UHG encourages pregnant women to get COVID vaccine

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November 8, 2021

galway daily news carer of the year — Lousie Laheen Duggan from Menlough. Pic: Marc O'Sullivan

Louise Laheen Duggan from Menlough in Galway has been crowned Right at Home’s 2021 Carer of the Year at a special awards ceremony held at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel in Dublin.

Louise was one of six regional finalists in the running for National Carer of the year.

Right at Home was established in 2013 in Dublin and has since opened offices in Wicklow, Kildare, Galway, Mayo/Roscommon and Cork.

The awards celebrate and recognise the work and commitment of care staff who play an instrumental role in their communities, enabling individuals to continue to live independent and happy lives in the comfort of their own homes.

Nominations were sent by clients, client families, their colleagues, managers, and supervisors who witness first-hand the contribution carers make to the lives of those they care for.

It was up to judges Dr. Sinead Kane, a qualified lawyer and lecturer in disability law and policy and ultra-marathon runner who only has 5% vision, Louis Copeland, tailor to the stars, and Sophie Moran of Ibec to make the tough decision.

The awards ceremony was a welcome celebration following the challenges brought about by COVID -19 which saw carers go above and beyond in their line of duty.

In advance of the winner being announced, judges Dr. Sinead Kane, Louis Copeland and Sophie Moran said that the winner is an outstanding individual who blew us away from the moment we met them with their kindness, passion and dedication.

“They conveyed empathy and respect and enlightened us on what it means to them to be a carer and the importance of building a trusting and transparent relationship.

“They came across as efficient, organised, and reliable. It’s clear that this individual goes above and beyond in their role every day and truly appreciates the duty of care that they have to the community of vulnerable people they serve.”

Expressing her delight at receiving the award as it was announced, Louise Laheen Duggan said: “I can’t quite believe it yet! I am so honoured to receive this award today and couldn’t have done it without the fantastic team behind me at Right at Home, Galway.

“I am passionate about the work I do and I feel very lucky to do something I love every day.

“It is a privilege to be able to support my clients to live a happy life in the comfort of their own home and to build a trusting and respectful relationship with both the client and their families.

“It is so much more than a job, it’s a friendship as well and I look forward to sharing this wonderful news with everyone back in Galway.

“I would like to say a quick thanks to Natalie Crowe, Managing Director of Right at Home Galway for her continued support since I joined Right at Home three years ago, she has built a fantastic team which I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of.”

In recognition of the wider care team, a number of additional awards were also announced on the day. Shola Arajuwa from Dublin and Kathleen McDonnell from Galway both took home awards recognising their commitment to going above and beyond, especially as a result of the difficult circumstances posed by Covid-19.

The Outstanding Achievement Award, recognising the accomplishments of one individual across from the Right at Home team went to Nurse Geraldine Tabb. Finally, The Right at Home office of the year went to Galway.

NUI Galway earns Gold rating for sustainability

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November 8, 2021

galway daily news nui galway sustainability award

NUI Galway has joined an elite group of universities across the world by being recognised with a STARS Gold rating for its sustainability achievements.

The rating was earned following a review by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) under its STARS rating system.

NUI Galway is one of just 133 universities worldwide to earn the STARS Gold rating for sustainability.

The achievement comes on the back of several years hard work, from the establishment of the Community and University Sustainability Partnership (CUSP) in 2015 under the direction of the Deputy President and Registrar Professor Pól Ó Dochartaigh, to the appointment of the University’s inaugural Sustainability Officer in 2019, Michelle O’Dowd Lohan.

A wide ranging sustainability framework was also rolled out, led by the CUSP chair Professor Jamie Goggins.

President of NUI Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh said that sustainability is one of the University’s core values.

“We should look upon the Gold rating for our work in this area as testament to our endeavours in that regard,” said Professor hÓgartaigh.

“I often speak about our University being here for the public good – as the world meets in Glasgow, recognition of this nature, putting us at NUI Galway on a par with some of the most high-profile institutions in the world for our work which is so critical for the future of our planet, now … not tomorrow, now.”

