Gardaí seize €25,000 cannabis after searching Connemara house

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April 20, 2021

galway daily news cúirt festival windows galway city

Over 30 events will be hosted by Cúirt later this month combining a mix of live and pre-recorded events – with some taking place entirely online and some broadcast live from Galway.

In the lead up to the exciting and diverse programme which starts on 21 April, several businesses across Galway City have transformed their window displays to offer their support to the literature festival.

Tigh Neachtain’s famous windows have fantastic displays of Cúirt photographs, designed by Matty Hynes who may be better known locally as ‘Matt the Hat’.

One window contains photographs that have been captured through the decades by the local photographer Joe O’Shaughnessy.

The photos feature prestigious visitors to the festival in years gone by including Anne Enright, Seamus Heeney and Carlos Fuentes.

On another window is a modern take on this years’ programme featuring the writers, moderators and Cúirt team participating in a digital format of screens, mobiles and laptops.

Bernadette Lynch and David Morgan O’Connor are the winners of the 2021 Cúírt New Writing Prize, sponsored by Tigh Neachtain, in the poetry and short story categories respectively.

Local bookshops have also got involved, with Easons, Dubrays and Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop all creating reading guides for the festival.

Their window displays feature artwork from this year’s festival programme illustrator Fatti Burke, alongside the books on sale by Cúirt 2021’s programmed artists.

The first event to kick off Cúirt 2021’s programme is Inland Radius, a self-guided walking tour and zine, guided by writer Sarah Maria Griffin, immersive theatre maker Máiréad Ní Chróinín and visual artist Shane O’Malley.

Inland Radius takes people on a path featuring an audio tour, a bespoke zine and street art pieces, that maps a route from the Town Hall Theatre, Woodquay, to Mutton Island Lighthouse.

Shane O’Malley is an Irish Artist exploring colour through geometric paintings and murals. His colourful mural for ‘Inland Radius’ can be found along the Long Walk.

The piece is called ‘Routes’ and explores pathways and the different routes we can take when moving through a space.

Sasha de Buyl, Festival Director, said that it is “hard to overstate how much has changed in the past twelve months, but what has been heartening for many, through isolation and immeasurable loss, is how much literature has endured as a source of comfort, joy, solace and celebration.”

Find out more at https://www.cuirt.ie/

Local charity receives prestigious European acceditation

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April 20, 2021

galway daily news neil johnson ceo crói heart and stroke charity galway award — Neil Johnson, CEO, Croí

Galway-based charity Croí has become first Irish organisation to be accredited by the European Association of Preventive Cardiology for its work in cardiovascular risk management and prevention.

The local heart disease and stroke charity was one of only eleven organisations across Europe to achieve the status.

Croí’s purpose-built centre in Galway opened in November 2012 and is a leading centre for heart and stroke prevention, research, education, support and rehabilitation.

It is also home to the Croí Courtyard Apartments which allow family members to be as close as possible to patients receiving cardiac or stroke care in University Hospital Galway.

The announcement follows an assessment and benchmarking of Croí’s cardiovascular risk management and prevention work under a range of performance indicators.

These include standards around care protocols, staff training, equipment and facilities, and management of its centre.

As part of the assessment process, a scientific review of Croí’s work was undertaken by two experts from the EAPC. Accreditation is for an initial period of three years.

Professor Martin Halle, President of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology, said that with this accreditation programme, the EAPC aims to set standards for preventive cardiology practice, improving quality of care and cardiovascular health.

“The EAPC accreditation programme enables centres to document that the care they provide is sound and based on the latest guidelines, that infrastructure is in place, that a multi-disciplinary team is present and well-trained, and that procedures are organised in an adequate way.

“We congratulate Croí on this achievement,” he said.

For Neil Johnson, CEO, Croí, the award is a recognition of the professionalism and dedication of staff.

“This award is a recognition of the professionalism and dedication of our health team whowork tirelessly in the fight against heart disease and stroke,” said.

