Galway Senator Pauline O’Reilly questioned the appointment of an executive from an infant formula manufacturing company to the Safefood health promotion agency in light of Ireland’s low levels of breastfeeding.
Speaking in the Seanad, Senator O’Reilly said that Ireland has one of the lowest rates of breastfeeding in the world, despite the WHO designating it as one of the most appropriate health measures for governments to promote.
She said that 64% of women in Ireland start off breastfeeding when they enter hospital, but only 37% are still doing so when they leave days later.
“We have to examine why that is. Let us put money into lactation consultants to support women but let us also make sure we are appointing the correct people in the correct way to our health-promotion organisations.”
“I would welcome a debate solely around breastfeeding or as part of a debate around maternal healthcare.”
Senator Pauline O’Reilly called for Minister Stephen Donnelly to explain why this appointment to Safefood was made in light of the “unprecedented commitments” around breastfeeding and maternal health in the Programme for Government.
“We have had a recent announcement of funding for lactation consultants across the country. We cannot give with one hand and take with the other.”
She spoke about a recent report in the Lancet journal which stated that infant formula manufacturers have “inappropriately positioned themselves” as experts on public health.
“We need to be careful and I want to hear from the Minister as to why the appointment was made and what process was followed.”
Work has finally begun on the redevelopment of the Old Grove Hospital in Tuam after it has been left idle for more than two decades.
The €13 million project will see the Old Grove become a Mental Health Day Hospital, and also accommodate disability services for Tuam and North Galway.
“This project is a major boost in the provision of health services for Tuam and North Galway,” Galway TD Seán Canney said, adding that “It will also bring back to life an iconic building in the centre of the town.”
The old hospital originally belonged to the Bon Secours order, which shut it down in 2000.
The site was subsequently purchased by the HSE, and people have been campaigning for its redevelopment for years since.
Deputy Canney thanked “all who campaigned over the years for this day”, as well as then Health Minister Simon Harris, and former Minister for Disabilities and Tuam native Finian McGrath, both of whom visited this site.
Canney added that “I also acknowledge the professional approach of HSE technical staff on this project”.
It is expected that construction work will take approximately 18 months to complete, with the building ready for use sometime in 2023.
Galway County Council has refused planning permission for the construction of 54 houses on the outskirts of Headford after a “substantially different” layout was presented after a request for further information.
Corestone Limited submitted plans for a housing estate on a site in Headford off Church Road, next to Moyne Villa soccer club.
The proposed estate of 54 houses, a mix two, three, and four bedroom dwellings, would have been served by 135 car parking spaces.
The county council raised multiple issues with the original design and layout of the plans. There were concerns about the internal roads layout, such as access issues for large emergency vehicles in cul de sacs, safety issues created by the location of some parking spaces.
The roads and transportation department also noted that several issues were highlighted in the Roads Safety Analysis submitted with the application, which had not been addressed in the plans.
The county council also took issue with the location of the proposed communal open space in the plans, which was at the rear of the estate, and not close to the bulk of houses.
The council requested that the developer submit revised plans with a central shared space, a different layout with greater density of houses closer to the village centre, and a revised road layout to address the safety concerns raised.
However, when revised plans were submitted in May of this year, the county council said that they went much further than what was requested, and were “substantially different to the original proposal”.
The were multiple “largely unsolicited” revisions to the street fronting area, and the council stated that it had not been shown that they, and the public open space would “satisfactorily assimilate” the site into the town environment.
The roads department also commented that with the “significant overall change” to the site layout, and no revised road safety audit accompanying the new plans, it could not be demonstrated that the road design would not pose a safety hazard.
The Government has announced funding of €13 million for 30 local authorities across Ireland to improve public spaces during the “outdoor summer”.
Galway City Council has been awarded €735,000 for four projects and Galway County Council has received €501,000 for 12 projects.
Local authorities were invited to apply to the funding in late April for short term measures which would improve outdoor areas as well as walking and cycling facilities.
The measures are now being introduced as quickly as possible to support the gradual re-opening of society in a safe manner and include projects such as kerb widening to facilitate outdoor dining, new on street furniture, improved cycling facilities, and traffic management changes that prioritise pedestrians and cyclists.
Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan said that the government wants to ensure that local authorities have the resources they need to help communities enjoy a safe outdoor summer.
“The Additional Outdoor Infrastructure Fund enables measures such as cycling and walking infrastructure, the re-allocation of road and street space and traffic management arrangements.
