NUI Galway student nurses raise over €2,000 for homeless

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February 25, 2021

The COVID rate in Galway City Central is more than five times the national average – and again the worst affected local area in the entire country.

The local electoral area now has a 14-day incidence rate of 1,292 cases per 100,000 people, with 345 cases confirmed there over two weeks.

The incidence rate in the LEA was also the highest in Ireland last week, at 951.2 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.

Elsewhere in the city, the COVID rates are lower – Galway City West LEA has a 14-day rate of 177.4 (45 cases in 14 days) and Galway City East LEA recorded an incidence rate of 579.1 – which is still one of the highest in the country.

The rate in Conamara North stood at 104.7 cases per 100,000 inhabitants when the data was taken, while in Conamara South the rate is much the same, at 107.8.

A total of 41 cases were confirmed across the two Conamara electoral areas in the 14 days to 22 February.

In East Galway, the incidence rate in Ballinasloe is now 266.8, while in Loughrea it is just 99.1 cases per 100,000 people.

In Tuam LEA, which was the worst affected area in the county for three weeks this year, the rate now stands at 229.

A total of 40 cases were recorded in the Athenry-Oranmore area during the two-week period, so the rate there is now 121.8 cases per 100,000 people.

The incidence rate in Gort-Kinvara fell from 195.7 last week to 157.4 this week, with 37 confirmed COVID cases in two weeks.

At the time the data was collected, the national 14-day incidence rate was 240.4 – but this has fallen to 226.1 as of this evening.

Twenty-six new Galway cases were reported by health officials today, taking the 14-day incidence rate here to 315.4 per 100,000 people. A total of 814 cases have been reported in the past two weeks.

COVID-19: 35 deaths today and 26 Galway cases

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February 25, 2021

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

There have been 35 additional deaths related to COVID-19 reported by NPHET today, along with 613 new confirmed cases.

Of today’s cases 26 are in Galway. The 14-day incidence rate here is now 315.4 per 100,000 people, and 814 cases have been reported in the past two weeks.

Today’s deaths occurred in people aged from 53 to 102 years old, and the average age of those who died was 85.

21 of these deaths occurred in February, 12 occurred in January, one took place last November, and one further death is under investigation.

As of 8am today, 591 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised in Ireland, of whom 138 are in ICU. Another 20 people have been hospitalised in the past 24 hours.

“We are making good progress and can see that many of the key indicators of disease levels in our communities are continuing to fall,” said Dr Ronan Glynn, adding, “This progress is the reason we are able to reopen our schools in a cautious and phased basis.”

“However, we must remember that COVID-19 is still circulating at a high level and, we are still seeing positivity rates of around 15% in the community.”

“As we see more of our children return to school next week, it is important that we continue to follow all of the public health guidance, including on the school run.”

There have now been a total of 217,478 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland, and 4,271 deaths related to the disease.

Of the cases notified today:

308 are men / 304 are women
66% are under 45 years of age
the median age is 34 years old
224 in Dublin, 39 in Limerick, 37 in Meath, 34 in Westmeath, 33 in Offaly and the remaining 246 cases are spread across all other counties.

The COVID-19 Dashboard provides up-to-date information on the key indicators of the disease in the community.

Dr Lucy Jessop, Director, National Immunisation Office, said “In the last ten days, we have seen Ireland’s COVID-19 Vaccination Programme move into the community.”

“Many of us know family and friends who are among the almost 360,000 people to have been vaccinated in recent weeks. This is cause for great hope for all of us.”

“The vaccine is already having a significant impact on our healthcare workers. In the last week in January, almost 1,400 healthcare workers contracted COVID-19; that number was less than 300 last week.”

“This is wonderful news and clearly demonstrates the early impact the vaccination programme is having,” Dr Jessop said.

“However, even if you have received your COVID-19 vaccine, you must continue to wash your hands, wear a face covering, maintain a social distance and keep your close contacts to a minimum.”

Galway lotto players urged to check tickets for unclaimed €46,234 prize

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February 25, 2021

Galway daily news galway syndicate claims 133,000 euro prize

The National Lottery is urging lotto players in Knocknacarra to check their tickets from before Christmas as a €46,234 prize sits unclaimed.

