Galway winners at ReelLIFE SCIENCE video awards

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November 17, 2021

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

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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November 17, 2021

Galway Daily health HSE pushing lung disease awareness on World COPD Day

Over 15,000 people in Ireland are admitted to hospital each year suffering from COPD, a nasty progressive respiratory disease.

To mark World COPD Day on Wednesday, November 17, the HSE is highlighting new standards of care meant to help people with the disease live well in the community this winter.

A spotlight is also being put on the massive under-diagnosis of the lung disease, in part to due an underreporting of basis symptoms by sufferers.

Dr Desmond Murphy, HSE National Clinical Lead for Respiratory said that this disease is most commonly caused by cigarette smoke.

“This damage to the airways can result in shortness of breath and tiredness because the affected person has to work harder to breathe. In addition, patients with COPD are more susceptible to getting chest infections.”

COPD’s most common symptoms of shortness of breath, sputum/phlegm production and cough are often underreported by patients, Dr Murphy added, which can contribute to the under-diagnosis of the disease.

There are an estimated 380,000 people who are living with COPD, yet only 110,000 have been diagnosed.

Approximately 1,500 patients die each year, and 15,000 people in Ireland are hospitalised with it.

“People can experience COPD in different ways depending on which symptoms trouble them most, how severe they are and how damaged their lungs are. COPD is a progressive illness, meaning it has several stages of severity. It tends to creep up on people slowly.”

“This means that it can often be several years before symptoms and the underlying damage to their lungs reach a level that cause a person to see their doctor or healthcare provider,” Desmond Murphy said.

“While there is no cure for COPD, there are tools and tips for patients to manage their symptoms, slow the progression of the disease and allow them to live well. We hope the resources developed will assist the COPD community with this.”

The HSE National Clinical Programme for Respiratory launched the first national clinical guidance for management of COPD earlier this month, to ensure that patients get “consistent and standardised care” across the country.

Specialist Respiratory Integrated Care teams are also being established for community care, with the goal of decreasing hospitalisations.

Some of the services that will be made available in the community include diagnostic tests such as Spirometry and interventions such as pulmonary rehabilitation.

Two arrested for armed robbery due before court

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November 17, 2021

Two of the men arrested in Galway in connection with an armed robbery this week have been charged, and are due before the courts today.

Three men in total were arrested in Galway on Monday, following an armed robbery at a store in Ferbane, Offaly that morning.

At approximately 6.40am Monday morning three men entered a convenience store in Ferbane armed with a number of weapons and forced the two female staff members to hand over a quantity of cigarettes, alcohol and cash.

The men left the scene in a dark coloured vehicle. Neither of the staff members required medical attention after the incident.

Two men, aged 26 & 19 years old, who were detained under Section 50 Criminal Justice Act, 2007 have been charged in relation to the incident.

They are due to appear before Athlone District Court this morning Wednesday 17th November, 2021 at 10.30a.m.

The 20 year old third man remains in Garda custody detained under Section 50 Criminal Justice Act, 2007.

Gardaí have appealed for any witnesses or those who may have information about this armed robbery to come forward.

Any person who may have witnessed any unusual activity on Main Street, Ferbane, Co. Offaly yesterday morning between 6.15am and 7am is asked to contact Gardaí.

Gardaí are also appealing to anyone with camera footage (including dash cam) to make it available to them.

Any person with information in relation to this matter is asked to contact Birr Garda Station on (057) 9169710, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.

Three day road closure for Loughrea roadworks

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November 17, 2021

Galway daily news Seven week road closure in downtown Galway City

A street in Loughrea town will be closed to traffic for three days this week due to roadworks taking place.

Galway County Council is carrying out resurfacing works on Dolphin Street from Wednesday to Friday, November 17-19.

In order to facilitate these roadworks the road will be closed from 7:45am to 6:30pm each day.

“As a consequence, users of this road are requested to expect delays and as such should allow additional time for their journeys,” the council said on facebook.

“Galway County Council would like to take this opportunity to apologise for any inconvenience caused by these works.”

