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UHG is the country’s most overcrowded hospital again today

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Galway Daily news UHG overcrowding

UHG is once again the most overcrowded hospital in the country today, with 54 patients on trolleys.

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation says that there are another 19 patients without a bed at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe.

All told, there are 499 patients on trolleys in Ireland’s acute hospitals as of this morning.

After University Hospital Galway, the worst affected today are Limerick and Letterkenny University Hospitals,

Each of those two hospitals have 50 patients waiting for a bed after being admitted.

Jewellery collection inspired by the Connemara landscape

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Jewellery collection inspired by the Connemara landscape
Lynsey De Burca Jewellery. Photo: Julia Dunin Photography

Local jewellery designer and maker Lynsey de Burca has launched a new collection inspired by the landscape of Connemara and the west of Ireland.

Talún, meaning Land in Irish, is a collection of textured raindrop link jewellery inspired by the western landscape.

Over the past 18 months De Burca spent hundreds of hours immersing herself in the great outdoors. Walking daily in Connemara and through the Burren, she drew complete inspiration from the geology of the west of Ireland.

“During the several lockdowns- we were able to take a closer look at our surroundings-to explore, to enjoy and to appreciate it’s features.

“I was captivated by the beautiful patterns and textures of the Burren Limestone pavements. From the landscape back into my workshop in Moycullen, Talún was created,” explained Lynsey.

Lynsey de Burca. Photo by Julia Dunin Photography

Each of the links in the jewellery collection is hand-made in her Moycullen studio, using Sterling silver and centuries old craft techniques.

Lynsey says that each link is totally individual, with a “unique fingerprint”, and almost “organic” differences between them all.

“Each individual one retains an untouched raw texture on the outer edge contrasting against the smooth high polish of its flat finished front.”

“This reflects the rough texture of the rocks along our coastline in repose against a sometimes flat and tranquil silver tide.”

For creating her work, she combines many different skills like Piercing, Soldiering, Roller Mill Texturing, Forging and Electroplating

Though her crafting techniques may leans towards antiquity, that’s not to say that Lynsey is opposed to modern knowledge that may help her craft.

While Talún aims for simplicity in using just elegant silver, Lynsey also used her time in lockdown to brush up her knowledge of gemstones.

A diploma course in Gemmology at NUI Galway gave her an education in how to use laboratory techniques to identify gemstones.

She says that that it also “instilled a love of gemmology and geology and also provided me with hands on experience in identification protocols using a comprehensive collection of gemstones.”

Lynsey De Burca Jewellery. Photo: Julia Dunin Photography

The Talún Collection starts from €80.  To shop the collection log onto https://lynseydeburca.com/ or get social across Instagram and Facebook

Connemara aerospace company creating 40 jobs with multi-million contract

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Galway Daily business Connemara aerospace company creating 40 jobs with multi-million contract

Connemara based company ÉireComposites will be creating 40 new jobs in the Galway Gaeltact thanks to a major new contract.

ÉireComposites will be creating the new jobs at their facility in Indreabhán over the next three years, adding to the already sixty strong workforce.

This expansion comes on the back of a multi-million euro contract with aerostructures manufacturer Spirit AeroSystems, to provide structural components for business jets and commercial airliners.

ÉireComposites CEO Tom Flanagan said that this jobs announcement is a “hugely significant” sign of the expansion of their partnership with AeroSystems.

“Not only as a sign of confidence of the work of Irish suppliers post-Brexit but the massive role our company will play in the future of air travel.”

“I am proud of the work we do here as we are unique to the area along the Wild Atlantic Way with a very loyal and skilled workforce, and without whom today’s announcement and ÉireComposites’ bright future would not be possible.”

The scope of the contract includes manufacturing and testing services for a number of aircraft.

This isn’t the only big project being undertaken by the Connemara company, as they also have a contract with the European Space Agency.

Their work on this will involve designing and producing stray light baffles, which will form part of the ESA’s ALTIUS satellite.

Tom Flanagan also thanked Údarás na Gaeltachta and Enterprise Ireland for the support they have shown for the company.