NUI Galway Students’ Union President Róisín Nic Lochlainn said: “Students have a long history of tackling major issues facing our society, and sustainability is something that they are hungry to pursue.

“I am delighted with the contribution students have made to the STARS Gold rating and I look forward to continuing our work on developing our long terms sustainability goals.”

Professor Jamie Goggins, chair of NUI Galway’s Community University Sustainability Partnership (CUSP) board, said: “The STARS Gold rating is tremendous.

“It is to be celebrated and it should also be used to spur us on to the next challenge and for all of us at NUI Galway to push ourselves to deepen our focus on sustainability and ensure efforts are redoubled for the young people of today and the next generation.”

Professor Pól Ó Dochartaigh, NUI Galway Deputy President and Registrar and Chair of the University Sustainability Advisory Board, said that the STARS Gold rating is an outstanding success.

“Huge credit should go to all those who put the issue of sustainability on the agenda in our University, to those who developed the strategy to embed it in our work and practice and to those who pursue the right decisions to make it a living value of NUI Galway.”

More than 1,000 institutions have registered to use the STARS Reporting Tool, of which 678 have earned a STARS rating and 133 currently hold a Gold rating.

STARS assesses environmental, social and economic dimensions of sustainability across five areas: academics, engagement, operations, planning and administration, and innovation and leadership.

Four week roadworks get underway on the N59

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November 8, 2021

Galway Daily news Four week roadworks get underway on the N59

Roadworks on the N59 between Moycullen and Rosscahill which are expected to last for four weeks began today.

Galway County Council is carrying out works on the N59 in the townland of Coolagh.

A Stop & Go system will be in place to manage traffic at the location of the works while they are taking place.

The works will be found two kilometres from Rosscahill, headed towards Moycullen.

In total, the roadworks are expected to take four weeks to complete.

Man charged with sending explicit message to teenage girl

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November 8, 2021

A Galway man in his late 30s has been charged with knowingly sending a sexually explicit message to a 16 year old girl.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared before Judge Mary Fahy at Galway District Court.

He has been charged with sending sexually explicit material to a child below the age of 17 under Section 8(2) of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017.

The director of public prosecutions has indicated that the case should remain at the district court only in the case of a guilty plea.

Judge Fahy asked to hear what would be alleged, before deciding to accept jurisdiction of the case.

The case will next come before the District Court on February 7, 2022 to hear whether the accused intends to plea or contest the charge.

Galway hospitals see 33% weekly increase in COVID patients

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November 8, 2021

Galway daily news COVID-19 cases more than double at UHG

There has been almost a 33% increase in the number of people hospitalised with COVID-19 in Galway over the past week, up to 41 as of yesterday.

As of Sunday evening there were 32 confirmed cases at University Hospital Galway, and nine at Portiuncula Hospital.

This is a week-on-week increase of eight patients at UHG, and two at Portiuncula Hospital.

However, the number of COVID patients admitted intensive care units have remained low, with two in the ICU in Ballinasloe, and just one at UHG.

The Saolta Hospital Group has been forced to cancel a large number of surgeries recently due to hospital overcrowding.

This comes as hospitals in Galway and across the region are dealing with large numbers of COVID patients, mixed with ever growing attendance at the A&E headed into Winter.

Nationwide there were 486 confirmed cases in Ireland hospitals as of yesterday evening, of whom 75 are being treated in the ICU.

A further 3,428 new cases of COVID-19 were reported by the Department of Health in Ireland yesterday.

In Galway, the total number of deaths due to the virus rose to 144 in the final week of November according to CSO figures.

Burst water mains affecting Newcastle in Galway City

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November 8, 2021

Galway Daily news Water outages in Moycullen

Repairs to a burst water mains in the Newcastle area of Galway City are expected to be completed before midday today.

Irish Water is currently dealing with a burst mains just off the Upper Newcastle Road reported just after 9:30am.

