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Concerns raised about increase in homelessnesss in West

By
Michael Malone
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galway daily news 248 homeless adults in Galway last month

Concerns have been raised by a local charity about further increases in the number of people living in Emergency Accommodation in the West of Ireland.

Galway Simon Community has said that the lack of affordable accommodation is one of the factors driving the increase in homelessness.

The number of people staying in Emergency Accommodation has been rising month on month since December, and the charity is concerned that the recent lifting of the moratorium on evictions will lead to further increases in the coming months.

The latest government figures show that 429 people, including 66 families with 152 children, were recorded as living in Emergency Accommodation in the West during March – an increase of 30 people (8%) from the month before.

The number of single adults increased by 18% during this period, with the number of families and children both increasing by 27%.

Galway Simon Community’s Homelessness Prevention Services help to prevent individuals and families from entering into emergency accommodation, and enable people to move on from homeless services to live independently.

One of the ways they do this is by providing people with supports to source affordable accommodation, but the charity says this remains ‘extremely difficult’ due to the lack of affordable accommodation available.

“The current supply of housing and the rate of new housing coming on stream in Galway is inadequate relative to demand across social, affordable and private housing,” said Karen Golden, CEO of Galway Simon.

“The consequence of this has been an increasing overreliance on the Private Rental Sector which we know is out of reach for many due to unaffordability.

“There is a particular shortage of one bed properties for single people and appropriate affordable accommodation for families also remains an issue.”

Locked Out of the Market, a Simon Communities of Ireland report released last week, looked at available properties within HAP limits to rent in 16 areas throughout Ireland in March 2021, including Galway City Centre and the wider Galway City area.

There were just two properties that fell within the HAP limits in Galway City Centre throughout the study period; the first time in six studies that there has been any availability within the HAP ranges.

In the wider Galway City area, there were also only two properties that fell within the HAP limits.

The snapshot study found rent for one-bed properties in Galway City Centre ranged from €600 to €2,950 and in the wider Galway City area ranged from €585 to €1,200. The majority of asking rents were well above the HAP limits for the respective categories.

A second report launched last week by the Centre for Housing Law, Rights and Policy at NUI, Galway in association with the Irish Council for Social Housing, found that ‘in Galway, those in income deciles 1-8 could not afford private sector rents’.

Karen Golden said that the lack of affordable accommodation remains a major concern and is a big factor in driving people into homelessness, as well as preventing people from leaving homelessness behind them for good.

“We have started to see an easing of Covid-19 restrictions recently, including the lifting of the moratorium on evictions, and we have yet to see the impact of this on people in our community,” said Karen.

“Our teams will continue to support people coming to us for help as the housing and homelessness crises continue.”

€5.6m contract announced to support air service to Aran Islands

By
Michael Malone
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Galway Daily news Irish Language Plan approved for the Aran Islands

A new four-year contract has been announced by Minister Heather Humphreys today to support air services to the Aran Islands.

The €5.62 million contract has been signed between the Department of Rural and Community Development and Galway Aviation Services Limited (GASL).

The company has been contracted to manage Aerfort Chonamara and the aerodromes on the Aran Islands, Inisboffin and Cleggan.

Announcing the contract award, Minister Heather Humphreys said that she is delighted to approve this contract, which will ‘ensure the supports for the air services’ between Aerfort Chonamara and the Aran Islands.

“Having a contract of this nature in place gives long term certainty to communities who live on the Aran Islands and rely on these services,” said Minister Humphreys.

“It is also an important investment in terms of tourism and will ensure the Department’s aerodromes are managed professionally.”

Minister Humphreys added that further announcements will be made in relation to island communities shortly.

“During my term as Minister, I also intend to publish a specific new strategy to support our islands, which have a special place in the hearts of the Irish people and are popular destinations for tens of thousands of tourists each year.”

Planning permission sought for GP’s surgery in Terryland

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Planning permission sought for GP's surgery in Terryland

Plans have been submitted to Galway City Council for a doctor’s surgery at an existing commercial unit in Terryland.

Planning permission is being sought by Rédín Lawlor for a change of use from wholesale retail/light manufacturing to a GP’s surgery at Unit 6 at the Sean Mulvoy Road Commercial Centre.

The proposed doctor’s surgery would include two consultation rooms, a nurses room, tea station, waiting room, toilets, and storage room.

