Home Blog Page 474

COVID-19: 1,508 new cases reported today

0
Galway Daily news 25 percent drop in COVID cases in Galway hospitals

The Department of Health has reported 1,508 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon.

As of 8am today, there are 206 people with COVID-19 in hospitals across the State, of whom 33 are in ICU.

Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, said that COVID-19 is circulating to a significant degree in the community, but the public’s ongoing adherence to public health advice, the high levels of vaccine uptake, and the ongoing community engagement with testing centres around the country is encouraging.

He said that there are good levels of cooperation with contact tracing and that we must maintain this in order to break chains of transmission and keep our families and communities safe.

“Until you receive a result and if you receive a positive result from a PCR test, it is essential that you isolate and cooperate with contact tracing teams so that your close contacts can be informed,” said Dr Holohan.

“If you are a close contact of a person who has tested positive for COVID-19, please come forward for a PCR test immediately if you have any symptoms or are not yet fully vaccinated to help stop the spread of this disease.

“If you are experiencing fever, cough, cold/flu symptoms, or loss of sense of smell or taste, please isolate straight away and seek a PCR test as soon as possible, either by contacting your GP or by booking a test online for one of the HSE’s COVID-19 test centres.”

“This is also important for those who are fully vaccinated as you can still transmit COVID-19.”

New orthopaedic theatres at Merlin Park Hospital to be completed by end of 2021

0
GALWAY Daily news merlin park hospital orthopaedic theatres

The construction of two replacement orthopaedic theatres at Merlin Park University Hospital site is making progress and will be completed in the coming months.

The Saolta group confirmed that construction of the 620m2 theatre building, which began in March, is on track to be completed by the end of 2021.

The development consists of a theatre building which includes two operating theatres, along with the necessary ancillary accommodation to support the theatre suites.

This building will be connected to the main hospital block building by a short pedestrian link corridor which will be the access point for patients and staff to the theatre building.

Speaking about the progress, hospital manager Chris Kane said that these theatres have been long-awaited and will be used for elective orthopaedic activity such as hip and knee replacement surgery.

“Once the theatres are fully operational we will be able to restore the previous level of elective surgery in Merlin Park,” she said.

The overall capital allocation for the project is €10.2m which includes design, construction and equipping costs.

Once the construction work is completed the theatres will be commissioned and it is anticipated that the new theatre block will be in use by early 2022.

Stunning country house in immaculate condition

0
Galway Daily property Stunning country house in immaculate condition

This stunning country house outside Moycullen combines an absolutely pristine home with a beautiful backdrop of native trees and greenery that is more than just a garden.

The spacious six-bed detached house at Poll na Cloiche, Moycullen, on a site of just under an acre, is perfect for a family looking to settle down in an elegant home.

The house is presented in the highest quality throughout, with extremely high quality fittings and furnishings that make extensive use of excellent woodwork, to complement the elegant, country design style.

The ground floor living area oozes elegance and attention to detail right from the bright and spacious entrance hall, where unbroken timber flooring leads the eye naturally to the lounge and dining room. 

The main living areas have been designed with attractive coving and stylish light fittings that call back to the old school country house design this home aims for.

The living and dining rooms are both centres around stunning, carved wooden mantelpieces which frame cast iron fireplaces. The dining room boasts a large window bay facing the front of the property that floods the room with light.

A set of double doors from here lead through to the kitchen and breakfast room, where hardwood floors give way to hearty, reddish tiles that match well with the wooden fittings of the room. 

A separate utility room to the side provides more spaces for essential fittings, along with more storage space.

All of the bedrooms in the house are double rooms, and not cramped ones either. In addition, five of the six bedrooms come with tiled ensuite bathrooms, all outfitted with showers for the greatest ease and comfort of guests.

One of the bedrooms is located on the ground floor, with the other five to be found upstairs along with the main bathroom of the house. 

All of the rooms have the same pitch-pine wooden flooring that adds warmth to the room, along with well positioned windows to ensure they get as much light as possible.

The master bedroom comes with a double sized built-in wardrobe which provides as much storage space as you could need.

