Tenager hospitalised after eating cannabis jelly sweets

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April 26, 2021

galway daily news athenry mart licence suspended

Athenry Mart has had its licence suspended by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine due to an apparent breach of a COVID-19 safety procedure.

In a statement, the Department said that the Mart’s licence was suspended on Thursday last, 22 April.

Department officials are in contact with management at the mart in order to progress matters and resolve the situation, the statement said.

Any mart that is currently trading has had its Level 5 COVID-19 Standard Operating Procedure (SOPs) approved by Department officials.

Each mart is subject to ongoing inspections to monitor compliance with Level 5 COVID-19 SOPs – and breaches may lead to the suspension of the mart licence.

Athenry Mart is the only mart to have had its licence suspended due to a breach of COVID regulations.

Galway Simon launches Spring Appeal with particular focus on women

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April 26, 2021

galway daily news galway simon community — L-R Karen Golden, Gale Wilson and Karen Feeney from Galway Simon Community

Homelessness and housing charity Galway Simon Community has issued its Spring Appeal, highlighting the challenges experienced by women in homelessness.

More than a third of adults supported by the charity in 2020 were women and CEO of Galway Simon Community Karen Golden explained the importance of women-focused services.

“Homelessness is often associated with men, said Karen Golden, “however approximately one third of adults in Ireland who are homeless are women.

“Of the 750 adults Galway Simon supported last year, 43% were female.”

Karen pointed out that there is sadly a strong link between violence or abuse and homelessness among women.

“A recent NUIG study with Inner City Helping Homeless found that 40 percent of homeless people in Dublin had reported being sexually assaulted, with most saying they would not report it as it would make their situation worse,” she explained.

“Covid-19 has made the situation even more difficult for some women.”

While Galway Simon has always supported women, the charity set up a dedicated Women and Family Service in 2019 to offer specialised supports to women and their families affected by homelessness.

The service works with women to prevent them from the trauma of homelessness and to help them with accessing secure and affordable housing.

It offers a tailored service to women, including mental health support, to assist them in coming to terms with past trauma they may have suffered.

“With the pandemic still with us, we believe that we have yet to see the full impact of this crisis and we know that many women across the West are in need of our support,” added Karen.

“At the same time, our fundraising has taken a massive hit with the closure of our shops during lockdown, as well as the cancellation of many fundraising events.

“We need to safeguard our services, including our Women & Family Service, to ensure that we can be there for people like Triona in our community who need our help.”

Ambassador of Galway Simon’s Spring Appeal, Triona – not her real name – has been supported by the charity over the last number of years. She bravely shared her story and explained that Galway Simon Community gave her ‘a new start in life’.

“I became homeless because I was tired of being beaten. My partner made me feel worthless when he beat me,” Triona said.

“And when I finally left him and became homeless, bouncing from place to place, I felt worthless then too.

“Alone, unwanted, ignored, just sitting on a park bench wondering what I’d done wrong. When you’re homeless, it’s not nice, you know.

“You can’t look at your people the same way, because I suppose they don’t want to know you.”

When Triona first went to a Galway Simon drop-in centre, she was afraid to go in.

“I felt ashamed,” she explained. “But they greeted me so kindly, with a cup of tea and some hot porridge.

“One of the staff put her arm around me and said, ‘Well, we’re going to look after you now’. And they did. They didn’t break their promise.”

Galway Simon Community provides housing and accommodation to over 140 people at any one time across Galway City and County through housing solutions which vary in support levels from 24-hour support to visiting support.

Triona was initially housed through the charity’s Community Housing Service where she shared a house with two other women who had also been through similar life experiences.

From there, Galway Simon helped Triona to find a home of her own and she now lives independently.

“I can’t tell you how grateful I am for the help I’ve had. Galway Simon gave me a chance. They were there to look after me and they’ve helped to turn my life around. Only for them, I know I wouldn’t be here,” Triona added.

If you would like to support others like Triona, please visit www.galwaysimon.ie or call 091 381828 to give a gift to Galway Simon Community today.

Man dies after fatal crash in Carna

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April 26, 2021

A man in his 30s was killed in a single vehicle traffic collision in Carna this morning.

Gardaí are currently at the scene of a fatal road traffic collision that occurred in Carna at around 7am this morning.

