NUIG joins EU partners on preparing for a future pandemic

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June 22, 2021

william freeney athenry derrydonnelly IRA Sinn Féin commemoration

Athenry Sinn Féin will hold a commemoration this Sunday 27 June to mark the 100thanniversary of the death of IRA Captain William Freeney.

The event will take place at 3pm on Sunday in Teampeal Geal Cemetery in Derrydonnell.

IRA Captain William Freeney from Derrydonnell died on active service in Athenry in June 1921.

Louis O’Hara will chair the commemoration and the main oration will be given by Galway West TD Mairéad Farrell.

COVID-19: 284 new cases reported today

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June 21, 2021

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

The Department of Health has reported 284 new coronavirus cases in the Republic.

There are 53 people diagnosed with the virus in hospitals across the country, of whom 13 are in intensive care.

Today’s ICU figures are the lowest since September 15 – 279 days ago.

No figures were provided by health officials for Galway today and the Department of Health says that the daily figures could change as data is validated and updated.

Speaking on RTÉ News at One today, the HSE’s lead on the vaccine rollout programme said that people aged between 30 and 40 can expect to have received their second dose of a COVID vaccine between July and August.

He expects people in their 20s to be fully vaccinated by the end of September, should supply remain steady.

People in their 20s will be fully vaccinated by September – HSE

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June 21, 2021

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

People in their 20s can expect to receive the second dose of their COVID-19 vaccine by the end of September, the head of the HSE’s head of the vaccine roll-out programme Damien McCallion has said.

People aged 38 can now apply for their vaccine from today, and Mr McCallion said that people in their 30s can expect to get their appointments over the next three weeks.

Speaking on RTÉ News at One today, he said that people aged between 30 and 40 can expect to have received their second dose between July and August, while people in their 20s will have to wait until September to be fully vaccinated.

“We’ve had a lot of speed bumps along the road with vaccination programs in terms of supply, but we are seeing more stability – we’re in a very particularly busy period,” said Damien McCallion.

“Last week we had our biggest week ever in terms of vaccinations with over 340,000, we expect to be over 300,000 again this week, next week and the following week, hopefully again supply permitting.”

Potato blight warning issued for Galway this week

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June 21, 2021

Galway daily news Teagasc Clinic on Transferring the Family Farm in Gort tomorrow

Met Eireann has issued a warning for weather conditions that will increase the risk of potato blight in Galway in the mid-week.

The status yellow environmental warning states that conditions in western and northwestern counties on Wednesday evening through to Thursday carry a risk of blight.

The warning issued by Met Eireann applies to counties Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Sligo.

Temperatures on Wednesday are expected to hit the high teens on Wednesday, and rain is also forecast through the day.

Potato blight is caused by a fungus called Phytophthora infestans that spreads through the air and thrives in humid weather.

Its symptoms include patches of brown freckles on leaves with a yellowish border, dark patches on tubers, and potatoes rotting into soggy masses.

NUIG Students’ Union records huge levels of engagement during ‘pandemic year’

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June 21, 2021

galway daily nuig students union random acts of kindness — Pádraic Toomey, Faye McDonnell, Róisín Nic Lochlainn, Neasa Gorrell and Emma Sweeney at launch of RAK Challenge in November

NUI Galway Students’ Union saw record levels of engagement by students throughout the 2020/21 academic year despite the challenges of the pandemic.

The Students’ Union’s annual report shows huge numbers of students signed up to be class representatives, attended online events and raised funds for charity.

Over 400 people signed up to take part in the Charity Challenge, raising €13,000 for Galway charities over six months.

Some 600 students volunteered to become class reps to act as the voice of their class and voter turnout increased for the SU Elections which again were held online.

NUI Galway students also led the way in campaigns dealing with issues such as making education more affordable, sustainability, mental health and diversity.

“It has been a great honor to lead NUI Galway Students’ Union as President for 2020/2021,” said Students’ Union President Pádraic Toomey.

“This ‘pandemic year’ brought brand new challenges and opportunities that we haven’t had before.

“The Union shone out as an adaptable and dynamic representative body that ensures the student voice is always heard.”

Students’ Union Vice-President/Education Officer Emma Sweeney added: “In what has been a very stressful academic year it’s great that the students of NUI Galway have been so engaged with the Union.

