Ten days left for charities to apply for Ecclesiastical’s Movement for Good awards

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July 28, 2021

Galway daily sport Joe Canning retires from inter-county hurling

Galway legend Joe Canning has announced that he is ending his storied career in inter-county hurling.

Canning, now 32 years old, cited the impact of multiple recent injuries and surgeries as his reason for stepping back.

His decision came immediately after Galway’s 1-30 to 3-20 loss to Waterford in the 2nd round qualifier last week.

Joe Canning debuted for Galway in 2008, and in the years since then has claimed four All-Ireland titles through the years, including the coveted senior victory in 2017.

He has also won five GAA All-Stars Awards, and is finishing his career as the all time top championship scorer.

But while he is done with playing for Galway, Canning will continue to be involved with Portumna at the club level.

Galway City Community Network calls for climate action

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July 28, 2021

Galway Daily news Community Climate Action public information evenings in Galway City

The Galway City Community Network held its summer plenary meeting recently, where there was a strong focus on encouraging climate action.

Motions passed at the meeting called for the city council to encourage climate action and sustainability, both at a local and national level, as well as ensuring that everyone is able to engage with local government.

The meeting was joined by Mayor of Galway City Colette Connolly, who spoke about the need for the city development plan to reflect the input of the community sector, and protect recreational amenities that making Galway such a welcoming city.

Ann Irwin, GCCN Coordinator said “We are delighted that the Mayor of Galway City joined us for what is our second Plenary meeting of the year.”

“It was encouraging to hear that Cllr Colette Connolly’s priorities for her term as Mayor and for the new City Development Plan are aligned with the needs of the community, voluntary and environmental sectors in the city, including marginalised communities.”

The Galway City Community Network represents more than 150 voluntary, environmental, and community organisations in the city.

The GCCN serves as a bridge between these groups, and the communities they represent, and Galway City Council.

Three motions were passed at the GCCN’s plenary meeting last week, calling on the city council to improve accessibility to council documents, support a fracking ban, and develop a greenhouse emissions strategy.

The first motion called for the city council to ensure that all of its documents are published in a machine readable format, for the benefit of people with vision loss.

The second asks the council to call on the Irish government to propose a UN General Assembly resolution calling for a global ban on fracking.

The final motion calls for the city council, working with “third level institutions and the relevant state agencies”, to develop a greenhouse gas emissions baseline for the city, against which progress can be measured.

Planning permission extended for proposed solar farm near Portumna

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July 28, 2021

Galway Daily news perovskite solar panels

More time has been granted to planning permission for a proposed solar farm to be located north of Portumna.

An extension of duration to planning permission was sought by HTS Source Renewable Partners Ltd for the planned 5MW solar farm in the townland of Longford.

Galway County Council first gave its approval to this project on May 29 of 2017, and without work commencing, this is due to expire by the same date in 2022.

The EOD application stated that the lack of progress in beginning the project has been due to delays by the ESB in awarding a grid connection, and that no substantial works will be carried out on site by the time permission expires.

It is currently estimated that development will commence by Q1 of 2024, or sooner subject to ESB agreements, with a view towards finishing in Q4 of the same year or earlier, again based on ESB agreements.

The solar farm itself will consist of rows of photovoltaic panels mounted on frames and orientated to the south in order to maximise the benefit from the sun while fixed in place.

The 11.78ha site consists predominantly of two large fields, with access proposed from the L-4302 road.

Other works associated with the solar farm will include building two electricity control buildings, underground cabling and ducting, and boundary fencing with security cameras.

When completed, the solar farm will have a maximum export capacity of 5MW of renewable electricity.

Emergency Department at Portiuncula under pressure this week

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July 28, 2021

Galway Daily news Portiuncula Hospital reports high flu circulation

The emergency department at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe is extremely busy this week, putting pressure on bed availability.

The Saolta Hospital Group says that there is a higher than average number of people attending the emergency department this week.

This is putting pressure on beds at the hospital, with people waiting significant lengths of time to be admitted to an acute bed from the A&E.

