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Farmers and family businesses urged to avail of changes to Fair Deal Scheme

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway daily news Day services in Loughrea remain in limbo

Families in Galway with a farm with a farm or family business are being urged to avail of a change in rules to the Fair Deal scheme.

The rules of the nursing home support scheme have been changed to give greater protection to farms or business assets that will stay in the family when assessing nursing home costs.

Galway TD Denis Naughten has urged families to appoint a Successor in the family to avail of the three year cap on farm or business assets which came into force this month.

Under the new rules of the Fair Deal Scheme, after a period of three years, when calculating the cost of a person’s nursing home care, the value of family-owned farms and businesses will no longer be taken into account.

This only applies where a chosen family Successor has committed to working the farm or business for a period of six years from the date of their appointment.

“In most instances this should be straightforward, but the cap cannot kick in until the application and supporting documentation including sworn affidavits are submitted to the Nursing Home Support Scheme offices,” Denis Naughten said.

“This means that every week a family delays submitting their application a further charge of 0.14% will be placed against the capital value of the family farm or business asset, so it is important that families act quickly.”

He added a warning that if land has already been signed over, but is still being charged under the scheme, the new owner must consent to a charging order against it.

“In such cases there may be a need to secure an additional consent from a lender which may result in additional nursing home charges being applied against the farm or business until all the paperwork is lodged.”

The Nursing Homes Support Scheme (Amendment) Act, 2021 came into effect this month after being signed into law back in July to reduce the amount that families will have to contribute to nursing home care.

Participants in the Scheme contribute up to 80% of their assessable income and a maximum of 7.5% per annum of the value of assets held, towards the cost of nursing home care, with the remainder paid for by the government.

The scheme previously had a three year cap on the value of an individual’s principal private residence, but not assets such as the family farm or business, which was a complaint for many.

The changes brought in this month also extends the 3-year cap on contributions to the cost of care to the sale of a home for the first time.

This change was brought in due to the housing crisis, to remove a disincentive against selling a, now vacant, house when someone moves to long term care.

Plans progress for amalgamated Athenry National School

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

Work is progressing on delivering an amalgamated boys and girls national school for Athenry, with the project included in the Department’s capital plans.

Galway East TD Seán Canney said that the Minister for Education Norma Foley has confirmed that the school is now in the Department’s Capital Plan for project spending.

Athenry is currently served Scoil Croí Naofa NS for girls, the present school building of which was built 1980, as well as Athenry Boys School, which opened in 1990.

The amalgamation of the two would involve the construction of a modern new national school building.

“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,” Seán Canney said.

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

“I commend the Board of Management in both schools, parents and staff for their total commitment to the proposal to amalgamate”.

Council advancing Cross-City Link bus corridor plans

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily transport Plans progress for Cross-City Link bus corridor

Plans for the city council’s ambitious Cross-City Link bus corridor are continuing to advance, and are now before An Bord Pleanála.

A public consultation was held on the proposed bus corridor, which would enhance public transport links between the east and west sides of the city last year.

The city council is now engaging in a consultation process with An Bord Pleanála before a planning application is made for the project.

The proposed Cross-City Link would cover a route through the city centre, connecting University Road with the Dublin Road.

The goal of the bus corridor is to deliver improved journey times for buses, decrease car traffic, and encourage more sustainable travel modes.

It will achieve this by creating a route along which public transport will be given priority, including by restriction private car traffic on certain routes and times.

These bus routes and traffic restrictions would be in place from 7am to 7pm, with a window in the late morning and early afternoon for loading and deliveries at city centre businesses.

The strategy also aims to improve pedestrian and cycling facilities such as footpaths, cycle lanes, and road crossings along the route, as well as to create public plaza areas to enhance the public realm.

Details about the proposed Cross-City Link bus corridor can still be found online in the virtual information room created for last year’s public consultation.

A pre-application consultation request concerning this project was submitted to the Bord on October 18.

The consultation, with associated feedback, is due to conclude by March 1 of 2022 before the city council can then make a planning application for the Cross-City Link.

Man (20s) killed in N59 car crash

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news missing teen found safe

A man in his 20s was killed in a single vehicle car crash on the N59 outside of Moycullen this morning.

