Govt must fast-track legislation to allow for CCTV to deal with illegal dumping

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November 23, 2021

Galway daily news sheep killed in serious animal attacks

Dog owners are being reminded to ensure their pets are kept under control after reported sheep attacks.

Galway County Council is emphasising that, under the Control of Dogs Act, it is the responsibility of their owners to ensure they are under control.

This comes after a “significant sheep kill” was reported by council wardens in the Ardrahan area recently.

“Attacks on sheep can result in significant economic losses to the farmer, for which the dog owner can be held liable under the Control of Dogs Act”.

“All dog owners are requested to be particularly vigilant and to ensure that their dog is never let out unsupervised, particularly at night, and is under control at all times.”

“If you witness an indicent of sheep worrying or damage to livestock in Galway County, please report it immediately to Galway County Council”.

Anyone who sees something to report is asked to call the council at 091-509510, email dogwardens@galwaycoco.ie or contact An Garda Síochána.

Multiple raids in operation targeting organised crime gang in Galway

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November 23, 2021

Galway Daily news missing teen found safe

More than 60 law enforcement personnel were involved in a series of raids today targeting an organised crime gang operating in Galway.

The operation by the Criminal Assets Bureau conducted a series of searches in Galway and Limerick on Tuesday morning, seizing cash, Rolexes, a car, and designer goods.

In the course of the operation six residential properties and one professional premises was searched.

The CAB led operation was supported by the Galway Divisional Drug Unit, Regional Armed Support Unit, The Garda Dog Unit and the Customs Dog Unit.

The search operation targeted an organised crime group involved in the sale and supply of controlled drugs in the Galway region.

1 of 3

The investigation began after a profiler attached to the Galway Divisional Drugs Unit referred to the Criminal Assets Bureau

Gardaí say that to date, this investigation has resulted in the seizure of €18,680 in cash, two Rolex watches and €66,000 in funds restrained in a bank account.

Additional assets seized in the course of searches carried out this morning include:

• €22,000 cash.
• £4,450 Sterling.
• 191 Audi A6
• Assorted designer goods.
• €17,000 identified and restrained in accounts.

Public reminded of Roscommon Injury Unit this winter

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November 23, 2021

Roscommon University Hospital has reminded people that their Injury Unit is open from 8am to 8pm, every day of the year to treat a wide range of injuries which are non-life or non-limb threatening.

The Injury Unit is staffed by Doctors, Advanced Nurse Practitioners and Nurses, and is an alternative to visiting an emergency department.

Maggie Mew, Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Roscommon Injury Unit said that every year and particularly during the winter months, emergency departments see vast numbers of patients who could be treated more appropriately somewhere else.

“Here at Roscommon Injury Unit we are able to see, diagnose and treat a wide range of injuries for both adults and children over the age of five,” said Maggie Mew.

“You do not need to make an appointment, we have a walk-in service and the team is experienced in treating people quickly and efficiently.”

The unit treats injuries from shoulder to finger and from knee to toe including non-life or non-limb threatening injuries like broken bones, fractures, scalds, minor burns, traumatic wounds, sports injuries such as hand and ankle injuries, removal of foreign bodies from the eye, ear and nose.

“The injury unit provides quick access to tests and x-rays and should you require a referral to specialist care, we will arrange all that for you,” she said.

“This winter if you need treatment for a minor injury, come to Roscommon Injury Unit and by doing so, you will get the care and treatment you need, you will avoid long wait times and more importantly by coming to us for your care, you are allowing emergency department staff to concentrate on patients who have serious and life-threatening conditions.

“Last year more than 6,700 people attended the Roscommon Injury Unit and this year we have had 7,800 people attending to date.

“You don’t have to be from Roscommon to attend our injury unit. We see patients from Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim, Offaly, Galway and Westmeath.

“If you are looking for advice on your injury and want to know if you should attend the Roscommon Injury Unit, please do call us on 090 663 2212.”

People eligible urged to attend booster shots appointments

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November 23, 2021

galway daily news Spring vaccination campaign

People in Galway City eligible for a COVID-19 booster shots are being urged to get jabbed amid reports of many ghosted appointments.

