Revenue warns of fresh scam phone calls

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August 31, 2021

Galway Daily news Plans refused for Loughrea apartment building

Planning permission is being sought for the construction of an apartment building on a vacant site in downtown Loughrea.

Plans have been submitted to the city council by T. W. Trustees for the construction of a two storey apartment building on Barrack Street, Loughrea, with a total of six apartments.

The site of the proposed apartment building is a vacant patch of land midway down Barrack Street, next to a block of terraced houses.

“On completion the terrace will have a ‘bookend’ detached structure at either end provided by the existing protected 1930’s decorative style structure in white stucco and the proposed apartment building,” the design statement reads.

A Natura Impact Statement, and Conservation Report, were submitted with this application due to the location of the site.

A decision on this planning application is due from Galway County Council by September 20 of this year.

Water conservation restrictions introduced in Glenamaddy

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August 31, 2021

Galway Daily news Latest EPA report shows one Galway public water supply deemed "at-risk"

People living in and around Glenamaddy will be affected by water conservation restrictions introduced this week.

Night water restrictions have been brought in as of Monday, and are currently scheduled to remain in place for the remainder of the week, until Friday September 3.

The restrictions will be in place from 10pm each night, until 8am the following morning.

These measures after homes and businesses in Glenamaddy and surrounding areas, including the Knockmaskehill Group Water Scheme.

Galway County Council said that these water conservation measures have been introduced due to shortages in the public water supply.

In each case, it may take 2-3 hours after the restrictions have ended before people’s full water supply is restored as the network refills.

COVID cases rise at UHG, but intensive care numbers down

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August 31, 2021

The number of COVID-19 patients at University Hospital Galway has climbed back to the highest level seen in the recent surge.

There were 35 confirmed cases at UHG as of 8pm on Monday night, up six from 29 cases the day before.

But the number of COVID patients in the ICU in Galway has continued to fall slowly, down by one person to five at the latest count.

At Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe there are five confirmed cases, of whom one is in the intensive care unit.

Nationwide there were 344 cases of COVID-19 in Irish hospitals as of Monday night, with 61 patients being treated in the ICU.

The Cabinet is meeting today to sign off on plans for the phased withdrawal of the remaining public health restrictions.

It’s expected that almost all restrictions will be removed by late October, with an increase in the number of people allowed at live events starting from next week.

Aran Islands RNLI rescues angling boat with nine aboard

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August 31, 2021

Galway Daily news Long weekend for Aran Islands RNLI with multiple rescues in rough seas — Aran Islands RNLI all-weather lifeboat. Photo: RNLI/Nicholas Leach

The Aran Islands RNLI lifeboat came to the rescue of an angling boat with nine people abard in trouble off Inis Mór yesterday.

The all-weather lifeboat was launched at 2:48pm on Monday in response to a call-out from the Coast Guard.

An 11.6m angling boat with nine people out on a fishing trip was experiencing engine problems at the back of Inis Mór.

The lifeboat launched under Coxswain John O’Donnell and a full crew and headed straight for the boat.

Weather conditions at the time of launching were good, with a slight East North East breeze, calm seas and good visibility.

Once on the scene, the volunteer lifeboat crew checked that all aboard were safe and sound, before establishing a tow line.

With the tow line safely secured, the lifeboat proceeded back towards Kilronan Harbour, where the angling boat was brought alongside the Pontoon.

Speaking after the call out Aran Islands RNLI Coxswain John O’Donnell said: ‘thankfully the weather was calm and a quick response time from the volunteer crew, meant the angling boat and all aboard were brought safely ashore without delay.’

When going to sea, always wear a lifejacket, let someone know when you are due back and carry means of contacting someone ashore, in a waterproof pouch or bag.

Roadworks on national roads across Galway this week

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August 31, 2021

Galway Daily news Roadworks on national roads across Galway this week

Motorists are advised that roadworks will be taking place on national roads at towns across Galway over the next three days.

Galway County Council is carrying out road texturing works at Clifden, Kylemore, Moylough, Dunmore, and Milltown.

These roadworks will last from 8:30am to 6pm each day from Tuesday to Thursday.

