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Connacht Must Take Positives from Controversial Munster Defeat

By
Thomas O'Brien
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Galway Daily sport

In sport, there are different ways to lose.

You can lose in a way that is hurtful and poses deeper questions – a defeat that causes a complete rethink of the way a team goes about their business.

And then there are losses where the vanquished side can take plenty of positives from the result, which could act as a springboard for better things to come.

For Connacht, their 18-20 reverse at the hands of Munster is, on paper, a big blow. It was their third loss in four United Rugby Championship games, and as a consequence their rugby union odds to win the URC are now as long as 66/1.

They may be a huge underdog to lift the trophy, but Andy Friend and his players know that they have the talent to climb the league table by putting together a run of victories – they appeared set to start that streak against Munster last time out.

Most onlookers agreed that Connacht were deserved victors, and the extra four points would have seen them move up to ninth place of the URC table – knocking on the door of the European Champions Cup places.

As said, the manner of a defeat says a lot about a team – this was a game that Connacht dominated against a Munster side fancied to go all the way in the URC. In the end, the contest was spoiled by a hapless piece of officiating.

Out of Line

Munster’s try on the stroke of half-time should have been chalked off for offside – that is scarcely debatable, with Tadhg Beirne clearly ahead of the play in the build-up to Chris Cloete crossing the whitewash. 

If the matter had been passed to the TMO it would have almost certainly been ruled out, and then the result of the game, perhaps, swings in Connacht’s favour.

As you can imagine, Friend was seething about the injustice and has sought clarity from URC officials on the decision. So far, none has been forthcoming. “I would have liked, possibly, some explanation, but in my own mind I thought everyone is normally pretty busy on a Monday or Tuesday,” he said in the aftermath of the controversy. “If I haven’t heard anything by tomorrow afternoon, I might make a few calls.”

The Connacht coach was quick to point out that he didn’t want to instigate a witch-hunt, but he will know that in a competition where the margins between success and otherwise are so small, inconsistencies in officiating can be a devastating blow – particularly as the Galway outfit deserved much more from their outing in Limerick.

It leaves Connacht facing an uphill task in cementing themselves amongst the leaders in the URC table, and that situation is made much tougher courtesy of the injuries suffered by Tom Farrell and Cian Prendergast.

But they can take so many positives from the defeat to Munster, and the spirit and quality showed will surely serve them well in the weeks and months ahead.

Ability West plans new Headford day centre

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Ability West plans new Headford day centre

The charity group Ability West plans to open a new day services centre in the Headford area to tackle a lack of supports in the area.

Planning permission is being sought by Ability West from the county council for a single-storey day services building at Gortnamona Headford.

Other works will include creating a cycle track with bike storage containers, two site entrances, car parking, and associated landscaping.

“There are insufficient facilities for the local needs near Headford so the construction of the new day [centre] will allow adults with an intellectual disability to access services in their local area and within their community,” the planning application states.

“The cycle track is to allow adults with an intellectual disability, along with their carers, to use new bespoke bikes designed for them”.

Ability West has been providing supports and services to adults and children with intellectual disabilities in Galway, and their families, for 59 years now.

The charity currently operates from 62 centres across Galway City and County, supporting over 600 people with their services.

Galway County Council is due to make a decision on this planning application by November 3.

COVID-19: 2,399 new cases reported by health officials

By
Michael Malone
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Galway Daily news 25 percent drop in COVID cases in Galway hospitals

The Department of Health has this afternoon confirmed a further 2,399 cases of COVID-19 in the State.

As of 8am today, 473 COVID-19 patients are in hospitals in the Republic – of whom 74 are in ICU.

The number of COVID-19 patients in hospital in Galway has continued to climb after outbreak at University Hospital Galway.

There were 41 confirmed cases at University Hospital Galway as of 8pm on Monday, four more than the previous.

But at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe, the number of cases dropped from nine to eight.

Nightclubs and indoor music returning in new reopening plan

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Nightclubs and indoor music returning in new reopening plan

The hospitality sector has gotten some welcome news today, as the easing of restrictions on pubs and restaurants, and the reopening of nightclubs, is going ahead this week.

There will be a number of changes to public health restrictions from this Friday, though not all have been lifted and a number of protective measures will remain in place.

