Mixed messages on July reopening plans bad for workers Farrell says

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May 26, 2021

Traffic between Portumna and Ballinasloe will be disrupted by a two day road closure for roadworks on the R355 this week.

Galway County Council is carrying out resurfacing overlay works on the R355 at Maheraneerla.

The roadworks are expected to take two days to complete this Wednesday and Thursday.

In order to facilitate these works, the section of road in question will be closed from 7:45am to 7pm each day.

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

The works are being carried out by Lagan Asphalt Limited on behalf of Galway County Council.

Dedicated podiatry service coming to Tuam Primary Care Centre from July

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May 26, 2021

Galway Daily news Tuam Primary Care Centre Podiatry

General Podiatry services will be available at Tuam Primary Care Centre from later this summer, Galway TD Seán Canney has said.

Deputy Canney said that the HSE has confirmed to him that a dedicated chiropodist / podiatrist will be in place at the Primary Care Centre from July.

He added that this service will meet the needs of patients on the Tuam, Athenry and Loughrea Community Health Network, and that it is important that it gets up and running with no further delay.

“It is very necessary for patients to be able to travel a short distance for treatment rather than having to travel to Galway city.”

Deputy Canney said that “now more than ever”, it is important that these primary healthcare services are available locally, and that the PCC reaches its full potential.

Sunshine and warmer weather in store for Galway

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May 25, 2021

Galway Daily weather Sunny spells bookened by showers this weekend

Temperatures are set to rise in the coming days, with a good deal of sunshine in store for Galway tomorrow and at the weekend.

Met Éireann says that Wednesday will start cloudy, with some light showers – but that they will clear away as the day goes on making for a sunny and milder afternoon in most parts of Galway.

Temperatures in the afternoon will rise to around 16 degrees in light northerly or variable breezes.

The sunshine and blue skies won’t stick around for long with rain forecast for much of Thursday – but the early forecast for the weekend looks more promising.

Some sunshine and dry spells are forecast for across the West on Friday, with highest temperatures of between 14 and 18 degrees in light winds.

Saturday will also have good dry periods and sunny spells, however scattered showers may develop in parts of the country during the day.

Highest temperatures will reach 16 to 19 degrees with light southerly breezes, becoming mostly dry and clear overnight.

COVID-19: 365 cases reported, 103 patients in hospital

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May 25, 2021

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

Another 365 cases of COVID-19 have been reported by the Department of Health today.

No county breakdown of the figures is available due to the HSE cyber attack.

There are 103 people in hospital with COVID-19 as of today, of whom 41 are in Intensive Care.

These figures may be subject to change due to future data validation, review and update.

Eight Galway beaches retain Blue Flags for 2021

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May 25, 2021

Galway Daily news met eireann high temperature warning

Eight beaches across Galway have retained their Blue Flag status for the 2021 bathing season which begins next week.

Galway County Council retained blue flags for six beaches: Portumna, Loughrea Lake, Truaght in Kinvara, Trá Mhór in Indreabhán, Trá and Dóilin in An Ceathrú Rua, and Cill Mhuirbhigh on Inis Mór.

Salthill and Silverstrand in the city were also re-awarded blue flags for the 2021 season which runs from June 1 until September 15.

Seven Galway beaches received Green Coast Awards, which recognise beaches of high environmental quality.

The Green Coast Awards went to An Trá and Trá Poll na gCaoirach on Inis Oirr, Goirtín in Cloch na Rón, Renvyle Beach, East End Bay on Inisboffin, Dumhach Beach and Aillebrack/Silver Hill.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien congratulated each of the communities which won awards today.

“Winning a Blue Flag or a Green Coast award is a collective effort with local authorities, An Taisce, local coastal communities and other volunteers on the ground all playing their part,” said Minister O’Brien.

“My Department and indeed the wider Government is committed to supporting programmes such as the Blue Flag and Green Coast Award and to building on them to achieve positive changes in environmental behaviour countrywide.”

