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Further decrease in Galway PUP recipients this week

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Galway Daily news Four Galway community groups awarded funding for special transport vehicles

The number of people in receipt of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment in Galway has decreased again this week.

There are now 8,363 people in receipt of the payment – a decrease of 377 since last week.

Minister Heather Humphreys said that it is encouraging to see more and more people returning to work every week.

Over 325,000 people have come off the Pandemic Unemployment Payment since February, and Minister Humphreys expects this strong trend to continue throughout August.

“It’s important that people remember to close their claim for the Pandemic Unemployment Payment on their first day back at work,” she said.

“Our national vaccination programme continues to make tremendous progress with over 6 million vaccine doses now administered. Uptake of the vaccine in Ireland is high across all age categories by international standards which is a credit to our citizens.

“It has been particularly uplifting in recent weeks to see the huge response from our young people at walk-in centres across the country.”

The Minister said that the Government will continue to monitor the progress of the virus and the vaccination programme over the coming weeks with a view to bringing forward a roadmap for the easing or removal of remaining restrictions by the end of August.

The county with the highest number of people receiving PUP is Dublin which stands at 59,480. It is followed by Cork with 14,025 and Galway is third with 8,363 recipients.

Man (80s) killed in three car motorway crash

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Galway Daily news missing teen found safe

A man in his 80s was killed in three car crash on the M6 motorway near Athenry earlier today, and three others were injured.

Three cars were involved in a collision at the junction of the M6 and M17 motorways shortly before 1pm on Thursday.

The driver of one vehicle, a man in his 80s, was pronounced dead at the scene of the incident.

The passenger of this same vehicle, a woman also in her 80s, was taken to University Hospital Galway with serious injuries.

The drivers of the two other vehicles, women in their 20s and 60s respectively, were also taken to UHG with non-life threatening injuries.

The road was closed for a period of time as Forensic Collision Investigators examined the scene but has since re-opened.

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this incident to come forward, particularly any drivers who may have dash cam footage, and make it available.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Galway Garda Station on 091 538000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

COVID-19: 1,903 new cases reported today

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

Health officials have this afternoon reported a further 1,903 cases of COVID-19 in the State.

As of 8am today, 219 people who have tested positive for the virus are in hospitals across the Republic, of whom 37 are in ICU.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said that vaccines are about 80% effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 and they provide approximately 95% protection against hospitalisation.

“This protection against severe disease holds up even in the context of the Delta variant,” said the CMO.

“Ireland’s vaccination programme is currently preventing at least 2,700 cases per week per million population.

“The COVID-19 vaccination programme has shown not only the best of scientific and medical endeavour, but also commendable solidarity by those who have come forward to receive a vaccine for the good of themselves and their wider community.”

Two Galway producers secure contracts on Lidl Kickstart programme

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galway daily news lidl

Two Galway-based producers have secured contracts through the Lidl Ireland Kickstart Producer Development Programme.

Gran Grans Foods and Hi Pro Food have been selected for the programme which gives Irish food and drink suppliers the chance to showcase their products throughout Lidl’s 210 stores across the country.

The Kickstart promotion launched in all Lidl stores across the island of Ireland today and is available while stocks last.

This year’s programme celebrates the very best of Irish produce from 43 small indigenous suppliers and will feature the following Galway based brands.

Echoing Bord Bia’s support for Lidl’s Kickstart Supplier Development Programme, Bord Bia CEO, Tara McCarthy said: “There is no doubt that while it has been a challenging period for the Irish food industry, we are also witnessing some excellent examples of resilience in the face of adversity.

“It is heartening to see indigenous producers experiencing growth in the past months as a result of heightened consumer demand for Irish products.

“This shows that key supports, such as Lidl Ireland’s annual Kickstart Supplier Development Programme, are key drivers in that growth, giving small local producers the skill sets to upscale and grow their businesses, making homegrown produce accessible on a national level.”

Given the ongoing success of the programme, Lidl Ireland is again calling on Irish food and drink, and for the first time, non-food producers, that want to boost their business to apply now for its 2022 Kickstart Supplier Development Programme at www.lidl.ie/kickstart.