HSE Chief Executive highlighted at a briefing last week that up to 50% of people called for a vaccine booster shot were not attending their appointments.

City Councillor Alan Cheevers said that it is extremely important that people come forward for their booster shots.

The large rise in cases in recent weeks across the country makes it important to have as much protection from the virus as possible, he added.

There have been just under 513,000 additional doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland up to last Sunday.

This includes 67,000 people who are immunocompromised, and therefore at greatest risk from the virus.

Booster shots are currently available for people over 50, healthcare workers, and those with an underlying condition.

Lidl has plans for Westside store rejected a second time

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November 23, 2021

Galway Daily news Green light for new Lidl supermarket in Moycullen

Planning permission has been refused once again for a new Lidl supermarket in the Westside area of Galway City.

Galway City Council said that the supermarket proposal would go against the specific Commercial-Industrial zoning objective for “bulky goods retailing and local retail needs” on this land.

Granting planning permission would therefore be “contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development” of the area, the council said.

Lidl planned to demolish the former Arch Motors dealership on the Seamus Quirke Road to make way for a single storey supermarket, with another retail unit attached.

The adjoining Monaghan’s Westside Shop and Filling Station was to be left intact, and a small portion of the former Arch Motors premises there would be converted to shop use.

Revisions were also be ma to the existing vehicle and pedestrian access points to the site, and to the right turn lane on the Seamus Quirke Road.

The City Council has previously approved plans for a Lidl supermarket here in June of 2020, but that decision was overturned by An Bord Pleanála last November, citing much the same zoning reasoning as the city council gives here.

The planning department of Galway City Council said that this fresh application is “almost identical” to the one reject by the Bord, and that “nothing has altered” in the development plan or specific zoning objectives since then.

“Therefore, this element of the rational and reason for refusal by ABP, while examined by the applicant, is not overcome as the development plan designations and policy have not altered and the refusal reason remains valid.”

Three submissions were made to the city council objecting to these plans by the HSE, the Retail Grocery Dairy & Allied Trades Association, and Tesco Ireland.

The HSE was concerned that the development might have a negative impact on the hospital helipad located behind the site, and the air ambulance services operating from there.

RGDATA said that it was concerned about the “proliferation” of convenience stores in suburban areas, which it said poses a threat to the “vitality and viability” of the city centre.

GMIT introduces anonymous reporting tool for violence and harassment

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November 23, 2021

Galway Daily news GMIT introduces anonymous reporting tool for violence and harassment

GMIT has introduced a new tool for its students to report bullying, harassment, violence, or discrimination with anonymity.

The ‘Speak Out’ tool, an online and anonymous reporting platform, has been introduced for staff and students at all GMIT campuses.

This gives people a confidential method of reporting incidents of bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, discrimination, hate crime, coercive behaviour/control, stalking, assault, sexual harassment, sexual assault and rape.

The data collected will be used to inform policy and targeted educational initiatives and provide users with support services relevant to their experience.

GMIT circulated ‘Speak Out’ to staff and students earlier this month following its launch by Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris in October.

Debbie Molloy, Student Services Manager and Mary Nestor, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager at the college said that this will help their community have a safe and secure space to speak out.

“Individuals can report one incident, or a series of related incidents at a time; this is to ensure a full understanding of the nature of the experience.”

“It is important to remember that as the tool is completely anonymous, GMIT cannot identify or make contact with any member of the college community.”

Details of the initiative are available on: https://gmit.speakout.ie/.

COVID-19: 5,634 new cases reported today

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November 22, 2021

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

A further 5,634 cases of COVID-19 have been reported by health officials in the Republic today.

As of 8am today, 684 people with COVID patients are hospitalised nationally, of whom 126 are in intensive care units.

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, said that incidence of COVID-19 is continuing to rise, and today, they are once again reporting a concerning number of confirmed cases.

“We know that every 1,000 cases of COVID-19 will lead to 20-25 people in hospital and between 2-3 people requiring critical care in ICU. We also know that, since June of this year, 1 in 4 people who had COVID-19 and required critical care in our hospitals have sadly passed away,” he said.