The Cabinet has been meeting today to discuss recommendations from NPHET, and how to proceed with the planned further reopening of the hospitality and entertainment sectors from October 22.

Nightclubs will be allowed to open their doors again for the first time since the start of the pandemic this week, and normal trading hours will return at pubs and restaurants.

Bar service is still not going to be allowed at pubs, as table service only will still be the rule in hospitality settings, with a maximum or 10 people per table, or 15 with kids.

Social distancing will still be required, which affects capacity in bars and restaurants, and the COVID-19 pass will still be required for indoor hospitality and events.

For nightclubs, more sector specific guidelines will be prepared according to the government, but they will include COVID-19 passes, contact tracing data collection, and face masks except while consuming food or drink, or on the dance floor.

Capacity limits will also no longer apply to weddings and funerals, but other protective measures must remain.

Outdoor events will no longer require COVID-19 passes, and there will not be any specific capacity limits to do with the pandemic.

However, events organisers are required to ensure they appropriate protective measures in place, and apply pods of six people where there is a mix of vaccinated and unvaccinated participants.

Along with the reopening updates, the government also said today that booster shots will be offered to people aged 60 – 79.

NPHET has also recommended that the HSE should implement rapid antigen testing for COVID-19.

Concerns had been raised in recent days that reopening plans would be delayed by the increase in daily cases and hospital figures in recent days.

Galway schools congratulated for top marks in Green-Schools Awards

By
Michael Malone
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GALWAY DAILY NEWS green schools awards galway

Galway East TD Seán Canney has congratulated schools in Galway which have been honoured for their efforts in highlighting the value of water at the annual Green-Schools Awards.

Hosted by An Taisce’s Green-Schools and Irish Water, this year’s awards celebrated schools all over Ireland who have participated in the Green-Schools Water theme.

In the western region, St Jarlath’s College in Tuam was awarded Secondary Water School of the Year for their efforts in reducing water usage.

Students from all year groups and the school’s caretaker linked up with the Local Tidy Towns committee to clean up the River Nanny and installed water stations.

“Not only did they research Ireland’s water projects, but they invited an ambassador from Concern to the school to educate them on projects in the developing world,” said Deputy Canney.

Athenry’s Coláiste an Eachréidh won the title of Regional Water Ambassador, with students at the school making an impressive 66% saving on water usage in the tech block bathrooms. They also investigated the possibility of rainwater harvesting in the school.

They were among eight regional winners, who were awarded for their water conservation measures as part of their participation in the Green-Schools Water theme.

While COVID restrictions prevented such visits over the past 18 months, many opted to view the Irish Water documentary, The Story of Water, to learn more about our precious water resources.

“The success of the participating schools in reducing water usage and raising awareness about water issues really highlights how important it is to learn about the value of water and water conservation from a young age.

“That is why this is such an important programme and one that Irish Water is proud to sponsor.”

Over €173,000 awarded to community groups near Galway Wind Park

By
Michael Malone
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galway daily news galway wind farm funding meals on wheels

Over €173,000 has been awarded to community groups close to Galway Wind Park through a new Local Community Fund for the country’s largest onshore wind farm.

The funding awarded by SSE Renewables and Greencoat Renewables represents around 50% of the overall Galway Wind Park Community Fund which is the largest fund of its kind in Ireland.

The Community Fund includes a Major Projects Fund, supporting larger-scale projects in the area, as well as a Scholarship Fund for local students.

This year’s applications focused on rebuilding communities post-COVID. The 2021 funds were repurposed to support applications for running costs, as restrictions rendered communities unable to generate the funds to cover these expenses.

Oughterard Meals on Wheels received funding towards delivering their Meals on Wheels programme for Oughterard and the surrounding area.

Catherine Faherty, Chairperson, Oughterard Meals on Wheels said that Galway Wind Park community funding will enable us to continue to deliver meals to the elderly and those recouperating after hospital.

“We liaise with local GPs, Public Health nurses and hospital social workers to provide this service,” she said.

Ms Faherty said that as well as a meal supply, the service is a very important source of daily social contact for their clients.

Parents’ Association Scoil Chuimin agus Caitríona Oughterard also received funding to develop a sensory garden for the school and the loclal community.

Helen Cronnelly, Co-chairperson of the Parents’ Committee, said Scoil Chuimin agus Caitríona Oughterard is unique in the community in that “it has a special needs ASD unit attached that helps children with ASD to access the curriculum.”