Údarás chairperson Anna Ní Ghallachair congratulated ÉireComposites on their success to date, and said that it has been encouraging to see companies prosper in the Gaeltacht.

“ÉireComposites’ progress to date is a vote of confidence in the people of this Connemara Gaeltacht.”

“It is also very encouraging to see two companies work together to overcome logistical and administrative challenges.”

Údarás CEO Mícheál Ó hÉanaigh said that this is one of “many successful client companies” they support, which shows that innovation and creativity is not confined to the cities.

No injuries reported after crash on the N59

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There were no injuries reported following a road traffic crash on the N59 on Tuesday evening.

Gardaí attended the scene of a single vehicle collision at Dovepark, Moycullen, which occurred at approximately 6pm.

Initially, Gardaí described the crash as “serious”, and the road was closed in both directions at Baile Nua yesterday.

However, in a statement this morning Gardaí said that no injuries have been reported following the crash.

Expansion plans for Galway City Penneys

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galway daily news Planning permission for expansion of Galway City Penneys

Penneys department store in Eyre Square Shopping Centre is seeking planning permission for an expansion, by taking the unit below.

Primark Ltd, the owners of Penneys, are seeking approval to amalgamate the existing store on the first floor of the shopping centre, with the ground floor unit below.

This unit, currently occupied by New Look, would add an additional 1,721sqm of retail space to the 4,105sqm which is already there.

Structural alterations would need to be made to the shopping centre to accommodate this, including installing new escalators and a lift.

Other work in the development would involve installing a new shopfront on the ground floor level, with all windows and louvres to be replaced.

The cover report for the planning application states that extending such an “established and popular” brand will improve activity in the shopping centre, rather than causing a loss of competition.

“Primark brings a huge footfall to the shopping centre and it is not considered that the intensification of this retail unit will negatively affect the other retail units as it does not at present detract from their business or the services they offer.”

A decision on this planning application is due from Galway City Council by December 6 of this year.

Galway school children picking up the slack

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Primary school children across Galway will be picking the streets clean this year in the Picker Pals programme.

Students from 75 classrooms in schools from the city and county are taking part in the educational and litter-picking programme this year.

Picker Pals is a unique primary school programme that gives children the tools and motivation to become the next generation of environmentalists.

The programme works through song, storybooks, activity books and real-world action, as the eponymous ‘Pals’ lead litter-picking adventures with their families, and hopefully encouraging others to join in cleaning up their local community.

Children’s book author and creator of the Picker Pals programme, Patrick Jackson, said “If we can influence children at this key age, we have a chance of tackling the litter crisis.”

“Picker Pals creates a positive mindset in children and families around the issue of litter and their own power to make a difference.”

Starting as a pilot programme in 2019 Picker Pals has been a great success to date and will have over 1200 classrooms all across the country involved this year.

In Galway City, the programme has had an initial trial with St. Patrick’s Primary School which Tiarnan McCusker, Environmental Awareness Officer with the city council, said was received extremely positively.

Jarlath Conboy, a teacher in St. Patrick’s said “Children take a great interest in caring for the environment and really thrive when given the opportunity to work in a programme such as Picker Pals.

“We incorporated Picker Pals into a variety of subjects, including art, English, science and drama so it was a rewarding experience for all involved”

Maria Finn, Administrative Officer at Galway County Council, said that their trial programme this year was also a “huge success”, with positive feedback from the community.

She praised the programme, which “highlights the litter problem”, while also showing how it can be addressed through collaborative efforts and ongoing education.

COVID-19: 2,193 cases reported in Ireland

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

There have been more than 2,000 cases of COVID-19 notified by the Department of Health today, and more than 500 patients are in hospital.

A further 2,193 confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the state today.

As of this morning there were 513 patients hospitalised with the disease, 97 of whom are in intensive care.

There were 7,311,196 total doses of vaccine administered in Ireland as of Monday, with 3,742,593 people in the country fully protected.

In the past week there have been 153,698 tests carried out in the state, with the positivity rate now just topping 10%.

