One week left to vote for Galway farmer in national farming awards

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October 14, 2021

galway daily news farmer nia o'malley on galway farm

The deadline is fast approaching for people to vote for Galway farmer Nia O’Malley who is competing with six other farmers in the the Farming for Nature (FFN) awards.

Nia O’Malley is one of seven ambassadors chosen for the public vote awards and people have until midnight on 22 October to view a short series of farm videos and choose their winner.

Nia, who farms 60 hectares in the Slieve Aughty Mountains, took over the family farm in 2010.

Since then, she has worked incredibly hard to rebuild and regenerate the farm, doing so with respect and consideration for the natural landscape and wildlife of the area.

Speaking after she was announced as an ambassador last month, Nia said: “Something you learn as a hill farmer is you have to adapt to the area – you can’t just come in and change things as you wish.

“You have to adapt to the land and work with the land, rather than forcing the land to adapt to your farming practices.”

Now in its fourth year, FFN was set up with an aim to source, share and celebrate the stories of farmers across Ireland who manage their land in a way that sustains nature, while providing a livelihood for their family.

This year’s ambassadors come from right across Ireland and include beef, sheep, horticulture, dairy and tillage farmers who manage a wide range of very valuable habitats including species-rich grasslands and heaths, wetlands, woodlands and hedgerows.

The ambassador network is made up of family farms, couples, and both male and female farmers.

The seven ambassadors will be featured at the annual Burren Winterage Weekend on October 23 when the winner of the public vote will be announced.

Sixteen additional ambassadors will be announced and profiled over the coming months, joining a network of 43 ambassadors from 2018, 2019 and 2020.

To view the short farm videos and vote, go to https://www.farmingfornature.ie/awards/voting/.

Galway United hope to keep their momentum going to the playoffs

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Briain Kelly

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October 14, 2021

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Galway Daily soccer Galway United hope to keep their momentum going to the playoffs

Galway United are headed into the last three matches of the season before the playoffs, starting with a home game against Wexford this weekend.

Galway and Wexford will meet at Eamonn Deacy Park this Friday, October 15, with kick-off at 7:45pm.

Galway manager John Caulfield said that they have seen Wexford’s strong performances in their last two meetings, and that they will need to ensure their own performances keep good.

Speaking to the club’s media team he said that it was encouraging to have secured back-to-back victories so shortly before the playoffs, and that they were happy to be getting two home games in a row.

“Winning gives you that confidence so hopefully we can keep doing that up until and including the play-offs,” Caulfield said.

United will have some optimism and momentum headed into this match, coming off two wins in a row against Cobh Ramblers, which ended 1-0 to Galway, and a very solid 4-1 win against UCD.

On top of that, the last time Galway United played Wexford at the end of July the Tribesmen secured a 3-1 victory at Ferrycarrig Park.

This time Galway will also have the home field advantage. But Wexford have also been on a strong streak, having won three of their last four League encounters.

Galway United are currently in second place on the First Division table with 42 points, three ahead of UCD, but well behind the leaders Shelbourne. Wexford are sitting at the bottom of the table right now at 15 points.

Three Galway players won’t be available for this week’s game, as Francely Lomboto and Ronan Manning remain out of action due to injuries, and Mike Rowe is serving a suspension.

National Broadband Ireland to host pop-up info events in Gort

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Michael Malone

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October 14, 2021

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Galway Daily news Broadband Plan to miss 2021 target by 25,000 homes - Naughten

National Broadband Ireland will host a pop-up information event in Market Square in Gort on Friday 22 and Saturday 23 October, with the events taking place from 10am to 4pm.

The events aim to give more people an opportunity to learn about the National Broadband Plan, when high speed fibre broadband is coming to Gort and how they can get connected.

The NBI team will be on-hand to register people for future updates on the rollout in their area.

