There have been a further 1,688 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported by the Department of Health today.
As of this morning, the number of people hospitalised with the virus has climbed past 300.
There are 314 COVID patients in Irish hospitals, of whom 59 are being treated in the ICU.
Daily case numbers may change in the future after data is reviewed and validated.
Did you know that Tesco was one of the first supermarkets in the UK in 1929? If its founder Jack Cohen were alive today, he would be proud to see his efforts amount to over 4008 stores across England and the Republic of Ireland today. What started as a corner stall in the East end of London in 1919 has now grown into a giant retail chain with franchises as far as Europe and Asia.
Tesco has a variety of supermarkets based on size, product selection, and location. In Ireland, over 150 of these stores exist and most are based within communities. Now with the announcement of a new Tesco at Kingston’s Cross, the new mall between Kingston and Knocknacarra, the excitement is more than just about the Tesco deals we’ve come to love, but the whole package the business brings to the table.
If you know anything about Tesco’s history, you’ll know that the retail giant is bent on building communities and supporting local farmers. In Ireland so far, they are responsible for 45 000 jobs, both directly and indirectly. They support 490 Irish suppliers with 14 000 vested families, and they buy €1.6 billion worth of food and drink from them every year.
It’s therefore a no-brainer that the retailer has won the ‘Best Place to Work’ award for the fourth year in 2021, and the recognition of Ireland’s ‘Best Workplace for Women’ for three consecutive years.
Tesco has always placed great importance on gaining loyal customers and building stakeholder trust. Its purpose is to appeal to people of all ages and backgrounds. Their tagline, ‘Serving Ireland’s shoppers a little better every day’ is exactly the ethos they epitomise.
Let’s take a look at what else we are to expect from Tesco at Kingston’s Cross.
A supply chain is one of the most important parts of a large retailer’s business model, such as Tesco’s. Tesco Ireland sells all of its fresh beef, chicken, pork, and lamb as 100% Irish. While they may rely on current suppliers from the other stores, we are expecting them to also focus on local suppliers in the area around Kingston and Knocknacarra.
Wondering if you would make the cut as a supplier? When it comes to acquiring items from various parts of the world, Tesco has a list of priorities:
As a supplier, your product must be of the standard they are looking for and well within their product cost range. They’ve been in the business for decades so they know what each product should cost them; keep that in mind when you make the consideration to be a supplier.
This means they buy in great bulk. You may have to meet a certain quota that they are comfortable with – running out of product or supplier inefficiencies are not tolerable.
This means they are open to different products, things that they do not ordinarily stock or sell. It shows that they are innovative – just take a look at what they’ve done with Tesco Mobile. Who would have thought a food and drink giant would also dominate the telecoms sector!
Tesco is big on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the areas it operates. The Tesco Community Fund has donated an excess of €5 million to more than 20 000 community groups nationwide. In addition, 6 million was raised by Tesco colleagues and customers to aid the Temple Street Children’s Health Foundation. We can only hope that the additional store will also mean more funds will be raised to assist the needy in Kingston and Knocknacarra.
Tesco has committed to a sustainable development plan that includes strategies to alleviate issues like hunger by minimising food wastage and redistributing any surplus from the business. Through their Little Helps Plan they have committed to source electricity from renewable resources, support employees, colleagues and customers alike to make healthier life and food choices, and to reduce their carbon footprint to zero by 2050.
It’s quite refreshing to know that we will have more than just groceries on shelves with Tesco. We look forward to having them in Kingston.
The number of COVID-19 patients hospitalised in Galway has increased, but there has been a small drop in the number of people in the ICU.
A total of 23 people are in hospital with COVID according to the latest HSE figures, 19 at University Hospital Galway and four at Portiuncula Hospital.
This is an increase of four cases at UHG, and one additional confirmed case at Portiuncula.
The number of people being treated in the ICU at University Hospital Galway has fallen by one to seven cases.
Portiuncula Hospital has two patients in the ICU, the same amount as previous days.
Nationwide there were 282 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Irish hospitals as of Saturday night, of whom 54 are being treated in the ICU.
Galway City Council has introduced new rules for putting up temporary signs in the city for the summer.
In order to put up temporary signs in public areas promoting charity, sporting and cultural events, a permit will now be required.
The application for a permit must be made a minimum of four weeks in advance of the event taking place.
Derek Healy from the city council said “The aim of this policy is to support good, creative and necessary signage in appropriate locations.”
“It is also to ensure that the overall presentation of the city and the image which it portrays to residents, visitors and potential investors is not negatively affected by inappropriate and unauthorised signage”.
Signs may also not be put up in within specified city centre areas, on any lighting or ESB poles, and may not block any road signage or traffic lights.