Fundraiser for medical treatments of young woman hit in face by firework

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Galway Daily news Eyre Square vigil planned for 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday

A fundraiser has been started online to pay for the medical expenses of a young woman who was seriously injured by a firework in Eyre Square.

The 19 year old woman was struck in the face by a firework thrown in the early hours of the morning last Friday, and was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

A fundraiser has been set up on Go Fund Me to cover the costs of future medical treatments that will be required to treat her injuries.

Almost €7,000 has been raised of the target of €30,000 for the ‘Eyre Square Firework Victim – Medical Treatments’ campaign in less than a day, with donations from more than 310 people.

The organiser of the fundraiser, a friend of the family, said in it’s page that this random violence could have been “any family’s experience”.

“Several reckless and careless people who lacked not only common sense in the first place but the respect and basic morals to come forward afterwards have seriously hurt a wonderful young woman and shaken her entire world.”

“There are extremely serious physical injuries and emotional repercussions of this accident which as friends of the family, we hope to provide for.”

“Accidents like this are terrifying and life-altering but surrounded by family and friends, our girl has already reminded us of how strong she is and so undeserving of such a nightmare.”

Due to the trauma of this violent incident, the young woman injured wants to keep her details private, and donors who may know her were urged not to use any personal information.

It is also hoped that this incident, and fundraiser, will raise awareness of the dangers of illegal fireworks, and of reckless, indifferent behaviour in general, and prompt people to raise the issues with their local representatives.

In an update today the organiser said that the family wishes to “sincerely thank every single person” who has donated to the campaign so far.

“Our girl is resting in hospital in between medical treatments but is in good spirits, already making her family smile again.”

Former Galway football captain Gary O’Donnell announces retirement

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Galway Daily sport County senior hurling final replay - All you need to know

Former Galway captain Gary O’Donnell has announced that he is retiring from inter-county football.

The Gort native has played for Galway for more than a decade now, since first joining in 2016.

He captained the senior football team in 2016 when they claimed the Connacht title by triumphing over Roscommon.

O’Donnell said on facebook “Time has come to call it a day with Galway GAA. Lived it an loved it all. So many to thank but I will get to you all in time. Life goes on. Gaillimh go deo.”

Though he grew up in Gort, the defender plays with the Tuam Stars at the club level.

Tuam Stars posted on Facebook “Best wishes to our club man Gary O’Donnell who has done us and the County proud for many years.”

Two Galway lotto players scoop €35k each

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Galway Daily news Galway family syndicate "laughing, cheering and crying" after €250,000 Lotto win

Two Galway lotto players were among 28 around the country who each won €35,234 earlier this month.

There was no winner of the jackpot, or the Match 5 + Bonus prize in the €19m draw on Wednesday, October 13.

But 28 ticket holders in thirteen counties around the country matched five numbers in the draw, splitting an enhanced prize fund of almost €1 million.

The highest number of winners was in Dublin, where nine tickets with 5 of the winning numbers were sold.

That was followed by three winners each in Cork and Roscommon, while two winning tickets each were bought in Galway, Wicklow, and Meath.

Both of the winning players in Galway purchased their tickets online.

A National Lottery spokesperson said “Were you one of the lucky Lotto players from Wednesday night’s draw who came incredibly close to scooping the €19,060,800 jackpot?”

“We can now reveal that the 28 tickets, which are all now worth €35,234 each, were purchased by players in 13 different counties.”

“There were 9 players who won their share of the €986,552 prize fund after purchasing their tickets online at www.lottery.ie while 19 players purchased their winning tickets in-store.”

“We are urging players to check the list of winning locations and to also check their tickets carefully as they could have a nice prize waiting for them.”

“We are advising anyone who does have one of the winning Match 5 tickets to sign the back of their ticket and keep it safe.”

“They should contact our prize claims team on 1800 666 222 or email claims@lottery.ie and arrangements will be made for them to claim their prize.”

Young man assaulted in city centre over Bank Holiday weekend

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galway daily news Further arrests made in connection with car park brawl

The October Bank Holiday weekend was a celebratory one for most young people, but not so for one young man attacked in Galway City.

