marques, awnings etc inside where possible.

If it is not possible, they and any Christmas decorations need to be strongly secured for the next two days.

Galway is under a Status Orange Wind Warning until 6am on Wednesday morning.

During Storm Barra the county can expect sustained winds of 80km/hr, and gusts of up to 130km/hr, with localised stronger winds likely.

Met Eireann and Gardaí have advised people to be wary of flying debris and fallen trees if out driving today, though all unessential travel should be avoided.

Gardaí said that the R347 between Tuam and Athenry has been closed today due to a fallen tree.

Storm Barra: Almost 500 homes without power in Carraroe

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December 7, 2021

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

Almost 500 homes and businesses in the Carraroe area are without power this morning due to Storm Barra damage.

A power outage first reported shortly after 7am this morning is currently affecting 473 properties in Carraroe.

The ESB has given an estimated time of 1:15pm for power to be restored to the area.

More than 30,000 properties around the country as Barra hit the south coast of Ireland first.

Further power outages are expected throughout the day and strong winds can down power lines, or uproot trees which also destroy lines.

Gardaí have advised the public to stay away from any fallen power lines, and assume that they are live.

If you see fallen or damaged wires, keep clear and phone ESB Networks immediately on 1800 372 999 or 021 238 2410.

Storm Barra: High tide passes without flooding in the city

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December 7, 2021

Galway Daily news Storm Barra: High tide passes without flooding in the city — Flood barrier at the Spanish Arch

Schools across Galway are closed today, along with colleges and universities, as Storm Barra is set to bring damaging winds throughout the day.

Galway is under a Status Orange weather warning today for winds gusting up to 130km/hr as Storm Barra does the most damage in the south and west.

Both GMIT and NUI Galway have closed their campuses today, with GMIT saying that all online and remote learning activities are going ahead as planned.

NUIG said that exams scheduled for today will instead take place this Saturday, December 11.

⚠️ Exams: In-person exams scheduled for 9.30am & 4.30pm Tues, 7th Dec in Galway will be rescheduled to 9.30am & 4.30 on Sat 11 December. Scheduled online exams for tomorrow (7th Dec) will go ahead as planned. #nuigalway
More details on #stormbarra at https://t.co/6OjsFCqR7M…

— NUI Galway (@nuigalway) December 6, 2021

Schools across Galway are also closed today, with the Department advising that any schools in a Red or Orange alert should remain shut.

Galway City Council said that there was no flooding at the Spanish Arch or the Docks at high-tide this morning, and currently there is no overtopping on the Prom.

Road closures in Salthill were removed at 8am this morning, but “all measures” will be reinstated again this evening for high tide.

Gardaí have said that people in areas under Red and Orange warnings should avoid all unnecessary travel today, as road conditions will be extremely hazardous.

The Irish Coast Guard have also advised that people should avoid all coastal areas today.

The worst of the winds in Galway are expected later today, after Storm Barra makes landfall here.

Census Enumerator jobs still available in Galway

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December 7, 2021

galway daily news census enumerator jobs in galway

The Central Statistics Office (CSO) has extended the deadline for applications for Census Enumerators until 10 December.

Those interested in the 283 part time positions in Galway are urged to apply without delay on census.ie.

The positions will take place over a ten week period from 28 February to 6 May 2022 and enumerators can earn up to €3,200 while also having the flexibility to choose their own hours.

The CSO is urging anyone available for part time work next spring to consider applying for one of these rewarding and enjoyable positions.

Eileen Murphy, Head of Census Administration, said that given the strong levels of interest and the requirement to ensure there is adequate representation in every corner of the country, the deadline has been extended by a week.

“This should provide anyone interested in applying with ample time to do so. We are particularly interested in receiving applications from anyone living in Cork, Dublin, Limerick and Waterford cities as well as parts of Donegal, Roscommon and Tipperary,” she said.

“The job of Census Enumerator is highly flexible, requiring approximately 22 hours per week, but with the ability to largely choose those hours. It can be a rewarding position and is an ideal option for people looking for temporary part time work.

“By becoming involved you will be directly helping the people of your local community by ensuring your community’s needs are accounted for in future policy decisions.

“Census needs public support, so if you are available for part time work next spring, please consider applying for an enumerator position today.”

Applications can be made online at www.census.ie until the new deadline of 3pm on 10 December.

COVID-19: 2,950 new cases reported today

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December 6, 2021

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

The Department of Health has reported 2,950 new cases of COVID-19 today.

As of 8am today, 536 people with COVID-19 are hospitalised nationally, of whom 110 are in intensive care units.

Health officials have said that daily case numbers may change due to future data validation.