Decline in pandemic unemployment numbers in Galway accelerates

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May 25, 2021

Galway Daily news Details announced for reopened Pandemic Unemployment scheme

The decline in the number of people in Galway receiving the pandemic unemployment payment has continued to accelerate as the economy reopens.

There are 18,290 people in Galway in receipt of PUP this week, down 1,572 on last week.

In addition, in the week leading up to today, 1,358 people in Galway closed their PUP account with the Department as they are returning to work.

Galway remains the county with the third highest number of people receiving pandemic unemployment after Dublin (111,566) and Cork (32,317).

Nationwide the government is issuing €102 million in PUP to 333,993 people this week, a decrease of 29,174 people compared to last week.

Speaking today on the latest PUP figures, Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys said that the number of people on the scheme has fallen by about 50,000 in the past two weeks.

“The figures that I am publishing today include the largest number of people to close their claim in a single week since the year began.”

The past seven days saw 25,824 people close their PUP claim stating that they were doing so because they are returning to work.

“We are also seeing reductions in the number of people receiving the PUP in every county and across all occupations.

“These are all really positive signs and reflect the impact of sectors such as retail re-opening in full.”

The sector with the highest number of people returning to work this week is ‘Other Sectors e.g. hairdressing and beauty salons’, with 11,708 fewer people receiving the pandemic unemployment payment compared to last week.

Accommodation and Food Service activities makes up the largest share of people still on the scheme, with 93,687 hospitality workers on PUP.

That will hopefully begin to change starting from early next month. Hotels and other accommodation businesses will be allowed to reopen from June 2, beginning with serving only guests.

The remainder of all bars and restaurants will be allowed to resume outdoor dining service from June 7, with previous restrictions on time limits and meal requirements scrapped.

Minister Humphreys added that further plans will be unveiled on Friday for the continued reopening of the economy over the next two months.

“There will be a particular focus on delivering an Outdoor Summer for people, reflecting the evidence that outdoor activities represent a safer approach in terms of people socialising.”

Faster decisions needed in planning system

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May 25, 2021

Galway Daily news Letteragh housing estate gets planning approval

Galway Senator Seán Kyne has called for faster decision making in planning applications, as delays are frustrating planning systems and making projects more expensive.

Speaking in the Seanad, the senator said that these delays, particularly due to legal challenges, are leading to an increase in building costs, environmental damage and most importantly fewer homes being built.

“Housing, roads, greenways and wastewater schemes can all be subject to lengthy legal challenges that delay projects, most needed for sustainability, job creation and environmental protection,” said Senator Kyne.

“People are entitled to object as part of a robust planning process and to make submissions in support of projects, but the long delays, sometimes years, before decisions are made are causing frustration and expense.”

The Fine Gael senator highlighted the lengthy process which scuppered the Galway City Outer Bypass as well as the delays which resulted in Apple not proceeding with their project in Athenry.

“The programme for Government commits to a Planning and Environmental Court,” he said.

“I believe this could assist in speedier decision making with specialist judges deciding on applications on key projects across the country and measures to establish such a Court needs to be put in place. I have called for a debate on the issue.”

Joke Pedalers: A Comedy Club On Wheels

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May 25, 2021

We’ve all seen them, large groups of tourists or hens & stag parties on the Pedal Powered bikes, cycling around our beautiful city, listening to loud music, having a good time and thought “those lucky feckers”. Well now it’s our turn to have fun.

It’s Galway’s newest form of comedy entertainment. On wheels. With three pedal-powered bikes: “Big Berta” (14 seats) “Pink Princess” (14 seats) & “The Bug Bike” (5 seats).

A comedian accompanies each bike, keeping you entertained as you cycle. There are three stops for refreshments and stand up comedy so you won’t get two tyred.

Comedians switch bikes after every pit stop so you don’t get saddled with the same old joke pedaler for hours and they can recycle their jokes.

Ok, enough cycling puns. It’s easy to book, just like riding a horse.

