Third planning extension sought to build Athenry housing estate

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November 10, 2021

galway daily news penneys galway autism friendly shopping — Pictured at the launch of the Penneys and AsIAm autism-friendly shopping at Penneys flagship store on Dublin’s Mary Street are Adam Harris, Founder and CEO of AsIAm & Nessa Maher, Assistant Manager Penneys, Mary St. Pic: Naoise Culhane

Penneys is introducing autism-friendly shopping experiences including sensory-friendly shopping hours to its stores in Galway and across the country.

The initiative, developed in partnership with AsIAm, is intended to create an inclusive shopping experience for autistic people and their friends and families.

Every Sunday, starting from 14 November, autistic people and those close to them can visit Penneys stores during the Sensory Friendly Shopping Hour, which is the first hour of store opening.

Several measures will be in place during the hour to ensure a calmer and more inclusive shopping experience, including noise reduction across the store such as silencing tills and in-store announcements and turning off in-store music.

There will also be additional assistance and support from in-store Champions who have all received specialised training from AsIAm.

As part of the Autism-Friendly Shopping Experience, Penneys has created special digital support materials accessible on the Penneys website to ensure that shopping is more accessible for autistic people outside of the Sensory Friendly Shopping Hour.

Customers can visit the relevant store page and, through visual and audio aids, prepare themselves for the sights and sounds they may experience while in store that may cause sensory overload.

It also includes a store map and visual guide called My Trip to Penneys to prepare for their visit and help identify how they can navigate through the store when they arrive.

Customers will also be able to easily access these online supports through QR codes placed in-store.

Commenting on the initiative, Damien O’Neill, Head of Sales at Penneys, said: “Penneys is for everyone, we want everyone to feel welcome in our stores and we understand that for some customers we need to adapt the way we work to provide a better experience.

“This is just one of the ways we’re doing that and we’ve learnt a lot through AsIAm about how making some small changes can have a big impact.

“We are really looking forward to continuing our work with AsIAm as we work to raise awareness and understanding of autism among our colleagues and in our stores.”

AsIAm also conducted thorough audits of Penneys stores and highlighted areas of high sensory input as well as a list of recommendations to create a more comfortable shopping experience for autistic people during all trading hours.

Adam Harris, Founder and CEO, AsIAm, said: “Shopping and the retail environment can be an incredibly overwhelming experience for autistic people and their families, due to crowded environments and the sensory overload from noises.

“We are delighted in AsIAm to have partnered with Penneys to make shopping more accessible for our community.

“Outside of the weekly sensory friendly shopping hour, we wanted to ensure that meaningful accommodations were in place all of the time that will enable an autistic person or their family to comfortably navigate the shopping environment, as well as training all Penneys staff in understanding autism.

“We are very excited to start this journey and to continue to work together in our commitment to making shopping as inclusive as possible.”

As part of the rollout, Penneys employees will receive training supported by AsIAm. This training will be delivered through a custom-built Autism Awareness e-learning module, which will be hosted on Penneys’ digital learning platform.

Small family farms at ‘crossroads’ says Galway TD

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November 10, 2021

Galway Daily news Farmers getting €13.4 million basic payment scheme refunds

Galway East TD Seán Canney has said that agriculture in the west of Ireland is at a ‘crossroads’ following an IFA meeting with farmers in Athenry mart on Monday.

Deputy Canney joined over 300 farmers to listen to the concerns of farmers across the region.

The Galway TD listened to concerns raised in relation to Carbon reduction targets, the consequence for farming in terms of investment, and the lack of support available to invest in these changes up front.

“The rising cost of fertiliser which has more than doubled coupled with the increase in fuel costs is eating away at the already very tight margins,” said Deputy Canney.

“The small family farm needs to be protected in the West and Government need to immediately deliver on the €1.5 billion of supports in addition to CAP funding as promised in the Programme for Government.”

The Independent TD said that agriculture “is at a crossroads in the West of Ireland and without simple support schemes and recognition for the existing standards of production in beef and milk is required in setting any targets.”

“It is no longer acceptable that agriculture is a target for Carbon Emission reductions without Government providing genuine measures to facilitate a Just Transition for farmers and their families.”

Online shoppers warned of extra costs if buying from outside the EU

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November 10, 2021

Galway Daily news Online shoppers warned of extra costs if buying from outside the EU

In the run up to the holiday season, people shopping online are being advised to be careful of additional charges when buying from outside the EU.