The application states that while the two car parking spaces directly in front of the unit are half the requirement for this development, the shortfall is “easily catered for” in the greater business park.

New signage would be erected, but other than this no changes are planned to the facade of the building.

The planning application states “It is considered that the proposed development raised no significant concerns.”

“The medical practice as proposed has no negative implications for residential amenity, density, car parking or traffic management and will not enhance the external appearance of the existing building.”

A decision is due on this planning application from Galway City Council by June 9 of this year.

Man faces prison sentence for unprovoked pub assault

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily courts

A 73 year old man was the victim of an unprovoked assault at a bar in 2018 by a stranger who accused him of being a paedophile.

John Duffy (54), of Lisnacody, Eyrecourt, previously pleaded guilty to assault causing harm, and appeared before Galway Circuit Court again for sentencing.

Judge Rory McCabe indicated that he could face three years in prison of the violent assault, where he seemed to be “mad with drink”, but put the case back to November for a final sentence to be imposed.

Sergeant Brigid Shelley gave evidence to the Circuit Court that on the evening of November 25 of 2018, the victim has stopped at Pardy’s Bar in Laurencetown after attending a funeral.

While he was at the bar, drinking a non-alcoholic drink, Duffy came from the far end of the pub and attacked him without provocation, accusing him of

CCTV footage of the incident was shown to the court, which showed the victim standing at the end of the bar watching the tv with several other people.

After a number of minutes Duffy came around from the far end of the pub, left his drink down on the bar on the other side of his victim, before quickly turning and striking him with a vicious sucker punch to the head.

He continued to punch his victim, striking him five times in the head, and kicked him repeatedly after he fell to the ground.

One person attempted to shove a chair between Duffy and his victim, but he grabbed it and appeared to be swinging it overhead when another person wrestled it away from him.

He was physically restrained by two other people at the corner of the bar while hitting and kicking out. During the footage shown in court, another man came into the pub, and helped to restrain Duffy, pinning him to the ground for several minutes until he was forced from the bar.

The victim suffered a 5cm laceration to his lip, as well as bruising to his ribs and lower orbital region.

In a written victim impact statement delivered to the court he said that he suffered regular flashbacks to this event. He no longer feels safe in his own house, or out walking in Ballinasloe in case he runs into Duffy.

Defence Barrister Conal McCarthy said that his client first of all wished it to be stated publicly that there was no suggestion of any wrongdoing on the part of the injured party, and no basis to the accusation he made that day.

On that evening Duffy had already consumed around seven pints, and “got it into his head” that his victim had committed some wrongdoing.

Mr McCarthy said that there was a sum of €1,000 in court to present as an “expression of remorse” to the victim, and that his client would be willing to pay more compensation via a loan.

Judge McCabe said that Duffy violently assaulted someone without provocation and that, but for the intervention of others, he could have caused worse injuries.

He added that the victim has been left “hyper-vigilant” in the aftermath of this assault, which has affected his enjoyment of life.

The judge indicated that a three year prison sentence would be appropriate, taking into account the mitigating and aggravating factors.

However, he said that he would put the case base to November 3 to finalise how that sentence would be structured, and placed Duffy under the supervision of the probation services in the meantime.

GUH consultant leads clinical trial to improve outcomes for cancer patients

By
Michael Malone
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galway daily news nui galway uhg clinical trial lymphoma cancer
Dr Amjad Hayat, consultant haematologist, Galway University Hospital and the Advanced Therapies and Cancer Group, School of Medicine, NUI Galway. Photo: Aengus McMahon

A leading consultant at University Hospital Galway is leading a global trial aiming to improve outcomes for patients with a rare type of lymphoma.

Consultant haematologist at GUH Dr Amjad Hayat and the Advanced Therapies and Cancer Group at NUI Galway are carrying out the clinical trial of a new drug which could improve survival rates for those with Mantle cell Lymphoma.

Dr Amjad Hayat, who has led many previous clinical trials in this area, said that participating in this trial is very important for the future of Mantel Cell Lymphoma treatments and its patients.

“The trial is expected to continue for seven years, which will include a treatment period and a follow up period, giving the researchers as much information as possible about the efficacy and safety of the drug,” said Dr Hayat.

Galway University Hospital is one of 150 sites globally to take part in this clinical trial with an estimated 500 participants to be recruited on a voluntary basis across each site.