People are asked to contact the their GP or the Westdoc Out Of Hours Service/Midoc Out of Hours Service if their health issue is not urgent.

“We would also like to remind patients that the Injury Unit in Roscommon University Hospital is open from 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to treat a range of injuries in both adults and children over five years of age.”

“We are committed to treating everyone who presents at our ED but we do so strictly in order of medical priority and apologise for the long wait times,” a Saolta statement said this morning.

There are 27 patients at Portiuncula without a bed this morning according to the INMO, far higher than usual for the Ballinasloe hospital.

These numbers have been increasing all week in the INMO’s Trolley/Ward Watch figures, with 20 patients going without a bed on Monday, rising to 22 yesterday.

Galway women make history to claim Olympic medals

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July 28, 2021

Galway Daily sport Galway women make history with Olympic medals — The Irish Women's Four Rowing team after their Olympic win in Tokyo. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile

It’s a proud day for Galway women Aifric Keogh and Fiona Murtagh as they have claimed the bronze medal in their Olympic rowing finals today.

The Women’s Four team of Keogh, Murtagh and teammates Eimear Lambe and Emily Hegarty finished with a time of 06:20.46 in the A Final, coming in third place.

They were competing against rowing teams from Great Britain, Australia, Netherlands, China and Poland.

They are the first open weight Irish crew and female athletes to win a medal for Ireland in Rowing at an Olympic games.

President of Ireland Michael D Higgins led tributes today, tweeting his congratulations to the four women on their win.

“My congratulations to Aifric Keogh, Eimear Lambe, Fiona Murtagh and Emily Hegarty as they win Ireland’s first medal at #Tokyo2020, claiming a well-deserved bronze medal in the women’s four.”@TeamIreland @RowingIreland

— President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) July 28, 2021

Our Olympic Medalists!

First female athletes to win an Olympic Medal in rowing for Ireland 🥉🥉🥉🥉

History has been made by this incredible crew 👏👏#wearerowingireland pic.twitter.com/QIsVMX09jE

— Rowing Ireland (@RowingIreland) July 28, 2021

Fintan McCarthy and Paul O’Donovan are also headed to the Men’s Double Sculls A Final tomorrow morning after finishing in first place at the semi-final today.

In the Lightweight Women’s Double Sculls, Margaret Cremen and Aoife Casey will also be competing in the B Final tomorrow morning after finishing fifth today.

Three Galway social enterprises awarded funding and supports by Rethink Ireland

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July 28, 2021

galway daily news rethink ireland funding for galway social enterprises

Three Galway social enterprises have been awarded funding by Rethink Ireland under its Social Enterprise Development Fund.

A total of €400,000 was awarded to 34 social enterprises across Ireland including Athchursail Arann CGA, which governs all waste management systems for the three Aran Islands.

Helplink Mental Health, which provides accessible mental health counselling, information and education services for all ages, will also receive funding through the fund.

Recycle your Cycle was awarded a place on Rethink Ireland’s Genesis Programme – an intensive two-day workshop that will focus on building the skills needed to develop a sustainable social enterprise and to be successful in future funding opportunities.

The Recycle your Cycle project addresses the need for retraining for those left unemployed after COVID-19.

Each week, around 20 old bikes are discarded in Galway City alone – but with the right parts and skills, these can be repaired and sold as an affordable and sustainable means of transport.

ReCycle teaches hands-on skills in cycle mechanics and offer on-the-job training in our bike shop, while reducing waste and producing a valuable end-product.

Chief Executive of Galway County Council, Kevin Kelly congratulated Athchursail Arann CGA, Helplink Mental Health and Recycle your Cycle on their success in receiving a Social Enterprise Development Fund Award from Rethink Ireland.

“Coming out of an extremely challenging period for Irish society – and Irish businesses – we’re delighted with this good news story for Galway,” he said.

“Social enterprises have an important role to play in guiding Ireland to be come a more inclusive and equal society.

“Organisations like the Athchursail Arann CGA, Helplink Mental Health and Recycle your Cycle, are leading the charge by not only creating jobs but working towards bringing about positive social change.”