Once applications close at the end of year, Lidl Ireland will carefully choose a selection of suppliers to take part in the programme with their products to feature on Lidl’s shelves next summer, like these local products from this year’s Kickstart range.

Gran Grans Foods was founded by Nigel and Magaly Murray, a family run business located in Co. Galway.

Their passion for food has brought them to create an impressive range of innovative marmalades, sauce, chutneys, and condiments.

Lidl will stock their award-winning Gran Gran Foods Lemon Marmalade (€2.49), packed with flavour and quality fresh ingredients to keep its “Taste of Home”.

Hi Pro Food is based in Galway since 2020, creating a new generation of healthy and 100% natural healthy bars  with a focus on healthy life style.

Powermax healthy bars are suitable for vegans and are hand made using raw ingredients free from preservatives, colouring and added sugar. Lidl will stock Hi Pro Healthy Bars for €1.49 each.

Gardaí and emergency services at scene of M6 traffic collision

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Gardaí and emergency services are currently at the scene of a traffic collision on the M6 motorway outside of Athenry.

The motorway is closed in the area of the incident between Athenry and Rathmorrisey following the collision earlier this afternoon.

The incident occurred on the M6 eastbound between Junction 17 Athenry and Junction 18 Rathmorrissey.

The road has been closed and local diversions are currently in place.

As Gardaí remain at the scene, no further information about the nature of the traffic collision is available at this time.

Free outdoor concerts in Galway this weekend

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Galway Daily music Free outdoor concerts in Galway this weekend

As part of the effort to breathe life back into to the music scene in Galway a series of free, live concerts, Ceol an tSamhraidh, will kick off this weekend.

The first series of open air concerts is taking place over the weekend of August 13-15, with free ticketed performances in Ballyglunin and Corr na Móna for audiences of 200 people.

On Friday 13th August, two live outdoor concerts will take place in the unique venue of Ballyglunin Railway Station.

At 4pm Fuse Collective; a group of local talented young Tuam musicians will perform followed by a later event with the The Raines playing from 8pm.

The Raines are a new collaboration, comprising three talented musicians: Yvonne Tiernan, Ruth Dillon and Juliana Erkkonen.

On Saturday 14 August the music continues at Ballyglunin Station, with an exciting line up including Darragh O’Dea and The Delicate Dogs taking to the stage at 4pm, with the later gig being headlined by The Whileaways at 8pm.

On Sunday 15th August, Ceol an tSamhraidh moves to Pairc Chorr na Móna with a show starting at 6pm.

It will feature Back West, Back the Valley, Kelly Fitzhenry and Friends with Aindreas de Staic as “Fear an Tí “.

Back West are a group of four young musicians, Maureen and Brendan Browne on fiddle/vocals and accordion respectively are joined by Lord of the Dance Peter Vickers on hand and foot percussion, accompanied by virtuoso guitar/vocalist Fabian Joyce.

Back the Valley are a group of musicians from Clonbur: Martin Coyne, Barney McCabe, Colm Naughton, Pearse Doherty and Jamie O’Neill.

More exciting weekend concerts are planned for later in August and September featuring Local musicians throughout the county. Further details will be announced shortly.

“It has been an exciting opportunity to bring live music back to audiences in Galway and support the wider event industry in the county”, said Sharon O’Grady Arts Officer.

Ceol an tSamhraidh is part of the Government’s Local Live Performance Programming Scheme, presented by the County Council tourism office, and funded by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.

This scheme aims to provide support for people in the live performance industry and facilitate programming of outdoor live performances in Galway through summer 2021, animating town centres for local communities.

Ruth Mulhern, Galway County Tourism Officer said “we have had the pleasure of showcasing Galway talent within our unique landscape across the east and west of the county”.

Tickets for this weekend’s concerts are free but limited. Book you tickets online at https://www.eventbrite.ie/o/ceol-an-tsamhraidh-34147364965 

COVID-19: vaccine registration opens for 12-15 year olds

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Galway Daily news Parents advised to keep on top of school immunisation programme

Registration has opened today for people aged from 12 to 15 years old to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Children who opted to get vaccinated will be offered either a Moderna of Pfizer mRNA vaccine, either at a vaccination centre, or through their GP or participating pharmacies.