A young man was the victim of an assault on Quay Street in the Latin Quarter in the early hours of Sunday.

Gardaí said that the man in his late teens suffered injuries in the attack which were not life-threatening.

“Gardaí in Galway are investigating an assault which occurred on Quay Street, Galway on the morning of Sunday October 24, 2021,” a statement to Galway Daily said.

“The incident occurred shortly after midnight, with a male in his late teens sustaining non life threatening injury.”

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Gardaí in Galway on 091 538 000.”

Gardaí investigating after cars set on fire in the night

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Galway Daily news

Gardaí are investigating after two cars were set on fire during the night while sitting outside a house in Galway City last week.

Galway Gardaí are investigating two separate criminal damage incidents which took place on the night of Thursday, October 21.

In the first incident at approximately 11.30 pm a white Audi A6 saloon along with a white Hyundai i30 hatchback were set alight while parked outside a house at Garran Ard, Doughiska, Galway.

A vehicle described as “an old style silver Ford Focus” was observed acting suspiciously in the area around the time of the incident.

Just a very short while later, before midnight, another car was attacked outside a property in Ballybane.

A silver Renault Clio was extensively damaged while parked at a house in Gort Cam, Ballybane. A number of windows in the house were also during the same incident.

Gardaí in Galway are appealing to anyone who may witnesses either of these incidents or anyone with any information to make contact.

Anyone who could help with the investigation should call Galway Garda Station on 091-538000 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.

Climate justice rally planned for Galway during COP26 summit

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Galway Daily news climate strike in Eyre Square

Environmental activists in Galway and around the country will take to the streets during the COP26 summit next month to call for climate justice.

Organised by the COP26 Coalition Ireland, an umbrella group of environmental NGOs, community groups, trade unions, migrant and racial justice networks, the rally will take place on November 6, during the COP26 summit in Glasgow.

The Galway Rally for Climate Justice will take place that day in Spanish at midday, simultaneous with other rallies in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, and Belfast.

The COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow will last for two weeks from October 31 – November 12

COP26 Coalition Ireland said that the decisions made the Glasgow summit will decide “who is to be sacrificed, who will escape and who will make a profit” from the climate crisis.

“So far, governments have done too little too late: colluding with corporations behind green washed ‘solutions’ that actually don’t exist yet, that don’t address the scale of the problem, and in many cases rely on more exploitation of people and planet.”

“Justice won’t be handed to us by world leaders or delivered by corporations. Only we can imagine and build the future that words for all of us.”

“The transformative solutions that we need to survive and build a more just and fair world can only be brought about through collective action, solidarity and coordination, from our local communities and international levels.”

Manuel Salazar of Extinction Rebellion Ireland said that people should go to these rallies to action from the government on climate goals which have been “compromised”.

Meeting a goal of capping global warming at 1.5 degrees and achieving net zero emissions will require stopping investment in fossil fuels which are “clearly” destroying the planet, he added.

“That’s why we have to make the accountable. That day it’s really important for us all to come together to demand the government take action, because inaction is just not at option.”

update: This article has been corrected to say that the rally will take place at the Spanish Arch, not Eyre Square.

Business Tech for the 2020s

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Do you find yourself wondering how to keep up with all the technological advances in your industry? Whether you want to or not, it’s imperative to stay up-to-date on the latest tech breakthroughs, inventions, and new products.

Missing out on even one upgrade or new concept can leave your organization far behind competitors who adopt as many tech-related tools as they can.

This can happen quickly too, digital signage is a good example, one minute business have banners and signs all over their storefronts, the next it’s one large screen with info, and your traditional signage looks dated. 

What’s the solution? For starters, remember that you don’t need to be an IT pro to stay abreast of the entire technical field. Instead, consider checking your current state of operations to make certain that you have the most common bases covered.

That means using strategies that include the newest versions of CRM (customer relationship management) chat-bots, fleet management programs, physical security for office and warehouse space, cloud storage for efficient use of computer memory, and the latest platforms that allow workers to do their jobs from home should the need arise.