“These measures, combined with other government initiatives for outdoor dining and outdoor recreation infrastructure, will support local authorities in re-creating open spaces and facilities which will both take into account public health guidelines and allow communities to thrive once again.”
Minister of State and Galway West TD Hildegarde Naughton added that as we gradually emerge from restrictions, “it is important that the public can enjoy the summer months in a safe manner. These projects will play an essential role in making that happen.
“Whether it’s choosing to walk or cycle on new infrastructure or meeting friends in a designated communal space, these new spaces will enable the public to travel and gather in a safe environment.”
Leaving Cert students’ oral exams are still being marked and that the State Examinations Commission (SEC) “is continuing to monitor the marking process,” Minister for Education Norma Foley has said this evening.
The Minister’s statement comes after a significant numbers of Leaving Certificate students were marked down in their oral exams through no fault of their own.
Some examiners told The Irish Times that key sections of oral exams were left out completely and that it was clear that many instructions had not been followed.
As part of the review of the marking process, Minister Foley said that the SEC will “give its consideration to any actions that may be required.”
She has also requested the SEC to keep her fully informed on the process.
“I am very conscious that students are sitting examinations at present and the reassurance of the SEC is important as it encourages students to continue to concentrate their efforts on the written examinations at this time,” said Minister Foley.
A fundraising campaign has been set up to raise money to improve facilities at Ballymacward National School in East Galway.
The Board of Management and the Parents’ Association have organised the fundraiser to help update its facilities to meet the needs of the current students and the generations to come.
So far, over €5,000 has been raised for St. Peter and Paul National School out of the ultimate goal of €35,000.
A large General Purpose room was recently built at the school, and this now needs to be kitted out to the highest possible standard to provide a range of extra-curricular activities.
They also need to extend the canopy which provides a vital outdoor link between classrooms allowing students to move easily irrespective of weather conditions.
The school, built in 1974, has recently been granted planning permission for new bus and car parking facilities and works include footpaths, public lighting and all associated site works. This will provide safer designated drop off and pick up areas for both buses and cars.
Completing this development is a monumental task especially in the current environment. As school finances are tight, they need to raise an additional €35,000 in order to complete this development.
A public meeting will be held online tomorrow to discuss the housing crisis in Galway, and potential solutions to different aspects of it.
City Councillor Niall McNelis is organising the meeting, where Karina Timothy of Threshold and Labour housing spokesperson Senator Rebecca Moynihan will discuss the various factors contributing to the current housing crisis.
Large waiting lists for public housing, a shortage in dedicated space for students, and a growing number of people who are homeless, or at risk of losing their homes, are some of the issues facing Galway.
Councillor McNelis said “Galway is expected to grow 45% in the next decade. We already have significant pressure on housing supply, with demand out-stripping supply.”
“It is important that the council play a proactive and significant role in providing additional capacity, as well as fostering development of high-quality accommodation sufficient to meet demand.”
“This must include strategies that address the scandal of hoarding, without proceeding to actual construction, of sites approved for housing,” Niall McNelis added.
Councillor McNelis said that with the eviction ban to expire next year, there are many families and individuals who don’t know if they will have a home next year, and that greater protections for renters are needed.
He also said that a “thoughtful approach” to spatial planning is needed to address a projected shortfall of 3,000 bed spaces for third level students in the city.
“We need to work in partnership with our Traveller community to provide culturally appropriate solutions, and to end the system of direct provision, to ensure all children in our city can grow up with safety and dignity.”
“If building is an essential starting point, it is vital that this happen as part of a holistic process, so that we build communities, not just units. We must ensure that housing developments support active travel by adhering to principles of permeability.”
“And as we noted in our submission to the city development plan, we must ensure the vitality of the core as a focal point for the city, and a residential district in its own right.”
Aldi is extending its new Click-and-Collect service for its customers in Galway City.
Following a successful trial of the service, Aldi is now offering the service to customers from its Westside store in Galway, in addition to its Oranmore store.
Galway customers choose timeslots to arrive at dedicated click-and-collect points in store car parks, order grocery shopping from a full range of products online.
Customers then drive to the Aldi store where they can have their shopping brought to their cars by store colleagues contact-free, in support of current social distancing rules.
Colin Breslin, Regional Managing Director, said: “Our new Click-and-Collect service has launched successfully in Galway and following very positive customer feedback, we’re now rolling it out to our Westside store in Galway City.”
“We are continuously looking at new ways we can improve customer experience with Aldi, and we’re really thrilled to offer even more ways for our customers to access high-quality, affordable food.”
