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Water outages in Tuam due to burst mains

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Elegant house and gardens in sought after city neighbourhood

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Community Enhancement funding approved for 39 Galway City projects

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The full list of projects funded in Galway City is:

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

Galway woman to shave head in fundraiser for Bodywhys

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galway daily news galway woman fundraiser

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Donate here!

Three new bank holidays proposed in new PBP Bill

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galway daily news new bank holiday bill ireland

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New visiting times at UHG and Merlin Park from Tuesday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Details on maternity department visiting are available here.

HSE warns of scam vaccine appointment texts

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

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

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

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

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

COVID-19: 1,501 new cases reported today

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

The Department of Health has reported a further 1,501 cases of COVID-19 today.

As of 8am today, 169 people with COVID-19 are in hospitals across the State. A total of 23 of these patients are in ICU.

Speaking this evening, Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said that vaccination is now open to anyone over the age of 16 and those aged 12-15 will be able to register soon.

“Walk-in vaccination centres are now available for those yet to receive a first dose,” said Dr Holohan.

“If you have a child with an underlying medical condition, that is living in a household where there are other people at risk, please avail of vaccination at the earliest opportunity.

“Vaccination and the incredible uptake across many age groups is leading us to a turning point in the pandemic.

“If we experience similar uptake in the younger cohorts as experienced in the over 60’s, Ireland will have a strong population level defence against COVID-19 and its known variants.”

Dr. Ronan Glynn added: “If you experience any symptoms of a cold or flu, including fever, cough, shortness of breath, change in taste or smell, headache, sore throat, runny nose or blocked nose/sinuses, please isolate and come forward for a test.

“There are testing centres located in every county in Ireland.”

Galway City Central’s COVID rate rises to 3 times national average

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galway daily news Just one COVID patient in the ICU at University Hospital Galway

The 14-day COVID-19 incidence rate in the Galway City Central LEA has risen to over 1,000 cases per 100,000 inhabitants this week – three times higher than the national average.

In the two weeks to 26 July, a total of 276 new cases were reported in the Galway City Central area out of its population of 26,702, bringing its two-week incidence rate to 1,033.

Galway City East LEA has the second highest COVID rate in the county with 639 cases per 100,000 people, while Galway City West’s rate now stands at 528.

The rate in Conamara North is 308 cases per 100,000 people with 53 new cases in two weeks, and Conamara South’s rate is 370 (79 new cases).

Both Tuam LEA and Athenry-Oranmore LEA recorded 113 new cases in the fortnight to 26 July, taking their incidence rates to 341 and 344 respectively.

Ballinasloe recorded 80 new cases in two weeks, giving it a rate of 285 cases per 100,000 people, while Loughrea’s rate is now 358 (83 new cases) and Gort-Kinvara’s rate is 255 (60 new cases).

Connacht Rugby signs Ireland U20 prop Sam Illo

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Galway daily sport Connacht Rugby signs Irish U20 prop Sam Illo
Connacht Rugby signs Sam Illo on two year contract. Photo: INPHO

Irish U20 international prop Sam Illo has been announced as the latest signing for Connacht Rugby, joining the province on a two year contract.

The 20 year old has played for Old Wesley RFC on Donnybrook, and represented Leinster at the underage level, but this is his first professional contract.

This summer saw Illo make his international debut on the U20 Irish side for the Six Nations, where he played at tighthead for all five games.

Head Coah for Connacht Rugby Andy Friend said that adding him is another boost for the province ahead of the next season.

“He was one of Ireland’s standout performers in the U20 Six Nations and has a very bright future ahead of him.”

“I’m confident that at Connacht he will be able to take his game to the next level and give us further options in the front row.”

For his part, Sam said that he is “over the moon” to be joining Connacht, thanking Andy Friend and the other coaches for the opportunity.

“I’m especially looking forward to linking up with Colm Tucker after working closely with him while with the Ireland U20s. To sign my first pro contract is a dream come true and I can’t wait to get started with the rest of the squad.”

