Gardaí renew appeal for missing Galway man with new information

-

November 18, 2021

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

There have been a further 4,650 confirmed case of COVID-19 reported by the Department of Health today.

As of this morning the number of people hospitalised with COVID had gone up to 643, nine higher than yesterday.

Of these patients 118 have been admitted to intensive care units for treatment.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tony Holohan said that approximately 1 in 6 people in the country COVID-like symptoms in the past week.

“The single most important action you can take if you experience any symptoms of COVID-19 is to self-isolate and arrange a PCR test – not an antigen test.”

“If you want to avoid passing COVID-19 or other respiratory illnesses on to your friends, family or work colleagues, rapidly self-isolating as soon as your symptoms begin is the most important thing you can do.”

Antigen tests will pay a larger role in the public health response to the pandemic under new plans, with primary school children’s families to be provided tests if a child in their pod tests positive.

New restrictions were introduced this week in response to rising cases, with midnight closing times for late-night venues, and people advised to work from home once again.

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

Call for govt to ensure Covid Illness Benefit is processed quickly

By

-

November 18, 2021

galway daily news claire kerrane at dáil child maintenance

Roscommon-Galway TD Claire Kerrane has called on the government to ensure that the COVID related Illness Benefit is processed in a timely manner, after new public health measures were announced.

Close contacts of positive cases within households, who are fully vaccinated and showing no symptoms, will now have to restrict their movements for five days.

The Galway TD said that because of this, supports such as the Covid-19 Enhanced Illness Benefit will receive higher demand from those who cannot go to work as a result of these updated guidelines.

Speaking yesterday, Deputy Kerrane said that these changes will affect people’s ability to go to work.

“Requiring close household contacts of someone with Covid-19 to isolate for at least 5 days will have a serious knock on effect to people’s weekly incomes and so, it is essential that people can easily apply for and receive the Covid related Illness Benefit payment.

“Minister Humphreys must ensure that the staff and resources are in place to deal with an expected increase in claims for this income support.”

The Sinn Féin TD has requested figures from the Department on the current average timeframes for processing of Covid-19 Enhanced Illness Benefit applications.

She said that considering entire households are affected, this could see numbers for this payment in the tens of thousands and more.

“It is also crucial that the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) is made available for those working in sectors impacted by new and evolving public health advice.”

Tuam mother named Galway Family Carer of the Year

By

-

November 18, 2021

galway daily news family carer of the year tuam

Family Carers Ireland has announced Martina Hynes from Tuam as this year’s Netwatch Galway Family Carer of the Year.

Martina cares for her 9-year-old son Joseph who has a rare genetic disorder and epilepsy.

She was nominated by her friend Noreen who said that she ‘goes above and beyond’ for Joseph and her husband Dermot who works Sunday to Friday in Dublin.

Martina is said to always be there to support her friends, helps out at the local inclusion rugby club, and that nothing is too much for her.

The annual awards by Family Carers shine a light on the remarkable contribution of Ireland’s forgotten frontline who go the extra mile every day in caring for loved ones with additional needs.

More than 500,000 people in Ireland provide unpaid care in the home for children or adults with physical or intellectual disabilities, frail older people, those with palliative care needs or those living with chronic illnesses, mental ill-health, or addiction.

The 19 million hours of unpaid care provided each week by family carers would cost the state €20bn a year to replace.

The pandemic has been a challenging time for all of society but especially for family carers and those they care for who saw essential services and supports severely impacted.

The blanket withdrawal of supports such as homecare, respite, personal assistance hours and residential care during lockdown forced many to care alone, around the clock. When Ireland shut down, family carers stepped up in support of their loved ones.

Galway Mayo Carer Supports Manager Michelle Moriarty said that now more than ever, “family carers deserve to be recognised for their enormous contribution to our society.”

“Their unyielding commitment to care for their loved ones at home, particularly during the Covid-19 crisis, has been nothing short of remarkable and this sacrifice often comes at a cost to their physical, emotional, and financial wellbeing.”

She said that the awards are about paying tribute to all of Ireland’s 500,000 family carers and shining a light on the immense work that they do, day in, day out, often with little or no help from the State.

“Their essential contribution to our national healthcare system needs to be properly acknowledged and supported.”