Joke Pedalers is brought to you by Roisín regulars Joe Rooney, Joe Dowlin & Karl Spain. Each side splitting experience lasts for 90 minutes.

There are two shows taking place on Thursday, May 27. The evening show at 7pm is already sold out, but there are still tickets up for grabs for the 9pm show.

Tickets cost €50 per person, and include a drink at each comedy pitstop (see the bar menu for details). If you don’t drink alcohol, a selection of soft drinks are also available.

For more information and to book your tickets go to https://roisindubh.net/listings/.

NUIG fruit fly study could have implications for human infertility

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May 25, 2021

Galway Daily news NUIG fruit fly study could have implications for human infertility

A study of fruit fly genetics at NUI Galway could have potential implications for treating human infertility down the line following new discoveries about stem cells in the ovary.

The study, which found that removing a certain protein from stem cells in the ovary resulted in an interruption of the production of eggs.

This discovery could have potential implications human health in the future, the research study said, as the same genes responsible for these proteins also exist in humans.

Restoring the broken gene in stem cells could potentially improve stem cells function, and help treat infertility.

The Centre for Chromosome Biology at NUIG have been studying how stem cell divisions are regulated in the body, which is of great relevance to fertility, ageing, cancer and regenerative medicine.

They have been using fruit flies for this research as 60 percent of their genes also exist in humans, and they have stem cells with similar functions to our our own.

Dr Elaine Dunleavy, lead author of the study, said “Our work in fruit flies allows us to manipulate genes to understand their function in stem cells in the ovary that would not be possible to carry out in humans.

She added that “Through this approach we hope to uncover genes that might be important for human fertility.”

Funding announced for ten biodiversity projects in Galway

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May 25, 2021

galway daily news Funding announced for ten biodiversity projects in Galway

Ten projects in Galway City and County meant to encourage local biodiversity among plants and animals have been awarded government funding.

The city and county councils will received €90,682 for the projects under the National Biodiversity Local Authority Biodiversity Grant Scheme.

The largest grant in Galway is for dealing with the invasive species Gunnera in Clifden, Maum, and Currywongaun, and Giant Knotweed in Clobur.

Galway County Council has been awarded €16,209 to create management plans and control costing for dealing with the invasive plants in these areas.

Just below that is €16,000 allocated to Galway City Council for eradicating invasive plant species such as Japanese Knotweed at 19 locations in the city.

Other projects will include pollinator education for council staff and schools across the county, developing conservation strategies for Barn Owls and Yellowhammers, and surveying the forests at Barna South and Terryland Forest Park.

Galway Senator Aisling Dolan said that these projects are about building awareness of “the small and larger things” that can be done to nature and wildlife biodiversity.

“Funding for the Biodiversity and Pollinator Awareness and Knowledge Programme 2021 will mean training is available for communities and schools across County Galway. We already see how our students are leading the way in climate action and driving a change in behaviours.”

Senator Dolan said that Galway is “biodiversity rich” in its boglands and unique landscapes, which have great potential for ecotourism development.

In total, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has allocated €1.35 million this year for the scheme, which is operated by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).

Over 100 projects promoting biodiversity and combating invasive species in every local authority area in the country has received funding under this year’s scheme, which is almost twice the level allocated last year.

Minister of State for Local Government, Peter Burke said “The success of the Local Authority Biodiversity Grant Scheme is testament to the close working relationship between the Department, its NPWS and the Local Authorities, particularly the Biodiversity Officers, Heritage Officers and administrative staff without whom these schemes would not exist.

“It is particularly pleasing to see this year’s scheme fund so many projects aimed at reversing biodiversity loss in our cities and towns, in line with this Government’s commitment to put Town Centres First.”

