Planning permission sought for new Garda station in Spiddal

-

May 27, 2021

The organisers of Salthill Sundays have decided to postpone this weekend’s event after agreeing to meet with Mayor of Galway Mike Cubbard.

Earlier today the Mayor called on the organisers to ‘step up to the plate’ and agree to a meeting, which the car enthusiasts have now accepted.

The group has said that the event which was scheduled for this Sunday is now postponed until further notice.

A statement published by the organisers also criticised those who have been ‘bashing’ them, saying: “there was everyone on Sunday from young to old, girl and boys, men and women, everyone enjoyed their Sunday that came along.”

Calling for a meeting with the organisers today, Mayor Mike Cubbard said that appreciates there are plenty of people who are genuine car enthusiasts and not determined to upset residents.

“By being proactive, mature and reasonable we can find a solution here that ensures residents and local businesses do not see a repeat of what they were subjected to on Sunday,” he said.

COVID-19: 436 new cases reported today

By

-

May 27, 2021

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

The Department of Health has reported 436 new cases of COVID-19 across the State this evening.

The county breakdown of cases is still unavailable due to the disruption caused by the cyberattack on the HSE.

The HSE confirmed today that eight people have died as a result of COVID-19 in the last 12 days, the first report since Friday 14 May.

As of this morning, there are 101 people with COVID-19 in hospitals in the Republic, of whom 39 are in ICU.

Galway United preparing to face unbeaten Shelbourne

By

-

May 27, 2021

Galway Daily sport Galway United v Shelbourne

Galway United are preparing for a difficult game against Shelbourne this Friday in the second round of First Division fixtures.

John Caulfield acknowledged that Shelbourne have been “setting the pace” in the division so far, and have an even stronger squad now than they did in the Premier Division.

But he added that United are well aware of their own strengths, and are looking forward to the game in Tolka Park this Friday.

United are currently in the middle of the table of the First Division after a 1-1 draw against UCD last week, where Maurice Nugent evened the score with a late goal.

Critically, the Tribesmen were down a player during the second half of the match.

Shelbourne are leading the division handily at this stage, currently five points out ahead at the top of the leaderboard.

With no losses so far this season, Shelbourne have also won six of their last seven outings.

“It is the start of the second round of fixtures; Shelbourne are on a great run of form and we are looking forward to the game,” John Caulfield told the club’s media team.

“We were happy to get a last minute draw in Cork last week after being a man down. The boys showed great character, as they have shown on a number of occasions this season with late goals.”

“This week will be another difficult game. Shelbourne have excellent players and probably have a stronger squad now than they did in the Premier Division.”

“As I always say, we need to perform to our best. It was a close game between the two teams in the first game of this season. We know how good a team they are, but at the same time we know how good we are as well.”

“It is a very tight league; Shels have hit the ground running and are ahead of everyone at the moment. They are setting the pace so far but there is still a long way to go.”

In squad news, Francely Lomboto and Ronan Manning are down for the foreseeable future due to injuries, and Stephen Walsh will miss out due to a suspension, but Conor O’Keeffe and Shane Doherty could be on the squad after returning to training following injuries.

Grocery delivery company Buymie creating 30 jobs in Galway

By

-

May 27, 2021

Galway Daily business Grocery delivery company Buymie creating 30 jobs in Galway — Devan Hughes, Buymie CEO. Photo Credit: Conor McCabe Photography

Online grocery delivery company Buymie is creating 30 new jobs in Galway as it rolls out its services to households in the west of Ireland.

Buymie is adding Galway and Limerick to its existing Irish service bases in Dublin and Cork.

Adding Galway and Limerick will make Buymie’s services available to another 190,000 people in Ireland.

From Monday, customers can order from Dunnes Stores, Tesco, and Lidl in Galway City and Oranmore, and expect their groceries delivered within the hour.

As part of this expansion, the start-up company is creating 60 jobs for personal shopping roles in Galway and Limerick.

Buymie has expanded rapidly in the past year, and in June of 2020 raised an additional €5.8 million investment funding.

Devan Hughes, CEO and co-founder of Buymie said “We’re excited to be announcing our official launch into Galway and Limerick.”

“We have seen incredible demand for the Buymie same-day grocery delivery in Ireland and Britain, and today’s announcement brings the service to thousands more Irish households.”

“As we see the light at the end of the tunnel we are all going to be making up for lost time, and using a service like Buymie can give customers the option of taking back those two hours spent in the car, aisles and queues.”