The majority of children will be vaccinated close to their home, and will need to bring a parent or guardian to their appointment.

If parental consent was not given online during the registration process, they will also have to give consent for their children to be vaccinated on the day.

Dr Lucy Jessop Director of Public Health at the HSE National Immunisation Office said that vaccines will be offered to all in this age group.

But, she added, they are “particularly recommended” for those with a health condition putting them at greater risk from COVID-19, or who live with someone at risk.

“Parents of healthier children can read all about the benefits and risks of the vaccine on hse.ie and make an informed choice about vaccinating their child against COVID-19.”

Parents can read about COVID-19 vaccines for 12-15s here: https://www2.hse.ie/screening-and-vaccinations/covid-19-vaccine/get-the-vaccine/deciding-on-vaccination-for-12-to-15-year-olds/.

Swimming ban at Ballyloughane beach due to bacteria

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Galway Daily news Swimming ban at Ballyloughane Beach due to E. Coli

Galway City Council has issued a temporary swimming ban for Ballyloughane Beach after elevated bacteria levels were detected this week.

Water samples taken from the beach on August 9 found elevated bacteria levels following a period of heavy rainfall.

Further samples were taken on Wednesday, and an update is from the city council is expected on Friday when the results of these samples are delivered.

In the meantime, people at Ballyloughane Beach should avoid swimming there, especially if you have an open wound or are pregnant.

To reduce the risk of illness, the public are also advised against splashing or swallowing any water, and to wash their hands before handling any food.

Higher levels of bacteria are usually short-lived and most swimmers are unlikely to experience any illness.

The county council has also had a swimming ban in place at Barna recently after heavy rainfall caused bacteria levels to rise.

IFI investigating after Pike discovered in Connemara lake

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Galway Daily news IFI investigating after Pike discovered in Connemara lake

Inland Fisheries Ireland are investigating after the presence of invasive Pike has been confirmed in Aughrusbeg Lough in Galway.

The Pike has never been officially recorded in the Lough before, and this week’s poses a potential threat to fish species present.

The introduction of the carnivorous species to small low-complexity lakes, such as Aughrusbeg Lough, could be devastating to resident fish populations.

New introductions are also potentially a carrier of fish disease and parasites, the IFI said.

IFI is investigating to determine if the fish was ‘introduced’ to the lake through human activity, by the illegal movement of fish between watercourses.

Francis O’Donnell, Chief Executive Officer of Inland Fisheries Ireland said: “Ireland’s inland waterbodies are ecologically important ecosystems, which support significant recreational fisheries for native and established fish species.

“‘Introductions’ of new species threaten these ecosystems that they support, potentially in unforeseen ways, and are a major cause for concern for Inland Fisheries Ireland.”

“Unfortunately, a similar introduction of pike into the upper sections of the Owenriff catchment in County Galway over ten years ago caused the virtual collapse of what had been a very important salmonid fishery in the West of Ireland.”

IFI is currently assessing data from the latest fish stock survey in order to try and determine the age and distribution of the pike population in the lake.

In the mean-time, Inland Fisheries Ireland is appealing to all anglers to protect Ireland’s fisheries by not moving fish between watercourses, for any reason.

To report suspicions around the illegal movement of fish between watercourses, anglers and members of the public are encouraged to call Inland Fisheries Ireland’s confidential hotline number on 1890 34 74 24, which is open 24 hours a day.

CPO approved for Athenry Sewerage Scheme

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Galway Daily news Water outages in Athenry on Tuesday

Plans for the the Athenry Sewerage Scheme Network have taken a step forward, with a compulsory purchase order approved by An Bord Pleanála.

A CPO for the wastewater scheme was lodged by Irish Water with the planning authority in July, and it was approved last week with no objections lodged.

The upgrades to the Athenry sewerage network are meant to reduce sewer overflows into the River Clarin, improving the water quality of the river.

