The Galway RNLI lifeboat came to the rescue of a boat with three people aboard which found itself drifting on Thursday evening.
The recreational vessel had left Galway Docks earlier that day, but started drifting after experiencing mechanical problems.
Shortly before 7pm, the crew made contact with the Coast Guard, who sought the assistance of the Galway RNLI station.
Lifeboat volunteer crew Brian Niland (Helm), Martin Oliver, Lisa McDonagh and James Rattigan located the vessel with three crew on board, and safely towed it back to Galway Docks.
RNLI Deputy Launching Authority Seán Óg Leydon said “Thankfully they had the means to contact the Coast Guard directly to get the help they needed before the situation escalated.”
Another 1,386 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported by the Department of Health today.
There are now 106 people in Ireland hospitalised with COVID-19, of whom 22 are in the ICU.
These daily case numbers may change in the future after data validation and review.
Dr. Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, said “This pandemic has provided a prime example of how easily misinformation can spread online, and many people have been exposed to information that is false, inaccurate, or misleading.”
“This is known as misinformation and it started to spread about potential COVID-19 vaccines even before any had been developed.”
“Unfortunately, it has undermined vaccination efforts in many countries, prolonging the pandemic and putting lives at risk.”
“All of us together can help to stop the spread of misinformation. Remember not every post on social media is reliable or accurate – if you are not sure, then don’t share.”
Dr Glynn said that Ireland has shown high levels of confidence in COVID-19 vaccines, with strong uptake across all age groups.
“Of course, many people will have questions about their vaccine but it is important that they access accurate and reliable information in order to get these questions answered.”
People should consult trustworthy sources for information, he said, such as the HSE website, or their own GP.
Met Éireann’s thunderstorm warning has been updated to status orange for Galway this afternoon, with motorists being warned that driving conditions be extremely hazardous until this evening.
Intense thunderstorms moving through parts of Galway this afternoon and early evening will bring hail and torrential downpours giving localised flooding in places, Met Éireann has said.
The warning for Galway, Clare and Tipperary is now in place and will expire at 7pm this evening.
A status yellow weather warning was issued by Met Éireann earlier today for all counties in the Republic, and this warning will remain in place until 8pm.
Michelin starred chef and restaurateur JP McMahon has warned that people who disagree with the introduction of vaccine passes for indoor dining are making fake reservations at restaurants.
The owner of Aniar, Tartare and Cava Bodega in Galway City said that he is now asking those calling for bookings to provide their credit card details to protect his restaurants from those who are protesting the vaccine passes.
“Due to the continual threat of fake bookings from people who disagree with the government’s new regulations regarding vaccination for indoor dining, we are asking for credit card details for all booking across the three restaurants,” said JP McMahon, apologising for any inconvenience.
People who have been fully vaccinated will be able to eat and drink indoors from Monday, while those who have not been fully vaccinated will be forced to sit outside.
JP McMahon criticised the measures introduced by the Government, saying that an antigen test should be enough for customers to dine indoors.
The Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform has visited Galway City to see works being carried out at the Spanish Arch and Tirellan Castle.
Minister Malcolm Noonan met with the Mayor of Galway Cllr Colette Connolly this morning along with Galway City Council staff at the Spanish Arch, to get an overview of the ongoing works.
The Irish Walled Towns Network have been assisting Galway City Museum and Galway City Council to build a new medieval wing to the museum that will also allow access to the top of the Spanish Arch.
Over €79,000 in funding has been awarded towards the Spanish Arch under the Community Monuments Fund.
“The core objective of the Community Monuments Fund is to support the conservation, maintenance, protection and promotion of local monuments and historic sites and I am delighted to witness this work first-hand, here at this iconic site in Galway City,” said Minister Malcolm Noonan.
Acting Director of Services for Transportation, Planning & Physical Development for Galway City Council, Uinsinn Finn, added that they were delighted to welcome Minister Noonan today, and to give him an insight into the work being carried at the Spanish Arch and at Tirellan Castle.
“These sites hold an important place in the history of Galway City and it is crucial that they are preserved to the highest possible standards – this is helped greatly through the funding from the Community Monuments Fund,” said Uinsinn Finn.
Minister Noonan’s visit also took in the site of Tirellan Castle, where significant conservation works commenced in the last year as part of Galway City Council’s Castles Conservation and Enhancement Project.