Gardaí attended the scene of a single vehicle collision on on the N59 in the townland of Corcullen, Moycullen which occurred shortly after 2:30am on Sunday.

The 21 year old driver, the sole occupant of the car, was pronounced dead at the scene.

His body has been removed from the scene to University Hospital Galway where a post mortem will take place in due course.

Garda forensic collision investigators remain at scene of the car crash and are carrying out their examination.

The N59 at Corcullen is currently closed and location diversions are in place.

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward and make contact with them.

In particular, any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling on the N59 at Corcullen, Moycullen between 2.00am and 2.30a.m. are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Salthill Street Garda Station on 091 514720, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Small farms will suffer most in Govt policies to reduce carbon emissions – Galway TD

By
Michael Malone
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Galway Daily news Additional Dog fines will have little effect without more Dog Wardens

A Galway East TD has raised concerns about farmers “being brought down a road of massive herd reduction” to try to meet the Government’s carbon emission targets.

Independent TD Seán Canney said that clarity is required to offer farmers a clear pathway on how farming will have to change if the carbon targets are to be met.

He said that the KPMG economic impact assessment has shown that any carbon emission target beyond 13 to 18% will require a reduction in cattle numbers.

A reduction of 21% would reduce cattle numbers and reduce profitability by 7% for beef farmers, he said.

Deputy Canney added that a target cut of 30% in emissions would require a 20% cut in herd numbers, and that “any reduction target beyond the 18% will be devastating for the small family farm.”

“Upfront investment will be required from Government to help meet any proposed changes and offset any loss of income.”

This investment, Deputy Canney said, needs to be front loaded so that farmers can invest in the new measure so that their income is maintained during the transition period.

“There is too much talk about all the policy issues, but practical solutions are not being brought forward.

“The recent KPMG economic Impact assessment has found the smaller farm families will be hardest hit because of the proposals to reduce carbon emission. We cannot ignore this fact and we need to protect these farms.

“There is a real fear, backed up by research, that the small family farms will be being sacrificed with the large farms surviving and thriving on the back of the small family farm.

“We all hear about just transition but how do we achieve a just transition for the small family farm if Government do not introduce a comprehensive suite of supports to protect farm incomes.

“We cannot continue to discuss this issue in the dark. We need to see the Carbon Budget and proper engagement is required with all stakeholders including all farmers. Farming is now at a crossroads and is being sacrificed by Government to be.”

COVID-19: 1,963 new cases, 500 in hospital today

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news 25 percent drop in COVID cases in Galway hospitals

There have been a further 1,963 new cases of COVID-19 reported by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre in Ireland today.

As of this morning there were 500 people hospitalised for COVID-19 around the country.

Of these patients, 93 are in serious condition and being treated at intensive care units.

Chief Executive of the HSE said yesterday that the current wave is placing “unrelenting & increasing” demands on hospital services.

“A massive effort by all of us on the public health measures is needed to relieve this & turn it around”.

Wet and windy Halloween night in store as weather warning issued

By
Michael Malone
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galway daily news weather warning galway

Met Éireann has issued another weather warning for Galway today as the West prepares for a wet and windy Halloween night.

A status yellow wind warning is now in place in Galway and Mayo, as northwest winds will reach mean speeds of up 65km/hr with gusts of up to 90-110km/hr.

Higher gusts are forecast along the coast and exposed hills.

Met Éireann’s weather warning came into force at 12pm today and will remain in place until 10pm this evening.

Heavy showers in west Connacht will also extend to most areas through the day, merging into longer spells of rain at times.

Highest temperatures will be 9 to 11 degrees this afternoon.

Gardaí attend scene of serious collision on the N59

By
Briain Kelly
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0
Galway daily news

Gardaí and emergency services are at the scene of a serious traffic collision on the N59 outside of Moycullen this afternoon.

The collision is understood to have occurred in the Curcullen area this morning.

No further information is available about the crash at this time.

This is the second crash on the N59 this week, after a single vehicle collision last Tuesday, October 26.

Fortunately there were no injures reported following that collision.

Dee’s hopes of reconciliation are dashed on Ros na Rún

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily television Dee's hopes of reconciliation are dashed on Ros na Rún

Dee’s hopes of recapturing the past are dashed, Berni is wracked with guilt when learns who hit Jude, and Colm gets a ray of hope in Ros na Rún.

