Traffic restrictions at Kirwan roundabout this month

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July 3, 2021

Bill for outdoor sales of alcohol sails through Oireachtas

A bill to provide clarity and security for bars and restaurants selling alcohol outdoors has sailed through the Oireachtas this week.

The bill passed all the stages of the Dáil on Wednesday, and sped through the Seanad on Friday. It is expected to be signed into law by the President shortly.

Minister of Sate and Galway TD Hildegarde Naughton said “The latest public health advice means that ensuring people can enjoy an outdoor summer this year is more important than ever.”

She added that while there was “understandable disappointment” about the delay in reopening indoor dining, this bill will provide certainty for thousands of businesses and their staff that they can continue to operated outdoors when selling alcohol.

The urgent passage of this legislation was prompted by the fact that Gardaí in Galway approached a number of licenced premises recently, and informed them that it was technically illegal for them to serve alcohol outdoors.

Gardaí noted that licences to serve alcohol are issued by a District Court Judge, and cover a specifically outlined premises. Also thrown into the mix are Galway City’s bylaws which prohibit the consumption of alcohol in public spaces.

After this prompted public outcry, considering how much an outdoor summer has been emphasised in reopening plans, Commissioner Drew Harris delivered instructions to Gardaí nationwide to use discretion in the enforcement of these rules, while also calling for legal clarity on the situation from the legislature.

This Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2021 is the answer to that call. Minister for Justice Heather Humphreys said that the government acted quickly to remove any uncertainty on the sale of alcohol in outdoor seating areas.

“This legislation provides the clarity that has been sought and ensures that we can deliver on our commitments for an outdoor summer.”

The Minister thanked the Attorney General, Gardaí, and members of the Oireachtas for enabling the drafting and passage of this legislation in just two weeks.

The text of the Act states that it will:

“Make provision, on a temporary basis, for the sale or supply of intoxicating liquor in certain circumstances in seating areas located outside licensed premises in order to allow, in the public interest and having regard to the manifest and grave risk to human life and public health posed by the spread of the disease known as Covid-19, the businesses of licensees of such premises to operate in a manner that mitigates the spread of that disease; to provide for the application of certain enactments to those outdoor seating areas; to provide for additional enforcement measures in respect of those
outdoor seating areas to ensure compliance with those enactments; to provide for additional bases for objection to renewal of licences and, in the case of clubs, certificates of registration, in respect of such premises, and provide for related matters.”

The provisions of the bill will remain in place until November 30, but can be extended for up to six months at a time.

COVID-19: 512 new cases reported today

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July 2, 2021

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

The Department of Health has reported 512 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon.

There are now 46 people with the disease in Irish hospitals, of whom 14 are in ICU.

Health officials have said that the daily case numbers may change due to future data review, validation and update.

No figures were given for Galway today.

Call for more pollination zones in Ballinasloe to promote biodiversity

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July 2, 2021

galway daily news cllr evelyn parsons ballinasloe pollination

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

Cllr Evelyn Parsons called for a review of grass-cutting contracts in the area, looking at the timing and frequency of cuts, and allowing grass verges and grassy banks to be managed to promote pollination.

Cllr Parsons said that this must be done while ensuring appropriate playing areas, public safety and road visibility at all times.

“Public safety and road visibility is of paramount importance as well as ensuring adequate mowed green areas for children to play out during the summer,” she said.

“With those two prerequisites I’ve called for more areas to be identified, mapped and designated Pollination Zones within Ballinasloe and this would involve in many instances doing less and allowing some wild meadows, grassy banks and road verges to self seed with native wildflowers and flora.”

Cllr Parsons said that we are in the middle of a biodiversity crisis and these measures are crucial to provide essential feeding and nesting areas for our bees, other insects and wildlife.

One third of Ireland’s bee species is threatened with extinction, Cllr Parsons said, adding that this is because we have drastically reduced the amount of flowers and safe nesting sites in our landscapes.

“The loss of pollinators affects our crops, our agri-food, our farmers incomes, our wildlife, our wider economy and nature’s imbalances affects our environment and health as we have seen dramatically during this pandemic,” she added.