The Social Enterprise Development Fund is a €3.2 million Fund being delivered from 2018 – 2022.

The fund was created by Rethink Ireland in partnership with Local Authorities Ireland and funded by IPB Insurance and the Department of Rural and Community Development through the Dormant Accounts Fund.

Commenting on the funding announcement, CEO of Rethink Ireland, Deirdre Mortell added: “Just a few weeks ago, Rethink Ireland set out our Manifesto for 2030, detailing the Ireland we want – a fair, inclusive and sustainable Ireland.

“Today, I’m delighted that Rethink Ireland is awarding both funding and business support to 34 organisations who are actively working to achieve this vision.

“Social enterprises are already living our Manifesto by actively working to tackle the greatest social challenges in Ireland.

“Whether they are knitting groups working to bring together marginalised members of society, innovative therapy practices using the power and beauty of our coastlines, or innovative ideas to strengthen safety in rural communities, they are the heart of our communities, and we’re delighted to be able to support them.”

Further calls for Galway-Dublin Bus Éireann Expressway service to be restored

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July 28, 2021

Galway Daily news Galway - Dublin Expressway bus service cancelled

Roscommon-Galway TD Claire Kerrane has hit out at the decision to cut Bus Éireann’s Expressway service from Galway to Dublin, calling for its restoration as a matter of urgency.

The Sinn Féin TD said that the loss of the service will be a further blow to rural communities across east Galway and asked how anyone can expect people to move back to the West while basic services are being taken away.

Deputy Kerrane said that it is ‘particularly shocking’ that the ending of this service was overseen by a Green Party Transport Minister – who should be “increasing sustainable modes of transport, not cutting them.”

“At a time when we are being told to reduce our emissions and use public transport, this decision is another nail in the coffin of rural towns,” she said.

“I will be raising this issue with Minister Eamon Ryan and the NTA to seek a reversal of the decision. The only feasible solution is for the service to be restored as a matter of urgency. Sinn Féin will continue to highlight this issue until the matter is resolved.”

Deputy Kerrane’s party colleague Louis O’Hara said that the decision was wrong and very disappointing news for the communities affected.

“Loughrea and Ballinasloe are large towns with high demand for public transport and it is mind-boggling that this service has been ended,” he said.

“It does not take into account the fact that demand for bus services would have increased significantly in the coming weeks and months now that the country is beginning to open up again.”

Mr O’Hara said that many people will now have to find an alternative way of commuting, and many will be forced to rely on private bus operators.

“This will particularly inconvenience elderly passengers as certain operators do not accept free travel passes and require online booking.

“That people will now have to rely on private operators is an abdication of responsibility from Government who have a duty to provide adequate public services to the people of Galway.”

People Before Profit representative Adrian Curran also criticised the decision, saying that the government’s policy of cutting public bus routes and leaving provision to private operators is unsustainable.

“The new Aircoach 706x service is not a replacement for the Bus Éireann expressway routes, as it ignores Craughwell, Loughrea and Aughrim and leaves Ballinasloe with less frequent services,” said Mr Curran.

He said that the cancellation of expressway services underlines that the government is not taking the climate crisis seriously.

“This move will serve to increase carbon emissions as many people will now have no option but to rely on private cars due to inadequate public transport in Co. Galway.

“The government should instead respond to the climate emergency by investing in free, frequent and fast public transport to improve connectivity for towns and rural areas, reduce emissions, cut journey times, reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality.”

COVID-19: 1,120 cases notified today

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July 27, 2021

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

There have been a further 1,120 confirmed cases of COVID-19 notified by NPHET today.

As of this morning there were 142 people in Ireland hospitalised with COVID-19, of whom 27 are in the ICU.

Vaccination registration for 12-15 years old opened today, for those seeking an mRNA vaccine, and 70% of the population is now fully vaccinated.

“Following advice from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee, which has been approved by Government, I encourage parents and guardians of those aged 12-15 years of age to register them for a vaccination as soon as the opportunity arises.”

“The vaccination programme has received high uptake to date. I strongly urge anyone eligible to register for a vaccine to do so as soon as possible,” said Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer.