A car collided with a wall in Carna village. The driver of the car, a male aged in his 30s, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Coroner was notified and his body was taken to the mortuary at University Hospital Galway where a post-mortem will take place in due course.

The scene is currently preserved for Garda Forensic Collision Investigators. The road through Carna village is currently closed and local diversions are in place.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this incident to come forward.

Any road users who were travelling through Carna between 6.30am and 7.30am this morning and who may have camera footage (including dash cam) is asked to make it available to Gardaí.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Clifden Garda Station on 095 22500, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

Four-bed house in mature estate is ready for a family

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April 26, 2021

Galway Daily news Four-bed house in mature estate is ready for a family

This immaculate four-bedroom semi-detached house in a mature residential area in Lackagh is ready for a family to move in as soon as the keys are in hand.

Lackagh itself is a quiet area that has all the benefits of being away from the bustle and traffic of the city, but is still within easy reach of the amenities of towns and the city.

No. 69 Woodlands, Lackagh is being brought to the market by Michelle Burke Auctioneer & Letting Agent with an asking price of €295,000.

The ground floor comprises the main living space of this house. Inside the front door a welcoming, ceramic-tiled entrance hall, complete with under-stairs storage, leads to the main living room and kitchen.

The living room emphasises warmth and comfort paired with elegance. Cherry wood floors lead towards a feature fireplace surrounding a solid fuel stove, while the large front windows and double doors connecting to the dining area create a spacious and airy atmosphere.

Light floods the kitchen from the windows looking out over the rear garden by the main food preparation area, and from glass patio style doors that open out onto the rear decking.

The kitchen itself is well appointed with modern appliances and cupboards in a warm, wooden finish, and a fitted black countertop. The open plan room is divided half and half between the kitchen and dining area. Tiled floors ensure that the kitchen will be easier to keep clean, while the dining area continues the wooden floor of the living room.

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Also located downstairs is a generously sized playroom, which could serve a multitude of uses in any home. Either continuing as a space for the kids, or easily converted to a home office or den. This room also leads to a downstairs bathroom complete with shower, and has its own outdoor access to the front of the property through a set of double doors.

Upstairs are the house’s four timber floored bedrooms, providing enough space for a good sized family. Two of the bedrooms come with their own en-suite bathrooms, and the Master bedroom also features a walk-in wardrobe.

The partially-tiled main bathroom and hot press complete the first floor of the house. But beyond that, a pull down ladder leads to the attic which adds an extra dimension of storage space to the house, always a premium quality for a family with kids.

The rear garden is in picture perfect condition, and ready for a wide range of uses. A beautiful wooden decking area is perfect for enjoying the sun on a summer evening, or hosting guests in the same.

The back garden already features some well kept flower beds that add colour and character to the space. But if you want to exercise that green thumb there is still a lot of lawn space in the back and front which is ripe for gardening, or otherwise just kept as a play area for kids.

The Woodlands estate is a mature housing development, ideal for a family looking for a place to settle. No. 69 is located in a quiet cul-de-sac, but it doesn’t lack for space in which kids can thrive, with a large green area out front and a tennis court for estate residents that the whole family can enjoy.

Lackagh village itself is right at your doorstep, within easy walking distance of the local school. This thriving village allows a family to enjoy a quiet pace of life, while still being within easy reach of greater amenities in Claregalway, or the nearby Cregmore Golf Course.

To enquire about this property contact Michelle Burke Auctioneer and Letting Agent at 091 868 080. Or to see more check it out online at michelleburke.ie/salepropertydetails/?id=4515374.

COVID-19: Case numbers at UHG continue to increase

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April 26, 2021

The number of people hospitalised with COVID-19 at University Hospital Galway has continued to climb, with 11 confirmed cases as of Sunday night.

Of the COVID patients at UHG, six are in the Intensive Care Unit, the third highest figure among the country’s acute hospitals.

There are also a further six suspected cases at UHG, for which test results were awaited.

At Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe there were five confirmed cases as of 8pm last night.

One of those patients was in the ICU, and the hospital also reported one suspected case.

Nationwide there were 173 confirmed cases in Irish hospitals as of Sunday night, of whom 46 were in Intensive Care.

Outdoor activities return as some restrictions are lifted today

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April 26, 2021

Zoos, wildlife parks and other outdoor amenities will be able to reopen their doors today as a number of lockdown restrictions are eased.