Also located on the first floor is the main bathroom of the house. This room has been completely tiled from floor to ceiling in an attractive deco pattern, and fitted with modern furnishing. It comes with a mixed bath and shower for when you want a more relaxing time.

The property also features a standalone garage, which could be used as a carport or storage space, or potentially converted to another use with proper planning permission.

Outside there are well looked after gardens for relaxing and entertaining guests in the summer to both the front and rear of the house, complete with mature greenery and flower beds. 

But some of the best parts of the country experience are beyond the lawn, with picturesque Irish countryside right outside your backdoor.

The land comes with mature native trees and greenery, with a small stream running through the rear of the property, creating an enchanting landscape that any kids would love to spend their afternoons in.

Outside the property itself, Lough Corrib is right at your doorstep, with beautiful shorelines and water based activities available.

Beyond that, Moycullen is the gateway to the rest of Connemara’s incredible attractions, such as the National Park and Twelve Bens mountains, and the Wild Atlantic Way beyond them.

Headed in the other direction, the house is just 15 minutes drive from Galway City, and all the amenities therin. Its bars and restaurants, school and colleges, and downtown shopping.

O’Donnellan & Joyce Auctioneers are offering this rare find of a home for sale by Private Treaty, with an asking price of €520,000.

To see more of this house, check it out on their website at: odonnjoyce.com/residential/brochure/poll-na-cloiche-moycullen-co-galway/4513496.

Viewing is highly recommended to truly take in the quality of the house and surrounds. To arrange a viewing, or for any other enquiry, call O’Donnellan & Joyce during business hours at 091 564 212.

Over 700 pharmacies to administer Pfizer vaccine as rollout extends to 12-15 year olds

0
galway daily news Vaccine booster clinic continuing today for people in their 50s

The number pharmacies across Ireland administering the Pfizer vaccine will double this week to over 700 as the vaccination rollout is extended to 12 to 15 year olds.

Pharmacies have administered almost 200,000 vaccines since June when Health Minister Stephen Donnelly announced the expansion of the vaccination programme to pharmacies.

Some 320 pharmacies had already been administering Pfizer vaccines, among almost 1,000 pharmacies which have also been offering the Janssen vaccine.

Over 700 pharmacies originally indicated their availability to administer the Pfizer vaccine – and from this week these will now receive stock to begin vaccinations.

It is anticipated that the Pfizer vaccine will now continue as the mainstay of the pharmacy-based campaign against the virus.

However, any remaining stocks of the successfully administered Janssen vaccine can be administered to people aged 18 and over until they are used up.

IPU Secretary General Darragh O’Loughlin said that it makes a lot of sense for parents to be able to bring their children to a local participating pharmacy for vaccination.

He said that bringing children to a familiar environment provides reassurance and convenience for families and young people, reducing the pressure to travel to a vaccination centre.

“Pharmacies are now at the vanguard of the vaccination programme,” said Darragh O’Loughlin.

“The HSE is providing appropriate operational guidance including procedures for parental consent where pharmacists will be on hand to provide information and advice as they administer the vaccine.

“Pharmacists are delighted to be making this essential service both accessible and convenient within their local communities, where they have always played an integral role in helping people to stay healthy and well, and it is wonderful to see such a positive community response in return.”

Mr O’Loughlin said that over half of the Irish population lives within one kilometre of a pharmacy and 85% live within 5km.

“This enhanced local availability of the Pfizer vaccine will provide a further major incentive for people to be vaccinated and this in turn will help Ireland turn the corner in the fight against COVID-19,” he added.

Vigilance urged as over €900k lost to rental scams

0
Galway Daily business VAT refund changes threaten Galway's tourism and retail report claims

There were more than 500 victims of rental scams in the space of just four months this year.

Gardaí say that they received 503 reports of rental scams between February 1 and May 31 this year.

All told, more than €900,000 was lost by victims as a results of these scams.

Gardaí are advising people to be on the lookout for fraud when renting, especially during a time of year when students are returning to college.

Detective Superintendent Michael Cryan advised that, when renting, you should only go through recognised letting agencies, or people who are “bone fida and trusted”.

He further cautioned that websites can be cloned, so people should check the URL carefully. A cloned website has been designed by fraudsters to closely resemble a legitimate one, and uses a very similar address.

