Walk-in vaccination clinic opening in Galway City

-

August 1, 2021

galway daily news galway siblings irevise housebuild.ie — Eoghain Ryan Housebuild.ie. Photo: Andrew Downes

Galway entrepreneurs Eoghain and Ailish Ryan have high ambitions and expectations for their unique new online marketplace for home building and improvements.

The siblings, who are also behind the most popular study website for Irish and UK secondary school students iRevise.com, want to take their latest project to Britain and the US in the coming months and years after it got off to a flying start here in Ireland.

Housebuild.ie offers home-owners direct access to construction professionals, products and services, in a one-stop digital hub – and tradespeople can also sign up to offer their services.

Since going live, the site has signed up over 2,000 professionals nationwide, from bricklayers, plumbers, and carpenters, to surveyors, engineers and architects.

More than 20,000 people have also logged on to the website so far to search for tradespeople in their area, buy from product partners and browse a dedicated inspiration section for home decor and interior design ideas.

Housebuild.ie also has a construction hub with practical guides and easy-to-follow ‘how to’ videos on everything from building regulations, planning, and costing to energy efficient, Passive House and NZEB projects.

Eoghain Ryan, co-founder and Director of Housebuild.ie, said that there is no comparable site in Ireland or the UK which offers everything you can possibly think of in one single online ecosystem.

“We have everything you need for home-builds, improvements and decor,” said Mr Ryan.

“From tradespeople you can rate and review, to furniture, fixtures, fittings and simple how-to guides designed to take the fear out of any project — it’s all there, and it’s badly needed.”

Housebuild.ie has been developed at a cost of €450,000 with help from James Whelton, the Cork-born founder of CoderDojo, and Joe Smyth, co-founder of Altocloud, the Galway SaaS start-up acquired by US firm Genesys.

Both Whelton and Smyth have joined the Board of Directors at Housebuild.ie, which is headquartered in Salthill and employs 15 people.

Whelton previously worked with Eoghain and Ailish Ryan on the development of iRevise.com (formerly Mocks.ie), the study site they run together with their brother Pádraig.

Launched in 2009, iRevise.com has since become Ireland’s biggest online educational resource for second-level students sitting exams in Ireland and the UK and has been used by 900,000 students.

Eoghain and Ailish also run Ryan and Associates, an engineering consultancy in Salthill specialising in fire safety. The siblings launched a free mobile app for construction professionals in 2015, offering a one-stop shop for building regulations.

Their building regulations app will now be rolled into the Building Regulations, Planning and Guidelines section of Housebuild.ie, adding further value for professionals using the site.

Ailish Ryan, Co-Founder and Director of Housebuild.ie, said that there is a “huge amount of due diligence in residential builds now but finding all the guidelines and detailed drawings you need to ensure a job is done right is not easy for professionals in the sector.

“We’ve been able to put it all together in a simple searchable format.”

Homeowners can use Housebuild.ie free of charge. Professionals can also sign up for free for now. A subscription programme will be introduced further down the line.

Engineer Kevin McDonagh has joined Housebuild.ie as MD following a successful 20-year career in the life sciences sector.

“For our retail partners like EZ Living and Tile Merchant, Housebuild.ie gives them a unique platform to reach their target customer,” he said.

“They don’t have to spend thousands on digital advertising trying to track the right customers online. We will also have an affiliate sales programme whereby we get a percentage of the sale of products featured on the site.

“We want to have full e-commerce capability and we’re in talks with mortgage providers and home, professional indemnity and public liability insurers.”

The Housebuild.ie team have ambitious plans for the tech start-up.

“The plan is to expand into the UK later this year with the launch of Housebuild.co.uk. From there, we hope to have the Housebuild platform live in the US by 2024,” added Eoghain Ryan.

Galway team wins national award for AI-based climate change tool

By

-

August 1, 2021

Galway Daily science Galway team wins national award for AI-based climate change tool

A groundbreaking AI-based tool for analysing the impact of measures combating climate change in agriculture from a Galway research team has won a prestigious national scientific award.

The TAPAS project at NUI Galway, led by Dr Aaron Golden and Professor Charles Spillane, was recently named to the winner of the SFI Future Innovator Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Societal Good Challenge.

The TAPAS team have been developing an AI system which works by analysing satellite imagery to measure the effectiveness of measures to adapt agriculture to climate change.