Golf courses and tennis courts can reopen from today, while outdoor training for under 18s will be allowed again after being banned as part of Level 5 lockdown rules.

The updated restrictions will also see the number of people permitted at funerals increase from 10 to 25.

The Government is set to outline its plan for reopening society this week, and there have been increased calls in recent days for a clear and detailed roadmap for the reopening of the hospitality sector.

Chair of the Galway branch of the Irish Hotels Federation, Wayne Neilon, revealed that with June just over a month away, hotel bookings nationally are at an historic low – currently averaging only 22% for the key months of July and August.

Mr Neilon said that it is critical that the Government gives clarity to consumers and businesses as a matter of urgency.

“We are asking the Government to outline a more detailed roadmap for reopening the hotels sector safely based on clear progress markers for restrictions to be eased in line with public health improvements,” he said.

Gardaí renew witness appeal to fatal Spiddal crash

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April 26, 2021

Galway Daily news National Slow Down Day traffic operation after road deaths

Gardaí have issued a renewed appeal for witnesses who may have information following a fatal crash near Spiddal over the weekend.

A man in his 30s was killed in a two vehicle collision on the R336 between Spiddal and Inverin on Saturday night.

Shortly after 8pm Gardaí and emergency services attended at the scene of crash involving a motorcycle and a car.

The driver of the motorcycle was pronounced dead at the scene and the occupants of the car, a man and woman in their 20s, were brought to UHG as a precaution.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this incident, or road users who may have information, to come forward.

Anyone who was travelling on the R336, between Inverin and Spiddal from 7pm – 8:30pm with camera footage, including dash cam, is asked to make it available to investigators.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Salthill Garda Station on 091 514 720, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

COVID-19: One death and 429 new cases nationally

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April 25, 2021

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

Health officials have reported one further death related to COVID-19 and 429 new cases of the virus in the Republic.

78% of the new cases are under 45 years of age and the median age is 29 years old.

The Department of Health did not give a county breakdown of cases this weekend.

As of 8am today, 174 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised – of which 45 are in ICU. There have been 13 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours.

A total of 1,359,921 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered in the State as of Friday. Of those, 393,310 people have received their second dose.

Extend the time to draw funding for improvements to Group Water Schemes – Canney

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April 25, 2021

Galway Daily news Additional Dog fines will have little effect without more Dog Wardens

The deadline for group water schemes to draw down funding under the Multi-Annual Rural Water Programme should be extended Galway TD Seán Canney has said.

Deputy Canney said that due to delays caused by COVID-19, many group water schemes have not been able to start work on projects which have been approved for funding, and is calling on Minister Darragh O’Brien to extend the time in which that money can be drawn down.

The Rural Water Programme provides funding for improvements to private water and wastewater services in areas of rural Ireland where there are no public services.

The 2019-2021 programme allocated money to local authorities which bid for funding for projects in six areas.

The measures funded under the programme include works to protect raw water sources, improving public health compliance, enhancing water conservation, creating new group water schemes, moving group schemes onto the Irish Water network, extending that network, and research efforts.

Deputy Canney said that less than 25% of funding under the 2019-2021 programme has been drawn down, putting “severe pressure” on GWS which have been allocated funding, but have not been able to commence construction yet.

“The programme was severely affected due to COVID and this has delayed the planning and design stages,” Seán Canney said.

“The funding approval is for works that are essential to ensure in the Group Water Schemes can maintain water quality and reduces leakages and waste of water”.

“The Department need to be flexible in their approach to funding deadlines as we cannot penalise the schemes who are doing great work on a voluntary basis due to circumstances beyond their control”.

Colemanstown United gets approval to replace pitch with synthetic grass

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April 25, 2021

Galway Daily sport Colemanstown United gets approval to replace pitch with synthetic grass

Colemanstown United FC in Ballinasloe have received approval from the county council to replace their existing natural pitch with synthetic grass.

Planning permission has been granted to replace 6,802m² of the existing grass pitch with a synthetic grass surface.

A 2.4m high weld mesh fence will also be erected around the pitch as part of the project, along with four 18m floodlights.

“These floodlights will utilise modern, directional luminaries to avoid un-necessary light spillage,” the application stated.

“These lights will be used during the winter period only and will be used only between October to April, avoiding the summer period.”

