Clifden Beach closed to swimmers due to poor water quality

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May 12, 2021

Galway Daily news Body found in search for missing Galway man

Gardai are appealing for the public’s help in locating a young man from Galway City who is missing.

Stephen Hilton (24), from the Rahoon area of Galway, has been missing since Sunday, May 9.

He is described as being 6’3″, with long brown hair and a long patchy brown beard, of slim build with brown eyes.

Stephen was last sighted in the Inverin area of Co. Galway.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts are asked to contact Gardai in Salthill on 091 514 720 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111

Spacious bungalow and garden in Galway City

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May 12, 2021

galway daily news property for sale merlin doughiska galway o'donnellan & joyce

This bright and spacious detached bungalow is situated on a wonderful mature site at Merlin Park, Doughiska – arguably one of the most sought-after and convenient residential areas in Galway.

The four bedroom property, offered by O’Donnellan and Joyce, was built in the 1970s and is situated at the end of a traffic free cul de sac in a truly great location.

The property consists of a welcoming hall, a spacious lounge room overlooking the front garden, a lovely kitchen and a second lounge room to the rear of the property.

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An internal hallway leads to four double bedrooms and a large family bathroom. A separate storage/utility room with WC and shower completes the accommodation in this spacious home.

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Externally the property stands on a large site measuring approximately 0.64 of an acre. A stone wall surrounds the house, with an extensive lawn area at the front, and ample parking to the front, side and rear of the property.

The property also has a large private rear garden and an adjacent plot with mature planting.

The bungalow is in an ideal location – conveniently located within moments of the Galway Clinic, Merlin Park Hospital, Bon Secour Hospital, Briarhill Shopping Centre and a host of medical device companies such as Boston Scientific, Merit Medical and Creganna.

In addition the property is located within very close proximity of the M6 and the M18 motorways providing quick links to many of Ireland’s largest cities, towns and villages.

Properties in this area rarely come to the market and this house would prove to be the ideal owner occupier residence or alternatively it could be a substantial development opportunity subject to planning.

The site is fully serviced to the rear for potential development, with infrastructure already in place on site connecting through the adjoining housing estate through agreement.

The property is also located close to an excellent bus route and the village of Oranmore is located just 2.2 miles away along the N67, offering a host of schools, shops and sporting and recreational facilities.

O’Donnellan and Joyce are offering this fantastic property for sale with an asking price of €400,000.

Viewing is highly recommended and guaranteed not to disappoint.

To see more of this four bedroom bungalow, visit https://property.odonnjoyce.com/residential/brochure/doughiska-merlin-co-galway/4492722

BER:G

Outages caused by major burst water main on the Monivea Road

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May 12, 2021

Galway Daily news Water main replacement

A major burst water main on the east side of the city is causing water outages to thousands of homes today

Irish Water is currently dealing with a serious burst water main on the Monivea Road.

This is causing supply disruptions to homes and businesses in Ballybane, Doughiska, IDA Parkmore, Parkmore, Coolagh Village, Monivea Road and surrounding areas.

Traffic management measures will be in place while repair works are underway.

Tim O’Connor of Irish Water said: “A crew is carrying out emergency repairs as quickly and safely as possible and traffic management will be in place while these essential works are underway.”

Repair works are currently expected to continue until 4pm this afternoon.

People affected by this are advised that it may take two to three hours after works are completed before their full water supply is restored.

“Irish Water understands the inconvenience to customers when their water supply is affected and we would like to thank the public for their patience and cooperation while this unplanned outage is attended to,” Tim O’Connor said.

Updates can be found on Irish Water’s Supply and Service website page or via twitter @IWCare.

Army bomb squad called to unexplained device in Tuam area

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May 12, 2021

Galway Daily news missing teen found safe

The army Explosive Ordinance Disposal team has been called to an unexplained device in Tuam this morning.

An Garda Síochána has requested the assistance of the Army EOD team and they are currently on their way to the scene.

An area has been sealed off from 8.30am this morning and a number of houses are being evacuated as a precautionary measure.

No one has been injured. No further information is available at this time.