Adaptation to climate change in developing countries is expected to cost $140-300 billion per year by 2030, with over 130 countries now prioritising agricultural adaptation to meet their Paris Agreement goals.

This means that assessing the effectiveness of these interventions is an essential part of protecting agriculture, and ensuring that money isn’t wasted on solutions that aren’t working.

On winning the prize Dr Aaron Golden said he and the team were delighted to receive the recognition of the importance of this technology, which he said could “empower society” to reduce the impact of climate change.

It’s importance is greatest “especially those communities in the developing world whose economies are almost entirely dependent on agriculture,” he added.

Professor Spillane added that almost 40% of the world’s agricultural land is at risk from climate change, making it a critical 21st century issue.

“The current lack of a universally deployable system to measure adaptation to climate change motivated us to develop one, by combining AI with satellite remote sensing of agricultural systems.”

The TAPAS project was co-funded with Irish Aid under SFI’s partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs and has focused initially on test sites in Senegal.

Winning this Science Foundation Ireland award comes with €1 million in additional funding to further develop the project.

Professor Mark Ferguson, Director General of SFI, congratulated everyone involved in the TAPAS project at NUI Galway.

“This novel solution shows exactly what can be accomplished when interdisciplinary expertise comes together under a challenge-based funding structure that facilitates ideation through to invention.”

Major refurbishments planned for amalgamated city secondary school

By

-

August 1, 2021

Galway Daily news Major refurbishments planned for amalgamated city secondary school

Major refurbishments are planned for a new co-educational secondary school in Galway City occupying the former St Mary’s College campus.

The significant refurbishments and expansion of the St. Mary’s campus come on the foot of the boys secondary school’s merger with Our Lady’s Lady College announced in 2019.

The two will now form the co-education Catholic secondary school Coláiste Muire Máthair, under the patronage of CEIST, the Catholic secondary schools trust.

Works planned for the St. Mary’s Campus to accommodate this larger amalgamated school include refurbishment works within the existing main school building to provide additional classrooms, specialist rooms, and toilets.

Refurbishment works will also involve accessibility improvements to ensure that all students are equally able to make use of the campus.

These will include the provision of four new passenger lifts, the refurbishment of an existing lift, adding a new disabled set down space and parking area, and the addition of new ramps at access points, and universally accessible toilets.

Along with accessibility, fire safety is a major part of the planned works at the school, with the intention to install a new fire alarm and emergency lighting system in the main school building, science block, and sports hall.

Other additions will include upgrade works to fire doors and fire screens in the main building and science block as they are required, as well as the installation of new ones.

The St. Mary’s College campus is an expansive protected structure on a 27 acre site ay St. Mary’s Road, the original building of which was constructed in 1910.

Multiple extensions and expansions to the campus were built in the following decades, the first being what is now the science building, added in 1914, and the latest of which are classrooms added in the late 1990s.

Galway City Council is currently due to make a decision on this planning application by August 25.

COVID-19: 1,098 cases reported today

By

-

August 1, 2021

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

There have been a further 1,098 cases of COVID-19 reported by health officials today.

There are 163 people in the country hospitalised with COVID, of whom 26 are in the intensive care unit.

Yesterday saw Ireland pass a milestone of 300,000 confirmed cases since the pandemic began.

But this latest wave as the country reopens has defied fears that Ireland would reach 2,000 cases a day by this point due to the delta variant.

Credit for the relatively stable level of cases seen in recent days has been given to the very high level of uptake Ireland has shown for the vaccine, just yesterday overtaking Britain in the total percentage of the population protected.

Dr Tony Holohan praised the number of people, particularly teenagers and younger people, who queued up this bank holiday weekend for walk-in vaccination clinics.

He said that it shows how solidarity continues to be the “hallmark of our response” to the pandemic, protecting others as well as themselves.

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

€10m fund to help regional businesses adapt to COVID & Brexit

By

-

August 1, 2021

Galway Daily business €10m fund to help regional businesses adapt to COVID & Brexit

A €10 million fund has been launched this week to help regional businesses adapt to changing circumstances caused by Brexit and COVID.

The Regional Enterprise Transition Scheme is now accepting applications from regional and community based enterprises through Enterprise Ireland.