“The topsoil that is to be removed to enable the construction of the synthetic pitch will be re-used on the site to improve the existing grass pitches.”

“Drainage from the proposed synthetic pitch will be directed to collector drains and discharged to soakways within the site.”

A Natura Impact Statement was prepared for this application and one condition imposed by the county council was that all mitigation measures outlined in it must be implemented.

In addition, the county council stipulated that the floodlights may only operate between 9am to 9pm, Monday to Friday, and 10am to 8pm on weekends.

Road reopens after fatal Connemara traffic collision

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April 25, 2021

The road between Spiddal and Inverin has reopened this afternoon following a fatal road traffic collision last night.

A motorcyclist was killed following a two vehicle collision on the R336 between the two villages shortly after 8pm on Saturday.

The motorcylist, a man in his 30s, was pronounced dead at the scene while the occupants of the car a man and woman in their 20s were taken to hospital as a precaution.

The R336 was closed overnight to preserve the scene until a forensic examination could be carried out this morning.

Long delays were reported on the road as diversions were in place to direct traffic around the affected area. The road has since reopened to traffic.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this incident to come forward.

Any road users who were travelling on the R336, between Inverin and Spiddal, from 7:30pm – 8:30pm this evening, who may have camera footage (including dash cam), is asked to make it available to Gardaí.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Salthill Garda Station on 091 514 720, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

Gardaí conducting enquiries after large crowds gather at Salthill beach

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April 25, 2021

Gardaí are carrying out inquiries in relation to large crowds of young people who gathered at the beach in Salthill on Saturday evening.

Videos widely shared on social media showed large numbers of young people packed closely together on the beach at Salthill despite current COVID-19 health measures.

In a statement from Saturday evening, An Garda Síochána said that the crowd was dispersed by officers, and that enquiries have been launched following the incident.

“Gardaí attended Salthill beach this evening, Saturday 24th April 2021. A number of persons were gathered in the area. Gardaí engaged with those present and the crowd dispersed.”

“Gardaí are conducting further enquiries into potential breaches of public health regulations. Enquiries are ongoing at this time.”

Parents reminded to apply for school transport scheme before Friday

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April 25, 2021

galway daily news school transport scheme

Bus Éireann has reminded parents and guardians to apply online for the school transport scheme for the next academic year by Friday, 30 April.

Children are eligible for school transport if they live more than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest Primary school.

They are also eligible if they reside more than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest secondary school.

Only parents and guardians of pupils starting Primary school or moving to Post Primary, or those who are changing home address or school, need to apply.

The application for primary and post primary pupils can be found online at www.buseireann.ie/schooltransport.

The School Transport scheme supports transport to and from school for children who reside remote from their nearest school.

Bus Éireann operates the school transport scheme on behalf of the Department of Education and transports over 114,000 children to and from school on a daily basis.

Galway East TD Seán Canney pointed out that payment for school transport tickets will open on 16 June 2021 and the final deadline for payment is the last Friday in July – subject to final confirmation by the Department of Education.

Further communication will be sent to registered applicant families in relation to this deadline for payments.

School Transport services for the new school year will commence from 26 August 2021.

Motorcyclist dies in Spiddal traffic collision

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April 24, 2021

Galway Daily news missing teen found safe

A man has died after his motorcycle collided with a car on the R336 between Inverin and Spiddal this evening.

The collision took place after 8pm and the driver of the motorcycle who was in his 30s was pronounced dead at the scene.

His body has since been removed from the scene to Galway University Hospital, where a post-mortem is due to take place at a later date.

The occupants of the car, a male and female in their 20s were taken to Galway University Hospital as a precaution.

The scene is currently preserved for a technical exam by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators. The road is closed and local diversions are in place.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this incident to come forward.

Any road users who were travelling on the R336, between Inverin and Spiddal, from 7.30pm to 8.30pm this evening, who may have camera footage (including dash cam), is asked to make it available to Gardaí.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Salthill Garda Station on 091 514 720, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

Chaos in Salthill as hundreds take to the beach and prom

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Angela Mc Bride

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April 24, 2021

galway daily news salthill lockdown covid-19

The misery of the never-ending lockdown was replaced by a party atmosphere under Salthill’s blue skies this afternoon as hundreds of people flocked to the beaches and prom to drink and enjoy the beautiful weather.