“The awarding of monies from Galway Wind Park Community Fund will enable us to create a sensory garden for the benefit of all pupils and others with sensory issues in the community.

“Furthering the school’s inclusive ethos, the school is dedicated to the uniqueness and individuality of all our children.”

Galway’s Emma Slevin makes finals at World Gymnastics Championships

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily sport Galway's Emma Slevin claims trophy National Gymnastics Championship
Emma Slevin at the World Gymnastics Championship in Japan.

Galway’s Emma Slevin has made history today as the first Irish gymnast to qualify for the All Around Finals at the World Gymnastics Championships in Japan.

The Claregalway woman placed 21st today with a score of 50.165, and will now proceed with the other top 24 gymnasts to the finals on Thursday, October 21.

Slevin already made history in May of this year by becoming the first Irish gymnast to qualify for All Around Finals in a European Gymnastics Championships.

In her Japanese performance, Emma scored 11.466 on the Balance Beam, even with an unfortunate fall; 12.466 on Floor; 12.700 on Uneven Bars and finally 13.533 on Vault giving an AA score of 50.165.

Speaking from Japan Emma said that she felt confident this morning and ended up having an enjoyable experience, and that despite a few small mistakes, she’s very happy with her performance.

“I have a great team around me that support me all the way and helped me prepare for this competition. Overall it was a great experience and I’m super excited for the final.”

Gymnastics Ireland’s Women’s National Performance Coach Sally Batley added that it has been a fantastic experience to come and compete in Japan, and a great experience in the international field.

“We’re looking forward to the final, we have a few focus points to work on but most importantly we want to absorb this experience, enjoy it and show off Emma’s hard work. It’s a great way to finish off the year, I’m incredibly proud of her.”

Speaking of Emma’s achievement, Gymnastics Ireland CEO Ciaran Gallagher said that “to say we are proud” would be an understatement.

“Huge congratulations to Emma, her coach Sally Batley and our Performance & Technical Manager Sally Johnson. Congratulations also to Emma’s family and all at Renmore Gymnastics Club in Galway. What a start to her Paris 2024 campaign.”

Minister welcomes conviction of Galway farmer for destroying hedges and woodland

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily courts Man receives jail sentence for racial abuse

A number of fines and criminal convictions for the destruction of hedgerows and woodlands during bird nesting season have been welcomed by the government.

A Galway farmer was recently convicted at Neenagh District Court of destroying 755 meters of hedgerows and 0.7acres of scrub woodland at a farm in Tipperary, for which he was fined €3,000.

The Portumna man pleaded guilty last month to two offences in a prosecution brought by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

The destroyed hedges and scrubland were ideal habitats for nesting birds, and also home to mammal species, the court heard.

Similarly, a Mayo farmer was fined €4,000 and received a 20% penalty to his farm payments for destroying approximately 1.9 acres of vegetation during nesting season.

Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan said that these fines are welcome, and that the convictions are welcome, as is the attention on preserving habitats, and landowners’ responsibilities.

“I welcome these convictions, and the strong messages they send on the consequences of wildlife crime – in these cases, significant fines and a 20% penalty on farm payments.”

“I also welcome the Judges’ comments in highlighting the importance of Section 40, the need to protect our wildlife and habitats, and the responsibility landowners have in ensuring their actions comply with that objective.”

The NPWS and Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage say that there has been an increase in hedgerows and vegetation being removed on uncultivated lands.

These actions during bird nesting season are primarily done for agricultural purposes, the department says.

Continued increase in COVID patients at UHG amid outbreaks

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news

The number of COVID-19 patients in hospital in Galway has continued to climb after outbreak at University Hospital Galway.

There were 41 confirmed cases at University Hospital Galway as of 8pm on Monday, four more than the previous.

But at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe, the number of cases dropped from nine to eight.

The number of COVID patients in the intensive care unit has also gone up from four to six at UHG, while Portiuncula remains at two cases.

Nationwide there were 455 people in hospital with the virus on Monday night, of whom 73 were being treated in intensive care units.

The Saolta Hospital Group reported yesterday that COVID outbreaks on two wards at UHG were contributing to very long waiting times for a bed.

Some elective procedures are being postponed due to the pressure on the hospital with these outbreaks.

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation reported that there were 47 patients without a bed at University Hospital Galway this morning.