Peter Hendrick, CEO of National Broadband Ireland said, “National Broadband Ireland is excited about the opportunity to engage directly with the people of Gort and give them information about when high-speed broadband will be available, let them know how they can connect to the NBI network and how they can register for progress updates specific to their Eircode.”

NBI currently has construction underway to bring fibre to 2,618 premises in the townlands in the Gort Intervention Area, which includes Ardrahan, Tubber, Grove Road, Cloonmolly, Peterswell, Boley, Kilkeddy, Blakemount, Foxtail Hill, Derrybrien and Boston among others, all of which are already eligible to order services on the new high-speed fibre broadband network.

Once these premises are available to order these customers can choose their broadband services from a retail service provider (RSPs) of their choice.

This is expected to bring significant benefits directly to consumers and businesses where competition between RSPs will ensure quality bundled packages offer choice around voice, broadband, TV and mobile.

In advance of the Fibre-to-the-Home roll out, the NBP provides for the delivery of Broadband Connection Points nationwide. These facilities – which include sports clubs, community centres and tourist sites – will provide free public access to high-speed internet in the rollout area.

There are twenty one Broadband Connection Points in Galway, seven of which have already been connected, including Lettermullen Community Centre, Inis Mór Library, Leitrim Ballydugan Community Centre and Comhar Caomhán Teo.

Ballinasloe man jailed for sexually assaulting teenage girl

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Briain Kelly

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October 14, 2021

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Galway Daily courts Man sent to trial charged with pulling knife on Garda

A Ballinasloe man who sexually assaulted a 16 year old girl in her bedroom received a three year prison sentence, half of which was suspended.

Laurence Finn (66), of Gurteen, Ballinasloe was sentenced at Galway Circuit Court this week after previously pleading guilty to a single count of sexual assault.

Finn, who had been a bus driver for more than 20 years, was a longstanding friend of the Dunleavy family when he assaulted Lisa Dunleavy, then 16, in her room on the morning of July 22, 2016.

Around 10:30am, Finn came into her bedroom and sat on her bed, when he proceeded to kiss and grope her, placing his hand on her genital area.

She told him to stop, but he kept going in the face of her repeatedly telling him to stop until she jumped out of the bed.

Lisa Dunleavy waived her right to anonymity at a previous court date in October of last year so that Finn could be publicly named.

In her victim impact she spoke about how this had affected her, in a small community where everyone knew what had happened.

She also said that it had been extremely distressing when Finn twice came to the takeaway where she worked, after the sexual assault had happened.

On top of her own personal hardship, she said that her parents had also been deeply affected by what they felt was their inability to protect their daughter.

Counsel for the defence Mr Bernard Madden SC reiterated much of what he said last year at this week’s hearing.

It has also caused great strife in his own family Mr Madden said. The court had previously heard that Finn’s six adult children had not spoken to him since this crime became known.

In the time since he has suffered from depression and suicidal thoughts, the defence said.

A report from the probation services said that Finn is deemed to be at a low risk of reoffending in a similar manner, after he had spent the past year under their supervision.

Judge McCabe said that he had read the report, but that prison time was unavoidable due to the gravity of the offence, including the “gross breach of trust” and the age difference between the Finn and the victim.

He imposed a three year prison sentence, but suspended the final eighteen months of the sentence for a period of three years.

Finn will also come back under the supervision of the probation services for six months on his release from prison.

Galway flavours showcased at London tourism event

By

Michael Malone

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October 14, 2021

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galway daily news flavours london — Picture: Malcolm McNally

DK Connemara Oysters has attended Flavours of Ireland 2021 in London this week along with almost 60 other tourism companies from across Ireland.

Tourism Ireland’s annual B2B tourism workshop allows tourism companies from Ireland to meet and do business with top global inbound tour operators.

Now in its 19th year, Flavours – which took place virtually in 2020 – was an in-person event once again this year.

It was held in the Guildhall in the City of London, and was attended by around 100 top global inbound tour operators who deliver business from all over the world, including the US, Mainland Europe, Asia, Australasia and Africa.

