Weather warning issued ahead of thunderstorms and dangerous driving conditions

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August 4, 2021

Galway Daily news Lough Derg Coast Guard

A new base of operations is being sought for the Lough Derg Coast Guard unit, as its current building has been deemed unsuitable.

The lake, which sits within counties Galway, Clare, and Tipperary is a popular hub for boating, including from Portumna.

There are frequent callouts on the lake from boats which have run aground, but fortunately few serious emergency calls.

Galway East TD Anne Rabbitte said that the Office of Public Works has confirmed that two options are being considered for the Coast Guard Unit, and that the OPW is in the early stages of acquiring a site at Killaloe.

Deputy Rabbitte highlighted the “key role” played by the Coast Guard Unit in keeping people safe on the lake.

“Whether on the old site or a new location, the Coast Guard needs to be operating from an adequate and modern base. We need to ensure people have the facilities to keep everyone on Lough Derg safe.”

“I’ve been told that OPW are in regular contact with the Coast Guard with a view to assisting with the provision of cost estimates and developing proposals for the next round of priority projects.”

“Once the current prioritised projects are underway, the OPW will then be better placed to progress the Killaloe station.”

The current building for the Lough Derg unit was assessed in November of last year as needing “substantial intervention or possible demolition”, but the site itself is usable, which is one of the options under consideration.

Seasonal ferry tour of Inis Mór & Cliffs of Moher extended

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August 4, 2021

Galway Daily tourism Summer ferry cruise to Inis Mór & Cliffs of Moher extended — 04/06/2021 NO REPRODUCTION FEE IrelandÕs largest domestic ferry Saoirse na Farraige and itÕs Maiden Voyage from Galway City to Inis Mr and the Cliffs of Moher was launched by Aran Island Ferries from Galway City Docks Today ( June 4th) A seasonal daily sailing at 9.30am full details http://www.aranislandferries.com . Photo:Boyd Challenger

Aran Islands Ferries has extended its new seasonal tourist route to Inis Mór and the Cliffs of Moher until the end of September.

In June the long standing ferry operator launched a new service taking visitors on a day trip out to Inis Mór, where they can spend several hours exploring the largest of the Aran Islands.

After that, the ferry takes a circuitous route back to Galway City by way of the Cliffs of Moher, giving passengers a chance to really take in the majesty of the cliffs.

Viewing the stunning c from the sea, learning the history of Galway Bay, seeing nature, meeting the dolphins have all been part of the positive feedback received from the people who’ve enjoyed the tour in the past month and a half.

In response to the positive demand, the ferry operator has announced that they are extending the window of this seasonal tour route until September 26.

“The new route and service has received a hero’s welcome from Galwegians, visitors to Galway City and the tourism and hospitality sector,” said Marketing Manager Aine McLoughlin.

Offering a 90-minute cruise on Galway Bay, Aran Island Ferries luxury vessels showcase the contrasting beauty and scenery of the spectacular Wild Atlantic Way coastline of Connemara and Clare along with all three of the Aran Islands, Inis Oirr and Inis Meáin before docking in Kilronan on Inis Mór.

While on Inis Mór for a 4.5 hour stop-over from 11am to 3.30pm visitors can hire bicycles, or explore the stunning beauty of the largest of the three Aran Islands by mini bus tour, pony and trap, Aran Off Road Experience or simply walk.

Other attractions include the breath taking Dún Aengus Cliffs, the many historical sites, beaches, Aran Islands Goats Cheese Food Tours, Aran Diving Academy or simply relax with the mouth-watering seafood and a drink.

There is onboard audio commentary for guests to learn about the culture and heritage of the Aran Islands, the nature and beauty of Galway Bay, the Wild Atlantic Way and the world renowned Cliffs of Moher, all of which are entertaining and educational to all age groups.

Solas calls for local community education providers to apply for €10m fund

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August 4, 2021

galway daily news solas education training funding galway

Community education providers in Galway are being encouraged to apply for funding under the €10 million Mitigating against Educational Disadvantage Fund 2021.