Online shopping, already massive, became far more prevalent during the pandemic and its lockdowns.

With Black Friday sales around the corner, and Christmas just beyond that, its expected that this will be an incredible busy time for people shopping and buying gifts online.

Ms Maureen Dalton for the Revenue Commissioners cautioned that, since Brexit, there will be “customs formalities” as well as additional charges in come cases when goods are coming from the UK.

“Also, since 1 July last, new VAT rules for goods arriving into Ireland from non-EU countries came into effect meaning that all such goods are subject to VAT regardless of their value.”

She advised people doing their shopping for Christmas or on Black Friday online to always check if the advertised price includes any additional costs or tax before buying.

“In some instances, the supplier may operate a duty paid model, where the total advertised price for the goods at the time of purchase includes Irish VAT and duties meaning no further Revenue charges will arise on delivery.”

“However, where this is not the case, the amount of VAT and any duties due will be payable when the goods arrive in Ireland. You will have to pay these charges to the postal service or parcel operator before the goods are delivered.”

Sometimes, when prices being advertised outside of the EU seem “attractively low”, that is because the vendor is not including tax and duty, she said.

A previous VAT exemption for imported goods from outside of the EU worth less than €22 ended in July of this year, meaning that a 23% VAT rate may now apply to the same items bought last year.

Goods worth over €150 will also attract Customs Duty when being shipped to Ireland.

Further information on tax and duty charges that may arise on goods bought online for personal use can be found on revenue.ie.

COVID-19: Over 550 hospitalised in Ireland

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November 10, 2021

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

There have been a further 2,975 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported by the Department of Health today.

As of this morning the number of people in the country hospitalised with COVID has increased to 551, and increase of 31 cases.

Of these patients, 89 have been admitted to intensive care units for treatment, six more than yesterday.

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

There has been a total of 5,566 deaths related to COVID-19 in Ireland, including 74 deaths notified in the past week.

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer said “A pandemic can be a long and exhausting experience and I am aware that we are all tired of this virus – but the reality is that the virus is here and is circulating at too high a level.”

“The virus moves when we are in close contact with a COVID positive person. This person could be a family member, a friend, a colleague or a stranger. It could be someone with no symptoms who is fully vaccinated.”

He said that people need to reduce their social contacts to stop the virus from spreading, and suggested that people should cut the number of people they would meet this week, in half.

Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Ronan Glynn, said that the level of incidence in the community is concerning, but that there are simple steps that can protect you, starting with getting vaccinated.

NUIG graduate crowned Law Student of the Year

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November 10, 2021

GALWAY daily news law student of the year

A NUI Galway graduate has been named Law Student of the Year at the Irish Law Awards 2021.

Cassie Roddy-Mullineaux, from Rosscahill, graduated with a BA and Bachelor of Laws (LLB), placing first in her year, before graduating with a first class honours LLM in International Human Rights in 2020.

The Law Student of the Year award recognises and celebrates the academic legal achievements and other overall achievements of a student studying law in a third level college or university.

Ms Roddy-Mullineaux was awarded the accolade in recognition of her outstanding achievements while studying at NUI Galway’s School of Law and the University’s Irish Centre for Human Rights (ICHR).

“I am over the moon to have won the award for Law Student of the Year at the Irish Law Awards 2021,” she said.

“Completing the LLM in International Human Rights completely changed my outlook on legal practice and how I wanted to contribute as a lawyer.

“I’m extremely grateful to the Irish Centre for Human Rights and NUI Galway School of Law for the generous support of the staff and community who afforded me so many opportunities during the LLM and have truly helped to shape my legal career.”

Professor Martin Hogg, Head of NUI Galway’s School of Law, said: “This award is incredibly well deserved and the Law School is delighted for Cassie.

“Cassie was an outstanding member of our LLM in International Human Rights class, not only distinguishing herself in her studies and research but making impactful contributions in a range of projects on which she worked with her classmates, our staff, and NGOs.

“We hope that her achievements will inspire current and future students to aim as high as she has.”

Since graduating, Ms Roddy-Mullineaux has been working as a lawyer with AWO, a new data rights agency, at the intersection of data rights and human rights. She advises clients on a wide range of data and privacy issues.