Colin Hayes, Netwatch Head of Business, Ireland & UK said: “This is our third year partnering with Family Carers Ireland, and yet again we are blown away by the level of sacrifice, care and commitment shown by each and every carer.

“It’s an honour to be part of this and hope that our involvement can help in even a small way to highlight this charity and support the needs of its members.”

Galway University Hospitals limit visitors due to COVID outbreak

By

-

November 18, 2021

Access for visitors at Galway University Hospitals has been limited to one person per patient between 6pm and 7pm each day, as a result of a COVID outbreak and rising cases in the community.

Exceptions will be made on compassionate grounds and these visits should be arranged in advance with the nurse manager on the ward, the

Hospital Manager at Galway University Hospitals, Ms Chris Kane appealed for the public’s support in relation to the visiting arrangements at the hospital.

She said that the number of people visiting the hospital has increased gradually over the past few months, and that “we now face a situation where we must quickly reduce the footfall in the hospital both to protect the patients and staff but also to protect visitors.”

“Any person who accesses a hospital may unintentionally introduce the virus so we are trying to limit the number of people who access the hospital as far as reasonably practical.”

Ms Kane said that the new visiting arrangements will not change at the weekend and that children are not permitted to visit the hospital unless agreed in advance, on compassionate grounds, with the ward manager.

The arrangements apply to visiting University Hospital Galway and Merlin Park University Hospital.

“We request that the nominated support person (visitor) wears a face mask at all times and that it is worn correctly,” Ms Kane said.

“Also, the visitor should use the hand gel on arrival and frequently throughout the visit. Ideally the visitor should be vaccinated as this helps us to reduce the risk of introduction and spread of COVID-19.

“If you are a nominated support person (visitor) for a patient in the hospital, we ask that you do not visit the hospital if you have any symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in contact with anyone with COVID-19 or are awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test.

“There are separate arrangements in place for access to the maternity department for nominated support partners.

“We are grateful to the public for their ongoing co-operation in ensuring we can facilitate visiting in a safe manner to protect both patients and visitors.”

Gort GAA expresses gratitude for St. Thomas’ generous spirit

By

-

November 18, 2021

Gort GAA have expressed their gratitude to St. Thomas’ for their generosity in allowing the senior hurling semi-final to be rescheduled to this week.

Gort and their staunch rivals are due to play in the semi-finals of the Brooks this Sunday after a tense standoff that could have seen the match go to St. Thomas by default.

This will be the third fixture for the semi-final after two previous times weren’t able to go ahead due to COVID in the Gort camp.

The original date for the match of November 7 was cancelled and rescheduled for last weekend with the consent of Galway GAA.

But before the match was due to go ahead in Kenny Park last weekend, Gort said that they still had a positive case in a player with an underlying heart condition, and three more showing symptoms.

Consequently, the club said that they would not be able to make the fixture.

Things looked serious when Galway GAA said that they had “reviewed all the evidence presented and have advised that the fixture stands”.

Fortunately, the very same day St. Thomas’ made a proposal for the match to be rescheduled, which was accepted by the county board.

Following St. Tomas’ offer, Galway GAA said that they were “happy to facilitate” the proposal, and thanked the club for their “generous gesture” that allowed the championship to move ahead.

Gort GAA also said that they sincerely appreciate the offer for a rescheduled fixture from St. Thomas’.

“We understand the difficult situation both clubs were in and the effects on officers, management and most importantly players.”

“St. Thomas’ ensured the integrity of the competition was kept intact. We look forward to a good sporting game this weekend.”

The Senior Hurling Semi-Final will take place this Sunday at 1:30pm this Sunday. The county emphasised that all previously purchased tickets have been refunded, and are not valid.

The winner of this match will go on to play Clarinbridge in the Brooks Cup final.

Hospital staff in the west supporting global childhood vaccination drive

By

-

November 18, 2021

Galway Daily news Hospital staff in the west supporting global childhood vaccination drive

Hospital staff across the west of Ireland are supporting UNICEF’s vaccination campaign to eliminate polio globally in the ‘Get a Vaccine, Give a Vaccine’ campaign.

For every member of staff at the Saolta Group who gets the flu vaccine this winter season, the groups will make a donation to vaccinate a child against polio.

This supports UNICEF in their work towards global polio eradication which includes Pakistan and Afghanistan, the last two countries where the wild polio virus continues to spread and cause paralysis among children.