“Our SU Officers, Class Reps and Volunteers have worked tirelessly this year to help the entire NUI Galway community to get through this together.”

11 Galway schools to receive funding for better walking and cycling routes

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June 21, 2021

Galway Daily news Oranmore active travel

Eleven schools in Galway have been selected in first round of the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme which will improve walking and cycling routes to primary and secondary schools.

The improvements will range from better footpaths and new cycle lanes to a complete reworking of the road outside a school’s entrance.

Cycle and scooter parking will be provided to most schools that are part of the programme.

In the city, Galway Educate Together NS, Scoil Chaitríona Junior, Scoil Iognaid and St. Joseph’s Special School are to receive funding through the programme.

In Galway County, the selected schools are: Athenry Boys National School; Calasanctius College, Oranmore; Gaelscoil de hÍde Ard na Mara, Oranmore; Scoil Bhaile Nua in Moycullen; Scoil Chroí Naofa Athenry; Scoil Iósaif Naofa, Oramore; and St. Paul’s Secondary School in Oughterard.

Minister of State and Galway West TD Hildegarde Naughton said that the level of interest in this scheme has been really positive.

While we’re not in a position to fund projects for each of the 931 schools in 2021, a provisional multi-annual programme has been created which can allow for a rolling programme to facilitate all schools that applied,” said Minister Naughton.

“This means that when work is completed at one school, a new school from the list can be added to the programme.

“In other words our plan is that all schools that have applied will, over time, receive investment.

“We want this to be the first year of a rolling fund that will continue well into the future so that we can get around to everybody.”

Gardaí making renewed appeal on Carna woman missing since 1985

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June 21, 2021

Galway Daily news missing teen found safe

Gardaí are making a renewed appeal for information on the disappearance of Barbara Walsh, who went missing in Carna in 1985.

Walsh, who was 33 at the time of her disappearance, was last seen at her home in Rusheenamanagh, Carna at on June 22, 1985.

A group of people had come back to her house after a social gathering at a local pub, and she was last seen in the early hours of the morning.

The case came to renewed attention in 2015 when then Garda Commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan ordered a review of the case following an appeal by Walsh’s family.

In a renewed bid for anyone who may have information on this missing persons case to come forward, Gardaí and the Walsh family will be holding a briefing on Tuesday morning in Carna.

At the media briefing taking place at 11am on Tuesday at Acadamh NUIGin Carna, Investigators will make an appeal for information, and a member of the Walsh family will make a statement.

Last year, Barbara’s daughter Catjerine Ui Chongaile made a personal appeal on the 35th anniversary of her disappearance, asking for anyone who may know something to contact Gardaí, so that their family can have closure.

2020 Sleep Out for Simon was charity’s most successful ever

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June 21, 2021

Galway Daily news 2020 Sleep Out for Simon was charity's most successful ever

Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the 2020 Sleep Out for Simon was the most successful to date, raising €137k for the Galway Simon Community.

The Sleep Out for Simon event went virtual last October, due to the prohibition on large gatherings, with participants prompted up their bed for one night to sleep in their back gardens, on doorsteps, trampolines, garden sheds and office carparks in support of those facing homelessness.

More than 200 people took part in the event, with the virtual format enabling it to be more inclusive than ever. Groups taking part included schools from Montessori to Secondary level, choirs, scout groups, sports clubs, businesses, and more.

It was also more widespread than ever before with families, friends, colleagues and teammates taking part in communities’ right across the West, as well as in places as far away as Shanghai, Vancouver, and Seoul.

Amy Lavelle of the Galway Simon Community said that she humbled by the level of support shown by the participants and public on that night.

“We were absolutely blown away by the level of support we received for our first ever Virtual Sleep Out. One of the greatest benefits of hosting the event virtually was the ability to make it more inclusive than ever before”.

“It really was inspiring to see so many people from all across the West, and further afield, rising to the challenge to help raise awareness and funds for those facing homelessness during such a critical time of need.

“We’re particularly grateful to our local team leaders for rallying up support and for helping to showcase the true sense of community that we are lucky to have here in the West.”

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic there has been growing pressure on Galway Simon’s frontline housing and homelessness teams.