Storm Barra: City Council closing roads & car parks, dispensing sandbags

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December 6, 2021

Galway daily news Galway Daily news Status Orange weather warning issued for Storm Isha

Galway City Council is ordering road and car park closures, and dispensing sandbags, to prepare for the arrival of Storm Barra tomorrow.

Galway will be under an Orange wind warning for Storm Barra from 6am Tuesday morning, with gusts of up to 130km/hr expected, stronger on the coasts.

A status yellow weather warning for rain will also be in effect from 2am to 6pm Tuesday, as Barra is also expected to bring heavy rainfall.

Combined with storm force winds and high tides, this is expected to pose a severe risk of damaging coastal flooding.

Galway City Council’s Inter-Agency Co-Ordination Group met multiple times today, and is undertaking precautionary measures to protect people and property from Storm Barra as much as is possible.

Council staff have been carrying out drainage maintenance across the city ahead of the storm to reduce the risk of flooding from blocked drains and gullies.

A number of roads and beaches along the coast in the city will be closed either from tonight, or Tuesday morning, with the possibility of more to follow.

Sliverstrand Beach will be closed from 6pm on Monday evening. From midnight tonight Ballyloughane Beach and the Salthill Promenade will also be closed.

Rosshill Road will be closed from 5am on Tuesday morning, and road along the Claddagh, Docks and Spanish Arch may also be closed from tomorrow morning as needed.

Toft Car Park and Salthill Car Park are both being closed, and all vehicle owners must move their cars from there, and along the promenade.

Concerned home and business owners may also collect sandbags from the Salthill Tourist Kiosk, Claddagh Hall, the fire station on Fr Burke Road, Spanish Arch, and the Docks on St Nicholas Street.

The flood protection barrier has also been erected at the Spanish Arch to protect against any overtopping and storm surge.

The City Council has also said that it is working to ensure that emergency accommodation is provided for rough sleepers at locations including The Glen Oaks, Fairgreen & Osterley Lodge

“Business owners and homeowners are advised to check their own drains and secure any loose objects within their property in advance of the warning taking effect.”

“Galway City Council advises remaining indoors during the period of the warning and, as always, to avoid coastal areas. Parks and other wooded areas should also be avoided, due to the danger of falling trees.”

“If absolutely essential to travel, please exercise extreme caution out & about especially on coastal roads and exposed shores.”

Council staff will also be on standby for the cleanup from Storm Barra as soon as it is deemed safe to do so. With the prospect of fallen trees on roads and other issues, this may cause traffic disruptions on Wednesday morning.

The worst of the weather from Storm Barra is expected in the south and south west of Ireland, where Cork, Kerry, and Clare are all under Status Red warnings for violent stormy winds.

Storm Barra: Tuam parks closing due to risk of falling trees

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December 6, 2021

Galway Daily news Storm Barra: Tuam parks closing due to risk of falling trees — Palace Fields, Tuam won the Green Flag for the first time in 2021.

Galway County Council has announced that two parks in Tuam are closing from this evening due to Storm Barra.

Knockma Park and Palace Grounds in Tuam will close this evening, and remain shut until the storm passes.

This is due to the possibility of falling trees from high winds, and the danger they could pose to people nearby.

“Members of the public are advised not to visit either park until safe to do so,” the county council said on facebook.

Galway will be under a Status Orange wind warning from 6am on Tuesday until 6am Wednesday, as Storm Barra is set to batter all of Ireland.

Met Eireann have warned that there is a significant risk of downed trees due to high winds, which always pose a risk to motorists, and can cause power outages.

Galway-based artist features in new TG4 series

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December 6, 2021

Galway City based visual artist Shane O’Malley is featured in a new series of short films depicting the artistic process of some of Ireland’s hidden creatives.

The Samhlú Croí Cruthaitheach films are produced by Galway based Heavy Man Films and are available on the TG4 player.

Shane’s work explores colour, forms and symbols through painting. It is a meeting point of a studio practice and mural art painted in public spaces.

Shane, who is originally from Meath, began painting graffiti in 2001 drawn to the act of writing his name, which was creative in one way while destructive in another.

Drawing and painting created the habit of processing through the act of making. Shane’s artwork has explored personal themes that developed into bodies of work – ‘Madness vs Reality’ (2014), ‘Duality’ (2017) and ‘Order and Chaos’ (2018).

Through the work, Shane explored the balance and tension in contrasting colours, the order found in complementary colours and harmonious tints.

Shane is drawn to both the meditative slow process of painting with a brush in the studio and the faster act of spray painting and making art in public spaces.

He has painted graffiti and murals around Ireland and Europe. His artwork is now held in private collections in Ireland, the UK, Norway and the US.