“At Croí, we are committed to delivering a range of programmes, interventions and supports with medical oversight, which are best practice and evidence-based.

“I wish to acknowledge the commitment and dedication of my colleagues who in the midst of this pandemic have swiftly responded to the needs of patients and carers with a range of new online supports and services.

“These include the Heartlink West COVID-19 response service, the development of online cardiac rehabilitation, exercise and dietetic programmes, and virtual stroke support groups.

“For anyone concerned about their heart health or seeking information on heart disease or stroke, I would encourage them to get in touch with our health team today on 091 544310 or by email at info@croi.ie .”

More time sought to complete Roscam housing development

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April 20, 2021

Galway Daily news Planning permission extended to build 113 houses in Moycullen

An extension of planning permission is being sought to complete construction work on a Roscam housing development.

Approval was granted in May of 2016 for the construction of 14 houses with individual garages at Beál Taoide on the Coast Road, Roscam.

Work began on site in early 2018, and construction of the houses themselves commenced in November of that year.

To date, four houses have been completely finished, construction is ongoing on three other units, and site works such as drainage and water infrastructure are complete.

As the original planning permission is due to expire in May of this year, the developer is seeking a five year extension from Galway City Council.

It is currently expected that works will be completed on the housing estate by late 2023 or early 2024 the EOD application states, subject to any COVID-19 restrictions.

The construction sector has only been allowed to return to work on private residential developments on April 12 after being shut for almost all of the past year.

A decision on this EOD application is due from Galway City Council by May 6

Local volunteers needed for nationwide hedgehog survey

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April 20, 2021

People across Ireland are being asked to participate in the second national hedgehog survey by collecting data about the spiky mammals in their local area over the summer.

Researchers at NUI Galway and the National Biodiversity Data Centre have planned a more involved hedgehog survey with citizen scientists invited to carry out assessments in their area between May and September.

The methodology uses footprint tunnels to determine if hedgehogs are present in various habitats.

Volunteers are being asked to place ten small tunnels made from corrugated plastic containing two sheets of paper and ink in the centre to capture the hedgehogs’ footprints, within a 1km square area for five nights, checking them each morning for signs of hedgehogs.

The Irish Hedgehog Survey was launched in the summer of 2020 with members of the public asked to submit records of hedgehog sightings online.

The response to the survey saw over 2,000 hedgehog sightings reported for the year from all over Ireland, with many reporting hedgehogs regularly visiting their gardens through the summer.

Researchers also received many requests for information on how to attract hedgehogs into the garden or help a sick or injured animal so they have produced an informative leaflet called ‘Helping Hedgehogs’ with tips for making your garden more hedgehog friendly.

The Irish Hedgehog Survey forms part of the research of PhD candidate Elaine O’Riordan at NUI Galway, who said that the aim of the survey is to provide information on the types of habitats where hedgehogs occur, and where they don’t.

“We are hopeful that a lot of volunteers will get involved and survey different types of habitats in urban and rural areas,” said Elaine.

“We are delighted with the response to the Hedgehog Survey so far. People seem very interested in hedgehogs and care about them very much.”

Elaine O’Riordan said that they are very pleased to have teamed up with project partners from a number of county councils as well as the National Biodiversity Data Centre, Ulster Wildlife Trust and Cork Nature Network.

“With their support we hope to train and mobilise teams of volunteers in these areas.”

This survey would be suitable for interested individuals, local wildlife or conservation groups and community and youth groups. Participants are welcome from all over Ireland.

Volunteering workshops will be available online in early summer 2021 with more information on the survey, instructions, and equipment needed to carry out the project. There will also be live training events facilitated with the Hedgehog Survey project partners.

Full details of dates and locations of the volunteer workshops will be available on the project website https://www.irishhedgehogsurvey.com/.

For further information on the project, training, or survey news, please email irishhedgehogsurvey@gmail.com.