Planning permission is being sought from An Bord Pleanála for the construction of 102 homes on land south of the Old Dublin Road in Galway City.
The planning application submitted by Alber Developments Ltd is for a Strategic Housing Development consisting of 65 houses and 35 apartments, along with a creche and retail outlet, at Rosshill.
The 4.7ha site is a greenfield plot, accessible from the Rosshill road, which is bordered by multiple one-off housing developments, and a 16 unit estate recently completed to the north-east.
Part of the site was formerly a pitch and put golf course, but this closed down in the early 2000s, and the land is now agricultural grazing land.
It is proposed that a “linear park” will be created along the northern edge of the site, with a public green area with trees and a walking route running the length of it, to a larger green area at the southwest of the site.
The apartment building at the entrance to the site will also feature a communal garden area for residents on the rooftop.
To fulfill Part V planning requirements, Alber Developments intends to provide ten of the units, three apartments and seven houses, to the city council for social or affordable housing.
The development will include a total of 183 car parking spaces, less than the 220 required under the City Development Plan. The 0.4:1 plot ratio of the proposal also exceeds the CDP guidelines of 0.2:1 for this area.
In a Material Contravention letter submitted with the application said that the housing density allowed under the development plan would not be sustainable, and an inefficient use of land when Galway needs housing.
This justification also said that the car parking provided in the plans is sufficient, and will help encourage people to use public transport, cycling, or walking.
Separate plans for 342 homes on land which included this site were previously rejected by An Bord Pleanála in a decision in May of last year.
This planning application is accompanied by a Flood Risk Assessment, Environmental Impact Assessment Report, and Stage 1 Road Safety Audit, along with other nature focused reports such as a Tree Survey and Wintering Bird Survey.
People in Galway are being urged to conserve water, as many supplies across the city and county have come under pressure in recent days.
The hot and dry weather in recent days has led to a spike in demand for drinking water, while also leaving supply levels dropping.
Tim O’Connor, Irish Water’s Operations Lead for Galway said: “The current extra demand, combined with reduced capacity, is not sustainable across Galway City and County.”
“We are appealing to everyone to be mindful of this and reduce water consumption as much as possible.”
“The households, farms and businesses served by public water supplies across Galway City and County are asked to reduce water usage as much as possible.”
The areas considered to be under the greatest level of pressure at the moment include Monivea, Abbeyknockmoy, Kiltullagh, Carrabane and Gurteen as well as Carna, Kilkieran and Roundstone.
Reservoir levels have also dropped at Farmhill and Glenaveel, Irish Water has said, leading to reduced pressure and water outages in many areas.
People who are on the Mid Galway Water Supply are particularly being urged to conserve water.
“Everyone can contribute and the combination of effort will greatly help our ability to provide a continuous water supply to all,” Tim O’Connor said.
NUI Galway academic and filmmaker Seán Breathnach has been nominated for the prestigious Bingham Ray New Talent Award at this year’s Galway Film Fleadh ahead of the premiere of his film Foscadh tonight.
Written and directed by Breathnach and produced by Paddy Hayes of Magamedia Teo, the film will be shown at a special outdoor screening at Fr Burke Park on the Father Griffin Road this evening (Friday) at 9pm.
The film is inspired by characters from acclaimed novelist Donal Ryan’s The Thing About December and stars Dónal Ó Héalaí (Arracht), Fionnuala Flaherty (Out of Innocence) and Cillian Ó Gairbhí (Blood).
Set in the wild mountains of Connemara, Foscadh tells the story of friendless and guileless recluse John Cunliffe who is suddenly propelled into manhood at the ripe old age of 28.
When his over-cosseting parents pass away, John inherits mountain land that is in the way of a lucrative wind-farm development, and he is forced to navigate the choppy waters of romance, trust and vengeance for the first time.
Talking about his first feature film, Breathnach said that he thinks this is an especially Irish tale, exploring themes of heritage, memory and identity.
“It tells the story of a recluse, John Cunliffe, the beating heart of our story, who must forge his own path following the tragic loss of his parents,” he said.
“It was a privilege to bring Foscadh to life and I very much look forward to its release this week.”
The outdoor screening of Foscadh will be followed by a Q&A with director, cast and crew.