Dee is hopeful that she and Mack have a chance at reconciling, so how will she react when he presents her with the Proposed Separation  Agreement? Or sees with her own eyes the evidence that he is moving on?

Berni’s rage at Briain and Sorcha for knocking down Jude quickly turns to guilt when she realises that she gave him an alibi.

Colm gets a bit of light after a long dark tunnel when he hears that Mo may soon be returning to Ros na Rún, but that comes with worries of its own.

Rónan is determined to get his foot in the door of employment, and has full confidence in his culinary skills, but fears that another very basic shortcoming may scupper his chances.

Frustrated waiting for Briain to be locked up, Caitríona embarks on a one-woman crusade of her own. But will her independent investigating cause problems for O’Shea.

Catch up on the latest drama from the past two episodes of Ros na Rún in a double feature omnibus this Sunday at 7:30pm on TG4.  

Ryan Tubridy headlining virtual business event in Galway

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily business Ryan Tubridy headlinging virtual Galway business event

RTÉ’s Ryan Tubridy will be among a range of speakers from all walks at a virtual business event next week organised by Galway Executive Skillnet.

Galway Executive Skillnet has organised the Big*Bang, an free online business motivational event taking place next Tuesday, November 2.

Alongside Ryan Tubridy the panel will include Paralympian Medal winners Eve Mc Crystal and Katie George-Dunleavy, and impressionist Oliver Callan, best known for his Callan’s Kicks and Nob Nation satire.

Oliver Callan. Photo by Paul Doherty.

From the world of business comes James McHugh of Galway based Celestica, specialists in automated manufacturing and assembly services, logistics solutions and technical support; as well as Laura Lynch and Emer Joyce, tax consultants and business advisors.  

The event will focus on the needs as they continue to pivot, respond and rebuild their businesses, brands and motivate their teams following the impact of the pandemic.

It will combine real life experience of rapid response to lockdown, business closure, realignment of business structures, product and service offerings to self-motivation.

As the Irish economy continues to re-open and respond to changing work practices and market environments, businesses need both internal and external stimulus to survive and thrive in the months and years ahead. 

Margaret Cox of Galway Skillnet said that people are responding to an “ever changing” business environment, and that they help people adapt to that.

“We take our members feedback and create innovative, practical and inspiring events and training programmes to motivate business leaders, managers and their teams to grow and thrive in their professional roles but also in growing their business.”

This event aims to highlight “hard fought wins” achieved across multiple business disciplines during the pandemic.

Paralympian gold and silver medalists Eve McCrystal and Katie George Dunleavy will talk about training in lockdown, while Ryan Tubridy, who’s no stranger to Galway and Connemara, hosted the most successful Toy Show in its history during the pandemic.

Oliver Callan will will show the importance of the balance of the serious and fun side to business, and Celestica and Laura Lynch and Associates will discuss their business model and response to operations in a pandemic, and lessons for business in the current climate.

The Big*Bang event is being run by  Galway Executive Skillnet, with funding from Skillnet Ireland, which provides small businesses access to training programmes.

The Big* Bang Event will take place from 10.30am to 1pm on Tuesday, November 2. To register for free, go to: https://bit.ly/BiGBANG2021.

Sharp drop in COVID hospital cases over a week

By
Briain Kelly
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0
Galway Daily news

There are 31 patients hospitalised with COVID-19 across Galway in the latest figures from the HSE, a sharp decline in the past week.

As of 8pm on Saturday there were just 22 confirmed cases at University Hospital Galway, and nine more at Portiuncula Hospital.

This is 12 fewer than were in UHG a week ago, and a decline of three hospital cases in Ballinasloe in the same period.

The number of COVID patients admitted to the ICU in serious condition has also been cut nearly in half in the same period.

There are four patients being treated for COVID-19 in the intensive care unit at UHG, down from six a week before.

And at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe there is just on case in the ICU, compared with two the week prior.

Nationwide there were 472 people hospitalised with COVID-19 around the country on Saturday night, of whom 92 are in the ICU.

A further 2,966 confirmed cases in Ireland were reported by health officials yesterday, the highest number since mid-January.