The charity’s income has been severely impacted with the cost of running their services continuing to increase as they respond to the Coronavirus crisis, and their finances remain under significant pressure.

The €137,205 raised by the Sleep Out for Simon event will be used to assist more than 500 individuals and families facing homelessness in the West of Ireland.

The projects set to benefit from the funds include the running cost of Galway Simon’s Resource Centre in Ballinasloe, the fit out of 12 new homes, the charity’s Essentials Fund which supports those at risk of losing their homes with essential household costs at a time of crisis, as well as vital counselling and occupational therapy services for young adults.

CEO of Galway Simon Community Karen Golden said that this pressure has continued to grow, with a 19% increase in the number of people they are supporting between January and March of this year, compared with 2020.

“Our concern is that this may be the start of a worrying trend and that the number of people experiencing homelessness will continue to rise as we start to see the effects of the Covid-19 restrictions and measures such as the moratorium on evictions being lifted.”

When asked about what they enjoyed most about taking part, one participant said, “Luckily the evening was beautiful and we set up tents in the garden and had a campfire.”

“Lovely family memories were made as well as making the children aware of how lucky we were to be able to move inside when it got so cold later”.

Another participant said, “The feeling of togetherness and knowing what your doing is doing so much for somebody out there”.

Eircom submits plans for Ballinasloe mobile tower

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June 21, 2021

Galway Daily news Planning refused again for Galway City mobile tower

Plans have been submitted to the county council to erect a mobile telecoms tower on the grounds of Ballinasloe GAA club to improve mobile and data coverage in the area.

Eircom is seeking planning permission to remove a 15m floodlight pole next to the club house of the GAA club, and erect a 18m high telecoms tower in its place. This will carry antennae, one dish, and a replacement floodlight.

The monopole tower would serve Eir mobile in the area, and would also have room for one other operator.

The planning application states that there will be minimal visual impact, as the tower will replace an existing floodlight.

Ballinasloe GAA club have given their consent for Eircom to make the planning application for construction on their land at Brackenagh, Ballinasloe.

One submission has been made to the county council about this application on behalf Cignal Infrastructure, noting that operate a multi-lattice telecoms tower at Poolboy Business Park 1.2km away from this proposed site.

In a response to this submission, Eircom said that they are one of the operators with equipment on that 24m tower, and plan to remain, but that there are blackspots in their coverage in Ballinasloe West which need to be addressed.

The planning application states that this tower is needed to provide mobile and date coverage for the Eir mobile network in Ballinasloe town, as well as to homes in the townlands of Dunlo and Brackenagh, and surrounding rural areas.

Galway County Council is due to make a decision on this planning application by July 8.

Ireland is losing ground on aviation says Galway senator

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June 20, 2021

Galway Daily news flight cancellation cancelled Government backs credit note refund for Irish travel agent and tour operator holidays

Ireland is losing ground on all fronts on aviation and the Government must act to protect this vital national interest, a Galway senator has said.

Speaking in the Seanad, Senator Seán Kyne said that late 2019 seems like a different world when the then Government was able to buy the Connemara airport for the PSO service to the Aran Islands.

“Little did anyone think we would see the collapse in the aviation sector across the world even a few months after that,” the Fine Gael senator said.

Senator Kyne said that having spoken with senior management in US-based multinationals in Galway, he acknowledges that the present status of the aviation sector is of concern to them.

“The view is that we are being left behind compared to other countries. One commented that we need to be more in step with other countries.

“Another commented that competitor countries are back operating international travel. I am concerned about the impact on businesses supported by foreign direct investment, FDI, the impact on the hugely important tourism industry, particularly from Shannon Airport and Ireland West Airport Knock, the hundreds of jobs in aviation across the regions, the wider impact on connectivity and the increasing peripherality due to the collapse in the sector, and the loss of opportunity of new investment.

“IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and Údarás na Gaeltachta client companies, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology and University Hospital Galway, in my own region, depend on connectivity internationally,” he said.

Senator Kyne called for a debate on aviation, which will take place on Monday.

“We need to look at antigen testing, how it is being used in other countries, how it is being used internationally, how it is benefiting other countries and why it is not being deemed to be a runner in this country, he added.