Salthill Sundays organisers ignore Mayor’s calls for meeting

By

-

May 27, 2021

Galway Daily news Pearse Stadium traffic management plan

The Mayor of Galway Mike Cubbard has said that his door remains open to the organisers of Salthill Sundays despite the car fanatics ignoring his calls for a meeting in recent weeks.

The Mayor chose to stay silent this week after the infamous event last Sunday, as he tries to find a solution to the problem ahead of this weekend.

Cllr Cubbard explained today that he had regular email contact with the organisers of Salthill Sundays a number of weeks ago and agreed to meet with them to hear what they had planned.

But this meeting never took place and he is now calling for the organisers to ‘step up to the plate’ and ‘show maturity’ by agreeing to a meeting.

“The meeting I offered this past few weeks to the current organisers did not happen but my door remains open,” said Cllr Cubbard.

“On seeing images from last Sunday, I immediately contacted the group and requested that they meet with me and I further asked that they plan no further events until a conversation takes place with the Gardaí and the council.

“This email was not responded to. I now see on their social media that they plan to meet on Sunday and state they will do so until they get what they want.

“I cannot understand how they expect to get anywhere or ‘what they want’ if they won’t sit around a table and tell us?!”

The Mayor added that he realises there are plenty of people who are genuine car enthusiasts and not determined to upset residents.

“I am realistic and know the guards cannot be on the motorway to turn away anyone who someone decides ‘we don’t want’ in the city,” he said.

“This is why I remained silent to now as I tried to reach out. I tried to deal with the problem rather then just talk about it.”

He said that by being proactive mature and reasonable we can find a solution here that ensures residents and local businesses do not see a repeat of what they were subjected to on Sunday.

“Therefore, this is an open call to anyone involved in these events. Get in touch with me and I will listen to your plans and ideas and then work with all those who can potentially make it possible in a way that does not bring Galway to a standstill again.

“The simplistic solution of just saying ‘we don’t want them’ does not work. We need to tackle this head on and now with practical solutions.

“If those organising want respect, I’d advise to show a level of maturity now and step up to the plate, as I said – my door remains open.”

Detached city house is a fixer upper project

By

-

May 27, 2021

Galway Daily property Detached city house is a fixer upper project

This spacious detached house in Galway City is a fixer upper project waiting for an owner looking to create their dream family home.

O’Donnellan & Joyce Auctioneers are offering this four bed detached house at 106 Seacrest, Knocknacarra for sale at their next Live Stream Auction on June 4.

In need of complete refurbishment and modernisation, this house is an undertaking for owners looking to put their own stamp on a property.

The ground floor of the house has incredible potential to become a bright and airy family area, with an open plan design that creates a welcoming sense of space and intimacy.

1 of 3

The main living room features an extremely attractive stone block fireplace that pulls the room together. From there a set of double doors lead to the kitchen/breakfast room, which also comes with a brick fireplace.

Just off the kitchen is a utility room leading out to the rear garden. This has been allowed to grow somewhat wild itself. But in the right pair of hands could become another element of the home makeover that would allow a family to make this into the perfect house for them.

1 of 3

Upstairs the house features four bedrooms, with built in wardrobes, and the main bathroom of the house, which is already fully tiled. The master bedroom also comes with its own ensuite bathroom.

Some additional storage space can be found in the attic accessible from the first floor.

Out front the property has another front garden, and off street parking on the tarmac driveway.

This house is located in an established residential neighbourhood on the west side of Galway City.

Well positioned within the Seacrest Estate, you don’t have to go far to enjoy some green space as a lovely public park, McGrath’s Field, can be found practically at the doorstep.

The full details of this property are available at: https://property.odonnjoyce.com/residential/brochure/106-seacrest-knocknacarra-co-galway/4499398.

Live Stream Auction

This property will be sold at the O’Donnellan & Joyce Live Stream Property Auction which takes place on Friday, June 4 at 12 midday.

Over 40 homes, businesses, and plots from across the west of Ireland will be going under the hammer that day.

In order to bid in the auction you must register beforehand on O’Donnellan & Joyce’s website, with a booking deposit paid, by Wednesday, June 2.