Here are details about each of the most vital tech solutions for modern owners, entrepreneurs, and managers.

AI Chat-Bots for Customer Service

Continual advances in AI technology have been a benefit to customer service departments in companies of all sizes. One of the main reasons for this good news is related to customer service chat-bots.

The latest versions of these once clunky software programs are amazingly interactive, helpful, and are almost human in their use of language.

Truck Tech for Better Fleet Management

Fleet management is the heart of every efficient transport and delivery-related organization. If you ship goods from one place to another, having an up-to-date system in place is crucial.

For instance, dash cameras for trucks are considered a central feature of every modern fleet control program. Using AI (artificial intelligence) dash cams to report on road conditions, driver performance, route suitability, accidents, and dozens of other kinds of data are just one way that managers stay on top of what’s happening on the road in real-time.

Every year, fleet software and stand-alone products offer new twists on existing features, which means every business owner should consider upgrades on at least an annual basis.

24/7 Physical Surveillance

For organizations that store physical inventory, maintain owned or leased vehicle fleets, or simply work from office complexes where computers and other valuable equipment is stored, around-the-clock camera surveillance is the single most cost-effective way of keeping a virtual eye on all assets and workspaces.

Modern cameras are smart, mobile, and computer enhanced. Plus, prices have come down in recent years to the point that even very small enterprises can afford to outfit their business space with high-tech camera watch dogs.

Cloud Storage for Data

If you have massive log files or reams of sensitive customer and employee data taking up space on in-house computer disks, consider moving all your storage to the cloud.

Off-site, cloud-based solutions free up your own machines and allow active programs to run faster and without the need to protect data every time something needs to be stored.

The cloud has become an almost universal technological savior for companies that need lots of storage space but don’t want the burden of maintaining it on-site.

Water outages in Maree and Rinville today

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Galway Daily news Latest EPA report shows one Galway public water supply deemed "at-risk"

People living in the Rinville and Maree areas outside of Galway City may experience water outages until this evening due to a burst pipe.

Irish Water reported a burst water mains in Maree at approximately 9:40am this morning.

This is causing outages and supply disruptions to Maree, Rinville, the Maree Road, and surrounding areas of the county.

Repair works are currently expected to be finished by 5pm on Tuesday afternoon.

It may take 2-3 hours after they are completed before people affected see their full water supply restored.

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

Planning permission refused for Oughterard housing development

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Galway Daily news Green light for new apartment complex in Rahoon

Planning permission has been refused for a housing estate on the outskirts of Oughterard, with environmental, flooding, and road safety concerns.

Hyman Properties sought approval for a 61 unit housing estate on the Glann Road north of Oughterard.

The estate would have consisted of 4 two-bedroom bungalows, and 57 two-storey houses with 16 two-bed units, 33 three-bed units, and 8 four-bed units.

The housing in the estate would have been a mix of detached, semi-detached, and terraced homes, with the bungalows geared towards elderly residents.

Hyman proposed to have the estate served by 95 parking spaces for cars, and 48 bicycle spaces, with entrance to the site via an existing point on the Glann Road, and a new one onto the Carrowmanagh Road.

There were multiple objections to the plans from local residents, saying the roads would not be able to support the extra traffic, and that it would pose a danger to pedestrians.

Concerns were also raised in objections about the proximity of the Owenriff River, both as a flood risk to the site, and about potential environmental impacts that the development would have on the river.

A Natura Impact Statement and Flood Risk Assessment report were submitted with this planning application.

Inland Fisheries Ireland and the Oughterard Anglers and Boatman’s Association both stated that the river is an important habitat for trout, salmon, and Freshwater Pearl Mussels.

They said that these could be put at risk by the fact that several tributary watercourses for the Owenriff run through this site, and that the NIS did not provide enough information on this.

In refusing planning permission for the estate, Galway County Council raised several concerns about its proposed location and design.

The council said that it wasn’t satisfied that the development wouldn’t have a negative environmental impact on the Lough Corrib Special Area of Conservation, and that the drainage and storm water systems aren’t adequate when part of the site is an identified flood risk.