County	Detail	Amount
Galway County	Management Plan for Gunnera throughout the Clifden area. Management of Gunnera on the Maum to Maum Cross road and Giant knotweed in Clonbur. Development of a Management Plan and associated control costing for a Gunnera infestation in a disused quarry in Currywongaun, Co. Galway.	€16,209.00
Galway County	Baseline research project on wetlands to assess the extent and condition of these habitats in North-east Galway, for the purposes of informing future research and potential amenity development.	€12,750.00
Galway County	Biodiversity and Pollinator Awareness and Knowledge Programme 2021 to undertake biodiversity and pollinator training for local authority staff and the communities and schools of County Galway.	€9,220.00
Galway County	Barn Owl monitoring and conservation. Project will on: 1) implementing a citizen science and strategic survey to assess the status and breeding performance of Barn Owls and to identify their conservation requirements, 2) producing three high-quality videos to provide practical guidance on; nest boxes, managing and creating habitat, and rodenticide use, and 3) using Barn Owl as an indicator species through the first known study of Barn Owl pellets for archaeological research to learn about human mobility and ancient diets through isotopic research.	€7,453.00
Galway County	Survey to establish the size and extent of the yellowhammer breeding population and to determine their habitat associations and feeding patterns. This information will be prepared as a short paper and will be important to inform the conservation and management of this declining species and in the context of developing targeted agri-environment measures for biodiversity enhancement and species protection.	€2,550.00
Galway City Co	Treat 19 identified instances of IAS within the city boundary. The intention is to manage, control and eradicate the IAS from these 19 sites while simultaneously adding new sites to the management plan as they are identified. The project will also raise awareness among community groups, businesses and individuals as to the identification, obligations and legal responsibilities should a sighting occur.	€16,000.00
Galway City Co	Update and publish a Biodiversity Report for the Barna South Woods,. Design site based and web-friendly maps with interpretative material explaining the reasons for the implementation of a management plan. Formally establish the Friends of Barna Woods & Lough Rusheen Bay Volunteers, including Leadership and Safety Training.	€10,000.00
Galway City Co	The Healthy Green Spaces Project is about improving the quality of Galway city’s green spaces to be welcoming and inviting for people, to deliver on the need to reverse biodiversity loss, support pollinators, make positive impacts against or to cope with climate change, reduce waste and the reliance on carbon based fuels.	€7,500.00
Galway City Co	Hedgerow Survey at Terryland Forest Park as part of a base line data collection on the quantity and quality of hedgerows currently in existence across the city.	€5,000.00
Galway City Co	Tree Survey at Terryland Forest Park as part of a base line data collection on the quantity and quality of trees currently in existence across the city. This survey is the first step in a series of surveys of trees across the City of Galway.	€4,000.00
		€90,682.00

City house needs modernisation but has fantastic potential

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May 25, 2021

galway daily news bohermore house auction o'donnellan & joyce

This mid-terraced residence situated in Bohermore has bags of potential and would suit someone looking for a fixer-upper project – either for themselves or as a fantastic investment.

The two bedroom house is situated on one of the main arteries into the city centre and the surrounding area consists of old terraced dwellings which are predominately city council housing.

O’Donnellan & Joyce Auctioneers will be offering No. 192 Bohermore for sale by Live Stream Auction on Friday 4th June.

The mid-terraced bedroom residence is in very poor decorative order and will probably need to be totally modernised and refurbished in order to bring it up to a standard to make it fit for living in.

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But the property does have plenty of potential despite being in need of renovation, given its ideal location in Galway city and proximity to all the amenities that the city is famous for.

To view more of this property at 192 Bohermore, see: https://property.odonnjoyce.com/residential/brochure/192-bohermore-galway-city-co-galway/4499396

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 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

BER: G

COVID-19: 345 new cases reported today

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May 24, 2021

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

Health officials have this afternoon reported a further 345 cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.

County breakdowns of the figures are still unavailable following the cyberattack on the HSE’s IT system.

As of this morning, 44 people with COVID-19 are in ICU, while there are 127 with the disease in hospitals across the Republic in total.

The Department of Health has said that the daily case numbers may change due to future data validation.