“Be very wary of social media advertisements or where a person letting the location will only communicate via messenger or whatsapp.:

“You should push for direct answers and if responses are vague disengage immediately.”

“Watch out for unsolicited contacts or where the contact appears to be based in other jurisdictions and especially if there is a sense of urgency like “a one-time offer”.

“If you have decided to take up the offer only use trusted money transfer systems, I would recommend using a credit card. Never transfer money direct, pay cash, pay into cryptocurrency wallets.”

Websites that request methods like asking for a western union transfer, or use a random PayPal address are likely doing so to avoid scrutiny, and ensure transfers can’t be reversed, he added.

A county/Divisional breakdown of these recorded rental scams is not available at this moment Gardai said, but more than half occurred in the Dublin region.

Two fifths of the victims in these crimes were under the age of 25, and 72% were younger than 35 years old.

Galway’s Dough Bros named top pizzeria in Ireland

0
Galway Daily food & drink Galway's Dough Bros named among world's Top 100 pizzerias

Galway’s much loved Dough Bros have been named the best pizzeria in Ireland, and the best takeaway pizza joint in Europe.

50 Top Pizza, The Guide to The Best Pizzerias in Italy and Worldwide, awarded The Dough Bros tje two major accolades for 2021.

Speaking about The Dough Bros, Top 50 Pizza said that during an extremely challenging year a half for the restaurant sector, the titular brothers turned a roadblock into an opportunity.

“They never lost courage but instead perfected their takeaway service and even created a kit to make at home.”

“Even the kit will produce one of the best pizzas in the country.”

In a list featuring the best pizzerias and restaurants on the continent, The Dough Bros were also placed as the overall 27th best pizza makers in  all of Europe.

Eugene Greaney, one of the two brothers, said that it was a huge honour to receive these accolades.

“For us it’s never about being the biggest, we have always focused on being the best we can be and making a real impact in Ireland and putting Irish Pizza on the map.”

Eugene and Ronan started the Dough Bros in 2013 as a food truck that featured in the city’s farmers market.

They their first taste of working at a full premises with a pop up shop on Abbeygate street a year later before moving to their current home on middle street.

This is the second year in a row that the judging panel in Milan have chosen them as among the best pizzerias in Europe for the Top 50 Guide.

The additional award this year of having the best takeaway pizzas for their Home Kits was a great surprise, Eugene added.

“Last year when the restaurant closed, we had to switch to a takeaway and developed the kits also.”

“When we opened as a takeaway, we did not want to do it for the sake of it, we aimed to provide the same level of standards and qualities we applied to the restaurant.”

“It was challenging and hard work so to get this accolade as well as the awards above was the icing on the cake.”

“We closed up for the night and watched the awards live with our staff. It was a night we won’t forget.”

In June of this year. The Galway brothers’ pizzeria also featured as no 27 on another Top 50 Pizzas in Europe list by the hugely popular travel site, Big Seven Travel.

The huge success of the Home Kits has changed the way the brothers think about their business.

While right now they are focused on getting the restaurant fully reopened, they hope to expand the takeaway option in the future.

“Rather than rely on the restaurant model we hope to add a factory for our kits and a takeaway business so people can enjoy the Dough Bros pizza in different ways which is really exciting,” Ronan explained.

Two women due before Galway court over stabbing

0
Galway Daily courts Man charged in connection

Two women are due to appear before Galway District Court this morning in connection with a stabbing in Limerick at the weekend.

A man was found with serious injuries at on a footpath on Cosgrave Park, Moyross, Limerick on Sunday morning.

The man was believed to have been stabbed on the Monabraher Road, Ballynanty betweem 3am and 4am on Sunday morning.

Two women, both in their 30s,  were arrested in connection with this stabbing incident, and have since been charged.

They are now due to appear before the sitting of Galway District Court today.

The man was taken to Umiversity Hospital Limerick with serious injuries, but his condition was understood to be stable.

Irish company bringing home dreams to life through virtual reality

0
galway daily news property 3d model by virtualteic.com

Virtual Teic, based in the west of Ireland, has just launched their latest 3D design modelling technology service, ‘Virtual Reality’.