Paul Hooton, Chief Director of Nursing and Midwifery at Saolta, and lead for the rollout of the staff flu vaccination campaign, said that they are delighted to take part in this initiative once again.

“I strongly encourage all members of staff to get their flu vaccine early so that they are protected as soon as possible. The flu vaccine provides protection for our staff, our patients and our families.”

The past year has brought home the importance of vaccination in protecting people from “serious and potentially deadly” diseases, he added.

UNICEF Ireland Executive Director Peter Power said that this support is crucial at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has “heavily disrupted” childhood vaccination efforts in the developing world.

“UNICEF provides 45% of the world’s vaccines for children under five. We do this because no child should die from a vaccine preventable disease.”

“The COVID-19 pandemic has put existing childhood vaccination programmes at risk, and now we desperately need to get children the critical protection they need from life-threatening diseases like polio,” he said.

“UNICEF Ireland’s ‘Get a Vaccine, Give a Vaccine’ campaign gives healthcare staff the best chance of maintaining full health this flu season, as we work on through the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“And, by supporting this programme, you can ensure that children in need receive life-saving vaccines. It’s a win-win,” he added.

Green light for expansion of Ros a Mhíl harbour

By

-

November 18, 2021

Galway Daily news Extension of planning sought to complete Deep Water Quay at Ros a Mhíl

Galway County Council has given the go ahead for the next phase of works on the expansion of Ros a Mhíl harbour to create more space for smaller boats.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has been granted planning permission for work on a new harbour area north of the existing facilities.

The full development, when completed, will create 77 berths, of which 63 will be standard berths for boats up to 8m in length, and 14 will be heavy duty berths for 8-11m vessels.

The small craft harbour will be made from floating pontoon units designed to rise and fall with the tide, and restrained with steel piles driven into the seabed.

In total, the Department plans to dredge or blast approximately 18,400m³ of soft material and bedrock, with an area of foreshore to be permanently reclaimed to protect the access road.

Improvement will also be made to the local access road, and 40 additional car parking spaces will be added to account for increased traffic.

This application is for Phase 3 of the project, consisting of the approach road, car park, footpath, and floating pontoons. Phase 1 has already been completed, and Phase 2 is under construction.

The new harbour is needed, the Department said in the application, as the two existing small boat harbours, used for a mixed of pleasure craft and small fishing boats, are at full capacity.

Planning permission was granted by the county council for the project with nine conditions attached.

A qualified underwater archaeologist must be appointed to monitor the dredging works, with the authority to stop dredging if material of interest is found.

Details of a proposed “dwarf wall” separating the car park from the Marina must also be submitted to the council before work begins.

A decision had originally been due from the county council by the end of April last, but further information was requested about the potential environmental impacts of the harbour project, animal surveys, and traffic management plans.

Fundraiser launched for Oranmore mum diagnosed with cancer

By

-

November 18, 2021

galway daily news oranmore mother cancer fundraiser

A fundraiser has been set up to support an Oranmore mother who was recently diagnosed with liver and colon cancer.

Diana Mazionyte, a mother of two young children, says that the diagnosis in October came as a shock and has completely turned her life around.

Diana says that funds raised through her GoFundMe campaign will go towards much-needed treatments to fight the disease. Over €9,000 has been raised in the fundraiser so far.

“To treat the cancer, I am taking on both alternative and conventional approaches,” she said.

“Some of the alternative treatments include oxygen/ozone therapies, infra-red sauna therapy, intravenous vitamin C treatments, mistletoe therapy, herbal treatments, healthy diet choices, supplements, and certain medications.”

“These are not ‘one time’ treatments, therefore repeat therapies are a must to keep the disease at bay and maybe to completely recover from it. But time will show how it goes.”

Some of the other treatments that Diana is considering can only be accessed abroad, and she says that she and her family are very appreciative of any help or contribution – no matter how big or small.

“My aim is that my children would still have a mom, and that I could successfully fight the disease before it rapidly spreads. Please, help me in this difficult time to have some hope.”

Diana’s GoFundMe campaign can be found here.

Reservoir maintenance to affect Glenamaddy and surrounds’ water supply

By

-

November 18, 2021

Galway Daily news Water outages in Moycullen

Glenamaddy and surrounding areas of the county may be without water until Thursday evening due to reservoir works.

