Water restrictions lifted in Glenamaddy as reservoir recovers

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September 23, 2021

Galway Daily news Water outages in Moycullen

Homes in parts of the west side of Galway City are experiencing water outages today due to a burst mains.

A burst mains pipe on the Letteragh Road was reported by Irish Water shortly after 10am this morning.

Repairs are underway, and are currently scheduled to take place until 5pm on Thursday afternoon.

The burst pipe, and repair works, may result in water outages and other supply disruptions to homes on Letteragh Road, Cnoc An Oir, Fort Lorenzo, Sliabh Rioga and surrounding areas of the city.

People affected by this are advised that it may take 2-3 hours after repairs are completed before their full supply is restored.

Updates can be found on Irish Water’s supply and service page, or through @IWCare on Twitter.

Virtual reality house models – 21st Century technology at 20th Century prices!

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September 23, 2021

Irish company Virtual Teic has slashed its prices and is now offering modern 21st Century technology for home builders – at 20th Century prices!

The company, which creates stunning virtual models of homes and extensions, is now offering 3D virtual models of a full house and floor plan models for just €250 – down from €380 – for a limited time only.

Some previous Virtual Teic clients have said that they are struggling with the price of building materials and therefore have to put their construction on hold.

But what they do have is a realistic 3D virtual model of their new home to view and walk through.

Send Virtual Teic your plans and for the time limited offer price of €250 you can have a high quality Virtual 3D model of your new home to view with full exterior and interior finish.

Visit virtualteic.com to find out more, or contact Paul at Virtual Teic at +353 (0)89-247-9088

Virtual Teic’s slashed prices – for a limited time only

3D Virtual Model of Full House & Floor plan models – was €380 now €250

3D Virtual Model of Full House Exterior – was €280 now €180

3D Virtual Model of extension – was €250 now €180

3D Virtual Model of Interior Renovation – was €250 now €180

Photomontage of 3D virtual “Realistic” model on site photographs – was €280 now €180

Home builders in Ireland get the ‘Wow’ factor using Virtual Reality

Number of COVID patients in Galway remains steady

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September 23, 2021

The number of people diagnosed with COVID-19 at Galway’s public hospitals has remained steady this week after falling significantly since last Thursday.

There are 15 COVID-19 patients receiving treatment in Galway’s hospitals as of 8pm on Wednesday evening.

Fourteen of the patients are at University Hospital Galway and of those, five are in the intensive care unit.

The number of people with COVID in Galway’s hospitals fell dramatically at the weekend, from 26 last Thursday to 16 on Saturday.

Nationally, there were 263 coronavirus patients in hospitals at 8pm yesterday evening. Sixty-four of the 290 patients in ICUs across Ireland have COVID-19.

NUIG holds orientation for record number of first year students

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September 23, 2021

Galway Daily news Galway universities awarded over €2 million for new research equipment

NUI Galway has launched a special orientation programme to welcome a record intake of first year students to the University for the second year running.

Around 3,500 new students will be taking up offers of places on programmes at NUI Galway this year, with in-person lectures available for all students from next Monday 27 September 2021.

Ahead of next week, the University has confirmed a walk-in vaccination centre is to operate on campus. The service will open next Tuesday, offering vaccination to students from 9am-5pm, three days a week (Tuesdays-Thursdays).

A new campus map has also been created and linked to the NUI Galway app to help students, staff and visitors to find their way around the University grounds.

More than 127,000sq metres of indoor space has been mapped, allowing step-by-step navigation to any room or location in the most popular buildings on campus.

President of NUI Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, extended a warm welcome to all those coming to the University campus for the first time, and to those returning to continue their studies.

“I want to say congratulations and extend a warm, safe welcome to the class of 2021. All of the students coming to campus this year have demonstrated remarkable resilience amid the significant challenges presented by Covid-19,” Professor Ó hÓgartaigh said.

“Our education and our lives have been disrupted by the pandemic and it is our aim to provide the best experience for students, safely and sustainably, on campus, for the academic year ahead.