Roscommon-Galway TD Claire Kerrane has urged the Government to engage with Sinn Féin’s Charter for Family Carers which was launched by the party in April.
The call comes following the publication of a new report showing the frightening impact of COVID-19 on carers.
The report published by the Alzheimer Society of Ireland shows Family Carers are under ‘enormous strain’ as a consequence of the impacts of the pandemic.
Deputy Kerrane said that the report is yet another plea for help from Family Carers.
“While the report focuses on the impact of COVID-19 on the lives of those living with dementia, it also found Family Carers to be at breaking point. It notes that carers’ mental and physical wellbeing has been seriously affected by the pandemic,” she said.
“Carers have been isolated since COVID hit in March last year, they were left without respite and without Day Services, both which they depend on for support.”
The Sinn Féin TD said the report mirrors what Family Carers said when her party engaged with them directly while developing their Charter for Family Carers.
“At the end of March, we brought forward a Dáil Motion on Caring for Carers which called for improvements in income supports, the introduction of emotional supports, and prioritisation in the Covid vaccine roll-out as well as in the resumption of Day Services and a doubling of expenditure for critical respite,” added Deputy Kerrane.
“This Motion was passed. The Government now need to act. The findings of this report should be sounding alarm bells in Government – Ireland’s 500,000 Family Carers need support; they have been devastated by Covid-19 and they have been failed by Government inaction.”
Saoirse na Farraige on its maiden voyage out to the Aran Islands. Photo: Boyd Challenger
With summer now seriously threatening to show its face, and maybe even possibly a sunny one if things continue to pick up over June, people are starting to look at getting out of the house once again.
International travel is still somewhat murky, but there are plenty of stunning locations that don’t require you to leave the country, some of those staycations that were the constant talk of summer last year. For people living in Galway, you don’t even have to travel overnight if you don’t want to.
Aran Island Ferries, which has been sailing a passenger service to and from the Aran Islands from the port at Ros a Mhíl for almost 40 years, has launched a new tourist route from Galway City.
This service takes passengers first on a cruise across Galway Bay, out to Inis Mór, where they can spend the afternoon taking in the island and its attractions, or even stay overnight. From there the ferry heads to Cliffs of Moher, where you are treated to a stunning view of the cliffs towering above you from the sea.
Last week Aran Island Ferries held a special event that both premiered their new tour offering, and also marked the maiden voyage of their newest ferry, the 400 seater Saoirse na Farraige.
A confession I have to make before going any further. Despite having lived in Galway for the best part of ten years now, I had never been to the Aran Islands. It had always been something I’d got in my head that I’d do some weekend.
This was especially true every time I’d hear friends from outside of Ireland talking about hitting all the most loved spots along the Wild Atlantic Way. But the timing never seemed quite right. By which I mean there are plants that have a greater range of movement than myself on many a Saturday.
However, I’m glad it worked out that this ended up being my first trip out to the islands. The ninety minute cruise out across Galway Bay to the islands ended up being a breath of fresh air in the most profound use of the phrase.
Long walks on the Prom, and up the river by NUIG, have been a lifeline for sanity in the past year, but this felt like clearing out months of the same apartment air, breathed in day after day.
Inis Mór
Saoirse na Farraige is the largest ferry in the fleet of Aran Island Ferries, capable of holding 400 people making a trip out to the Aran Islands and the Cliffs of Moher.
The top deck of the ferry is the perfect place to watch the Connemara coastline slide by as you cruise across the bay, with wind in your face and a light spray from the sea when you stand by the sides of the boat.
Summer really is the perfect time to take this tour, best suited to basking in the sun, hopefully and enjoying the view. We were fortunate enough to enjoy clear skies and a calm sea, all of which made the hour and half trip out to the islands just slide by.
For people who get a bit seasick, or don’t enjoy the wind and spray from the water, the larger passenger area of the ferry below decks has clearly been designed with comfort in mind. Rows of well cushioned seats offer a chance to ride in comfort for people whose main concern is being delivered to Inis Mór in comfort.
Captain Shane McCole said that he was very pleased with the maiden voyage of Saoirse na Farraige. The weather stayed clear for most of the trip, always a worry for anything on the Atlantic Coast, even before getting on a boat. Meaning guests were treated to a perfect view of the Cliffs of Moher
He is clearly enthused about the design of Saoirse na Farraige, saying that its higher freeboard and more seating design make it extremely comfortable for passengers. “Overall, it’s a nice vessel, very capable, very comfortable.”