The fund was announced by Minister Simon Harris on Friday and is administered by SOLAS, the further education and training authority, as well as the sixteen local Education and Training Boards.

Its aim is to support community education for adult learners in Galway and across the country who have the highest level of need, with a strong focus on building digital infrastructure.

In 2020, over 500 community education projects were funded through the 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs).

Around the country, the projects helped to support online learning, connect communities and provide social supports to the most vulnerable groups.

Commenting on the announcement, Andrew Brownlee, CEO of SOLAS, said: “As we move towards a wider return to on-site learning from September, it is critically important that we re-engage with learners and encourage others to take up further education and training opportunities.

“We are calling on community education providers in Galway to apply for funding through a new phase of the Mitigating against Educational Disadvantage Fund.

“Through the Fund, we are supporting those in society who are furthest removed from education through social disadvantage.”

Andrew Brownlee added that they are also supporting community education providers to continue delivering their much-needed services, and to ensure that all sectors of society are remaining connected and supported to continue their learning journeys.

Paddy Lavelle, General Secretary of Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI) welcomed the announcement of the 2021 Fund, saying that Education and Training Boards deliver whole of life education and training for all, including to our most disadvantaged learners.

“This fund will enable ETBs and our community education partners to provide disadvantaged learners with the technology, financial supports and mentoring they need to engage or re-engage in further education and training,” he said.

“I would encourage all ETBs and Community Education providers to get the application process underway.”

Funding applications from community education providers can be made by completing a funding application which is available from the adult education officers in your local Education and Training Board.

For more information, including the September closing date for your local ETB, contact your Education & Training Board here.

COVID-19: Hospital cases continue to rise at UHG

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August 4, 2021

Galway Daily news Almost 1,000 patients on trolleys at UHG in February

The number of people at University Hospital Galway with COVID-19 has continued to increase slowly but steadily.

UHG has the most confirmed case of any acute hospital in the country in the latest HSE figures, 19 as of Tuesday evening, one more than St. James’, which has the next highest level.

However, while UHG has once more confirmed case than St. James’, the Dublin hospital has far more suspected cases for which test results are awaited, 27 as of yesterday evening, compared with just one in Galway.

There are five COVID-19 patients at University Hospital Galway who have been admitted to the ICU, also the highest level in the country, but this has remained level in recent days.

At Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe there are three confirmed COVID cases, none of which are in the ICU.

Nationwide, there are 179 people in Ireland hospitalised with COVID-19, of whom 29 are in intensive care.

Walk-in vaccination clinic numbers “exceeded our expectations”

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August 4, 2021

galway daily news Spring vaccination campaign

The number of people who came to walk-in vaccination clinics in Galway over the bank holiday weekend “exceeded our expectations” across all age groups.

850 people received their first COVID-19 vaccine doses at two walk-in two clinics running in Clifden and Galway City on Saturday and Monday.

At the Clifden vaccination centre, around 130 people attended the walk-in clinic on Saturday, followed by 820 people getting the jab at Ballybrit Racecourse on Monday.

Frank Harburn, Saolta General Manager for the rollout of the vaccination programme in the West and North West said, “We were very happy with the turnout and it exceeded our expectation with a range of age groups attending from 16 years upwards.”

“Based on provisional data, there were over 4,200 vaccines administered at the walk-in COVID-19 vaccination clinics in the West and North West over the weekend.”

Nationwide, more than 30,000 people attended the vaccination clinics running over the bank holiday weekend, with HSE Chief Paul Reid saying that he was “beyond proud” of the level of attendance among young people.

These walk-in clinics allowed people aged 16 years old and over queue to receive their first pfizer vaccine dose without needing an appointment.

For those who got vaccinated in Galway, they will later receive a text message calling them for their second shot.

The second shot will be administered at the vaccination centre closest to their home address.