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

Gardaí warn of increased burglary risk in winter months

By
Briain Kelly
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0
Galway Daily news Galway sees decline in burglaries over the past year

Gardaí are warning homeowners to be on guard against burglary this winter, when longer nights typically bring a spike in offences.

Burglary offences can go up by as much as 20% during the winter months according to An Garda Síochána, when daylight hours are their lowest level.

Advice to homeowners cautions that, during winter, burglaries are more likely to occur between 4pm to 9pm, with Thursday, Friday and Saturday as the most likely days to be burgled.

Assistant Commissioner John O’Driscoll said that a burglary in someone’s home can have a “particularly devastating” impact on its victims.

“Through the winter phase of Operation Thor An Garda Síochána continues to focus efforts on interrupting and preventing burglary and related crime and to impact on the activities of criminals involved in the commission of this crime.”

The Winter Phase of Operation Thor will focus on reducing burglary incidents, through targeted enforcement and preventative activity, to March of next year.

Gardaí say that this operation has resulted in a reduction in the rate of winter burglaries, leading to a significant decline in property related crime since its introduction in 2015.

Official Crime statistics continue to show a reduction in Burglary and related offences in 2020 (down by 5,810, or 34.7%) compared to 2019.

This downward trend continues in 2021, with official crime statistics for Q2 2021 showing a continuing reduction in Burglary and related offences (down by 5,349, or 37.2%) compared to Q2 2020.

This could be an effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, as people have been spending far more time at home over the past year and half, both in the day and in the evenings.

Simple steps that can help protect your home from burglary include turning on some lights, using timer switches for lights, lock all doors and windows, use an alarm, store keys away from windows, and don’t keep large amounts of cash or jewellery in the house.

Big plans to overhaul rural bus services in Galway

By
Briain Kelly
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0
Galway Daily news school transport deadline 2023

Rural bus services in Galway could get a serious boost from the new Connecting Ireland plan put forward by the NTA.

The National Transport Authority is proposing significantly expanding the public transport network outside of major towns and cities for the first time.

The plan proposes connecting 100 rural villages with bus services running at least three times daily, with a similar thrice daily service connecting 100 rural areas to their county town.

There will also be more than 60 new connections to regional cities from the surrounding areas.

Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan said that the plan will see an increase in the “number of routes and the frequency of existing services” to all areas.

“Hundreds of rural villages and areas will for the first time will be served by a viable public transport link.”

“To have strong local economies and to give people real options for getting around you need good public transport links.”

Four new bus routes that would serve towns and villages in Galway have been proposed by the National Transport Authority.

A Galway – Nenagh route would serve Oranmore, Loughrea, Portumna, and Borrisokane; a Clifden – Roundstone service would stop in Ballyconneely and other places.

A Ballinasloe – Castlerea bus route would stop at Ahascragh, Mountbellew, Moylough,
Glenamaddy and other places en route; and an Athlone – Roscommon route would stop at Ballygar.

Other changes would include increasing the frequency of a number of rural routes, such as a minimum of one bus an hour between Galway and Clifden, and one every 30 minute for the Galway – Cork route.

The plans also call for integrating and increasing the number of services on multiple other bus routes connecting towns and villages in Galway.

The full list of proposed service changes for Galway, and the accompanying maps, can be found on the NTA website here.

It is proposed under the Connecting Ireland plan that there will be an overall increase in rural bus services of 25% over the five years.

The Connecting Ireland plan was published by the National Transport Authority for public consultation this week. Public feedback on the proposals can be made online here.

Minister Ryan said that with the €5.6 million budgeted to the NTA for 2022, the authority could start delivering these changes from next year.

“I have asked the NTA when this consultation process is complete, to put together an implementation plan so that we can get to work on making Connecting Ireland a reality sooner rather than later.”

Anne Graham, Chief Executive of the NTA, said that they are aware that for many people in rural areas, it is “difficult if not impossible” to live without a car, which they hope to change.

“I believe that expanding the public transport network and increasing service levels, in the way we are proposing, will mean that more people in rural areas will have greater levels of freedom whether or not they have a car.”

Weather Warning: Thunderstorms and localised flooding forecast

By
Briain Kelly
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galway daily news Lightning and flooding forecast as Thunderstorm warning issued

The weather in Galway is expected to take a turn for the much worse tonight, with a thunderstorm weather warning issued for Galway.

