Man arrested after €18,000 cocaine seizure in Galway City

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April 30, 2021

Galway Daily news Galway International Arts Festival pushed back to August/September — Mirror Pavillion by John Gerrard. Photo: Andrew Downes, xposure

The 2021 Galway International Arts Festival has been postponed to late August and September this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The festival was due to take place from July 12 – 25 this year, but will now run from August 28 – September 18 instead.

Full programme details will be announced in June and will include an exciting hybrid programme of live and online events.

The centre-piece will be the much anticipated second part of John Gerrard’s stunning Mirror Pavilion – Leaf Work, opening in Derrigimlagh Bog on 28 August and running through-out the festival.

While many of the Galway International Arts Festival events will be going ahead, a major exception are the large concerts at the Heineken Big Top.

All of the acts which were first meant to come to Galway last year are still scheduled, but the concerts have been pushed back next year’s festival in July 2022.

Pixies rescheduled to Thursday 14 July & Friday 15 July 2022
Jon Hopkins, rescheduled to Saturday 16 July 2022
The Stunning, rescheduled to Sunday 17 July 2022
The Academic, rescheduled to Thursday 21 July 2022
The Flaming Lips, rescheduled to Friday 22 July 2022
Kaiser Chiefs, rescheduled to Saturday 23 July 2022
Sinéad O’Connor, rescheduled to Sunday 24 July 2022

As with last year’s cancellation, people who already have tickets for one of these acts are advised to hold onto them, as they will still be valid for the 2022 dates.

Existing ticketholders with queries should contact boxoffice@giaf.ie.

Clarity on return of click and collect services welcomed

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April 30, 2021

The clarity on the resumption of click and collect retail services, provided in yesterday’s announcement has been welcomed.

Under the easing of lockdown restrictions confirmed by the government on Thursday, non-essential retail will be allowed to resume click and collect services from May 10.

Digital Business Ireland (DBI), a representative body for digital, ecommerce and online businesses welcomed this confirmation, saying that it would give businesses the time they need to prepare their stock, staff members, and safety measures for reopening.

After months of almost all retail being closed in the second full lockdown, there is an “acute need” for a successful reopening.

Under the Level 5 lockdown conditions imposed after Christmas, non-essential retail has only been allowed to operate via online shopping and delivery.

This has been a source of frustration for many businesses, especially as larger retailers have continued to operate parts of their business which would be deemed non-essential if it were a stand-alone business.

Lorraine Higgins, Secretary-General of DBI said “While our members fully understood the need for enhanced public restrictions in January, at the peak of the third wave of Covid-19, with the reducing numbers of cases it makes sense to strike this balance.”

The organisation has preparing a best practice guide for their members to safely offer a click and collect service.

“Thanks to the clarity provided by Government, Irish retailers will now be able to invest, with confidence, in their stock requirements and facilities in preparation for the resumption of click-and-collect services.

“In a context in which many retailers cannot afford to make unnecessary investments, this clear commitment will be greatly valued by businesses across the country and the move will create space for a successful reopening of the retail sector.”

The DBI said that while the level of online shopping by Irish consumers has been increasing steadily in recent months, progress has been “slipping” on increasing the share of that spend going to Irish businesses, which this will hopefully help to correct.

New €5m fund to make remote working a reality for thousands

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April 30, 2021

galway daily news laptop working from home remote working sun freedom

A €5 million fund has been launched to develop a network of remote working hubs across the country.

The fund will expand facilities that are already in place, providing new office spaces, hot desks and meeting rooms for remote working.

The funding will be used to install electric car charging points, upgrade disability access and improve IT facilities located within hubs or Broadband Connection Points.

It will also assist in making existing hubs more compliant with social distancing guidelines.

Announcing the call for proposals for funding, Minister Humphreys said, “Over the past 12 months, so many of us have experienced the benefits of remote working – reduced commutes, more time spent with your family, increased footfall in towns, a lower carbon footprint.

“As we emerge from this Pandemic, the Government is determined to make remote working a permanent reality for thousands of people.”