This is causing water outages and supply disruptions to residents of Clifton Crescent, Clifton Court and surrounding areas.

Repairs are currently expected to be completed by 11am on Monday, November 8 according to Irish Water.

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

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

First virtual Bin It! litter roadshow gets under way across Galway

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November 8, 2021

Galway Daily news First virtual Bin It! litter roadshow gets under way across Galway — The Bin IT! Roadshow duo Doc and Taylor, played by actors Brían Ó Súilleabháin and Laura O’Leary, discuss the different influences in society that can impact litter management

The annual nationwide Bin It! litter programme has launched its new virtual Bin It! Hit Record Show which is rolling out in schools across Galway.

The show is being launched in 47 secondary schools across Galway to educate and raise awareness of issues surrounding litter and the impact it can have on communities.

Bin It! Hit Record replaces the annual in-person national roadshow, which has been postponed in 2021 because of the pandemic.

Along with the show, the virtual programme includes an adaptable teaching resource, with lessons focusing on the science behind littering, the behaviour of littering, and what can be done to change people’s attitudes about it.

Bin It! Hit Record will provide teachers with information on how to deliver the lesson programmes and how to adapt the content to suit their needs and effectively engage students.

Central to the free teaching resource is a series of short videos which will follow main characters Doc and Taylor from the roadshow who will look at four key areas of littering.

Students will also have the opportunity to conduct practical experiments from the roadshow and experience what it is like to be a key decision maker when it comes to managing litter.

Bin It! is entirely funded and supported by the Gum Litter Taskforce (GLT) to help tackle that sticky problem.

Chairman of the GLT, Paul Kelly said, “Like many other environmental initiatives, Bin It! has had to be creative in how it continues to educate students around the topic of litter.”

“As younger generations are more aware about the global environmental challenges that we are facing, and are eager to learn and enact positive change, it is important that the Bin IT! education programme continues to evolve.”

Since 2006, and aside from last year’s cancellation, the Bin It! campaign has toured 580 schools around the country, drawing in over 64,000 students with actor-led workshops.

Planning permission granted for Ballinasloe housing development

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November 8, 2021

Galway daily news Knocknacarra social housing

An Bord Pleanála has approved the construction of a 38 unit housing estate in Ballinsloe, and barred investment funds from buying the houses.

Carbon Sole Ltd has been granted planning permission to build 38 houses at Creagh, Ballinasloe, after the bord ruled against an appeal.

The City Council had previously approved the housing development last May, after it was redesigned to reduce it from the 47 houses originally planned.

This was to avoid building on the northern end of the site, which is deemed to be at flood risk, and will instead be landscaped.

The developer also proposes to include a children’s playground within a centralised public green area.

The existing access to the site would be replaced by the construction of a new access junction onto the R446 Dublin Road.

An appeal was lodged against the city council’s original decision by Dublin Road and
Creagh Residents Association on multiple grounds.

It argued that there were not enough facilities in the area for additional housing, and the plans were overly dense, including two many one and two bed units which are “clearly intended” for the rental market.

The appeal also said that the overall masterplan for the area is to build 132 houses, but the developer said that this is only an “indicative” plan for how future development could be integrated.

These and other grounds related to the design of the proposed estate, and stress on local infrastructure, were disputed by the developer.

Planning permission was granted by An Bord Pleanála with twenty-two conditions of approval attached.

Among those, the Bord once again barred any of the houses or duplex units from being sold to investment funds in the first instance.

Condition No. 17 states that the first occupation of these homes must be by “individual purchasers” or by people “eligible for the occupation of social and/or affordable housing”.

The developer was also ordered that all “in-curtilage parking spaces” serving homes must have electrical connections to the exterior of the houses to allow electric vehicle charging points to be installed.

Beloved Clifden pub announces its closure

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November 7, 2021

Galway Daily beloved Clifden pub announces its closure — Photo Credit: Tom King's Bar and Snug via Facebook

A much loved Clifden pub that has been in the family for three generations has announced that it is closing down, prompting an outpouring of happy memories.