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

Chanelle Pharma to create 60 Ballinasloe jobs

By

-

May 27, 2021

Galway Daily news Chanelle Pharma to create 60 new jobs in Ballinasloe

Galway based Chanelle Pharma will be creating 60 new jobs in Ballinasloe over the course of the next five years as part of a

The company, which already employs 570 people at its Loughrea headquarters, is undertaking an expansion of its distribution and manufacturing operations in Ireland.

This €5 million investment in warehousing and new manufacturing operations at the 65,000 sq ft former Aptar facility.

Initially he company will relocate its Chanelle Pet distribution business to the IDA Business Park premises in Ballinasloe.

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said “This is a real boost to the local community and further evidence of the attractiveness of Ballinasloe as a place to invest.”

“Congratulations to Michael Burke and the Chanelle Pharma team and the very best of luck with this exciting development”.

Founded in 1985 by Michael Burke, Chanelle is Ireland’s largest indigenous manufacturer of both human and veterinary generic pharmaceuticals.

It now has a presence in over 90 countries and supplies pharmaceutical products to 10 of the top 12 multinationals in the world.

In 2018 the company announced that it would be investing €85 million to double its manufacturing capacity, launch 96 new products, and expand its workforce to 850 people over the course of five years.

Galway Senator and Ballinsloe local Aisling Dolan said that the town is an “exciting location” for investors, close to the M6 motorway and the highly skilled graduates from the new Shannon TÚS Technological University in Athlone.

“We have pro-active community, business and Town Team groups together with Ballinasloe Area Community Development who have worked together to showcase Ballinasloe as an excellent choice for investment.”

Senator Aisling Dolan at the Ballinasloe IDA Business & Technology Park

“Ireland has a strong presence and expertise in the healthcare and pharma sectors and the need for these products has grown during the Covid-19 pandemic.”

“These jobs are such a boost for our area especially after this tough year of lockdown. The whole town welcomes Chanelle Pharma to Ballinasloe and I look forward to their new facility opening soon”.

Councillors invited to further collaborations on Galway City Development Plan

By

-

May 27, 2021

Galway Daily news Councillors invited to further collaborations on Galway City Development Plan

Councillors are being invited to take part in further collaborations with Galway City Community Network on crafting the next City Development Plan.

After what has been described as a very positive consultation process of creating the 2023 – 2019 City Development Plan earlier this year, GCCN will be following up with another remoted meeting on June 1.

GCCN organised 14 workshops in February during the initial public consultation to get the views of stakeholders on what the priorities should be in the future development of Galway City.

These were attended by over 400 people, including GCCN members, city councillors and a range of local groups.

Each workshop also included the attendance of members of the Galway City Planning Office to give an overview of the planning process.

A follow up meeting will now take place remotely on June 1, which will focus on the Chief Executive’s report and recommendations from the community, voluntary and environmental sectors GCCN represents.

This will be an opportunity for the Councillors to discuss the different recommendations included in the Chief Executive’s report with community, voluntary and environmental sectors, and hear their priorities.

Galway City Community Network (GCCN) is a network of 150 community, voluntary and environmental organisations active in Galway City, and maintains a link between these groups and the city council.

Ann Irwin, GCCN Co-ordinator, said “This early stage of the Development Plan Process is an important one, given that the foundation of the Draft Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 is set on the initial submissions, the Chief Executive’s recommendations and the directives received from the Elected Members.

“GCCN intends to facilitate further collaborative discussions to ensure that the voice of the community is heard by the decision-makers at all the critical points of the process.”

Reservoir interruption to Kilcolgan water supply today

By

-

May 27, 2021

Galway Daily news overnight water outages

Update: Works have been postponed, and will now take place on Monday, May 31

People living in Kilcolgan and surrounding areas of the county may experience water outages this afternoon due to works on the reservoir.

Irish Water has said that there will be a reservoir interruption from 2pm until 5pm on Thursday, May 27.

This may cause disruptions to the water supply in Clarinbridge, Kilcolgan, Ballinderreen and surrounding areas.

People whose water supply is affected by this are advised that it may take 2 -3 hours after works are completed before their water returns.

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

Ireland’s most venomous spider bites can result in hospitalisation

By

-

May 27, 2021

Galway daily news false widow spider seen eating native lizard

A team of scientists from NUI Galway have published a new study showing that Ireland’s most venomous spiders can deliver a bite that requires hospitalisation.

The threat posed by the Noble False Widow spider has been debated among spider and healthcare specialists for many years.

It has now been confirmed that some bite victims experience symptoms very similar to the true black widow spiders and some severe cases require hospitalisation.