Cllr Parsons proposed that landscaping contracts throughout the county be looked at in GCC to identify more measures which can be instituted in line with the All Ireland Pollinator Plan including looking at herbicide and chemical use. Staff training is now being rolled out on promoting pollination.

Gardaí launch Operation Tara targeting street drug dealing

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July 2, 2021

galway daily news Further arrests made in connection with car park brawl

Gardaí have today launched a nationwide operation involving hundreds of officers, targeting street level drug dealing.

Operation Tara will have a strong focus on tackling drug dealing in cities, towns and villages across the country.

The stated aim is to dismantle and prosecute drug trafficking networks, at all levels – international, national, local – involved in the importation, distribution, cultivation, production, local sale and supply of controlled drugs.

There were 321 officers specifically assigned to Divisional Drugs Units around the country as of May 31.

Last year Gardaí seized a total of 137/8kg of cocaine valued at €9.5 million, 368.6kg of cannabis with a value of €7.3 million, and 41.4kg of heroin worth €5.8 million.

Also seized were 32,000 tablets of ecstasy, MDMA, or LSD, and 471,400 benzodiazepine tablets.

Among the larger seizures recently highlighted at the launch of Operation Tara was €90,000 worth of cocaine seized last May 12, when a car was stopped and searched outside Tuam.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said that the term ‘recreational drug use’ hides the “irreparable harm” that drugs cause to individuals and communities.

“Every person who continues to buy and consume illegal drugs inflicts untold damage to individuals under coercive control from organised drug gangs in Ireland, is putting money directly in the pockets of drug cartels, and is responsible for the damage done to communities here and abroad from drugs.”

“Under Operation Tara there will be a particular focus on street level dealing. Not only is this dealing devastating for the individual buying the drugs and their loved ones, it is also corrosive for local communities to have to witness it.”

“It is no longer the case that such dealing is confined to our cities and urban areas, it is now happening in towns and villages around the country. Operation Tara will tackle this scourge.”

Pound the paths of Galway in inaugural city walking festival

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July 2, 2021

Galway Daily life & style Pound the paths of Galway in inaugural city walking festival

Explores the many hidden paths of Galway City this month with the inaugural Galway Walking Festival.

The walking festival running from July 9 – 25, will see six tour guides telling stories on 25 walks, from Coole Park in Gort through the streets of Galway City and onto the Western Lakes Geo Park.

The Galway Tour Guides Association is a collective of accredited tour guides, made of up of historians, tutors, writers, artisans, farmers and archaeologists, each brining their unique experience and knowledge to the story of Galway.

Some of the highlights of the festival include the NUI Galway Campus Walking Tour, where you can go on a walking tour of one the most beautiful University Campus in Ireland which was founded in 1847.

See the famous quad, the concourse from the 1970’s and the Alice Perry Engineering Building. Discover the famous past alumni from Michael O Shaughnessy to Martin Sheen.

Then go on a journey through Coole Park to explore Andrea stories of Woodland Wisdom. This walk takes in its surroundings in the habitat of Coole Park where the chat turns to trees.

Which trees here are native to Ireland? What are their special features? What is the connection to the Celtic Tree Calendar and Ogham writing?

From Grimm’s fairy tales to the great Irish legends, stories are what bind it all together, nature and people and our connection to the land.

On The Story of Galway walk you can hear how it all began for the city of the Tribes. This guided walking tour will take you through the streets of Medieval Galway.

You will hear how the native Gaelic Irish got pushed out and how the Anglo Normans took control, and why Galway became known as the city of the Tribes.

Despite the years, walkers will be able to see that Galway has managed to maintain some of its medieval grandeur.

Taking in a tour of the city, the Galway through Literature and Film walk will take in the cultural interests with both buildings and statues such as Padraig O Conaire and Oscar Wilde, buildings such as the Savoy cinema, Town hall, Taibhdhearc, Druid, Kirwans Lane theatre, the Arts Centre, Bowling green etc. Discover what makes Galway a UNESCO city of film and creativity with poet and writer, Billy Murray.