Aging water network to be replaced in Ballygar

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Upgrade works underway on Inverin water mains network

Almost two and half kilometres of aging, leak prone water mains in the Ballygar area are being replaced to improve the local water network.

At the Pound Road junction in Ballygar, Irish Water is replacing 2.4km of aging water mains with modern pipes to cut down on leaks in the old mains.

The works, contracted to Farrans Construction Ltd, are due to get underway in the coming days, and will be completed in December of this year.

Gerry O’Donnell of Irish Water said “These essential works will benefit customers in Ballygar by replacing ageing water mains with new and improved plastic pipes, which will strengthen and reinforce the water network.”

“The immediate impact of this work will see an improvement to water supply in the area as well as minimising disruptions by reducing leakage.”

“Upon completion, there will be significant improvements in the network performance and levels of customer service in this area in terms of efficiency and security of supply.”

Some traffic management measures will be in place for the duration of the works along Hymany Way, though local access will be maintained.

The works may also involve some short term water cuts to homes in the area, which will be notified ahead of time.

“We understand that this type of work can be inconvenient and works crews will make every effort to minimise any disruption these necessary works cause,” Gerry O’Donnell said.

“This mains replacement work is part of a significant investment by Irish Water to upgrade the water network in Galway and we would like to thank customers in advance for their cooperation and patience while we complete this essential job.”

By the end of this year, Irish Water aims to have invested €500 million since 2017 on reducing leaks and replacing old pipes in the water network.

Garda operation targeting traffic offences after alarming number of road deaths

By
Briain Kelly
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galway daily news Galway driver among worst speeding offences caught over Bank Holiday weekend

Gardaí are launching a nationwide operation targeting dangerous traffic offences after a very bad summer for people killed on the road.

There were 24 people killed on the road in August alone this year, the worst single month for traffic fatalities since June of 2016.

Overall this year there have been 110 people killed on the roads to date in 2021, with an alarming increase in the number of drivers killed in collisions.

The 57 drivers killed in traffic incidents this year is 19% more than last their lives on the road in the same period of 2020.

Operation Teorainn will target the four ‘Lifesaver Offences’ of speeding, driving while intoxicated, not wearing a seatbelt, and holding a mobile phone, as well as unaccompanied learner drivers, plus road transport offences.

The operation will pay particular attention to rural roads with a speed limit of 80km/hr or higher, which have been the site of more than three quarters of road deaths this year.

Chief Superintendent Michael Hennebry, said “Every fatal or serious injury collision has a devastating impact on the family, friends and communities of the people involved.”

“Our focus for the remainder of 2021 will be to reduce these collisions through this road safety enforcement campaign. Our roads are shared spaces, and we all have a duty of care, to ourselves and to others, to keep each and every road user safe.”

“I am urging every road user to play their part by complying with the road traffic legislation and assist An Garda Síochána to make our roads safer places for all.”

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) will support Operation Teorainn with a programme of road safety awareness campaigns.

With just two and a half months remaining in the year, Gardaí and the RSA are calling on road users, and particularly drivers, to make a greater effort to stay safe on the road. Thirty-three people were killed in the final three months of 2020.

Chief Executive of the RSA Same Waide said their campaigns “will include mass media campaigns focused on the main contributing factors to road user fatalities and injuries, namely speeding, drink-driving, drug-driving and non-seat belt wearing.”

The RSA also plans to run two new radio and online campaigns in support of Garda enforcement of traffic laws.

“The first will target learner and novice drivers to remind them that they are subject to a lower penalty point threshold than ordinary drivers. If they accumulate seven points in a three year period they face disqualification for six months.”

“It will also remind learner drivers that if they drive unaccompanied, they face two penalty points, an €80 fine and their car will be seized and impounded.”

The second campaign will be aimed at male drivers, who make up 79% of drivers killed in traffic collisions from 2016 – 2020.

COVID outbreaks at UHG contributing to long waiting times in A&E

By
Michael Malone
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Galway Daily news

University Hospital Galway has said that COVID-19 outbreaks at the hospital are contributing to long waiting times at the Emergency Department.

UHG apologised for the delays and said that the hospital is currently dealing with COVID outbreaks on two wards.

At 4pm today there were 39 patients with COVID-19 being treated in the hospital.