This Scheme consists of €9.5 million is targeted at existing regional and community-based projects, which can show they can deliver an impact within the current year.

Grants of up to €1.8 million or 80% of the project cost, whichever is lesser, are available. The project should aim to address COVID impacts, and encourage regional competitiveness.

Leo Clancy, CEO of Enterprise Ireland said that this money will help create and sustain jobs in regions affected by COVID-19.

“We look forward to working with the regional stakeholders on innovative proposals to provide additional support to these projects at a regional level.”

The remaining €500,000 forms a Feasibility Fund, which will allow recipients to test their concept out, and deliver virtual or site-based solutions to their target audience.

Both strands of the scheme are open to applications now. The main Regional Enterprise Transition Scheme closes on September 8, and applications for the Feasibility Fund can be made until October 1.

The successful projects of this 2021 programme will be announced in October and all funding will be provided to the successful applicants before the end of the year.

Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, Damien English said “These strategic funds are about supporting projects with regional impact in order to increase internationalisation opportunities and create sustainable job opportunities right across the country.”

“Crucially, the Transition Scheme will help build Covid-19 and Brexit resilience and enable applicants to support enterprises and SME’s to respond to recent economic and market challenges”.

Along with the challenges of Brexit and COVID, the scheme will also enable businesses in the transition to a low carbon economy, as well as with their digital transformation.

Sleep Out for Simon to prevent homelessness in Galway

By

-

August 1, 2021

Galway Daily news Sleep Out for Simon to prevent homelessness in Galway

People across the west of Ireland are being called to take part in the Sleep Out for Simon to help fight homelessness here.

The Sleep Out for Simon is an annual event that encourages people to give up their comfy bed for one night to raise funds for the Simon Community’s homelessness services.

This year’s event is going virtual once again, with supporters of Galway Simon, whether individuals, groups, or businesses, asked to take to their backyard, shed, office car park or anywhere they can safely lay down their head for the night.

Being virtual means that no matter where you are in the world, be that Moycullen, Westport, Castlerea or Shanghai, you can still get involved and enjoy this unique solidarity experience.

The event will bring people together virtually on the night of October 1 to collectively raise funds and enjoy music, comedy and entertainment.

CEO of Galway Simon Community Karen Golden said “The fear and trauma of having nowhere to sleep is a stark reality for some, and Covid-19 continues to pose an even greater challenge to those who don’t have the security of a home.”

This year there has already been a 22% increase in the number of households supported by Galway Simon’s homelessness prevention and housing services, she explained, with frontline workers confronted every day with people on the edge of becoming homeless.

“The families and individuals who we support continue to be under extreme pressure. We are asking for the help of our community so that we can continue delivering the support needed to protect the most vulnerable in our society from the threat of homelessness.”

100% of proceeds will go directly towards Galway Simon’s Homelessness Prevention Services in the West of Ireland, ensuring the charity can safeguard their essential services and support those in need.

Last year’s Sleep Out raised a record breaking €137,000 for Galway Simon’s homelessness services, making it the most successful in the charity’s history.

This was in no small part because the virtual format made it more accessible to people all over Galway and beyond wanting to take part.

One participant from last year said “it gave me appreciation for those who sleep out every night in worse conditions”.

Another commented that it was “a great experience with my family raising money for such a good cause while also being educated on the crisis that faces homelessness in Ireland, and not to judge these families and individuals as it can happen to anyone”.

To register for the Virtual Sleep Out for Simon today, visit sleepoutforsimon.ie.

Grant funding for four Galway coastal community projects

By

-

August 1, 2021

Galway Daily news Galway winner claims €50,000 in prize bonds draw

Four Galway businesses and enterprises have been awarded more than €42,000 in grants meant to help develop coastal communities.

The funding under Ireland’s European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Programme is is part of a €915,000 package announced by Minister Charlie McConalogue on Saturday.

The Galway projects supported under the scheme include €17,021 for Oranmore Castle Cultural Centre, and €12,953 for Cuan Beo CLG to implement a “holistic approach to sustainability in Galway Bay”.

Another €6,984 grant has been given to Séamus O’Flatharta for Inis Oírr Glamping and Campsite, and Spiddal Craft & Design Centre has received a €5,200 grant for an online marketing campsite.

In total, 62 small businesses and projects around the country were approved grants by the seven Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAG).