Galway will face Dublin or Antrim in Leinster hurling championship

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April 20, 2021

Galway Daily sport Club Hurling Championship Draws to take place this evening

Galway will face either Dublin or Antrim in the semi-finals of the Leinster Senior Hurling Championship this year.

The draws for the Leinster Hurling Championship took place this morning, after the Galway footballers already learned what they will face yesterday.

In the Leinster hurling, the Quarter-Finals will consist of Dublin v Antrim, with Galway playing the winner, and Wexford v Laois. Kilkenny will face the winner there in the second semi-final.

All of the quarter and semi-final matches will be played at neutral venues.

Galway GAA’s 2021 Connacht football championship will start with a semi-final match up against 2019 champions Roscommon.

Before that, the only quarter-final will be played between Mayo and Sligo, with the winner going on to face Leitrim.

Council receives hydrological survey assessing flood risk in Moycullen

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April 20, 2021

galway daily news flood works survey moycullen

Galway County Council has received a hydrological survey for Moycullen as plans to tackle the risk of flooding in the village take another step forward.

The survey will now be examined and assessed to look at possible funding for flood prevention works in the village.

A separate application to the Office of Public Works for a minor works grant needed a more in-depth study.

This study focused on the underground channels and the old storm water network which has resulted in flooding in the village, on the Mountain road near the playground and other areas.

Senator Seán Kyne has said flood risk is something that Moycullen village has endured for some years and it is now important to agree the best option to solve the flooding.

“Once agreed, funding will be sought from the OPW or climate action funds,” said Senator Kyne.

Irish Water’s free leak repair scheme extended to 600,000 more homes

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April 20, 2021

Galway Daily news Water outages expected in Loughrea tomorrow

A programme by Irish Water which allows homeowners to access free leak repair services has been extended to hundreds of thousands more homes.

The Commission for Regulation of Utilities has approved Irish Water’s plan to expand the availability of the Free First Fix scheme to 600,000 more domestic and mixed use customers.

The scheme is part of Irish Water’s Leakage Reduction Programme to cut down on the colossal amount of water in the Irish network which is lost to leaks.

It offers a free leak investigation and, when a potential leak has been identified on an external supply pipe on your property, a free repair.

The scheme was first introduced in 2015, and has since carried out approximately 87,000 investigations and 60,400 instances of repairs.

In that time, it is estimated that the scheme has resulted in 155 million litres of water being saved each day, enough to supply 450,000 homes a year.

Geoffrey Bourke of Irish Water said that tackling leakage and waste in the network is a high priority for the utility.

“We are making steady progress by replacing old water mains, fixing leaks and upgrading our water network as part of the Leakage Reduction Programme.”

“The First Fix scheme is an essential tool in tackling the problem of leakage on customers’ property. We welcome the decision to expand the eligibility criteria.”

“Many more customers will now be able to have a leak fixed free of charge and help to conserve our precious water resources.”

The changes to the scheme approved by the CRU this week will allow it to be accessed by domestic customers without meters, people without an internal stop valve, and properties with a shared service connection.

Some mixed-use customers will now also be eligible for the scheme, and homes which show a usage of more than 213,000 litres a year will be prioritised for a leak investigation.

COVID-19: Hospital case numbers remain steady in Galway

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April 20, 2021

Galway daily news COVID-19 cases more than double at UHG

The number of people hospitalised with COVID-19 in Galway has remained steady, while the number of patients in the ICU has increased slightly.

As of Monday night there were 10 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Galway’s acute hospitals, unchanged from the two previous days.

University Hospital Galway reported six confirmed cases, and there were four cases at Portiuncula Hospital.

The number of COVID patients in Intensive Care at Portiuncula has increased to two. UHG reports five patients in the ICU, the same as the day before.

The number of suspected cases in Galway also remained unchanged with three at UHG and two in Ballinasloe.