Former students of NUI Galway media courses, Eoin O’Kelly Smith and Daithí Ó Cinnéide, worked as trainee assistant directors on the film. Caitríona McCormack acted as production assistant.
NUI Galway Professor Breandán Mac Suibhne said that Foscadh is a wonderful film that deserves – and will get – a wide audience.
“Its writer and director Seán Breathnach is also a great teacher who epitomises NUI Galway’s commitment to excellence in all we do. His colleagues are immensely proud of him,” said Professor Mac Suibhne.
The winner of the 2021 Bingham Ray New Talent Award will be announced at an online awards’ ceremony on the closing night of the Galway Film Fleadh, Sunday July 25 at 6pm.
Breathnach teaches scriptwriting and production on the MA (Cleachtas Gairmiúil sna Meáin) and the BA (Cumarsáid agus Gaeilge) programme at NUI Galway’s Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge.
His short film Maidhm was premiered to critical acclaim at the Galway Film Fleadh in 2015 and went on to win awards at the Limerick Film Festival, the Fingal Film Festival, as well as the best actress award at na Gradaim Cumarsáide.
Foscadh was the script selected for the 2017 CINE4 commission, a scheme run by TG4, Fís Éireann and the BAI.
The Harry Potter series of films may have lined JK Rowling’s pockets, but their success at the box office has not translated to positive reviews from moviegoers.
Hollywood has a patchy record where book to film adaptions are concerned, with filmmakers often criticised for failing to capture the spirit of the written story.
A recent study by Betway Casino appears to confirm that point to perfection for the seven Harry Potter films, with each of them receiving disappointing review scores on IMDb.
None of the movies feature in the top 10 best-rated film adaptations, but three of them are among the top seven most lucrative.
That appears to suggest that Potter fans are gluttons for punishment, with Rowling’s written efforts failing to translate well to the silver screen.
However, it is a different story where The Lord of the Rings is concerned, with the trilogy delivering the goods at the box office and in the review rankings.
Two of three films feature in the top 10 list for making the most money, while all three are in the top five list of the most popular movies.
The Return of the King and The Fellowship of the Ring are second and third in the IMDb rankings, while The Two Towers is in fifth place.
The movies are in extremely good company in the top 10 popular list, with the other seven films amongst the most iconic movies ever made.
Forrest Gump takes fourth place, with The Green Mile and A Clockwork Orange taking sixth and seventh. Shutter Island, A Beautiful Mind and No Country For Old Men complete the top 10.
While the nine other movies undoubtedly deserve their place on the list, one movie stands head and shoulders above the rest according to IMDb reviewers.
The Shawshank Redemption was initially a box office flop when first released in 1994, earning only $16 million during its initial theatrical run.
Competition from Forrest Gump and Pulp Fiction were cited as reasons for its failure, while the title also left people a little baffled.
Several Oscars nominations highlighted the movie’s brilliance, and its re-run at the cinemas subsequently took it up to $58.3m.
While this was still way behind Forrest Gump, the film has since become widely recognised as a cinematic masterpiece.
Based on Stephen King’s novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption, barely a week goes by without the movie being screened by a television channel.
Its brilliance has even been acknowledged by King, who has generally disliked the majority of film adaptations of his books.
“I love The Shawshank Redemption and I’ve always enjoyed working with Frank (Darabont, the director) – he’s a sweet guy,” he told Deadline.
The enduring popularity of The Shawshank Redemption also highlights another point about book adaptations – standalone film releases are more popular than series.
Of the 10 most popular films on IMDB, seven are standalone releases, a statistic that should strike fear into filmmakers tasked with turning producing a series of films on the same topic.
There have been a further 1,189 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported by the Department of Health today.
As of this morning, 95 people in Ireland are being treated in hospital for the disease. Of these, 23 are in the intensive care unit.
Dr. Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, said that there has been a “sharp increase” in the number of travel related COVID cases in recent weeks, as the Delta variant has become dominant across Europe.
“As disease incidence increases both here in Ireland, and across Europe, it is important that, if you intend on travelling, you are aware of the disease profile in the area you are visiting, as well as the public health measures in place locally.”
Only people who are fully vaccinated, or who have recently recovered from COVID-19, should be travelling he added.