Galway hotel owners welcome increase in summer bookings

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May 24, 2021

galway daily news hotels guesthouses reopen increase in bookings

Hotel and guesthouse owners across Galway are welcoming the increase in bookings that has followed the Government’s recent announcement that hotels will reopen on 2 June.

The latest survey from the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) shows booking levels nationally now average 31% for July and 27% for August, compared to levels of 23% and 21% respectively just before the announcement.

As hotels and guesthouses prepare to reopen, Wayne Neilon, Group General Manager of Connacht Hospitality Group and the newly elected Chair of the Galway branch of the IHF, is calling on the Government to facilitate the return of vaccinated overseas travellers quickly.

He said that this would give a clear sign to overseas markets that Ireland is open for business again, similar to reopening announcements in other European countries such as Greece, Portugal and Malta.

“The increase in bookings in the past fortnight has been a welcome morale boost to our members and the thousands of people employed in Irish hotels,” said Wayne Neilon.

“The domestic market was a real positive last year and we expect home holidays to be very important for the sector again this year.

“Not surprisingly, as indicated by our latest survey, we would expect to see stronger demand in popular tourism destinations and hotels offering packages and facilities for families.”

Mr Neilon said that they are encouraging people to explore all parts across the country, as they did last year.

“There is excellent value available. Guests should shop around and contact hotels directly to find out what special offers are available, including mid-week specials for those whose dates are flexible.”

While hotels and guesthouses are not banking on significant overseas visitors this year, Mr Neilon also called on the Government to implement the EU Covid-19 Travel Certificate, expected to be approved by the EU next month, as quickly as possible.

“This would send a very clear signal that Ireland is reopening for tourism when it is safe to travel and will facilitate the necessary lead times for planning holidays and business travel. As an island nation international tourism is critically important, accounting for over 70% of tourism revenue pre-COVID,” he said.

Traffic in Galway city returning to pre-COVID levels

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May 24, 2021

Galway Daily news New access roads needed at Roscam Estates to combat heavy traffic

Travel patterns are slowly returning to levels seen before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Galway City Mobility Dashboard has shown.

Comparison of traffic movements on the N6 Bothar na dTreabh reveals that daily traffic movements are increasing to pre-pandemic levels as society reopens, with daily totals approaching 23,000 vehicles.

This compares to daily totals of just over 11,000 vehicles for the same period last year when harsher restrictions were in place, and up to 25,000 vehicles per day before COVID.

The website shows trends in travel patterns in Galway city as well as real-time journey times and the number of cars moving through the city on a given day.

Commenting on the dashboard, Susan Loughnane, Senior Executive Engineer with Galway City Council, said that it shows data from a number of sources including the annual Galway City traffic surveys; Census commuting data; travel time data; and permanent traffic counters.

“Data from a number of traffic sensors across the city will be added in the coming months,” said Susan Loughnane.

“The dashboard is currently at a ‘beta’ stage, meaning that it is undergoing testing as new data sources and tools are added. Feedback on the dashboard is welcome through roads@galwaycity.ie.”

The Dashboard, which is funded through the National Transport Authority Stimulus grants 2020 and developed by Idaso Ltd, can be accessed at https://mytrafficcounts.com/public-login.

City Council seeks reduction in scale of proposed Bohermore hostel

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May 24, 2021

Galway Daily news Fresh plans to replace Bohermore pub with new hotel

Galway City Council is seeking a reduction in the size of a proposed hostel which would replace Tonery’s Bar in Bohermore.

Plans were submitted to the council by Peadar Tonery March for the demolition of Tonery’s Bar and the adjoining garage in Bohermore, and the construction of a hostel and commercial unit on the large site.

The proposal was for hostel with 163 rooms, consisting of a building three storeys high above ground, and with a further two storeys below ground level.

The project would also involve public realm and landscaping works including garden areas, pedestrian linkages and bicycle parking spaces.

However, this month the city council made a request for further information, asking that the proposal be redesigned to reduce the size of the hostel.

The council planning department said that while the architectural quality of many elements are considered to be good, the overall scale, height, and density exceed what is allowed under the city development plan.