Tom King, owner of the same Tom King’s Bar and Snug in The Square, Clifden has announced he is retiring, and closing the bar as he does.

Announcing the news on social media, he thanked the many “friends, family and loyal customers” for their support over the years.

The news was greeted with mixed sorrow and support online, with people sad to see a pub with so many good memories attached going away.

But the hundreds of people who commented on the announcement fervently wished Tom well in his retirement, advising him to take it easy, and make some more good memories for himself, as he had for so many others.

“Well most of you are aware at this stage that I’ve decided to retire and close the bar. It was a difficult but necessary decision.”

“I want to thank all my friends, family and loyal customers from over the years for your custom, friendship and support, of which I couldn’t have done it without you.”

“Then there’s my staff from over the years. You’re too many to mention, but a special thank you to John and Mike especially in the last number of months.”

“You’ve worked long hours and under difficult circumstances. I really appreciate your loyalty, support and hard work.

And to my family a big thank you for everything you’ve done and again your support. Tom”

Galway TD raises issue with transition from PUP to Jobseekers

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November 7, 2021

Galway Daily news Fewer than 4,000 remain on pandemic unemployment in Galway

Galway-Roscommon TD Claire Kerrane has called on Minister Humphreys to urgently address an issue with the transition from the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) to Jobseekers.

She says that the issue relates to people who had been on the Working Family Payment (WFP) being unfairly denied the payment without any warning.

Those who had been in receipt of the WFP alongside the PUP lost their entitlement to the WFP on applying for Jobseekers, the Sinn Féin TD said.

“Those on the lowest rate of PUP of €203 were required to apply for either Jobseeker’s Allowance or Jobseeker’s Benefit by October 21and on applying, rather than continuing to receive the PUP and the Working Family Payment until the transition, they immediately lost the Working Family Payment,” said Deputy Kerrane.

“Whilst they cannot receive Jobseekers payments and the Working Family Payment, recipients should continue to get the Working Family Payment with the PUP while remaining on the PUP and before moving to Jobseekers.

“It appears that the Minister and her Department did not provide appropriate arrangements to ensure this would be avoided.

“This situation is unnecessary and avoidable, considering there has been ample time to ensure a smooth transition from PUP to Jobseekers payments.”

Deputy Kerrane said that instead, families who rely on the Working Family Payment had an important source of income removed without any prior notice and before they moved onto Jobseekers.

“This is an important welfare payment and will be plunging families into financial difficulty without any warning. This will put huge pressure on the families affected and must be resolved urgently,” said the Roscommon-Galway TD.

COVID-19: 3,428 new cases reported this afternoon

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November 7, 2021

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

A further 3,428 confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported by health officials this afternoon.

As of 8am today, 478 people with COVID-19 patients are hospitalised nationally, of whom 75 are in intensive care units.

The Department of Health has said that the daily case numbers may change due to future data validation.

A total of 3,685 new cases were reported in the State yesterday, Saturday.

Suspicion, paranoia, and a heist on Ros na Rún

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November 7, 2021

Galway Daily television Suspicion, paranoia, and a heist on Ros na Rún

Suspicions abound on all sides and Caoilfhionn plans a heist in the name of justice in Ros na Rún.

Caoilfhionn has set herself the task of obtaining the tape showing Briain assaulting
Sorcha, but how will she slip it out from under Tony’s watchful eye.

Noreen is shocked by Dee’s suicide attempt but soon suspects that all is not what
it seems, while Dee has some realisations of her own to make.

Colm suspects that Alex may be here to rekindle her romance with him, and fears that this may lead to Charlie and the baby’s departure.

Rónán is happy to finally have gained Bobbi Lee’s approval. But when fifty euro
goes missing from the till he wonders if she’s testing.

Paranoid and pressured, he announced that he’s leaving, much to the shock of Bobbi Lee.

Briain’s initial relief at Berni’s allegations going no further is cut short when his other sins bite him in the ass.