Imagine being able to ‘walk through’ a full scale visualisation of a new build property or the rooms of an extension and experience what it will look like before a single brick is laid…well, imagine no more, as Virtual Teic’s new service allows homeowners, self-builders, developers and architects to do just that. 

The plans and designs for a home or development can be turned into a fully 3D virtual reality model, allowing you to feel as if you were in the actual building or looking at it on site. No other system on the market allows for such depth of perspective as full-scale.

Virtual Teic’s ‘Virtual Reality’ offers the unique chance to get everything about the build right before plans come off the page and start to take physical shape. 

Virtual Teic’s co-owners, Eamonn Gallagher and Paul McMahon, tell us more. 

“Getting homes, living and work spaces right is all important – we spend a lot of our time in them, so it’s very worthwhile to get the best out of the available space and resources available to you and that’s equally important whether the plan is for a floorplan reconfiguration, extension or conversion of an existing building right through to a complete new build.

“You may be a very experienced architect, builder or developer or be a homeowner or self-builder looking to create the home of your dreams, either way, our ‘Virtual Reality’ can really play a key role in the process. It can be extremely exciting working on such projects, but it can also be stressful and often they come with real challenges. This is where we can help… 

3d model of Letterkenny’s Cathedral Quarter by virtualteic.com

“We can work with the plans drawn up by an architect and bring them to life with our modelling technology, so a home or development can be viewed in complete full scale 3D, through ‘Virtual Reality’, both internally and externally and even be shown sited onto its particular building plot if required.

“The feeling of room sizes and their relation to each other, the layout, kitchen and bathroom designs, storage areas, the scale of the building in context to its surrounds, internal flow of the space and even interior finishes can all be modelled – there is so much detail that  can be included. 

“Our intervention at this stage of the process can be a real catalyst to the project – over 80% of people have no ‘spatial awareness’ of the sizes of rooms or the general area inside a house from looking at the plans and this can prove to be a sticking point. People can have trouble visualising room design, windows, doors and how they will look in relation to each other and the general overall layout and scope of a building.

“So, exploring it in a full scale 3D visual way provides an invaluable insight to help with the overall decision making process, ease any uncertainties and enable a person to objectively change plans before actual construction commences. Bringing extra confidence to the build and saving costly mistakes down the line.”

 

2D to 3D interactive model with 360o viewing

Once Virtual Teic has worked with the plan specifications, they can either present in person or email a link with an interactive, annotated online 3D model of the building to navigate through interactively. 

Either a base model or an advanced model can be requested. The advanced model includes both interior and exterior views – as if you were viewing the building on site. The link allows the application to be downloaded to desktop, laptop, phone or tablet. You can then use the phone or tablet as Virtual Goggles to view each room in the house or development in 360°.

The model can be altered in response to any changes requested and once satisfied with the final design and layout, plans can be issued and sent out to the architect. 

Assists project briefing and planning

Virtual Teic have found that this 3D modelling can also help in the clearer briefing of building teams and help to support planning applications. Through their ‘building on site montage service’, they can build the 3D model into an actual photograph of a proposed site, which can then be used for planning applications, advertising, to test angled positioning of the building and also help provide a greater depth of visualisation if needed.

Virtual Teic’s Virtual Reality benefits…

  • Virtual Reality walk-through of your home or development – special visualisation
  • Allows important design changes
  • Interact with 3D digital models of your house design on your phone, tablet or computer.
  • Download and view realistic panoramic room views. See the actual view out of your 3D model windows.
  • Helps with decisions on interior design options. Even see the grain of wood or colour of your chosen kitchen design.
  • Allows all homeowners, developers, builders and architects to avail themselves of the latest tool in architectural technology at an affordable price.
  • An inexpensive ‘added value’ service that developers, builders and architects can offer to their own clients, to help projects progress.

Prices for 3D model plans start from as little as €400. Interactive models can be viewed online by the client using a personal link.