Return to the Wild for Biodiversity Week

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May 12, 2021

Galway Faily Return to the Wild for Biodiversity Week

Friends of Merlin Woods are back with a full line up for biodiversity week, working with wildlife experts to bring you a host of exciting events.

Last year they had to bring their events online hosting live feeds from Merlin Woods and hosting biodiversity talks due to COVID restrictions. They are delighted this year to be able to bring groups out once again, in line with COVID guidelines.

Eight days of events are planned to mark Biodiversity Week starting from this Satuday, but numbers will be restricted for public events so booking is essential.

Wildflowers of Merlin with Ciaran Bruton: Saturday, May 15 11-1pm

Explore the vast array of late Spring /early Summer flowers and learn how to identify them.

Ciaran, a botanist has a vast knowledge of Merlin’s Plant life from work he has carried out over many years identifying the species, leading walks here and is also part of the BSBI Galway Branch.

Creating with Nature with Debbie Reilly: Sunday, May 16 11-1pm

Artist Debbie Reilly works with people to use natural materials to create art responsibly utilising the leave no trace principle. Debbie has worked with Friends of Merlin Woods on numerous projects in the woodlands part of conservation , art, and drama projects , recently working on Galway 2020 projects in the woodlands which this event is a legacy project.

Dusk Chorus with Padraic Kearns: Monday, May 17 7pm-8.30pm

Take a walk around the habitats of the woodland and learn to identify the sounds of the birds or perhaps catch a glimpse of the many species who reside in the woodland. Padraic is an expert on many aspects of wildlife and an avid birder for many years.

Exploring Mammals with Ruth Hanniffy, Vincent Wildlife Trust: Tuesday, May 18 7pm -8.30pm

Learn about the tracks, trails and signs of our woodland mammals and explore the type of habitats that are vital for their survival here in the woodlands. Ruth created a beautiful video on Merlin Wood’s mammals last year with Friends of Merlin Woods which received a National Heritage Award and is also part of the GO Wild events that have taking place across the city in previous years as well as her work with Vincent Wildlife Trust.

Nature Walk – Briarhill School: Thursday, May 20 & Merlin Primary School: Friday, May 21

Friends of Merlin Woods will lead a class from each school on a journey around the woodlands identifying different species and habitats along the way. These two events are not open to the public.

Galway Butterfly Project with Colin Stanley: Saturday, May 22 12-2pm

Colin has been studying the butterflies of Merlin Woods and the wider county over the last few years giving talks and workshops. The public will be shown how to identify the species which are out now and what plants and habitats they are associated with and what is needed for their survival.

Wildlife Photography with Noel Barbour: Sunday, May 23 2pm-4pm

Noel is an expert in wildlife photography and invites the public to attend this workshop to learn how to capture beautiful photographs , offering tips, techniques and methods used for the best results in wildlife photography. A great event for anyone who wants to get better results from their cameras when photographing wildlife .

We would like to thank all the experts for giving their time freely to ensure biodiversity week happens. With their help in educating and informing people on the importance of our wildlife habitats and diverse species we have in our woodland, we can all work towards protecting these habitats for future generations.

All events leave from Merlin Woods community garden just past playground in Doughiska at stated time.

All events must be booked through Eventbrite. For more info on the week please check out facebook.com/groups/FriendsofMerlinWoods or email friendsofmerlinwoods@gmail.com for more info.

Suitable clothing and footwear must be worn for events. Events may be cancelled due to adverse weather warnings or change in covid guidelines.

COVID-19: 17 new Galway cases, 9 deaths nationally

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May 11, 2021

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

Seventeen new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Galway, health officials have reported this evening.

The Department of Health reported a total of 379 new cases nationally as well as nine further deaths related to the disease.

Galway’s 14-day incidence rate has fallen to 74 cases per 100,000 people, with 191 infections confirmed over the past fortnight.

77% of the new cases across the State are under 45 years of age the median age is 29 years old. A total of 171 are in Dublin, while 27 are in Donegal, 28 in Kildare, 24 in Limerick and 22 in Cork.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said that this week is ‘a hopeful week’ and one that people have all been looking forward to.