Galway Arts Festival seeks volunteers for triumphal return

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Galway Daily arts Galway Arts Festival seeks volunteers for triumphal return
Sita Karki , Joy Mukerjee and Leonie Hossli volunteers at The O Donoghue Theatre for Galway International Arts Festival. Photo: Andrew Downes, xposure

Galway International Arts Festival is seeking volunteers to help them put on a world class show for locals and visitors alike this year.

The 2021 Galway International Arts Festival will run from August 28 to September 18 this year, later than normal due to COVID-19.

While the acclaimed Big Top concerts won’t be going ahead this year as a precaution, there is still a wealth of programming in every field of the arts to look forward to.

This is a special opportunity to help celebrate and facilitate the return to live arts events in Galway and be part of the city’s cultural recovery.

Volunteer roles cover theatre, music, visual arts, First Thought Talks and more, and scheduling is easy and convenient with the Festival’s flexible online scheduling system.

People can sign up for whichever shifts fit their availability and interests, and there are no minimum or maximum number of hours to commit to.

Helping out with the festival is also a great way to meet new people in a safe way and experience world-renowned art right here in our city!

Volunteers must be aged 18 or older. Applications are open at giaf.ie/support/volunteer, and any queries can be sent to Volunteer Manager Carly Zimmerman at volunteers@giaf.ie.

Nightly reservoir interruptions in Roundstone to last through August

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Galway Daily news Water main replacement

Nightly water outages and supply disruptions in the Roundstone area of Connemara are likely to continue to the end of August.

Works taking place on the reservoir currently necessitate an interruption of its supply from 10pm to 8am each night.

This may cause supply disruptions to Roundstone, Inishnee, Errisbeg, Carna, Mweenish, Kilkieran, Loughaconeera, Derryrush, Kylesalia, Gortmore and surrounding areas of the county.

These works, which began in mid-July, are currently scheduled to continue until August 31.

People affected by the nightly disruptions are advised that it may take 2-3 hours after works finish before their full supply is restored.

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

NUIG sweeps college societies awards

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Galway Daily news Galway universities awarded over €2 million for new research equipment

NUI Galway were the big winner at the Board of Irish College Societies Award this year, taking home the prize in seven categories.

BICS is a national organisation that was founded in 1995 and whose role is to provide a national forum for the societies in Ireland’s higher education institutes.

The 25th Annual ICS Awards ceremony was broadcast live from the Sheraton Hotel in Athlone earlier this month.

Riona Hughes, NUI Galway Societies Officer, said: “Despite the unprecedented challenges faced by all of us due to the pandemic, with the hard work and dedication from all of our members we still managed to function as an organisation.”

She praised societies as a path towards a “greater experience” in university, building friendships and skills that will endure long after you have graduated.

NUIG won in seven categories including:

  • Best Individual (Large College): Hannah Aris, Auditor of Energy Society, and Vice Auditor of WiSTEM Society
  • Best Fresher (Large College): Anna Lee Dowling, Incoming Auditor of the Law Society
  • Best Event (Large College): ‘S.O.C. Stream’, an online society collaboration that comprised of a 12 hour and a 48-hour live stream, raising €2,000 for charity
  • Best Publicity Campaign: Galway University Musical Society (GUMS)
  • Best New Society (Large College): Society for Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (WiSTEM)
  • Best Poster: Galway University Musical Society (GUMS) and the Drama Society (Dramsoc)
  • Best Promotional Video: Fantasy and Science Fiction Society (FanSci)

Acknowledging the contribution societies made to the student experience during lockdown, Riona Hughes added, “Our societies continued to do what they do best.”

“Create supportive communities of like-minded people and to entertain and educate each other while finding ways to remain human and connected in very challenging circumstances.”

In the 2020-21 academic year, there were 96 actively running student societies at NUI Galway, representing over 10,000 students and holding 2,243 events online.

Upgrades to Knocknacarra NS footpath getting underway

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Galway Daily news Roadworks on national roads across Galway this week

Children attending Knocknacarra National School, and all pedestrians in the area, will benefit from upgrades to the pathway outside the school.