The proposed link road would also affect traffic in the area, and the increased traffic from the estate would pose a safety risk to the two schools in the area.

The design of the estate was also criticised for failing to “reinforce the existing urban form” of Oughterard, and lacking properly located public spaces.

Even aside from these concerns, the council said that the land is not zoned for development, and that allowing this to go ahead would set and “undesirable precedent” for the area.

Four day roadworks starting today on the N83

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Galway Daily news Four day roadworks underway on the N83

Roadworks on the N83 starting today will disrupt traffic between Claregalway and Tuam for four days this week.

Galway County Council is carrying out works on the N83 at Knockdoe.

The roadworks will take place from 9am to 6pm each day for four days.

A Stop & Go system will be in place to manage traffic on the road for the duration of these works.

Motorists travelling in the area are advised to give themselves extra time to complete journeys.

Proposal to merge Athenry boys and girls primary schools included in Dept of Education plans

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Galway Daily news Almost 1,000 Ukrainian pupils enrolled in Galway schools

East Galway TD Seán Canney has welcomed confirmation that the proposal to merge the boys and girls national schools in Athenry is part of the Department of Education’s Capital plans.

The plans include the construction of a new national school to ensure that primary school education in Athenry is delivered in modern educational facilities.

Deputy Canney commended the Board of Management in both schools, as well as parents and staff for their total commitment to the proposal to merge the schools.

“Athenry has seen major investment in secondary education over the last 5 years and we now need to deliver the same type of investment in the primary education sector,” said the Independent TD.

“It is important that we work to ensure that national education in Athenry receives investment to ensure the future of education in Athenry.

“I am also working closely with Cllr. Gabe Cronnelly to push for the development of the Gaelscoil campus for Athenry.”

Serious hit and run incident leaves pedestrian hospitalised

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Galway Daily news missing teen found safe

Gardaí in Galway are appealing for witnesses following a serious hit and run incident on the R336 Road between Furbo and Spiddal on Sunday 24 October.

The collision occurred at around 8.30pm when a car collided with a male pedestrian near the Furbo Church.

The pedestrian, a man aged in his 40s, was taken to University Hospital Galway to be treated for serious injuries. The driver of the car failed to remain at the scene.

The road is currently closed with diversions in place while Forensic Collision Investigators conduct an examination of the scene.

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward. Gardaí are also appealing to any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling on the R336 between Furbo and Spiddal Sunday night, between 8.00pm and 9.00pm, to make this footage available to Gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Salthill Garda Station on 091 514 720, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

GCCN to host event on social enterprise sector

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galway daily news galway city community network event

Galway City Community Network (GCCN) will host an event this Friday focusing on the potential of the social enterprise sector in Galway entitled ‘Social Future: Supporting a Thriving Social Enterprise Sector for Galway’.

The event will be held in St. Josephs Community Centre in Shantalla from 10.30am until 12 noon. For those who cannot attend in person, there is also the option to participate online.

Three local social enterprises, An Mheitheal RotharBounce Back Recycling and Galway Community Circus, will share their models of good practice and demonstrate the potential of social enterprises to address social and environmental issues such as recycling and upcycling, provision of employment and supporting physical, mental and social wellbeing of young people.

The event will examine the challenges that the sector is facing and solutions that might foster the development of a thriving social enterprise sector both in Galway and nationally.

The event aims to bring together social enterprises, decision makers and policy makers, locally and nationally, to create a space for dialogue on these challenges and to find solutions.

GCCN Co-ordinator Ann Irwin: “Social enterprise has significant potential to contribute to the development of a sustainable and circular economy and to provide jobs locally, including to people from marginalised communities”.

Jacinta Fay, GCCN Development Worker added: “The Irish government has signed up to the Toledo Declaration which recognises the critical role of the Social and Solidarity Economy as a crucial driver in shaping a sustainable, inclusive and just post-COVID 19 recovery.

“We are calling for meaningful support for the sector in Galway so it can reach its full potential and contribute to a sustainable and inclusive recovery.”

Email development@gccn.ie to register for the event. Booking is essential to plan Covid safety measures.

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