Met Eireann has issued a status yellow weather warning for “Thundery outbreaks of rain with possible lightning and localised flooding” on Saturday night.

The warning will be in effect from 9pm tonight, until 2am on Sunday morning.

As well as Galway, the alert covers all of Munster and counties Mayo, Roscommon, and Sligo.

A Gale Warning for coastal waters in the west and south of the country has also been issued by Met Eireann for Saturday evening and night, expiring at midnight.

South to southeast winds will reach gale force 8 at times on Saturday evening from Carnsore Point to Valentia to Erris Head.

Temperatures in Galway are expected to reach lows of 7 degrees tonight, with light to moderate variable winds forecast throughout the day.

COVID-19: Almost 3,000 cases reported today

By
Briain Kelly
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0
Galway Daily news Galway hospitals see COVID cases double in recent weeks

There have been a further 2,966 confirmed cases of COVID-19 notified by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre today.

As of this morning there 470 people hospitalised with COVID-19 in the country.

Of these patients, 92 have been admitted to the intensive care unit for treatment.

Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer said yesterday that the highest incidence of cases reported was in children aged 5 – 12 years old.

“While the COVID-19 vaccines give high protection against severe illness, hospitalisation and death, the way to break transmission is by following all aspects of the public health advice.”

He urged people to exercise precautions while enjoying the Halloween festivities this weekened.

“If you are having visitors over, provide hand sanitizer, open windows and try to ensure people can spread out and keep their distance from one another – avoid crowded parties.”

“For trick-or-treaters, give out treats outdoors if possible. Wash or sanitize hands frequently, and before eating or handling treats,” Tony Holohan said.

“Neither children nor adults should go trick-or-treating or meet up with others if they have any symptoms of COVID-19, even if symptoms are minor – instead, please isolate and get a test.”

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

Macnas Halloween Parade returning in 2022

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily arts Macnas Halloween Parade returning in 2022
credit: Julia Dunin Photography

Though the iconic Macnas Halloween parade isn’t taking place this year, the world renowned masters of visual storytelling is planning a return to form next year.

The annual parade is the culmination of a year-long public participation programme involving over 300 local artists, performers and participants.

This is a major undertaking, with activities and planning already well under way for next year’s spectacle to an audience of 70,000 plus people on the streets of Galway.

Ahead of that in 2021, the award-winning group are focusing on educational programmes Macnas At School, the Drumming Ensemble, and the Brass Ensemble.

They are also developing plans for a new initiative for young people, Macnas Spectacle Youth Theatre.

Macnas At School is a creative programme designed specifically for primary schools with a creative mission to invite children into the magical world made by these artists and dreamers.

The programme is led by professional, highly-skilled visual and performance artists, and children will explore the world of the imagination through visual storytelling, making, performance and play.

The first school to take part is Scoil Iognáid in Galway City, where the programme launched this month in partnership with Creative Schools.

Under the guidance of Macnas associate artist Tom Meskell, Rang a Cúig pupils conceived, designed and constructed a magical sea world created with large lantern sculptures, music, special effects and performance.

The Macnas Drumming Ensemble is the beating heart of the company’s epic work, and early next year auditions will be held for budding and experienced drummers alike to join the company.

Macnas Education Coordinator Victoria McCormack said “We are working with drumming school Drumadore on an exciting new partnership which will see an opportunity for younger participants  to cut their teeth”.

There they will develop their new skills under the experienced guidance of Macnas Drumming Director and Drumdore Artistic Director Éimhín Cradock.

“Once budding drummers have reached a certain skill level, they will then be eligible to participate in the audition process for the Macnas Drumming Ensemble and participate in our public and community facing events.”

“The ensembles are key to everything we do at Macnas and the development and training of the next generation is at the forefront of the company’s activities.”

The Brass Ensemble features consists of weekly workshops for participants aged 15 or over, led by professional musician and composer Matthew Berrill.

As with all the company’s ensembles, the Brass Ensemble feeds directly into the Parades and other events in the yearly programme of activities, and early 2022 will also see auditions for this talented group.

The up and soon to be coming Macnas Youth Spectacle Theatre will build on the work of the ensemble programmes running for the past decade, with plans to launch in early 2022.