In collaboration with Article Eight Advocacy, Ms Roddy-Mullineaux continued to work with the new cohort of students in the Human Rights Law Clinic at the University’s Irish Centre for Human Rights throughout 2020-2021 on the Mother and Baby data protection hub, an online resource to help survivors of the Mother and Baby Homes request their personal data from the bodies that hold it.

Galway farmers chosen as Farming for Nature ambassadors

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November 10, 2021

galway daily news farmers ambassadors — Photo: REG GORDON

The Farming for Nature (FFN) project has welcomed Galway-based farming duo Fergal Anderson and Emanuela Russo to its growing Ambassador network.

This year’s ambassadors include beef, sheep, forestry, dairy, horticulture and tillage farmers who manage a wide range of valuable habitats across Ireland.

The FFN ambassador network is made up of family farms, couples, and both male and female farmers.

Fergal Anderson and Emanuela Russo of Leaf and Root Farm run a market garden in Loughrea. The farm is comprised of 30 acres in total, 25 of which is mixed forestry.

The remaining 5 acres are used to produce a vast range of agroecologically produced vegetables and fruits, including but not limited to, beets, chard, kale, radish, blackcurrants, gooseberries, loganberries, apples, plums, pears and a range of medicinal herbs.

They sell their produce direct to customers and supply restaurants in Galway.
Fergal and Emanuela have been working on the land for eight years, gradually building the soil and transforming the land into a productive farm that is economically and ecologically sustainable.

Bees are kept on the farm and they plan to reintroduce chickens and include them in their vegetable rotation system.

They use a diverse range of green manures on the farm to increase the fertility of the soil as well as enhancing the soil biology and structure. They grow summer green manure crops to provide food for insects.

The farm is full of biodiversity – there is a stream in the woodland which has crayfish and otter in it. There are two small ponds on the farm with frogs and newts. There are red squirrel and pine marten, foxes, hares, bats and sparrowhawks.

They have planted ‘natural edges’ around the land with hazel, hawthorn and other native trees. They leave ‘wild spaces’ around as much of the land as possible to further increase biodiversity on the farm.

FFN is featuring their Ambassadors on a bi-monthly basis until August 2022.

FFN will work with these inspiring ambassadors to produce farm videos, podcasts, ‘Ask the Farmer’ sessions, farm walks and more.

Ahascragh Distillery seeks to raise €1.5 million, aiming for small investors

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November 10, 2021

Galway Daily business Ahascragh Distillery seeks to raise €1.5 million, aiming for small investors

McAllister’s Distillery in Ahascragh is seeking to raise €1.5 million through share sales aimed at small investors in the community.

The state-of-the-art distillery expects to begin production of gin and whiskey in late 2022, with ambitious plans in place to also create a tourist visitor experience.

The old corn mill was acquired in 2019, and planning permission was secured in October 2020. Structural and enabling works on the historic structure were completed last June.

Galway County Council approved McAllister’s plans for a café and gift shop across the street from the distillery in September, as part of the greater visitor experience for the distillery, which will also include a Tasting Room and museum of the Old Mill buildings’ history.

After previously raising €3.3 million in funding, the McAllister’s are now launching a ‘Clan Investment’ round, with shares available to the wider public.

The minimum investment is €115, and those who invest over €1,000 will be eligible for the Employment and Investment Incentive Scheme (EIIS).

This is a state scheme that allows small investors in trading companies to claim tax relief on their investment.

Michelle McAllister, Founder & Managing Director, said that their distillery is “rooted” in Galway in different ways, and that they have been overwhelmed by the support of the community.

“The distillery will be supported by local workers and suppliers, and will draw from the surrounding landscape and resources to distil our spirits.”

With that in mind, she said that they want to give the community a chance to own some of the project.

“This round makes it easier & more accessible for the local and whiskey community to invest in the project even if it’s on a smaller level.”

A series of webinars for potential investors have already commenced with good interest from domestic and international investors.

Shares will be available to purchase from Friday, November 19 when the investment round goes live.

Gareth McAllister, co-founder and director, added “We are privileged to have wonderful investors already on board and we want to continue to grow the family.”

“This is an attractive opportunity for investors across Ireland, and the world, to buy in to the business and own a piece of whiskey history in the West of Ireland.”

39 people with COVID in Galway hospitals

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November 10, 2021

There are 39 people with COVID-19 in Galway’s public hospitals, the latest HSE data shows.

Thirty of the patients are at University Hospital Galway and nine are at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe.