“The FLAG Scheme has been operating since just 2017, following a short pilot in the previous programme and has gone from strength to strength,” said Minister McConalogue.

“This is testament not just to the demand for such local development funding in our coastal communities but very much to the hard work of the local volunteers, many drawn from our seafood and wider marine sectors.”

The FLAG Scheme has now closed, having allocated all of its money, but will be replaced in the new Seafood Development Programme 2021-27, which will become operational next year.

Minister McConalogue said that the FLAG initiative can “further drive start-ups” and assist in developing coastal communities in the years ahead.

#BeSound campaign asks people to respect staff and guidelines in pubs

By

-

August 1, 2021

Galway Daily news Pub staff member assaulted for not letting drunk patron in

Consumers are being urged to #BeSound in pubs and restaurants in the coming weeks, as hospitality venues begin to welcome more customers through their doors.

With pubs now open indoors for vaccinated people and those who have recovered from COVID, Drinks Ireland are encouraging people to respect the guidelines, staff and each other while socialising.

Hospitality venues have some mandatory measures, but things can vary from venue to venue. People are being asked to respect the guidelines, by keeping an eye on the signage and following instructions from staff.

Consumers are also asked to respect the staff in these venues who are working hard to make sure everyone has a good time and is kept safe.

“We welcome the further reopening of Ireland’s hospitality sector,” said Patricia Callan, Director of Drinks Ireland.

“Ireland’s pubs are home to the nation’s best loved drinks brands, and we’re delighted to relaunch our #BeSound campaign to encourage positive consumer behaviour when visiting pubs.

“If we all work together, we can help keep each other safe, while ensuring we all have a great time.”

Padraig Cribben, CEO of the Vintners Federation of Ireland, added that pubs across Ireland are delighted to be able to welcome greater numbers of customers back.

“Whether you’re returning to your favourite local, or visiting a pub on a staycation in the coming weeks, remember to respect the guidelines, respect the staff, and respect each other,” he said.

Salthill native appointed coordinator of city’s new Irish Language Plan

By

-

August 1, 2021

galway city news galway daily salthill man appointed language officer — Micheál Óg Mac Aoidh

Galway City native Micheál Óg Mac Aoidh has been appointed as the coordinator for the city’s new Irish Language Plan.

In September the Salthill man will start the the implementation of the plan which aims to increase the amount of Irish that is seen, spoken, and heard on the streets of Galway.

A graduate of NUI Galway, Micheál was brought up in an Irish-speaking household and his mother, the late Dr Eithne Conway-McGee, was a well-known and much-loved family doctor.

She instilled a love of the Irish language and culture in her family and Micheál was immersed in the Arts scene in Galway City while growing up.

He worked for several Irish language theatre groups, including An Taibhdhearc, (Amharclann Náisiúna na Gaeilge) Fíbín and Na Fánaithe and regularly volunteered with Galway International Arts Festival, Macnas, Cúirt and other Arts organisations in the City.

He spent ten years working as an Arts Officer in Gaeltacht regions and after returning to education and graduating with a degree in language planning, Micheál became the first-ever Irish language planning officer in Ireland.

He worked as a language planning officer for three years in the Gaeltacht region of Cloich Cheann Fhaola in Donegal, initiating many innovative language projects. Micheál also spent two years working for a publishing company in Sao Paulo in Brazil.

Speaking about his appointment, Micheál said: “Fearacht fhormhór na nGaillimheach, táimse an-bhródúil as ár gCathair.

“Tá sé ar cheann de na háiteanna is breátha le cónaí agus le hoibriú ann agus tá spiorad iontach sa gCathair. Measaim go gcuireann an Ghaeilge go mór le beogacht agus fuinniúlacht na Gaillimhe.”

Micheál said that being seen as a modern, progressive, Gaelic city bestows Galway with a ‘unique and highly appealing identity’.

“The language sets us apart and gives us a unique selling point or ‘brand’. The language can benefit the City in so many ways: economically, in terms of tourism, in terms of identity and branding and in enhancing the life of the City in general,” he said.

“Additionally, the story of the Irish language in Galway City over the last thirty or so years is a hugely positive one.

“Galway is surrounded by the largest and strongest Gaeltacht in the country and Irish has always played an important part in the life of the City. It is no surprise that Galwegians are proud of their linguistic and cultural heritage.”