On Sunday, December 12 a ticket sold at Clybaun Stores on the Clybaun Road, Knocknacarra matched 5 numbers and the bonus number in the Lotto draw.

The winning numbers on the evening draw were 3, 08, 10, 18, 22, 30 and the bonus number was 31.

The 90 day deadline for claiming the €46,234 prize is March 12, which is just over two weeks away.

The winning ticket was sold at Clybaun Stores on the same day as the draw.

A National Lottery spokesperson has called on all Lotto players in Galway to carefully check their old Lotto tickets to ensure that they do not miss out on this prize.

“We are urging anybody who may have purchased a Lotto ticket in Knocknacarra in Galway last December to carefully check their tickets as the expiry date for the outstanding prize is getting close with just over two weeks left to claim.”

“If you are this lucky winner, please be sure to sign the back of the ticket and immediately contact our prize claims team on 1800 666 222 or email claims@lottery.ie and we will make arrangements for you to collect your prize.”

N65 Roadworks disrupting Portumna traffic

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February 25, 2021

Galway Daily news Roadworks to disrupt traffic near Portumna on Tuesday

Roadworks taking place on the N65 on the outskirts of Portumna will continue to disrupt traffic in the area until Friday evening.

Galway County Council is carrying out resurfacing overlay works on the N65 at Woodpark/Attygara, Portumna.

The two day works got underway this morning, and are expected to be completed by Friday evening.

In order to facilitate these works, a temporary traffic management Stop/Go system will be in place on the N65 from 7:45am to 6pm on Thursday and Friday.

As a consequence motorists in Portumna should expect delays and as such should allow additional time for their journeys.

The roadworks are being carried out by Lagan Asphalt Ltd on behalf of the county council.

An Bord Pleanála green lights plans for 121 homes at Barna

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February 25, 2021

Galway Daily news High Court strikes down challenge to large Barna housing development

An Bord Pleanála has granted planning approval for the constructions of 121 homes on the outskirts of Barna.

Buekeway Homes submitted a Strategic Housing Development application for the construction of 121 houses, apartments, and duplex units across the townlands of Truskey East, Truskey West, Freeport and Ahaglugger in Barna.

The breakdown of housing in the plans consists of 52 houses, 37 of which are three-bed and 15 of which are four-bed houses; 36 duplex units across five blocks; and 33 apartments in four blocks.

The estate will also include a creche with outdoor play areas, footpath connectivity along the L-1321 road, communal open spaces, and a park along Truskey Stream.

In making its decision, An Bord Pleanála said that it considered the development “would constitute an acceptable residential density at this location, would not seriously injure the residential or visual amenity of the area, would be acceptable in terms of urban design, height and quantum of development and would be acceptable in terms of surface water management and traffic and pedestrian safety and convenience.”

Planning permission for the housing development was granted by the board with a total of thirty conditions attached.

The developer must agree on the number of bicycle parking spaces to be provided with the county council, and a minimum of 10% of all car parking spaces must have electric vehicle charging stations.

Burkeway must also ensure that for the next 15 years at least 20% of the housing in the new estate is reserved for people who can “preserve and protect the language and culture of the Gaeltacht”.

An archaeologist must also be appointed to ensure that mitigation measures outlined in the Environmental Impact Assessment report are implemented during the construction phase.

The construction work is to be carried out on a phased basis, with the pedestrian footpath along the L-1321 to be installed in Phase 1, before any of the homes are available for occupation.

This is the second time Burkeway has been given approval for a housing development at Barna, after being granted permission by An Bord Pleanála for a 197 unit estate on an acre site at Truskey East in November 2018.

But that approval was struck down by the High Court after a judicial review was secured by Gabriel McGoldrick and Heather Hill Management Co, management company of an existing residential development nearby.

The court, in that case, said that the plans contravened the County Development Plan as the scale of it would ” breach the population allocation for Bearna”, and noted that the site was identified as a flood risk.

There were 23 submissions made to An Bord Pleanala concerning this development, objecting to it on the grounds that it also contravenes the county development plan.

Concerns were also raised by local residents about the scale and density of the development, negative impacts on nearby residential amenity, and potential road safety issues caused by increased traffic along the local road.