The full schedule and locations of the works is:

N59 North of Clifden – Tuesday. 31st August 2021
N59 Kylemore – Wednesday. 1st September 2021
N63 Moylough – Wednesday, 1st September 2021
N83 Dunmore – Thursday, 2nd September 2021
N17 Milltown – Thursday, 2nd September 2021

NUIG Students’ Union urges caution booking student accommodation

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August 31, 2021

galway td galway housing government provides affordable housing

NUI Galway Students’ Union has urged students to be cautious when looking for accommodation for the upcoming academic year.

The SU offered advice for students ahead of the release of Leaving Cert results later this week, when thousands of students will find themselves looking for accommodation.

Housing for students has been an issue in the past, and NUIG Students’ Union says that before signing a contract, it is extremely important to make sure the property fits the needs of all tenants.

They also advised students to look out for rental scams, but said not to panic as there are properties available.

They said that students should keep a close eye on all the accommodation websites, especially www.nuigstudentpad.ie.

Students’ Union President Róisín Nic Lochlainn said that finding accommodation can be extremely stressful and people tend to rush into it.

“It is paramount that you follow these guidelines to avoid scams and ensure that the house you live in will be sustainable for you and your friends,” said Róisín.

“Never rush into getting accommodation, be cautious and insist on receipts and any repairs where necessary.

“This will be where you stay for at least nine months so make sure you have all the necessities before making any commitments. Students still seeking accommodation should check www.nuigstudentpad.ie”

Handy Tips

Be aware of the following rental scams

Scammer claims to be out of the country so can’t show you the property but requests a deposit.

Scammer is living at the property, and shows a number of people around. They get a deposit from several people and then flee with the cash.

The transaction appears to have gone smoothly until the renter finds that the keys don’t work and the landlord has disappeared.

Take your time when viewing a property. Ensure all the necessities are there e.g. washing machine, furnishings etc. Check that all gas and electrical appliances are in good working order.
Take photos of the property and make sure to highlight any damages already there e.g. Cigarette burns, carpet stains, etc.
If there are any repairs to be made in the property, be sure to get it in writing from the landlord or agency that these problems will be rectified before handing over your deposit.
Avoid paying the deposit in cash and ensure you get a receipt for any moneys exchanged. You are legally entitled to a receipt so make sure to insist on one.
Request a viewing prior to the move in date to ensure that all outstanding issues have been rectified.
Ensure the house is well ventilated and that heating sources are identified prior to signing a contract/lease.
Insist that a building energy rating (BER) certificate is provided prior to signing the contract. This will help you know how cold the house is likely to get and will give you an idea of the cost for heating.
Ensure you are clear on the duration of the tenancy. If you sign a lease and leave early you may be liable to pay outstanding rent even though you are no longer living there. Check what the situation is in the event of a lockdown.
Make sure it’s clearly outlined in your lease which utility bills you must pay.
Take out contents insurance as the landlord’s policy will not cover your personal possessions.
For online learning check what the broadband speeds and deals are in the neighbourhood to make sure you will be well connected.

COVID-19: 1,293 cases reported today

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August 30, 2021

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

A further 1,293 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported by the Department of Health today.

As of this morning there were 382 people in Ireland hospitalised with COVID. The number in the ICU stands at 61 patients.

Dr Tony Holohan emphasised that great sacrifices had been made to allow schools to reopen safely.

However, he struck a positive note that, from experience last year, school itself had not been a major source of transmission among children.

“Our data clearly shows that, to date, the school environment was not a major source of disease transmission.”

“In order to go back to school as safely as possible, my advice to children is to wash your hands or use hand sanitiser regularly and follow the protocols operating in your school.”

Clearer COVID guidelines needed for older people – Active Retirement Ireland

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August 30, 2021

Galway daily news Day services in Loughrea remain in limbo

Active Retirement Ireland has called on the Government to provide clearer guidelines for older people wishing to resume indoor activities in their communities as autumn and winter approach.

Maureen Kavanagh, CEO of Active Retirement Ireland, said that older people have been particularly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and they have been forced to isolate from family and friends, as well as limit social interactions.

“Thankfully, the majority of older people are now vaccinated but they are still unsure about what they can and cannot do,” she said.

“Some activities have moved outdoors but as autumn and the cold weather approach, older people have questions that need to be answered clearly.”

Active Retirement Ireland says that there must be clarification around when older people return to indoor community activities, what size groups of older people can get together, and if fully vaccinated, should older people continue to wear masks and practise social distancing?