BBC journalist appointed honorary professor of international journalism by NUIG

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December 6, 2021

BBC correspondent Orla Guerin has been appointed Honorary Professor of International Journalism by NUI Galway.

Ms Guerin will take up her appointment in January 2022 while continuing her work with the BBC.

As part of her new honorary role, the award-winning correspondent will mentor students on the MA International Journalism and Human Rights programme at NUI Galway, focusing on foreign news reporting and television journalism.

“Now more than ever we need trusted sources of news and we need impartial eye-witness reporting,” said Ms Guerin.

“That’s why people turn to public service broadcasters like the BBC. I am happy to join with NUI Galway, which is preparing the next generation of journalists who will take on that responsibility.”

Tom Felle, Head of the Discipline of Journalism and Communication at NUI Galway, said that Ms Guerin would bring a wealth of international experience with her when lecturing.

“We are absolutely delighted that Orla has agreed to join our faculty as an Honorary Professor. NUI Galway has a long tradition of training journalists who have gone on to report for news organisations worldwide, and we have a strong human rights ethos,” said Tom Felle.

“Students will now be able to learn from one of the world’s foremost foreign correspondents, who will bring an unrivalled richness of knowledge into the classroom.”

Orla Guerin is the BBC’s International Correspondent, based in Istanbul, Turkey. She is one of the world’s foremost journalists and foreign correspondents and the holder of eight honorary degrees and doctorates, including one awarded by NUI Galway in 2019.

Ms Guerin was awarded an honorary MBE for services to broadcasting in 2005, and has won major broadcasting awards in the UK, USA, France, Italy and the USA.

She was recently awarded the prestigious Bayeux War Correspondents’ Television Prize for the second time. She won the Royal Television Society Journalist of the year award in 2018.

The honorary appointment runs for four years, beginning on 1 January 2022. It is not remunerated.

NUI Galway runs undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in journalism and global media, including the new MA International Journalism and Human Rights, where students can take modules from NUI Galway’s Irish Centre for Human Rights, in addition to studying journalism.

The students benefit from learning about the significant global challenges facing humanity including war and conflict, climate action and humanitarian issues such as migration.

NUI Galway’s journalism faculty are international experts on media and democracy issues, with Head of Discipline Tom Felle currently working with the UN migration agency, IOM, on a global project to tackle disinformation on migration as well as the development of a pilot curriculum for teaching digital literacy and migration studies in journalism schools in a number of developing countries.

Galway schools awarded €3 million for digital infrastructure

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December 6, 2021

Galway Daily news Galway schools awarded €3 million for digital infrastructure

Schools in Galway have been awarded just under €3 million in grant funding to bridge the gap in digital infrastructure.

The funding announced by Minister Norma Foley today is aimed at improving the information and computer technology quality at schools where students would otherwise be at an educational disadvantage.

The Department of Education has approved €50 million in grants for this purpose under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP).

In Galway €1,997,662 has been awarded to 230 primary schools, with another €939,651 in grants for 46 secondary level institutes.

Minister Norma Foley said that all young people must be prepared to “learn, work and live” in a digital world.

“School communities made incredible strides in digital teaching and learning during the pandemic. An enormous effort was made by teachers and students, and a huge amount has been learned.”

“We know also that for some students a lack of infrastructure impeded their ability to engage with remote learning. This digital divide will also impact their capacity to engage fully with digital technology and development of digital skills.”

Under the project being announced today, funding will be paid directly to all recognised primary and post-primary schools in the free education scheme.

As this programme is meant to address the digital divide putting many students at a disadvantage, Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools (DEIS) programme schools will receive twice the funding of non-DEIS.

This grant programme is meant to work in tandem with the implementation of the National Broadband Plan, which aims to deliver high speed connections to all primary schools by 2023.

The amount of grant funding is based on enrollment, with €10,000-€74,519 for DEIS primary schools, and €5,000-€37,360 for non-DEIS institutes.

At the secondary level, €16,000-€74,519 is available to those in the DEIS programme, and €8,000-€37,260 for those that aren’t.

Storm Barra: City Council weather response team planning for impact

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December 6, 2021

Galway Daily weather Storm Barra: City Council weather response team planning for impact

Preparations and planning have been taking place in Galway City for Storm Barra, with meetings of the council’s Weather Response Team today.

Met Eireann has issued a severe Status Orange weather warning for Galway on Tuesday, as Storm Barra is set to hammer the west and south in particular.

The OPW storm surge forecast for Galway Bay indicates that there will be a strong risk of overtopping, flooding, and water damage during Tuesday.

The high winds also bring with a strong risk of downed trees and flying debris, posing a risk to motorists and power lines, with outages expected as a result.