There has been a significant increase in very sick patients presenting to UHG who need to be admitted for treatment.

As a result of the ongoing pressures and lack of bed capacity, a number of elective procedures are being postponed. Patients are being contacted directly if their procedure is being postponed.

Time sensitive and urgent cases will not be impacted when it is safe to do them. The situation is being kept under constant review.

Patients are currently experiencing long waiting times to be admitted from the Emergency Department to a bed on a ward.

The hospital has acknowledged that these delays are very difficult for patients and their families and has apologised for the inconvenience and distress these delays cause.

Given the volume of patients attending the Emergency Department, the hospital is asking the public to contact their GP during normal surgery hours or the Westdoc GP Out of Hours service in the first instance if their health problem is not urgent.

In addition, the Injury Unit in Roscommon University Hospital is open from 8am to 8pm every day to treat a range of injuries in both adults and children over five years of age.

The hospital says it is committed to treating everyone who presents at the ED; people who are seriously injured or ill are assessed and treated as a priority and those who do not require urgent care may be waiting longer.

As part of the hospital’s COVID-19 measures, they are also asking that patients wait in the ED alone to help maintain social distancing. A companion will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances.

COVID-19: 1,578 more cases in Ireland 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 1,578 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported by the Department of Health today.

As of this morning 484 people in the country were hospitalised with COVID.

Of these patients, 73 have been admitted to intensive care units for treatment.

Ireland’s five day moving average is now 1,736 new cases per day.

Just over 150,000 tests have been carried out in Ireland in the past week, with a positivity rate of 8.6 percent.

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

Galway Simon supported 646 households in 2020

By
Michael Malone
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galway simon community charity report during covid-19

Galway Simon Community’s annual report has revealed that the charity supported 646 local households last year through its Homelessness Prevention and Housing Services.

The figures were included in Galway Simon’s 2020 Annual Report today which revealed that a total of 1,216 individuals were supported by the charity throughout 2020.

Orla Hegarty, UCD Assistant Professor and Architect, was keynote speaker at the virtual launch of the report and said that the past two years have brought into sharp focus the importance of home, and the value of community.

She said that in the toughest of times the work of Galway Simon could not stop, and people stepped up and did even more.

“Home is security and a place of safety, but it gives people the independence and dignity to move on with their lives. Galway Simon are to be commended for this important work,” said Orla Hegarty.

Galway Simon Community’s CEO Karen Golden outlined details of the charity’s 2020 Annual Report, highlighting the challenges faced by the organisation as they focused on keeping their clients, staff and volunteers safe from COVID-19 throughout the year.

As the crisis escalated, the charity responded by putting an Emergency Response Team in place to oversee the response to COVID-19 across their services.

Despite what the charity referred to as ‘a hugely challenging period’, it still remained connected with its clients throughout the pandemic, helping people to find solutions that either ended their homelessness or averted the risk of them becoming homeless.

“It is difficult to convey the incredible response of our clients, staff and volunteers and the deep commitment to keeping each other safe which permeated our community throughout the year,” Karen Golden said.

“The vocational element to our work shone very brightly, as staff and volunteers pulled out all the stops to ensure both the physical and mental wellbeing of our clients were protected.”

Despite dealing with what the charity referred to as ‘a crisis on top of a crisis’, they supported 646 households through their Homelessness Prevention and Housing Services which included a total of 1,216 individuals.

The charity’s Homelessness Prevention Services in particular saw a 7% increase in demand compared to the previous year, that Galway Simon say was reflective of the effect the pandemic had on the community.

One such person who was supported by Galway Simon last year was Paul (not his real name) who was offered housing and support through Galway Simon’s Housing First Service in April 2020. Paul described his experience of being supported by Galway Simon Community as ‘priceless’.

“I lived in America for a good number of years. I was married and lived extremely well. I was a trainer to senators, congressmen and lobbyists. So, I’ve been from one extreme to the other,” said Paul.

“Simon put my name forward for all of this. They knew me for years. I’m not homeless anymore, it took me five or six months to get that sense, I have become used to it again, and that took time. Simon put trust in me, and had faith in me when no one would. That’s priceless.”

Closing out their Annual Report launch, Karen Golden acknowledged the extraordinary collective effort across the entire community which enabled Galway Simon to keep their clients, staff and volunteers safe throughout the pandemic while continuing to support those experiencing or at risk of homelessness in the West.