“We are now looking to recruit patients who have been newly diagnosed with Mantel Cell Lymphoma (MCL),” added Dr Hayat.

“MCL is a rare and aggressive type of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma equating to about 7% of all patients diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma each year.

“Sadly, MCL at present has poor prognosis with average survival rate of less than three years from diagnosis.”

Currently, newly diagnosed, physically fit MCL patients in Ireland go through an intensive chemotherapy regime coupled with an autologous transplant.

Two targeted therapy drugs called Bendamustine and Rituximab are offered to patients who are less physically fit.

This trial is using an experimental drug called Zanubrutinib coupled with existing drug Rituximab which may be more efficient at treating MCL.

Patients or family members wishing to enquire about this clinical trial and other clinical trials taking place at the the Advanced Therapies and Cancers Group can visit the website at http://www.nuigalway.ie/hrbcrfg/research/advancedtherapiescancers/

Galway student elected new Vice President of Young Fine Gael

By
Michael Malone
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galway daily news shane dolphin young fine gael yfg vice president galway

East Galway native Shane Dolphin has been elected the new Vice President of Young Fine Gael (YFG), romping to victory with 73% of first preference votes at the recent YFG National Conference.

For the next two years, the 21-year-old from Gurtymadden in the parish of Mullagh will serve on the YFG National Executive and the Fine Gael Executive Council – the governing body of the party.

Shane is a final year Agricultural Science student at UCD, preparing for a career in farming, and previously attended St. Brigid’s College, Loughrea and Kilcooley National School.

Young Fine Gael’s Árd Fheis was held virtually this year due to COVID restrictions, and Shane said that he is honoured to have received this vote of confidence from the 1,500 strong membership.

“Young people need to have a strong voice in national politics and I will certainly be using this position to urge our public representatives in Fine Gael to listen to and act upon the concerns of young people, both locally in East Galway and nationally,” Shane said.

The Galway man said that the pandemic has been a testing time for people across Ireland – but now that there is light at the end of the tunnel, we need to focus on the future.

“I come from a vibrant rural community which has people you could build a country on and I’m keen to use my voice so that our Government and our public representatives ensure that regions like our own get all necessary investment and supports, in terms of broadband connectivity, social and community development and significantly, support for our farming community; a sector that is facing enormous challenges regarding the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), climate emission targets, low commodity prices and EU trade deals,” he said.

“We also need to ensure that we keep issues like rural housing at the top of the agenda, removing the reams of red tape and tackle issues like high insurance premiums for young drivers.”

When Shane founded the East Galway branch of Young Fine Gael in 2018, he chose Patrick Hogan, the Irish Free State’s first Minister for Agriculture and a Kilrickle native, as their figurehead, as he was “a man who was ahead of his time and ensured that the voices of farmers were heard at Government level.”

“Over the coming term, I hope to follow his example and to provide effective leadership for ordinary young people in Ireland.”

Substantial bungalow and gardens close to the city

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily property Substantial bungalow and gardens close to the city

This cosy three bedroom bungalow and large site at Cloonacauneen would make a great fit for a family that wants to get out of the city, but keep it within easy reach.

Located just off the Galway-Claregalway road, this bungalow sits on a roughly half acre site, ensuring that there is plenty of outdoor space for a family to enjoy, or to exercise their green thumb in the garden.

The neighbourhood is well positioned in a quiet area, but also just a short drive from Galway city and Claregalway town. Very close to multiple large employers and business parks, and all the amenities of Galway City as well.

The house comes in excellent condition and would make an excellent family home. Inside the porch is the tiled entrance hall with a cloaking area leading to the rest of the house.

Substantial bungalow and gardens close to the city

There is plenty of living space for a family to relax in, with both a lounge and family room. The main Lounge is centred around a feature stone fireplace with a solid fuel stove, while large windows let in plenty of light.

The family room is located just off the kitchen through an open arch style entrance, creating an airy and bright open plan space.

Perfect to kick back to after a meal in the kitchen, the family room also has a stove set in an attractive brick fireplace. Two sets of windows on different sides of the room maximise the amount of light that the family room can enjoy throughout the day.

The kitchen and dining room is tiled for convenience, and overlooks the rear garden, with ample storage space in the built in cupboards. The appliances and more storage can be found in a utility room just off the kitchen.

This house has three double bedrooms, ensuring that they can be set up for a family of any size, all of which come with built in wardrobes and double glazed windows to keep you warm on winter night.