For the full virtual experience Virtual Teic can present a project’s 3D models in person at their Gweedore studio free. Viewing at a client’s home, on site or at an architect’s practice or developer/builder’s offices may incur a small fee depending on distance from our base. If you have or can access Oculus or Vive VR goggles the models are all Virtual Reality enabled 

For more information, visit www.virtualteic.com, call 089 247 9088 or email info@virtualteic.com

Electric Scooters Vs Other Forms of Transportation

0

Are you looking for the fastest way to get around your city or town? Well, if you live in a busy urban area, then you know your typical vehicle isn’t an ideal option and in this read, we are going to tell you why an e-scooter might be the solution. 

As more and more cities around the globe search for ways to reduce traffic, light electric vehicles are gradually becoming a popular option. Some places are experimenting with shared electric scooter ride schemes, while others are beginning to legalize the use of personal e-scooters. 

That being said, how do e-scooters compare against other forms of transport including walking? This is what we will delve into, so keep reading to know more.

Are e-Scooters Better than Cars? 

To answer this question, you need to look at the advantages and disadvantages of both. For car enthusiasts who live in rural regions, you probably won’t need or want to convert to an e-scooter as it’s not practical, given it is nearly impossible to navigate with these gadgets. However, there are numerous downsides to owning a car, including: 

-The Size

-Carbon and other toxic gasses emissions

-The Cost

Size vs. Portability 

If you reside in a region with just on-street car parking, then you know how annoying it can be to find a spot. Driving around the block searching for a spot is not just frustrating, but also time-consuming. 

If you live in the city, owning an e-scooter is perhaps the most portable form of powered transport. Even motorcycles require insurance and a license to ride, and you’ll also need to find a parking spot, which can also be a headache. 

Most e-scooter models like the Raine One are foldable, meaning they can be taken indoors. With this, you don’t have to worry about a parking spot or even somewhere to lock it up. 

Are E-scooters Better than Public Transport? 

E-scooters do not have to be a replacement for public transport and are actually best used in conjunction, as the last mile solution. Chances are you live several miles away from your work or school and so, you would still need to take the train or bus. To save walking a substantial distance, e-scooters can be really useful. Some individuals may opt for e-scooters over public transport as they probably do not like being in a confined space with many people. 

Keep in mind that the speed and reliability of public transport in your region can also impact your decision to ride an electric scooter. For instance, a person residing in a city like Tokyo has access to a fast and reliable subway network, but not everyone has this luxury. 

If the only form of transport in your city is buses that tend to be late, then taking an e-scooter to school or work can prove to be a better option. 

Are E-Scooters Better Than Bikes? 

When it comes to the aspect of working out, bikes are certainly better for commuting to work or school compared to e-scooters. 

-Break a Sweat vs No Sweat

The last thing anybody wants is to sit in a morning meeting with an individual who’s clearly sweaty. While taking a shower at work might be an option, not many workplaces have this luxury. In this regard, riding an e-scooter is a much better solution. 

-Theft

One of the cons of living or working in a city is that you need to be careful about your belongings. How many times have you come across a bicycle chained up, but its wheels are missing? One of the best things about using an e-scooter is that you can put it indoors, heck even under your desk, where it’s less likely to be stolen or sustain damage. 

Are E-Scooters Better Than Walking? 

The average individual walks between 3 and 4 mph, while the average e-scooter can travel up to 16 mph. This is a substantial difference. 

Walking is one of the best forms of exercise and it is advisable to sometimes take a stroll on the road or along the beach, etc. However, if time is not on your side, then it is way more efficient to use an e-scooter. The Raine One is one of the fastest models out there, clocking in at a high speed of 28 mph. This is even higher than the average electric scooter. 

How Much Does an E-Scooter Cost? 

As with any other form of transportation, e-scooters vary in price. They come from as low as 300 euros to the top-shelf kind that will set you back a few thousand dollars. For example, The Raine One goes for 1500, boasting great suspension, range, and acceleration. It has a sturdy design, made of top-of-the-line aircraft-grade materials. Not to mention it comes with excellent safety features, allowing you to feel secure while on the road at high speeds. 

Can I Ride an E-Scooter on the Pavement? 

Well, it all boils down to where you live. Most cities specify that e-scooters should be ridden on the road in bicycle lanes so that pedestrians can navigate safely. As such, you will want to check your local council’s website before you go riding your new e-scooter on the pavement. 