“It is broader than the two Ministers for transport. There needs to be a whole-of-government debate on the sector, on the impact on jobs, on the impact on tourism and on the impact on every sector and every region.”

Plans for restaurant & bakery in vacant Salthill property

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June 20, 2021

Galway Daily news Plans for restaurant & bakery in vacant Salthill property

Planning permission is being sought for the conversion of a vacant property on the waterfront in Salthill to a restaurant and bakery.

Approval is being sought from the city council for the change of permitted use of part of the property at 3 Waterfront, Salthill Road Upper.

The development would involve changing part of a derelict Bar/Lounge/Restaurant/Holiday Apartment Reception area to a new restaurant and bakery.

Other works would involve minor alterations to the front elevation, along with an external seating area with a retractable awning.

A decision on this planning application is due from Galway City Council by July 14.

CMOs in Republic and North raise concerns about Delta variant

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June 20, 2021

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

The two Chief Medical Officers on the island of Ireland have asked people to continue to follow public health advice amid growing concerns about the Delta variant in Ireland.

Following a meeting between the two CMOs yesterday, Dr Tony Holohan and Dr Michael McBride asked those who are crossing the border in the coming days to be alert to the COVID situation in the relevant local areas.

They urged the public to avoid activities which could place them or their families at risk of COVID-19 infection.

“Now is a time for continued caution in order to maintain the progress made to date in each jurisdiction, until more people are fully vaccinated,” said the two Chief Medical Officers in a joint statement.

“People who are not yet protected through vaccination should remain extra vigilant, avoid crowds or large events, meet up with others outdoors where possible and come forward for testing if they develop any symptoms of COVID-19.”

COVID-19: 288 cases reported today

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June 20, 2021

A further 288 confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported by the Department of Health today.

The number of people hospitalised with COVID has stayed below 50 for the second day in a row, with 49 patients hospitalised today.

The number of seriously ill patients in the ICU is now just 15 in the country.

There is still no county breakdown of the daily figures available from the Department of Health.

These daily case numbers may change in the future after the data is reviewed and validated.

Two day road closure for roadworks in Gort next week

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June 20, 2021

Galway daily news Seven week road closure in downtown Galway City

A road in Gort town will be closed for two days next week to facilitate roadworks taking place.

Galway County Council is carrying out resurfacing overlay works on the L85072 road at Garrabeg, Gort.

The road will be closed on Monday and Tuesday, June 21 – 22 in order to facilitate these roadworks.

The period of the closure each day will be from 7.45am to 6:30pm in the evening.

As a consequence, users of this road are requested to expect delays and as such should allow additional time for their journeys.

Lough Derg RNLI rescue two people after boat strikes rocks

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June 20, 2021

Galway Daily news Lough Derg RNLI rescue two people after boat strikes rocks

The Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat was called out this week to assist a boat that had run aground towards the north of the lake.

Two people needed help after the 28ft cruiser which ran aground on rocks north of Drominagh Point on Thursday.

At 12.35pm the RNLI lifeboat Jean Spier launched with helm Eleanor Hooker, Ger Egan, Steve Smyth and Chris Parker on board.

They arrived on the scene 15 minutes later, and could see that the cruise hire company were also on scene and attempting to re-float the cruiser.

Standing-by at first, when it became clear that the boat was stuck fast on the rocks, the RNLI lifeboat decided to take the two people off the stricken vessel, to Terryglass Harbour.

The cruise company had arranged for a more powerful tow vessel to assist in removing the boat, and planned to also bring it to Terryglass.

At 1.38pm the lifeboat delivered the two casualties to Terryglass, where a boat owner invited them to their vessel for refreshments whilst they waited for their boat.

Brendan O’Brien, Deputy Launching Authority at Lough Derg RNLI advises boat users to “plan your passage, study your charts and don’t stray off the charted navigation routes”.

Call for more pollination areas in Ballinasloe

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June 20, 2021

galway daily news cllr calls for pollination zones

Galway County Councillor Evelyn Parsons has called for more areas to be designated as pollination areas in Ballinasloe to promote biodiversity.

The Independent councillor also called for grass-cutting contracts in the Ballinasloe Municipal Area to reduce the frequency and timing of cuts.

“I’ve called for more areas to be identified, mapped and designated Pollination Zones within Ballinasloe,” said Cllr Parsons.