“We have gotten to this point by working together in following the public health advice and reducing incidence of disease in our communities,” said Dr Holohan.

“We need to continue to focus on the measures that we know can protect ourselves and our loved ones from COVID-19 – we can plan to meet friends and family where it is safe to do so and those who have been vaccinated can have confidence in their vaccine. They are now able to get out and about and enjoy the benefits of the vaccine.”

The CMO said that the two primary targets as we try to exit the pandemic are vaccination and low transmission.

“If we can keep cases low and continue to vaccinate as many people as possible, we will find ourselves in a very different risk environment where we can see further easing of measures,” he added.

“Our task now is to keep the disease under control by following the basic measures and taking up our vaccine when it is offered to us.”

Hospitals facing worst overcrowding since pandemic began

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May 11, 2021

Ireland’s hospitals are more overcrowded than at any point over the last year, the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation has warned.

Some 376 patients were without beds in hospitals across Ireland this morning – the highest figure recorded since 5 March 2020.

In Galway, 27 patients were on trolleys today – with 21 of those at University Hospital Galway and six at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinalsoe.

The worst-hit hospitals nationally include University Hospital Limerick with 75 patients awaiting a bed, Letterkenny University Hospital (31) and Cork University Hospital (30).

The INMO warned that redeployment of staff was seeing day services closed or scaled back, which is putting extra pressure on emergency departments.

The Union’s President Karen McGowan said that although the levels of COVID are reducing, the long-standing trolley crisis is again rearing its head.

“Our members are seriously concerned that we will swing from the COVID crisis back into an overcrowding crisis,” said Karen McGowan.

“They need to know that the HSE will not tolerate overcrowding and ensure that safe staffing levels are implemented.”

INMO General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha said that trolley figures were kept suppressed for much of the pandemic, but ‘we are slipping back into old bad habits’.

“The HSE cannot allow trolley figures to rise and rise. Overcrowding is simply unsafe for patients – especially during a pandemic,” said the General Secretary.

“It is placing intolerable pressure on an exhausted workforce, who are now working to provide mass vaccinations in addition to a COVID and non-COVID healthcare service.

“The HSE and HIQA need to rapidly intervene in the worst-hit sites, and anything that can be done to ensure key staff are not redeployed must be looked at.

“COVID could be a turning point for the Irish healthcare system. We cannot repeat the mistakes of the past.”

Galway Senator Seán Kyne raised recent overcrowding and long waits in the Emergency Department at Galway University Hospital today in the Seanad.

Senator Kyne called for immediate action from both Saolta and the HSE nationally to introduce measures which would combat delays and overcrowding.

Power outages affecting over 100 Salthill properties

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May 11, 2021

Galway Daily news SHundreds of homes remain without power in Galway after severe weather

More than 100 properties in the Salthill area are being affected by power outages this evening.

A fault in Salthill was reported by the ESB shortly at 4:43pm this afternoon.

This fault is causing power outages affecting 106 homes and businesses in the Salthill area.

Repairs to restore electricity to the area are currently expected to be completed by 7pm on Tuesday evening.

Updates can be found on the ESB Networks Powercheck website page.

Continued decline in people on Pandemic Unemployment in Galway

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May 11, 2021

Galway Daily news Details announced for reopened Pandemic Unemployment scheme

There has been another moderate decline in the number of people in receipt of the pandemic unemployment payment in Galway.

As of today there are 20,567 people in Galway on PUP, which is down by 420 on the week prior, and in the week leading up to today, 632 people in Galway closed their accounts as they were returning to work.

Nationwide the government is making pandemic unemployment payments to 376,600 people this week, down 8,500 on last week.

Minister Heather Humphreys said that Ireland has taken a big step this week in reopening the country’s economy.

“The decision to ease restrictions was only possible due to the hard work and determination shown by the Irish people.”

“The reopening of sectors of our economy is resulting in more people going back to work,” Heather Humphreys said, adding that further declines are expected in the coming weeks as more businesses and sectors reopen.