The project will also increase the wastewater capacity of the network in order to accommodate future growth of the town.

With the necessary CPO approved by An Bord Pleanála, the next stage of the project will be to make a planning application to the county council.

Subject to the planning process, it is expected that work on the scheme will commence in the latter half of 2022.

These latest works follow on from a €5.5 million upgrade to the existing wastewater treatment plant in 2019.

Public advised to avoid beaches and cliffs during weather warning

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Galway Daily news Storm Amy

People are being advised to stay away from exposed beaches, cliffs and piers, harbor walls and promenades during a weather warning today.

The forecasted unseasonable severe weather conditions will coincide with spring tides and rough to high seas, with the potential for wave overtopping and hazardous coastal conditions.

The Coast Guard encourages the public to remember to “Stay Back, Stay High and Stay Dry” and if you see anyone if difficulty call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.

A Status Yellow weather warning for “unseasonably windy” weather is in force for Galway today, and will be in place until 3pm.

During this time, average wind speeds of 40 to 50km/hr are forecast, with gusts reaching up to 90km/hr.

Winds will be strongest along the coast, as well as exposed and higher terrain. Very rough seas are expected too.

Being near an exposed cliff during high winds can have tragic consequences.

During Storm Ali in 2018, a tourist from Switzeland lost her life in Claddaghduff when the caravan she was in was blown over a cliff.

COVID-19: 1,819 new cases reported in Ireland

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

There have been a further 1,819 new cases of COVID-19 in the state reported by health officials today.

As of this morning there were 206 people in the country hospitalised with COVID, the same amount as yesterday.

There are 36 patients in serious condition who are being treated in the ICU.

Dr. Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, said “Vaccination, combined with basic public health measures, is the most effective way to protect the community against COVID-19.”

“From tomorrow, registration for the COVID-19 vaccine programme opens for young people aged between 12 and 15 years of age.”

“With over 6 million vaccine doses administered to date, each week we reach another important milestone in our journey out of this pandemic,” Ronan Glynn said.

“If you are pregnant and you have concerns about taking the vaccine, speak to your GP, obstetrician or midwife for guidance and for bespoke health advice for your pregnancy.”

“Use trusted sources of information such as the HSE or Department of Health for the latest vaccine information.”

The Connacht Hospitality Group have outdoor dining covered with style

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Galway Daily food & drink The Connacht Hospitality Group have outdoor dining covered in style

With summer now in full bloom, people have their choice of outdoor dining spots to eat, drink, and be merry, and The Connacht Hospitality Group have transformed all of their locations to give a wealth of stylish options for just that.

All of the hotels and bars in the group, popular locations around Galway City and outside Oranmore, have transformed their outdoor spaces for al fresco dining.

An Pucán, where the beer garden has been a hit spot long before outdoor dining became a common part of people’s vocabulary, has been redecorated to create a unique space.

Bright and air, but still protected from the elements, the Heineken Garden at An Pucán is a fantastic space to hang with friends that has been designed to put the garden in beer garden.

The Connacht Hospitality Group have outdoor dining covered in style
An Pucan Heineken Garden

The bustling 1520 have created a haven in the heart of the Latin Quarter, where diners can site and watch the returning life of the city pass by as they eat.

If you’re enjoying a day in the heart of the city, 1520 is a perfect place to stop for a bite and a pint, and soak in the music from Galway’s famed buskers.

The Connacht Hospitality Group have outdoor dining covered in style
1520 Bar in the Latin Quarter

The trendy HYDE Bar is bringing its style to Forster Streets, against the chic background of the Forster Court Hotel.

The Connacht Hospitality Group have outdoor dining covered in style
The HYDE Bar

And the talented team at the Connacht Hotel have created a beautiful outdoor space that is perfect for a family dinner outing.

The latest update to the hotel, which was given a completely new look not long past, this stylish dining area features custom made furniture, created with recycled materials as part of the hotel’s push for sustainability.

The Connacht Hotel

Picturesque doesn’t do justice to the Galway Bay Golf Resort in Renville, where the resorts patio space offers some of the most stunning views of Galway Bay imaginable.