Originating from Madeira and the Canary Islands, the Noble False Widow spider Steatoda nobilis, now has the potential to become one of the world’s most invasive species of spider.

It was first documented in Britain over 140 years ago, but in recent decades the species has suddenly increased in numbers, significantly expanding its range and density.

Envenomation symptoms can be both localised and systemic, ranging from mild to debilitating pain and mild to intense swelling.

Some victims have experienced tremors, reduced or elevated blood pressure, nausea and impaired mobility.

In rare instances, victims have developed minor wounds at the bite site or had to be treated for severe bacterial infections.

Dr Michel Dugon, Head of the Venom Systems Lab at NUI Galway and senior author of the study, said that in addition to their medically significant venom, Noble False Widows are extremely adaptable and competitive in the wild.

“Two decades ago, this species was almost unknown in Ireland, the UK or in continental Europe,” said Dr Dugon.

“We still have much to learn about its genetics, origin, behaviour and development. One thing is certain though: this species is here to stay, and we must learn how to live with it.”

Dr John Dunbar, Postdoctoral Researcher at the Venom Systems Lab at NUI Galway and lead author of the study, added that speculations around the potential severity of the bites by the Noble False Widow have been debated for many years.

“We only compiled envenomation cases where we had a clear identification of the spider responsible for the bite.

“We had to rely on DNA extraction and genetic profiling to confirm some cases. We are encouraging people to capture a photograph of the spider immediately after being bitten.

“Our latest study confirms without a doubt that Noble False Widows can cause severe envenomations (the process by which venom is injected).

“This species is increasing its range and population density which will undoubtedly lead to an increase in bites (since submitting our study in March we have already received further confirmed bite cases).

“While most cases will have a mild outcome, we need to continue to closely monitor bites by the Noble False Widow to understand the potential range of symptoms and to treat severe cases when they occur.”

Aiste Vitkauskaite, MSc student in Toxicology at NUI Galway and joint lead in the study, said: “Approximately ten species of Irish spiders have fangs large enough to bite through human skin, yet over the past five years, we have never heard of anybody being bitten by any of the native species.

“Within the same period, we have recorded dozens of confirmed or probable False Widow bites. These spiders will become increasingly common and so will their bites.”

Appeal lodged against 62 hectare Tuam solar farm

By

-

May 27, 2021

Galway Daily news Planning permission sought for south Galway solar farm

An appeal has been made to An Bord Pleanála against planning permission for a 62 hectare solar farm south of Tuam.

Galway County Council approved plans by Tuam Energy Park Ltd last month for a solar farm on lands spread over the townlands of Cloontoa, Rinkippeen, Cloonascragh, Barnacurragh and Ballykeaghra.

The development would consist of rows of ground mounted solar panels approximately three to four metres apart, in a fixed, south facing position, and rising no more than 3.2m above the terrain.

Other works in the project would include three substation buildings spread around the site, 20 smaller medium voltage (MV) substations, perimeter fencing, and one communications pole/weather station with satellite dish, which will be approximately 4m in height.

Planning permission had been granted by the county council with 25 conditions attached.

Among those are a number of safety precautions to protect the adjacent railway line during construction, and to ensure that the solar farm’s operation doesn’t affect railway traffic.

The council also stipulated that planning permission for the solar farm does not constitute “consent or agreement to a connection to the national grid” or permission for routing power to such a connection.

A third party appeal has been lodged against the council’s decision, raising concerns about the potential for flooding during times of heavy rain due to the shallow basin of the River Suileen.

The appeal also asked if Tuam Energy Park and the county council have considered the potential impact the development could have on the Tuam Outer Bypass, which would lie in close proximity to the north end of the sit.

An Bord Pleanála is due to rule on this appeal by September 15 of this year.

Galway man sent for trial on six sexual offences charges

By

-

May 27, 2021

Galway Daily courts Man charged with possessing images of child sex abuse — credit: Robert Linsdell CC BY 2.0 'The Courthouse, Courthouse Square, Galway'

A Galway man has been sent forward for trial at the Circuit Court for multiple sexual offences against a person in Oranmore in the 80s.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with six counts of indecent assault on a female on dates between June and August 1985.

Garda Claire Harney gave evidence that the book of evidence had been served on the accused before Galway District Court that morning.

Judge Mary Fahy made an order sending the case to the next sitting of Galway Circuit Court in June.