From Monday all retail was allowed to resume click and collect services, and personal services such as hairdressers were also allowed to reopen.

The retail sector is set to get another boost next week when it is allowed to fully resume services. Next month will see the return of the hospitality sector, starting with accommodation providers on June 2, and outdoor restaurants and bar service from June 7.

“In situations where it is not be possible for other businesses to reopen for a while, I want to reassure those employers and employees that the government supports will remain available to them until 30 June.”

“In the coming weeks, the government will make decisions on how these financial supports will operate as we continue through the recovery phase of this pandemic.”

The Minister insisted that there will be no “cliff edge” at the end of June, and that any approach regarding financial supports will be cautious and phased to take into account that some sectors will be reopening more slowly than others.

Galway remains the county with the third highest number of people receiving pandemic unemployment, behind Dublin (122,775) and Cork (37,118).

The sector with the highest number of people receiving PUP this week is Accommodation and Food Service activities (98,124), followed by Wholesale and Retail Trade (62,115) and Construction (34,663).

The biggest decline was in the construction sector, which was able to get completely back to work from last week, with 2,774 fewer people receiving the payment this week.

The figures published today are in addition to the 177,969 people who were on the Live Register at the end of April.

Immediate action needed to combat overcrowding at UHG Emergency Department

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May 11, 2021

Galway Senator Kyne has called for immediate action from Saolta and the HSE to introduce measures to combat delays and overcrowding in the Emergency Department at University Hospital Galway.

Speaking in the Seanad, Senator Kyne called for urgent progress on the provision of the new Emergency Department, which had funding approved for the design in 2018.

“I am shocked to hear that the new Emergency Department which was approved in principle as a project years ago is still at the ‘early design’ stage despite being told in 2018 that a planning application was imminent then,” said the Fine Gael Senator.

“It’s completely unacceptable that the people of Galway are being told to stay away from the Emergency Department and at the same time there is a complete lack of urgency on the Emergency Department project.”

Senator Kyne said that the ED project will be a major improvement in the Galway Health Service.

“It will cost almost €300 million when the Paediatric and Maternity Departments are included but according to the latest HSE information it will open in mid-2026 at the earliest,” he said.

“We need to make urgent progress on the project for the good of the people of Galway.”

Move your way in 80km challenge for Galway Hospice

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May 11, 2021

Galway Daily news Move your way in 80km challenge for Galway Hospice — Bridget Lyons Clinical Nurse Specialist PR at Galway Hospice

Galway Hospice has launched their 2021 challenge to mark the 11th anniversary of its annual Croagh Patrick Climb.

The iconic Croagh Patrick is just under 800 metres high. So, this year to reach the summit from home – you can don the runners and choose how you will summit! Why not Walk, Run or Cycle 80km throughout the month of June – that’s 2.5km each day to reach the peak!

Whatever way you would like to reach the top is accepted and everyone who takes part in the Croagh Patrick Climb will receive a free commemorative t-shirt.

“We are encouraging people to get moving in any way possible to help us raise vital funds for Galway Hospice. Covid-19 means we can’t climb Croagh Patrick together on 19th June, but you can still Climb for Hospice from home,“ explained Chief Executive Mary Nash.

To help raise funds, Galway Hospice are asking participants to set up an online fundraiser to share with family and friends through Facebook Fundraisers or the iDonate page, with all proceeds going directly to supporting their care.

Galway Hospice is an integral part of the community, providing specialist palliative care by offering the right care with dignity and compassion to patients and families living with life-limiting illness when needed.

Sign up at www.galwayhospice.ie/climb. For more information contact the fundraising team on 091-770868 or fundraising@galwayhospice.ie

Galway City Museum prepares for grand reopening

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May 11, 2021

Galway Daily news Grant funding for exciting new exhibition at Galway City Museum

Galway City Museum is welcoming visitors back to explore the history of Galway from next week.

The Museum is opening its doors to the public once again from 10am on Tuesday, May 18.

For now, visitors will have access to the exhibits on the ground and first floors. The second floor remains closed while the Sea Science exhibition is completed.