Event will be restricted to putting up a maximum of 50 signs, which must be removed immediately afterwards.
These rules also apply to signage being put up on private property which are visible from a public place.
There are now 18 people in Galway hospitals with COVID-19, according to the latest HSE data.
Fifteen of the confirmed cases are at University Hospital Galway, with eight of those patients receiving treatment in ICU.
There are also three people at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe who have tested positive for COVID-19.
A total of 250 confirmed cases were receiving treatment at hospitals across Ireland when the data was taken yesterday evening at 8pm.
Of those, 52 are in intensive care units.
More than 2,000 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Ireland for the second day in a row.
The Department of Health has notified a further 2,125 confirmed cases in Ireland today.
As of this morning, 259 people in the country are hospitalised with COVID-19.
Of them, 54 patients are in serious condition in the intensive care unit.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said that there has not been this many people hospitalised since mid-February.
“This upward trend in serious infection is of significant concern, increasing the pressure on frontline healthcare services and non-COVID care.”
“I would urge those who are unvaccinated to come forward for vaccination as soon as possible and to take all recommended doses to limit your risk of severe infection.”
“It is critical for everyone to stay safe by following the public health advice as part of their daily routine.”
Nine out of ten environmentally sensitive coastal areas in Ireland are contaminated by microplastics a study from NUIG has found.
NUIG’s Ryan Institute surveyed 87 locations in habitats designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) around the coastline of Ireland.
Microplastics were detected in the content of sediments at 79 of these locations, representing 90% of samples analysed.
The study found that the concentration of microplastics was related to the distance of the particular coastal area to known sources, with a higher concentration in fine sediments found within a 2km distance from a known source.
Dr Liam Morrison, who lead the study for NUIG’s Ryan Institute, said “Ireland is the highest producer of plastic waste per person in the EU and the fourth worst in recycling rate, according to the latest data released by Eurostat.”
“Owing to their great diversity, ranging from size and other properties, microplastics can effectively penetrate through food webs where absorption and desorption of pollutants and associated chemicals can occur, creating a complex range of potential hazards for biota and humans”
The the greatest concentration of microplastics was also found to be in the area on the shore between tides, as opposed to below the low tide level.
The much-anticipated second part of John Gerrard’s Mirror Pavilion, Leaf Work (Derrigimlagh) 2020 will premiere in Derrigimlagh Bog, Connemara on 28 August.
The Pavilion, which is a Galway International Arts Festival commission for Galway 2020, has three sides and the roof clad in a highly reflective mirror, while the fourth wall is a high–resolution LED wall.
The first instalment premiered during Galway European Capital of Culture 2020 with Corn Work at the Claddagh Quay in Galway and was experienced by over 120,000 people.
Mirror Pavilion, Leaf Work will unfold on the LED screen presented in the spectacular 4,000–year–old Derrigimlagh Bog throughout this year’s Galway International Arts Festival.
Mirror Pavilion by John Gerrard is a response to the escalating climate crisis and fearlessly pushes the boundaries of digital art using simulation.
Gerrard has taken digital technology, usually employed by the commercial gaming industry, to create virtual worlds that simulate extremely detailed and authentic landscapes.
The characters and landscapes we see on the LED screen may look like video or film but they are not; they hover in what the artist describes as the ‘slippery space’ between the real and the unreal.
Gerrard’s astonishingly real virtual worlds are meticulously constructed by digital means by the artist, a team of modellers, and programmers. This world unveiling will be a dazzling moment on the Irish landscape.
The rugged and wild landscape of Derrigimlagh Bog is located approximately five miles from Clifden on the R341 Roundstone/Ballconneely Road, over three bridges.
Mirror Pavilion is accessed by foot on a hard surface, looped walkway through the bog taking 25 minutes from the car park.
Sinn Féin are planning to hold a commemoration event for the 40th anniversary of the 1981 Hunger Strikes in Galway City today.
A public event marking the anniversary of the hunger strikes by prisoners of H Block at HM Prison Maze will take place at the Liam Mellows statue in Eyre Square.
The event will include readings of some poems by Bobby Sands, a wreath laying, and a speech by Louis O’Hara of Sinn Féin in Galway.
The 1981 hunger strikes were carried out to protest the British government’s decision to reclassify paramilitary prisoners as civilians rather than de facto prisoners of war.
The strikes began on March 1, 1981 with Bobby Sands, and more prisoners joined in on a staggered basis.
They were called off on October 3, following the deaths of ten of the strikers, when several concessions were made by the James Prior, the new Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
The event will also mark the half-centenary anniversary of the introduction of internment in Northern Ireland.
Galway City Council are advising people of possible elevated bacteria levels at Ballyloughane and Grattan beaches in the coming days.
The council has issued Prior Warning notices for the two beaches, as recent heavy rainfall may result in contaminated water runoff.