Silverstrand Beach to remain closed next week to complete works

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February 25, 2021

Galway Daily news Silverstrand Beach closed for the next two weeks

Silverstrand Beach will remain closed next week in order to complete works that started two weeks ago.

Galway City Council confirmed that the access road will remain closed to pedestrians and cyclists, and access to the beach for swimming and other water-based activities is not permitted.

Essential repairs have been taking place at the beach since Monday, February 15.

It was hoped that the repairs would be completed by this Monday, March 1, however the works will continue in the first week of March.

Galway City Council will provide an update next week on the status of Silverstrand Beach.

What You Need To Know About Moving To Ireland From The UK

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Thomas O'Brien

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February 25, 2021

When most of us think about Moving to Ireland, we think of beautiful green hills. Striking it rich playing the Irish lotto at Lottoland, and friendly folks at neighbourhood pubs. But, people who live there know there is so much more.

There is a rich history and culture that is evident everywhere you look. Take Galway for example, where you can visit St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church. You can walk where kings, princes, explorers (such as Columbus), and even victims of famine, and lepers have been sheltered. For 700 years, millions of worshippers have prayed in these rooms.

You will see the beauty of the sea, the majesty of the mountains, and hear the Irish native tongue as folks walk the streets. You will see this is not just an Irish tale, it is home to millions, and they will welcome you too.

To make your move to Ireland from the UK easier, we have put together this little to-do list. We believe you will find it helpful.

Photo credit: geralt

Job Hunting

Unless you are prepared to live for quite some time without employment, it is wise to do job searches before you move to Ireland. As in many parts of the world, the Pandemic has disrupted the economy. There are a lot of qualified people out of work or under-employed currently. Of course, you should look for work in your field of skill and education, but be open to expanding. Here are some tips:

Update your resume
Use your social media sites to network with people
- You may want to use different social media pages for networking to keep business and personal separate.
Stay current on your Linkedin page
Create or update a references page
If you have (and you should have) a personal website, use it to show some of your work
- Projects you have managed
- The artwork you have created
- Students you have successfully taught
Use Indeed or a “head-hunter” site to get you interviews.

NOTE: If you are contacted by a company asking you to send them a fee to process your resume and application in Ireland, this is a scam. No legitimate company will ask you to pay them to use your resume. They get a commission when a company hires someone they send to them.

Begin your home search

Housing in Ireland is available but you need to do your homework. If you have friends and family in the area, let them look around for you. Landlords ask for a notice when a tenant is going to move. This allows them to advertise the place for a new family. This also gives you a chance well in advance to look for your new home.

Ireland housing is more expensive than the neighboring UK. Again, take advantage of any friends or family who own or anyone who they know that may have a good deal for a friend.

Be aware of the train routes as you rent or buy. Being near a train that travels toward your destination is a wise move.

What can you expect to pay when you find a house?

Moving in you will be expected to pay a deposit which will equal one month’s rent. You will also need to pay your first month’s rent in advance. Some flats factor in the price of electricity and others put the purchase of electricity in your hands. This is something you will need to discuss at the time of the rental.

Electricity or gas or both
Water
Waste
Annual TV license (an Irish Government requirement if you have a TV)
Parking (if you plan to purchase a car)
Note: Internet, cell phone, cable TV are options.

SORT OUT TAX

One of two guarantees in life, don’t leave this until the last minute. There is some reading and work to be done so make sure you allow enough time for it all. Gov.UK has a useful page with links to the forms you need to complete. On the Irish side Citizens Information has a great section for Irish citizens who wish to move back that is worth consulting early in the process for information on things like tax, banking, and healthcare. If you are reading this as a UK citizen interested in moving to Ireland, Citizens Advice offers advice on moving to work in Ireland.

Clean up and Pack

First things first. If it is junk, clutter, or something you really don’t use, don’t pay someone to move it.

Tips for donations:

There are a lot of people in need right now due to the pandemic, closed schools, job-loss, and COVID. Please keep these things in mind when you are getting rid of items you are not going to move.

Food

Food that is nearing its expiration date needs to be eaten, If you are not going to get to it before you begin your move, donate it. Contact your local food bank. They will take any can or dry food that is not past the date. Some may have a freezer to take frozen foods prepared at a supermarket or butcher shop, but most do not.