He believes that the language can benefit the City in many ways and Galway’s language planning process will set out a roadmap to ensure all the benefits of the language are maximised.

“Language planning can be a complex and difficult process; however, the aims are simple. We want to ensure that more Irish is seen, spoken, and heard on the streets and in the suburbs of Galway,” Micheál added.

“Gaillimh le Gaeilge has done such amazing work over the past 30 years and has laid a very strong foundation, including transforming the image of Irish in the City.

“I hope to build on this work and look forward to working with them, Galway City Council and other key stakeholders in the City, as together we work to implement the 36 measures outlined in the language plan.”

COVID-19: Ireland passes 300,000 total cases

By

-

July 31, 2021

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

A further 1,427 confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported by the Department of Health today.

As of 8am this morning there were 164 people in Ireland hospitalised with COVID-19, of whom 26 are in the ICU.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said that Ireland has today passed a “milestone” of 300,000 cases since the pandemic began.

“However, today we have also seen how solidarity continues to be the hallmark of our response with young people across the country lining up to get vaccinated, both to protect themselves and to play their part in protecting the community.”

“I strongly urge anyone eligible for a vaccine to come forward and avail of the opportunity as soon as possible.”

This bank holiday weekend has also seen the opening of walk-in vaccination clinics for people to get their first dose without requiring an appointment.

App creates new experience for Cliffs of Moher visitors

By

-

July 31, 2021

App Provides New Visitor Experience At Cliffs Of Moher

A new free app is providing a more in depth visitor experience for people coming to the Cliffs of Moher.

The freely available app was created to provide additional information about the history and natural features for people coming to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre.

Bobby Kerr, Chairperson of the centre’s board said “A key feature of the new app is to educate visitors and to significantly improve visitor experience while on-site, but also in the pre- and post-stages of their visit.

“It will be effective in providing information to helping guests find their way and to make the most out of their day.”

The app was developed by Digisoft.tv in conjunction with Cork-based Inhand Guides Smart Audio, to provide a range of information about the Cliffs of Moher via smartphone.

Geraldine Enright, Director of the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, said that the app should also help cut down on the amount of disposable guide materials being produced.

“The launch of this interactive app ties in with our sustainability ethos as it will greatly reduce the amount of information brochures being distributed on site.”

It also contains 13 audio tracks narrated by Conor Tallon and featuring contributions from people with an intrinsic knowledge of the rich history, geology, flora and fauna of Ireland’s most visited natural attraction.

“Everything from a map of the attraction to the weather forecast and items of local interest is there on the app.”

“The audio tracks featured on the app will provide context and extra life to what visitors are experiencing during their trip to the Cliffs of Moher,” explained Ms. Enright.

“Our staff provide local insight on the myths, history and the biodiversity of the site, while the busking tradition at the site and the traditional music of North Clare and the wider county also features.”

Water outages in Tuam due to burst mains

By

-

July 31, 2021

Galway daily news Water outages in multiple areas of Galway due to burst mains

Water outages are affecting homes and businesses in Tuam this afternoon due to a burst water mains in the town.

Irish Water is carrying out repairs to a broken pipe on the Dublin Road in Tuam reported around 10:45 this morning.

These repair works have an estimated time of completion of 4pm this afternoon.

Homes and businesses in the Tuam and Grange areas may experience water outages or other supply disruptions while they are taking place.

People affected are advised that it may take 2 – 3 after work finished before their full supply returns.

Updates can be found on Irish Water’s supply and service website page.

Elegant house and gardens in sought after city neighbourhood

By

-

July 31, 2021

Galway Daily property Stylish house and gardens in sought after city neighbourhood

This elegant two-storey house being sold by O’Donnellan & Joyce Auctioneers is a rare chance to acquire a home in one of the most sought after locations in Galway City.

Saint Theresa’s, Taylor’s Hill is a four-bed detached house, with well maintained grounds, that serves as a veritable oasis in the heart of the city.

Kept in beautiful condition throughout, with its original features well preserved, this house has style and elegance both inside and outdoors.

The ground floor of the house is the living area, with rooms all situated off the main entrance hall. While the hall is carpeted, stepping into the living and dining rooms you find warm hardwood floors that contribute the old style elegance of the building.

