CMOs in Republic and North raise concerns about Delta variant

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June 20, 2021

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

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

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

Mother and daughter on the outs after Caoilfhionn gives O’Shea a black eye, Colm and Mo struggle to grieve, and Vince tries to reconcile with Caitríona in Ros na Rún.

O’Shea tries to conceal the black eye Caoilfhionn gave her from John Joe, despite her own anger. When he sees it she lies about what happened, but will he buy it?

For her own part, Caoilfhionn is filled with guilt for slapping her mother, but she just keeps digging the pit deeper. What else has she done?

Áine is furious with Tadhg, blaming him for Colma’s death. A conversation with Mo sets her right and she realises that he is suffering as well.

Mo is isolating herself, struggling to deal with Colma’s loss, until she gets a welcome phone call from Gráinne. Will this give her and Colm a chance to properly grieve together?

Vince on hearing what Caitríona did to Rory, feels he’s to blame. He apologises to Caitríona again for sleeping with Emma. But his efforts at reconciliation hit a roadblock when she sees him coming to Emma’s aid.

Catch all of the developments in Ros na Rún this week in a double feature omnibus on Sunday, June 20 at 7:30pm on TG4.

Road closure in Tuam town centre on Sunday

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June 19, 2021

A one day road closure for a street in Tuam town centre will be in place this weekend while the council is carrying out work in the area.

Bishop Street, Tuam will be closed to vehicles on Sunday, June 20 to allow the removal of ESB poles.

The period of the road closure is expected to be from 6am to 4pm on Sunday.

Diversions will be in place for the duration of the works. Pedestrian access will be maintained on the northern side of the street.

This is the last stage of the undergrounding of the ESB network on Bishop Street that was funded under the Town and Village renewal Scheme.

COVID-19: 393 new cases reported as number of cases in hospital falls below 50

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June 19, 2021

The number of people with COVID-19 receiving treatment in hospitals in the Republic has fallen to 48 today, with 14 of those in intensive care units.

It is the lowest number of cases in hospital since 5 September 2020 and the fewest cases in ICU since 17 September.

Health officials also reported a further 393 cases of the virus in the state this afternoon.

The daily case numbers may change due to future data review, validation and update, the Department of Health says.

No county breakdown was given today.

Man accused of sex crimes held in custody to determine fitness to plead

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June 19, 2021

Galway Daily courts Man receives jail sentence for racial abuse

A man accused of multiple sex crimes, and assault, has been remanded in custody until it can be determined whether he is fit to plead.

The 51 year old man, who cannot be named at this time, appeared before Galway Circuit Court to be arraigned this week.

He has been charged with four counts of sexual assault under Section 2 of the Criminal Law (Rape) (Amendment) Act, 1990, along with two counts of attempted sexual assault contrary to common law, and one physical assault, all against a young girl.

The offences are alleged to have occurred at a location in Connemara in August of 2019.

The defence indicated this week that the man wished to plead guilty to five of the seven charges before the court.

But after initially pleading guilty to assault, he then said answered not guilty to following charges, before saying that he didn’t remember, or couldn’t understand when asked how he pleaded.

The defence indicated that a psychiatric report may be required to determine the accused man’s fitness to plea or be tried.

The case was due to go to trial last week, but the accused man took a bench warrant after informing his solicitor on the morning of the hearing date that he was going to hospital.

Medical records were produced on this date to show that he had been hospitalised. He had also discharged himself against the advice of his doctors.

Judge Rory McCabe said that he was not satisfied that the accused man understood what he was saying or doing during the arraignment.

The judge added that there was a certain urgency in getting the necessary reports to determine if the man was fit to plead, as the matter had been due to go to trial.

He said the quickest way to get a psychiatric report to determine that would be if he was in custody. The judge remanded the accused man in custody to July 22.

Free Legal Aid was extended for an independent report, if the defence felt they could get it quicker, and for the addition of a senior counsel.

Fun in the sun with Galway Community Circus summer camps

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June 19, 2021

Fun in the sun with Galway Community Circus summer camps — Galway Community Circus 5-7 yrs

Galway Community Circus are holding a variety of summer camps next for kids, adults and families this summer for some outdoors fun.

With a wide range of options to choose from, these camps offer an opportunity to do something unique, different and exciting this summer.

These two and five day camps from people aged from four years old, up to adults, promise fun, skill learning and social engagement through non-competitive circus games and activities.

Learn juggling, acrobatics, tightwire walking and so much more from circus professionals

These camps will enhance creativity, knowledge of the artistic world, health and fitness, motor skills, emotional intelligence, mental agility, concentration, self-discipline and motivation.

Choose from many different options including a fun Hula Hoop camp which will help participants to spin a hoop on many different parts of their body.

A balance camp will teach participants how to walk a tightrope whilst using a balancing pole.

Families can sign up together for Family Circus Camp which will see families work together to face challenges and conquer fears through fun and games.