The main bathroom is fully tiled for easy cleaning, with a very spacious walk in shower and a hot press for keeping clean towels warm and handy when you step out.

Along with parking in the driveway out front, the property also has a sizeable garage attached. This could be used for a family with a second vehicle, or equally it could easily be converted into another room such as an office or playroom.

The house has a respectable C2 BER energy efficiency rating. O’Donnellan & Joyce are offering this bungalow for sale by private treaty, with an asking price of €405,000. 

To see more of it, check it out on their website at odonnjoyce.com/residential/brochure/cloonacauneen-castlegar-co-galway/4494709.

For enquiries, contact O’Donnellan & Joyce at 091 564 212. Viewing of this property is highly recommended, and guaranteed not to disappoint.

COVID-19: Two further deaths nationally & 11 new Galway cases

By
Michael Malone
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Galway Daily news Galway hospitals see COVID cases double in recent weeks

Health officials have this evening reported 11 new cases of COVID-19 in Galway, and 383 additional cases nationally.

Two further COVID-19 related deaths have also been reported by the Department of Health, taking the total number of deaths related to the disease in the State since the start of the pandemic to 4,908.

Galway’s 14-day incidence rate now stands at 90.3 cases per 100,000 inhabitants with 233 new cases in the past two weeks. The national 14-day incidence rate is now 134.1 cases per 100,000 people.

Of the new cases reported today, 129 are in Dublin, while 40 are in Kildare, 32 in Meath, 25 in Donegal and 25 in Louth.

Speaking this evening, Dr Tony Holohan said: “As we move closer to the easing of restrictions on 10 May, we can look forward to opportunities to enjoy the better weather and to meeting with our family and close friends safely and with the public health measures in mind.

“The virus is still circulating in the community and is still a risk, particularly to those who have yet to be vaccinated.

“Collectively we know how to interrupt the spread of this disease, so when you are making plans for coming week, don’t underestimate the need to keep your distance, meet outdoors where possible and wash your hands.

“And if it’s crowded, turn around and come back another time. Together these simple measures will minimise the risk of infection.”

800 fewer Galway workers receiving PUP this week

By
Michael Malone
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galway daily, workmen fix a gas leak in galway and mayo

The number of people on the PUP in Galway has fallen by almost 800 in the past week as the country prepares for a phased reopening of society in the coming weeks.

Nationally the number of workers receiving a payment this week has fallen below 400,000 for the first time this year, with over 12,600 people closing their PUP account since last Tuesday.

A total of 20,987 people in Galway will receive a PUP payment today, down from 21,783 on 27 April. 609 workers in Galway closed their claims to return to work.

The government paid €114.1 million into bank accounts today, taking the total cost of the PUP to date to over €7.4 billion.

The sectors with the largest number of employees closing their PUP claims to return to work are Construction (3,729), Wholesale and Retail Trade (1,794), and Accommodation and Food Service activities sector (1,418).

Speaking today, Minister Heather Humphreys said that for the first time this year, the number of people in receipt of the PUP has fallen below the 400,000 mark.

“This is a very positive development and reflects the start of the recovery phase from this pandemic,” she said.

“As restrictions are eased further over the coming weeks, tens of thousands more people will be in a position to close their PUP claims as their industries re-open and they return to work.”

Minster Humphreys said that for people who are not yet in a position to return to work, the PUP will continue to be paid at its current rates and will remain open to new entrants until June 30th.

“At the end of May, we will set out the future of PUP post June 30th taking account of the trajectory of the virus, progress on the vaccine roll out and the continued impact of the pandemic on the economy over the months ahead.”

Planning permission granted for 62 hectare Tuam solar farm

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news perovskite solar panels

Galway County Council has granted planning permission for a 62 hectare solar farm south of Tuam.

Tuam Energy Park Ltd has been granted a ten year approval for a solar power farm on lands in the townlands of Cloontoa, Rinkippeen, Cloonascragh, Barnacurragh and Ballykeaghra.

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

Other works in the project will 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.

Vehicle access to the solar farm will be via seven access points which are already in existence on the ten parcels of land which make up the site, and an internal road network will be laid out.

A Flood Risk Assessment, Ecological Impact Assessment, and Natura Impact Statement were submitted with this application among other expert reports.

Seven submissions were received by the county council from members of the public with concerns about the potential environmental impact and effect on local biodiversity caused by this project.