Minister Humphreys added that the Connected Hubs Fund will make existing hubs bigger and more accessible and will result in a better quality experience for business people, workers and students.

“Hubs provide the perfect opportunity for people to embrace ‘blended working’,” said Minister Humphreys.

“And by encouraging people to avail of a hot-desk or office space in their nearby hub, the local economy also benefits.”

Tuam records highest COVID-19 rate in Galway

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April 30, 2021

Galway Daily news Calls for upgrades to Tuam roundabouts

Tuam remains the local electoral area with the highest 14-day incidence rate of COVID-19 in Galway, new data shows.

The latest breakdown of COVID rates shows that Tuam LEA now has a two-week incidence of 165.7 cases per 100,000 inhabitants after 55 cases were confirmed there in 14 days.

Ballinasloe LEA has the second highest rate in the county with 121 cases per 100,000 people, just below the national average of 122.5 when the data was taken.

Overall just 50 cases were confirmed in Galway city in the two weeks to April 26.

Galway City West LEA has one of the lowest rates in the county, with just nine new cases in 14 days taking its rate down to 35.5 cases per 100,000 population.

The rate in Galway City Central remains unchanged since last week at 86.1, while in Galway City East the rate has fallen below 100 to 67.7.

Fewer than five cases were confirmed in Conamara North LEA yet again, while the incidence rose slightly in Conamara South LEA where nine new cases were confirmed in two weeks.

Nine new cases were also recorded in Gort-Kinvara LEA, taking its rate to 38.3, while Loughrea’s rate now stands at 60.3 with 14 cases as many days.

A total of 38 cases were reported in Athenry-Oranmore LEA, meaning its rate now stands at 115.7 cases per 100,000 inhaitants.

Gardaí investigating serious assault in Galway City

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April 29, 2021

Galway Daily news missing teen found safe

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault in Galway City which occurred in the very early hours of Sunday.

Investigations are taking place into an assault which occurred on the Canal Walk between O’Brien’s Bridge and the Salmon Weir Bridge in the Newtownsmith area of Galway.

The incident took place at approximately 1:15am on the morning of Sunday, April 25.

A man, aged in his 20s, received injuries following an altercation with another male and was taken to Beaumont Hospital in a serious condition.

It is understood the men travelled by foot through the Long Walk, Spanish Arch and Wolfe Tone Bridge areas before reaching the O’Breins Bridge / Salmon Weir Bridge area.

Gardai are appealing for anyone with information who was in the Newtownsmith area between 1am -1:30am on 25/04/2021 to come forward.

Gardaí are particularly interested in speaking to any road users (including taxis) that may have dash cam footage.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Gardaí in Galway on 091 538 000 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.

COVID-19: 28 Galway cases and three deaths reported

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April 29, 2021

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

Another 28 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Galway today, out of 474 cases nationwide.

The 14-day incidence rate in Galway is now 86.8 cases per 100,000 people, with 224 cases reported in the county in the past two weeks.

Another three deaths related to COVID-19 have also been notified by health officials today,

The median age of the people in today’s cases is 32 years old, and 71% of cases are in people under the age of 45.

There were 155 people in hospital with COVID-19 as of 8am this morning, of whom 44 were in Intensive Care.

The government has announced today the plans for the easing of lockdown measures in stages over the course of May and June.

UHG extremely busy today with long waiting times at A&E

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April 29, 2021

University Hospital Galway is extremely busy today with a significant number of patients presenting to the Emergency Department, many of whom are still waiting for a bed.

In a statement, Saolta said that there is ongoing pressure on bed availability in the hospital and they regret that patients are currently experiencing long waiting times in A&E.

“We would like to remind the public that we encourage them to attend the Emergency Department only in the case of real emergencies,” they said.

“If your health problem is not an emergency you should contact your GP during normal surgery hours or the Westdoc GP Out of Hours service, in the first instance.”

Patients are also being reminded that the Injury Unit in Roscommon University Hospital is open from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week to treat a range of injuries in both adults and children over five years of age.