“This information is not easy to hear, but it is an important reminder of the serious risk that COVID-19 continues to pose to all of us.”

Dr Holohan said that we can change the trajectory of this disease by breaking the chains of transmission and the best way to do that is to continue to adhere to all the layers of the public health advice.

“We know that this will work, and we know that people are making many additional efforts to drive down incidence of disease in the community,” he said.

“Our latest data from Amárach is showing that almost 57% of people are reducing the number of people they plan to meet between now and Christmas and 45% have cancelled plans.

“We can also see that the level of compliance with the Digital COVID Cert has increased by almost 10% to 85%.

“None of this is easy, particularly at this time of year. However, the data above shows that people are making a concerted effort to reduce their risk. If we can keep this going, it will have a positive impact on disease transmission.”

Galway Simon Community issues urgent Christmas appeal

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November 22, 2021

galway daily news simon community — Galway Simon Community Christmas Campaign featuring 'Mike' (played by an actor)

Homelessness and housing charity Galway Simon Community has issued an urgent appeal ahead of Christmas asking people to support them in helping to prevent the trauma of homelessness for people in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon.

The effects of the pandemic have made the housing situation even worse and the charity says that more and more people across the West are finding themselves at risk of becoming homeless.

Galway Simon Community has supported 746 households so far this year, including 868 adults and 527 children and said their services are experiencing huge surges in demand.

The charity’s Homelessness Prevention Services in particular have seen a 35% increase in the number of people supported compared to the same period last year.

Galway Simon says that their services are being contacted by many people “who had never thought they would find themselves on the verge of becoming homeless.”

Two such people supported by their Homelessness Prevention Services this year were Evelyn and Mike who have shared their stories to raise awareness and funds this Christmas.

Evelyn, a woman in her late 50s, worked for many years as a carer and raised a family in Galway. Her relationship sadly ended and then she had job as a live-in carer, with accommodation provided, until her employer told her they were relocating.

Evelyn was suddenly faced with the very real prospect of having to move into emergency accommodation, living out of a suitcase in a hostel or B&B in Galway.

She reached out to Galway Simon Community for help and they quickly intervened, putting together an action plan to help Evelyn with securing affordable accommodation which prevented her from having to experience the trauma of emergency accommodation.

Mike was another person supported by the charity to avoid going into emergency accommodation. After the Covid pandemic hit, Mike was left with no work, like thousands of others across the country.

“I never imagined that I could end up homeless – it just wasn’t something that ever occurred to me. I’m strong and fit and I’ve worked hard all my life, so I think of myself as someone who doesn’t have to rely on anybody,” Mike said.

Mike was really struggling and at the same time, his sister was terminally ill and things began to unravel out of his control.

He says on top of having no job, he had no routine, was facing a sense of isolation, and then his mental and physical health started to suffer. It was at this point that he reached out to Galway Simon Community.

“They set me up in temporary accommodation which provided me with stability and meant I avoided the stress of having to go into emergency accommodation,” Mike added.

Karen Golden, CEO of Galway Simon Community says many others like Mike and Evelyn are in need of their support.

“Galway Simon Community still faces huge challenges in providing supports to the most vulnerable people in our community,” said Karen.

“The homelessness and housing crisis, which has been compounded by the Covid-19 pandemic, has had a devastating impact on many in our community.

“This has resulted in a huge increase in the number of people turning to Galway Simon for help. With many of our fundraising events being cancelled throughout the pandemic, our Christmas appeal is more important than ever to enable us to continue to provide our services to those who need our support.”

If you would like to help prevent the trauma of homelessness for people in our community this Christmas, please visit www.galwaysimon.ie or call 091 381828 to give a gift to Galway Simon Community today.

Connemara community “absolutely buzzing” that neighbour could be a Lotto millionaire

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November 22, 2021

Galway Daily news Galway family syndicate "laughing, cheering and crying" after €250,000 Lotto win

The community in Bealadangan is buzzing after the news that a €1 million winning lotto ticket was sold there over the weekend.

A luck player in claimed the €1 million prize in Saturday night’s Lotto Plus 1 draw.