“This would involve in many instances doing less and allowing some wild meadows, grassy banks and verges to self seed with native wildflowers and flora which is crucial to provide essential feeding and nesting areas for our bees, other insects and wildlife.

“One third of our bee species are threatened with extinction from Ireland. This is because we have drastically reduced the amount of flowers and safe nesting sites in our landscapes.”

Cllr Parsons, who is a member of the Biodiversity Special Policy Committee in Galway County Council, said she is very aware that much more needs to be done to prevent further biodiversity loss and to promote positive biodiversity gain.

“Recent reports have documented alarming rates of loss of native wildlife species,” she added.

“I’m delighted to have been contacted by enthusiastic members of residents associations who want to make a start by dedicating small manageable areas for re-wilding while maintaining mowed spaces for play and recreation.

“Our future, our children’s future, our wildlife’s future and our economy depends on addressing this issue urgently now. It is over ten years since a pollination plan specific to Ballinasloe was formulated.

“I believe we all have a responsibility to take steps now and I am keen to help develop a practical up to date plan which engages all members of society. Galway County Council has signed up to the All Ireland Pollinator Plan and I would like to see more actions in Ballinasloe MD arising from that and indeed throughout the county.”

Warning of scam calls that seem to come from Garda Stations

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June 20, 2021

Galway Daily news Scam Alert for electricity discount claims

An Garda Síochána have issued a warning of fraudsters pretending to be members of the Gardaí while making scam calls.

Scams have been reported nationwide, with the number the fraudsters are calling from often appearing to be from a genuine Garda Station.

These scams tend to start with the person receiving the call having to listen to a pre-recorded message, and choose and option, before being put through to someone in person.

The scammer will then either seek your personal information, or inform the person that their details have been involved with, or linked to, a crime.

After giving over personal details the victim receives a follow up call from another scammer seeking more details on behalf of An Garda Síochána.

“Whilst the scammers may change their stories and methods, their goal is always the same – they want to access your sensitive information and get their hands on your money,” a statement from An Garda Síochana said.

“Gardaí are urging the public to spread the word of fraud prevention as people continue to fall victim to scams on a daily basis.”

“In many cases the subsequent call from the fraudsters appears to provide reassurance to the victim that this is a legitimate call, which it is not.”

Gardaí will not make contact with members of the public like this, and most people realise that the calls are not genuine.

However, there is concern that people who have had little to no interaction with An Garda Síochána may be more susceptible to this type of fraud.

The Garda National Diversity and Integration Unit is reaching out to emphasis that emphasise that anyone who is contacted like this should not engage with the caller, return the call, or follow any automated instructions.

Above all, never transfer any money or divulge personal or financial information on the basis of a scam

Saolta CEO praises work of Ballybrit Vaccination Centre staff

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June 19, 2021

Galway Daily news Saolta CEO praises work of Ballybrit Vaccination Centre staff

Tony Canavan, CEO of the Saolta Hospital Group, has paid tribute to the work done by staff at the Ballybrit Racecourse vaccination centre, but urged healthcare staff in particularly to continue to set a good example.

In a message this week, Canavan said that it was a great fully to be among the growing number of people who are fully vaccinated, having just received his second dose at the vaccination centre.

“The way these centres have been established, and the way that they’re run every day is a great tribute to the staff involved and I want to congratulate them again on that.”

“But it’s also important as we reach this point where the country is opening up again, the vaccination programme is rolling out, it’s important that we remind ourselves that we need to continue to be careful.”

“I think particularly as healthcare workers we have a responsibility to show a good example. But also to continue to do the basics ourselves. Continue to wash our hands, continue to use our masks, and to continue to keep our distance.”

“It’s important to try and not put ourselves in situations where good public health advice is not being adhered to,” Tony Canavan said.

He concluded by saying that while there has been real progress made in combating the pandemic, people need to keep their guard up.

Registration to be vaccinated for people in their 30s is expected to open shortly, but due to the size of this age cohort, but it is currently expected that they won’t start getting their jabs until August.

Over two thirds of adults in the country will have received at least one dose of vaccine by this weekend Taoiseach Micheál Martin said on Friday.

Mother and daughter separated by a black eye in Ros na Rún

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June 19, 2021