Captain Shane McCole at the helm of Saoirse na Farraige before its maiden voyage. Photo: Ray Ryan
And despite his years of experience making runs for Aran Island Ferries, the trip hasn’t gotten old for him.
“You’re seeing all of Galway Bay aren’t you,” Shane says by way of explanation with a laugh, heading out past Spiddal and Inverin. “The next thing you arrive at the Aran Islands, which are beautiful in their own right. Then you get the bonus of heading down the cliffs and seeing the scenery there.”
On the way back up to Galway Bay there is the scenery of the Burren on your starboard side, he adds, along with the possibility of glimpsing dolphins in the evening time.
And it has always managed to stay a fresh experience for him, even years into the job. “Every day at sea you have different weather, different sky, different sea colour. It all adds to a different experience every time you’re out.”
The bulk of the tour took place on Inis Mór itself, where travellers get to enjoy around five hours of time to explore the island, enjoy a pint and some food in the sun while taking in some truly unique scenery.
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While there were, and are, minibuses available to take visitors to Inis Mór to and from the most well known locations, the best way to appreciate the island is via bicycle, easily achieved from the multiple bike rental spots right at the end of the pier when you step off the boat.
I can say in hindsight that cycling across Inis Mór, from Kilronan to Dun Aengus, and back, was one of the most enjoyable experiences I’ve had in years. Of course, at the time my legs were happy to scream in protest that I hadn’t been on a bike in years, and that Inis Mór is a very hilly island.
But we shouldn’t let my poor life choices get in the way of an undeniable truth. And occasionally stopping to check if my legs had fallen off came with picture perfect chances to take in the landscape of Inis Mór.
The rocky, exposed landscape of the largest of the Aran Islands has a strange feel to it. Despite its starkness, it doesn’t feel cold or unwelcoming at all. When you look out across stretches of broken rock and fields, with clusters of homes and businesses clearly visible from far afield, it feels intensely connected, a close knit community.
And of course, the views are absolutely stunning, walking from the base of Dun Aengus up to the old fort itself is well worth the trek, however you choose to get there. The old hillfort sits atop a awe inspiring set of cliffs itself, and whatever role it played in millennia past, now it almost seems designed for visitors.
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The walls enclose an area that opens onto the Atlantic, stretching out wide and blue in front of you, with nothing to impede the view, and nothing else out there until you hit Canada.
Close to the finish line of the bicycle ride back to Kilronan towards the end of our time on the island, I was happy to stop at Joe Watty’s Bar and restaurant to grab a pint of Guinness to enjoy outdoors and few chips. An excellent way to recharge after an afternoon well spent.
Aine McLoughlin of Aran Island Ferries said that they aim to offer a new way to explore the Cliffs of Moher from the sea, and the many attractions that are available on Inis Mór, such as bike rides, minibus tours, and even off-road trips that explore those hard to reach places off the beaten track.
“The purpose is not just to celebrate Aran Island Ferries new product, but also the amazon products and services on Inis Mór.”
There’s a pent up demand for people to get out of Galway, even just for the day, she agreed. Aine also felt that there are still a lot of people who feel nostalgia for the old Naomh Éanna line, which operated between Galway City and the Aran Islands until 1988.
“Anything I post about this new route on social media, I get comments that are filled with warmth and nostalgia about the Naomh Éanna last sailing.”
She also feels that in the past year and half, as we have been stuck at home for the most part, people have come to appreciate the simpler things they can discover close to home, rather than holidaying abroad.
“From a travel standpoint, you see so many locals that are now exploring attractions that are down the road, around the corner that, potentially they never would have been interested in, because they had the options of travelling overseas.”
“I’m sure we’ll see lots of Galwegians on this trip, who have never been to the Aran Islands before, and now we’re making it even more convenient for Galwegians to sail to the Aran Islands and the Cliffs of Moher”.
On top of the day tour, there is also an overnight version of the tour available, where you board the ferry as normal on the morning of day one, and get to spend the day and night on Inis Mór, a perfect option for people who aren’t out on the west coast often, and want to take in as much as possible while they’re here.
The last destination of the trip is the Cliffs of Moher themselves, and while people may be familiar with seeing them from the top, getting to view them from the water is something else altogether.
At first not appearing much more impressive than a lot of the west coast, which tends to loom, they grow ever taller as the boat approaches, until they’re right in front of you, clawing at the sky.
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It’s a view I’d highly recommend seeing in person, and manages to stand as a singular counterpoint to any impression that Ireland’s landscape is solely composed of gently hills and fields.