The National Lottery has now said that the ticket was sold at Costcutter in the Connemara village of Bealadangan.

The winning Quick Pick ticket was sold at the store on Saturday, November 20.

Noel Daniels, who only recently took over the running of the store, was thrilled to hear that one of his customers became Ireland’s latest millionaire over the weekend.

“We still can’t believe it! The whole community is absolutely buzzing knowing that one of our near neighbours could be a Lotto millionaire.”

“Word of the win has started to spread locally so we’re going to enjoy the next few days and hopefully the winner checks their ticket and claims their prize just before Christmas!”

“We are located in a rural area but the store services quite a large surrounding community and we’re overjoyed knowing that it could be one of those people.”

There was another millionaire created on Sunday, as a player Tallaght won the Daily Millions prize.

This ticket was sold at the Mace store in Tallaght Business Park in Killinarden, Dublin 24 the very same day as the draw.

Store Manager Niall Malone was thrilled to get the good news “We’ve been telling all of our customers who have come into the shop so far this morning to check their tickets carefully.”

“There’s a great buzz around the place as all of the staff are excited to hear the news too. We have lots of local customers so hopefully it’s someone in the area who has won the €1 million.”

“They might not have even realised their luck yet – hopefully they check their ticket soon to find out that it’s worth €1 million!”

The two biggest winners from the weekend are advised to sign the back of their tickets and to keep them safe.

The Galway and Dublin winners should make contact with the National Lottery prize claims team on 1800 666 222 or email claims@lottery.ie and arrangements will be made for them to claim their life-changing prizes.

Aran Islands RNLI lifeboat called to late night medical evacuation

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November 22, 2021

Galway Daily news Fireworks display causes false alarm for Aran Islands lifeboat — RNLI/Aran Islands

The Aran Islands RNLU lifeboat was called out for an emergency medical evacuation in the dead of night over the weekend.

On Sunday night, at 8:17pm, the RNLI station was contacted by the Coast Guard about a resident of neighbouring Inis Meáin who urgently needed medical attention.

The lifeboat launched under Coxswain John O’Donnell and a full crew and headed straight for Inis Meáin.

Weather conditions at the time of launching were good with calm seas, clear visibility, and a light northerly breeze.

Once at Inis Meáin, they brought the casualty aboard and made tracks for Ros a Mhíl harbour, where an ambulance was waiting for them.

Speaking after the call out John O’Donnell said, ‘We want to wish the person we helped this evening a speedy recovery.

“There was a great response time from our volunteers tonight which meant we could get the patient on his way to receive the medical attention he needed quickly.

“We would remind people that if someone is in need of medical attention or you see someone in trouble in the water, to call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”

Sex offenders shouldn’t have the right to be forgotten – Naughten

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November 22, 2021

Galway Daily news Disappointment that no occupational injury benefits coming for Long Covid sufferers

Sex offenders shouldn’t be able to scrub evidence of their crimes from the internet, or evade monitoring by changing their names.

That was the view of Galway TD Denis Naughten, speaking in the Daíl on the Sex Offenders (Amendment) Bill 2021.

Deputy Naughten said that, while the enhancement of monitoring and risk assessment of offenders is welcomed, there is also a “key inadequacy” in the law.

“The big weakness in this legislation is that it fails to address both analogue and digital rights to be forgotten by convicted sex offenders.”

He said that it is “completely unacceptable” that Google removes court reporting articles on people convicted of sexual offences, including men convicted of possessing child abuse material.

He said that the only standard Google seems to apply when considering requests to be forgotten is the length of time since articles were first published.

“The European Court of Justice decision in 2014 established the right to request that Internet search engines delist links containing information about them that is inadequate, irrelevant, no longer relevant or excessive.”

“I do not believe that information regarding sexual offenders falls under any of those four thresholds. It should not be tolerated.”

Denis Naughten also said that it is a “further abuse” of victims of sex crimes to “airbrush” away their stories.

Sex Offenders Register

The Sex Offenders (Amendment) Bill 2021 is meant to improve the effectiveness of the Sex Offenders Register by strengthening

It reduces the period within which people convicted of sex crimes must notify Gardaí of their name and address, along with any change in their address, down to three days from the current seven day period.