This year, the event is of particular importance as overseas tourism restarts and the participating global inbound tour operators prepare to sign contracts for 2022 and 2023.

It is a key time for the participating tourism companies from Ireland to highlight and sell their product to these important decision-makers.

David Boyce, Tourism Ireland’s Head of Global Inbound and Emerging Markets, said: “Tourism Ireland is delighted that so many tourism organisations from Ireland and so many leading global inbound tour operators took the time to join us at our annual ‘Flavours of Ireland’ event – which was an in-person event once again this year.

“Before COVID-19, these tour operators were responsible for delivering millions of bed-nights to Ireland.

“As overseas tourism restarts and the participating tour operators prepare to sign contracts for 2022 and 2023, we very much welcome the business and networking opportunities it presented.

“Our aim is to increase awareness of Ireland among these hugely influential global inbound tour operators and to help Ireland and our tourism partners secure a greater share of the huge worldwide tourism market.”

COVID cases in Galway hospitals jump to 32

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Briain Kelly

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October 14, 2021

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The number of people hospitalised with COVID-19 in Galway has jumped to 32 in the latest figures from the HSE.

As of 8pm on Wednesday there were 25 confirmed COVID cases at UHG, and a further seven at Portiuncula Hospital.

This is nine more than were hospitalised in Galway at the start of this week alone.

There were six new cases admitted to UHG in the 24 hours before this, tied for the highest number in the country with the Mater, and two patients were admitted in Ballinasloe.

Three of the patients at University Hospital Galway, and one at Portiuncula, are in the intensive care unit.

Nationwide there were 390 COVID cases hopsitalised in Ireland on Wednesday night, of whom 69 are in the ICU.

Dr Ronan Glynn has said that the remaining portion of the population which remains unvaccinated was having a “disproportionate impact” on the profile of the disease in hospitals.

Two out of every three people admitted to the intensive care unit with COVID is unvaccinated Dr Glynn said, urging people to get their jab.

Water outages in North Galway due to burst mains

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Briain Kelly

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October 14, 2021

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Galway Daily news Water main replacement

Homes and businesses across parts of north Galway are expected to experience water outages and disruptions due to a burst mains today.

Galway County Council has reported that a burst mains at Caltragh, Caherlistrane is causing outages across multiple areas.

This is affecting the water supply to the Liss Shrule Road, Loggawina, Cloughanover, Headford Kilconly, Shrule and surrounding areas.

These outages have lasted overnight, after the burst pipe was first reported shortly after 10pm on Wednesday.

Repair works are underway this morning, and are currently expected to be completed before 5pm this afternoon.

People experiencing water outages today are advised that it may take 2 – 3 hours after repairs are completed before their full supply returns.

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

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

Boil Water notice remains as repairs continue at Glenamaddy treatment plant

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Briain Kelly

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October 14, 2021

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Galway Daily news Glenamaddy boil water notice — The area affected by the boil water notice

A Boil Water Notice for Glenamaddy residents is going into its third week, though repair works are hoped to be completed soon.

A Boil Water Notice was issued for people living in Glenamaddy, Cloonminda, Bushtown, and on the Knockmascahill Group Water Scheme on September 30.

The notice affects approximately 800 people supplied by Glenamaddy Public Water Supply. It was issued due to problems with the ultra violet disinfection of the water at the Water Treatment Plant.

Experts from Irish Water and Galway County Council are currently undertaking works to improve the filtration systems at the treatment plant.

Irish Water has said that it is expected these works will be completed in “the coming days”, and once they are samples of the filtered water will be taken again.

People living in the area of the Glenamaddy Public Water Supply Scheme will notice increased levels of chlorine in their water in the coming days as repairs continue.

In the meantime, people in the affected areas should continue to boil their water for drinking, preparation of uncooked foods, or brushing their teeth.