Visit a current restoration of a Galway Hooker and get an insight into Walkers can gain further insight into Galway’s maritime heritage with Galway Boat Tours and a visit to a current restoration of a Galway Hooker

Discover the hidden delights on Galway’s Town Cryer leads a fascinating Heritage Walk of this medieval town from Eyre Square along the old wall of Galway along Lynch’s Castle passing Nora Barnacles house into Kirwans lane and finishing at the Spanish Arch.

Galway will also be experienced at night on The Nightwatchman’s Tour. Come explore Galway by torchlight with the Night Watchman as he does his rounds, discover what life was really like within the walls of medieval Galway. Expect gruesome tales on his living history tours.

The full schedule is on www.galwaywalkingfestival.ie and booking €10 per walk can be made on the festival website or on Eventbrite. Get social with Galway Walking Festival on Facebook and Instagram.

Week long roadworks underway near Monivea

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July 2, 2021

Galway Daily news Traffic disruption from roadworks

Roadworks near Monivea which are expected to take a week to complete got underway today.

Galway County Council is carrying out resurfacing works on the on the L7148 at Cuddoo East.

Traffic management measures will be in place on the road while these works are taking place.

The roadworks began today, and are expected to to last for a period of one week.

Charming cottage on Inishbofin island overlooks the ocean

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July 2, 2021

Galway Daily property Charming cottage on Inishbofin island overlooks the ocean

This wonderful bungalow cottage on Inishbofin island is a perfect getaway for someone seeking a quiet life, with some of the most stunning views in Ireland.

This traditional two-bedroom cottage at Fawnmore, Inishbofin is in turnkey condition, having been modernised and refurbished to give it up to date creature comforts, while retaining all its old charm.

The original aesthetic characteristics, including its façade, vaulted ceilings, and original interior layout, have been well preserved.

O’Donnellan & Joyce Auctioneers are offering this cottage, in a stunning location on an island off the coast of Connemara, for sale by Live Stream Auction taking place on July 23.

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The house stands on an impeccably maintained site, with old fashioned stone walls marking out sections among the grass, and boasts some truly spectacular views out over the ocean, and looking across the water at Inishark.

Stepping through the front door, you find yourself directly in the open plan living area at the centre of the cottage.

Skylights flood the room with light in this cosy space, where the wood paneled floor and ceiling add to the warm atmosphere. An oil fired range cements the feeling of a wonderful place to spend an evening.

Just through the door is a spacious and well furnished kitchen and dining area, with a fitted countertop around half the room, and two large windows looking out over the landscape.

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The two double bedrooms are bright and spacious, with well positioned windows that offer lots of light, and wonderful views.

The theme of wooden floors and ceilings are continued in the bedrooms, adding to the warmth of the rooms.

A workshop area has also been added to the building, creating a spacious area for a handy homeowner to keep any tools for gardening, or other odd jobs.

The house itself benefits from being in a stunningly picturesque rural area, but with strong transport links to the mainland within easy reach. Inishbofin pier is just ten minutes away, where ferries connect the island to Cleggan in mainland Connemara.

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This house would make an ideal investment for someone looking to get away from the hustle of the city, or as a holiday home.

To see more of this wonderful island home, see: https://property.odonnjoyce.com/residential/brochure/fawnmore-inishbofin-island-co-galway/4510684.

Viewings of this property will take place on Mondays & Wednesdays, strictly by appointment. To arrange a viewing, call 091 568403.

This cottage will go under the hammer at their next Live Stream Auction, with an Advised Minimum Value of €265,000.

Live Stream Auction

The next O’Donnellan & Joyce nationwide Live Stream Auction will take place on Friday, July 23 at 12 midday.

Almost 30 homes, businesses, and plots across the west of Ireland have been listed so far.

There are some unique properties up for grabs next month, including two former Garda Stations in Mayo, and a wealth of rural fixer-uppers, for buyers looking to undertake a project in the country.