The notice is expected to cover a period up to an including Monday, August 23.
Anyone using the beaches is advised to avoid splashing or swallowing any water, not swim if you have an open cut or wound, or if you are pregnant or immunocompromised.
Beach goers are also advised to wash their hands before handling any food if they have been in the water.
An update on the situation is expected from the city council by next Wednesday, when results from water samples taken are received.
Though conditions have been wet and miserable lately, the weather is expected to take a turn for the better next week, with sunny skies and temperatures pushing over 20 degrees forecast.
Gardaí have renewed their appeal for information on the fatal crash that occurred on Thursday evening on the M6 at Poolboy, Ballinasloe.
Four people were pronounced dead at the scene and their bodies were removed to Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe, for post mortem examinations.
As of Friday evening, no formal identification of those who died has taken place.
It is understood that an infant and their parents are among those who died at the scene, while the driver of another car was also killed.
The single-occupant vehicle is believed to have travelled the wrong way down a slip road onto the motorway before driving into oncoming traffic for some distance.
A technical examination of the scene has been completed and the road has now reopened fully.
Gardaí are appealing to any road users who may have camera footage including dash-cam and were travelling on the M6 at Poolboy, Ballinasloe, between 7.20pm and 7.50pm, to make this footage available to Gardaí.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Ballinasloe Garda Station on 090 9631890, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
There have been a further 2,098 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported by the Department of Health today.
As of this morning, 251 people in Ireland are hospitalised with COVID-19, and of these 52 are in the ICU.
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tony Holohan said “For the second time in a week, we are reporting over 2,000 cases.”
“We haven’t seen this number of cases since late January 2021. This is a concerning indication of the level of COVID-19 circulating in our communities.”
Dr Holohan emphasised once again the importance of getting vaccinated, stating that they are highly effective at protecting people from severe illness.
“While it is possible for fully vaccinated individuals to become infected with COVID-19 and pass the virus on to others, vaccines also remain effective in significantly reducing this risk.”
“That is why it is vital for as many people as possible to come forward for vaccination against this disease.”
The Galway minor hurling has been named for their All-Ireland final against Cork on Saturday.
Galway and Cork will meet in Thurles on tomorrow evening, with the match throwing in at 7:15pm.
There are high expectations for Galway tomorrow, having won the minor hurling crown for the past four years in a row.
Galway are coming in strong, having beaten Kilkenny by eight points last week.
The full Galway side is:
Almost €23,000 has been raised so far in a fundraiser for Galway-based MMA fighter Ian Coughlan who was paralysed in a freak accident while training for a fight.
On 31 July, Ian was training towards his goal of becoming an MMA world champion when he fell and landed on his head which left him unable to move.
Ian lost not only the ability to do what he loved, but also his full-time job and the ability to use his own body.
Since the accident, he has been receiving treatment at Galway University Hospital, with very minor improvements.
Ian has a long road of rehabilitation ahead, but with his determination and the doctors’ advice, his family and friends are are confident they will get him back on his feet walking again.
Ian has been described as someone who would be the first person to help and care for others normally – but now he needs the help of people in Galway and across the country.
The organiser of the fundraiser wants to help Ian and his young family through this challenging time, and hopefully get Ian back on his feet.
He said that every little bit of spare change and social media shares will help Ian and his family going through this huge change in their life, and all the extra expenses they will encounter in this tough time.
Scam text messages are being sent to people across Ireland asking them to book an appointment for a Covid-19 test through a link.
Gardaí have warned the public that these links take them to a cloned website where fraudsters ask personal information, including PPS numbers and payment for a COVID-19 test or vaccine.
In most instances the links look very similar to the authentic HSE URL but may be misspelled.
Gardaí have again reminded the public that the HSE will never look for payment for Covid tests or vaccinations, and said that people should be wary of such text messages.
There are also other ‘smishing’ texts being received and these can purport to be from service providers, revenue, banks and delivery businesses.
Some of these can fit into the threads of previously received genuine texts which adds an air of authenticity to them.
An Garda Síochána has advised people never to click on a link of an unsolicited text, email or respond to cold callers seeking personal information.
Gardaí and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) have issued an urgent appeal to all road users to take greater care on the roads after six people died in crashes in the past 24 hours.
Four people were killed in a three car crash on the M6 motorway at Ballinasloe which on Thursday evening, while two men were killed in a crash in County Meath on Thursday morning.
The appeal comes ahead of hazardous road conditions which are expected in the coming days, with Met Éireann issuing weather warnings for heavy rainfall and localised flooding.
Assistant Commissioner, Paula Hilman, Roads Policing and Community Engagement, said that not only has it been a horrific 24 hours on the roads, we are also seeing an increase in road deaths this year compared to the same period last year.