A great place to stop for a coffee and lunch while enjoying the wild Atlantic coast in Reville Park, or for an evening dinner if you want to get out of the bustle of the city.

Galway Bay Golf Resort

Whether you are a local or a visitor to the city these venues are offering some of the best outdoor dining options for this Summer. 

For more details visit www.connachthospitalitygroup.ie.

 

sponsored by the Connacht Hospitality Group

Status yellow weather warning issued for Galway

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Galway daily weather Met Eireann weather warning in force for Galway today

Met Éireann has issued a status yellow weather warning for wind which will come into force on Thursday morning.

It will be unseasonably windy in Galway on Thursday, with south to southeast winds veering southwest. These winds are expected to reach mean speeds of 40 to 50 km/h with gusts of up to 90 km/h.

Winds will be strongest along the coast as well as exposed and higher terrain, and very rough seas are also expected.

The warning comes into effect at 8am on Thursday morning and will remain in place until 5pm.

Clare, Donegal, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo are also included in the yellow wind warning.

UHG is Ireland’s second most overcrowded hospital today

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Galway Daily news UHG overcrowding

UHG is the second most overcrowded hospital in the country today, with 32 patients admitted to the hospital who are without a bed.

Figures from the INMO show all 32 patients without a bed at University Hospital Galway are on trolleys in the Emergency Department.

The only hospital in a more serious condition than UHG today is University Hospital Limerick, where 43 patients are without a bed.

There are a further 14 patients at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe who are without a bed today, seven on trolleys in the ED, and seven in the wards.

In total, the INMO Trolley/Ward Watch shows that there are 369 patients in Ireland’s acute hospitals today who do not have beds.

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisatsion has raised the alarm on hospital overcrowding rapidly climbing back to pre-pandemic levels.

This is happening at a time when hospitalisations due to COVID-19, and the pressure they put on hospital space, are still rising slowly but steadily.

Funding announced for six Galway youth services

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Galway Daily news Almost 1,000 Ukrainian pupils enrolled in Galway schools

Six youth services in the Galway-Roscommon area have been awarded €55,000 in funding by the government.

Minister for Children Roderic O’Gorman has today approved €800k in additional funding for a total of 65 youth services around the country.

The money is allocated to education and training boards around the country, which received expressions of interest from services in their area.

Minister O’Gorman said that this money is not about COVID-19, but a long term investment in services for young people.

“I particularly welcome the assistance of the ETBs and their efforts to maximise the funding available. This sees the greatest benefit for young people supported by smaller youth services receiving additional funding today.”

“I am aware of the incredible hard work taking place in youth services across the country under challenging conditions.”

“This funding will go a long way in bolstering the sustainability of over 60 services across the country.”

This money comes is part of the first year of the UBU Resilience and Effectiveness Initiative, which aims to help out organisations experiencing cost pressures, or which would benefit from having more youth workers.

Traffic management in place for Mountbellew roadworks

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Galway Daily news Traffic disruption from roadworks

Traffic management measures are in place for roadworks between Ahascragh and Mountbellew today.

Galway County Council is carrying out works on the R358, near the tractor garage, today.

In order to enable these roadworks, a stop and go system will be in place to manage traffic.

A convoy vehicle will be escorting motorists through the affected area.

Progress made on development of Athenry Gaelscoil

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Galway Daily news Contact tracing being ended in primary schools

Progress has been made on the development on a new Gaelscoil campus in Athenry.

Galway East TD Sean Canney said that the Department of Education has confirmed to him that a design team has been appointed for the project.

“The project includes the delivery of two new schools consisting of a national school at the site of the former Clarin College”.

The gaelscoil development has been devolved to the leadership of the Galway & Roscommon Education and Training Board.

Once the design team has finished their work, the next step will be for a planning application to be made in regards the school.

“This project is the final piece in the jigsaw for the delivery of modern facilities with the Presentation College and Clarin College both now complete and operational, representing a capital investment in excess of €40 million for Athenry and the catchment”.