In order to take part in the auction, bidders must register online, and pay a booking deposit, by Wednesday, July 21.

Only remote bidding will be allowed on the day due to COVID-19 restrictions. You may register to internet, telephone or proxy bid. Further details on the auction process can be obtained by contacting the auction team on 091 564 212 or by emailing info@odj.ie

COVID-19: 448 new cases reported today

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July 1, 2021

There have been a further 448 new cases of COVID-19 reported by the Department of Health today.

There are 44 people hospitalised with COVID-19 in Ireland as of 8am this morning, 12 of whom are in the ICU. In the past 24 hours, 12 people have been admitted to hospital.

A county breakdown of the daily case numbers is still unavailable at this time.

Professor Philip Nolan said that in the past ten days, the incidence rate has been growing by 2% a day, and that the virus’ reproduction number has risen above one.

“Delta is much more transmissible, and it is vital we continue the basic measures to prevent transmission while the vaccination programme rapidly gives us all protection from the virus.”

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tony Holohan said that “rapidly changing” transmission rates due to the Delta Variant are concerning, but that basic public health measures would work against it.

“And we know that all the vaccines offer significant protection against transmitting the disease and in how severe it is for those who pick it up.”

“We must not forget to keep up the basic measures; wash hands, wear a mask where appropriate, avoid crowds, meet outdoors, keep distance and take a vaccine when it is offered to you. These remain the vital protections for those who are awaiting their turn to be vaccinated.”

Dr. Cillian De Gascun said that while the prevalence of the Delta variant is increasing, its effect on hospitalisations and severe illness is still emerging.

“We do know it is the most transmissible strain of COVID-19 to date. Emerging evidence from the UK shows Delta roughly doubled the risk of hospitalisation.”

The COVID-19 data hub provides up-to-date information on the key indicators of COVID-19 in the community, including daily data on Ireland’s Vaccination Programme.

Win a holiday on Inis Oírr as island’s arts centre turns 21!

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July 1, 2021

galway daily news inis oírr sunset win a holiday — Sunset on Inis Oírr. Photo: Ciaran Tierney

The most westerly arts centre in all of Europe is holding a fundraising draw with a first prize of a five-night holiday on Inis Oírr as it gears up for its 21^st birthday celebrations next month.

Áras Éanna’s Éalu Draíochta draw will see someone win a five-night escape for four adults on Inis Oírr, the smallest of the Aran Islands.

The draw will help to secure the future of the island’s arts centre, which has hosted artists, concerts, residencies and exhibitions since the year 2000.

The winner of the online draw will be announced to coincide with the launch of three exhibitions and an outdoor concert on the island on Saturday, July 17.

Originally built to be a weaving factory, the distinctive building on Inis Oírr recently reopened to host artists in residence and a successful ‘virtual reality’ show by Brú Theatre after moving its activities online in response to the coronavirus in April of last year.

All three exhibitions will take place outdoors in line with COVID-19 restrictions and the concert will take place on the GAA pitch, where we had a wonderful night of celebration featuring local artists from the island and The Raines for Culture Night last September.

Artistic Director Dara McGee said that this year is very special and that they were hoping to celebrate their 20^th anniversary last year.

“With the Covid-19 restrictions we decided that now is the time to celebrate as Ireland begins to open up,” said Dara McGee.

“We got a feel for exhibiting outdoors last year, when the restrictions lifted for a few months, and we see the island as a palate for the arts centre to put art out there in front of the community.”

Regular ‘live’ gigs on the Áras Éanna Facebook page allowed the arts centre to connect with a wider audience last year, providing a welcome revenue stream for West of Ireland musicians, but McGee is delighted to be back to organising events on the island.

The Ealú Draíochta fundraising draw, run in conjunction with Tuam-based iDonate.ie, has been a huge success since receiving the backing of comedian, actor, and chat show host Tommy Tiernan, who made a wonderful 90 second video to support Áras Éanna during a recent visit to the island.

McGee was taken aback by the support he received from local businesses on the island, who have provided a host of extras, including a fully stocked fridge, a seaweed bath, bike hire, and trips around the island for the prize.

