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CREW co-working hub will support 180 creative industries entrepreneurs

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news CREW co-working hub will support 180 creative industries entrepreneurs

Up to 180 entrepreneurs and startup companies working in tech focused creative industries in the west will benefit from a new co-working hub being built to support the sector’s development.

Creative Enterprise West (CREW) has secured planning permission for a state-of-the-art Innovation Hub for the creative industries sectors in Galway City.

The stylish hub designed by Cronin Architects in Kinvara will be located on the grounds of GMIT’s Cluain Mhuire campus, and is expected to open in 2023.

In addition it is designed as a hub and event space which will cater for training, networking and business events which will bring together start-ups, the creative enterprise sector, students, academics and  the local community.

The overall aim is to foster creative industry business growth, job creation along with core development, enhancement, and investment in the sector.

Niamh Costello, Chief Executive of CREW said, “Investment in innovation is critical to ensure the future competitiveness of the Creative Industries sector in the West of Ireland.

“The region already has a cluster of Creative Technology and Digital entrepreneurs. CREW will bring those companies closer together to create an enterprise culture that encourages entrepreneurs to create new companies that will either become world players themselves or form the basis for expansion of existing companies.”

She added that the hub will provide an “important collaboration space” for entrepreneurs, researchers, and startups, where they can work together on new ideas and develop opportunities in the region.

CREW is a not for profit company established by GMIT, The Western Development Commission and Galway Film Centre to develop and support the creative industries sectors along the Atlantic Economic Corridor.

This can include television, film, animation, game development, digital design, and many more creative enterprises with a digital and tech heavy element to them.

The planning permission granted by Galway City Council for this co-working hub is a milestone end to the non-profit’s first year of operations.

Construction on the co-working innovation hub is expected to commence in Q2 of next year, with an eye towards being fully operational in the summer of 2023.

Storm Barra: Almost 1,000 homes in Galway without power

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Storm Isha: Over 6,000 properties without power in Galway this morning

Just under a thousand homes in Galway remain without electricity this morning due to the effects of Storm Barra.

The ESB is currently dealing with approximately ten outages affecting 975 properties across the county.

In Clifden there are three outages affecting the electricity to 227 properties, some of which are expected to be restored by noon, but the largest fault has an estimated repair time of 8:30pm.

There are 13 homes without power in Cong, and another 55 in the Recess area.

In Oughterard a fault is causing power outages to 222 homes and businesses, which are expected to see their electricity restored by 9pm.

An outage affecting 156 properties in Cloon is expected to be repaired before 10pm on Wednesday night.

And three separate outages in Tuam North have resulted in 302 properties losing electricity.

These are expected to be repaired between 5pm and 10pm this evening.

Galway and the rest of Ireland remains under a Yellow wind and rain weather warning for Storm Barra until 6pm this evening.

The ESB has said that there were approximately 59,000 properties across the country which were still without power this morning.

The worst affected counties were those on the western and northwestern seaboard of Ireland.

“With winds abating in most parts of the country, ESB Networks crews are mobilising in the impacted areas to commence the network repair,” a statement from the ESB said.

“While poor weather conditions may hamper repair in some areas, ESB Networks will be doing everything it can to restore power to the majority of these customers by the end of today.”

“However, some customers may be potentially without power into tomorrow Thursday. It is very important that any impacted customers who use electrically powered medical devices contact their healthcare professional to make alternative arrangements if necessary.”

Storm Barra: Yellow wind and rain weather warning today

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily weather Weather warning for heavy rain in Galway tonight

The worst of Storm Barra passed last night, but Galway remained under a yellow weather warning until this evening as effects linger.

A Yellow warning for wind and rain across all of Ireland will remain in place until 6pm on Wednesday evening.

Met Eireann cautions that Storm Barra will continue to bring winds of 50-65km/hr throughout the day.

Gusts will reach up to 110km/hr today, with a likelihood of stronger localised winds.

Heavy rain will also bring risks of surface flooding and, due to a combination of high waves, storm surge and high tide, coastal flooding is expected. Disruption to power and travel are likely.