Many people ditched social distancing to dance and sing together on the beaches at Salthill, while dozens more enjoyed the sunshine at the Spanish Arch, albeit slightly more socially distanced.

Commenting this evening, Michelin starred chef and restaurateur JP McMahon said that the Government needs to reassess their opening strategy in light of today’s scenes – as pubs and restaurants are regulated spaces.

Another social media user said that he understands why people are angry at the scenes, but argued that those criticising people in Salthill today should ‘stop attacking an entire generation’.

“Our young people have generally played a blinder during this pandemic and have have sacrificed a way more important part of their lives than many of the people giving out online,” he said.

Salthill today. pic.twitter.com/KNArV2Xwex

— MGQ (@MGQ50) April 24, 2021

Man sentenced for stealing €15k in diamond rings

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April 24, 2021

A man who stole €15,095 worth of diamond and sapphire rings from a jewellers in Galway City has been sentenced to three years in prison.

Chris Easywood (44), of Ballindooley on the Headford Road appeared before Galway Circuit Court for sentencing this week.

He had previously pleaded guilty to one count of theft for stealing three sapphire and diamond rings from The Antiques Room jewellers.

Garda Marvin Lee gave evidence to the court that Easywood came into the The Antique Rooms around 4pm on March 12 of 2019.

After speaking briefly with the store owner on the first occasion he left, before returning roughly and hour later and asking to see several rings, three of which were laid out to him.

He made another request of the shopkeeper, and when he turned his back swiped the three rings off the counter, shouting “see ya” as he ran from the store.

The entire incident was captured on cctv Garda Lee said, and Easywood was arrested the next day in Eyre Square.

Two of the rings were later recovered, but one never was, representing a loss of €6,160.

Counsel for Easywood, Mr Conal McCarthy BL said that addiction issues, to alcohol and gambling, are the “kernel” of his offending.

Mr McCarthy said that he admitted to everything when questioned by Gardaí, and that at the time Easywood had run up significant gambling debts, and was also suffering from a cocaine addiction.

Garda Lee agreed that he can be “a fine man to deal with” and very polite when not in the throes of addiction.

The Circuit Court heard that he had 78 previous convictions, of which 54 were for burglary.

Judge Rory McCabe said that Mr Easywood had been sentenced by the courts on many occasions, and that the length and frequency of his offending were aggravating factors.

He said that there was no “present and reasonable” expectation of rehabilitation until Easywood is ready to accept therapy to help deal with his addiction issues.

He imposed a four year prison sentence on Easywood, and suspended the final year of the sentence for a period of five years, with credit for any time spent in custody.

Public reminded Level 5 restrictions remain on public transport

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April 24, 2021

galway daily news transport covid-19 bus

People are being reminded that despite the easing of some restrictions in recent weeks, the 25% passenger limit on public transport is still in place.

Public transport operators have been responding to an increase in demand by creating extra seats where possible, the National Transport Authority has said.

NTA Chief Executive Anne Graham said that people are being asked to avoid travelling at peak times when school children and essential workers are using public transport and only to use public transport for necessary journeys.

With the decent weather across Ireland today, she said that many people are no doubt looking forward to getting outdoors.

“When people are planning their journeys, it is important to remember that level 5 restrictions on public transport, including the 25% capacity limit, remain in place,” said Anne Graham.

“People who can work from home should work from home. We continue to encourage people to walk or cycle where possible.

“Customers who have no alternative to public transport should expect their journey to take longer and plan ahead accordingly.”

Ms Graham added that drivers and other public transport staff are working in a very challenging environment, and customers should remain respectful of them at all times.

“And of course, wear a face covering while using public transport.”

COVID-19: 461 new cases and five deaths nationally

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April 24, 2021

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

The Department of Health has reported 461 new cases of COVID-19 and five further deaths related to the virus, all of which occurred in April.

75% of new the new cases are under 45 years of age and the median age is 28 years old.

A total of 162 people with COVID-19 are receiving treatment in hospitals across the State – the lowest figure since last October. Of those, 46 are in ICU.

The number of people hospitalised with the disease at University Hospital Galway has continued to increase slowly but steadily in recent days.

There were nine confirmed case at UHG as of Friday evening, up from six at the start of the week.

At Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe five people were being treated for COVID-19, down from a mid-week peak of seven cases, but still above the start of the week.

Half a kilometre of water mains being replaced in Oughterard

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April 24, 2021