An Bord Pleanala approves 102 houses, duplexes, and apartments in Ballybrit

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Briain Kelly

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October 14, 2021

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Galway Daily news An Bord Pleanala approves 102 houses, duplexes, and apartments in Ballybrit

An Bord Pleanála has given the green light for a large scale housing development in Ballybrit, consisting of 102 new homes and a creche.

Sathel Limited has received planning permission for a strategic housing development on a 1.46ha site is located between the Monivea Road and Ballybane More Road, in between the existing An Luasan and Dun Briosta estates.

Three bungalows and a derelict semi-detached house which are currently on the site will be demolished before construction work takes place.

The development will consist of 13 semi-detached houses, in a mix of two, three, and four bed units; 34 duplex units ranging from one to three bed homes; and 55 apartments in two separate blocks.

Each of the proposed apartment blocks will be a five storey building on the Ballybane More road end of the site.

In order to fulfil their Part V planning requirements, Sathel proposed that 10% of the units will be transferred to the city council for affordable or social housing.

Access to the site for vehicles will be via a new entrance onto the Monivea road, with a pedestrian and cycling entrance on the Ballybane More Road.

The site will be served by 94 car parking spaces, four of which will be reserved for the creche, and the remainder of which will be residential, as well as 220 bicycle spaces.

A Material Contravention of the City Development Plan was granted for this development, allowing parking provision well below the 238 parking spaces which would be required under the council regulations, as well as in relation to the site density.

Only two third party submissions were received by An Bord Pleanála from local residents, one of which did not object to the proposal, but seeking clarity on privacy at the boundary with their property.

Another individual said that the plans did not have enough parking spaces for the number of residents, or the creche, and that it lacks sufficient open space.

The plans include for 2,130m² of public open space, just over 15% of the area being developed, most of which is green areas in the centre of the site, which includes a children’s playground.

Planning permission was granted by An Bord Pleanála with a total of thirty-two conditions attached.

The only material changes to the plans required by the Bord was the removal of a single south facing window from one of the units.

Proposed works on the public road, and details of the cycle ramp providing access from the Ballybane More road must be agreed on with the planning authority beforehand.

A minimum of 10% of the car parking spaces for the development must also have electric vehicle charging points.

Before any work begins on any houses or duplex units, the developer must have an agreement with the planning authority on where each of those will be located.

The is agreement will also restrict those units’ “first occupation” to individual purchasers, not corporate entities, and people “eligible for the occupation of social and or affordable housing, including cost rental housing.”

An Bord Pleanála also insisted that the creche and communal open spaces must be delivered in the first phase of the project, rather than the final phase, as Sathel has intended.

COVID-19: Over 2,000 cases reported today

By

Briain Kelly

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October 13, 2021

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

There have been a further 2,066 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported by the Department of Health today.

As of this morning the number of people hospitalised with COVID in Ireland stood at 408, with 69 of them in the ICU.

There have been a total of 5,306 deaths related to COVID-19 in Ireland since the start of the pandemic.

This another 26 deaths which have been newly notified in the past week according to the Department.

Dr Ronan Glynn praised the level of vaccine uptake in Ireland, but cautioned that there is a “disproportionate impact” on hospitalisations and ICU admissions by people who have not been vaccinated.

“There has been fantastic uptake of COVID-19 vaccination over recent months,” Ronan Glynn said.

“Unfortunately, there are still just under 300,000 adults who have not come forward for vaccination and a further 70,000 people have received just one dose of a two-dose schedule”.

“The spread of disease in these 370,000 people is having a disproportionate impact on the profile of COVID-19 in our hospitals and intensive care units, with two out of every three people in intensive care not vaccinated.”

“Choosing to get vaccinated is an act of protection for yourself – it may save your life – but it is also an act of solidarity with others; the more of us that get vaccinated, the safer we all are.”