“This year we decided, because we are increasing our programme with visiting artists, we would try to raise some funds this year,” added Dara McGee.

“We have put together a fantastic package with local businesses on the island for a five night holiday, with a self-catering house, and a whole host of extra treats thrown in, sponsored by local businesses.”

July 17 promises to be a busy day on the island with the draw for the winning prize, the launch of three exhibitions, and a concert on the GAA pitch featuring musicians from the island and some very special guests. The full line-up will be announced in the next two weeks.

The main exhibition, called Curracha, will see paintings by 21 artists on six foot sculpted currachs, covered in canvas, located all around the island. Visitors to the island will be able to follow a map, like an art trail, to check out the 21 pieces of art.

The second exhibition is An Criú, featuring former and present Macnas artists who are coming out to Inis Oirr to exhibit their work for the fourth year in a row.

The third exhibition, also outdoors, will feature spectacular works of art by schoolchildren from Scoil Chaomháin, the island’s primary school.

Full details of the outdoor concert and exhibitions will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

Tickets for the draw cost just €10. Funds raised will help Áras Éanna Ionad Ealaíne to continue inspiring great art by visiting artists and musicians as it celebrates its 21^st birthday in 2021.

The tickets can be purchased at: https://www.idonate.ie/raffle/araseannadraw

Met Eireann issues potato blight warning for Galway

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July 1, 2021

Galway Daily news blight warning for galway

Met Eireann has issued a warning of weather conditions conducive to the spread of potato blight this weekend.

On Saturday, weather in all of Munster, Connacht and south Leinster is forecast to be conducive to blight, spreading to the rest of Leinster and Ulster on Sunday and Monday.

There will be opportunities for spraying over the next couple of days.

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.

The forecast for Galway on Saturday is for the weather to be relatively hot and humid.

Temperatures are expected to hit 18 to 18 degrees. lower than some days this week, but with rain also forecast throughout the day, conditions will be heavy and humid.

Similar conditions are expected on Sunday, and next week will see temperatures drop slightly, though rain is expected to persist.

Call for TDs to support bill to ban rent increases for three years

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July 1, 2021

galway daily mairead farrell td sinn fein nurses midwives pay

Galway West TD Mairéad Farrell has called on all TDs to support a bill put forward in the Dáil this week which seeks to ban rent increases for three years.

The Bill introduced in the Dáil this week by Sinn Féin would prohibit rent increases for all existing and new tenancies for three years.

Deputy Farrell said the Bill would ensure rents in existing tenancies are capped at their rate on the date that the new legislation is enacted.

New tenancies would then be set according to the Residential Tenancies Board rent index.

“If the Bill becomes law, the ban on rent increases will run for three years with an annual review built into the legislation,” said Deputy Farrell.

Deputy Farrell said that this Bill is one of the many solutions her party has put forward to tackle the rental crisis.

This includes a refundable tax credit which would give renters one months rent back and legislating for tenancies of indefinite duration, she said, as well as the introduction of an NCT style certification for landlords.

“All of this would be supported by an increased capital investment in the rollout of affordable cost rental homes at scale. We would target the delivery of 4,000 per year.

“This government has no plan for the rental sector. Rents are too high, and the extortionate rates people are being asked to pay are only rising,” said Deputy Farrell.

The Sinn Féin TD added that the average rent across the state is now €1,256 per month, with rents rising rapidly in areas outside Dublin and the commuter belt.

“In Galway City according to the latest figures the average asking rent is almost €1,400 per month,” she said.

“The Minister for Housing, Darragh O’Brien can continue to use the Constitution as an excuse to avoid helping renters or he can accept that this current crisis warrants a better response from this government.

“Sinn Fein believe that it is wholly reasonable to ban rent increases for three years. We believe it is fair to give hard pressed renters a break from extortionate rent rises.”

Warning issued after ‘unprecedented spike’ in scam messages

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July 1, 2021

Galway Daily news Loughrea Gardaí warn of scam package delivery calls

Bank of Ireland has issued a warning to the public advising extra caution around scam text messages which are being sent this week.