Galway is dealing with many fallen trees and other debris on the roads this morning, as well as ongoing power outages across the county, and the country.

An Orange storm warning for western coastal waters is also in effect, with winds reaching storm force 10 during Wednesday.

This expires at 4pm this afternoon, after which a yellow gale warning forecasts gale force 8 to strong gale force 9 winds on Wednesday evening and early night, on all Irish coastal waters and on the Irish Sea.

Preferred route selected for Galway-Athlone Cycleway

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Galway to Athlone cycleway route chosen

A preferred route corridor has finally been selected for the long discussed Galway to Athlone Cycleway.

The chosen route, Red Route 5 among the five option, put forward skirts the edges of Galway Bay, starting from the city and travelling through Oranmore and south, before turning east, and then back north towards Athlone.

The cycleway would visit Ballyloughane Beach, Oranmore, Rinville, Clarinbridge, Kilcolgan, Kinvara, Coole Park, Gort, Woodford, Portumna, Meelick, Clonfert, Ballinasloe, and Athlone.

The cycleway follows a single path for most of the route, but splits near Shannonbridge to hit Ballinasloe and Athlone.

County Councillor Dr Evelyn Francis Parson said that it is “hugely positive” that the route includes a 16-18km spur into Ballinasloe harbour.

This will be a “transformational tourism signature product” linking Ballinasloe to Shannonbridge and the National Cycleway she added.

“Congratulations to the communities on the selected corridor and it is hoped they can spread the benefits equitably throughout the county.

“While there is still much work to be carried out on final route within the red corridor, the code of practice remarkably remains outstanding and it must be expedited to allay landowner concerns and ensure fairness, and to facilitate links and loops to other towns and villages throughout the communities who want it.”

“There are certain winners in this but I’m also very sensitive there are sorely disappointed communities throughout the east of the county with lots to offer by way of tourism, culture and services.”

City Councillor Owen Hanley said that it is a great day for the people who have campaigned for this, and that it is “only the beginning” of greenway infrastructure in Galway.

“No doubt we will see all that energy again to ensure towns that missed out this time like Athenry and Loughrea are added to the route for recreation, commuting and tourism”

Another public consultation will now run on the preferred route corridor from December 8 until January 31.

Water outages expected in Craughwell and Kinvara today

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Latest EPA report shows one Galway public water supply deemed "at-risk"

Water outages are expected in Kinvara and Craughwell today due to different maintenance and repair works taking place.

In Kinvara, Irish Water is carrying out repair works to the water mains network at The Quays.

These works are scheduled to last from 9am to 3pm on Wednesday afternoon.

Irish Water is also carrying out maintenance works at Seefin Reservoir from 9am to 3pm today.

This reservoir interruption may result in reduced pressure or water outages in Seefin and Craughwell.

In both instances, people affected by these works are advised that it may take 2-3 hours after they are completed before people see their full water supply restored.

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

Man in his 70s killed in crash near Gort

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news missing teen found safe

A man in his 70s was killed in a crash near Gort earlier today on the N18, and Gardai remain at the scene this evening.

The two vehicle collision happened at approximately 3:35pm on Wednesday afternoon, on the N18 road at Kiltartan.

The driver and sole occupant of one of the vehicles, a man in his 70s, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.

His body was taken to University Hospital Galway where a post-mortem examination will be conducted at a later date.

The driver and sole occupant of the other vehicle involved, a man in his 30s, was taken to hospital for treatment.

Gardaí said that his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

The road is currently closed and will be closed overnight, so that a Forensic Examination can be carried out. Local diversions are in place.

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to contact them. Any road users who may have camera footage and were travelling in the area at the time are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Loughrea Garda Station on 091 842870, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

An Bord Pleanála green lights Galway City Ring Road

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news "Irrational" to build roads in climate crisis says group challenging Ring Road

An Bord Pleanála has given the green light for the Galway City Ring Road, after many delays to the project.