Should You Get a Car or an E-Scooter?

Well, this depends on your specific needs and preference. You might need a car if you have kids to drive to school or have a job that requires one. In such cases, a car is more practical. However, keep in mind that driving a car to the city is more of an inconvenience when you have to deal with traffic and struggle with parking spots. If you live in a city where it’s faster to ride than drive, then you are better off with an e-scooter.

Steep decline in number of COVID patients at UHG

0

The number of COVID-19 patients at University Hospital Galway dropped sharply yesterday, though the amount in the ICU remains high.

As of Monday night there were 13 confirmed cases at UHG, a decrease of almost a third in a single day, down from 19 the previous day.

Of these, five COVID patients in Galway remain in the ICU, the second highest amount in the country after the Mater Hospital, which has six.

At Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe there are four confirmed cases, no change from previous days.

None of these patients at Portiuncula Hospital are in the intensive care unit.

Nationwide there were 194 COVID-19 patients in Irish hospitals as of 8pm Monday, down from more than 200 earlier in the day. There are 34 patients in serious condition in the ICU.

A further 1,522 new cases were reported by the Department of Health on Monday, dropping back down from the two days prior, where daily case numbers came close to 2,000.

COVID-19: 1,522 new cases reported today

0
Galway Daily news Galway hospitals see COVID cases double in recent weeks

The Department of Health has reported 1,522 new cases of COVID-19 today.

As of 8am today, 217 people with COVID-19 are in hospitals across the State, of whom 34 are in ICU

Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, said that almost 20,000 cases new cases have been reported in the past fortnight.

“While 17% of these cases were in people who are doubly vaccinated, this is entirely in keeping with what we expect as an increasing proportion of our population get vaccinated,” said Dr Holohan.

“It’s important to remember that this does not mean vaccines are not effective. While they will not prevent every case, they provide excellent protection against severe disease and significantly reduce the risk of hospitalisation.

“If you are awaiting or have recently received your second vaccine dose, please be aware you are not yet fully vaccinated. You will be fully vaccinated 1 week after your second dose of Pfizer and 2 weeks after your second dose of Moderna and AstraZeneca.

“If you have received Janssen, you should not regard yourself as fully vaccinated until 2 weeks after.”

COVID-19: Almost 200 attend vaccination clinics in Galway

0
galway daily news Spring vaccination campaign

Almost 300 people in Galway got their first shot at two walk-in vaccination clinics which ran in Galway City and Clifden over the weekend.

Two clinics were open in Ballybrit and Clifden on Saturday for anyone aged 16 or over to get a shot without needing an appointment.

Roughly 230 people are estimated to have been vaccinated in Galway City, based on provisional data, and another 50 at Clifden.

Frank Harburn, manager of the vaccine rollout for the Saolta hospital group, said that an estimated 1,200 people total across the west and north west.

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

“At the moment we are able to offer a vaccination appointment within a number of days of registration.”

Last weekend’s clinics followed on from similar walk-in clinics which ran during the August bank holiday weekend, during which roughly 850 people in Galway were vaccinated.

Weather Warning: Status yellow thunderstorm alert for Galway

0
Galway Daily weather Overcast skies forecast for Bank Holiday Weekend weather

Galway could face heavy showers and thunderstorms until tonight, with another weather warning issued by Met Eireann this afternoon.

An earlier weather warning for much of the north and midlands has been expanded to include Galway today.

The alert for Galway, Cavan, Monaghan, Longford, Louth, Meath, Westmeath, Offaly, Leitrim, and Roscommon will be in force until 10pm on Monday night.

Rain and thunderstorms may lead to localised flooding today, and will create hazardous driving conditions for motorists.

Despite this alert, thundery showers will be mixed with sunny spells today, getting brighter and clearer as the evening progresses.

Highest temperatures today of 17 to 18 degrees, with a moderate westerly wind turning lighter later in the day.

Today is forecast to be cloudy, but mostly dry except for a patches of light rain or drizzle, with highest temperatures of 16 to 17 degrees.

More rain and unsettled conditions are expected for most of the midweek period, with a tenuously brighter outlook for the weekend, particularly on Sunday.