“We are committed to treating everyone who presents at our ED but we do so strictly in order of medical priority and apologise for the long wait times.

“As part of the hospital’s COVID-19 measures, we ask that patients wait in the ED alone to help maintain social distancing. A companion will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances.

“We know this is very difficult but we need to do this to minimise everybody’s risk of infection and to keep everyone safe. We remind patients to please wear a face covering/mask when in the ED.”

Cabinet agrees plan to ease lockdown restrictions from May 10th

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April 29, 2021

Galway Daily business Galway has among Ireland's lowest rates of 'ghosting' salon appointments

The Cabinet has approved plans this afternoon to significantly ease COVID-19 lockdown restrictions from May 10.

From May 10, hairdressers and barbers will reopen, inter-county travel will be permitted and 50 people will be able to attend religious services including weddings and funerals.

Indoor wedding parties will stay capped at six guests though, and limited to 15 for outdoor celebrations.

Click-and-collect will also return on 10 May, with all retail reopening one week later on May 17.

Libraries, museums and galleries will also open again and team sports training will resume.

Hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses will be able to reopen their doors on June 2, with pubs and restaurants allowed to serve outdoors from June 7.

More to follow…

Works to improve broadband well underway in several Galway areas

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April 29, 2021

galway daily news nbi broadband plan ireland galway internet

Surveying works to improve access to broadband in several areas of Galway are well underway, the National Broadband Ireland (NBI) has announced today.

NBI contractors have been on the ground across Ireland for 15 months and over 201,000 premises nationwide have been surveyed to date.

A total of 544,000 premises across the country will be surveyed including 38,714 premises in Galway. These include homes, farms, commercial businesses and schools, equating to 28% of all premises in the county.

Under the National Broadband Plan, Galway will see an investment of €153M in the new high-speed fibre network.

NBI crews have made substantial progress in Galway, where the following areas have been surveyed: Loughaunbeg, Ballynahown, Barraderry, Keeraunnagark South, Spiddle East, Spiddle West, Shannawoneen, Kinvara, Conarona, Boliska Oughter, Boliska Eighter, Cloghermore, Aille, Lippa, Seershin, Rossaveel, Inverin, Rossroe Island, Kilroe West and Kilroe East.

These initial works pave the way for the next stage of deploying fibre on poles or ducts and includes the erection of poles, unblocking of ducts, and the insertion of sub duct into existing ducts, for the fibre to be installed.

All NBI contractors will also carry official ID cards and essential worker letters, and have received training on adhering to all Covid-19 guidelines. They will have vehicles, PPE and signage with both their own, and NBI logos.

NBI chief executive Peter Hendrick said the company was pleased with the progress being made.

“We started physical work on the ground in January 2020 and despite the challenging environment caused by Covid-19, we’ve grown and mobilised the team working on the project across all 26 counties and making good progress,” said Mr Hendrick.

“We are acutely aware that people want access to high-speed broadband as soon as possible, and our goal is to deliver that.”

He said that survey and designs are an important part of mapping out how every home, farm and business will be connected.

“The BCPs are also a key milestone in delivering access to high-speed internet in the Intervention Area, and we’re delighted to see these being connected for access – internally and externally – right across the county.”

NBI’s website www.nbi.ie has a search tool to enable the public to check whether their premises is within the rollout area.

Announcement of EU Recovery Fund projects welcomed

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April 29, 2021

galway daily news mairéad farrell sinn féin eu fund

The government’s announcement of the major projects which will receive funding as part of EU Pandemic Recovery Fund has been welcomed by Galway West TD Mairéad Farrell.

Ireland is set to receive €915 million from the EU fund, which will be spent on the likes of an electronic system for sharing medical records, regional work hubs and the retrofitting of state buildings.

Another major project being given consideration is a shared government data centre for state bodies.

The local Sinn Féin TD said that she is glad to see that the government took on board a number of her party’s recommendations as part of its submission to the Recovery and Resilience Fund.

“An electronic system for sharing medical records, regional work innovation hubs and a major retrofitting programme were three of our main recommendations,” said Deputy Farrell.