Ballinasloe native elected chair of Roscommon-Galway Young Fine Gael

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Michael Malone

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October 13, 2021

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Shane Brady of Killahornia, Creagh, Ballinasloe, has been elected chairperson of the Roscommon-Galway branch of Young Fine Gael at an online meeting.

Shane had previously held roles on the committee, and is looking forward to campaigning locally, nationally, and internationally on issues facing young people.

The AGM was guest chaired by local Senator Aisling Dolan, Fine Gael Spokesperson on Education and Higher Education.

Speaking following the meeting, Shane said that he is delighted to be elected as chairperson of the local branch.

“I joined Young Fine Gael because the organisation has a long history of leading from the front in issues facing young people in Ireland, and it will be a huge honour to play a part in that,” he said.

“Joining Young Fine Gael was a great decision, and I would encourage anyone between the ages of 15-35 to consider joining via www.yfg.ie or by contacting the branch social media.”

Senator Aisling Dolan said that she looks forward to working with Shane and all the team in the Young Fine Gael branch.

“With my role on the Joint Oireachtas Education Committee and the first ever- Sub Committee for Mental Health, I am especially focused on young people and the impact of Covid-19 and the lockdown on education as well as the stress and pressure on wellbeing,” said Senator Dolan.

“We have worked very hard on the Cycleway campaign to encourage people of all ages in towns and villages make submissions across East Galway to showcase the excellent routes through Ballinasloe town for unique boglands, blueways, heritage, culture and sense of community.

“The selection of a preferred route corridor will be known by the end of October- mid November. This will transform life in our towns and villages in the West.”

Bus services essential for students due to housing crisis Canney says

By

Briain Kelly

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October 13, 2021

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

Proper rural bus services are essential for students who can’t afford or find a place to live in the city where they go to college Galway TD Seán Canney has said.

Speaking in the Dáíl on the budget on Tuesday, Canney said that in many areas of East Galway, bus services are “being taken out of the equation” due to cancellations by Bus Eireann.

This causes problems for Galway students going to college in Galway City, Limerick, or Athlone, he added, since many can’t get accommodation there.

The services that do exist are “scrambling” to provide enough capacity Canney said.

Deputy Canney highlighted this by speaking about a young man who has to leapfrog from Tuam, to Athenry, to Limerick each day, by car, bus, and train, in order to go to college.

“One young man got a place in college in Limerick and has to get his parents to drive him to Athenry so he can get a train to Limerick. He then gets a bus from there to his college. He then has to travel back.”

“I understand he gets a bus from Athenry to Tuam and his parents pick him up. He does that every day of the week because he cannot get a place to live in Limerick,” Seán Canney said.

“He has bought a car and applied for a driving test, but will have to wait 15 weeks for it. They are the challenges our young people are facing when trying to access education.”

The Independent TD linked this to the increased carbon tax named in the budget, saying that it penalises people who have no choice but to travel by car, due to a lack of public transport.

“I know many people who would love to be able to take public transport or to take the bus into Galway to work from the east of the county.”

“They cannot do so because the service is not available or, when it is available, the bus lanes are not in place.”

Man walked in on Garda search with drugs on him

By

Briain Kelly

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October 13, 2021

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A man who came home with drugs on him while Gardaí were searching the premises received a suspended sentence at Galway District Court.

Michael Toher (26), with an address at Tirellan Heights, Headford Road appeared before Judge Mary Fahy at Galway District Court in connection with €1,000 worth of cannabis and diazepam seized by Gardaí.

He pleaded guilty to two charges of possession of drugs with the intent to sell or supply them. Two other charges of simple possession were withdrawn by the state on his plea.

The court heard that on September 16 of 2019, Gardaí were searching Toher’s home in Tirellan Heights when he arrived at the house in possession of cannabis and diazepam, also known as valium.

The value of the drugs seized were €540 worth of cannabis, and €460 of diazepam. When questioned he admitted to Gardaí that the drugs were his.