“Road tragedies affect all parts of the country. Every fatal or serious injury collision has a devastating impact on family, friends and communities,” she said.
“As we think of and send our sympathies to the families and friends of those who have been killed on our roads, I would ask every road user to play their part to make our roads safer and to think about their safety, and that of other road users.”
Sam Waide, CEO of the Road Safety Authority, said that their thoughts are with the families of those who have been killed.
“These deaths should serve to remind us that everyone is at risk when using the roads,” said Sam Waide.
“We are at risk at any time of the day or week. Life is fragile and using the roads is one of the most dangerous things we do each day, and we must never forget this.
“I would appeal to road users to slow down, drive at the right speed for the conditions, and watch out for vulnerable road users.
“Don’t drive when impaired through drink, drugs or fatigue and always wear a seatbelt and ensure passengers are wearing theirs too, no matter how short the trip.
“This advice is all the more important given the fact that Met Éireann has issued weather warnings for heavy rainfall and possible localised flooding for today and this weekend.”
Galway West TD Hildegarde Naughton echoed the advice of both the RSA and An Garda Síochána and appealed to all road users to take great care on the road.
“They are much busier now that the country has reopened and with many people travelling around the country on staycation,” said the Minister of State at the Department of Transport.
“However, while the Government and public agencies have a responsibility to ensure the roads are made safer, as individuals we must accept our own responsibility, and play our part too.
“Road Safety remains a priority of this Government, and we will soon launch a new government road safety strategy which will have at its heart the elimination of all road deaths and serious injuries on our roads by 2050.
“Finally, I wish to also extend my deepest sympathies not only to those who have been killed in the tragic incidents that have occurred on the road in the past 24 hours but to all those who have been killed on the road to date in 2021.”
A total of 92 people have died in fatal road traffic crashes to date in 2021. Three more people have been killed on the road this year compared to the same period last year.
Nine of the ten local electoral areas in County Galway have recorded two-week COVID rates above the national average.
New data shows Conamara South LEA’s 14-day COVID incidence rate is 455 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, with 97 new cases recorded in the area in the two weeks to August 16.
The national incidence rate when the data was taken 493 cases per 100,000 people.
Conamara North LEA’s two-week incidence rate is 622, while Tuam now has a rate of 630.
Galway City East has the county’s highest incidence at 707 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, followed by Gort-Kinvara which has a rate of 706.
A total of 506 new cases were confirmed in the two week period in the city. Galway City Central’s rate is now 614 (164 new cases) and Galway City West’s rate is 607 (154 new cases).
In Ballinasloe LEA, the 14-day incidence rate now stands at 559 after 157 new cases were confirmed in the area, and Loughrea’s incidence is now 491, with 114 new cases in two weeks.
The two-week COVID rate in Athenry-Oranmore is also above the national average at 685 (225 new cases).
A file is being prepared for the DPP in relation to a serious assault on a woman in Galway City.
A man in his late teens was arrested yesterday in connection with an assault on a young woman on Saturday, August 7.
The attack occurred in the Woodquay area between 11:45pm and 12:15am the next morning.
The man was detained yesterday at the Regional Headquarters in Murrough, and has since been released without charge.
A file will now be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Construction work on a permanent extension to Craughwell National School is due to get underway next month.
A contractor has been chosen for the major upgrade works for the primary school, and is due to start building on site on September 6.
Galway East TD Seán Canney said that this is fantastic news for parents, pupils, and the school, adding that the project has been on the agenda for too long.
“This project is long awaited by the community in Craughwell, and I look forward to the building contractor moving on site and I expect that the project will now be delivered without any further delay”.
The full expansion of the school will replace existing prefabs with a two storey extension to the main school building, with a total floor space of 1,628sqm.
The extension will include eight new classrooms for the national school, along with a general-purpose sports hall, a multipurpose room, administration offices, and the principal’s office.
Other works on the site will include work on the school car park and drop-off point for parents.
It is expected that construction work on the school will take a total of nine months.
Four people have been killed in a three car crash on the M6 motorway at Ballinasloe which occurred on Thursday evening.
The three car collision occurred on the M6 at Poolboy, Ballinasloe at 7:40pm on Thursday.
Four people were pronounced dead at the scene of the car crash.
Their bodies were removed to Portiuncula Hospital, where post mortem examinations will be carried out.
The M6 in both directions between Junction 14 and 15 is currently closed and Forensic Collision Investigators are examining the scene. Local diversions are in place.
Gardaí are appealing to any witnesses of this collision to come forward.
Gardaí are also appealing to any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling on the M6 at Poolboy, Ballinasloe, at the time to make this footage available.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Ballinasloe Garda Station on 090 9631890, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
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