“There is much merit in the idea of a shared data centre for state bodies. Consideration should also be given to the improvement of data collection, analysis and review around public procurement.

“Around €12 billion a year is spent by government departments, county and city councils, and public bodies in procuring goods, services and capital works. But it remains an underdeveloped area of research.”

The Galway TD added that in the coming years, the manner in which the state spends money though procurement will attract greater scrutiny.

“Around €12 billion a year is spent on public procurement which is almost the same size as the cost of the PUP, EWSS and TWSS to date.

“The state is the largest purchaser in the economy and it is no longer enough to know how much money we are spending through procurement or where it is being spent.

“What we need to know is in what manner the money is being spent. In other words, is this money being spent in a way that helps to achieve social and environmental goals?

“We can use public spending to help tackle the problems we are facing. be they socio-economic and/or environmental. But in order to do so, we need to drastically improve our public procurement data collection, analysis and review.”

Gardaí appeal for Mother and Baby Home abuse victims to report crimes

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April 29, 2021

Galway Daily news Redress Scheme for Tuam Mother and Baby Home survivors opening March 20

Gardaí have today appealed for anyone who was the victim of a crime relating to pregnancy or abuse at a Mother and Baby Home to come forward and contact them.

Gardaí have set up a dedicated line today for people who were the victims of a criminal act arising from a Mother and Baby Home, or have information regarding the same, to contact them.

People who wish to report a crime can contact the dedicated email address – MotherandBabyHomes@garda.ie, along with a confidential freephone number – 1800 555 222.

A statement issued today said “An Garda Síochána is fully aware of the profound impact on the lives of those who were in Mother and Baby Homes and the concerns of the wider public on how Mother and Baby Homes operated.”

“An Garda Síochána is inviting anyone who was the victim of a criminal act arising out of the Mother and Baby Homes, or who has information likely to assist an investigation into a criminal act committed at a Mother and Baby Home, to please come forward and report this.”

“An Garda Síochána will deal with any matters reported by complainants in a sensitive manner and will, where possible, progress matters through investigation.”

This appeal has been made after the Gardaí have been reviewing the report from the Mother and Baby Homes Commission to determine if a criminal investigation could be commenced based on it alone.

Having conducted this review, there is “insufficient detail” in the report to start a criminal investigation according to Gardaí, as the report is anonymised, and a proper investigation would require the identification of affected individuals.

“As such, An Garda Síochána is appealing to anyone with information about crimes at Mother and Baby Homes to make contact with them so that such crimes can be investigated where possible.”

However, alongside this appeal for people to come forward, Gardaí have also said that while they hope to “effectively deal with all complaints and information received”, investigations could be affected due to the length of time passed resulting in the loss of evidence, or suspects and/or witnesses passing away.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris is also due to address the Mother and Baby Homes Commission Report at a public meeting of the Policing Authority later today.

Coast Guard and RNLI appeal for water safety this Bank Holiday weekend

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April 29, 2021

Galway Daily news Coast Guard and RNLI appeal for water safety this Bank Holiday weekend

The RNLI and Irish Coast Guard are appealing for people to be safe on the water this bank holiday weekend after a recent rise in callouts.

With the recent warm weather, longer evenings, and easing of travel restrictions, there have been more people heading to the coasts and inland waters.

RNLI Lifesaving Manager Sean Dillion said, “our volunteer lifeboat crews around the coast and on our inland waters are expecting a busy season as more people are out enjoying the water.”

He added that many of their callouts could be avoided with some simple preparation and planning.

“We want people to be safe on the water and enjoy themselves. Whatever activity you are planning please take a few minutes to check the relevant safety advice and always dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard if you see someone in trouble on the water.”

RNLI lifeboats crews in Galway were called out 89 times last year, rescuing 85 people over the year.

Some simple safety tips the Coast Guard and RNLI are reminding people to keep in mind as they head to the water this weekend are:

Check the weather and tide and familiarise yourself with local currents before you participate in any open water or coastal activity.
Always carry a reliable means of raising the alarm with you.
Tell someone where you are going and when you will be back.
Wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid on or near the water.
Never ever swim alone and always ensure that somebody ashore is monitoring your progress.