The government has approved plans for the number of people allowed at wedding to be increased to 100, as indoor hospitality resumes this week.

The Cabinet also today discussed the delivery of booster shots for COVID-19 immunity, agreeing that frontline healthcare workers, nursing home residents, and the very elderly will be first to get them.

Emergency Department at UHG “extremely busy” this week

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July 27, 2021

galway daily news Planning application submitted for long awaited Ambulance Base in Recess — Pic: Gregory Clarke

The Emergency Department at University Hospital Galway has been extremely busy this week with higher than average numbers of people attending.

There is significant pressure on bed availability at the hospital and many patients are experiencing long waiting times to be admitted from the ED to an acute bed in the hospital.

The Saolta hospital group has asked people to contact their GP or the Westdoc Out Of Hours Service if their health problem is not urgent.

Patients have also been reminded that the Injury Unit in Roscommon University Hospital is open from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week, 365 days a year to treat a range of injuries in both adults and children over five years of age.

“We are committed to treating everyone who presents at our ED but we do so strictly in order of medical priority and apologise for the long wait times,” said Saolta in a statement today.

Fantastic prizes on offer in ‘Racing for Rosabel’ Best Dressed event!

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Katherine Gannon

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July 27, 2021

galway daily news galway races best dressed competition

Galway Race Week is finally here – but things are still a little different from our usual Summer Festival Season.

We may not be able to make it out to Ballybrit but that is not going to stop the ladies of Ireland from blowing the cobwebs off their beautiful outfits and get race ready.

‘Racing for Rosabel’ Virtual Best Dressed in aid of Rosabel’s Rooms is back for its fourth year, taking place on Wednesday 28 July, with entries being accepted throughout the day.

Style enthusiasts, both gals and guys, will have the opportunity to win some amazing prizes valued at €5,000.

Best dressed lady herself Fiona Morgan Coleman and top makeup artist Ally Mc Ginn along with one of Galway Race week’s most popular milliners Gillian Duggan will be judging all the style.

Organiser of the event Caroline Downey, of Carried Away PR & Events said that they couldn’t be happier to be part of this fabulous event again.

“Due to covid restrictions we have had to put the event on the back burner again however fashionista’s still get the chance to dress up, enter the competition and enjoy Galway Race week while supporting Rosabel’s Rooms,” said Caroline.

Fiona Morgan Coleman, Best Dressed judge said: “I am so looking forward to this. I love Galway Race week and of course I can’t wait to see all the style again.

“With a prize fund of over €5,000 Racing for Rosabel is definitely the best dressed competition you want to enter. “

Galway Hospice cared for almost 1,000 people last year

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July 27, 2021

Galway Hospice statement — Photo Credit: Seán Lydon

Galway Hospice cared for almost people with a life-limiting illness and their families in 2020, despite the challenges of a year dominated by COVID-19.

In their 2020 Impact Statement released recently, Galway Hospice outlined how they cared for 971 patients and their families last year.

These included 896 patients who received care at home from the community palliative care team, and the Renmore in-patient unit cared for 300 patients.

Nursing staff, medical teams, social workers, and occupational therapists with the hospice performed a total of 6,366 home visits last year, and more than 4,500 therapeutic treatments were given in physiotherapy, aromatherapy, and art therapy.

Galway Hospice CEO Mary Nash, said, “The challenges faced in 2020 meant adapting our ways of working throughout the year to keep delivering care to patients when they needed it.”

“We could not have maintained our services without our team of 155 staff, 140 volunteers, stakeholders, donors and, of course, our community coming together.”

“We introduced a number of measures to reduce the risk of Covid-19 and to protect our staff and patients in our care. The wearing of surgical face masks and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) became routine throughout the Hospice in 2020.”

“Restricting the number of visitors to the in-patient unit was a particularly difficult decision and we sought, wherever safety permitted, to accommodate the needs of patients and family members.”

“We are so very grateful for the understanding and support from everyone who came through our doors, interacted by phone or engaged with us virtually in 2020.”