COVID-19: Health officials report 4,407 cases

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November 16, 2021

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

There have been a further 4,407 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported by the Department of Health today.

As of this morning there were 614 people in the country in hospital with COVID-19, with 114 admitted to intensive care units for treatment.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tony Holohan said that there have been almost 55,000 cases in Ireland 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.

“We are more likely to contract COVID-19 from someone we know – a friend, a work colleague, a teammate – than a stranger passing by in a shop or on the bus. Please prioritise who you need to meet.”

“Over two million people are now eligible for a booster vaccine, including everyone over 50 and those aged over 16 with underlying medical conditions.”

“Given the risk to you from the current force of infection in the community, it is really important that you minimise, as much as possible, your social contacts, while waiting for your booster.”

The government has today announced fresh restrictions amid the growing number of cases and hospitalisations.

From Thursday people are advised to revert back to working from home unless completely necessary.

Bars, restaurants, and nightclubs will have a strict closing time of midnight, and COVID passes will be required for cinemas and theatres.

Effective immediately, household close contacts, who are fully vaccinated and display no symptoms, will still be required to restrict their movements until they have 3 negative antigen test results within 5 days.

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

Witnesses sought after three arrested in Galway over armed robbery

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November 16, 2021

Galway Daily news Missing 17 year old teenager found safe and well

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward after three men were arrested in Galway in connection with an armed robbery.

The men aged 19, 20, and 26 years old were arrested in Galway on Monday, after an armed robbery at a store in Offaly that morning.

At approximately 6.40a.m. yesterday morning three men entered a convenience store in Ferbane armed with a number of weapons and forced the two female staff members to hand over a quantity of cigarettes, alcohol and cash.

The men left the scene in a dark coloured vehicle. Neither of the staff members required medical attention after the incident.

The three men remain detained at Garda stations across the midlands today under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2007.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have information in relation to this armed robbery to come forward.

Any person who may have witnessed any unusual activity on Main Street, Ferbane, Co. Offaly yesterday morning between 6.15a.m. and 7a.m. is asked to contact Gardaí.

Gardaí are also appealing to anyone with camera footage (including dash cam) to make it available to them.

From Galway to Nicaragua – world experiences at Over the Edge

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November 16, 2021

Galway Daily arts Over the Edge open mic night on Thursday evening

Readers from Galway and much further afield with bring their experiences to the mic art the November Over the Edge open reading and mic this week.

Over the Edge returns this Thursday, November 18 at 6:30pm, sticking with the online Zoom format for people to tune in and enjoy the show.

The featured readers this month are a good mix, with local woman Sacha Hutchinson, Estelle Birdy from Louth, and coming from further afield is Gioconda Belli from Nicaragua.

There will be the usual Open Mic after the featured readers for anyone, newcomer or old hand, to take to the virtual stage and try out their work for a hungry audience.

Gioconda Belli is a poet and novelist, one who has led an active and eventful political life in her country as a feminist and defender of human rights.

Although she was part of the struggle to topple Somoza’s regime and the Sandinista Revolution (1979), she split from the new sandinismo of Daniel Ortega in 1993.

Galway Daily news From Galway to Nicaragua - world experiences at Over the Edge — Gioconda Belli

She writes both poetry and novels, for which she has won many awards, including four children’s books and a memoir of her guerrilla years: The Country Under my Skin.

Gioconda’s poetry has won the Mariano Fiallos Gil prize, the Casa de las Americas Prize, Generacion del 27 Prize, and more, and her first novel The Inhabited Woman (1988) became a literary and commercial success and was awarded the Best Political Novel of the Year and the Anna Seghers award in Germany in 1989.

Sacha Hutchinson is an eye doctor working in Galway, and a long time fan of Over the Edge.

Her poetry has appeared in Ropes 2018 and multiple editions of Skylight 47, the 2019 autumn edition of The Curlew, and many more.

She was shortlisted for Poetry for Patience 2018 and 2019, and for the Over the Edge New Writer of the Year in 2019.

Estelle Birdy describes herself as “Louth and proud” but is a long-time resident of Dublin’s Liberties.