Two of the confirmed cases at Portiuncula Hospital are in ICU, while one patient with COVID at UHG is also in ICU.

Nationally, there were 526 people with COVID-19 in hospitals when the data was taken.

COVID-19: Another 3,578 cases reported today

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November 9, 2021

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

There have been a further 3,578 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported by the Department of Health today.

In the past week there have been more than 3,000 new cases reported each day, with over 3,500 in three days of the week.

The number of people hospitalised with COVID had jumped to 520 as of this morning.

Of these patients, 83 have been admitted to the intensive care unit for treatment.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tony Holohan said that there have been more than 44,000 cases reported in the past two weeks.

“The volume of disease in the community is really very high and represents a significant risk to those who are most vulnerable in our society.”

“We need to continue to use all of the tools available to us to protect ourselves and others. By layering all of the public health measures with which we are now so familiar, we can help to break the chains of transmission.”

“Ensure that you are washing your hands regularly, wearing a mask on public transport and in other social settings, try to meet others outdoors and ensure that indoor spaces are well-ventilated. And of course it remains essential that anyone with symptoms isolates and gets tested.”

The positivity rate for COVID-19 tests in the past week has been 13.9 percent of 184,259 tests carried out.

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

Scam warning: Fraudsters impersonating Revenue staff

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November 9, 2021

Galway Daily news Scam Alert for electricity discount claims

People are being warned to be careful of callers claiming to come from the Revenue after fresh reports of scam calls.

The Revenue Commissioners have said that a number of people have received calls that seem to come from someone working in the Revenue.

These scammers are looking for personal or bank information, and try a variety of ruses on people they are calling.

The scam could include telling you that you’re due a tax refund, threatening that you owe taxes immediately to avoid a criminal case, or other stories asking for credit/debit card or bank details for different reasons.

If you receive a telephone call purporting to be from Revenue about which you have any doubts, particularly if the call is unexpected, you should contact your Revenue Office.

Anyone who mistakenly provides personal information in response to these types of fraudulent phone calls should contact their bank or credit card company immediately and alert the Gardaí.

Gardaí investigating after car stolen in home burglary

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November 9, 2021

Gardaí are investigating a home burglary in the Headford Road area, where the thieves made off with a car as well as other items.

A house in the Headford Road area of Galway City was broken into in the early hours of Friday, November 5.

It is believed that the burglary in Cluain Riocaird occurred between 1:30am and 7:45pm that morning.

A number of expensive electronics were stolen from inside the house such as a PlayStation 4 console, a 42-inch Panasonic tv, a Lenovo laptop, and a Toshiba external hard drive.

A silver Ford Mondeo with the registration 12-WX-3486 was also stolen during the burglary, and is still missing.

Gardaí say that no arrests have been made, and that investigations are ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Galway Garda Station at on 091-538 000.

NUIG Traveller students honoured with national achievement awards

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November 9, 2021

galway daily news travellers nui galway — Back Row: L to R: Rebecca Sherlock, Owen Ward, NUI Galway Traveller Education Officer, Minister Simon Harris, Jason Sherlock, Anne Marie Ward.

Five NUI Galway Traveller students and the University’s Traveller Education Officer Owen Ward have been honoured with National Educational Achievement Awards.

The presentation was made by Minister Simon Harris at a ceremony at Exchange House in Dublin.

The five students, Anne Marie Ward, Jason Sherlock, Anna Keane, Rebecca Sherlock, and Ann Marie Ward are currently undertaking a Mature Student Access programme, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at NUI Galway.

The Exchange House Ireland National Educational Achievement Award is presented to Irish Travellers who have completed Junior Certificate, Leaving Certificate, GCSE or A-level examinations or third level courses, in recognition of the hard work and commitment shown by the recipients in reaching their goals.

The awards highlight role models for other Travellers who may be considering formal education and are proactive in promoting the value of formal education.

Speaking after the ceremony, NUI Galway student Ann Marie Ward said: “I’m currently in my second year of an undergraduate degree and work part time with the STAR project in Tuam, Co. Galway.

“I’m very fortunate that I can apply what I learn in my degree and put it into practice while supporting Traveller youth and families in the community. It was an honour to be recognised and to receive this award.”

Dr Mary Surlis, Senior Manager of NUI Galway’s Access Centre, said that they are ‘hugely proud’ of the students and congratulate them on their “achievements to date and on this recognition from Exchange House.”