All of this and more from this week’s episodes of Ros na Rún, on screen in a double feature omnibus on TG4 at 7:30pm on Sunday.

Man hospitalised following Loughrea traffic collision

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November 7, 2021

One man was taken to hospital due to his injuries following a crash in Loughrea on Saturday evening.

Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of a collision on the Dublin Road, Loughrea yesterday.

The crash, involving two vehicles, took place at approximately 5:40pm on Saturday.

One man in his late 50s was taken to University Hospital Galway for treatment of his injuries.

The road involved in this collision is currently open for use.

Total number of COVID deaths in Galway rises to 144

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November 7, 2021

Galway Daily news Woman (80s) dies following car crash two weeks ago

The total number of COVID-19 deaths in Galway rose by seven in the final week of October to 144, new CSO data shows.

The median age of the deaths from COVID in Galway also fell from 82 to 81 in the week ending 29 October.

Galway is still the county with the lowest median age for its COVID cases, at 28 years. Since the start of the pandemic, a total of 20,447 cases have been recorded in the county.

The total number of cases recorded in the county rose by 1,521 in the week to October 29.

Nationally, the number of cases that week was 14,707. Dublin (3,764) and Cork (1,689) had the highest number of new cases in the Republic.

Those aged 14 or younger accounted for 21% of cases, down 2% from the previous week.

NUIG launches Speak Out platform for students and staff

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November 7, 2021

galway daily news nui galway speak out initiative — Launching the Speak Out online tool at NUI Galway were, from left: James McCormack, Head of Student Counselling; Gemma MacNally, Student Counsellor; Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, NUI Galway President; Dr Padraig MacNeela, Lecturer with the School of Psychology and Active* Consent Programme Co-Lead; and Róisín Nic Lochlainn, NUI Galway Students’ Union President. Photo: Mike Shaughnessy

NUI Galway has launched its Speak Out online tool for students and staff to anonymously report violence and harassment.

The platform is part of a new initiative in higher education institutions nationally to allow for increased recording and monitoring of incidents which will then be used to develop prevention, support and reporting.

Speak Out allows students and staff to record bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, discrimination, hate crime, coercive behaviour/control, stalking, assault, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and rape.

NUI Galway President, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, said that the University is delighted to support the initiative and that it is symbolic of NUI Galway’s focus on ensuring it fulfils responsibilities for the public good.

“We are a respectful, open community, committed to welcoming and sustaining, in excellence, all the talents,” said Professor Ó hÓgartaigh.

“All members of the University community have the right to study or work in an environment free from bullying, harassment and sexual harassment.

“Speak Out empowers our community in reporting such incidents.”

Professor Ó hÓgartaigh encouraged people to do so, and to confront those elements of society that are unwelcome and unwelcoming and therefore in need of change.

The Speak Out tool is available for students and staff at NUI Galway at https://nuig.speakout.ie/

Developed for Ireland’s higher education sector, it is led by the Psychological Counsellors in Higher Education Ireland (PCHEI), with the support of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and the Higher Education Authority.

The data collected through Speak Out will be used to inform policy and targeted educational initiatives.

It is the goal of PCHEI to provide a trauma-informed tool which will provide users with support services relevant to their experience.

This project is a groundbreaking initiative underpinned by an ethos of cross-institutional collaboration in response to such incidences within higher education institutions.

Gemma MacNally, from the NUI Galway Student Counselling Service, said: “We are proud to make the Speak Out tool available to our University community of students and staff.

“It is an important part of our institutional Action Plan to ensure that sexual violence and harassment become more visible and openly discussed.

“The Speak Out tool provides a new option for people to have their voices heard.

“Meanwhile, we will continue to work on other parts of our Action Plan, such as education and training on positive behaviours, supports, and the mutual respect that must underpin the NUI Galway experience.”

Kylemore Abbey showcases Galway at World Travel Market

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November 7, 2021

galway daily news tourism ireland event london kylemore abbey — Niall Gibbons, Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland; Jessica Ridge, Kylemore Abbey & Gardens; and Tourism Minister Catherine Martin, at World Travel Market in London

Galway’s Kylemore Abbey & Gardens was among 40 Irish tourism businesses at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London this week.