Ms Olivia Traynor for the defence said that her client had drug addictions, and has been trying to get into treatment.

Judge Fahy imposed two six month concurrent sentences for drug offences, and suspended both of them for two years.

Budget 2022: Childcare providers say not enough done to address costs

By

Briain Kelly

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October 13, 2021

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Galway Daily news Budget 2022: Childcare providers say not enough done to address costs

Representatives of the childcare sector have said that Budget 2022 does not do enough to address costs for parents, or guarantee sustainability for service providers.

Childhood Services Ireland, the Ibec trade association for childcare providers, says that while subsidised hours of childcare, and expanded access to subsidised childcare for working families and unemployed people are welcome measures, they do little make childcare more affordable.

Budget 2022 announced that government investment in early learning and childcare sectors will grow to €716 million, which includes a €41 million increase to the core allocation to the sector, and a once-off boost of €37 million.

Minister Roderic O’Gorman said that this was the beginning of “transformative” multi-year investment programme that builds on their commitment to increase spending on the sector to €1 billion by 2028.”

Part of the childcare budget includes a new funding stream for service providers, providing them with support in return for a guarantee not to increase fees to parents.

This funding stream won’t come online until September 2022 however, with €69 million allocated for the measure for the months it is available next year.

There will also be an extension of the universal subsidy for the sector, allowing all children under 15 to receive a subsidy to offset fees.

Hours spent in pre-school or school will also no longer be deducted from the entitlement to subsidised hours, a move which is meant to benefit children from low income families whose parents are not in work or study.

Commenting on this, Childhood Services Ireland’s Director, Darragh Whelan, said; “Extending the amount of subsidised childcare hours does nothing for parents who can’t afford childcare in the first place.”

He said that what parents really need is universal subsidies, adding that waiting lists are already too long and that there aren’t enough places to meet demand.

The budget commits to retaining the exemption to the turnover rule for early learning childcare providers in the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme until April 2022, after which it is expected that the EWSS created for the pandemic, will end.

From May to August 2022, service providers will have access to a once-off transition fund of up to €5.5 million per month in order to prevent the cost of additional health measures from being passed on to parents.

“The proposed funding for staff wages is welcome but the investment will have to be significant to reduce parental fees and ensure providers can afford to keep their doors open and the lights on,” Darragh Whelan said.

The Smoking Ban Examined: How Ireland Made History in 2004

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Angela Mc Bride

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October 13, 2021

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In 2021, the world we live in is largely smoke-free. Unless you habitually carry a packet of cigarettes in your pocket, you’ll rarely see people lighting up. You can go for an evening out and never feel the cloying, smoky haze that once settled so familiarly in bars, pubs, and nightclubs.

Back in 2004, however, you’d probably have found this absence of cigarette smoke a lot more noteworthy. Cast your mind back to the early years of the millennium, and you’ll remember smoking in public was absolutely the norm.

Until, that is, Ireland made history.

Going smoke-free

March 29th, 2004 was the day Ireland underwent a fundamental change. It became the first nation in history to introduce a smoking ban in workplaces, but not everyone welcomed this. While the idea was to protect employees from the effects of second-hand smoke, many worried the social scene would be altered irrevocably.

The ban was enacted in the space of a single night. Ashtrays disappeared from more than 10,000 pubs, clubs, and restaurants, while those caught smoking in public spaces were liable to be fined up to 3,000 euros.

The anti-smoking group ASH was vocal in its support, describing the ban as ‘the health initiative of the century’. The belief was that its enactment would not only reduce exposure to second-hand smoke but perhaps prompt social smokers to quit too. This hope proved well-founded: a 2014 study found the ban had saved an estimated 4,000 lives and encouraged thousands of smokers to successfully kick the habit.

Various methods were used to quit. Some went cold turkey, while others turned to options like very high nicotine pouches. This type of chewing tobacco was used by smokers to wean them off cigarettes while still delivering a nicotine rush or to provide a smoke-free substitute they could legally enjoy in public.