But there is still plenty of amazing highlights from the history of Galway to be found inside, including exhibitions on the esteemed Irish writer Pádraic Ó Conaire, The Corrib: Myth, Legend & Folklore; and Caomhnóirí na nGael / Keepers of the Gael.

MONUMENT, developed in association with Galway 2020, is a multidisciplinary exhibition platform that brings together a wide range of collaborators to showcase the archaeology, architecture, cultural heritage and more associated with the monuments and the islands.

Assisted by the National Museum of Ireland, MONUMENT features previously unseen material from the 1990s archaeological excavations at Dún Aonghasa, along with specially made pieces from a wide range of artistic disciplines that represent the contemporary craft of the area.

For a look at the importance of landmark moments in Irish history, and how they played out locally, check out evolution in Galway, 1913-1923 now showcasing recently acquired material relating to Galway revolutionary, James ‘Seamus’ Quirk, killed in Galway in 1920.

And of course, it wouldn’t be the city museum, without an exhibition on the incredibly rich history of the growth and defining moments of Galway City itself.

Entrance is free, but tickets are required in order to get in. Book yours at www.galwaycitymuseum.ie for one of four daily time slots, 10am; 11.30am, 2pm and 3.30pm.

Tickets will need to be presented as a printout or on your mobile phone at the main entrance. Visitors are asked to review the museum’s reopening guidelines when making their booking.

Galway allocated €275k for community groups reopening post-COVID

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May 11, 2021

galway daily news €3 million for funding community facilities in Galway

Galway City and County councils have been awarded over €275,000 to support community groups as they reopen their facilities post COVID.

The 2021 Community Enhancement Programme (CEP) provides grants to help reopen facilities such as community centres, men’s and women’s sheds, parish halls and youth centres.

The grants, which can range from just a few hundred euro, and up to €10,000, can be used to carry out necessary renovations and repairs or to purchase equipment such as tables and chairs, tools and signage, and necessary equipment.

The County Council has been allocated €143,401 under the scheme, while Galway City Council will receive €132,455 in funding.

Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys announced €4.5 million in funding for the CEP this week, saying that it will help organisations which are the “lifeblood” of communities.

“As we come out of COVID-19, so many of these organisations will incur specific costs relating to the re-opening of their facilities.”

“This could range from purchasing a new set of tables and chairs to repairing a leak in the roof or renovating the kitchen facility.”

“These grants may be small in nature. But I know they will go a long way in helping thousands of great community organisations and clubs the length and breadth of the country.”

The CEP was launched in 2018, and by the end of 2020 it had provided grant funding to over 8,000 projects among community groups across the country.

The funding is administered by the Local Community Development Committee in each council area. Each LCDC can set their own closing date for applications, provided it is no later than July 16 of this year.

COVID-19: Three cases being treated at Galway hospitals

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May 11, 2021

galway daily news Just one COVID patient in the ICU at University Hospital Galway

There are three patients being treated for COVID-19 in Galway hospitals in the latest figures from the HSE.

As of 8pm on Monday there were two confirmed cases at UHG, both of whom were in the ICU.

This is down again from three cases at UHG yesterday, and a third of the number seen last week.

There is one confirmed case of COVID-19 at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe.

A further three suspected cases were also reported at University Hospital Galway, for which test results were awaited.

Nationwide there were 104 people hospitalised with COVID-19 as of Monday evening, of whom 31 were in the ICU.

Another 11 new cases were reported in Galway yesterday, out of 381 nationwide. No further deaths related to the disease were notified.

Galway Lifeboat called to recover stranded 32-foot yacht

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May 11, 2021

Galway Daily news Lough Derg RNLI rescue two people after boat strikes rocks

Galway RNLI Lifeboat were called to help in the recovery of a 32-foot yacht at Renville, Oranmore yesterday evening after the boat broke its moorings in windy conditions.

The Irish Coast Guard called for Galway Lifeboat to assist at around 5.40pm and the Lifeboat crew launched a short time later from Galway Docks.

Members of the Galway Bay Sailing Club were towing the boat to safety when the Lifeboat arrived at the scene. Nobody was injured in the incident and the yacht was undamaged.