It was said that “at a minimum”, the developer should consider removing the third storey of the building from any revised plans, and overlooking issues with several bedrooms should be addressed.

The council also asked the developer to comment on concerns raised by some local residents about potential increased traffic through Forster Court estate, and anti-social behaviour from the intensified site usage.

Multiple third party submissions made to the council said that residents of Forster Court estate frequently use this site to access Bohermore.

The council asked for clarification on whether any right of way exists on this site, and if so for it to be clearly outlined.

While many of the public submissions made so far had concerns about the development, many others have also been very supportive of the hostel proposal, saying that it would enhance the community, and provide an excellent source of employment.

Two arrested after €20,000 cannabis seizure in Galway City

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May 24, 2021

Galway Daily news missing teen found safe

Two men were arrested in connection with the seizure of €20,000 worth of suspected cannabis in Galway City over the weekend.

Uniformed Gardaí from Galway Garda Station carried out a search of a house in an estate in Murrough at approximately 1am on Saturday.

During the course of the search suspected cannabis herb, with an estimated value of €20,000 was located and seized.

The drugs are subject to forensic analysis.

Two men, in their 20s, were arrested at the scene and conveyed to North Western Regional Garda Headquarters where they were detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.

Both were released later that day without charge.

A file will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Irish Water to review long-term wastewater treatment in Galway

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May 24, 2021

Galway Daily news Water outages in Moycullen

Irish Water will review the long-term Wastewater Treatment needs under the greater Galway Area Drainage Study, a Galway East TD has said.

Independent TD Seán Canney, who received confirmation that the review will be carried out, says he is concerned at the slow progress in providing this infrastructure along the Ardaun Corridor.

“This corridor has been identified as the area for economic development for over 15 years and it is incredible that Irish Water are only now commencing a review of the plan to assess and identify capital investment to meet it needs,” said Deputy Canney.

“Prior to the arrival of Irish Water, a site was identified by Galway Council following a feasibility study, but Irish Water is now going back to an assessment of needs.”

Deputy Canney said that the Ardaun Corridor stretching East from Parkmore is seen as a Strategic Development Area to enable the city to grow to allow for housing, industrial development, and amenities – but said that without wastewater facilities, nothing will progress.

“If we are to build houses and provide jobs for the future generation, we need to provide the infrastructure to ensure Galway City and County grow to reach its full potential,” he said.

Galway professor becomes President-elect of International Society of Travel Medicine

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May 24, 2021

galway daily news professor gerard flaherty

A professor at NUI Galway has been announced as the new President-elect of the International Society of Travel Medicine (ISTM).

Professor Gerard Flaherty, who is a senior academic in the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at the University, will become the first Irish person to be President when he takes up the role in 2023.

Headquartered in the US city of Atlanta, ISTM has 4,000 members in more than 120 countries and is the leading professional association in its field, with strong ties with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the US and the World Health Organisation.

Professor Flaherty will hold the role of ISTM President for two years from 2023, following a two year period as President-elect.

“I am humbled to have the opportunity to serve as President of the International Society of Travel Medicine – a prestigious organisation dedicated to promoting healthy, safe and responsible travel through its surveillance, research, educational and community outreach activities,” said the NUI Galway professor.

“Having the privilege to lead a global organisation such as the ISTM places NUI Galway and Ireland centre stage on the world map in this dynamic area of research activity.

“I am fortunate that NUI Galway is such an internationalised institution, with a distinguished international profile.”

Professor Flaherty added that the Global Galway project is a very positive expression of this commitment to sustainable internationalisation.

“My own leadership role in international medical student recruitment over many years has prepared me well for the opportunities that this new role brings,” he said.

“I have greatly enjoyed my previous leadership roles in medical education and preventive cardiology at NUI Galway, but I relish the exciting challenges ahead in this next phase of my career.”

Concerns raised over cancellation of Galway to Gort evening bus services

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May 24, 2021