“The recent Department of Health guidelines on Covid-19 offer very little clarity for older people who wish to return to their indoor community activities and events,” added Maureen Kavanagh.

“For many older people, these activities are their only social outlet.

“They have abided by the restrictions and will continue to do so, but we know that if older people don’t return to the full and active social life that they enjoyed before the pandemic, it will have a negative and long-term impact on their physical and mental health.”

Walk-in vaccination clinics to open again this week

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August 30, 2021

galway daily news Vaccine booster clinic continuing today for people in their 50s

Walk-in vaccination clinics will open again this week for people who have yet to receive their first or second doses of the Pfizer vaccine.

The centre at Ballybrit in Galway will be open for people over the age of 12 to receive their first or second dose on Wednesday, 1 September from 4.00pm to 7.00 pm.

For those wishing to receive dose 2 on Wednesday, they must have had their first dose before 12 August.

On Saturday 4 September the centre will be open for walk-ins between 8.30am and 12.30pm. People attending for their second dose must have had their first dose before 15 August.

People will also be able to attend on Sunday, 5 September from 8.30am to 12.30pm for dose 1 or dose 2 if their first dose was administered before 16 August.

Saolta reminded people that they must bring their PPS number, Eircode, mobile phone number, email address, photo ID that has a date of birth.

Photo ID can be a passport, driving licence, Garda age card, or school student card.

People without a PPS number can still get vaccinated by taking proof of address.

City Council approves large scale commercial and residential development

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August 30, 2021

Galway Daily news City Council approves large scale commercial and residential development

Galway City Council has granted planning permission for a major commercial and residential development on the northern outskirts of the city.

Strategic Land Investments LTD has been been given approval for a mixed use development consisting of 13 blocks at City North Business Park on the Tuam Road, to be delivered in three phases.

The development would comprise eight apartment blocks, ranging from two to eight storeys tall, containing 248 apartments.

The original plans were for nine blocks of 309 apartments, but one building was removed, and two others reduced in scale, after the city council expressed concerns about the amount of the project given over to residential use, when the land is zoned C1 (Enterprise, Light Industry, and Commercial).

A 222 bedroom hotel with a restaurant and bar, and conference facilities, will also be built as part of the project, but a proposed 72 bedroom apart-hotel has been omitted from the plans to also reduce the amount of space given to residential usage.

A leisure centre and spa, with an indoor swimming pool and gym, will also make up part of the recreational amenity of the area.

The commercial side of the project will include four office blocks ranging from four to five storeys in height, with a total floor space of 25,527sqm.

Due to the amount of housing in the proposal, a creche is also included in the plans, as is a cultural centre with a variety of proposed community facilities including .

For public open space, the developer has inserted a central park area where one block of housing was omitted, and landscaped green areas will also be created along the eastern and western boundaries of the site.

Access to the site for vehicles will be from a new signalised junction onto the N83 Tuam Road, with additional pedestrian and cycling links at other locations.

The site will be served by a total of 908 car parking spaces, an increase from the original proposal, with a mix of surface and sub-basement parking. The developer has also proposed a shuttle bus service connecting the new quarter to the city centre.

Planning permission was granted for the development by the city council with 44 conditions attached. The period of the permission is seven years, less than the ten year permission sought by the developer.

Before work begins the developer must pay a contribution of €4,339,668 to the council towards the cost of providing public services to the area.

The council also stipulated that the offices may only be used for: Data Processing, Software Development, Information Technology, Commercial Laboratories, Creative Media, Telemarketing and Publishing, or Other Technology/IT related uses.

Two specific units within the development must also be designated as a community shop and a café respectively, and their use may not change without further planning permission.

An area must also be set aside for a public bike scheme, to be licenced to the city council/NTA, and an agreed upon number of parking spaces must be reserved exclusively for the public, with no staff parking.

Work which will take place on the Tuam Road, and pedestrian linkages to lands to the north and east of the site, must also be agreed on with the council before any work begins.

This planning permission is also contingent on a detailed landscaping plan being agreed on, work on which must be completed before each phase of the development.

UHG’s COVID numbers steady despite national increase

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August 30, 2021

There are still under 30 people with COVID-19 at University Hospital Galway despite an increase in the number of COVID patients in hospitals nationally.