WTM typically heralds the beginning of Ireland’s promotional drive overseas for the year ahead.

Tourism Ireland’s aim is to stand out from the crowd, capturing the attention of the global media and travel professionals in attendance.

This year, WTM is a hybrid event – the live event took place over three days this week, between 1 and 3 November, and the virtual meetings will take place on 8 and 9 November.

In all, some 77 tourism companies from Ireland will engage in important meetings with international tour operators – to negotiate and exchange vital contracts for 2022.

Niall Gibbons, Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland, said that as we restart tourism from overseas, they are delighted to attend the world’s largest travel fair.

He said that the representation of Irish companies at WTM is extremely welcome – and essential in the highly competitive international marketplace.

“Every destination across the globe has experienced the impact of COVID-19 and is now seeking its share of the recovery,” said Niall Gibbons.

“Tourism Ireland’s aim, therefore, is to stand out from the crowd and to capture the attention of the global media and travel professionals in attendance.

“Our ‘Green Button’ campaign is now under way and will reach 46 million people across Britain.

“It’s a really extensive, multi-channel campaign which is highlighting Ireland as a fantastic destination for a short break or holiday.

“Our message – and that of the entire Irish tourism industry – is very simple: we cannot wait to roll out the green carpet and welcome back visitors from Great Britain and elsewhere around the world.

“Together with our industry partners, we will undertake our most extensive marketing campaign ever in 2022.”

Irish VS British VS Australian Horse Racing Events

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Thomas O'Brien

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November 7, 2021

Horse racing has a long and illustrious history having been around for hundreds of years now. But when did horse racing become so popular? If we take a look back into history, evidence suggests that horse racing first became popular with ancient civilizations. The ancient Greeks and Romans loved nothing more than watching chariots race one another in arenas.

Since then, horse racing has continued to grow in popularity. It is now the second most popular sport in the world, after football.

Thanks to its popularity, many countries have chosen to create several horse racing events for the fans. Some of the best horse racing events take place in Ireland, Britain, and Australia. If you want to know more about the horse racing events in these countries, then keep reading below:

Irish Horse Racing Events

Many people refer to Ireland as one of the best horse racing countries in the world, Not only does Ireland have an enormous number of great trainers and jockeys, but it also hosts some of the finest horse racing events. Here are some of the horse racing events that take place in Ireland:

Punchestown Irish National Hunt Festival – this festival takes place every year, just after England’s Cheltenham Festival. Races include the Champion Hurdle, the Champion Chase, and the Punchestown Gold Cup.
The Curragh Irish Derby Festival – this is the most prestigious and glamorous horse racing event that is held in Ireland. It is a three-day festival that offers some amazing prizes in horse racing.
The Galway Summer Festival – this event takes place during the summer months, and it is a favourite event for many. Not only is there horse racing, but there’s also some brilliant hospitality, entertainment, and fashion on offer too.

British Horse Racing Events

Similar to Ireland, there are lots of amazing horse racing events that take place in Britain. Thanks to the sheer number of events, it can be hard for fans to choose which one to attend. However, there are three horse racing events in Britain that all horse racing fans should attend. These include:

Cheltenham Festival – this festival is the highlight of the National Hunt year and the pinnacle of Jumps racing. It is held over 4 days, and it displays some of the best the sport has to offer.
The Grand National – this 3-day event is one of the most popular races in horse racing history. This is the race where the nation stops to have a bet, sweepstakes take place, and horses are cheered home.
Royal Ascot – this event is the showcase event of the Flat season, full of class, glamour, and pageantry. Royal Ascot is one of the favourite events of the UK Royals, with the Queen attending.