Met Eireann’s Orange wind alert states “On Tuesday and Tuesday night, due to Storm Barra, southerly winds, later becoming to northwesterly, will reach mean speeds of 65 to 80 km/hr with severe or damaging gusts of up to 130 Km/hr, possibly higher in coastal areas. Disruption to power and travel are likely.”

“High waves, high tides, heavy rain and storm surge will lead to wave overtopping and a significant possibility of coastal flooding”.

The Inter-Agency Co-ordination group of the council and emergency agencies services on Monday morning under the city’s severe weather plan.

The group, which comprises Galway City Council, An Garda Síochána, Galway Fire and Rescue Service, Galway Civil Defence and the HSE will meet again this afternoon.

This will follow a further meeting of the National Emergency Co-ordination Centre at 2:30pm.

Public notification of all contingency arrangements for Storm Barra will be outlined in detail by the council this afternoon.

This will include arrangements for the deployment and collection of sandbags, potential road closures, car park closures, public advisories, and other relevant information.

A Status Red Marine Warning has also been issued for coastal waters off Galway and much of the south of Ireland.

During Tuesday winds are expected to reach violent storm force 11 from Roche’s Point to Valentia to Erris Head.

Water outages in Ballinasloe after serious mains burst

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December 6, 2021

Galway Daily news Water outages expected in Loughrea tomorrow

Large numbers of homes in Ballinasloe are experiencing water outages today due to a major burst mains in town.

Irish Water reported a burst water mains on the north side of Ballinasloe around 11:15am this morning.

This is causing water outages to Creagh, Glentaun, Hawthorn, Ballinasloe and surrounding areas today.

Repairs works are underway, and are currently expected to be completed by 6pm on Monday.

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

Outages are also expected in north Galway until 4pm this afternoon due to a power outage.

A planned power outage by the ESB will disrupt water to homes and businesses on the Ballymoe Public Water Supply.

Galway’s famed fishmongers get canned!

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December 6, 2021

Galway Daily food Galway's famed fishmongers get canned!

Shopping has gone through a digital revolution in the past two years, with more businesses turning online to bring customers fresh food.

One of Ireland’s busiest fishmongers is moving beyond offering customers the fresh catch of the day, to bringing them greater variety of unique flavours from around the world.

Stefan Griesbach, the founder and proprietor of Galway’ Gannet Fishmongers, and business partner Vincent Corrigan have launched Fishtins.com, an online tinned fish shop introducing Ireland to a growing selection of some of the oldest traditional and world most famous canneries.

These include the names such as the Pointe de Penmarch (1920) in Brittany, Pollastrini (1889) in Italy, Olasagasti and Agromar in Cantabria Spain, Conservas Norte in Portugal, La Brujula from Galicia, or El Capricho.

Parisian born Stefan, who has over 30 years seafood experience, and Long Island born ex chef and sea angler Corrigan have already worked together on Eat More Fish, an online delivery service bringing Gannet’s fresh catch to thousands of doorsteps.

Long hours, hard work and empty stomachs, they began rooting and looting their own store for healthy lunch options and eating the few fish tins selection.

“As lockdown went on, we began craving more variety and started trawling the internet for alternative fish tins,” explains Stefan

“So many species, flavours, producers… and unique designs… We wanted them all, and our tins collection started growing bigger and bigger.”

Fish canning started 150 years ago to preserve perishable foods, long before the introduction of artificial flavourings, food preservatives, and wasteful packaging.

Like good Wine, quality fish tins get even tastier as they age. Fish tins are packed with Proteins, essential oils and other nutrients so offer a really simple and tasty way to eat more healthily.

“Frigate Tuna, Skipjack Tuna, Albacore tuna, Blue fin, Bigeye or Yellowfin Tuna … Not every Tuna tastes the same,” says Vincent.

“Some of our everyday Tuna tins are perfect for a quick pescatarian office lunch, but others are so exceptional they deserve to be opened as a special moment. Wait till you taste some of our Cantabrian anchovies or pickled Galician mussels” adds Stefan.

COVID-19: Just three patients in the ICU in Galway

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December 6, 2021

There are just three COVID-19 patients hospitalised in Galway who are being treated in the intensive care unit.

As of Sunday evening there were two cases in the ICU at University Hospital Galway, and one at Portiuncula Hospital.

The two hospitals are dealing with 25 COVID patients in total, 20 at UHG and five at Portiuncula.

This is half the number of cases that were hospitalised in Ballinasloe a week previous, and two fewer in Galway.

Nationwide there were 518 people hospitalised with the virus on Sunday night, of whom 110 are being treated in the ICU.

Council rejects off-licence plans for student accommodation

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December 6, 2021