Other concerns related to the potential visual impact of the development, the intensification of ESB infrastructure, and how these could affect property values.

Last November 19 the county council requested more information from the developer in the area of, among other concerns, an enhanced report on the visual impact of the development.

This enhanced report was to consider the cumulative impact of this development, and another 43ha solar farm approved nearby at Cloonascragh, Tuam.

One entrance to the site was also relocated due to concerns about its proximity to the Tuam Civic Amenity Site.

Planning permission was ultimately granted for the solar farm by Galway County Council for a period of 25 years, with 16 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.

Tuam Energy Park Ltd must also hire an archaeologist to monitor any excavation works associated with the development for materials of archaeological interest.

Young women least likely to accept COVID vaccine, Galway study finds

By
Michael Malone
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galway daily news Spring vaccination campaign

Young women are much less likely to accept a COVID-19 vaccine than other demographics, new research has revealed.

The study carried out by NUI Galway with University of Huddersfield asked 1,000 people in Ireland and Britain about their attitudes towards COVID vaccination programmes.

It found that 75% of those who participated in the survey intend to get a COVID vaccine, while 11% said they would not and 14% said they were unsure.

Women and younger people were significantly less likely to report intention to get vaccinated, with women aged under 30 were significantly less likely to say they would accept a vaccine.

Fewer than 70% of women under 30 gave a positive response and 20% had high levels of uncertainty.

Dr Jane Walsh, Senior Lecturer in Psychology at NUI Galway, said that understanding vaccine hesitancy is key to addressing public concerns, promoting confidence and increasing vaccine uptake.

“It is possible that one of the reasons behind young women’s reluctance to signal an intention to get a Covid-19 vaccine is related to issues around fertility and this warrants further investigation,” said Dr Walsh.

The survey revealed that peer influences are strongly associated with young women’s intentions on vaccination.

Dr Walsh said that his influence was particularly strong in the ‘no’ and ‘unsure’ group.

“These findings suggest that messages that are channelled through relevant social influencers may have a significant impact on vaccine uptake.

“It is also concerning that those who vote ‘no’ to the vaccine have a lower sense of civic responsibility. But what is clear, in general, is that there is still a high level of uncertainty around Covid-19 vaccination.”

Findings from the research are to be presented this month to the Behavioural Change Subgroup that advises NPHET.

To date, there have been almost 250,000 confirmed cases of the virus in Ireland while more than 1 million people have had a first dose of a COVID vaccine.

In the UK there have been more than 4.4 million confirmed cases and more than 34 million people have had a first dose of a vaccine.

The research team cautioned that positive attitudes towards vaccination are far less likely to be driven by fear messaging but rather by developing a stronger message of trust in the government and authorities.

The study also found that people were more likely to signal intention to get a vaccine if they had a higher trust in authorities; high satisfaction with government response to the pandemic; and if they were more likely to adhere to public health guidelines in general.

Number of COVID cases in Galway hospitals remains steady

By
Michael Malone
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Galway Daily news

The number of people with COVID-19 at Galway’s public hospitals has remained steady over the Bank Holiday Weekend with a total of eight confirmed cases now in hospital in the county.

Six of the eight COVID-19 patients are at University Hospital Galway, while two are at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe.

Three quarters of the county’s hospitalised COVID cases are in intensive care units – five of the six confirmed cases at UHG are in ICU, while one of Portiuncula’s cases is in ICU.

There are six ICU beds available at Galway University Hospitals, and one at Portiuncula Hospital as of 8pm yesterday evening.

A total of 17 general beds are free at GUH, while Portiuncula has 18 available general beds.

Health officials reported a further 453 new cases of COVID-19 yesterday, but no further deaths related to the disease.

US software company creating 25 jobs in Galway

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily business US software company creating 25 jobs in Galway

US based software company Oomnitza will create 25 jobs in Galway over the next three years it has been announced today.

The company, which creates IT asset management platforms for companies, is establishing its European headquarters in Galway.

This is past of an announcement of 185 jobs being created by eight companies from Europe and the US made by Tánaiste Leo Varadkar today.

The investments across Shannon, Galway, Dundalk, Cork, and Dublin are supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland.

Tánaiste Varadkar said that these jobs announcements are “a great vote of confidence” in Ireland by international investors.

He said they “demonstrate the commitment of existing international partners to expand here, and also of our ability to attract new investment.”