The accused man was returned for trial on bail with the same conditions previously set by the court.

Legal aid was awarded for solicitor Gearoid Geraghty and one junior counsel.

The judge also directed that reporting restrictions should continue

Volunteers and frontline heroes celebrated at Galway City Mayor’s Awards

By

-

May 27, 2021

Galway Daily news Mayor's Awards winners

The winners of the 2021 Galway City Mayor’s Awards were announced at a remote ceremony held on Wednesday evening.

The awards formally recognise the outstanding contributions that local volunteers, community groups and voluntary organisations have made in supporting the residents of Galway City during the past year.

In these unprecedented times, it is even more important to acknowledge those who have volunteered on the front line during the COVID-19 crisis bringing vital supplies, support and comfort to the most vulnerable people in our communities.

Speaking on the winners and nominees at the awards, Mayor Mike Cubbard said “2020 has been a year like no other, maybe the longest year many of us have ever experienced.”

He said that the people and groups honoured in this year’s awards have shown the “leadership and kindness” which has kept Galway safe and healthy in this past year.

“In the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic in particular, when people have had to focus on their own safety and the safety of their friends and family, to still have time to give to others shows a real strength of character and is something to be widely celebrated.”

While, traditionally, this ceremony has been exclusively about the fantastic work of Galway City’s volunteers, given their efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, this year the heroic effort of frontline workers over the past 12 months was also recognised.

To showcase the incredible efforts and community spirit shown in the past year, Mayor Cubbard launched the evening with the Galway City Community Spirit video.

This short video was commissioned to showcase and highlight the breath of community spirit and solidarity that was shown over the past year and continues very strongly, making a significant impact on the quality of life for all communities across Galway City.

The winners of the 2021 Galway City Mayor’s Awards are:

Arts, Culture, Heritage & Cúrsaí Gaeilge Award:

Dr Chaosheng Zhang for his beautiful photography over the past 12 months in capturing Galway at its best and for his kind and generous approach to sharing his creative talent for free with the people of Galway.

Residents & Local Areas Award:

Martina Murray for her great example, her endless amount of pride in her communtiy, in particular in keeping Renmore clean and litter-free for over 20 years. Martina leads by example, coming out to clean up no matter if it’s hail, rain or shine.

Community Service & Social Inclusion (Individual) Award:

Mary Joyce – Glynn for her enormous effort and love of wildlife over several decades with the Galway and Claddagh Swan Rescue, going above and beyond in her voluntary contributions caring for our wildlife and local community.

Community Service & Social Inclusion (Group) Award:

Galway Volunteer Centre – Community Call Shopping Volunteers for their dedication, responsiveness, willingness and making a critical difference to the city by ensuring the most vulnerable among us were provided with practical assistance, organising weekly shopping and medication to be delivered with great care, friendliness, warmth and safely throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Older Person Volunteer of the Year Award:

Con O’Donovan and Martin Crowley as a volunteer duo for their lifetime of consistent volunteering with numerous community groups and initiatives within the Mervue area, continuing as stalwart volunteers and supporting so many within their local community during COVID-19. They represent the strength of the older generation and kept going despite COVID-19.

Sports Volunteer of the Year Award:

Row to Recovery for their collective achievement, positive, can do attitude that takes them out of our comfort zones and helps push the boundries in a safe, supportive and empowering environment.

Children and Youth Support Award:

Galway Childline Listening Volunteer Team for their outstanding commitment to the Childline service in particular during COVID-19, giving their time to listen to our young people through the toughest of times, offering a confidential, non-directive and non-judgemental approach free, 24 hours a day, every day.

Young Volunteer of the Year Award:

Scott Moran and Hannah Moran as a volunteer duo responding to the ‘Community Call’ in a pro-active way to support and care for their elderly neighbours, reducing a sense of isolation within the local community and keeping themselves busy, with a clear sense of purposes throughout the pandemic.

Environmental Sustainability Award:

St. Patrick’s Primary School for their extraordinary contribution and commitment towards protecting and enhancing our environment through their ‘Connecting Nature with Wellbeing’ theme, building on the environmental work that has taken place in the school since 2019, emphasising and showcasing how important the garden is to our health and wellbeing.

The winners will be presented with a beautifully handcrafted wooden plaque, made by Galway woodturners Ambrose & Brid O’Halloran from Mayor Cubbard

Salthill Sundays will continue until “we get what we want” say organisers

By

-

May 26, 2021