Galway City Council is upgrading the footpath adjacent to t John Apostle National School on the Western Distributor Road next month.

These public realm upgrades to the path outside the Knocknacarra primary school are part of the council’s Active Travel projects.

As part of the path upgrade, access may be limited at times throughout August, to facilitate the works.

The city council has said that they intend to keep the time that the laneway might be closed to a minimum.

That said, some local diversions might be in place while the upgrade works are taking place, and will be signposted accordingly.

COVID-19: 1,361 new cases reported today

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

The Department of Health has this evening reported a further 1,361 cases of COVID-19 in the State.

There are 160 people in hospitals with the virus across the country as of 8am this morning, of whom 26 are in intensive care units.

Dr Tony Holohan again stressed the importance of driving up vaccination rates as high as possible.

“The higher we go, the better the protection we have and the sooner we’ll be able to ease more of the economic and social restrictions that still remain in place,” said the Chief Medical Officer this evening.

“Walk-in vaccination centres are opening across the country, anyone over 16 years of age can register for a COVID-19 vaccine.”

Dr Holohan told people to encourage their friends and family to ensure they get reliable information about the vaccines available in Ireland, and to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

“For our exhausted healthcare workers, the winter months ahead mean flu, other respiratory infection admissions alongside the backlog of scheduled and unscheduled care that has been disrupted due to COVID-19,” he added.

“We owe it to them to continue to maintain the basic personal public health protections; manage your contacts, keep distance, wash/sanitize hands regularly, cough/sneeze etiquette, avoid crowds, wear masks indoors and in crowded settings, if you experience COVID-19 symptoms isolate and get tested.”

Over €700,000 allocated to Galway County Council under LIS

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galway daily news road sean canney call for funding country road in galway

An additional €703,912 has been allocated to Galway County Council under the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS).

The allocation announced today will allow another batch of roads to be upgraded across the county.

Speaking today, Minister Heather Humphreys said that she was delighted to secure a further €10.5 million for the Scheme which doubles the investment under the scheme this year to €21 million.

“This additional funding demonstrates my commitment to improving connectivity for rural residents – whether it be access to homes, farms or outdoor amenities,” said the Minister.

Galway Senator Seán Kyne welcomed the allocation and said that the LIS allows non-council roads to be upgraded, which are often used by farmers and those accessing local amenities.

Under LIS, local authorities are responsible for identifying and prioritising roads for improvement works under the scheme, in consultation with residents or landowners. The works must be completed before the end of the year.

Five COVID patients at UHG in the ICU

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There are five COVID-19 patients in the intensive care unit at University Hospital Galway, the highest number in the country.

There are a total of 15 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Galway hospitals in the latest HSE figures, ten at UHG and five at Portiuncula.

None of the patients at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe were in the ICU according to this data.

But aside from COVID patients, Galway’s hospitals have been extremely busy this week, with very high numbers attending the emergency department.

There were 14 patients waiting for a bed at Portiuncula this morning according to INMO Trolley/Ward Watch figures, down from an extreme high of 27.

UHG is also the third most overcrowded hospital in Ireland today, with 37 patients waiting for a bed, the same numbers as yesterday’s count.

Nationwide there were 147 confirmed cases in Irish hospital as of Wednesday night, with 26 of those in the ICU.

Salthill beach and Loughrea tumble in latest coastal litter survey

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Galway Daily news met eireann high temperature warning

Three Galway beaches occupy ignoble positions in the litter survey of Irish coastal areas from Irish Businesses Against Litter.

Dog’s Bay beach in Connemara, Salthill beach in the city, and Loughrea Lake were all deemed ‘Littered’ in the latest report from IBAL.

Salthill and Loughrea’s position near the bottom of the table is particularly disappointing, given that they were previously among the most litter free, being deemed ‘Clean to European Norms’ in the last survey in 2019.