Registration is now open and places are limited, choose the best camp option for you and book your place today.

Full details are available at https://www.galwaycommunitycircus.com/youth-circus/camps.

NUI Galway academics call for increased focus on equity in eHealth

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June 19, 2021

Academics at NUI Galway have warned that the digital divide could have a major impact as eHealth becomes more widespread in promoting health and wellbeing.

Ahead of the 25^th annual Health Promotion Conference at NUI Galway, the co-chairs of the event highlighted the need for ongoing research on the issue of unequal access to technology and digital information and services.

Dr Victoria Hogan and Dr Jane Sixsmith will chair the event next Thursday which will explore the use of eHealth in various settings such as the workplace, children’s health, mental health, and health promotion apps.

Dr Jane Sixsmith said that the increasing use of digital technology is an opportunity for the promotion of health but the challenge is the inequality in access as a result of the digital divide.

“As we further develop and use these technologies for health we must ensure equity of access,” said Dr Sixsmith.

Dr Victoria Hogan added: “Given the ubiquitous nature of digital technology in everyday life, and the increasing importance of technology for health, this is considered a priority area for both health promotion research and practice.”

The Health Promotion Conference will be attended by Frank Feighan TD and brings together leading academics, researchers, practitioners and policymakers working with eHealth.

Professor Margaret M Barry, Established Chair in Health Promotion and Public Health at NUI Galway, will moderate a live panel discussion on the opportunities and challenges of eHealth for health promotion.

The event is open to all, and it takes place on Thursday, 24 June between 9am and 4pm. Register online HERE.

Professor Deborah Lupton, SHARP Professor, Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences, University of New South Wales, Australia will draw on projects she has led which have addressed people’s everyday experiences of digital health – from googling symptoms to using discussion forums, websites, social media groups, YouTube, apps and wearable devices. She will also touch on the future of digital health in Covid-19 times.

Clifden RNLI volunteers honoured for rescue of shipwrecked sailor

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June 19, 2021

Galway Daily news Clifden RNLI volunteers honoured for rescue of stranded sailor

Four volunteer crew members from the Clifden RNLI station have received letters of commendation for their role in the rescue of a sailor stranded on the rocks at Inishark back in 2019.

Clifden RNLI volunteers Alvin Bell, his father Andy Bell, Ian Shanahan and Alan Pryce were on call on September 20, 2019, when a sailor became stranded on the rocks at Inishark in gale force winds.

The sailor had gotten into trouble when his yacht suffered engine failure and ended up being dashed against the rocks of the island’s shore. But he managed to make his way off the boat, and onto the precarious ‘safety’ of the exposed rocks.

Both of Clifden RNLI’s all-weather Shannon class and inshore Atlantic 85 lifeboats were launched at the request of the Irish Coast Guard, and made their way to the scene within 30 minutes.

The operation was hampered by a south east Force 7/8 onshore wind but Helm Alan Pryce, using experience and training, was able to safely put a crew member ashore.

The Shannon Class lifeboat was able to provide some shelter from the wind while Ian Shanahan went ashore to assess the casualty.

The man had sustained some minor injuries and, given the severity of the weather, it was decided that the safest decision was to call in the Coast Guard helicopter.

Rescue 118 airlifted bother men to safety, and the injured sailor was transferred to Castlebar General Hospital.

Clifden RNLI Helm Alan Pryce receives a letter of commendation from Clifden RNLI Chairman Percy Hyand

Father and son Bells, Ian Shanahan, and Alan Pryce recently received letters of commendation from John Payne, the RNLI Director of Lifesaving Operations, for their service.

John Brittain, Clifden RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager congratulated the crew saying: “Alvin, Andy, Ian and Alan have shown continued commitment to Clifden RNLI and I am delighted that their selfless courage and dedication has been recognised with a letter of commendation.

“This particular rescue highlights the level of training, skills and seamanship of our volunteer members and we are very grateful for the role they play in saving lives at sea.”

Colette Connolly elected new Mayor of Galway City

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June 18, 2021

Galway Daily news Collette Connolly elected new Mayor of Galway City

Councillor Colette Connolly has been elected as the new Mayor of Galway City this evening.

Cllr Connolly was elected at the annual general meeting of Galway City Council which took place this evening in Leisureland.

She is succeeding councillor Mike Cubbard, whom she was the deputy Mayor to before this.

The Independent councillor will serve as the Mayor of Galway City for the next year.

Cllr. Martina O’Connor has also been elected as the new Deputy Mayor.

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COVID-19: 313 new cases reported today

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June 18, 2021

Another 313 confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported by the Department of Health today.

There are currently just 53 in hospital with the disease, and only 15 of those patients are in the ICU.

A county breakdown of the daily figures remains unavailable in the aftermath of the cyber attack on the HSE.

The figures reported today may change in the future following date validation and review.