Registration is open for anyone in Ireland to get vaccinated through the HSE website.

“We have a good supply of vaccine at the moment and are usually able to offer appointments within a few days of people registering,” Frank Harburn said,

“I would encourage anyone who hasn’t yet received their vaccine, to do so as soon as possible to have the best protection against COVID-19 including against the Delta variant.”

There were a further 1,015 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported in Ireland on Tuesday, as fears of a sharp new wave caused by the Delta variant seem to have been held at bay by the high level of vaccine uptake in Ireland.

The government has concluded a deal to purchase 700,000 doses of the Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine from Romania, where uptake has not been as strong.

COVID-19: 1,015 new cases reported today

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August 3, 2021

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

The Department of Health has reported 1,015 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon.

As of this morning, 178 people with COVID-19 in hospitals across the State, of whom 29 are in ICU.

At University Hospital Galway, there are 18 people with the disease as of yesterday eveing, four of whom are receiving intensive care.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said today that doctors around the country are reporting that outbreaks are being notified to them that originated in symptomatic people attending workplaces, or eating out, or visiting friends.

He asked people to remember that they should stay at home if they have symptoms – even if they are vaccinated.

“Together as a country, we need to keep on top of all the positive behaviours that limit the spread of disease, and integral to this is staying at home if you have any cold or flu symptoms,” said Dr Holohan.

“Don’t drop your guard, because heading into work or meeting a friend while experiencing fever, cough, cold/flu symptoms, or loss of sense of smell/taste – that could be the beginning link that sets off a chain of transmission that leads to an outbreak in your community.”

The CMO said that the uplifting scenes over the Bank Holiday weekend as thousands of young people received their vaccines at walk-in centres were extremely encouraging.

“Young people have had an exceptionally difficult time throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Their willingness to come out to get vaccinated in droves is another example of the resilience they have shown throughout this challenging time.

“It is this same spirit of solidarity, commitment to keeping our whole community safe by getting vaccinated, and keeping to the basic safe measures such as staying at home if you feel unwell that will ultimately be our pathway out of this pandemic.”

Man pleads guilty to defiling teenage girl

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August 3, 2021

A man faces sentencing this December for the defilement of a teenage girl in Galway in 2017.

The man in his 40s appeared before Judge Rory McCabe at Galway Circuit Court on July 23.

He entered a plea of guilty to once count defilement of a child under the age of 17 years, contrary to Section 3 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2006.

Directions will be sought from the DPP by the prosecution on the other charges on the indictment.

The offence occurred between June 1 and June 28 of 2017 in Galway City.

Judge McCabe order the preparation of Probation Report before the next court date, when a victim impact statement will also be heard.

A psychological assessment of the man will also be prepared at the request of defence counsel.

The man was remanded on continuing bail to next come before the court on December 15.

Dark days ahead as Galway forecast shows no glimmer of hope

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August 3, 2021

galway daily news Lightning and flooding forecast as Thunderstorm warning issued

The week-long heatwave already feels like a distant memory – and Met Éireann’s forecast for Galway shows there will be no return to better days – at least this week.

Showers will become more widespread across Galway this afternoon (Tuesday) and some of them will be heavy and possibly thundery.

Rain and drizzle will develop along the west coast later today with maximum temperatures of 15 to 18 degrees.

It will be cloudy overnight, with outbreaks of heavy rain in parts of the county as well as hill and coastal fog. Minimum temperatures will be 11 to 14 degrees.

Tomorrow morning (Wednesday) will be cloudy at first, as a band of showery rain moves in. There will be some brighter spells in the afternoon along with scattered showers and some heavy showers are likely.

Maximum temperatures will be between 16 and 20 degrees on Wednesday, in light to moderate westerly winds.

Thursday looks set to be another dark and overcast day, with persistent rain and some thunderstorms possible across the county in the afternoon.

Friday will be less rainy, with some brighter spells and showers throughout the day.