As of yesterday evening, there are 29 people with the disease at the hospital, with six of those patients in the intensive care unit.

Nationally, the total number of patients with the virus who are hospitalised rose to 361.

Speaking yesterday, CMO Dr Tony Holohan expressed cautious optimism about the return to school next week, noting that school settings previously contributed little to the spread of COVID-19.

“It is important to remember that our experience to date is that the school environment was not a major source of disease transmission and that school reopening did not have a significant effect on the incidence of COVID-19 in children.

“In fact, any increase in incidence among children is often linked to the events that occur around school as much as the events that occur within school,” he said.

Galway awarded over €275k in CLÁR funding

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August 30, 2021

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

More than €275,000 in CLÁR funding has been announced for schools, playgrounds, and community areas in Galway today.

Minister Heather Humphreys awarded CLÁR money to six projects in Galway as part of €4.2 million announced for the programme today.

Announcing the funding, Minister Humphreys said “The CLÁR Programme 2021 puts our young people at the fore. From investing in our schools, playgrounds, outdoor amenities and other projects – we are demonstrating the value and appreciation we have for the leaders of the future.”

“If the Pandemic has taught us one thing, it’s that our young people are our shining lights. Investing in them is an investment in our future – that’s what today’s announcement is all about.”

Two of the projects approved in Galway come under Measure 1 of the programme, providing improved safety infrastructure for schools and community areas.

At Clonbern National School, €50,000 will go towards a pedestrian crossing and upgrades to the school parking facilities.

And another €50,000 is for the county council and Woodford Parish Development to extend footpaths from the village, out to Derrycrag Nature Reserve.

The other four Galway projects come under Measure 2 of the programme, which funds outdoor community recreation facilities.

Lurga National School have been awarded €50,000 for a community Multi-Use Games Area, and Glinsk Community Development Association will receive the same amount to build a playground.

Skehana Community Development Committee will get €49,513.13 to build a playground for their area, and Abbey Community Development Association have been allocated €27,000 for the last phase of their playground and sensory play area.

In total, funding was announced for 104 projects in rural communities under the CLÁR programme today.

More announcements under different measures of the programme will be announced by Minister Humphreys in the coming weeks.

Three week roadworks underway outside Clifden

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August 30, 2021

Galway Daily news Traffic disruption from roadworks

Roadworks on the N59 in Connemara will disrupt traffic in the area outside Clifden while underway for the next three weeks.

Galway County Council is carrying out road re-surfacing works on the N59 at Lettershea, which got underway this morning.

The works cover approximately 7km of road from Clifden headed towards Recess.

Temporary traffic management measures will be in place for the next three weeks while these roadworks are taking place.

Bus companies highlight potential role in meeting climate targets

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August 30, 2021

Galway Daily news Disruptions to Salthill bus services due to Galway v Kilkenny

Bus companies have appealed for the government to support the private coach sector as part of a strategy to shift away from cars.

In its pre-budget submission, the Coach Tourism and Transport Council of Ireland (CTTC) has said that private bus operators have an important role to play in decarbonising Ireland’s transport system.

The submission outlines ways in which the government can encourage a ‘modal shift’ away from private car usage and help achieve climate goals.

These include infrastructure proposals to improve the viability of bus transport as a whole, and supports specifically aimed at helping coach operators to go green.

“As an industry, we are committed to adopting sustainable practices, with the vast majority of our members possessing some of the most environmentally compatible fleets,” said Chairman of the CTTC John Halpenny.

“So far, the cost of doing this has largely been fronted by the operators themselves, against a backdrop of considerable risk, given the speedy obsolescence of some of these technologies.

He said that specific funding needs to be allocated by the government to ensure the “effective greening” of private bus fleets, due to the cost of purchasing new vehicles.

“Enhancing our national public transport network must form an integral part of our collective journey towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions.”

“To facilitate this, the Government must adopt a pro-public transport stance, and be willing to leverage the full potential of private bus and coach services, to encourage a modal shift towards public transport, away from private, single-occupancy vehicles”.

The CTTC is calling for the creation of a dedicated Coach Transport Sustainability Fund, and an enhancement of the Alternatively-Fuelled Heavy Duty Vehicle (AFHDV) Purchase grant scheme to achieve these goals.