Some 42% of patients attending a dedicated diabetes clinic have signs of established chronic kidney disease, the first detailed research of its kind in Ireland has revealed.
The study was carried out by academics at NUI Galway and clinicians at University Hospital Galway Diabetes Centre and involved more than 4,500 patients in the west of Ireland.
The findings suggest that despite careful medical management, a relatively high proportion of people with diabetes in Ireland are developing chronic kidney disease over time and are at risk of kidney failure and other complications of poor kidney function.
Diabetes is now the number one cause of chronic kidney disease and kidney failure worldwide.
At least one in 15 people in Ireland has diabetes, three quarters of whom are adults with type 2 diabetes.
Professor Matthew Griffin, consultant nephrologist at Galway University Hospitals and researcher in NUI Galway’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, said: “When evidence of chronic kidney disease due to diabetes appears, it usually indicates damage to the kidneys that cannot be reversed and may well worsen over time.”
The research, published in the journal BMJ Open Diabetes Research and Care, is the first comprehensive analysis of the overall burden of chronic kidney disease among people with diabetes in Ireland.
It found that 42% of patients at the clinic had evidence of abnormal kidney function, based on the results of commonly-performed blood and urine tests.
The study also showed that rate of chronic kidney disease among diabetes patients is more frequent than previously recognised and the frequency of chronic kidney disease was higher – almost 50% – in those with type 2 diabetes.
The kidney function of more than one quarter of all the patients and nearly one third of those with type 2 diabetes was declining at a faster rate than expected.
The research team said the findings of the prevalence of chronic kidney disease were particularly concerning because the number of people affected by type 2 diabetes is increasing steadily around the world. In the next 20 years it is expected to reach close to 700 million people.
Dr Tomás Griffin, consultant endocrinologist specialising in diabetes care at Galway University Hospitals, Honorary Senior Lecturer at NUI Galway and lead researcher on the study, said: “The findings tell us that adults living with diabetes in Ireland have rates of chronic kidney disease and rapid decline in kidney function that are comparable to, or greater than, populations which have been studied in the UK, other European countries, the US and Asia.
“The study provides important information for people with diabetes because new treatments and interventions are emerging which may offer better protection of kidney function over time when introduced in the early stages of chronic kidney disease.
“Worryingly, many people with diabetes are unaware of the earliest evidence of diabetic kidney disease that can be identified in their blood and urine tests. This research shines a light on the need for greater awareness of these tests during the early stages of diabetes management and more collaborative care by diabetes and kidney specialists.”
Professor Francis Finucane, co-author on the study and consultant endocrinologist specialising in the management of obesity and diabetes at Galway University Hospitals, said: “The more we can do to prevent type 2 diabetes and the factors that contribute to it by encouraging healthier diet and physical activity habits, the better our chances of reducing the burden of kidney disease.”
Lingering heartbreak in Ros na Rún as Mo and Colm struggle with their loss, and Fia also contemplates whether to leave behind her son.
Mo and Colm struggle with an unbearable loss as they say goodbye to their tiny baby.
Tadhg wanting to help Mo in any way he can, sends flowers and food to her house. But when Colm discovers who sent them, he insists Bobbi Lee take everything back. Will Tadhg ever be forgiven?
Fia is due to leave for London, and wants to spend as much time as possible with her son before doing so. But the question is whether she will be leaving alone.
Vanessa is concerned that Fia means to take Liam Óg to London without Niall’s consent, and contemplates warning him.
O’Shea and Caoilfhionn have a shot at reconciliation when John Joe invites her round to celebrate the news that O’Shea is getting rewarded for her long service in the Gardaí.
Malachaí believes Sadie and Sorcha may have been entitled to some provision when her father died. He vows to look into it further when he crosses with Cóilí Jackie.
Catch up on all of this and more in a double feature omnibus of this week’s Ros na Rún tonight on TG4 at 7:30pm.
The tourism industry of Connemara & The Islands has launched a promotional video which perfectly captures the stunning beauty of the region in just over one minute.
Showcasing the endless array of adventures awaiting those who choose to travel West this summer, the promo video is aimed at families and “unconstrained adults” across Ireland.
It takes potential holidaymakers on a whistle-stop journey across the white sandy Green Flag beaches and rugged terrains, through walking trails and the white crest of Atlantic waves.
As part of the campaign, the video is linked to the new Connemara.ie website that features special offers on accommodation for families, couples and groups looking for unique staycation adventure this summer.