It also gives Gardaí powers to take fingerprints, palm prints and photographs in certain circumstances, provides for risk assessment and management of offenders, as well as electronic monitoring and prohibiting them from working with children and vulnerable persons if needed.

In its current form the register is practically useless Denis Naughten had said recently, as convicted paedophiles can come to Ireland and travel at will without alerting Gardaí unless they are flagged at passport control.

He also raised concerns about criminals legally changing their name to evade monitoring by the police.

“There have been quite extensive reports in the United Kingdom where the use of deed polls has been abused by registered sex offenders to change their names, about which they do not inform the police authorities there or An Garda Síochána here, and they go under the radar again.”

While this is something that offenders are already required to report to the police, the current system doesn’t work, he added.

“As a result, people are literally disappearing off the radar by changing their names by deed poll and not informing An Garda Síochána.”

The Sex Offenders (Amendment) Bill 2021 has passed the second stage Dáil reading, and has now been referred to the Committee stage for further debate and amendment.

Two top healthcare awards for Galway-based Croí

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November 22, 2021

galway daily news croí awards — (Left to Right) Bridget Cheasty, Croí Health Programmes Administrator & Project Coordinator and Annie Costelloe, Croí Patient & Community Engagement Manager.

Galway-based heart and stroke charity Croí won a top award at the 20^th anniversary Irish Healthcare Awards last week at a special ceremony in Dublin.

The National Institute for Prevention and Cardiovascular Health (NIPC), established by Croí, also scooped an award for ‘Research Paper of the Year’ – for the third year running.

The Irish Healthcare Awards are the leading awards recognising innovation and excellence in the Irish healthcare sector.

Patient Organisation Project of the Year

Croí’s free telephone support line, Heartlink West, won best Project of the Year in the Patient Organisation category.

Launched in response to the pandemic, Heartlink West provides those living with, or affected by, heart disease and stroke a direct line to Croí’s Cardiovascular Nurse Specialist and expert health team.

The support also extends to online chats, with an expert speaker and different heart health topic each week.

“Since the beginning of the pandemic, Croí has been experiencing an ever-increasing demand for information, support and advice from heart and stroke patients and their carers,” said Neil Johnson, Croí’s Chief Executive.

“Our Heartlink West service is here to support those in need, including heart and stroke patients discharged early from hospital, those who had appointments cancelled or postponed due to the pandemic, and general heart health concerns.”

The National Institute for Prevention and Cardiovascular Health (NIPC) won Best Research Paper for The Ireland-ASPIRE Study: A Nationally Representative Epidemiologic Study of Coronary Heart Disease Secondary Prevention to Inform Post-COVID #CVD Prevention in Ireland.

The study, conducted by Prof Bill McEvoy, Research and Medical Director, NIPC, is the first nationally representative Irish study of secondary prevention among patients with coronary heart disease.

Over 600 patients were enrolled at nine sites across Ireland, with the results presented at the 2019 Irish Cardiac Society meeting.

Man hospitalised following crash in Galway City

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November 22, 2021

A man was hospitalised following a crash in the Claddagh area of Galway City on Monday morning.

Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of a two vehicle collision in the Claddagh this morning.

The crash between a car and a motorcycle occurred at approximately 7:40am.

A man in his 40s was taken to University Hospital Galway following the incident.

Gardaí say that his injuries are not life-threatening.

Government ignoring impact of restrictions on workers says Galway TD

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November 22, 2021

Galway Daily news Details announced for reopened Pandemic Unemployment scheme

Roscommon-Galway TD Claire Kerrane has hit out at the government for ‘ignoring the impact of public health restrictions’ on workers.

She urged the government to reinstate the Pandemic Unemployment Payment for those who need it, saying thst reduced opening times for hospitality will see workers on reduced hours and reduced income.

Some staff may also be let go during this latest period of restrictions, she said.

“At the very outset of the Covid-19 pandemic the Government were clear that there would be no cliff-edge and that workers would be supported throughout the pandemic. The pandemic is not over,” said Deputy Kerrane.