1 of 3

The living and dining rooms are both centred around feature fireplaces, with a smaller fireplace in another lounge area to the rear of the house.

The large and airy kitchen mixes that same old fashioned elegance with modern furnishings and tiled floor, for the best of both worlds. The kitchen comes with ample storage and work space in the abundance of cupboards, and a fitted stone countertop wrapping half of the room.

A separate utility room provided extra storage space, and another countertop working area, along with having rooms for utilities.

Upstairs are the four spacious bedrooms, all carpeted for greater comfort, and featuring large windows that create a bright and airy atmosphere. Two of the bedrooms come with space for window nooks similar to downstairs, with one already built.

The main bathroom of the house on the first floor, tiled for easy cleaning and added style, is outfitted with both a shower and bath.

1 of 2

Outside, the property has far more space than is typical of a city house. The mature hedges, bushes, and other greenery in the substantial garden, all immaculately maintained, create a private oasis in the heart of Galway.

The garden area also boasts a large, paved patio area, with a wonderful stonework feature flower bed as a centrepiece, and outdoor furniture that is ideal for entertaining, or just enjoying the sun yourself.

Unusually, this property has two separate entrances. At one, an attractive wrought iron gate and flowerbeds frame a pedestrian exit on Taylor’s Hill road itself, while another corner gate entrance at Maunsells Roads provides off-street car parking.

1 of 4

If more parking is needed by the homeowner, a solidly built shed to the rear of the property could also serve as a car garage, a storage place for gardening tools, or converted to any other use.

Taylor’s Hill is one of the most sought after residential neighbourhoods in Galway City, a quiet green street that hardly feels as though you’re in the heart of a metropolitan area.

Just a few minutes walk will bring you down to Salthill Village and Promenade, with its hotels, cafés and restaurants to enjoy, and a perfect sea view to take in while walking the Prom.

Five minutes drive towards the city centre will bring you to the hospital and NUI Galway, or just a minute further on into the Latin Quarter and downtown retail centre itself.

Saint Theresa’s is a perfect home for anyone looking for somewhere with space and privacy, but without giving up the convenience of living in the heart of Galway City.

O’Donnellan & Joyce Auctioneers are offering this house for sale by private treaty, with an asking price of €. Originally constructed in 1950, this property has a BER F Energy Efficiency rating.

Viewing of this property is highly recommended. To see more information, and for a virtual 3D walkthrough of the building, check it out at: odonnjoyce.com/residential/brochure/saint-theresa-s-taylors-hill-road-co-galway/4518902.

To arrange a viewing, or for any other inquiries about this property, contact O’Donnellan & Joyce during working hours at 091 564 212.

Community Enhancement funding approved for 39 Galway City projects

By

-

July 31, 2021

Galway Daily news Open call for applicants to Galway City Creative Communities Grant

Funding has been provided for several dozen projects around Galway City meant to enhance community facilities around Galway City.

Galway City LCDC has approved the allocation of over €130,000 to charities, community centres, sports hubs, arts groups and more under the Community Enhancement Programme (CEP).

In total 39 projects have been approved funding for a variety of projects that will enhance facilities in disadvantaged areas, targeted appropriately towards the areas that need it most.

The majority of the grants in this programme are for €1,000 or less, targeting smaller community projects that need help getting started.

Several of the allocations were also to assist groups in providing equipment or adaptations to account for COVID-19.

The CEP is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development, which allocated €4.5 million for the scheme this year back in May.

Some of the larger grants in Galway City include €10,000 each to, the Brothers of Charity for a tracking hoist and pool lift for people with difficulties, a community hub in the city for Age Action West, reopening the Croí na Gaillimhe centre, and COVID renovations to the Order of Malta community centre for older people.