Nationwide there were 175 people hospitalised with the disease in Ireland as of last night, of whom 48 were in the ICU.

A further 14 new cases were reported in Galway yesterday, out of 403 nationwide.

Galway United announce Jigsaw as 2021 charity partner

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April 20, 2021

Galway Daily sport Galway United announce Jigsaw as 2021 charity partner — Johnny Glynn (Galway United Head of Youth Development), Conor McCormack (Galway United Captain), Justin McDermott (Jigsaw Fundraising Manager), Ruairi Guckian (Galway United Board Member)

Youth mental health charity Jigsaw have been chosen by Galway United as the club’s charity partner for the 2021 season.

Jigsaw is a charity of volunteers and mental health professionals which aims to strengthen mental health support within communities, deliver accessible services to support young people, and create an environment where every young person’s mental wellbeing is treated as importantly as their physical health.

The charity offers advice and a wide range of in person and online mental health support services for people aged from 12 to 25 years old in Galway and throughout Ireland.

Jigsaw Fundraising Manager, Justin McDermott said that they were “delighted to be launching this partnership” with Galway United, saying that it provides them both an opportunity to highlight the supports and services available in the local community.

“It also will enable us to engage with Galway United first team players, academy players, coaching staff, supporters and the wider soccer community in Galway, on the role they play in supporting the mental health of the young people in their lives. Young people need all our help, now more than ever.”

As part of the partnership Galway United FC will be making a donation to Jigsaw, as well as working with Jigsaw on various fundraising for the charity.

To start with, all proceeds from sales of Galway United’s match day programmes will go directly to Jigsaw.

A series of initiatives are planned over the coming year as part of the collaboration, to help players, management, coaches and schools, with specific events and initiatives to be announced in the days ahead.

Johnny Glynn, Head of the Galway United Academy added that “young people need to look after their mental health and the service that Jigsaw provides is invaluable.”

“I am delighted to see a partnership like this, to spread awareness and help those who may be struggling.”

Board member of the club Rosemary Killilea said that they were highly impressed by the charity’s work throughout the country, and wanted to form an effective partnership with them.

“Physical activity like football is great for mental health and this partnership with Jigsaw will help highlight the resources out there for those in the Galway football community and beyond.”

Speaking at the launch Galway United’s 1st Team, captain Conor McCormack said that he was honoured to have been chosen as the ambassador for this partnership.

“Mental health is so important in modern society, with young people going through so much at the moment, particularly with the difficulties of Covid-19 and how it has affected everyone’s daily lives. I want people to know there is help and support out there and that they can reach out.”

Plans for bus depot at vacant commercial site in Moyvilla

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April 20, 2021

Galway Daily news Plans for bus depot at vacant commercial site in Moyvilla

A private coach operator in Galway is seeking planning permission from the county council for a larger bus depot at the site of a former restaurant and grounds near Oranmore.

Donoghue’s of Galway is a private bus and coach operator based in Clarinbridge, which has been in business for more than 50 years.

They are seeking planning permission from Galway County Council for a partial change of use for the site of the former Mother Hubbard’s restaurant in Moyvilla, Oranmore.

The project will turning the large car park and site into parking compound for private commercial buses and small HGVs consisting of 21 bus spaces, 14 small HGV spaces, and ancillary staff parking.

Permission is also being sought for a small car sales area comprising 20 car sales spaces and ancillary visitor/customer car spaces.

Part of the existing vacant former restaurant, which was also briefly used as a pre-school, would also be converted into offices for the businesses.

Planned site works would involve the installation of a new underground wastewater treatment plant, a new petrol interceptor to existing storm water drainage system, and changes to the internal roads layout.

The new bus depot is needed to relieve pressure at their existing location outside Clarinbridge, which has been affected by the downturn in traffic caused by COVID-19.

“With the acute downturn in international travel and government policy prohibiting the free movement of travellers allied to the disruption in school bus services, this has led to the concentration of vehicles on our current depot which impacts the smooth running of operations.”