This brand new programme, currently in the planning stages, will be an exciting opportunity for young people to engage with performance and theatre making within the spectacle arts.

Participants will also have the opportunity to be part of the spectacular 2022 Macnas Halloween Parade.

If you would like to get involved in any of these ensemble troupes, email Victoria@macnas.com

Who are the best sportspeople to come out of Galway?

By
Thomas O'Brien
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0

Galway is one of the most visited and the most talked about parts of Ireland but how does the area stack up for sporting icons? 

Sure, don’t expect to find the top power forwards in the NBA among Galway crowd, but there are a bunch of famous athletes in other sports.

Here we take a look at the best sportspeople to come out of Galway.

We’ll be delivering a detailed top five but before we get into those names we want to throw out a special mention to Joe Canning (hurling), Sarah Dervan (camogie), David Forde (football), John Muldoon (rugby) and, finally, Christy O’Connor (golf).

 

So, who are the best sportspeople to come out of Galway?

 

Number 5: Aaron Connolly, football 

Kicking off our list of the best sportspeople to come out of Galway is Aaron Connolly. We realise it’s early days in the 22-year-old’s career but already he has impressed for Premier League football club Brighton.

The young attacker can boast having scored five Premier League goals with a further eight netted in his young career in other competitions. 

On the international scene, Connolly ripped it up with the under 17 team before progressing through the other youth levels: he’s now a full international with eight caps. Who knows how good he can become; if he fulfils his potential then the odds suggest he’ll be right at the top of this list.

Number 4: Paul Hession, athletics

Usain Bolt he is not but in Ireland Paul Hession is worshipped for his sprinting ability. He has represented the nation at both the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games as well as competing and winning medals at the World Athletic Championship and European Team Championship. 

His place in Irish history is secured in black and white as well. He holds the Irish record for the fastest time over both 100 and 200 metres; his 100m time is 10:18 with his 200m record 20:30. Both records were set breaking times he’d previously posted.

Number 3: Alan Lee, football

“Alan Lee, goal” sang the Ipswich fans to the tune of Spandau Ballet’s Gold track; Lee had a rather journeyman career after leaving Aston Villa as a youngster without ever making an appearance for the first team.

During that time he formed a huge bond with two clubs; one being Ipswich where he scored 34 goals in 109 appearances and Rotherham (41 in 122).

The Galway born striker’s club career was spent in the football league and whilst he never made the ‘big time’ he had a more than solid career in the second tier. Republic of Ireland call ups eventually came too but he never did get the goal his hard work so deserved.

Number 2: Therese Maher, camogie

Outside of Ireland Therese Maher might not be a name that’s well known. In Ireland, however, the camogie star is idolised. Maher spent her entire 16 year career with Galway where she was hugely respected. 

Between 2005 and 2009 Maher collected three All-Star awards before losing in back to back All Ireland finals in 2010 and 2011; the latter saw her scoop a fourth All-Star award with a fifth coming in 2013 as she finally led Galway to glory.

Number 1: Sean Purcell, gaelic football

Sean Purcell might have sadly passed away back in 2005 but the memories of the Gaelic football star live on. His club career was spent solely with the Tuam Stars where he collected 10 titles whilst his county career – with Galway – was also highly decorated in the shape of eight titles (seven Connacht and one All-Ireland). 

The fact he was named in both the GAA century and millennium teams further evidence just how masterful his game was. 

There you have it, the best sportspeople to come out of Galway. Did we miss anyone? Let us know and hope we can see some more stars under the spotlight soon.

Traffic calming measures planned for Renmore and Knocknacarra

By
Briain Kelly
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0
Galway daily news Traffic lights at UHG out of action until next week

Galway City Council has announced plans for traffic calming upgrades to roads in Renmore and Knocknacarra to make them safer for pedestrians.

Upgrade works are planned for Ballyloughane Road and Renmore Avenue on the east side of the city, and Clybaun Road south in Knocknacarra.

Both areas will see a significant number of raised junction entries, traffic light controlled pedestrian crossings, and inline bus stops installed along the roads in question.

The Clybaun Road’s junction with Shangort Road will be upgraded to a traffic light controlled junction, including for new pedestrian crossings.

In Renmore, traffic lights will be installed at the junctions of Ballyloughane Road/Private Road (to Gaelscoil Dara), Ballyloughane Rd/Renmore Avenue, and Renmore Av/Renmore Rd.