“I wish the teams involved the very best of luck as they expand, or for those just setting up, as they establish themselves here.”

The new jobs will be spread across the technology and business service sectors with a range of activities such as software development, business development, sales and marketing and tech support.

Martin Shanahan CEO, IDA Ireland said “I wish to thank these new companies for choosing to locate in Ireland and assure them of IDA Ireland’s continued support as they embed themselves into Ireland’s vibrant business ecosystem.

“The spread of these investments demonstrates IDA Ireland’s commitment to winning roles for regional locations and showcases the availability of talent and attractive work life balance in the regions which deeply resonates with overseas investors.”

“Our value proposition and our agile and adaptable business environment remains intact despite the unprecedented challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and IDA Ireland continues to compete strongly for every investment won for Ireland.”

Mountain Rescue Team saves person from Twelve Bens during hazardous weather

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Mountain Rescue Team saves person from Twelve Bens during hazardous weather
Rescue operation in the South Bens by Galway Mountain Rescue Team. Photo Credit: GMRT via Facebook

Galway Mountain Rescue Team came to the aid of a person stranded in the Twelve Bens mountains yesterday evening during difficult weather.

The Galway Mountain Rescue Team were called out at approximately 11am on Monday in response to a stranded person on the South Bens.

Multiple search parties were deployed during an operation which lasted almost six hours during high winds.

A status yellow weather warning for winds of 50-65km/hr, and gusts of up to 100km/hr, was in place from 3am to 10pm on Monday.

During the operation Rescue 118 helicopter was en-route to assist with the search, and Mayo MRT was also on standby if needed.

The missing person was successfully located and escorted to safety by the Galway MRT.

Just one in five computer science graduates are women

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Just one in five computer science graduates are women

Just one in five computer science graduates in Ireland are women, an imbalance which education initiative in Galway and elsewhere aims to address.

NUI Galway is one of the higher education partners taking in the education outreach programme being rolled out nationwide Lero, the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Software.

CodePlus aims to target 10,000 girls attending secondary schools throughout Ireland over the course of the next two years to

Lero’s Dr Cornelia Connolly of NUI Galway’s School of Education said the goal of CodePlus is to redress the imbalance in CS graduates coming out of Irish third-level colleges.

“When you look at the percentages of all undergraduate degrees in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) awarded to females over the last seven years it is stuck at just 18%, and a lowly 20% for CS courses.”

We need teachers and students to sign up for CodePlus. Young women are missing out on great careers in Computer Science and Computer Sceince needs more women designing for and with women; developing and leading the way,” Dr Connolly continued.

According to Clare McInerney, Education and Public Engagement Manager with Lero, research into the CodePlus initiative shows it positively impacts female secondary school students.

“The CodePlus programme is a powerful, non-formal outreach project encouraging adolescent girls to explore careers in Computer Science,” she said.

The under the SFI Discover Programme and will encourage, facilitate and provide opportunities to teenage female students to engage with Computer Science.

HSE developing telephone support service for autistic community

By
Michael Malone
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A new telephone support service being developed by the HSE for the autistic community has been welcomed by a Galway East TD.

The Autism Phone Help Line is being developed on a pilot basis and will serve as a support service rather than a counselling or emergency service.

Anne Rabbitte TD, who is Minister of State with responsibility for Disability, said that she has made it a priority to meet with families of children with special needs to hear their concerns.

Minister Rabbitte said that she knows that some people experience frustration trying to access services and that this phone line will provide guidance for those who have questions and need information.

“As well as being able to provide clear, concise information and resources about autism, I really think this will help provide more signposting of supports in place to help people, such as welfare services and community health care, as well as in areas such as employment,” said the Galway TD.

“A lot of information is accessible online but for those why may not have sufficient access, or perhaps prefer talking to someone, the help line could offer a real lifeline for them.

“Following publication in 2018 of the Review of the Irish Health Services for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, the HSE established an ASD Programme Board.”

The Fianna Fáil TD added that the HSE has begun to implement a programme of awareness raising, providing information resources for children and parents, to deliver a campaign to assist in creating awareness of the challenges, needs and experiences of people with autism.

“The HSE will over the coming months advertise for expressions of interest from Organisations with the relevant core competences and experience who would be interested in tendering to work with the HSE to develop a pilot phone help line which may eventually have wider application across all Disability Services.