“The former situation is further exacerbated by the unlikelihood of a return to full operations for at least another 12 months.”

The planning report notes that the restaurant was created with a large parking provision in the first place as it catered to passing motorists and HGVs, which includes a number of existing large spaces for buses etc.

The site is already used by Donoghue’s for the storage of some of their buses, and this project would allow operations to be consolidated into a single location.

A decision on whether to grant planning permission for this bus depot is due from Galway County Council by May 21.

COVID-19: No deaths reported today, 14 new Galway cases

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April 19, 2021

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

The Department of Health has reported 403 new cases of COVID-19 this evening and no further deaths related to the disease.

Of the cases reported today, 14 are in Galway, taking the two-week incidence rate in the county to 84.9 cases per 100,000 people – which is below the national average rate of 115.

A total of 219 new cases have been confirmed in Galway over the past two weeks.

The median age of the cases reported nationally is 31 and 73% of the cases are under the age of 45.

As of 8am today, 183 people with COVID-19 are in hospital across the Republic, of whom 50 are in ICU. There have been 7 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours.

There are ten people in Galway hospitalised with COVID-19 in the latest HSE figures, of whom more than half are in the ICU.

There were six confirmed cases at University Hospital Galway as of 8pm Sunday, and another four at Portiuncula Hospital.

Court baffled by unknown man who refused to say a word to anyone

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April 19, 2021

Galway Daily courts Man sent to trial charged with pulling knife on Garda

Galway District Court was left somewhat baffled today by an unknown accused man who was a complete mystery, having been arrested this morning with no ID and who had maintained complete silence since then.

Garda Bryan Howley gave evidence of arresting the unknown defendant shortly before 9am on Monday morning.

The man, who appeared on the court files only as ‘Unknown Unknown’ had no ID on him at the time of the arrest, and refused to say a single word to the Garda, or anyone else all day.

He has been charged with alleged unauthorised interference with another person’s vehicle, and criminal damage to the same vehicle, on the Rahoon Road.

The unknown man maintained his silence after being charged and cautioned, clearly taking to heart the fact that he was “not obliged to say anything”.

Solicitor Brian Gilmartin told the court that he had attempted to speak with the man during the day as he was held at the court, but that he refused to engage with the lawyer at all.

Judge Mary Fahy said that it was impossible to consider the question of granting the man bail so long the court had no idea who he was.

“It’s an unusual one,” agreed Sergeant Cathal Rodgers, presenting for the state.

It could be possible the man was intoxicated by more than just alcohol, the court heard.

At one point in the proceedings, Judge Fahy asked why there was a date of birth on the file if he was unidentified, and why it seemed to say that he was 121 years old.

Sgt Rodgers explained that Garda Howley had to enter something in order for the computer to generate a charge sheet for the court.

The date of birth of January 1, 1900 “might be a bit off” he acknowledged wryly.

The man will return before the District Court in custody this Wednesday, April 21 by video-link to hear the DPP’s directions, and for the Gardaí to conduct further inquiries.

Galway City’s new Football Development Officer pledges to help increase participation in the sport

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April 19, 2021

galway daily news emer flatley football development officer

The FAI has announced Emer Flatley as Galway City’s new Football Development Officer.

Emer Flatley is taking over from Nigel Keady who has new role as FAI Regional Manager after holding the position of Football Development Manager in the city for eleven years.

The role supports grass roots clubs across the city and delivers programmes to increase participation in football among more disadvantaged groups.

Looking forward to the role, Emer Flatley said that she is “delighted to have the opportunity to step into the role of Football Development Officer and continue to work alongside the Galway City Council to provide a multitude of programs throughout the city.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for me to continue on the great work that has been done previously, and help increase participation in football in Galway,” said Emer.

Galway City Council Chief Executive Brendan McGrath welcomed the appointment, saying that participation in sports in the city is important for the health and well-being of everyone.