There are also plenty of tips on great places to stay, eat, drink, kayak, surf, horse-ride, run, bike, hike, sail and do yoga in the region.
Connemara offers accommodation for all tastes, including glamping, self-catering, award-winning country houses, five-star hotels and guesthouses, in secluded areas, attractive villages or at the beach; there’s something for everyone.
Visitors to the West are also encouraged to engage with the campaign by following the Connemara social media channels and using the hashtag #Connemara.
The message is clear – Connemara & The Islands are ready and waiting with a warm and friendly welcome for visitors this summer!
Access to the popular walking and cycling route at Millar’s Lane in Galway City will be limited until Friday 25 June as ground investigation works continue on the path.
Galway City Council says that it hopes to allow access while the works are being carried out, but advised people that local diversions may be in place which will be signed.
The Millar’s Lane project aims to upgrade the existing pathway linking Rahoon Road and Kingston Road.
The lane, which is almost a kilometre long, runs by a number of estates including Garraí de Brún, An Logán, The Orchard, Manor Close, Gort na Bró, Grangemore, Gort Gréine, Cruachan Park, and Ros Geal.
The project aims to make it easier for people to access the estates, while at the same time providing off-road walking and cycling routes for residents, and allowing children to travel safely to school.
Millar’s Lane will link into the wider Galway City Cycle Network, supporting travel by bike beyond the Knocknacarra/ Rahoon area.
The works on the Millar’s Lane project will also include lighting along the route as well as a pedestrian crossing at Gort Na Bró to improve connectivity.
Galway City Council is currently in the design phase of the project which is funded by the National Transport Authority.
The Connemara Brewing Company have unveiled their lineup of beer for 2021, with a focus on niche ales and lagers in 330ml cans.
Connemara’s water quality is noted as being one of the best in the world, which combined with the quality raw materials, and crafted by the know-how of their world-class brewers, brings together a refreshing beer like no other.
All Connemara Brewing Company beers are made from scratch in the Carraroe Brewery, using traditional recipes and as many local ingredients as possible which are sourced directly from carefully selected producers.
This summer’s signature lager is best described as a refreshing, clean and robust lager.
It features a pleasingly spicy and floral bitterness from its Žatecký hops, backed up with a slight maltiness from a blend of Irish and continental grains, and a crisp clean finish from the specially selected yeast and open fermentation process.
Irish ale has a long and dignified history. The Connemara Ale is juicy and full of flavour. A perfect hop medley and yeast blend provides our ale with a flavour that will make you want more.
The brewery is led by Aine O’Hora who is one of the foremost brewers in Ireland, who has been brewing beer for the past 20 years, and moved home to Galway after a highly successful career in the beer business.
She has started and ran both start-up craft and large international breweries and now invests all that experience and skill into some of Ireland’s best beers.
“We’ve kept to those traditional values by producing an open fermented ale with a reddish hue and a beautifully sweet palate that is bursting with hop flavour while remaining low in bitterness. It’s like Connemara sunset in a glass,“ explained Aine.
This summer Connemara Brewing Company is part of Aldi and Bord Bia’s “Grow with Aldi” program, which means their beers will be available in stores throughout Ireland from June 6.
Connemara Brewing Co are one of a small number of select suppliers chosen as part of the 2021 Grow with Aldi program.
Aine said that being in independent retail and hospitality venues across the west of Ireland has helped them to understand their customers better.
“Through a huge supermarket chain like Aldi we will be in the mainstream and in view to the shoppers of Ireland, we couldn’t be happier with this really brilliant opportunity.”
Connemara Brewing Company commitment to taste and quality comes through in their sustainability ethos from brewing to sale.
With state-of-the-art technology enabling them to use as little water as possible in their brewing techniques as well as returned grain to farming lands in the locality for a lessened environmental impact.
The company also decided on using cans instead of glass bottles as to ensure to lessen their landfill footprint.
A new bachelor’s degree in Automation and Robotics has been announced at GMIT as part of a new collaboration between the college and technology company Thermo King.
The new engineering degree will build STEM skills in the local community and it will include a special robotics automation training centre at Thermo King’s manufacturing plant in Galway.
Minister of State and Galway TD Hildegarde Naughton said that yesterday’s announcement very clearly demonstrates the pool of talent and skill that is available across Galway and the West.
“This is a very exciting move which I am sure will bolster Galway’s place on the world map for engineering and automation,” she said.
“I would like to congratulate everyone involved in bringing this project to its fruition, particularly the team at Thermo King and the Galway Mayo Institute of Technology.”