History in the making

While Ireland may be a small country, in this respect it nonetheless proved the leader of the pack. Soon, many other countries followed in its footsteps, with Norway and New Zealand both enacting similar laws by the close of 2004.

The impact of this on public health was huge. It meant smoking became an active choice. Those who still wished to smoke were welcome to do so, but they were no longer breathing second-hand smoke on those who were worried about its effects. From Galway to Dublin, Kilkenny to Kinsale, smoking culture changed, but not in the negative way some had feared. Rather than becoming social pariahs, new outdoor areas were built with smokers in mind, showing that bars and eateries continued to embrace their custom.

Instead of proving divisive, the ban gave people countrywide the choice of how they wanted to live their lives. If they chose to smoke, they could do so in these specially designated areas; if they wished to stay smoke-free, they could go out and come back without the smell clinging to their hair and clothes.

It was a positive move for everyone and gave Ireland a chance to shine on the international stage for all the right reasons. 17 years later, and we’re still proud to have been a part of a cultural shift that benefitted the health of so many.

Galway Hooker to be named in honour of Rosabel’s Rooms

By

Briain Kelly

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October 13, 2021

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Galway Daily Galway Hooker to be named in honour of Rosabel's Rooms

One of the famed Galway Hookers, restored to pristine condition, is to be named next week in honour of the inspiring charity Rosabel’s Rooms.

The boat has been lovingly restored by Bádórí an Cladaigh, the Claddagh Boatmen and will be launched in the canal waters opposite Monroe’s Tavern.

The event will be accompanied by a short performance from renowned trad musician Sharon Shannon, and a light projection by Sound To Light.

Suzanne McClean, founder of Rosabel’s Rooms said “We are beyond proud and so very moved that our beautiful, sweet girl Rosabel is being honoured and remembered in this way, thanks to Peter Connolly and his friends at Badoirí an Cladaigh.”

Rosabel’s Rooms is a charity established by Suzanne McClean and Gary Monroe, in memory of their beloved daughter Rosabel who died suddenly and unexpectedly in April 2017 when she was just 16 months old.

The rooms that they provide in hospitals are family- focused bereavement suites, designed in collaboration with the design and Dignity project at the Irish Hospice Foundation.

The boat itself, a cleoiteog beag, was the first boat acquired by Bádórí an Cladaigh in 2008 and has been carefully restored to it’s original beauty.

The launch will take place next Monday, October 18 at 6:30pm, after which the boat will take its place on the water to become a shining light for future events in Galway’s West End.

Budget 2022: Greenway and pedestrian projects in Galway

By

Briain Kelly

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October 13, 2021

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Galway Daily news Budget 2022: Greenway and pedestrian projects in Galway

The Salmon Weir Pedestrian bridge, Martin Roundabout, and multiple greenways in Galway, are among the chief walking and cycling infrastructure projects targeted in the budget.

Budget 2022 includes €360 for walking and cycling infrastructure projects, including €60 million earmarked for greenways.

Among the key projects in this highlighted by the Department of Transport are the conversion of the Martin Roundabout in the city to a signalised junction, and the construction of the pedestrian and cycling bridge across the Corrib.

Galway TD and junior Minister Hildegarde Naughton said that this budget represents €1 million a day invested in walking and cycling infrastructure.

The three-span, 80m bridge across the Corrib was green-lighted by An Bord Pleanála back in August, and it is hoped construction will start early next year.

The bridge from Newtownsmith to Galway Cathedral/Gaol Road will reduce the level of pedestrians and bicycles on the old Salmon Weir Bridge, which was never designed for the amount of traffic using it daily.

Work on the €3.5 million Martin Roundabout by Galway Clinic into a signalised junction is also expected to begin by the end of November this year.