“Partnering with the FAI in co-funding this position highlights Galway City Council’s support for the provision of physical activity programmes at a grassroots level across all ages and abilities across all our communities,” he said.

The new FAI Regional Manager Nigel Keady, said they are delighted with the announcement as they continue the strong partnership with Galway City Council.

“As our new Football Development Officer for Galway City, Emer will assist with the development of football in local communities, grassroots clubs and with our volunteers through various inclusion programmes, coaching and the promotion of football,” said Nigel.

Football has proven to be an excellent tool to engage with a broad number of communities, and this facilitates positive social inclusion.

Knock Airport awarded over €2 million funding

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April 19, 2021

Galway Daily news €5 million funding for Knock Airport includes state of the art screening system

Knock Airport has been awarded more than €2 million in COVID-19 funding announced today, while another €6.3 million will go to Shannon Airport.

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Hildegarde Naughton has today announced that more than €11 million has been awarded to four regional airports in Ireland.

Ireland West Aiport Knock will receive €2,185,983 out of €4.8 million for it, Kerry, and Donegal under the Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025.

Shannon Airport has been allocated €6,327,000 under the COVID-19 Regional State Airports Programme 2021.

Minister Naughton said that it has been an “incredibly difficult” year for Regional airports, and that this funding would help them remain sustainable “as they plan to move beyond the largest exogenous shock that the sector has ever faced.”

“I am pleased to say that this year’s funding has also taken climate objectives into account for the first time, representing an important step in the process towards the ‘greening’ of Irish Airports.

“I am confident that today’s allocations, coupled with the impending funding to address the impacts of Covid, will help airports regain their foothold in the aviation market when recovery begins.”

Many of the projects being supported incorporate valuable climate benefits, such as the replacement of vehicles with more efficient, low emission equivalents and the replacement of airfield and external lighting with LEDs.

Other projects funded include new safety and security systems which incorporate more energy efficient components, as well as components that are recyclable at the end of their service life.

New Galway initiative encourages people to help bees and pollinators

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April 19, 2021

galway daily news Funding announced for ten biodiversity projects in Galway

A new initiative has been launched which allows people in Galway to take simple actions to help endangered bees and pollinators.

The Pots for Pollinators project outlines straightforward steps that can be taken by communities, working alongside their local Tidy Towns group, to help make a positive difference to the bee the populations in their area.

One third of bee species in Ireland are threatened with extinction due to the reduction in the number of flowers available to them, as well as safe nesting sites.

Speaking about the project, Mary McGann, Galway County Council, said: “We are delighted to partner with a number of Tidy Towns Groups and the Irish Biodiversity Data Centre on this very important initiative, given that bees and other pollinating insects such as butterflies are in trouble.

“I would like to encourage as many people as possible to take part in this initiative. Every pollinator pot will be a haven for hungry pollinators and is a way for all of us to do our bit for biodiversity.”

Marie Mannion, Heritage Officer, Galway County Council said that people are becoming more conscious of nature and biodiversity and taking a great interest in the birds, bees and bugs that are all around them.

“It is hoped that this simple project Pots for Pollinators which gives details of plants that can be bought in any garden centre in the county will see lots more people helping our pollinators,” said Marie.

Dr Úna FitzPatrick, Project Manager, All-Ireland Pollinator Plan added that changing the fate of our declining wild bees requires all of us to help.

“We are delighted that this flyer has been published to show how people can make a positive difference – even in areas with limited outdoor space.

“Planting a “pot for pollinators” is a wonderful project for patios in nursing homes or hospitals, apartment balconies, urban hotels and small gardens.”

Those interested in getting involved in the Pots for Pollinators initiative can email heritage@galwaycoco.ie and visit the website: https://heritage.galwaycommunityheritage.org/content/topics/biodiversity-and- pollinators/pots-for-pollinators-2

Online vaccination portal opens for 65 year olds

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April 19, 2021

galway daily news astrazeneca covid vaccine blood clots risks side effects

People across the country aged 65 are registering for their COVID-19 vaccination today at the online portal on the HSE’s website.