Coast Guard, Head of Operations Gerard O’Flynn added: “Don’t assume that just because we have clear skies and warmer temperatures it is safe to engage in all coastal activities.”

“Please familiarise yourself with weather and tidal information and take the time to observe prevailing conditions before you commence”.

He added that to date this year, the number of incidents they have recorded not only exceeds what was seen in 2020, but are also at a five-year high.

GMIT investing €1 million in transition to high-tech industry

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April 29, 2021

Galway daily news Free GMIT food entrepreneurship course course returns

GMIT is investing €1 million in a plan to deepen collaboration between the Institute of technology and the engineering industry.

The GMIT ‘Transcend’ project aims to enhance collaboration between the School of Engineering and industry, and support the transition to state of the art fields of digital technologies, robotics, and automation.

Head of the School of Engineering Professor Graham Heaslip said, “Manufacturing is changing faster than ever and it’s critical that manufacturers increase connectivity and adopt digital technologies to make better informed, data-driven decisions.

He added that engineering and manufacturing are moving towards a new ‘4.0’ technological renaissance which makes this growth essential.

For ‘Transcend’, GMIT is planning to develop several new courses from Level 6 (post Leaving Cert) to Level 9 (Masters) aimed at upskilling the workforce in the west of Ireland.

The €1 million investment will be spent on infrastructure and equipment to support the delivery of these programmes.

Along with this, GMIT will be collaborating on “industry led research” to support the transition to “industry 4.0” Graham Heaslip said.

Dr Carine Gachon, Head of the GMIT Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, said that organisations have to think about how to leverage technology to drive growth and efficiency.

The project builds on the success of the recently launched innovative industry-led engineering degree in Automation and Robotics.

The B. Eng in Automation and Robotics programme develops graduate engineers that can design, build and manage modern manufacturing cells.

The programme has been designed in collaboration with Thermo King and in close consultation with manufacturing industries in the region, all of whom identified a requirement to upskill their employees to meet emergent Industry 4.0 requirements.

The GMIT and Thermo King collaboration has won numerous awards including the Trane Technologies 2020 President’s Award for Innovation and Growth, and the West Regional Skills Awards 2020, Exceptional Leadership Award Winner.

GMIT students were involved in a Thermo King project which won Engineers Ireland’s prestigious “Design Innovation & Sustainability Project of the Year Award”.

The programme has also been shortlisted for “Best Business and Third-Level Institute Collaboration” for the Education Awards 2021.

Professor Graham Heaslip added “Partnering with industry has always been central to making sure our programmes and research are relevant and impactful.

“We want to nurture, grow and develop our industry engagement so that our partners get the most out of their relationship with us.”

Plans progress for 102 homes in Rosshill, Galway City

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April 29, 2021

Galway daily news Knocknacarra social housing

An Bord Pleanála has given a developer the go ahead to bring a Strategic Housing Development application for 102 homes in Galway City.

Alber Developments intends to seek planning permission for a housing development on lands at Rosshill Galway City, south of the Old Dublin Road.

The housing estate would consist of 67 houses and 35 apartments, along with a crèche and associated site works.

In February the developer lodged a consultation with the board and city council to determine if the proposal was a suitable basis for an SHD.

In a decision on April 19, the board ruled that the project was suitable to be considered as a Strategic Housing Development.

This allows for planning applications housing projects over a certain size to be made directly to An Bord Pleanála, bypassing the local council, in order to fast-track large scale housing projects.

The Strategic Housing Development mechanism was introduced in 2017 as a method of helping to address the housing crisis.

But while it has been defended for supposedly allowing housing projects to move faster, it has also been criticised for reducing public involvement and consultation in the planning process, particularly when large scale projects are most likely to impact on communities.

There have also been an increasing number of SHDs which have been the subject of a judicial review in recent years, which arguably undermines the point that they are supposed to reduce the length of the planning process.

