Gardaí investigating after car stolen in home burglary

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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

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

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

Galway school wins prestigious international climate award

Clontuskert National School achieved an incredible first for Ireland in being one of the select to receive an international climate award at the COP26 conference.

The Ballinasloe School is the first in Ireland to ever win the Climate Action Project Schools of Excellence Award.

Awards were given to 250 schools around the country on November 4 at the COP26 Climate Conference taking place in Glasgow.

Galway Senator Aisling Dolan praised the students of Clontuskert NS, and the 2.7 million school children around the world who took part in the Climate Action Project, for bringing their work to the attention of “world leaders and environmental experts” at the conference.

“These students in Clontuskert are real trailblazers on climate action Principal Kate Murray and her staff are wonderful role-models leading the way with children becoming champions and advocates for change.”

For their part in the project, a collaborative network of schools in 145 countries, Clontuskert students produced a video on a campaign to ban plastic on fruit and vegetables in supermarkets.

“The whole community are so proud of this school and they have been winning awards for years,” Aisling Dolan added.

Other awards Clontuskert NS has racked up over the years include Microsoft Showcase School, Green Flag School, Digital School of Distinction, and other prizes from the Galway Science & Technology Festival, and Discover Science.

“As spokesperson on Research, Innovation & Science – I’m so proud that St Augustine’s school in Clontuskert has achieved such an award. A great primary school in East Galway having such an impact at a global level and driving change.”

November 4 also marked Climate Action Day, an online event produced by Take Action Global that serves as the culminating celebration of the Climate Action Project.

During the event, students and teachers presented questions to speakers, and showcased potential solutions for climate change.

The occasion also commemorated the 50th anniversary of the UN Environment Programme, reiterating the important role young people play in the future of environmental science, policy and action.

UHG encourages pregnant women to get COVID vaccine

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November 8, 2021

galway daily news Vaccine booster clinic continuing today for people in their 50s

The Maternity Department at University Hospital Galway is encouraging women who are pregnant to get their COVID-19 vaccine and to talk to their midwife or obstetrician at their antenatal appointments.

Helen Murphy, Director of Midwifery at UHG, said that guidance has changed on when women can get the COVID-19 vaccine while pregnant following new evidence.

Women can get the COVID-19 vaccine at any stage of their pregnancy, and midwives and obstetricians at UHG are available to discuss the risks and benefits of the vaccine.

“We are keen to make it as easy as possible for women to get the information they need to make their decision,” said Helen Murphy.

She said that the RCPI Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, the Rotunda Hospital and the National Immunisation Advisory Committee have prepared a very useful guide called ‘Questions and Answers for pregnant or breastfeeding women about COVID-19 vaccination’.

“I would encourage all pregnant women to read this to help them make up their minds on vaccination. The guide is available on uhgmaternity.com.

“As time goes on we are finding that more and more women visiting the maternity department have received their COVID-19 vaccine.”

Helen Murphy says that from estimates, around 58% of women are vaccinated at this stage and most pregnant women who get the virus get mild to moderate symptoms.

“They give birth as planned and the risk of passing on COVID-19 to their baby is low.

“However, pregnant women are more likely to get very unwell and need treatment in intensive care than a woman who is not pregnant.

“The virus may also cause complications for the baby. For these reasons we encourage all women who are pregnant to get the COVID-19 vaccine.”

Tara Murphy, Midwife at University Hospital Galway empathised with any woman who has any uncertainty regarding the COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy.

“Despite being in the medical profession and being a midwife, I too procrastinated and had the exact same anxieties and worries as anyone else debating getting the vaccine,” she said.

“I was nervous at the thought of taking the vaccine and exposing myself and my unborn baby to medication. However I realised that if I did get COVID-19, regardless of the severity, it may be necessary to have lots of medication administered for the wellbeing of both myself and my baby.

“So why not give myself and my baby the best protection I can against the virus by taking the vaccine.

“The entire process of getting both the first and second vaccine was seamless and stress free and I am genuinely thrilled to be fully vaccinated so that I can enjoy the rest of my pregnancy knowing I did everything I could to protect me and my baby!”

Tara said that her advice to anyone still uncertain about the vaccine would be to “act today, seek advice, get the answers to your questions, as you need to be 100% happy with your decision, so avail of all the information that is out there and it’s never too late to register for your vaccine.”

Women who are pregnant can attend any of the walk-in COVID-19 vaccination clinics or register for a vaccination on hse.ie.

Details of the times and dates of the walk-in vaccination clinics are available from hse.ie and are updated weekly.

Galway carer wins national Carer of the Year award

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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