“Táimid buíoch do phobal na Gaillimhe agus an cheantar máguaird don tacaíocht fial dár micléinn, go bhfuil gá leis i mbliana níos mó ná ariamh. We are conscious of our impact on Galway and the health, wellbeing and safety of our staff, students and the wider Galway community is our top priority. We are working hard to make this academic year a success, ensuring NUI Galway operates within public health guidelines.

“As part of that we are asking everyone in our university community to recognise the importance that we place on our values of respect, openness, excellence and sustainability and to maintain our commitment to personal and collective responsibility for the public good.

“We thank all our students who have already taken up an offer of a vaccine. A walk-in centre is opening and we urge all those who are eligible for a vaccine, and haven’t yet taken up the offer, to do so now.”

Róisín Nic Lochlainn, NUI Galway Students’ Union President, said that NUI Galway Students’ Union is there to represent all NUI Galway students and defend their rights.

“We are welcoming our students to campus with a mix of online and in person events to help them make friends, save money and become a part of the University community, said Róisín.

“This includes our huge Rudaí Álainn bag giveaway, free SU Card credit, our Walk & Talks, the Hump Day Hoolie, outdoor cinema, a Beach Clean Up, a swop shop, our Life Skills Courses, Walktober and the launch of our Hygiene Bank initiative.

“We have worked with the University to make sure every measure has been taken to ensure that your safety is our priority while also looking forward to an enjoyable year on campus.”

Over €1.4 million for Galway businesses through Online Retail Scheme

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September 23, 2021

Businesses in Galway have availed of more than €1.8 million in funding under the Online Retail Scheme to help them into the digital marketplace.

The Online Retail Scheme was first launched in 2018, but really came into its own over the past 18 months, when Covid-19 Online Retail Scheme was set up in response to the pandemic needs of businesses.

When the pandemic lockdowns resulted in businesses being shut across the country, being able to continue to sell online through delivery, and later click-and-collect, was an essential lifeline for shops.

To date, the Scheme has provided funding of over €19 million to more than 500 businesses across the country to build or expand an online platform.

Galway Senator Aisling Dolan said that the pandemic meant that businesses, which had never dabbled in operating online before, had to “completely pivot” when lockdown hit, and this scheme helped them do that.

“Businesses across Galway have benefited from the Online Retail Scheme since its inception in 2018, but it’s been of particular help to retailers over the past 18 months as it allowed them to continue trading while their doors were shut.”

In total, businesses in Galway received funding of €1,446,418 from the scheme, in grants of between €10,000 and €25,000.

“For many of these retailers, the ability to trade online was the most significant factor in keeping their businesses open and protecting local jobs.

“The three rounds of the Online Retail Scheme to date are currently being reviewed and Tánaiste Leo Varadkar recently signaled his intention to open a further round of applications for funding later this year.”

In addition to this, the Trading Online Voucher Scheme was another avenue of support for businesses to embrace the internet, supporting not just retailers, but all manner of large and small services and other businesses.

This scheme, operated through the Local Enterprise Office network, offers grants of up to €2,500 to help businesses establish or improve their online presence.

Gardaí attend scene of cemetery brawl in Tuam

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September 22, 2021

Galway Daily news Eight arrested over Tuam cemetery brawl

Multiple people have reportedly been injured in a violent incident by a cemetery in Tuam this evening.

Multiple units of Gardaí were called to the scene of an incident which broke out following a funeral in the town.

A statement from the Gardaí said that they are dealing with a public order incident in Tuam, and that no updates are available at this time.

“A number of Garda units are attending the scene of a public order incident in Tuam, County Galway.”

“As this is an ongoing incident, An Garda Síochána has no further comment at this time.”

Large traffic delays were also reported in the town as a result of the brawl.

COVID-19: 1,432 cases reported today

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September 22, 2021

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

There have been a further 1,432 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported by the Department of Health today.