Of the patients cared for in the community by the hospice team, 67% never required re-admission to hospital, a figure which increases to 89% for patients with a non-cancer diagnosis.

Of the patients who were cared for at the Renmore hospice facility, the average length of stay was 12 days, and over half of people admitted to the inpatient facility were subsequently discharged back to their home or to a community-based setting.

Minister of State and Galway TD Anne Rabbitte said “Galway Hospice provides essential care to patients and families living with life-limiting conditions across Galway.”

“The dedicated Hospice staff and volunteers have supported families in the most challenging of circumstances over the past year. I commend them for the vital work they do each and every day.”

“They have continued to deliver care to patients when they need it most, including supporting families caring for a child with life-limiting illness and the children of adults living with a terminal diagnosis.”

COVID-19 had a severe impact on fundraising activities for charities around the country thanks to public health restrictions.

Fundraising activities income for the hospice fell by almost €300k, down to €1.06 million last year according to the Impact Statement, but income from donations increase by almost €40k to .

It is also surprising that the decline in fundraising was not more pronounced, given the almost complete shutdown of public events or on street gathering last year, and highlights the extent of support the public showed for virtual fundraising events,

But, as an essential healthcare service for the west of Ireland, Galway hospice fortunately benefitted from a significant boost in HSE funding last year, €8.75 million in 2020, up from €5.25 in 2019.

Speaking at the launch of the statement, Galway Hospice Chairman Keith Finnegan said “We were humbled by the support we received from the people of Galway and further afield throughout 2020.

“We couldn’t hold events in person in the same way, but our community continued to show their support online, on the phone and by post with virtual events, fundraisers and donations.”

“Despite the challenges of 2020, we received over €2 million in fundraising income. This incredible support from the people of Galway enables Galway Hospice to care for your families, neighbours and friends.”

COVID-19: Confirmed cases in Galway hospitals up to 16

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July 27, 2021

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Galway’s public hospitals has risen to 16, the latest HSE figures show.

University Hospital Galway has the third highest number of cases in the Republic with 12, while Portiuncula Hospital has four confirmed cases.

Two of the 12 COVID cases at UHG are in the intensive care unit as of yesterday evening.

Nationally, there are 142 people with the virus in hospital as of 8am today – an increase of one since yesterday morning. Of the confirmed cases in hospital, 27 are in ICU.

Letterkenny University Hospital has the highest number of confirmed cases in critical care with four.

Pedestrian severely injured in collision after driver had blackout

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July 27, 2021

Galway Daily courts Man charged with possessing images of child sex abuse — credit: Robert Linsdell CC BY 2.0 'The Courthouse, Courthouse Square, Galway'

A pedestrian was left with severe injuries after she was struck by a car in January of last year, where the elderly driver said that she had a blackout.

Mary O’Connell (79), of St James Crescent, Mervue was accompanied by her son at Galway Circuit Court, after previously pleading guilty to dangerous driving causing serious injury.

Garda Declan Murphy gave evidence to the court that on January 16 of 2020, he was patrolling in a car when they came upon the scene of an accident at the westside end of the Wolfe Tone Bridge.

Mrs Nora Duffy was part of a running group crossing near Gourmet Tart on the Fr Griffin Road, when was struck by a car that went into the wrong lane and sped off.

While he was at the scene of the incident, Garda Murphy was informed of a single vehicle car accident just ahead, at Joyce’s supermarket. A car had collided with a wall, and an ambulance was at the scene.

Dashcam footage from a car behind Mrs O’Connell’s as they travelled from Lough Atalia showed her car indicating to turn left. However, she then overtook into the wrong lane and accelerated, striking a pedestrian in the group.

When Garda Murphy later took a statement from Mrs O’Connell on April 28, she said that she got a cramp in both legs, and didn’t remember anything after that until the ambulance crew her from her car, and that she must have blacked out.

Garda Murphy said that she had never come to the attention of Gardaí prior to this, and had a full licence. The car was also fully taxed, insured, and was roadworthy.

Defence Barrister Gary McDonald said that his client had no memory of the incident, and didn’t even know that someone had been hurt until the day she was charged.