Cllr calls for Galway native Dr Ronan Glynn to receive Mayoral Reception

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June 18, 2021

Galway Daily news Calls for Ronan Glynn to receive Mayoral Reception

Calls have been made for Galway native and Deputy Chief Medical Officer Ronan Glynn to be given a Mayoral reception from the incoming Mayor for his work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Councillor Alan Cheevers said that it should be recognised that one of Galway’s own showed “real leadership on the national stage” during a difficult time.

Dr Ronan Glynn, who comes from Lydican, Oranmore has been the Deputy Chief Medical Officer at the Department of Health since 2018.

Last year he came into the national spotlight in July of last year when he took over the duties of his boss Dr Tony Holohan.

This was as a result of Dr Holohan taking time off when his wife went into palliative care.

Dr Glynn again took the role of Acting Chief Medical Officer for two months this year, following the death of Dr Emer Holohan in February.

Dr Holohan, for his part, received the Freedom of Dublin City award this week in a private ceremont.

Councillor Cheevers said that holding a Mayoral reception for Dr Glynn is not just about his efforts, “But the great work our health workers in Galway City and County did during the pandemic, and continue to do.”

“It’s time these health workers were also recognized, and when it’s safe so do so we need have a celebration for them to thank them for their tireless effort during the pandemic.”

Visiting restrictions eased at Galway University Hospitals

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June 18, 2021

Visiting restrictions at University Hospital Galway and Merlin Park Hospital will be eased from Monday 21 June.

From Monday, the hospitals will be allowing one visitor per inpatient each day with visiting times from 2pm to 3pm and from 7pm to 8pm.

Visits to the hospitals must be pre-arranged by family members or visitors, who should contact the relevant ward or unit in advance.

They will need to complete a COVID-19 screening checklist on entry to the hospital.

Galway University Hospitals say that is important that visitors continue to follow all the public health guidance, including wearing face masks and washing hands regularly.

The hospitals are also requesting that where possible, approved visitors will have received a COVID-19 vaccination, to minimise the risk to patients.

It is recommended that children do not visit the hospitals, unless agreed in advance on compassionate grounds with the ward or Unit manager.

Guidelines on Maternity Visiting at UHG

Galway University Hospitals say the Maternity visiting restrictions at UHG are being continually reviewed taking into account community transmission rates, local infrastructure within the unit and staffing.

The Maternity Department at UHG is currently allowing birthing partners of women in labour and partners can attend a caesarean section done under regional anaesthesia.

Partners may visit St Catherine’s Ward and St Angela’s Ward from 2pm to 3pm and from 7pm to 8pm.

Parents of an infant in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit may visit, one parent at a time. Fathers can visit for two hours.

A partner or support person may attend for the Dating scan (12 to 13+6 week) and the anomaly (20 week) scan.

Galway companies share in €11.5 million European Space Agency contracts

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June 18, 2021

Galway Daily business Galway companies European Space Agency

Two Galway companies were among the recipients of €11.5 million in contracts awarded by the European Space Agency to tech businesses in Ireland in 2020.

The ESA awarded contracts to a record 28 Irish companies last year, of which 13 were doing their first ever work with the space agency.

Photonics company Mbryonics won three separate contracts with the ESA last year, as they help develop the next generation of satellite solutions for telecommunications, earth observation, positioning systems, and more.

These all-optical satellite solutions, which need to be small in size, weight, power consumption, and cost, are crucial for developing networks such as 5G, satellite broadband, as well as optical relays to the ground.

With the funding from their ESA contracts, Mbryonics, which is based in the Westside of Galway City, was able to hire nine new engineers.

ATG Innovation, based in Galway Technology Park, won a contract to assess the performance, cost, and manufacturing process of ‘grid stiffened interchange’ technology for small launch vehicles.

Minister of State Damien English said “Irish industry is successfully developing an increasing presence in the international space sector. Ireland’s membership of the ESA is at the root of this and is very much a springboard for innovation and development of advanced technologies.

He said that there are incredible opportunities for enterprises to use “satellite derived data” in supporting policy making decision and global challenges in areas such as climate change and more.

It wasn’t private businesses in Ireland that benefitted from European Space Agency funding last year, as €15 million in contracts were also awarded to ten Irish universities and research institutes.

NUI Galway was among the recipients of this, such as in AIREO project being carried out in partnership with UCD. This aims to investigate the potential application of AI in assessing Earth Observation data captured by satellites.

Other research contracts awarded to NUIG in 2020 include the study of ‘Fine-structure of laser radiation in the far-field‘, and ‘Metrology for optical free-form surfaces‘, the latter of which is also a partnership with Mbryonics.

Tom Kelly of Enterprise Ireland said that there has been a “substantial increase” in the scope of Ireland’s involvement in space related enterprise in recent years.

There are now more than 80 private companies, and a growing number of institutional research teams involved in projects backed by the ESA and Enterprise Ireland.

Connacht Rugby announce prop Greg McGrath as latest signing

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June 18, 2021