The full list of projects funded in Galway City is:

Ard Gardening Group
Funding to repair container unit used for storing equipment
€700
Castlegar Athletic Club
Purchase machinery and equipment to enhance training area
€950
Eastside Community Drama
Funding towards reopening costs for community group
€825
Galway City Partnership/Ballybane Afterschool Programme – ACE Club
Purchase of music equipment for the community based afterschool’s programme
€990
Irish Wheelchair Association
Purchase of IT equipment to support online supports / classes
€1,000
Merlin Woods Tennis Club
Purchase of sports and safety equipment
€1,000
Mervue Active Retirement Bowls Club
Purchase of bowling equipment
€880
Age Action West
Development of Community Hub in Galway City to serve as an inclusive community space for community activities and programmes
€10,000
Atmos Collective
Purchase of music recording equipment to enable students to participate and to facilitate community performances
€2,190
Ballinfoile Mór Community Garden
Purchase and installation of doors for outdoor community garden area
€1,000
Ballybane & Doughiska Sports Hub
Purchase shelving for container unit to store equipment safely and securely
€1,000
Ballybane Community Resource Centre
Installation of energy saving sensors and upgrade camera system
€3,670
Ballybane Taskforce
Purchase of equipment to develop a ‘community café’ space in the Ballybane Community Resource Centre
€2,500
Blue Teapot Theatre Company
Renovation works to day service space and energy efficiency upgrade
€4,600
Cancer Care West
Purchase and installation of new outdoor structure at residential facility for patients and families
€7,000
COPE Galway Older People’s Service
Purchase gardening equipment / material to enhance outdoor space
€2,100
Croi na Gaillimhe
Funding towards reopening costs for Centre
€10,000
Croi na Tuath
Purchase of outdoor sports equipment
€1,500
Domestic Violence Response
Purchase of IT equipment to facilitate online meetings and supports for service users
€1,495
Foróige Galway STEAM Project
Purchase of IT equipment for use in a pilot programme in Eastside Youth Service
€2,870
Galway African Diaspora-Ireland
Purchase of music equipment to showcase cultural diversity and inclusion
€1,600
Galway Autism Partnership
Enhancement of outdoor space and creation of sensory garden for members of all ages
€5,000
Galway Centre for Independent Living
Installation of weather proof canopy to further develop the facility
€6,790
Galway Community Circus
Replacement works to community centre to enhance and improve facility
€9,500
Galway Hooker Sailing Club
Purchase of machinery and equipment to support education and training for local community
€5,705
Galway Simon Community
Purchase of garden equipment and materials to enhance the outdoor space at the Youth Service
€1,170
OLBC Youth Club
Purchase of sports equipment for use by youth club and other local community groups
€1,270
Order of Malta Centre for Older People
Renovation of community building as a result of COVID-19 to ensure continuity of service
€10,000
Renmore Active Retirement Group
Funding towards reopening costs for local community group
€1,000
Roscam and Doughiska Men’s Shed
Purchase of workshop tools and IT equipment
€2,700
Sexual Health West (Formerly AIDS West)
Purchase of office equipment needed as result of COVID-19
€1,570
Shantalla Community Allotments
Purchase of outdoor accessible furniture to enhance community area
€2,100
St James Ladies Football Club
Upgrade works to dressing rooms
€8,000
Teach Athais Childcare Centre
Purchase of sensory equipment for children with additional needs
€1,770
Umbrella Eile
Funding towards reopening costs & purchase of IT equipment
€2,000
Westside Age Inclusion Ltd
Purchase of IT equipment
€1,240
Westside Community Organic Garden
Enhancement works to polytunnel to keep it safe and secure
€2,400
Westside Resource Centre
Purchase new shutter door to enhance safety at the centre and upgrade of internal doors
€2,370
Brothers of Charity Service Ireland West Region
Installation of tracking hoist and pool lift to enable access for those most in need
€10,000

Galway woman to shave head in fundraiser for Bodywhys

By

-

July 31, 2021

galway daily news galway woman fundraiser

Galway woman Caoimhe May will shave her head in a fundraiser for Bodywhys, the national voluntary organisation supporting people affected by eating disorders.

Caoimhe is a recovered survivor of anorexia nervousa and says that the support and facilities in Ireland to treat eating disorders are completely inadequate.

Donations have flooded in and Caoimhe has raised €800 so far on her official GoFundMe campaign page, and is now closing in on her target of €1,000.

Caoimhe’s recovery began on 19 May 2020, and says that immediate help is so important, yet so many people deteriorate or die before they receive the help that they need.

“The reason I am raising money for Bodywhys is because the more facilities and free help there is in Ireland for eating disorders, the better. But that costs money that no government is going to give us any time soon,” she said.