In a victim impact statement which she read to the court herself, Nora Duffy said that she lived a very “independent and active life” prior to this incident, which was badly affected.

The collision left her in “shock and severe pain”, with seven crushed bones and two large open wounds, which had to heal open.

She spent a week in hospital, and after coming home she had to have a hospital bed moved into her downstairs living room, because she wasn’t able to get to her bedroom upstairs.

An external fixator had to be attached to her right leg for six months while fractures healed according to a medical report before the court.

The report also said that further x-rays would be required to determine the risk of arthritis in her right ankle due to the damage sustained.

Mrs Duffy said that she was on crutches up to last November, and still experiences restricted movement in her foot. She hasn’t been able to return to work since the incident, as it requires her to be on her feet all day.

This has “put me through torture”, Nora Duffy said, but she also said that she was blessed to be alive, and that she had a “guardian angel” by her that night.

Mr McDonald said that he was instructed to apologise to Mrs Duffy, saying “everybody is a loser here”, and that Mrs O’Connell also had to spend three weeks in hospital after her crash.

Her doctor had seen her ten days before this, on January 16, and had not raised any issues that would have said she was unfit to drive.

That evening, she was on her way to bingo in Salthill, and while there was speed involved in the collision, he said that this was as a result of the blackout.

There was no alcohol involved in the incident, Mr McDonald said, and his has no intention of getting back behind the wheel again.

Judge Rory McCabe said that Mrs Duffy’s statement showed “a perfect example of the vulnerability of a pedestrian”.

He added that the dash cam footage played for the court was “truly shocking”, and showed driving that was obviously dangerous.

“Perhaps she had a blackout,” Judge McCabe said, but he also said that there seemed to have been a “deliberate decision” to first turn on the indicator, and then to drive on the wrong side of the road.

Judge McCabe said that while the consequences of this incident were “disastrous”, there was no intent which could be proved beyond a reasonable doubt, and so he viewed the mental element at the lower end of the scale of gravity.

Taking into account her plea, the fact that she is no longer driving, her own injuries, and the apology in court, the judge said that an immediate prison sentence would not be in the interests of justice.

He imposed an eighteen month sentence, but suspended it all unconditionally, and disqualified Mrs O’Connell from driving for 15 years.

Traffic management in place for roadworks near Roscommon

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July 27, 2021

Galway Daily news Some traffic disruption is expected at the Galway-Roscommon county line today near Mountbellew due to roadworks taking place

Some traffic disruption is expected at the Galway-Roscommon county line today near Mountbellew due to roadworks taking place.

Road surfacing works are being carried out today on the R363 between Ballinamore Bridge and Ballyforan.

A Stop and Go system will be in place to manage traffic today while work is taking place.

A convoy vehicle will also be present to escort vehicles through the area undergoing roadworks.

Plans to convert vacant Athenry building to offices approved

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July 27, 2021

Galway Daily news Plans to convert vacant Athenry building to offices approved

Galway County Council has granted planning permission for a vacant building at Athenry Shopping Centre to be converted into offices.

Plans were submitted by Pat Joyce for a change of use of the building at the north-eastern end of the Shopping Centre complex, from pub and restaurant, to office use.

Internal works will involve putting up partition walls to create offices and meeting rooms, along with the installation of new windows and a rolling shutter door on the outside.

The subject site has 20 car parking spaces directly attached to it, fewer than the 36 required, but was deemed acceptable because of access to 113 shared spaces in the larger shopping centre complex.

This is not the first time that the council has approved plans for the change of use of this vacant building since the complex was first approved in 2003.

Three separate applications to change the building to office, retail, medical centre, or a mix thereof, have been given the green light since 2006. The latest prior to these plans was also by Pat Joyce in 2015.

Galway County Council granted planning permission for this latest application eight standard conditions attached.

Brown Thomas owner up for sale with €4.7 billion price tag

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July 27, 2021

Galway Daily business Brown Thomas owner up for sale at €4.7 billion

The owner of Brown Thomas and Arnotts department stores in Ireland is going up for sale with a price tag of €4.7 billion.