The UCD graduate has seen her work reviews and non-fiction appear in the Sunday Independent, the Irish Times and others, and her work has won or been shortlisted in Dalkey Creates, Penfro Book Festival, Verve Poetry Festival and IWC Novel Fair competitions.

Estelle’s debut novel Ravelling, which has been described as “Fast-paced, funny and eye-popping, descending from Trainspotting, White Teeth and Milkman in its portrayal of urban life in the twenty-first century” is forthcoming from Lilliput Press.

Anyone interested in taking part in the open-mic should text Kevin Higgins on 087-6431748 or or register their interest by messaging the Over The Edge Facebook page.

To join in the cultural gathering this week join the Over the Edge Zoom Meeting at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7389013549. Meeting ID: 738 901 3549.

Water outages in northwest Galway City and Moycullen

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November 16, 2021

Galway Daily news overnight water outages

Homes and businesses in the northwest of Galway City and suburbs may experience water outages until later this evening due to a burst mains.

Irish Water is dealing with a burst water mains at Oranswell, near Bushypark in Galway City, which was first reported shortly before 10am this morning.

This is causing water outages in Bushypark, Oranswell, Moycullen and surrounding areas of the county.

Repair works are currently expected to be completed by 5pm on Tuesday evening.

A traffic management plan will be in place for the duration of these works.

People affected by this are advised that it may take 2-3 hours after repairs are completed before their full water supply is restored.

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

€800 million Mother and Baby Homes redress scheme announced

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November 16, 2021

Galway Daily news Redress Scheme for Tuam Mother and Baby Home survivors opening March 20

The government has today announced compensation plans for tens of thousands of survivors of Mother and Baby Homes.

The Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme was announced by Minister Roderic O’Gorman today in the Action Plan for survivors of Mother and Baby Homes.

The Tuam Home in Galway has been at the centre of the outcry surrounding the terrible suffering and death endured by women and children at these homes.

In total 978 children died at the Tuam Home between 1921 and 1961, more than 10% of the total in all the Mother and Baby Homes investigated.

It’s estimated that roughly 34,000 people will be eligible for compensation under the scheme announced today, at a projected cost of €800 million.

The scheme will open for applications in late 2022 after legislation has been passed enabling it.

All mothers who stayed at one of these institutions will be eligible for the scheme, with the level of payment increasing by the amount of time they spent there.

Children who were in a Mother and Baby Home for six months of more, and who did not receive anything under the Residential Institutions Redress Scheme (RIRS) will also be eligible for payments, which will similarly go up based on the length of their stay.

The final two elements of compensation are work-related payments for women who were in certain homes for more than three months, and did commercial work there.

An enhanced medical card will be available to everybody who was resident in a Mother and Baby or County Home Institution for six months or more.

The enhanced medical card is expected to be open to approximately 19,000 people.

Mother and Baby Homes survivors

Minister O’Gorman published An Action Plan for Survivors and Former Residents of Mother and Baby and County Home Institutions today, which contains details of the redress scheme, to support commitments made by the government last January.

The legislation required to establish the Scheme will be developed by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.

Minister of O’Gorman said that the proposed scheme “extends well beyond” the recommendations of the Commission of Investigation.

“It represents a significant milestone in the State’s acknowledgment of its past failures and of the needless suffering experienced by so many of its citizens.”

“I want to thank the survivors and their families who participated in the consultation process for the Scheme, both in Ireland and abroad. The depth of feeling shone through and is reflected in the proposals published today.”

He added that redress can mean different things for different people, whether it is an apology and memorialisation, access to records, or other supports.

“We are progressing legislation to enable access to birth certificates and early life information, and to allow for interventions at the site in Tuam.”

Proof of residency is the sole qualification of the redress scheme. There is no requirement to prove abuse, or sow medical records.

Though the government has said that in certain limited circumstances, sworn affidavits may be required.

Those survivors and former residents now living overseas will qualify for a payment on the same terms as individuals living in Ireland, and will have the choice to receive an enhanced medical card or a once-off payment in lieu of the card as a contribution towards their individual health needs.