Irish Water and the county council are carrying out maintenance works at the Kiltullagh Reservoir today.

This may cause outages or disrupt the water supply to Derreen, Carrowntubber, Kiltullagh, Glenamaddy and surrounding areas.

The works are scheduled to last from 9am until 5pm on Thursday.

People affected by this are advised that it may take 2-3 hours after works are completed before their full supply is restored as the network refills.

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

File for DPP on Eyre Square firework incident where woman seriously injured

By

-

November 18, 2021

A file will go to the DPP in relation to the firework incident in Eyre Square in which a young woman was seriously injured.

A 19 year old woman was seriously injured after being struck in the face by a firework in Eyre Square the early hours of the morning on Friday, October 22.

Gardaí arrested a man in his 20s in connection with this incident on Wednesday, and he has since been released without charge.

“The man in his 20s arrested yesterday, Wednesday 17th November 2021, in relation to an incident in Eyre Square, Galway on the 22nd October 2021 has been released without charge,” Gardaí said.

“A file will now be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.”

A fundraiser was set up on gofundme in the aftermath of this incident to cover the costs of medical treatments for her injuries, which has raised over €35,000.

A message from the young woman’s father in late October said “We would like to thank you all sincerely for your kindness and support for our daughter.”

“She is beginning her road to recovery and healing a little day by day. Her bravery, courage and dignity is an example to us all. We are truly overwhelmed by your support, thank you again.”

Galway winners at ReelLIFE SCIENCE video awards

By

-

November 18, 2021

galway daily news science reels galway students — Foroige Hub Castlebar

Short science videos made by young Irish filmmakers have been honoured at the ReelLIFE SCIENCE Video Competition Awards as part of Science Week and the Galway Science and Technology Festival.

The videos ranged from debunking the Five Second Rule to exploring The Digestive System, and from measuring The Weight of the World to finding a Home for Bees.

Almost 500 short science films were entered into the competition by over 3,000 science enthusiasts from 135 schools and youth groups across the entire country.

Winning videos were selected by a panel of guest judges including NASA astronaut Colonel Greg Johnson, UCD Professor of Zoology Emma Teeling and the 2021 BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition winner, Greg Tarr from Bandon Grammar School in Cork.

A group of 18 fifth class students from Gaelscoil Riabhach in Loughrea, Co. Galway, along with their teacher Brian Ó Meacháin, won the €1,000 first prize at Primary School level for their Irish language video ’An Córas Díleá (The Digestive System)’.

Primary school runners-up were Scoil Phádraig from Westport, Co. Mayo, while Scoil na nAingeal Naofa from Boyle, Co. Roscommon finished third.

Transition year students from Le Chéile Secondary School in Tyrellstown, Dublin 15, led by teacher Sean Creedon, claimed the Secondary School €1000 award, for their distinctive animated short ‘The Science of Colour Vision’.

Secondary school runners-up were Laurel Hill Coláiste FCJ from Limerick, while Coláiste Ghobnait from Inis Oirr, Co. Galway were awarded third place.

‘Are Aliens Real?’ by Coláiste Muire, Ennis transition year students won best Science Song as voted by the public.

The Foróige Hub Castlebar, with support from youth worker Ruairi Kelly, won the €1000 Youth Organisation first prize for their video ‘A Home for Bees’. The Finglas Youth Resource Centre came second, while third place went to Adanna Okoye of the Eastside Youth Service Foróige, Galway.

Addressing the young filmmakers at the awards ceremony, Professor Emma Teeling, said: “It has been such a fantastic pleasure to view all of your videos – they’re wonderful!

“It really gives me hope for our future if the youth of Ireland are studying science and understanding science and producing these videos that can communicate science to the world.”

Speaking about ReelLIFE SCIENCE, Dr Ruth Freeman, Director of Science for Society at Science Foundation Ireland congratulated all the young people, teachers and youth workers from across Ireland who submitted videos to ReelLIFE Science.

“SFI are delighted to support this initiative, which encourages young people to be creative and connect with science and technology,” said Dr Freeman.

“I hope you enjoyed the experience and will continue to take other opportunities to explore STEM.”