As of this morning, 272 people are hospitalised with the disease in the state, of whom 63 are in the ICU.

There has been a total of 5,209 deaths related to COVID-19 notified in Ireland. These include 30 deaths newly notified in the past week.

The government also announced today that from Monday, automatic contact tracing will end in primary schools and childcare facilities, and close contacts will no longer have to isolate or get tested if they don’t have symptoms.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said “We have been closely monitoring the incidence of COVID-19 and we are reassured that the reopening of schools has not led to an increase in transmission of COVID-19 amongst school-going children or more widely across the population.”

“This is good news for students, parents and all those involved in the education of our children,” Dr Tony Holohan said.

“As always, we will keep disease transmission in the population under review, but given the importance of education for our children we feel that now is the right time to evolve our approach to the public health management of COVID-19 in educational settings.”

Dr Holohan said that there is still a “substantially higher risk” of transmitting the virus within households, so children aged 13 and under who are a household close contacts will still have to restrict movements and get tested.

“Public health advice remains that any person, including children aged 12 yrs or under, who displays symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should rapidly self-isolate and not attend school or socialise until 48 hours after they are symptom free.”

Efforts continue to identify body found near Kinvara

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September 22, 2021

Efforts are continuing to identify the body of a woman found on the coast in south Galway, but Gardaí are treating it is a personal tragedy.

The remains of woman were found on the coastline by a person out walking at Doorus, north of Kinvara at approximately 11:30am on Tuesday.

The coroner and state pathologist were both notified yesterday, and a post-mortem has since been carried out, but the woman has not yet been identified.

A statement from Gardaí to Galway Daily said “The post mortem has concluded today, Wednesday September 22, 2021 in this matter and An Garda Síochána are treating this as a personal tragedy.”

“No further information is available at this time as to identity, but efforts are underway to establish this.”

Overnight M17 & M18 closures for roadworks

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September 22, 2021

Overnight road closures will be in place on the M17 and M18 motorways tonight due to planned works taking place.

The M18 southbound will be closed between Junction 18 Rathmorrisey, near Athenry, and Junction 17 Kiltiernan.

The County Council has also said that the M17 motorway will be closed from Junction 19 Annagh Hill, to Junction 18 where it meets the M18 and M6.

Both closures will be signposted, with diversions in place for motorway traffic overnight.

The period of the closures will be from 9pm tonight until 6am on Thursday morning at both location.

These dual closures follow on from overnight works which have been taking place on the M17 since Monday.

Contact tracing being ended in primary schools

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September 22, 2021

Galway Daily news Contact tracing being ended in primary schools

Contact tracing of close contacts of COVID cases will end in primary school and childcare facilities from next Monday.

From September 27, the government is discontinuing both automatic COVID-19 contact tracing among primary school students, and testing of asymptomatic close contacts.

These measures apply to all primary school and childcare facilities, except for special education special education facilities.

In addition, children under 13 who are identified as a close contact in a non-household setting will no longer be required to restrict their movements if they don’t have symptoms, unless a public health team directs that they should.

However, if kids 13 or under are a close contact of someone in their household, they will still have to restrict their movements, even if they are asymptomatic, and anyone who shows symptoms will still be required to self-isolate.

They should not attend school or socialise with anyone until at least 48 hours after their symptoms are gone.

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said “Throughout the pandemic, we have done our utmost to protect our school communities from the serious risks posed by COVID-19.”

“The latest data indicates that schools continue to be a low-risk environment for transmission of COVID-19. As such, I am happy to be in a position today to announce these significant updates to contact tracing in our school environments.”

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has said that there were 90 outbreaks linked to 412 COVID cases in schools last week up to Saturday.

The Irish National Teachers Union has said that this move should be deferred until more reliable data on outbreaks in schools is available.

The union said in a statement today that this move could result in “mass confusion” among school principals, staff, parents and children.

“The INTO is particularly concerned, given that it was acknowledged by the Department of Education today that there was a deficiency in the data obtained from mass testing in primary schools but were still proceeding to change COVID protection measures.”