Concerns about progress on flood relief measures for Portumna

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November 16, 2021

Galway Daily news Viable solution identified for Gort Lowlands flood relief scheme

Independent TD Seán Canney has raised concerns that flood relief measures for Portumna have not yet progressed.

The measures were first identified in the Shannon Catchment Flood Risk Management Plan (FRMP) published in May 2018.

The proposed scheme would provide protection to 22 properties at a preliminary total project budget of €3.65m.

“I have received confirmation from the Minister for the Office of Public Works that his office and Galway County Council will work closely to ensure that it will be commenced as soon as possible within the lifetime of the NDP 2021-2030,” said the Galway East TD.

The proposed measures include the construction of new flood defences – over 430m of flood wall and approximately 870m of flood embankment.

Also included in the measures are the installation of a simple flood-forecasting unit, raised road level over a length of 20m along the north of Portumna Harbour, and a vertical sector gate to act as a barrier to flooding across the entrance to Portumna Harbour.

The structure would consist of a set of gates which could be closed after a flood warning, and open during normal conditions to allow the passage of boats, Deputy Canney says.

“Portumna suffered from flooding over many years, and it is imperative that this project is fast tracked to provide comfort and peace of mind for the residents and business affected by the recent flood events.

“A Project Brief needs to be developed as a matter of urgency as is the appointment of Consultants to progress a Flood Relief Scheme for Portumna.

“The project will require environmental assessment, public consultation, refinement and preparation for planning / exhibition stage prior to any construction commencing on the ground, this process will take time and I am calling for this project to progress as a matter of urgency.”

New portacabin donated to UHG for storing toys & gifts

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November 16, 2021

galway daily news portacabin donated to university hospital galway uhg donation — From left: Amanda Peoples, Clinical Nurse Manager 2, Paediatric Unit; Paul Carey, Managing Director, Carey Building Contractors; Anne Matthews, Clinical Nurse Manager 3, Paediatric Unit and John Forde, Maintenance Manager, Galway University Hospitals.

The Paediatric Unit at UHG has extended a warm thank you to Carey Building Contractors for the donation of a new portacabin which is being used to store toys and gifts donated to the unit throughout the year.

UHG receives many donations of toys every year for the children who are in hospital, and until now the hospital had been without a dedicated storage area for the toys.

“Every Christmas we give toys to the children who are in hospital during the holidays and we keep other toys in our play room for use by patients all year round,” said Anne Matthews, Clinical Nurse Manager 3 in the Paediatric Unit.

They also distribute toys to other areas in the hospital where children are cared for including the outpatient department, emergency department and theatre department.

“The remainder of the toys go into storage and are gifted throughout the year to mark a special occasion for a child in hospital.”

Anne Matthews said that the new storage facility is ‘greatly appreciated’, and thanked Paul Carey and everyone at Carey Building Contractors on behalf of all the staff in the unit.

She also thanked Walsh Crane Hire for providing the crane lift free of charge.

Sign up for Festive Fashion Friday to support Galway Hospice!

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November 16, 2021

galway daily news galway hospice fashion Friday fundraiser

People across Galway will have the chance to support Galway Hospice this Christmas by taking part in Festive Fashion Friday next month.

On Friday 17 December, individuals, schools and workplaces across the county will dress in their favourite festive outfits to support the hospice.

Two fantastic prizes are up for grabs this year, with workplaces in with a chance of winning a meal for 15 workmates at The Gaslight Restaurant in the Hardiman Hotel.

Schools are also in with a chance of winning an ice cream van visit for their entire school!

People are invited to wear whatever they want on Festive Fashion Friday, such as a Christmas jumper, festive earrings or a seasonal tie.

The funds raised will go towards caring for over 1,000 patients and their families learning to live with a life-limiting illness in 2022.

Registration is open now at Festive Fashion Friday – Galway Hospice Foundation or alternatively, people can register by calling the fundraising team on 091 770868.

Those who register will be entered in the draw to win an amazing prize for their workplace or school.

Galway Hospice thanked the Hardiman Hotel Galway and Americano Ice cream Tuam for sponsoring.

Galway pupils learn about climate change during Science Week

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November 16, 2021