The ReelLIFE SCIENCE programme challenges young people in schools and youth groups around Ireland to engage with science and technology by producing short educational videos, while developing their communication and digital skills.

Since being launched in 2013 by Dr Enda O’Connell from the College of Science and Engineering in NUI Galway, and a team of volunteer scientists, this challenge has been met by more than 20,000 participants in over 600 schools and youth groups around Ireland.

COVID-19: 3,633 more cases reported today

By

-

November 17, 2021

A further 3,633 confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the Republic this afternoon.

As of 8am today, 634 people with the disease are hospitalised nationally, of whom 119 are in intensive care units.

At 8pm on Tuesday, there were 20 cases at University Hospital Galway and a further 11 at Portiuncula Hospital. Five of the 31 cases were receiving treatment in the hospitals’ ICUs.

Health officials also said today that there has now been a total of 5,609 deaths related to COVID-19 notified in Ireland, including 43 deaths newly notified since last Wednesday.

The Department of Health has said that these figures may change due to future data validation.

Man pulled knife on taxi driver over fare dispute

By

-

November 17, 2021

A man was sentenced to nine months in prison at Galway District Court this week for pulling a knife on a taxi driver over a fare dispute.

Kevin Barry (43), of Fairgreen Hostel, was sentenced this week after previously pleading guilty to producing an article capable of causing serious injury, while appearing about to commit assault.

He was charged under Section 11 of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act, 1990.

The incident occurred on August 12 of this year at Corrib Park, Newcastle in Galway City.

Judge Mary Fahy said that the taxi driver was just doing his job, “a man carrying out his duty”, when Barry drew a knife on him.

“To say that it is a little bit disproportionate would be the understatement of the century,” she said.

Gardaí asked the victim if he wished to make a statement to the court about how this affected him, but he declined.

The defence said that Mr. Barry wanted to apologise for any “distress or inconvenience” cause by his actions.

He has serious addiction issues, the defence said, and was trying to get into residential treatment when this happened.

Sgt. Aoife Curley said that Barry had 90 previous convictions, one of which was for possession of a knife or other article.

What was concerning according to Judge Fahy, was that he was out and about with a large knife to begin with.

“He wouldn’t have been able to produce a knife, only he went out equipped with one.”

Judge Fahy sentenced him to nine months in prison for the knife offence, backdated to when he went ìnto custody on August 13.

Man arrested as part of investigation into Eyre Square firework incident

By

-

November 17, 2021

Galway Daily news missing teen found safe

Gardaí have arrested a man in his 20s as part of their investigation into an incident at Eyre Square last month when a young woman was struck with a firework.

The man was arrested today is currently being detained under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at a South Dublin Garda station.

The firework struck the woman who was sitting at a bus stop near the taxi rank at the top of Eyre Square.

The firework was believed to have been launched from close to the Tourist Information Kiosk on Eyre Square which is situated across the street from where the injured party was sitting.

She has suffered serious injury as a result of the incident and was removed from the scene by ambulance.

Decrease in COVID patients hospitalised in Galway

By

-

November 17, 2021

The number of people diagnosed with COVID-19 at Galway’s public hospitals has decreased by four in the latest HSE data.

A total of 31 confirmed cases are hospitalised in Galway – with both University Hospital Galway and Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe recording a decrease of two COVID patients in 24 hours.

Of the confirmed hospitalised cases in Galway, 20 are receiving care at UHG, and the remaining 11 COVID patients are at Portiuncula Hospital, according to data taken on Tuesday at 8pm.

Five of the confirmed cases are in intensive care units – three at UHG and two at Portiuncula.

Speaking yesterday after 4,407 new cases were reported, Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said that there have been almost 55,000 cases in the State over the past fortnight.

“The only time we have had more cases in a 14-day period was in January this year, and, unfortunately, we do expect this figure to increase in the coming days.”

He said that this level of cases is “unsustainable” and that everyone should act as though they are close contacts, with a high risk of transmitting the virus.

Expressions of interest sought for governing body of new Technological University

By

-

November 17, 2021

Galway Daily news ATU Languages Competition for secondary schools returns for 2nd year

Minister Simon Harris has invited expressions of interest for nomination to the first Governing Body of the new Technological University for the West and Northwest.

The closing date for applications for Chairperson and Ordinary Members of the Governing Body candidates is Friday, 10 December.