Witness appeal following serious assault on woman

0
Galway Daily news missing teen found safe

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information after a woman was the victim of a serious assault in Galway City over the weekend.

A woman was seriously assaulted on the night of Saturday August 7, between 11:45pm and 12:15am on Sunday morning.

The assault occurred in the vicinity of Woodquay and the Headford Road.

Gardaí are appealing for anyone who in this area during that time period, and who may have information for them, to come forward.

In addition Gardaí in Galway are anxious to speak to anyone who might have video footage, including dash cam footage in this location covering this half hour period.

Anyone with information or who can assist Gardaí with their enquiries are asked to contact Galway Garda Station on 091-538000.

Gardaí say that the investigation into the assault is ongoing.

Hospital overcrowding at worst levels since beginning of pandemic

0
Galway Daily news 67 people on trolleys at UHG

Hospital overcrowding has grown back to its worst levels since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020.

There were 381 admitted hospital patients without a bed this morning according to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation.

University Hospital Galway is the third worst affected hospital in the country today, with 39 patients on trolleys. A further 14 patients were admitted with no beds available at Portiuncula Hospital.

INMO General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha said that the health service is “rapidly swinging” from a COVID crisis, back to an overcrowding crisis.

“The HSE said at the start of the pandemic that overcrowding would not be tolerated, but it has been on the rise consistently in recent months.”

“Our members cannot withstand the pressures of overcrowding twinned with the pressure of another wave of COVID. If we continue along the current trajectory, patients and staff will find themselves in a dire situation.”

While regular overcrowding levels are climbing back to where they were before the pandemic, the number of hospitalised COVID-19 patients is also on the rise.

There were a total of 208 confirmed COVID cases in Irish hospitals as of Sunday as numbers have continued to climb steadily.

COVID patients put additional strain on hospital space and resources, as the isolation required for the highly transmissible virus reduces the amount of room for other patients.

Phil Ní Sheaghdha said that a “laser-like focus” is needed from the HSE to reduce hospital overcrowding levels.

“That means scaling back services in badly hit hospitals, taking on extra capacity from private hospitals, and supporting GPs to return to their normal clinical work.”

Many services at hospitals were reduced or suspended entirely for much of the pandemic in order to put focus on COVID containment, and reduce the risk of passing the virus to patients attending hospital.

This resulted in extensive backlogs and waiting lists for most services building up, which have only begun to be addressed as the health service has resumed.

A cyberattack on the HSE’s computer services also had a serious impact on hospital operations in May, causing long delays by forcing staff to work without computers.

This was still having a significant impact on health care services as of the end of July.

Vodafone gets approval for taller mobile mast in Athenry

0
Galway Daily news Planning granted for new mobile telecoms mast in Headford
Photo: Steve Kazella via Wikimedia Commons

Galway County Council has okayed plans by Vodafone for the installation of a taller mobile mast in Athenry, to replace the one already there.

Planning permission has been granted for the removal of a 15m mobile mast and equipment at the Eir Exchange in Athenry, at the junction of Cross Street and McDonald Lane.

In its place, Vodafone intends to erect a 21m high monopole mast, with associated antennae, dishes, and other telecommunications equipment.

An Architectural Heritage Impact Assessment was submitted with the plans, as the site is within the old town centre, with several protected buildings and archaeological monuments nearby.

Planning permission was granted to Vodafone by Galway County Council with ten mostly standard conditions attached.

The planning report for the project states that the replacement monopole mast will be less visibly intrusive than the existing lattice tower.

The new mobile mast will carry all of the existing telecoms equipment, as well as having space for additional mobile operators.

The current tower doesn’t have room for equipment from Eir mobile, who are seeking a site in Athenry town centre.

Galway Hospice Memorial Walk – honouring those who have passed

0
Galway Daily news Galway Hospice memorial walk

People will take to the streets and paths around their homes an beyond next month for the annual Galway Hospice Memorial Walk.

The 16th annual memorial walk, which honours and celebrates those who are no longer with us, is taking place on Sunday, September 12

This year, Covid-19 again means we can’t all come together to walk the Salthill Prom so Galway Hospice is asking you to walk somewhere special with family and friends.