“Supporting Irish Travellers to access higher education is a key aspect of the Access programmes work for over two decades and NUI Galway is committed to not only enabling members of the Traveller community to access third level education but to succeed when they do.”

NUI Galway’s Traveller Education Officer Owen Ward received an award for his commitment to supporting Traveller students in education, his educational achievements and for commencing a part time PhD at the University this year.

“The award acknowledges the students’ commitment to education and as Traveller Education Officer, I am very proud of all their achievements and know that they will make a strong contribution to society as they complete their studies,” said Mr Ward.

“All the awardees are currently supported by the Mincéirs Misl’d in Education project and act as inspirational role models to others.”

Cast your vote for Galway United Player of the Season

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November 9, 2021

Galway Daily sport Cast your vote for Galway United Player of the Season

Galway United saw their hopes of promotion out of First Division end last week with a disappointing loss to Bray Wanderers, but it has still been a cracker of a season.

Fans can now lend their voice to who they think deserves to be crowned as the club’s best player in this season.

Supporters can cast their vote for the O’Brien’s of Galway Galway United Player of the Season award until later this week.

You can have your say on who the best United player this year was by voting online. The poll will close on Friday, November 12.

The winners of Player of the Month this year have been.

March/April: Conor McCormack
May: Ruairí Keating
June: Alex Murphy
July: Wilson Waweru
August: Killian Brouder
September: Mikie Rowe
October: Wilson Waweru

Galway United saw their promotion hopes dashed last weekend at Eamon Deacy Park with a 1-0 loss to the Bray Wanderers.

United finished the season in second place on the First Division leaderboard with 51 points, having closed some of the gap against Shelbourne, who topped the table with 57 points.

Construction begins on Craughwell NS extension

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November 9, 2021

Galway Daily news Construction begins on Craughwell NS extension

Construction work has begun this month on a long awaited permanent extension to Craughwell National School.

Local contractors Coolsivna Construction Ltd began work this month on a long awaited extension

“This project has been on the agenda many years,” said Galway East TD Seán Canney.

“I expect the construction work to be completed in two phases over 18 months and will deliver modern educational facilities for Craughwell”.

The full expansion of the school will replace existing prefabs with a two storey extension to the main school building, with a total floor space of 1,628sqm.

The extension will include eight new classrooms for the national school, along with a general-purpose sports hall, a multipurpose room, administration offices, and the principal’s office.

Other works on the site will include work on the school car park and drop-off point for parents.

“This project is long awaited by the community in Craughwell, and I look forward to the completion of the project after a protracted process.”

UHG is Ireland’s 2nd most overcrowded hospital today

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November 9, 2021

Galway Daily news 67 people on trolleys at UHG

University Hospital Galway is the second most overcrowded in the country today, with 47 patients on trolleys.

There are 42 people admitted to the emergency department waiting on trolleys this morning according to the INMO, and five more are in the wards without a bed.

The are a further 16 patients in Portiuncula Hospital with no beds available this morning.

Six patients at the A&E in Portiuncula are on trolleys, and a further 10 are in the wards without beds.

Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation President Phil Ní Sheaghdha said that the first week of November saw 2,305 patients on trolleys across the country.

She said that it is “unacceptable” that the government has yet to publish a fully funded winter plan for the health service, despite the overcrowding crisis.

“Our staff in our hospitals are exhausted, they are dealing with rising trolley numbers coupled with rising COVID-related hospitalisations.”

“We need funding to implement the Safe-Staffing Framework, which determines the safe levels of nurse-to-patient ratio. Just like we have a pupil-teacher ratio that advises on the optimum number of children in a classroom to one teacher.”

“We are hearing examples in our hospitals of one nurse to fifteen patients in a ward. This is not a safe environment for the nurse or patients.”

The worst affected hospital today is the usual victim of University Hospital Limerick, where there are a staggering 78 patients with no beds, almost a fifth of all patients on trolleys nationwide.

This is followed by UHG, and then Cork and Letterkenny University Hospitals, which both have 44 patients admitted without beds available.

Planning permission granted for Salthill apartment building

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November 9, 2021

Galway Daily news Planning permission granted for Salthill apartment building

An Bord Pleanála has granted planning permission to knock an old filling station for the construction of an apartment building in Salthill.