“The phenomenal community spirit here in the West of Ireland is part of our DNA. We were heartened throughout the pandemic by the imaginative and significant support we received from our funders, supporters and volunteers. It was this support that enabled us to continue our work throughout 2020.”

Boil Water Notice for 800 people in Glenamaddy lifted

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Kinvara Boil Water Notice

A Boil Water Notice issued for 800 people on the Glenamaddy Public Water Supply, in place for almost three weeks, has been lifted today.

Irish Water has said that the water is now safe to drink following repair works at the treatment plant, and further water quality testing.

The water safety notice was issued for people living in the areas of Glenamaddy, Cloonminda, Bushtown and the Knockmascahill Group Water Scheme on September 30.

The Boil Water Notice was put in place due to a deterioration in raw water quality at Glenamaddy Water Treatment Plant.

Tim O’Connor of Irish Water, said “Irish Water acknowledges and understands the impact of this Boil Water Notice on the 800 people supplied by the Glenamaddy Public Water Supply and we sincerely regret any inconvenience caused.”

“We are grateful to the media, elected representatives and members of the community who shared the information. Irish Water’s priority is the provision of safe, clean drinking water and safeguarding that water supply for the future is a vital focus.”

GUH seeks volunteers for Patient Council

By
Michael Malone
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Galway Daily news Plans submitted for community nursing unit at Merlin Park Hospital

Galway University Hospitals (GUH) are looking for volunteers to be part of the Patient Council as some members of the current council are nearing the end of their term.

The Patient Council works with GUH to identify opportunities to improve the care experience for patients, families and caregivers when using the services of both UHG and Merlin Park Hospital.

The Council has an advisory role, making recommendations which will try to embed the patient voice throughout the organisation and for that voice to be incorporated in organisational activities.

Chris Kane, General Manager at Galway University Hospitals, said that they are very grateful for the contribution and commitment of the previous Patient Council.

She said that they play a key role in helping us shape what we do and how we do it.

“It is a valued link with the community we serve and assists our staff greatly by providing a patient’s perspective on the services we provide,” said Ms Kane.

“As the current Council’s term will shortly come to an end, we welcome applications from anyone interested in joining the Council.

“We would particularly like to hear from people who have had direct contact with our hospital as a patient or relative and would like to contribute to improving the health services we provide and patients’ experience in Galway University Hospitals.”

Between seven and ten people participate in the Council and work with the Hospital Management team. The Council meet bi-monthly with a minimum of six meetings per calendar year. 

If you are interested in volunteering for the Patient Council or would like to find out more about what the role entails, please call 091-542517 or email ellen.wiseman@hse.ie

Sixteen pubs in Galway killed off by pandemic

By
Briain Kelly
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galway daily news Expansion plans for popular city centre pub

Sixteen pubs in Galway have been forced to permanently close their doors since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) and Licenced Vintners’ Association (LVA) there has been a 5% drop in the number of pub licences renewed in the past year and a half, a loss of 349 pubs around the country.

The two organisations say that this is an indicator of the extreme distress that public health restrictions have caused the sector, ahead of the planned ending of most restrictions on October 22.

The figures, which were taken from an analysis of licence renewals published by the Revenue Commissioners, shows that Cork has lost 37 pubs, Dublin and Donegal 33 each, and 22 have shut in Kerry.

Padraig Cribben, Chief Executive of the VFI, says “These new figures reveal Covid’s dramatic impact on the trade over the past 19 months.”

He said that the closure of so many public houses is “unprecedented” for such a short space of time.

“In light of recent speculation about delaying the ending of restrictions, the news that pubs are closing across the country will only heighten anxiety in the trade.”

“Uncertainty is a key factor in why so many pubs have closed so Government must put an end to the crisis by announcing the easing of restrictions will proceed as planned.”

October 22 had been set weeks ago as the date when most COVID-19 public health restrictions on event sizes and personal distancing were to end.

Concerns have been expressed in recent days about this progression, due to the rising number of daily COVID cases, and increased hospital figures for the disease.

Donall O’Keeffe, Chief Executive of the LVA, warned that “These pubs closed even with the Government supports in place. We think the reopening of late night hospitality, the return of the bar counter, the end of mandatory table service and a resumption of normal trading hours should proceed next Friday.”