“I welcome this development and I look forward to the help line being operational later this year.”

COVID-19: No deaths reported today, 453 new cases

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Galway hospitals see COVID cases double in recent weeks

There have been 453 new cases of COVID-19 reported by the Department of Health today, but no additional deaths related to the disease.

Of the cases notified today, the median age is 25 years old, and 78% of cases are in people under the age of 45.

No county breakdown of the new confirmed cases has been given by health officials today.

There has been a total of 250,290 confirmed cases since the start of the pandemic, and 4,906 COVID-19 related deaths in Ireland.

Validation of data at the HPSC has resulted in the denotification of 1 confirmed case

As of 8am today, 129 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised in Ireland, of whom 40 are in ICU. There have been five people hospitalised in the past 24 hours.

There had been 1,591,888 doses of vaccine administered in Ireland as of May 1, with 445,326 people now fully vaccinated.

Plans for city centre hotel development off Eyre Square

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Briain Kelly
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Galway daily news Plans for city centre hotel development off Eyre Square

Plans have been submitted to the city council for a hotel development in Eyre Square to expand the existing Skeffington Arms Hotel.

Planning permission is being sought to demolish the DNA nightclub at Ballalley Lane, and replace it with a seven story extension to the Skeffinton Arms.

This building will accommodate 44 guest bedrooms, as well as a reception, breakfast areas, and restaurant with outdoor seating area.

It will be linked to the existing Skeffington Arms Hotel building through a link corridor at the second storey.

There are no protected structures on the site itself, but two can be found adjacent to the north boundary, a fragment of the medieval walls bastion, and historical cottages.

A design report for the application states that portions of the building have been “intentionally set back on ground and roof level” to create outdoor areas and to expose these historic structures to pedestrians’ view.

“The provision of key views towards the historical section of the bastion and cottages would increase knowledge, awareness and understanding of the historic structures.”

This development would complement local restaurants and retail services by providing additional tourist accommodation in the city centre, the application states.

Galway City Council is due to make a decision on this planning application by May 31.

GMIT catering to growing demand for apprenticeships

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news ATU Languages Competition for secondary schools returns for 2nd year

GMIT is taking a greater role in catering to the growing demand for apprenticeships with a new dedicated department.

The Department of Engineering Apprenticeships has been set up in line with the government’s recently launched ‘Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025′.

James Boyle, who had 11 years experience as the electrical industry before joining academia in 2016, has been appointed the head of this new department.

Boyle, who is currently in the final stage of his PhD research in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, said this department reflects a commitment to apprenticeships, which are a great way for students to learn by doing.

“The practical, skills-based learning approach of apprentice education means that graduates are ready for the workplace when they qualify in their disciplines. This is not only good for students, but also for employers.”

James Boyle, GMIT

GMIT has been delivering apprenticeship courses in Electrical and Motor Mechanics since the institute’s establishment almost 50 years ago.

The institute has invested significantly in its electrical workshop and laboratory facilities to cater for increased numbers on the electrical apprenticeship course from September this year, becoming one of the largest providers of electrical apprenticeship courses in the country.

Head of the GMIT School of Engineering Professor Graham Heaslip said that the ‘Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025′ is a “momentous transformation” in how apprenticeships are delivered in Ireland.

“It is ambitious and commits to increasing the number of new apprentice registrations. We believe that learning by apprenticeship mode is a three-way win – for the learners, for companies and also for us in GMIT.”

In recent years GMIT has continued to expand the number a variety of apprenticeships it offers in concert with industry consortiums, with recent additions including Manufacturing Engineering.

This year, it also planned to offer Wood Manufacturing & Finishing apprentice courses at GMIT’s National Centre for Excellence in Furniture Design and Technology in Letterfrack from September.

COVID-19: One death and 402 cases reported today

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news 25 percent drop in COVID cases in Galway hospitals

There has been one additional death related to COVID-19 reported by the Department of Health today, along with 402 new cases.

The median age of the cases reported today is 31.5 years old, and 79% are in people under the age of 45.

No county breakdown of the figures has been provided by the Department today.

There has now been a total of 249,838 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland, and 4,906 deaths related to the disease.

Validation of data at the HPSC led to the denotification of one death and one previously confirmed case, which is reflected in the cumulative totals.

As of 8am this morning there were 127 people hospitalised with COVID-19 in Ireland, of whom 41 are in the ICU. There have been six additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours.

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