Galway Hospice has continued to provide care throughout Covid and it needs your support now more than ever. Make it a walk to remember by registering now for the Galway Memorial Walk.

“This walk is so special for us and for people each year. It means we can have a day when we all come together and honour those who have been lost from our lives,” said Mary Nash, CEO of Galway Hospice.

“Seeing people walking in memory of their family, friends and loved ones and celebrating their lives is always so poignant in Galway on the second Sunday in September.”

“It allows us all to come together as a community to remember and to raise vital funds for other people who will need our help throughout the coming year.”

Register for the Galway Memorial Walk at www.galwayhospice.ie/walk.

Register before Friday 20th August to receive a t-shirt personalised with the name of your loved one.

Apple granted extension of planning permission for Athenry data centre

0
Galway Daily news Apple granted extension of permission for Athenry data centre

The county council has approved plans by Apple to keep the possibility open for the construction of a data centre in Athenry.

The council has granted a five year extension of its planning permission for a data centre at the site in Derrydonnell where Apple once envisioned plans for an €850 million project.

Apple abandoned plans for the project itself in 2019, five years after it was first announced, and it has been reported are now seeking to sell the site, with planning permission intact.

Planning permission was granted by the county council for the first phase of the proposed data centre in 2016. It was due to expire this September, but has now been extended to November of 2026.

That set off a long legal battle, with permission again granted by An Bord Pleanála, before it became bogged down in long court appeals.

Apple’s involvement in the saga seemingly came to an end in 2018, when the company announced that they were no longer pursuing plans for the data centre just as the case was due to come before the Supreme Court.

However, the court decided to hear the appeal anyway, as it was felt that it could have implications for future planning decisions.

The following year, the court dismissed the appeal brought by two local objectors.

Documents submitted with this EOD application said that the construction of a data centre would “strengthen Ireland’s data storage facilities whilst also providing significant and much need investment in County Galway and the western region as a whole”.

Apple intends to “identify interested parties” to proceed with the project in the approved timeframe, the plans state.

Praise for Team Ireland as Olympics draw to a close

0
Galway Daily sport Praise for Team Ireland as Olympics draw to a close

Taoiseach Micheál Martin praised the performances of Team Ireland as the Tokyo Olympics came to a close today.

The final day of the Olympics was a happy one for Ireland, as boxer Kellie Harrington claimed a second gold medal for Ireland in lightweight boxing.

“As the Tokyo Olympics draws to a close, the whole country is so proud of every member of Team Ireland,” the Taoiseach said today.

Micheál Martin said that sport is an “essential part” of Irish life, and that the performances of the country’s Olympic athletes have lifted its spirits.

“We have all shared the collective highs, and been inspired by, the achievements of our athletes.”

“Team Ireland returns from Tokyo with two gold medals and two bronze medals, and many more historic and inspirational performances.”

Galway women Aifric Keogh and Fiona Murtagh were among the medal winners earlier in the tournament, claiming the bronze in the Women’s Four rowing competition, along with teammates Eimear Lambe and Emily Hegarty.

“As lightweight boxing gold medalist Kellie Harrington said of our athletes today: We are all champions.”

“Today, we celebrate everyone who wore the green jersey. You did Ireland proud.”

The Olympics always has its share of drama, and in a year as strange as this it would be unusual if there wasn’t any in Tokyo.

In one incident that dominated international headlines, Belarusian sprinter Krystsina Tsimanouskaya sought asylum in Poland after refusing to board a flight her trainers tried to force her on.

The two coaches were themselves ordered to depart the Olympics after they told Tsimanouskaya to pack her bags for posting criticism of the team’s management on social media.

Nightly water disruptions in Athenry next week

0
Galway Daily news Water outages in Moycullen

Homes in parts of Athenry may experience nightly disruptions to their water supply for four days next week.

Irish Water is carrying out maintenance works to address leaks in the water mains network in Athenry.

The works are scheduled to take place from Monday – Thursday, August 9 – 12, from 8pm each evening until 2am.

These works may cause disruptions to the water supply in Caislean Oir, Caherroyn, Athenry and surrounding areas.

People affected by these works are advised that it may take 2 – 3 hours after they have been completed before their full water supply is restored.

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