The union also stated that there is a “disparity” between HSE figures showing more than four thousand cases among children aged 5 – 12 in the past two weeks, and the smaller weekly numbers of school cases reported by the HPSC.

Any changes to contact tracing and close contact policies should be deferred to November 1 when schools come back from the mid-term break, the INTO argues.

Connacht headed to Aviva Stadium when restrictions end

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September 22, 2021

Galway Daily sport Connacht headed to Aviva Stadium when restrictions end — Photo: Connacht Rugby/INPHO

Aviva Stadium has been confirmed as the venue for the Interprovincial fixture between Connacht and Ulster in the URC next month.

Connacht and Ulster will play in Round 5 of the United Rugby Championship on October 23, one day after almost all public health restrictions are expected to be lifted.

This will be one of the first professional sporting events to take place in Ireland as the country finally begins to return to normal.

Willie Ruane, CEO of Connacht Rugby, says the day promises to be a memorable occasion, noting that it will be the first time that their supporters will be able to cheer the professional squad on at Aviva.

Andy Friend’s squad previously played two fixtures at the ground in August 2020, including a win over Ulster in their first game back since the suspension of the 2019/20 Guinness PRO14.

Ruane said that he’s confident the fans will “turn out in force” to support the squad, and make the day one to remember.

“With all of the uncertainty surrounding capacities over recent months the opportunity provided to us by the IRFU to play at the Aviva Stadium is one that we felt we could not pass up.”

“As we all know there are tens of thousands of people living in Dublin who are originally from the West of Ireland,” Ruane added.

“We hope to use this game to not only provide our supporters living in the west with the opportunity to make this a memorable day but also for our supporters living outside the province to come along and cheer on their home team.”

He thanked the Connacht Clan supporters club for the backing they have given this fixture since raising it with them last month, the IRFU for making it happen, and TG4 for accommodating the changed time slot.

Kick-off for the match will be at 5:15pm on the evening of Saturday, October 23.

Head Coach Andy Friend said that the squad is eager to return to the Aviva, saying that when they played Ulster there last year, it was a special occasion for many players.

“At the time it was our first game in six months and for most of the players it was their first experience playing at the stadium.”

“You could see straight away that the venue was ideal for the type of rugby we want to play, and that helped give us the win we deserved.”

“The prospect of returning there – but this time with thousands of Connacht supporters behind us – is something the staff and players have been fully behind since the start, and we can’t wait until that day arrives.”

All Season Tickets will be valid, with holders provided a complimentary upgrade to Premium Level seats. People with season tickets should expect to get an email tomorrow, Thursday, to choose their spot.

Remaining 1885 Club members will have exclusive access to purchase tickets from Friday for the weekend. As a thank you, these members can also purchase tickets in the Premium Level for the same price as a Category 1 ticket.

The remaining tickets for the Lower Level and Premium Level will go on sale this Monday from 9am.

Gardaí investigating after walker finds body on the shore

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September 22, 2021

Galway Daily news Missing 17 year old teenager found safe and well

Gardaí are investigating after a body was discovered on the coastline in south Galway yesterday.

A walker out on the coast at Doorus, north of Kinvara, found the body around 11:30am on Tuesday morning.

The remains, understood to be that of a female, have been removed to the mortuary at University Hospital Galway.

The local Coroner was notified and the Office of the State Pathologist have been requested to conduct a post-mortem examination.

Gardaí said in a statement that “Efforts to identify the deceased are ongoing and the outcome of the post-mortem will determine the course of the Garda investigation.”

“You don’t know what you’re taking” – Gardaí make drugs appeal to students for Freshers Week

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September 22, 2021

Galway Daily news "You don’t know what you’re taking" - Gardaí make drugs appeal to students before Freshers Week

As students return to the campus this week, many for their first real experience of college life after a strange year, Gardaí are launching a drugs awareness campaign for Freshers Week.