These will include traffic light controlled pedestrian crossings on all arms of the road junctions.

School Zone markings and other traffic interventions will be placed by Gaelscoil Dara and Scoil Caitríona.

Speed ramps are to be installed on the Ballyloughane Road, south of the railway, and three non-light controlled pedestrian crossings will also be installed.

Ancillary works in both areas will include Kerb Realignment, Pavement Works, Landscaping, Public Lighting, footway renewals, traffic signs, and road markings.

These traffic calming measures are similar to what is being proposed for Doughiska Road South, along with Canal Street Upper and Lower in the city centre.

Drawings and maps of the proposed upgrades will be available for public inspection at city hall during business hours until November 25.

Drawings are also available for inspection on the Galway City Council website: www.galwaycity.ie or www.activetravelgalway.ie.

Observations and submissions in respect of the proposed upgrade should be made through an online form via Active Travel, emailed to activetravel@galwaycity.ie, or in writing and addressed to Mr. Uinsinn Finn, A/Director of Services, Transportation & Planning, Yeats College Annex, College Road, Galway before 4pm on November 25.

President Higgins and German President Steinmeier visit TG4 in Spiddal

By
Briain Kelly
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President Higgins and German President Steinmeier visit TG4 in Spiddal

President Michael D. Higgins and President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited the Ros na Rún studios in Spiddal on Friday during a state visit.

Presidents Higgins and Steinmeier made their trip to the television studios out in Connemara on the final day of his three-day trip to Ireland.

The trip also marked the 25th anniversary of TG4, which was actually founded by President Higgins as TnaG back when he was the Minister for Arts.

The station went on air for the first time on October 31st 1996, and in the past quarter century TG4’s vision has been to promote the Irish language and culture in people’s lives, in Ireland and worldwide.

The Presidents were given a taste of the cultural, linguistic, and economic importance of TG4, especially Gaeltacht regions.

They were treated to a live action scene from Ros na Rún actors on set and a musical performance by internationally renowned traditional Irish musician and composer Johnny Óg Connolly and sean-nós singer Pól Ó Ceannabháin.

Johnny Óg is a Spiddal native himself, and has collaborated with Also present were Údarás na Gaeltachta who had a leading role in training and development in the sector in 1996 and continue to work closely with TG4.

Carna man Pól Ó Ceannabháin won the coveted sean-nós singing competition, Corn Uí Riada at Oireachtas na Gaeilge in 2012, was awarded TG4 Gradam Ceoil Singer of the year in 2016 and was ambassador for Culture Night Ireland 2020.

Also present were Údarás na Gaeltachta, who had a leading role in training and development in the sector in 1996, and continue to work closely with TG4.

Chief Executive of Údarás Micheál Ó hÉanaigh said that they were delighted to showcase the “intertwined aspects” of Gaeltacht tradition and modern innovation to the two presidents.

“The audio-visual sector is vitally important to the Irish language and the Gaeltacht itself and it is a source of pride for Údarás na Gaeltachta to have had a central role in the growth of the sector over the last forty years and especially in advance of the establishment twenty-five years ago of Teilifís na Gaeilge or TG4 as it is now.”

Siún Ní Raghallaigh, Cathaoirleach of the TG4 Board said that since the channel first launched, it has been a champion of “Irish culture, creativity and talent”, with an ever growing audience.

“2021 is an important milestone for TG4 as we celebrate our 25th year on air and look forward to continuing to invest in a vibrant, creative independent sector which ensures TG4 and the Irish language remain relevant and important part of Ireland’s Public Service Media.”

COVID-19: 2,549 cases reported today

By
Briain Kelly
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0
Galway Daily news 25 percent drop in COVID cases in Galway hospitals

There have been a further 2,549 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported by the Department of Health today.

As of Friday morning there were 481 people in Ireland admitted to hospital with COVID.

Of these patients, 97 are being treated in intensive care units in serious condition.

Daily case numbers may be revised in the future, after data is reviewed and validated.

In the past week there have been 144,604 tests carried out in the state, with 11% of them returning positive results.

Up to Thursday there had been 7,321,145 doses of vaccine administered in the state, with 3,747,419 people fully vaccinated.

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

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