Developer Bernard Duffy’ Alber Developments previously had plans for 342 homes in Rosshill rejected by An Bord Pleanala after strong local opposition.

The next stage of this smaller scale housing development will be for a full application to be made directly to the board.

COVID-19: Ten new cases in Galway and 13 deaths nationally (3 in April)

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April 28, 2021

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

The Department of Health has reported ten new cases of COVID-19 in Galway and 371 additional cases nationally.

Thirteen further deaths related to the virus were also reported this evening by health officials, of which three are from April and ten from previous months.

The 14-day incidence rate in Galway now stands at 81.8 cases per 100,000 people, with 211 new cases recorded here in the past two weeks.

77% of the new cases nationally are under 45 years of age and the median age is 28 years old.

The age range of the 13 deaths reported today was 60 to 95 and the median age was 85.

As of 8am today, 153 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 45 are in ICU. There have been 17 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours.

Sharp rise in COVID outbreaks at schools and childcare settings

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April 28, 2021

Galway Daily news Budget 2022: Childcare providers say not enough done to address costs

COVID-19 outbreaks at schools and childcare facilities across Ireland rose sharply last week with a total of 31 outbreaks associated with schools and 22 with childcare settings, new figures show.

Two weeks ago, just five outbreaks were associated with schools and eleven with childcare.

The latest HPSC data also shows that there were no outbreaks at nursing homes last week as vaccinations continue to prove their effectiveness, while there were just three new outbreaks in hospitals across the State.

The number of coronavirus outbreaks at peoples places of work increased to 12 last week, while families in private homes continues to have the highest number of new outbreaks at 172.

Only five were associated with retail outlets in the week to 24 April, while 12 outbreaks were related to travel.

In total, 648 COVID outbreaks associated with education and childcare facilities were recorded between 21 November and 24 April.

The government is set to announce this week which public health measures will be lifted in May and June as the country slowly reopens after months of Level 5 restrictions.

Exploring local heritage by understanding our graveyards

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April 28, 2021

Galway Daily life & style Exploring local heritage by understanding our graveyards

For a country with a history as long as Ireland’s, many links to our heritage can be found in graveyards right in your local community.

For those in Galway interested in understanding local graveyards and burial grounds, and how they tie us directly to our past, Connemara West is running a series of free online talks undertaking just that.

Clifden archaeologist Michael Gibbons will lead a series of three workshops starting from this evening, which will take people on a journey from early Christian Ireland to the present time.

The workshops are the beginning of the county council’s project to digitally map and record the inscriptions on the six graveyards in the Parish of Ballinakill.

The workshops will take place over the course of the next three Wednesdays, starting from this evening, at 7:30pm.

There are limited places available on the free course and booking is essential at eventbrite.

This project is been supported by Forum Connemara through the Leader Programme and by Marie Mannion, Heritage Officer at Galway County Council.

‘One-off’ housing vital for rural Ireland to survive, says Canney

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April 28, 2021

Galway Daily news Rural regeneration projects in Galway receive over €6 million

Galway East TD Seán Canney has defended ‘one-off’ rural housing as a way of helping rural communities to survive.

He argues that a house in a rural area allows someone to have a home in a location of their choice and it also enables them to continue to live and raise a family in their own community.

The Independent TD said that people will argue that this type of rural development is contrary to good planning and that houses should only be built in towns and villages.

“But the reality is that many of our towns and villages cannot accommodate houses because they do not possess wastewater services,” said Deputy Canney.

“We cannot allow our rural areas to die, we cannot allow our communities to die”.

Deputy Canney pointed out that the Flemish Decree case taken in the European Court of Justice decided that restrictions on where people lived breached the Treaty on the free movement of citizens.

“I am adamant that Irish people have the same rights of free movement and certainly local people have the right to remain living in their own communities,” he said.

“I am also concerned that bodies like TII are also dictating who can build and where people can build which is giving them unwarranted powers.”

Entries open for Galway City Tidy Towns and Garden competition 2021

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April 28, 2021