International travel resumed in Ireland on Monday as Ireland began rolling out the EU Digital COVID Certificate.
“If you have recently returned to Ireland and have any symptoms of COVID-19 including fever, cough, headache, sore throat or a blocked or runny nose then please self-isolate and get tested without delay,” Dr Glynn said.
Galway will receive €580,000 in funding for eight projects to improve or develop remote working facilities around the city and county.
The funding is part of an €8.8 million package for 117 projects around the country announced by Minister Heather Humphreys today
The single largest award went to Galway County Council, which received €239,095 for creating or upgrading remote working facilities at eight Broadband Connection Points.
These BCPs are located in Lettermullen, Inis Oirr, Inisbofin, Glenmaddy, Lackagh, Ballyglunin, Tuam, Clonberne, and this funding will allow them to increase the number of remote working spaces they have.
The next highest grants are €75,000 each for Blue I Hub in Milltown and Ceantar na nOilean Innovation in Connemara.
Blue I Hub intends to double its work station capacity to six, and triple the number of hot desks they have to 18, while Ceantar na nOilean Innovation will carry out upgrade works ro renovate a hub space with meeting rooms, offices, and video conferencing.
Ballinasloe Enterprise Hub has been awarded €63,405 for improvements to the energy usage of the faciltity.
SCCUL Enterprises CLG will be expanding the capacity and improving the sustainability of its Ballybane hub with a grant of €45,7000.
Westside Resource Centre in the city has been allocated €38,144.70 for improvements that will enhance the capacity of its meeting and conference facilities.
Killimor Data Hub is scaling up with the help of a €29,177.64 grant, which will enable the installation of a new security system, audio-visual facilities, disability access, upgraded meeting rooms, and more.
And lastly, €13,688.50 will be used to add video conferencing and audio-visual upgrades to the GMIT Innovation Hub in Galway.
Galway Senator Aisling Dolan said that remote working is here to stay, with many companies offering flexible work options as they reopen, and government policy encouraging blended work practices.
Aisling Dolan at Ballinasloe Enterprise Centre
“Now people have the option of having proper facilities and excellent broadband in a location close to them in Co. Galway.”
She added that giving people the option to adopt remote working will have benefits for individual lives, as well as for the climate.
“Flexible working removes the challenge of a long commute and carbon emissions, as well as the costs of living in city-centre locations.”
“Why not make a change, why not look West at where you would like to live and why. Families can have an excellent quality of life living and working in our towns and villages in Galway”
Minister Heather Humphreys said “The increased shift to remote working as a result of the pandemic has provided a golden opportunity for a greater regional distribution of jobs to support a better work life balance for many people.”
This funding will enable more individuals and families to live and work in rural communities, she added.
Colm's Life Pharmacy & Health Food Store in Salthill, one of 24 pharmacies across Galway offering the Pfizer vaccine
The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID vaccine is now available in 24 pharmacies across Galway, the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) has revealed.
The IPU is now calling for this to be extended, so that all pharmacies registered to administer jabs have access to the Pfizer vaccine.
Pharmacies started vaccinating in last month and have so far administered over 123,000 vaccines nationwide.
This has predominantly been the Janssen vaccine, available to people aged between 18 and 34, and to people aged 50 and older in over 950 pharmacies across the country.
A smaller number of pharmacies, chosen because of their distance to the nearest vaccine centre, are also offering the Pfizer vaccine to patients aged 18 and over, in line with the HSE Vaccination Centres.
Darragh O’Loughlin, Secretary General of the IPU, explained that pharmacists are trained, experienced vaccinators and they are delighted to finally have the opportunity to support the vaccination campaign.
“Now the people of Galway can receive a vaccine in the convenience and comfort of their local pharmacy,” said Mr O’Loughlin.
“People can book an appointment directly with their local pharmacy and, when called, attend at a set time and be on their way home all within 30 minutes.”
He said that since pharmacists began administering COVID 19 vaccines, there has been universally positive feedback and a huge level of demand from all age groups.
“The ongoing level of demand will need to be matched by supply or pharmacies will be forced to suspend vaccinations,” added Mr O’Loughlin.