“If access is limited to those who have been vaccinated there is no justification for not proceeding the easing of the rest of the restrictions.”

“With more than 90% of the adult population vaccinated and vaccine passes likely to remain in place, if we can’t allow hospitality to trade relatively normally now then when will we ever be able to?”

He said that pubs are desperate to get back to normal trading, and many hospitality businesses on the edge have been hanging on in anticipation of this day.

Almost 55,000 on outpatient waiting lists at Galway University Hospitals

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Almost 55,000 on outpatient waiting lists at Galway University Hospitals

There are almost 55,000 adults on currently on waiting lists for an outpatient appointment at Galway University Hospitals.

More than 19,000 of these patients have been waiting over 18 months to be seen Galway East TD Seán Canney stated.

“It is a growing list and there seems to be no help or support coming from Government,” Seán Canney said.

He said that the one million people on hospital waiting lists nationwide are a “stark reminder” of the pressure on the health system, adding “We need to immediately make decisions to take the pressure away from the hospitals.”

Locally, Canney said that Tuam Primary Centre needs x-ray and ultrasound diagnostic facilities, and a Minor Injury Unit should be established in Galway to relieve pressure on UHG.

“It is imperative that the resources are put in place to maximise the use of diagnostic equipment in hospitals as a matter of urgency.”

“We need to be able to use this equipment full throttle on a 24/7 basis rather than on a 40-hour week basis”.

Galway City Centre cleans up its act in IBAL litter survey

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway daily news Galway one of two clean cities in latest IBAL litter survey

Galway City Centre was one of the only urban areas in the country to clean up its act in recent months according to the latest IBAL litter survey.

In their first post-lockdown litter survey, Galway City Centre was deemed Clean to European Norms, climbing up from Moderately Littered last January.

The only other Galway location on the list is Ballybane, which slipped further down from being Moderately Littered at 26th place in the last survey, to Littered in 35th place this month.

Irish Businesses Against Litter says that while the majority of towns have cleaned up in the past 12 months, cities are seeing their worst trash levels in a decade.

Portlaoise was found to be the cleanest of all the towns and urban areas surveyed, while Dublin’s North Inner City was by far the worst, the only area to be branded a ‘litter blackspot’.

The number of areas deemed clean by An Taisce, who carry out the survey on behalf of IBAL, rose from 17 to 23, with 68% of towns displaying an improvement on last year.

IBAL’s Conor Horgan said that, “With local authority cleaning schedules normalising again and volunteer groups re-engaged in clean-ups across the country, our towns are almost as clean as two years ago.”

However, he added that this is still far short of the level of cleanliness seen in 2014. Among cities, only Galway City Centre and Ballymun saw significant year-on-year improvements.

“For cities, this survey paints a bleak picture,” comments Conor Horgan. “Litter levels have worsened to a level we have not seen in the past ten years. Now that we have emerged from lockdown, we cannot use it as an excuse for high levels of litter.

“As we invest in promotional drives and build city hotels in anticipation of more visitors, we need to be mindful of the littered environment we are presenting to them.”

PPE litter has been a big problem in the past year, with the survey showing a 30% increase in the number of masks discarded in the streets, while alcohol litter of bottles and cans has also gone up.

“The need for PPE has not abated – unfortunately we’re still using disposable masks, we’re still dropping them at an alarming rate and they are still not being picked up,“ says Conor Horgan.

“We are consuming more outdoors and this is translating into more food- and drink-related litter.”

That’s not to say the news is all bleak, as IBAL does report a 20% decrease in the amount of disposable cups discarded in the street, as well as a steep fall-off in cigarette butts.

Further rise in COVID patients at Galway hospitals

By
Michael Malone
-
0
Galway Daily news

There has been a further rise in the number of COVID patients in Galway’s hospitals in the latest HSE data, with University Hospital Galway now recording the second highest number of confirmed cases in the State.

There are now 46 confirmed cases in Galway’s public hospitals, with 37 of those receiving care at UHG. Only University Hospital Limerick has more COVID patients with 49.

Four of the patients diagnosed with the disease at UHG are in the intensive care unit, as of 8pm on Sunday evening.

There are nine confirmed cases at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe, with two of those patients receiving treatment in the ICU.

Nationally, the number of cases hospitalised rose to 470 last night – up from 459 yesterday morning.

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