The Bord overturned Galway City Council’s decision to refuse approval for the construction of a three storey apartment building with 17 units on the Coast Road.

The total number of apartments in the building was reduced to 16 in revised plans submitted to An Bord Pleanála.

The site on the Coast Road, near the junction with the Knocknacarra Road, is currently occupied by the remnants of an old filling station and four residential dwellings, which are to be demolished.

The three storey building in their place will consist of office use on the ground floor, with apartments on the upper floors, and basement parking with 18 spaces.

Galway City Council had refused planning permission on June 3 of 2021, saying that the “density, height, and configuration” of the building would be “inappropriate and excessive” for this particular area.

The council also said that it would be an “overbearing structure” which would overshadow adjacent homes.

This decision was appealed by the developer, arguing that national guidelines call for the development of higher density housing in suburban areas.

Revised plans were also submitted with the appeal, turning the top floor into a penthouse level to reduce the overall height and shadow cast on neighbouring properties.

Other redesigns submitted to the Bord involved increasing the distance between the proposed apartment building and the Bruach na Mara estate to the north.

Multiple submissions were made by local residents to An Bord Pleanála, saying that, even in the revised plans, there would be excessive overshadowing of neighbouring properties.

These submissions also said that the plans were of excessive density and height for the area, lacked sufficient open space, and have too much commercial space at the ground floor.

Planning permission was granted by An Bord Pleanála for the apartment building with twenty total conditions attached.

30 new jobs to come at Mountbellew Aldi opening next year

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November 9, 2021

Galway Daily business 30 new jobs to come at Mountbellew Aldi opening next year — Aldi announces work has commenced on its new €7M Mountbellew, Co. Galway store, creating up to 30 new permanent jobs in the locality. Located on College Road, the environmentally-friendly store is expected to open next year and will be powered by 100% renewable electricity. The store is part of a larger development constructed by Cahermorris Developments which features a filling station and residential development. Pictured at today’s turning of the sod are: (L-R) Joe Joyce, Cahemorris Developments; John Sweeney, Property Director Aldi Ireland; Eoghan Delaney, Cahermorris Developments; and Tom O'Toole Archeco architects. Photo: Michael Donnelly

Construction work has begun on a €7 million new Aldi supermarket for Mountbellew, which is expected to open next year.

The new Aldi supermarket on College Road is expected to create 30 permanent new jobs for the area when it opens.

The store is part of a larger development being built by Galway-based Cahermorris Developments which includes a filling station and residential development.

Commenting, Colin Breslin, Aldi Regional Managing Director said, “We are delighted to break ground at the site of our new Mountbellew store and we can’t wait to bring our amazing range of groceries to even more customers.”

“The store will also provide further opportunities for local food and drink producers to work with Aldi. Last year, we sourced €28 million of locally produced food and drink from our Co. Galway based suppliers.”

The 1,315sqm supermarket will be 100% powered by renewable energy, and include four electric vehicle charging points, out of 120 total car parking spaces and 10 bike spaces.

Aldi currently operate nine stores in County Galway and have recently received planning permission for a store on Old Monivea Road, Ballybrit opening in Autumn 2023.

COVID-19: Health officials report 3,161 new cases

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November 8, 2021

The Department of Health has reported 3,161 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon.

As of 8am today, 498 people with COVID-19 are hospitalised nationally, of with 78 of these patients receiving treatment in intensive care units.

Speaking today, Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said that vaccination provides our strongest defence against severe illness and hospitalisation.

He encouraged anyone who has yet to be vaccinated to come forward for vaccination.

“It is not too late to become part of our vaccinated pool of people and your participation in the COVID-19 vaccine programme will be welcomed,” he said.

“We are now also boosting and offering a third vaccine dose to healthcare workers and people over the age of 60. We are beginning to see encouraging signs, in the decreasing levels of infection among those age groups that have received their booster dose.

“The importance of coming forward cannot be overstated. If it is time for your booster, please come forward to receive that booster.

“Finally, I would also like to note that the flu (influenza) vaccine programme is currently open and I encourage people of all ages to avail of it. Children are twice as likely to get the flu than adults.

“Children are also more likely than adults to get severe complications of flu. The flu vaccine will help protect your child against flu and reduce the spread of flu to others such as siblings, parents and grandparents. Children and young people aged 2 to 17 can get the nasal flu vaccine for free.”

Galway school wins prestigious international climate award

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November 8, 2021