Met Éireann’s weekend forecast shows little change, with a mix of bright or sunny spells and showers – some of them heavy – with a continuing risk of thundery downpours.

People encouraged to sign up for All-Ireland charity cycle

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August 3, 2021

The charity cycle that pits counties against each another for all-Ireland glory is back again this year – but with a difference.

The event is open to families and leisure cyclists this year as well as cycling enthusiasts, with all kilometres cycled going towards their county’s total score.

The All-Ireland Cycle, sponsored by Zurich Insurance this year, is a fun and COVID-friendly way to come together and raise funds for the National Breast Cancer Research Institute.

The challenge is to cycle as many kilometres as possible between August 12 and 22.

Waterford are the current title holders after Shannonside Cycling Club the Cycling Club came out as winners last year.

This year’s cycle is open to everyone – novice, leisure, experienced and serious cyclists with a particular emphasis on families cycling together during the holiday period.

A live leader board will track which county is winning the All-Ireland Cycle and which cycling club is winning the All-Ireland Club Cycle.

Registration is €25 and each participant will receive a commemorative cycle neck snood after the event.

People can also receive a link to the events JustGiving page to help raise additional funds for the charity by sharing their cycling success with family or friends.

Support breast cancer research and ‘Get on Yer Bike’ for your county and register now to take part at: www.AllIrelandCycle.ie

Sharp drop in pandemic unemployment figures in Galway

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August 3, 2021

Galway Daily news Fewer than 4,000 remain on pandemic unemployment in Galway

There has been a sharp decline in the number of people in Galway receiving pandemic unemployment this week.

The latest figures from the Department of Social Protection have 8,740 people in Galway receiving PUP this week, a decline of 1,419 compared with last week.

This is almost three times greater than the drop recorded last week, prompted by the continuing reopening of all sectors of the economy.

Nationwide there has been a drop of more than 29,000 in the number of people receiving pandemic unemployment this week.

The 163,400 people still on PUP is the lowest number since the emergency support was introduced early in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Commenting on this week’s figures, Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys said “With the return of indoor hospitality, it is great to see more businesses now re-opened as we move into the busiest weeks of the summer holiday season.”

“The number of people in receipt of the PUP is now at the lowest level since the pandemic began and every week we are seeing more and more people getting back to work.”

The Minister said that it is very encouraging to see so many businesses hiring new staff, and that the government wants to provide skills and training to those currently without a job.

The hospitality sector remains the area with the highest number of PUP claimants, with 37,723 people still in the system, followed by Wholesale and Retail Trade (25,368) and Administrative and support service activities (18,350).

As PUP is paid weekly in arrears people who have closed their claim last week are receiving a final payment this week and are still counted in the numbers in payment for this week.

Minister Humphreys added “Past experience has shown us that when the economy begins to recover, it doesn’t always move at the same pace for everybody. And, of course, the longer a person remains unemployed the more difficult it can be to find a job.”

“Everybody deserves the opportunity to work and everybody deserves the support of the State and its services in finding that work. This is what Pathways to Work is about – helping people to find a job and to keep it.”

The pandemic unemployment figures published this week are in addition to the 175,281 people who were on the Live Register at the end of June.

Roadworks between Headford and Tuam disrupting traffic today

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August 3, 2021

Galway Daily news Traffic disruption from roadworks

Roadworks taking place between Tuam and Headford today will disrupt traffic in the area.

Galway County Council is carrying out roadworks on the R333 Tuam to Headford road today, August 3.

The works are currently scheduled to last until 5pm this evening.

A Stop and Go system will be in place to manage traffic for the duration of these works.

Road users in the should expect delays today as a result, and give themselves additional time to make journeys.

Pieta hiring additional therapists in Galway and Tuam

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August 3, 2021

Galway Daily news Pieta hiring additional therapists in Galway and Tuam

The national suicide and self-harm prevention charity Pieta has announced that it is hiring additional therapists in Galway and Tuam.