“Workers in live entertainment, hospitality, nightlife and the tourism industry are all being left high and dry by Government.”

The Sinn Féin TD called on Minister Humphreys to reinstate the Pandemic Unemployment Payment for those who need it.

“We have not seen an update on recipient numbers for the PUP now since November 4th. The Minister should publish the latest figures as more and more people are moved on Jobseekers payments, further worsening their financial situation.”

University Hospital Galway ICU at full capacity for three days running

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November 22, 2021

The ICU at University Hospital Galway has been at full capacity for three days running as the ongoing wave of COVID-19, and regular winter pressure, take their toll.

There were no Intensive Care beds available at UHG in the latest figures from the HSE on Sunday evening, and two ICU beds were available at Portiuncula.

Galway has 32 people hospitalised with COVID-19, two more than the previous day. Of these, 23 are at UHG and 9 are at Portiuncula Hospital.

Five COVID patients in Galway are being treated in the ICU, three at Portiuncula Hospital and two at University Hospital Galway.

Nationwide there are 682 people being treated for COVID in hospital, of whom 125 are in intensive care.

Outside of the ICU there is still heavy pressure on bed availability in Galway’s hospitals.

Counted on Sunday morning, there were just five general beds available at UHG, and four in Ballinasloe.

Week long roadworks to disrupt Headford Road traffic

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November 21, 2021

Galway Daily news Week long roadworks to disrupt Headford Road traffic

Traffic on the Headford Road will be disrupted by a week of roadworks getting underway from Monday

Galway City Council is carrying out resurfacing overlay works on the N84 from Ballinfoyle to the Rescu U garage.

The works are planning to start on Monday, November 22, and last for one week.

Roadworks will take place between 9am and 5pm each day.

A Stop & Go system will be in place to manage traffic on the Headford Road for the duration of the works.

Road users are urged to use alternative routes to avoid delays, and proceed with caution if using the road.

COVID-19: 4,181 new cases reported today

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November 21, 2021

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

The Department of Health has today reported 4,181 new cases of #COVID19.

As of 8am today, 668 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised in the Republic, of whom 125 are in intensive care units.

Health officials say that the daily case numbers may change due to future data validation.

Galway medtech startup crowned Ireland’s most exciting innovators

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November 21, 2021

Galway Daily business Galway medtech startup crowned Ireland's most exciting innovators — Dr Lyn Markey of XTremedy Medical was presented with the “One to Watch Award” at Enterprise Ireland’s Big Ideas showcase. Photo Credit: Maxwell Photography

Galway based medtech startup company XTremedy Medical has been named one of the most exciting new innovators to watch in Ireland.

Xtremedy Medical took home the ‘One to Watch’ Award at Enterprise Ireland’s Big Ideas 2021 showcase, fending off eleven other competitors in cutting edge fields.

The Big Ideas showcase saw investor-ready start-up companies to pitch their new technology solutions to investors in a speed blitz competition.

XTremedy, which is an NUI Galway spinout medtech company, and funded by Enterprise Ireland, took home the prize on the day for their solution tackling the serious problem of deep tissue and bone infections.

They have developed a surgical device that delivers electrical signals through a wound, treating both the surface and below to zap any residual infection, preventing unnecessary amputations.

There are over 300,000 diabetic foot ulcer procedures alone each year, with 20% of patients needing an amputation to control the raging infection.

The Xtremedy platform technology has scope to expand into the wider chronic wounds, trauma and surgical site infection markets, with a total potential market of €2.5 billion in the US.

A “Viewers’ Choice Award” was also presented to Jürgen Osing of PEARlabs, which has developed a device capable of imaging life at a molecular level in real time.

Each start-up had just three minutes to promote their innovations and business propositions to an invited audience made up of the Irish research and business communities.

Other Big Ideas at this year’s event included innovations to prevent chemo-induced hair loss, a change management platform for distributed workforces, wearable therapy to treat COPD, and a way to integrate healthy, purposeful physical movement into kids’ screen time.

Galway Lotto player is Ireland’s newest millionaire!

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November 21, 2021