The #Riseabovetheinfluence campaign aims to make students aware of the potential harmful effects of drugs to their health and academic achievement, and the legal consequences that can follow.

Detective Superintendent Sé McCormack cautioned “Drug use can lead to addiction, debt, prison and the destruction of your physical and mental health. You don’t know what you’re taking. You don’t know where it will take you.”

Last year saw 674 people under the age of 18 enter drug addiction treatment, with the majority citing cannabis as their main problem.

Among young people aged 18-24, the main college years for most, there were 1,874 people in drug rehab in 2020, with three fifths using more than one drug.

“Taking un-prescribed ‘study’ drugs or sleeping pills can lead to anxiety, addiction and psychosis. Multiple or Poly-drug use is extremely dangerous and increases your risk of overdose or death.”

“While we strive to keep people safe, we believe that you can also help keep yourself safe.
Contact the emergency services if you become ill after consuming a drug or are in the presence of somebody who may be ill.”

McCormack also emphasised that taking illegal drugs can result in addiction, loss of career prospects, or a criminal conviction that will severely impact your ability to travel internationally.

“Freshers’ Week should be a time for celebration, the beginning of something good in your life. Don’t let drug use end your career before it starts.”

Number of Galway people on PUP falls to 5,769

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September 22, 2021

Galway Daily news Dozens of Galway City community groups awarded €272,708 in grant funding

The number of people in Galway receiving the Pandemic Unemployment Payment has fallen to 5,769.

Last week, there were 5,977 people in the county in receipt of the payment.

Nationally, 110,700 people received the PUP this week, a fall of 3,842 on last week.

Commenting on this week’s figures, Minister Heather Humphreys said: “It is worth remembering that at the peak of the virus in May of last year, over 602,000 people availed of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment in a single week.

“Those were among the darkest days of this Pandemic,” the Minister said.

“Thankfully, through perseverance, determination and adhering to public health advice, today’s picture is significantly different.”

Just 13 COVID patients hospitalised in Galway

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September 22, 2021

Galway daily news COVID-19 cases more than double at UHG

There are just 13 COVID-19 patients in total hospitalised in Galway in the latest figures, as the slow but steady drop in numbers at UHG continues.

There were 12 confirmed cases at University Hospital Galway as of Tuesday night, and one more at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe.

Four of the patients at University Hospital Galway are in the Intensive Care Unit, but there are no COVID patients in the ICU at Portiuncula.

UHG has seen its numbers fall drastically in past month, after an outbreak towards the end of August pushed it to over 30 cases hospitalised, and numbers remained high thereafter.

Since last weekend, the hospital has seen its case numbers drop continuously from 23 on Friday, down to almost half that number.

As of 8pm on Tuesday there were a total of 272 confirmed COVID cases in Irish hospitals, with 61 patients being treated in the ICU.

€400k in grants awarded to city arts organisations

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September 22, 2021

Galway City Council has awarded grants totalling €400,000 to the city’s arts organisations for 2021.

Sixty artist-led organisations have been awarded funding which will help them to stay in business and develop programmes in the future.

Galway International Arts Festival and Galway Arts Centre will receive the largest allocations, of €46,000 and €35,000 respectively.

At its meeting this week, Galway City Council made the full arts budget available, as agreed before the pandemic.

The Council says that the city’s finances have been seriously affected by the crisis, but the funding status quo has been maintained, recognising of the importance of contemporary arts to the city.

Medtech company creating up to 200 new jobs in Galway

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September 22, 2021

Galway Daily news Hospital laboratory scientists continuing strike action this week

Up to 200 new jobs are coming to Galway with the construction of a new medical devices factory in the city.

Integer Holdings Corporation has announced today that it will be expanding its Galway operations with the construction of a new Medical Device Innovation and Manufacturing facility in Parkmore East.

This new facility is required to meet increased demand for regional research, development and manufacturing capabilities as well as capacity for catheters and delivery systems.

The new Galway facility is expected to create 100-200 new engineering, administration and manufacturing jobs over the course of the next several years.