The transition is expected to make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as prioritising buses and provide greater access for Arduan, in order to facilitate the development of housing in the area.

Speaking at today’s press conference, Transport Minister Eamon Ryan said “Transport has a critical role to play in our daily lives, and how we travel has a direct bearing on our carbon emissions.

“By reorienting our investment towards walking and cycling, sustainable public transport in both urban and rural areas, and electric vehicles, we can make it easier for people to make changes that benefit us all.”

The Minister added that he was “particularly pleased” that there would be progress on greenways all over Ireland.

Among the greenway projects included in the budget are continue construction of the Connemara Greenway between Clifden and Recess.

The ambitious coast-to-coast Galway to Dublin greenway also gets a mention, with the construction of the greenway bridge in Athlone planned for the next year as part of the project.

Missing two-year-old Mayo girl found safe

By

Briain Kelly

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October 12, 2021

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Galway Daily news missing teen found safe

A Child Rescue Alert issued by Gardaí this evening for a 2 year old Mayo girl has been stood down as she has been found safe.

The girl has been located safe and well in the Dublin area.

Two adults, a man and a woman aged in their 30s, have been arrested in connection with this.

They are currently detained at a Garda Station in Dublin.

Gardaí thanked the public for their assistance, and said that no further information will be provided.

COVID-19: 1,466 cases reported today

By

Briain Kelly

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October 12, 2021

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There have been a further 1,466 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported by the Department of Health today.

As of this morning there were 402 people hospitalised with COVID in Ireland, of whom 73 are in intensive care units.

Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn said “Over recent days we have seen an increasing number of people with COVID-19 admitted to hospital and to intensive care. ”

He said that roughly 70% of people being treated for the disease in an intensive care units are not fully vaccinated, which is a “cause for concern”.

“Vaccination, along with our continuing adherence to the public health advice, will break the chains of transmission and drive down incidence of COVID-19 in our communities.”

He reiterated advice that anyone who has symptoms should avoid going to work, school, college, or socialising.

Dr Glynn said that he would “strongly encourage” anyone who has yet to get the vaccine, to do so, and that anyone eligible for the flu vaccine should also get it.

Twelve local community festivals awarded funding by city council

By

Briain Kelly

-

October 12, 2021

0

Galway daily news Twelve local community festivals awarded funding by city council

Galway City will get to enjoy twelve community festivals in the coming months which have been approved funding by the city council.

The council advertised back in September for local communities planning small festivals in their area to apply for small scale grants to help bring them to life.

Of the €12,000 which was available through the Local Community Festivals Grant Scheme this year, €9,984 has been awarded for twelve events.

The purpose of this scheme is to support festivals or events which are organised and run by local residents as a way to reconnect the community in line with the next and final phase of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The full list of festivals which are being supported by the city council is:

Name of Group / Organisation	Purpose of Grant	Grant Approved
Ballybane Taskforce	Launch of the Ballybane Community Café Space	€564
Claddagh school of music	Live from Galway Community Christmas Concert	€850
Coogan Park Residents Association	Coogan Park Community Memorial Day 2021	€800
Galway African Diaspora-Ireland	Galway Afrika Abu Festival	€1,200
Galway Cycling Campaign	Galway Cross-City Community Cyclebus Event	€1,000
Galway Hooker Sailing Club	Community Festival for the launch of the ‘Loveen’ (restored Galway Hooker)	€1,000
Galway Indian Cultural Community (GICC)	Christmas & New Year Community Celebration 2021	€1,000
Merlin Woods Allotments	Merlin Woods Allotments Harvest Event	€500
Shantalla Community Allotments	Harvest Festival at Shantalla Allotments	€370
Shining Light Galway	Shining Light Community Physical Health & Well-Being Saturday Series	€500
Westside Arts Festival	Westside Christmas Concert	€1,200
Yoruba Heritage Art and Culture	Afrobeat Music Festival	€1,000
	Total Amount Allocated	€9,984

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