In terms of broader infrastructure the CTTC says that passengers need to be incentivised to use public transport if you want them to leave their cars at home.

Ways to do this could include the provision of affordable park and ride facilities, the CTTC sugegests, or the enhancement of the network of bus corridors.

In Galway, the old airport at Carnmore is used as a Park and Ride base into and out of the city each Christmas, and for some time now suggestions have been floated that this could be a year-round service, to help tackle the city’s atrocious traffic problem.

Galway City Council has also been working on a proposed Cross-City Link bus corridor, which would prioritise public transport between University Road and the Dublin Road in order to connect the east and west sides of the city more easily.

A public consultation on the Cross-City Link was organised by the city council last October.

Roadworks this week in Tuam and on the M6, & M18

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August 30, 2021

Galway Daily news Traffic disruption expected from Galway City centre roadworks

Multiple roadworks taking place this week will cause traffic disruptions on the M6 and M18 motorways, as well as in and Tuam.

Work has begun this morning at Bishop Street in Tuam, and are expected to continue throughout the week to Friday, September 3.

A stop/go system will be in place to manage traffic in the town for the duration of the roadworks.

Road marking works are taking place on the M6 and M18 motorways overnight for the next three nights, between Athenry and Oranmore.

Work was completed last night on marking the M17 southbound, and further works will be carried out from 10pm to 6am this week.

On Tuesday, August 31 work will take place on the M6 eastbound. The slip road will be closed, with traffic diverted to Junction 17 Athenry.

Wednesday, September 1, M6 westbound, slip road closed and traffic diverted to Junction 19 Oranmore, followed by the M18 northbound on the night of September 2.

Licence sought for the return of the Christmas Market

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August 30, 2021

Galway Daily news Galway Christmas Market closed due to Storm Bram

Tourists and locals alike will be glad to hear of the intended return of the Christmas Market in Galway City this year.

Milestone Inventive is seeking a licence to hold the outdoor event for six weeks this winter, as it has for the past decade, except for last year, where COVID-19 forced its cancellation.

The Christmas Market will run from November 12 to December 22 in Eyre Square, with more than a quarter of a million people expected to pass through.

The event management plan for the market submitted by Milestone highlights the return of the food and artisanal crafts stands, as well as the much loved beer tent.

“It will once again consist of a mix of international and local vendors and offer a range of food and crafts. In addition to the traders, onsite entertainment will be provided as well as the Bier Keller.”

“This year will also see the return of such favorites as the giant observation wheel, the Mulled wine units and Santa’s train, by now stalwarts of the market and generating repeat visits each year.”

“The Santa Sleigh, post box and the elves light gardens are also big draws and provide numerous photo oppurtunities for families.”

“The Skeff Road will once again see the return of the Artisan section for smaller scale Artisan producers.”

Submissions related to the the proposed Christmas Market, and the management plans, can be made to the city council until 4pm this Wednesday.

Unsettled conditions forecast but dry week ahead

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August 30, 2021

There are signs that the current spell of dry weather will become more unsettled during the first weekend in September, Met Éireann has said.

They say that it will become cloudier over the weekend, with some rain or showers likely – but temperatures will remain average for this time of the year.

It will continue dry throughout much of the week though, with temperatures back to around average for the time of year, in the high teens or low 20s.

Today, Monday, will be another dry day but there will be some clouds, with more sunny spells as the day progresses.

The highest temperatures tomorrow will be between 18 and 21 degrees, in light to moderate, northeast winds.

Tuesday will be much the same, with sunshine and some clouds with temperatures reaching the low twenties in the afternoon.

It will remain dry for the most part throughout the rest of the week, with the more unsettled conditions not expected until this weekend.

Man (50s) dies following collision involving car and bicycle

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August 29, 2021

A man has died following a road traffic collision involving a car and a bicycle which occurred at around 1.30pm yesterday afternoon (Sunday) on the R345 near Corr na Mona in Galway.

The cyclist, a man in his 50s, was pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries have been reported.

The road is currently closed and Forensic Collision Investigators are currently at scene. Local diversions are in place.

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision.

Gardaí are also appealing to any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling on the R345 near Corr Na Mona at this time, to make this footage available to them.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Clifden Garda Station on 095 22500, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

CMO Holohan expresses optimism about return to school

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August 29, 2021