I’m really pleased to see Integer announce further investment in Galway, with the addition of a new Medical Device Innovation and Manufacturing facility,” said Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise Trade & Employment Leo Varadkar.

“This collaboration between IDA Ireland and Integer is another example of the valuable work that IDA Ireland do to bring investment into the country.”

The first phase of the project will involve building a 60,000sq ft facility on land purchased from the IDA in a €30 million investment.

Construction is expected to begin next year, with a view towards being completed in late 2023. After this there will be a 2-3 year period of equipment investments in the research and manufacturing facility.

Beyond this, Integer has already secured planning permission for 147,000 square feet to meet future expansion needs over the next 25 years.

“This expansion further demonstrates Integer’s commitment to supporting our customers’ growth strategies,” said Payman Khales, president of Integer’s Cardio and Vascular business.

“The new Galway facility will allow us to continue our investments in research and development in this important medical device hub.”

“We are excited about our continued growth in Ireland and look forward to meeting our customers’ expanded needs well into the future,” continued Khales.

IDA Ireland Chief Executive Martin Shanahan said that the expansion in Galway is welcome news, and an important strategic move by the company.

“This is a significant investment by a leading medical devices company and demonstrates Integer’s continued commitment to Galway and the West Region.”

“Integer is a valued employer in Ireland where it has access to a highly skilled and talented workforce. I’d like to wish the company continued success.”

Galway shoppers each threw away €330 worth of food during lockdown

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September 22, 2021

Galway Daily news Galway shoppers threw away €330 worth of food during lockdown

People in Galway and Connacht each threw away €330 worth of food during the lockdowns, as people bought more food than they needed.

A survey carried out by Coyne Research on behalf of Aldi found that 36% of Irish adults bought more food than before during lockdown.

One in three of these adults admitted that they wasted more food while they were in lockdown than they did in the time prior.

Despite food wastage increasing nationwide, three out of 10 adults reported knowing someone who struggled to buy food, had to make sacrifices to pay for food, or had to avail of a food bank during the lockdowns.

This gels with the face that FoodCloud, a non-profit which redistributes surplus food from the food industry to charities around the country, saw a huge surge in demand for its services from the onset of the pandemic.

FoodCloud saw demand dramatically increase, almost doubling, whilst some charities had to reduce or limit services.

Between March 2020 and August 2021, charities sought 53% more food donations compared to the previous 18 months. This came to some 4,822 tonnes of food, or 11.5 million meals distributed through retail partners and FoodCloud hubs during this time.

Aoibheann O’Brien, FoodCloud Co-Founder said “This study has highlighted that food waste was an issue in homes across the country in 2020. Wasting good food has a negative impact on both the climate and our pockets.”

“We should look to avoid all food wastage where possible when we think that 3 in 10 within our communities are struggling to access food.”

To help combat the heightened pressure on FoodCloud’s services, Aldi is launching its 2021 Food for Good campaign, whereby Connacht and Ulster shoppers can buy and leave food donations in their local Aldi store, which will be collected and distributed to local charities by FoodCloud.

Starting on Monday, 4th October until Sunday, 10th October, Aldi shoppers can donate an extra non-perishable food item to one of the specially designed ‘Food for Good’ drop-off points that will be appearing across Aldi’s 148 stores nationwide.

The following non-perishable items are requested as donations for the 2021 Food for Good campaign:

Cereals
Porridge Oats
Cooking Sauces
Instant Coffee
Teabags
Pasta
Rice
Canned Food
Sweet Treats
Soft Drinks

Aldi Group Buying Director John Curtin, said “It is clear from our survey and FoodCloud’s experience that Covid-19 has exacerbated the issues of food waste and food insecurity.”

“Aldi was the first retailer to donate non-surplus food to FoodCloud at the height of the pandemic and is committed to playing its role in continuing to support FoodCloud to combat these problems through Food for Good.”

Man brought before court on rape charge

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September 22, 2021