“When I was at my sickest, I lost my hair. While I’ve grown the majority of it back now, I think it’s worth losing it again if I can even at least help one person from spiralling down into an eating disorder or giving someone who’s hit rock bottom a better chance.

“That is why I am asking you to please, please donate whatever you can to support me shaving my head for those suffering from an eating disorder in Ireland.”

The GoFundMe campaign has been set up to raise money for Bodywhys to try to help those who are going through a difficult time to come through the other side.

Founded in 1995, Bodywhys’ mission is to ensure support, awareness and understanding of eating disorders amongst the wider community as well as advocating for the rights and healthcare needs of people affected by eating disorders.

Their vision is that people affected by eating disorders will have their needs met through the provision of appropriate, integrated, quality services being delivered by a range of statutory, private and voluntary agencies.

Donate here!

Three new bank holidays proposed in new PBP Bill

By

-

July 31, 2021

galway daily news new bank holiday bill ireland

People Before Profit has launched a Bill to introduce three extra bank holidays between September and February.

The dates included in the Bill are February 1st, the last Monday in September, and the last Monday in November each year.

Ireland currently lags behind many EU countries in bank holiday entitlements, with 20 days minimum holiday entitlements and nine paid public holidays.

In comparison, France has 30 days minimum holiday entitlements and 11 paid public holidays, while regions in Spain have up to 14 public holidays throughout the year.

Adrian Curran, People Before Profit representative for Galway, said that workers in Ireland deserve more bank holidays and that the Government should pass this simple Bill without opposition.

“Workers in Ireland are lagging way behind their European counterparts in terms of paid holiday entitlements. This Bill would begin to realign the balance by introducing three new bank holiday dates – in February, September and November,” said Adrian Curran.

“Since the beginning of the pandemic workers in Ireland have been working the equivalent of 38 extra hours per month, according to a LinkedIn survey, and have experienced increased stress levels working from home.”

He said that it is only right and fair that workers in this country who work extremely hard are rewarded with extra public holidays.

“The pandemic has hit workers in this country hard,” added Mr Curran.

“Frontline staff like health workers and nurses, cleaners, retail staff and public transport workers have been on the frontline keeping us all safe from the virus.

“Many of these workers, in the main, are not paid enough for the work that they have done and the efforts they have and are putting in over this pandemic.”

New visiting times at UHG and Merlin Park from Tuesday

By

-

July 31, 2021

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

Visiting times at University Hospital Galway and Merlin Park Hospital will change on Tuesday 3 August, when the afternoon visiting slot is scrapped in favour of an extra hour in the evening.

From Tuesday, both hospitals will be allowing one visitor per patient each day between 6pm and 8pm.

These visits must be arranged by family members or visitors in advance by contacting the relevant ward or Unit.

Ms Chris Kane, Hospital Manager at Galway University Hospitals, explained that the afternoon visiting time introduced in June resulted in long queues of visitors waiting to get into the hospital.

“In order to help us manage the volume of people in the hospital and maintain social distancing, we are changing to a two-hour visiting time every evening,” said Ms Kane.

“This should be more convenient for people who want to visit after work and for ease of parking.”

Ms Kane reminded visitors that they must complete a COVID-19 screening checklist on entry to the hospital, and that they must follow public health guidance including wearing a surgical mask and performing good hand hygiene regularly during their visit to the hospital.

“Children are not permitted to visit the hospital at this time unless agreed in advance, on compassionate grounds, with the ward manager.

“We are grateful to the public for their co-operation in ensuring we can facilitate visiting in a safe manner to protect both patients and visitors,” she added.

Details on maternity department visiting are available here.

HSE warns of scam vaccine appointment texts

By

-

July 30, 2021

The HSE has warned that criminals are sending text messages claiming to offer COVID-19 vaccination appointments.

The texts provide a link to pre-book a vaccination appointment and to complete the booking, people have been asked to enter credit or debit card details in a payment section.

The HSE has reminded the public that it does not charge for COVID-19 related services, including vaccinations, and says that such texts should be ignored.

“You will never be asked for your bank details or to pay for a vaccine by a member of HSE vaccination staff,” the HSE said this evening in a statement.

“If you are concerned or suspicious about any contact you have received regarding Covid-19 vaccinations, please call HSELive on 1800 700 700 and contact your local Gardaí.”

COVID-19: 1,501 new cases reported today

By

-

July 30, 2021