“The establishment of the new Technological University for the West and Northwest is another milestone in the development of higher education in Ireland,” said Minister Harris.

“In addition to ensuring accountability and transparency in the discharge of its responsibilities, the role of the first Governing Body of the new Technological University will be central to the development and implementation of the institution’s strategic direction and the achievement of its objectives.

“I would encourage candidates who have the necessary skills and experience to submit an expression of interest for these exciting roles.”

The process of filling these vacancies is being managed by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

Expressions of interest will be assessed before the Minister is provided with a shortlist of candidates who are deemed to be suitable for appointment to the governing body, from and the Minister will then make his selection.

Those interested should read the detailed information booklet. Expressions of interest may be made by submitting a curriculum vitae and detailed cover letter to boardvacancies@dfheris.gov.ie

Sponsor a Christmas Tree light at UHG to remember a loved one

By

-

November 17, 2021

Galway Daily news Sponsor a Christmas Tree light at UHG to remember a loved one — Attending the launch of the Galway University Hospital Children's Remembrance Day committee Christmas Card were Michelle Munnelly artist, Chris Kane general manager Galway University Hospital, Margaret Flannery Arts Officer Galway University Hospital and Maura Mannion chairperson of the Children's Remembrance Day Committee. Photo:- Mike Shaughnessy

Connect with a loved one in a special way, or remember those who have passed this holiday season by sponsoring a Christmas Tree light at UHG.

The Children’s Remembrance Day Committee at University Hospital Galway has launched their annual ‘Sponsor a Christmas Tree Light’, now in its third decade.

The holiday tradition is a special way of remembering loved ones over the festive season.

Every time a light is sponsored, a specially designed Christmas card is given to the purchaser who can send the card to the person they have sponsored the card for to let them know that they are being thought about.

Or the card representing the light can be kept in memory of a loved one who has died or sent to their family letting them know that they are being thought about.

Margaret Flannery, Saolta Arts Director said, “This year’s Christmas card was designed by staff nurse Michelle Munnelly and features a snow globe. The illustration captures a peaceful Christmas message with the imagery of the hospital in the snow globe.”

“We asked members of staff to submit their designs for the card and when we looked at all the entries, Michelle’s really captured the essence of what the committee was looking for.”

“It’s lovely to have the image of the snow globe going into people’s homes all around Ireland and the world this Christmas.”

The funds raised through the sale of the Christmas tree lights are used to fund the activities of the Children’s Remembrance Day Committee throughout the year, such as the annual mass for deceased children and ecumenical memorial service.

The lights will be available to purchase in the outpatient department at UHG on the following dates and times. Each light costs €5.

Saturday, November 27: 10am to 6pm
Saturday & Sunday, December 4-5: 10am to 5pm
Saturday, December 11: 10am to 6pm
Sunday,December 12: 10am to 4pm

Also on that final Irish country singer and Galway native Mike Denver will officially switch on the Christmas tree lights at UHG, which will remain up until January 7.

Lights will also be sold in Merlin Park University Hospital in the foyer outside the shop on December 2from 11.30am to 3pm.

If you would like to sponsor a Christmas tree light, please contact Children’s Remembrance Day Committee members Anne McKeown on 091 893718 /087 968 4271 or Helena Hanrahan on 087 771 6648 for more information.

Planning permission extended for Barnaderg solar farm

By

-

November 17, 2021

Galway Daily news Planning permission sought for south Galway solar farm

Galway County Council has granted an extension of planning permission for a 40,000sqm solar farm near Barnaderg, which was delayed for financial reasons.

Templederry Energy Resources had previously received planning permission for the development located approximately 1.5km southwest of Barnaderg, but work did not begin until this year.

The solar farm will consist of 40,000sqm of photovoltaic panels on ground mounted frames, along with an electrical control building, four power inverter cabins, underground cable ducts, and site works.

Planning permission was originally granted for the solar farm in 2016, and is due to expire in mid-December this year.

Work only began on the site in March of this year, and it is currently expected to be completed by June of 2024.

The delay in getting started was due to “financial difficulties, especially during Covid” according to the EOD application.

Galway County Council granted the extension of planning permission without any conditions beyond those originally imposed, and it will now last until October 26 of 2026.

HSE pushing lung disease awareness on World COPD Day

By

-

November 17, 2021