The 18km dual carriageway bypass of Galway City will connect the M6 near the Coolagh Roundabout with Barna.

The €600 project will involve building a new bridge over the Corrib, as well as multiple tunnel sections.

There have been multiple delays by An Bord Pleanála in delivering a decision on the ring road since oral hearings were interrupted by the pandemic last year.

There are 54 homes which are to be completely CPO’d to make way for the new road.

Planning permission for the bypass was granted by An Bord Pleanála with six conditions attached.

Storm Barra: Galway schools and colleges advised to remain closed Wednesday

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Planning extension grant for Craughwell National School expansion

Update: All GMIT campuses will also be closed again on Wednesday, though online activities and remote working will continue.

Schools were shut across Galway today in response to the damage of Storm Barra, and they are being advised to stay closed tomorrow.

The Department of Education is advising that schools in a red or orange weather alert zone on Wednesday should remain shut.

This will allow for assessment of the impact of Storm Barra to take place.

This advice applies to Galway, Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Cork, Kerry, Clare, Waterford, Limerick, Mayo, and Wexford.

Schools not in a red or orange alert zone may reopen, as long as there has been an opportunity to check for fallen wires and other serious damage in the vicinity of school buildings.

Where there are particular local issues affecting a school not in a high risk zone, the Board of Management may make a decision to remain closed for tomorrow.

COVID-19: 5,590 cases reported today

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

There have been a further 5,590 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported by the Department of Health today.

As of this morning there were 505 people in the country hospitalised with the virus, of whom 117 have been admitted to the ICU.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said “The current high incidence of COVID-19 that Ireland is experiencing is driven by the Delta variant, which, coupled with the presence of the Omicron variant, means that the trajectory of the disease remains uncertain.”

“Booster vaccinations have been shown to produce very strong antibody responses and are likely to provide protection against severe disease, hospitalisation and death from most variants”.

This is true of both the Delta and Omicron variants “at least in the short term” Dr Holohan said.

“In the over 75 age group, where people have been taking up the offer of a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine in high numbers, we are seeing significant reductions in the incidence of disease.”

The CMO urged people not to wait until after Christmas to get their booster vaccine, as the benefits “far outweigh” any potential risks in the meantime.

“You will begin to receive the benefit of your booster protecting with seven days of receiving your third dose.”

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

“As such, is it vital that all of us prioritise our booster appointments as soon as we receive them or make the time to attend a walk-in vaccination clinic if that option is available.”

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

Road closed following Gort traffic collision

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Briain Kelly
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Galway daily news

Gardaí are attending the scene of a road traffic collision near Gort this afternoon.

The two vehicle collision occurred on the road between Gort and Adrahan.

The road is currently closed in both directions as a result, and traffic is being diverted onto the motorway.

Motorists are advised to expect delays if travelling in the area.

No further information is available about this incident at this time.

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

By
Briain Kelly
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galway daily news Over 1,000 Galway homes without electricity as Storm Jocelyn approaches

More than 1,200 properties in Galway are experiencing power outages this afternoon due to the effects of Storm Barra.

The lions share of these are in the Clifden area, where a fault that occurred shortly after 4pm is affecting the electricity to 1,053 properties.

This outage is currently expected to be repaired by 10:15pm on Tuesday night.

Another fault in Screeb has resulted in power outages to 182 homes and businesses, which also has an estimated repair time of 10pm.

Of the large outage in Carraroe affecting almost 500 properties this morning, just 19 remain without electricity now.

Galway is under a Status Orange wind warning for Storm Barra until 6am on Wednesday morning.

While the county escaped the worst of the damage this morning, there is a possibility of renewed strong winds battering the coast in the evening.

New rules for Christmas Market Beer Tent with COVID restrictions

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Beer Tent rules

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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Briain Kelly
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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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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily sport

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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Briain Kelly
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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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Briain Kelly
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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

By
Briain Kelly
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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

By
Briain Kelly
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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.

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

By
Michael Malone
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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

By
Michael Malone
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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.

 

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