Galway Lifeboat DLA Mike Cummins has urged boat owners to make sure all vessel moorings are secure as weather conditions have been so changeable over the past few days.

The Lifeboat volunteer crew on the callout were Brian Niland (Helm), Dave Oliver, David McGrath and James Rhattigan.

COVID-19: 11 new cases reported in Galway today

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May 10, 2021

Health officials have this evening reported 381 new cases of COVID-19 across the State, of which 11 are in Galway.

No further deaths related to the disease were reported by the Department of Health this evening.

The 14-day incidence rate in Galway now stands at 75.2 cases per 100,000 people, with 194 new cases reported in the county over the past fortnight.

Almost half (188) of the new cases reported today are in Dublin, while 39 are in Donegal, 30 in Kildare, 13 in Limerick, 13 in Cork, 13 in Tipperary and 13 in Westmeath.

77% are under 45 years of age and the median age is 31 years old.

As of 8am today, 124 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 31 are in ICU. There have been 15 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours.

Life-sized robot tells people to wash their hands at UHG

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May 10, 2021

Galway Daily News hospital robot tells people to wash hands with staff covid-19 — Staff from UHG with DAVE the robot marking the WHO Hand Hygiene Day

A life-sized robot reminding people to wash their hands has been trialled at University Hospital Galway by researchers at NUIG and clinicians at the hospital.

The white robot named DAVE (Droid Audio Visual Educator) was developed to improve the hand washing behaviour of visitors, patients and staff at the hospital.

Professor Derek O’Keeffe, the project’s principal investigator, said that cleaning hands regularly is one of the most effective ways of stopping the spread of COVID-19, as well as many other common infections.

“Awareness of the importance of hand hygiene has improved during the pandemic but fresh thinking is needed to keep the message active in people’s minds,” said Professor O’Keeffe.

“We trialled the use of a life-sized robotic platform to provide a digital nudge to people on entry/exit to remind them to clean their hands.

“This is part of a project that will allow us to begin to scientifically explore an exciting and new area of human-robot healthcare education interaction.”

Judith Davitt, Assistant Director of Nursing for Infection Prevention and Control Services at the hospital, added that good hand hygiene is one of the greatest protections for our health and the health of our families.

“We were delighted to be able to trial the use of a robot to remind people of the importance of effective hand hygiene and we look forward to future opportunities to harness technology to improve hand hygiene education and compliance,” said Judith Davitt.

Science enthusiasts encouraged to enter FameLab 2021

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May 10, 2021

galway daily news fame lab galway science competition — FameLab Galway 2020 winners pictured l-r: Elena Pagter, Helen Horkan and MC Fiona Malone. Photo: NUI Galway

Scientists and science enthusiasts across Galway are being invited to enter FameLab, the world’s largest science communication competition.

For the ninth year running, one of four regional FameLab Ireland heats will take place virtually in Galway on Thursday, 10 June.

The FameLab competition, an initiative of the Cheltenham Science Festival, recognises this and challenges up and coming scientists, engineers and mathematicians to explain a complex idea in a simple and engaging way.

By entering FameLab, participants will begin a journey with like-minded people, build their networks and expand skillsets essential for developing their career.

The Galway event is being managed by NUI Galway and the British Council, and forms part of the annual FameLab Ireland competition.

The Galway competition is open to a range of people who apply, work on, teach or study science.

Armed only with their wits and a few props, previous finalists in the FameLab Galway heat have delivered short three-minute pieces on pertinent science concepts.

Winning contestants from FameLab Galway will attend a communication masterclass and participate in the FameLab Ireland final in September – and the winner will represent Ireland at the online FameLab international finals.

An initial information briefing will take place virtually on Thursday, 13 May from 12pm – 1.30pm at: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/famelab-galway-briefing-2021-tickets-150080668319.

To enter the FameLab Galway heat, please complete the online registration form https://www.britishcouncil.ie/famelab/enter-competition/apply by Tuesday, 1 June.

COVID-19: Sharp decline in cases at UHG

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May 10, 2021