Pieta intends to recruit additional therapists for its centres in Galway City, Tuam, and Ballina to boost services in the west of Ireland.

This will build on the more than 200 therapists and support staff already employed at 20 centres around the country.

Speaking about the recruitment, Regional Manager Gráinne McGill said “Here at Pieta, we envision a world where suicide, self-harm and stigma can be replaced by hope, self-care, and acceptance and we welcome new therapists with the same vision.”

In Galway alone, 31% of the people who come to Pieta for help have attempted suicide, and a quarter have had someone close to them take their own life.

Some of the triggers identified included depression and anxiety (50%), loneliness (27%) and family issues (19%).

Gráinne McGill thanked the people of Galway and Mayo for the financial support they have shown for the charity, which has made it possible for them to expand their service staff.

“Their generosity for the recent Darkness Into Light Sunrise appeal, proudly supported by Electric Ireland, has made this recruitment drive a reality. We are extremely thankful for this.”

The past year has been one of great anxiety and isolation for many people, and there has been a corresponding 30% increase in the number of calls and texts made to Pieta.

Pieta offers free counselling to those suffering from suicidal ideation and to people who are engaging in self-harm, as well as a counselling service to support individuals, couples, families, and children who have been bereaved by suicide.

For further information and to apply for these positions, please visit www.pieta.ie/careers.

Pieta provides 24/7 support – if you are suicidal, self-harming or bereaved you can contact Pieta 24/7 via the Freephone crisis helpline on 1800 247 247, you can also text HELP to 51444.

Extension plans submitted for Clifden Community School

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August 3, 2021

Galway Daily education Extension plans submitted for Clifden Community School

Plans are under consideration for an expansion of Clifden Community Community to provide special needs education facilities.

A planning application has been made to build a single storey extension to the west of the existing secondary school.

The 578sqm extension will be used to provide additional classrooms for special needs education.

The extension will also include a glazed link corridor/room connecting with the existing school, and to the school yard.

Minor alterations will be made to parts of the existing school building to provide new fire escape doors.

Galway County Council is due to make a decision on this planning application by August 29,

Minister Humphreys concludes Our Rural Future tour in Galway

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August 2, 2021

galway daily news heather humphreys our rural future galway

Minister Heather Humphreys visited Co. Galway over the weekend to conclude her nationwide tour to promote the Government’s new rural development strategy.

The Minister was in the county opening series of new rural development projects as part of a trip across Ireland promoting Our Rural Future – which aims to revitalise towns and villages, promote remote working, and ensure balanced regional development.

On her final day of the tour, the Minister visited the Bia Innovator Project in Athenry which received over €2.93 million through the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund.

The Bia Innovator Campus is a large scale project and will provide food production units and co-working kitchens when complete.

The campus will create 360 jobs in over 40+ businesses, delivering training, development and support to in excess of 2,400 entrepreneurs.

Speaking in Athenry Minister Humphreys said: “The Bia Innovator Campus is a transformative project for Athenry and the West of Ireland.

“Indeed, I believe this project will gain national significance, when it assumes its position as a key part of the Teagasc network.

“As the people here today know all too well, the food sector is one of the most important industries in Ireland.”

The Minister said that Our Rural Future is the most ambitious and transformative policy for rural development in decades.

“The new policy seeks to build on the strengths already present in rural Ireland – like our agri-food sector – and transform the quality of life and opportunities for people living in rural towns and villages,” she said.

“Taking advantage of this opportunity requires joined-up thinking across Government, State agencies and the wider agri-food sector. And so, I view this project as a shining example of the type of approach that is needed. ”

Her final stop in Galway was a visit to the Lackagh to Knockdoemore walking trail.

Speaking about her visit to Galway and the Islands, the Minister added: “I have really enjoyed my time in Galway and meeting the communities on Inis Oírr and Inis Meáin was a particular highlight.

“I have met many rural communities across the country and I have listened to what they are saying.

“While there are challenges, there is huge optimism and hope for the future in rural Ireland.”