The Irish Times reports that Canada’s Weston family intend to auction off Selfridges, the parent company of the two high end department stores in Ireland.

The Westons have owned Selfridges since 2003, when it was purchased for £603 million by then family patriarch Galen Weston.

The sale includes the branches of Brown Thomas in Ireland, including the Galway City branch, perhaps best known to Galway residents by getting the earliest jump imaginable on seasonal decorations.

Also in the Selfridges portfolio that will be sold in the auction being handled by Credit Suisse is the Arnotts store on Henry Street, Dublin, as well as four Selfridges stores in the UK and De Bijenkorf in the Netherlands.

How Online Innovations Have Transformed Legal Services in Ireland

By

Thomas O'Brien

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July 27, 2021

Galway Daily legal column How Online Innovations Have Transformed Legal Services in Ireland — Source: Pixabay

Few things have had an impact on businesses and organisations quite like the rise of online services. The internet’s growth and development has led to the creation of many new innovations, with a number having an impact on day-to-day activities across a range of sectors.

Of course, the world of legal services has not been immune to such changes and it is interesting to reflect on a few of the ways that the sector has been transformed by digital platforms and the online revolution.

Staying informed

One of the most obvious developments relates to the way that people can get information regarding various elements of the law. Many resources are now online, with the Courts Service of Ireland website being a great example of what is available. The portal includes information on upcoming hearings and judgments, as well as services for paying fines or submitting a small claim.

An online presence has also become a key way for firms to promote their work and attract new clients. Such trends are highlighted by the McGinley Solicitors website and its page on personal injury claims. It features lots of key information on the basics around such legal action, including some of the more common types of claims.

In addition, it also has tools that allow visitors to get in touch with the firm. Individuals can send across key information about their experiences using the Get Case Assessment form, which includes fields for contacts and accident details.

Learning and development

However, online services and tools have not just changed how people might get in touch with law firms. After all, they may have also had an impact on how some have been drawn to the profession.

For instance, anyone looking to study law can now browse different sites to determine which course or location might be the perfect fit for them.

As an example, the Trinity College Dublin School of Law page includes information on both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. There are also updates on the latest news and events related to the school, including webinars that are being held.

The first webinar in a series of Property Law Conversations commences this evening at 5pm. The event is co-hosted by the Law School and Modern Studies in Property. @rachaelawalsh @OMahonyFox Registration remains open: https://t.co/r4e3rikXcj

— TCD Law School (@TCDLawSchool) July 6, 2021

Professional development has also been affected by the rise of online services. For instance, earlier this year, the Law Society of Ireland revealed that it was holding a five-week online course related to environmental law and climate change.

The initiative featured topics including environmental law enforcement and sustainable planning, while participants also had the chance to catch up on lectures on-demand.

Fascinating to see

Web-based services have had an impact on so many sectors and industries, but it is well worth taking a moment to look specifically at their effect on legal services.

The issues above are just a handful of examples of how the sector has been impacted and it will be fascinating to see how the online world continues to influence it going forward.

With new innovations emerging year after year, it seems clear that online technology will continue to play a role in the sector for a long time to come.

COVID-19: 1,345 new cases reported today

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July 26, 2021

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

The Department of Health has reported 1,345 new cases of COVID-19 in the State as the number of people in hospital with the disease continues to rise.

As of 8am today, 141 people with COVID-19 are in hospitals across the country, of whom 25 are in ICU.

Speaking this evening, Dr Tony Holohan said that there is a high incidence of COVID-19 across many counties, and that there has been a significant increase in hospitalisation over the last fortnight.

“Please continue to avoid crowded spaces, keep distance from others, keep indoor settings well-ventilated by opening windows and doors, wear a mask where appropriate,” he said.

Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn added: “87% of cases today are in those aged less than 45 years.

“If you are awaiting your vaccine or are awaiting your second dose, continue to protect yourself by following public health advice.

“Vaccines against COVID-19 are safe and effective. Please get vaccinated as soon as you have the opportunity to do so.”

Three people killed on Galway’s roads this year

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July 26, 2021