What Types of Casino Players Might You Encounter in Galway?

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Galway Daily news More than 57,000 people receiving CAO offers today

Online casinos have become an extremely popular form of entertainment and they share a number of variables in common with their real-world counterparts. We are not only referring to fun games and lucrative payouts in this sense.

These virtual portals attract many of the same types of players. Whether you plan to head out to a local Galway establishment or you instead with to converse with other casino online fans via chat forums, it pays to learn about the different personalities that you are likely to come across from time to time. Let us take a look at three unique mindsets and the qualities that serve to define each.

Grind Players

Some of us are naturally more conservative in nature. Or, we might be forced to deal with a somewhat limited bankroll. These are two of the traits which are often associated with so-called “grind” players. This type of player tends to look for the biggest first deposit bonus and place smaller bets at extremely frequent intervals.

The theory here is that even tiny wagers will add up over time if the right strategies are employed. Of course, these bets can also help to keep losses to a minimum. It is nonetheless a fact that some grind players can walk away with massive windfalls; particularly if they choose to participate in games that offer progressive jackpots.

Advanced Novices

As the name suggests, this next type of player possesses a fair amount of experience. Therefore, he or she feels more comfortable when placing sizeable wagers. Although these individuals are not likely to go “all in” unless they are confident about their position, they can still take risks from time to time. Advanced novices are also keen to take advantage of the bonuses offered by trusted online portals such as 888 Casino. They appreciate the fact that these rewards will contribute to their bankroll and they will perform a fair amount of research in order to make the right decisions at the appropriate times.

Premium Players

Premium players are also known as high-end players within the casino industry. Often enjoying the perks of VIP treatment, such individuals bet relatively large. As they are also willing to incur losses on occasion, the chances are high that they enjoy a substantial bankroll. Premium players are also more likely to participate in private tournaments which offer larger jackpots than are available to standard enthusiasts.

This type of personality can sometimes display an aggressive side; especially when playing head-to-head games such as poker and blackjack. Although this may seem somewhat abrasive to others, it is simply part of their overall strategy. Whether seen at a real-world Galway casino or encountered within an online chat room, these players can normally be recognised by their sheer experience on the tables.

Of course, combinations of the three primary types are also possibilities. What type of player do you consider yourself to be? Learning to appreciate these specific traits is one of the best ways to make the most out of your talents.

Social Players

Another type of casino player loves the ability to interact with others. When referring to a physical casino, these individuals are drawn to games associated with a fair amount of interpersonal competition (such as poker). They enjoy conversing with their peers and this is actually one of the main reasons why they are attracted to the casino lifestyle.

Social players are also seen within online chat forums and live streaming feeds. While there is no doubt that they are present to earn a bit of extra money, they have no problem speaking to others and even providing timely advice to novices. If you happen to be relatively unfamiliar with a specific platform, coming across a social player is an excellent way to boost your skill set. After all, why not make a few friends along the way?

Chance-Based Players

Others enjoy the decidedly random nature of certain games. While many online articles claim to possess the “secret” of craps, roulette or bingo, the simple fact is that these games are primarily based off of chance. It is not possible for the user to influence the outcome of a specific round. This is in direct contrast to platforms associated with a fair amount of skill (blackjack and Texas Hold’em poker are two examples here).

Chance-based players are attracted to the allure of “lady luck” and they revel in the thrill of winning it big. As you might have guessed, the majority of these individuals do not mind losing a bit of money from time to time. Chance-based players are also not likely to place premium wagers. In other words, they are allured by the fun and exciting nature of the games themselves. This type of player is also more likely to remain up to date with any new variants as they are introduced to the public.

Cemetery Sunday at Bohermore to livestream

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Cemetery Sunday at Bohermore to livestream

Cemetery Sunday Mass from Bohermore will be livestreamed this weekend, so people can join in from their homes.

The mass ceremony will take place at Bohermore Cemetery at 11am on Sunday, August 15.

In agreement with the Diocese, this mass will be held behind closed doors and will not be open to the public.

However, this mass will be streamed live via http://studiorove.ie/graveyardmass/.