COVID-19: 1,352 cases reported today

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August 2, 2021

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

There have been a further 1,352 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported by the Department of Health today.

As of this morning there are 177 people in the country in hospital with COVID-19.

Of these, there are 27 patients in serious condition who have been admitted to the ICU.

Daily case numbers may change following data review and validation in the future.

HSE Chief Executive Paul Reid said earlier today that over 18,000 people had availed of walk-in vaccination centres running this bank holiday weekend.

In Galway one clinic has been open at the Ballybrit Racecourse centre today, for people to receive their first vaccine dose without needing an appointment.

Petition to reinstate Galway-Dublin 20-X20 bus gathers over 1,200 signatures

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August 2, 2021

Galway Daily news Galway - Dublin Expressway bus service cancelled

A petition calling for the restoration of the Bus Éireann Expressway Galway to Dublin service has gathered over 1,200 signatures so far, including both physical and online signatures.

The petition was launched by Sinn Féin following the cancellation of the 20-X20 service which has been criticised by a number of TDs and councillors.

Galway East Sinn Féin’s Louis O’Hara has welcomed the large number of signatures and called on Minister Eamon Ryan to ensure that a bus service is reinstated for the affected areas.

He said that the petition demonstrates the importance of the bus service which stopped in stopped in Craughwell, Loughrea, Aughrim and Ballinasloe.

“There was huge anger at the ending of the service among the people we spoke to while collecting signatures,” he said.

“It’s going to leave a lot of people in very difficult situations, for example elderly people who relied on the service for things like medical appointments.

“The decision doesn’t make sense, especially at a time when we are being told to reduce our emissions and use public transport. It’s another nail in the coffin of rural towns.”

Louis O’Hara said that all options must be considered by Government to ensure that a bus service is reinstated for the areas affected.

“This bus service is simply too important to the people in the areas affected to be taken away,” he added.

“Villages like Kilreekil and Derrydonnell which have suffered enormously since the withdrawal of the 20-X20 service from their area in 2018 should also have it restored.”

“This is a lesson as to why public transport routes should never be put in the hands of private operators because it results in smaller towns and villages having services withdrawn.”

The petition can be found online at http://chng.it/KdHHkFSG4B

UHG has Ireland’s highest number of COVID patients in the ICU

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August 2, 2021

Galway still has the highest number of COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit among Ireland’s hospitals.

The latest date from the HSE shows five confirmed cases in the ICU at University Hospital Galway, the most in the country.

There were 16 confirmed cases at University Hospital Galway as of Sunday night, the second highest number nationwide after St. James’, which has 21.

Portiuncula Hospital has two confirmed cases, neither of which is in the intensive care unit.

The number of confirmed COVID patients at University Hospital Galway has doubled in the past week, as incidence rates in the city remain well above the national average.

Nationwide there were 171 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland’s hospitals as of 8pm Sunday, of whom 26 are in the ICU.

Both hospitals remain extremely busy aside from the pressure of COVID patients, with high levels of attendance at the Emergency Department.

There are 17 patients at Portiuncula Hospital waiting for a bed this morning according to INMO figures, with a further 27 at UHG.

Overnight motorway closure for roadworks taking place

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August 2, 2021

Galway Daily news Traffic disruption expected from Galway City centre roadworks

Part of the M18 motorway northbound will be closed overnight this week to facilitate roadworks taking place.

The northbound motorway will be closed from Junction 17 Kiltiernan to Junction 18 Rathmorrisey.

The closures will last from 7pm on Wednesday night to 5:30am on Thursday morning.

Full diversion routes will be signposted and the closed junction will be manned.

Traffic at junction 17 will be diverted via the N67 to Kilcolgan, Clarinbridge onto Oranmore, and then from the M6 to M17/M18 junction at Rathmorrisey.

These works are dependent on the weather and may be rescheduled.

Potato blight warning issued for South Galway

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August 2, 2021