List of participating pharmacies in Galway
Boots Pharmacy, Knocknacarra
Brodericks Pharmacy, Ballinasloe
Brogans Totalhealth Pharmacy, Loughrea
Colm’s Life Pharmacy &Health Food Store, Salthill
Connollys Pharmacy, Oranmore
Craughwell Pharmacy, Craughwell
Dalys Pharmacy, Gort
Duane’s Pharmacy, Ballinasloe
Feely’s Totalhealth Pharmacy, Tuam
Gleesons Pharmacy, Tuam
Hayes & Hayes Pharmacy, Portumna
HighCross Pharmacy, Tuam
Kinvara Pharmacy, Kinvara
Leahys Pharmacy, Loughrea
Loughrea Careplus Pharmacy, Loughrea
Matt O’Flaherty Chemists, Barna
Matt O’Flaherty Chemists, Moycullen
McSharrys Pharmacy, Athenry
Medwell Allcare Pharmacy, Tuam
Murphy’s Totalhealth , Ballinasloe
Quinns Pharmacy, Gort
Ryders Pharmacy, Headford
Sweeneys Pharmacy, Claregalway
Walshs Pharmacy, Tuam
Mr O’Loughlin added: “We know that supplies of the Janssen vaccine may be limited for a time, therefore we are calling for all participating pharmacies to be provided supplies of the Pfizer- BioNTech vaccine as well.
“Now that the eligibility for vaccines has been expanded to younger age groups, the challenge of getting to vaccination centres will become amplified.
“Younger people are less likely to have access to a car, often have childcare constraints and may have less flexible employment. Convenience will be key to completing the vaccination campaign and that is what local pharmacies offer.”
Galway Senator Seán Kyne has welcomed the announcement by Minister Simon Harris of €105 million to ensure third level colleges are safe to reopen in September.
Measures to be supported include €10 million for the Student Assistant Fund which helps students in financial difficulty, €3 million for student mental health supports and €8 million to help engage and support disadvantaged learners.
Minister Harris said that the funding will ensure Covid-19 supports for the sector and specific supports for students who will return to a new world in September.
This will include additional mental health and other student supports, he said.
Welcoming the announcement, Fine Gael Senator Kyne said: “Here in Galway and across the country the past 18 months has been a really difficult time for students.
“We need to ensure our students are supported as they go back to college and we need to begin the next academic year on the right foot and this funding is central to that.”
Gardaí have issued a public warning about a recent spate of smishing scams where fraudsters pretend to be from Permanent TSB.
Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) have said that there have been recent scams where people receive texts claiming to be from TSB, warning about unusual activity on your account, or a suspicious log-in attempt.
These scams will then typically direct the person in question to a cloned website via a link, where the scammers will ask them for personal financial information.
They will attempt to get you to enter pins, passcodes and other personal information far beyond what a bank would ask from you.
The fraudsters want your personal data so they can steal money from your bank account or purport to be you when contacting banks.
GNECB is warning the public to be wary of such text messages and if in any doubt of the authenticity of the text, contact their bank on the numbers they usually use, not whatever number comes with this text.
There are other ‘smishing’ texts being received and these can purport to be from service providers, revenue, banks and/or delivery businesses.
Some can fit into the threads of previously received genuine texts which adds an air of authenticity to them.
Gardaí never clicking on any link in an unsolicited text or email, or giving away personal and financial information.
If you have been the victim of a scam like this, it is important that you immediately change your passwords/pin codes, contact your bank, and inform gardaí.
Galway TD Noel Grealish is due to appear before Clifden District Court today in connection with the ‘Golfgate’ dinner in the village last August.
The Oireachtas Golf Society held an event at the Station House hotel in Clifden which violated COVID-19 regulations at the time.
The Independent TD, who was the captain of the golf society, is one of two politicians facing charges over organising the event, along with former Fianna Fáil Senator Donie Cassidy, who was its president.
At the time, indoor events were limited to 50 people under Level 3 restrictions, but the dinner on August 19, which followed a two day golfing event, was attended by over 80 people.
Deputy Grealish and Mr Cassidy have been charged under Section 31A of the Health Act 1997, for which the maximum penalty is a fine of €2,500 or up to six months in prison.
Then EU Comissioner Phil Hogan was eventually forced to resign due to his attendance at the ‘golfgate’ dinner, and newly appointed Supreme Court judge Seamus Wolfe was also heavily criticised for being present.