There has been an alarming spike in ‘smishing’ – where scammers send fake text messages which appear to come from Bank of Ireland and direct customers to fake websites which look like Bank of Ireland websites.

Since last month, the number of new websites found by Bank of Ireland’s Fraud Prevention team has doubled, with an unprecedented increase in activity in the last week and up to 20 new fraudulent sites appearing per day.

Bank of Ireland have advised customers not to click on links or to respond to SMS text messages, which are designed to appear as if sent by the bank and look like originating from a genuine phone number.

Edel McDermott, Head of Group Fraud, Bank of Ireland said that we are seeing an alarming increase in the level of fraudulent activity this year.

“May and June are showing a worrying upward trend in activity. To put this in context, versus the same time last year, we have seen an almost three-fold increase in the number of customers being targeted by fraudsters,” said Edel McDermott.

“The potential financial impact is even more stark, with fraudsters attempting to defraud close to five times more money than in the same period in 2020.

“Our teams are working hard to respond to these spikes and intercept fraud attempts but unfortunately, if customers click on links and provide personal banking details, recovery is not always possible.”

Bank of Ireland also reminded people that they will never send messages with links to a website that asks you for your online banking login details.

If you get a suspicious text please email a screenshot of the text to 365Security@boi.com and then delete the text.

Anyone who thinks they may have given away any of their banking details are urged to Bank of Ireland’s 24/7 Freephone line 1800 946 764 immediately.

Plans for 105 apartments in Oranmore hit setback

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July 1, 2021

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

Plans for the construction of 105 apartments have hit a setback, as An Bord Pleanála has sent them back for further amendment.

Torca Construction Limited had submitted a consultation for a Strategic Housing Development application on land at Carrowmoneash, Oranmore.

The proposed housing development would consist of 105 apartments, a creche, and associated site works.

The Strategic Housing Development planning process was created with the goal of fast tracking large scale housing projects, by enabling the application to go directly to An Bord Pleanála.

Before that full application can be made, the developer must first undertake a Consultation with the board and relevant planning authority, Galway County Council in this case.

During this process the developer submits their initial plans for the consideration and feedback of both, and it is decided whether they are suitable for a full SHD application to be made.

Torca previously had plans for a 74 unit housing estate at Carrowmoneash rejected by the county council after it attracted heavy local opposition.

This previous proposal, which would have been a mix of 36 house and 38 apartments, was refused planning permission due to concerns about increased traffic levels, the scale of the development, and potential for flood risk.

COVID-19: 452 new cases reported today, 44 in hospital

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June 30, 2021

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

There have been a further 452 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported by the Department of Health today.

There are 44 people hospitalised in Ireland with the disease, of whom 14 are in the Intensive Care Unit.

There is now county breakdown of the daily figures available from the Department.

These figures may change in the future due to review and validation of data.

The government announced yesterday that the return of indoor activities, eating and drinking, would be pushed back.

Concerns were raised that with the significantly more transmissible Delta variant taking hold in Ireland, allowing indoor dining would lead to a spike in cases before the vaccination programme has hit a high enough threshold.

Over a third of septic tanks in Galway failed inspections in 2020

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June 30, 2021

Galway daily news Almost half of septic tanks failed inspections in Galway in 2022

More than a third of septic tanks in Galway County which were inspected in 2020 failed, an Environmental Protection Agency report says.

Of 102 inspections carried out by the EPA of septic tanks and other domestic wastewater systems in Galway last year, 36% failed the inspection.

The number of inspections carried out in each county varied wildly. Galway’s level was second only to Wexford, where 111 inspections took place last year.

At the other end of the spectrum, just one home each in counties Kerry and Sligo were inspected in 2020.

Almost a quarter of the system inspected nationwide (23%), posed a a risk to human health or the environment, either due to maintenance failures

While Galway’s failure rate was well below the national average of 54%, the county fared worse in terms of the level of failed systems which were fixed.

Between 2013 and 2022, there were 243 household which failed inspections, and of those just 63% were fixed as of May 17, 2020.