The latest survey, which was carried out by An Taisce in June and July, stated that Salthill beach had “overflowing litter bins and substantial fast-food / food related litter on top of and at the base of street bins.”

Along the beach itself there was more fast food trash, along with discarded coffee cups, sweet wrappers, clothing, toys, and utensils.

Dog’s Bay Beach, near Roundstone, was primarily affected by marine litter, while food litter and cigarette buts were noted in the car park at Loughrea Lake.

Fewer than half of the areas surveyed for IBAL were deemed Clean to European Norms, with a rise in the number of areas which were either ‘Littered’ or ‘Heavily Littered’.

The most common forms of litter found by the assessors were cigarette butts, sweet wrappers, disposable masks and plastic bottles, with coffee cups also featuring strongly. Alcohol cans were found in almost half of all sites.

“The majority of these litter item are plastics, whose impact on the marine environment is a source of global concern,” said Conor Horgan of IBAL.

“Cigarette butts, for example, may appear harmless, but they are in effect a single-use plastic which poses a real danger to our sea life.”

“We all need to realise that the implications of litter along our coasts go beyond tourism and recreation. It presents an existential threat to our planet and way of life.”

Despite the poor implications for areas in Galway, Conor Horgan said that the news was positive overall, with the number of clean beaches nearly doubling to thirteen.

“This is especially encouraging given the number of people who are staycationing and availing of our coastal amenities this year.”

“There is evidence that many local authorities have upped their game in terms of additional bins, facilities and signage.”

Would be child abuser was arrested at railway station

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Galway Daily courts Man charged in connection

A man who tried to meet a child for the purposes of sexually abusing them was instead arrested by Gardaí at the railway station.

The 63 year old man entered a plea of guilty to charges relating to attempting to sexually exploit a child when he appeared before Judge Rory McCabe at Galway Circuit Court last Friday.

He pleaded to one count of attempting to meet a child for the purposed of sexual exploitation at Ceannt Station on May 27 of 2018 under Section 7 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017.

He also pleaded to using information and communication technology to attempt to communicate with a child for the purposes of sexual exploitation between March 20 and May 25 of 2018, under Section 8 of the same Act.

The court ordered the preparation of a probation report and a medical report before the sentencing hearing at the request of the defence.

The case will next come before the Circuit Court on December 15 for facts to be heard.

Appeal rejected in plans for Briarhill housing estate

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Galway Daily news Planning appeal over 91 houses & apartments in Athenry

An Bord Pleanála has refused planning permission for a housing estate on the outskirts of Galway City in Briarhill.

Plans were brought before the higher planning authority for an estate with 44 homes at Breanloughan, Briarhill, next to the national school, after the county council previously rejected them.

The plans were for 32 houses, a mix of 30 semi-detached and two detached houses, and 12 apartments in a single two-storey block.

Galway County Council refused approval for the project late last December on the grounds that the lands on the outskirts of Galway City were not yet zoned for development.

Concerns were also raised about a lack of information regarding wastewater disposal in the plans, the potential impact of a foul water sewer on nearby public roads, environmental impacts from the same, and the proposed layout of the estate.

This decision was appealed to the higher planning authority, arguing that this site is part of the urban framework for Briarhill, which forms part of the Metropolitan Area in the draft county development plan 2022-2028 published in May of this year.

In response to this, Inspector Colin McBride said that, notwithstanding the potential for this land to be zoned for development, the proposed housing estate still does not meet the requirements of the Urban Framework Plan in the draft CDP, which identifies a large portion of this site for open space.

The inspector had also emphasised that “The Draft Plan is not a planning consideration, however the Board may wish to have regard to such”, and that the site is currently a Tier 6 settlement, not zoned for development.

The appeal also stated that revised sewerage plans had been submitted, which have secured consent from Irish Water, and that the foul sewer would only be a temporary measure.

An Bord Pleanála upheld the county council’s original decision, refusing planning permission on the grounds that under the current County Development Plan, Briarhill is not zoned for development.

Approving the development would, therefore, undermine the provisions of the CDP due to its scale and population yield.