Australian Horse Racing Events

Every year, several prestigious horse racing events take place in Australia, with competitors travelling from all around the world to take part. Here are some of the best:

Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival – this is undoubtedly the best and the biggest horse racing event held in Australia. It is so popular that horses travel from as far away as the UK and Ireland to take part. Thanks to this, many horse racing fans like to attend and place bets on horses in this event. However, as there are so many amazing competitors taking part it can be hard to choose which horses to bet on. Thankfully, there are lots of brilliant Australian horse racing tips online to help you out.
Sydney Spring Racing Carnival – this is another brilliant event held in Australia. It features the Group 1 Epsom Handicap.
Magic Millions Carnival – this is another major racing event in the Australian calendar. It is held in Queensland, and it takes place in January each year.

Horse racing is a global sport and there are horse racing events around the world for horse racing enthusiasts to watch and bet on. However, not all horse racing events are equal. Some countries host much better horse racing events than others. But how do you know which events are the best?

If you speak to horse racing enthusiasts, most of them would agree that the best horse racing events take place in Ireland, Britain, and Australia. The horse racing events in these countries aren’t only better organized, but they’re also more enjoyable for fans too. From the Melbourne Cup which takes place in Australia, to Royal Ascot which takes place in the UK, which event would be your favourite?

Mountbellew chosen as Smart Villages destination

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November 6, 2021

galway daily news mountbellew smart villages

A major rural development initiative has been announced in Mountbellew by Galway Rural Development (GRD).

‘Smart Villages’ aims to enhance cooperation, new alliances and funding for rural areas across the county.

A capacity crowd attended Mountbellew Pastoral Centre last month to discuss the potential for the town as a ‘Smart Village’ destination, with Mountbellew District Development Association and Galway Telework leading the way.

GRD has now confirmed Mountbellew as its pilot location in County Galway with MEP Maria Walsh visiting the town in recent days to acknowledge the news.

The national Smart Villages plan is a collaboration between three local development companies; Galway Rural Development, Kilkenny Leader Partnership, and IRD Duhallow, and will be rolled-out this winter across the country.

Sixteen regions in the country and twelve local development companies will be involved in the programme.

CEO of Galway Rural Development, Steve Dolan described it as “a game-changer for rural areas, in-keeping with the aims of Our Rural Future, and offering a proven record of success across the European Union in terms of cultural and economic growth and regeneration.”

“Smart Villages are communities in rural areas using innovative solutions to improve their resilience for the challenges and opportunities ahead.”

“Across the EU, ‘Smart Villages’ have implemented improvements to the lives of millions of rural dwellers in terms of their economic, social, environmental, and cultural lives – including through mobilising digital technologies and the potential in Mountbellew is self-evident.”

Senior Manager of GRD’s LEADER team Conor Carty added that the Smart Villages concept brings a ‘fresh approach’ and opens up new opportunities to improve the sustainability of rural areas.

“It aims to deliver on the promise of ‘a better life in rural areas’ and it reflects the principles and methods associated with ‘smart and competitive’ rural areas,” he said.

“As a start, Smart Village training has been developed to address the needs of rural communities and businesses in towns like Mountbellew.

“This training will help up-skill rural communities under a number of strategic themes in the areas of food, nature, towns, and transport.

“We will be out and about on the ground this winter and the guidance given will enable rural communities to get ready for future investment.”

MEP Maria Walsh and Senator Aisling Dolan were keen to acknowledge the potential for such an initiative in Mountbellew and praised the ambition.

Maria Walsh said: “Given my own background in community work, I am intimately familiar with LEADER and I am also well aware of the success of ‘Smart Villages’ across the EU so I’m delighted to see it embraced in Ireland – specifically here in East Galway.”

Senator Dolan said she looked forward to seeing the fruits of the work in East Galway over the coming months.

“Sharing ideas, sharing experience, and building intercommunity relationships are core concepts of Smart Villages,” she said.

“If we are to build a rural future for all of our citizens’ then proven initiatives like this will be key to our endeavours. I’m overjoyed to see this being led out of Mountbellew for the region.”

Portumna Aldi to reopen tomorrow following €1m makeover

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November 6, 2021