This is the fifth lowest level in Ireland, ahead of Tipperary (62%), Offaly (51%), Roscommon (50%), and Leitrim (46%), and below the national average of 76%.

Upgrade works planned for Tuam Rugby Club

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June 30, 2021

Tuam Rugby Football Club has submitted plans for the council’s approval, meant to give its clubhouse and grounds a facelift.

The club is seeking planning permission for the construction of an extension to the existing clubhouse/dressing rooms.

The overhaul would also involve upgrading 668m of pathways around their pitches, and the addition of a further 300m to the same.

To go along with this, the rugby club also intends to install pedestrian lighting along the new and existing pathways.

Founded in 1970, Tuam RFC has its club clubhouse and grounds on the Dublin Road at the eastern outskirts of the town.

A decision on this planning application is due from Galway County Council by August 4.

NUI Galway staff raise €27,000 for charities

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June 30, 2021

galway daily news nui galway staff raising money for galway charity blue teapot — Blue Teapot NUI Galway (L-R) Emer Macken, Jenny Cox, Kieran Coppinger, Valerie Egan, Richard Hickey, Charlene Kelly, Patrick Becker, Michael Hayes.

A special scheme which allows NUI Galway staff to donate to charities has raised €26,900, the University has announced today.

The college’s An Ciste Carthanachta is supporting 13 charities in the Galway region thanks to monthly donations and one-off gifts during 2020.

President of NUI Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, thanked thank all of the staff who contributed to raise funds for local charities, saying that it is ‘kindness made real’.

“It is also a powerful signal that our vision and values of respect and openness permeate all of our thinking and our work, and it demonstrates that our focus on the public good can begin with modest ideas and grow to make significant differences to the lives of people in our community,” said the University’s President.

The fund is being shared among 13 charities in the Galway region which support the homeless, the vulnerable and people with additional needs, as well as helping to address health, mental health and suicide, and in making the city and county a safer and more caring place to be.

The benefitting charities are Galway Simon Community, COPE Galway, Galway Hospice, Samaritans, St Vincent de Paul, Galway Rape Crisis Centre, Croí, Kinvara Alive, Western Alzheimers Galway, Galway Autism Partnership, Order of Malta, Claddagh Watch, and the Blue Teapot Theatre Company.

Blue Teapot NUI Galway (L-R) Kieran Coppinger, Michael Hayes, Emer Macken, Jenny Cox, Patrick Becker, Valerie Egan.

Imelda Byrne, spokesperson for NUI Galway’s An Ciste Carthanachta, said that An Ciste Carthanachta was acutely aware of the impact of the pandemic has had on charities.

“Our colleagues deserve credit for the way in which they have responded to this perfect storm, with a significant increase in donations on the previous year giving the University the opportunity to support 13 charities,” said Imelda Byrne.

Galway Simon Community is one of the charities to benefit from the fund, with chief executive Karen Golden explaining the difference the donations are making.

“Galway Simon Community supported 646 households in 2020, comprising of 1,216 individuals,” said Karen.

“In the midst of the pandemic, we were able to prevent hundreds of individuals and families from homelessness thanks to the extraordinary dedication and hard work of our staff and volunteer teams who continued to support clients every single day,” Ms Golden said.

“The funds from NUI Galway will enable us to support more people experiencing and at risk of homelessness in our community and to help them to leave homelessness behind for good.”

Repair works to cause water disruptions in Athenry this week

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June 30, 2021

Repair works taking place on the local water mains network may cause water outages in parts of Athenry over the next three days.

Irish Water is carrying out mains repair works at Dún Rí estate in Athenry between 8am and 6pm this week.

The works, which got underway this morning, are expected to continue to Friday, July 2.

While underway, these works may cause water outages or other supply disruption to homes in Dún Rí and surrounding areas of Athenry.

People affected are advised that it may take 2-3 hours after these works are completed before their full water supply is restored.

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

NUIG study finds vulnerability in antibiotic resistant superbug MRSA

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June 30, 2021