Everyone between the ages of 65 and 69 has now been invited to register online for their AstraZeneca vaccine, which has been approved for use by the European Medicines Agency and NIAC.

The HSE says there is no rush to register as the portal will remain open, and being first to register will not result in receiving the vaccine first.

Once a person has registered, the HSE will send appointment details by SMS text message, three to seven days before their vaccination is due to take place.

People aged 65 to 69 will be vaccinated during April or May at one of the HSE vaccination centres across the country.

The Taoiseach said last week that the immediate focus of the vaccine plan is on those at higher risk and those aged 60 and over and that the remainder of the population in order of age will follow.

All people in this age group should register online if they have not already been vaccinated or received an appointment.

Those who have an appointment for vaccination already, through work, or because of a health condition, don’t need to register online.

NUIG students to vote in referendum on reducing college costs

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April 19, 2021

Students at NUI Galway will head to the virtual polls this Thursday to vote in a referendum proposed by the Students’ Union to reduce the student levy.

The SU is asking students to vote yes looks to remove the €100 charge that they have been paying for the Sports Centre Building, reducing the amount paid each year from €224 to €140.

The new restructured levy of €140 would allow for funding for sports clubs, societies and the Student Health Unit, the Students’ Union says.

But some clubs and societies have raised concerns about the impact the levy reduction would have on student services, access to student spaces and funding.

Clubs have raised concerns about there being no guarantee on who will make up the deficit in funding, as the new proposed levy would decrease the amount of money the Student Project Fund (SPF) receives from around €800,000 to €82,000 a year.

The SPF has provided clubs with roughly €200,000 per year over the last five years for capital investment projects.

Through this fund disability services, library services, student health and counselling have all been provided with extra funding.

On Thursday students will also be voting online to elect their three full time Students’ Union Officers for the 2021/22 academic year.

SU President Pádraic Toomey encouraged all members to “get online and vote Yes this Thursday to reduce this financial burden.

“The SU has been working on this issue for years and the time has come for change at NUI Galway,” he said.

“Not even SUSI covers the student levy and it’s a massive barrier to education. Students have been paying for the Sports Centre Building for too long – this needs to stop.”

Students’ Union Vice-President/Education Officer Emma Sweeney added: “The new levy will reduce the annual costs for students whilst also providing €2.3m for services our students really need.

“There will be increased funding for student Sports Clubs, Societies, the Health Unit, CÉIM Peer Learning, Flirt FM and the Students’ Union.

“We are asking everyone to vote Yes this Thursday to ensure money goes where it’s really needed.”

COVID-19: Six patients in Intensive Care in Galway

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April 19, 2021

There are ten people in Galway hospitalised with COVID-19 in the latest HSE figures, of whom more than half are in the ICU.

There were six confirmed cases at University Hospital Galway as of 8pm Sunday, and another four at Portiuncula Hospital.

Of those, five COVID patients at UHG and one at Portiuncula Hospital were in the Intensive Care Unit.

There were a further five suspected cases recorded last night for which test results were awaited, three in Galway City and two in Ballinasloe.

Nationwide there were 186 patients in hospital with COVID-19 on Sunday night, of whom 46 were in the ICU. One death among critical care patients was recorded in the 24 hours prior.

Dr Ronan Glynn, Acting Chief Medical Officer, said yesterday that the declining incidence rate of the virus across all age groups is a result of the “enormous efforts of people across society”.

“If we can keep incidence relatively low over the coming weeks, vaccination will increasingly play a role in suppressing this virus.”

“This will make it easier for all of us to balance the risks associated with COVID-19 while gradually easing public health measures.”

Portumna Courthouse to become arts centre and remote working hub with €2.5m grant

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April 19, 2021