You can take all food to a homeless shelter or a shelter for abused women and children. They will usually accept any type of food you offer.

Finally, take food to the minister of your church. He is usually aware of families in the congregation that need help with food.

Clothes

Warm clothes are always needed. Missions have clothes closets, as do churches, emergency shelters. Elementary schools often need extra jackets. If you have clothes that you no longer wear, please make a donation.

Money

Let your bank know about the move. Open a new bank account in Ireland. Once you have had security put into place, make sure you have enough money in the account. Also, take credit cards that are used everywhere and relax. You will be safe as long as you keep a close eye on things.

This should give you a good start. So keep to the plan and you will be living your dream before you know it. Your new life is waiting for you, so what are you waiting for?

Main image credit: hanks truck pictures

Thousands sign petition to restore Salthill Tidal Pools

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February 25, 2021

galway daily Public consultation on reopening Salthill tidal pools

A petition to restore the tidal pools in Salthill has received almost 2,500 signatures in just two days, and is well on track to hit its target of 3,000 signatures before the weekend.

The My Uplift petition was created two days ago by Ronan McGuire and has attracted widespread support across social media, gaining over 1,000 signatures since yesterday.

The petition argues that sea swimming is at an all-time high in Galway and across Ireland, and people are making the most out of the outdoors now more than ever.

“The tidal pools in Salthill have been left unused for several decades. They were once full of life, being enjoyed by Galwegians of all ages for swimming,” reads the statement on the official petition page.

“We think they should be reopened so they can be enjoyed by the community once again.

“Tidal pools allow members of the public to swim in a protected area, whilst being right by the sea. We believe now is the perfect time for Salthill to reopen the tidal pools.”

The petition will support an application to Galway City Council under the Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029 to reopen the pools.

It can be found HERE.

NUIG Students’ Union support Student Accommodation Bill

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February 25, 2021

NUIG SU USI Accommodation Bill Launch — NUIGSU Vice-President/Education Officer Emma Sweeney and President Pádraic Toomey

NUI Galway Students’ Union is supporting today’s launch of the Student Accommodation Bill campaign by the Union of Students in Ireland (USI).

The USI bill, which aims to address the issues that have impacted student tenants during the pandemic, is being supported by Sinn Féin, Social Democrats, Labour Party, Solidarity- PBP/Rise and Independents for Change.

The Bill contains a waiver on rent for students who cannot access their accommodation when expected due to local lockdowns or in the case of changes to college start or finish dates.

Students would also be enabled to end leases and other rental contracts early in the case of another wave or lockdown and landlords would not be allowed to withhold deposits.

The Bill would prevent penalties for early termination of leases and other rental contracts for COVID-related reasons, as well as evictions of students during the pandemic and landlords would be obliged to return prepaid rents in the case of another wave or lockdown.

“NUI Galway students have been hugely impacted this year in so many ways but the stress of paying for accommodation that they sometimes aren’t even using has left many at breaking point,” said Students’ Union President Pádraic Toomey.

“The USI Bill will not fix the student accommodation crisis but it will be a very important step in the right direction.

Students’ Union Vice-President/Education Officer Emma Sweeney added that students were advised to get accommodation by the University and now find themselves paying for rooms that they can ill afford.

“We hope this Bill will go some way towards ensuring students won’t be in this position again,” said Emma.

Celebrate exceptional young people with 2021 Garda Youth Awards

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February 25, 2021

Galway Daily news Missing 17 year old teenager found safe and well

Galway Gardaí are inviting the public to nominate exceptional young people who have contributed to their community for the annual Garda Youth awards.

The Garda Youth Awards, now in their 3rd year, celebrate outstanding young people aged between 13 and 21 who make their community a better place.

Chief Superintendent Tom Curley of the Galway Garda Division said, “The nomination process is open to everyone, so if you know of a young person who is committed to making a difference to their community, please put them forward, as every nominee will receive a certificate, even if they do not win an award.

“This way, all nominees are recognised for their efforts, and the certificate is a very valuable item to have on a young person’s CV into the future”.

There are four categories for the awards:

Individual Award: Making a positive contribution to their community, making it a better place to live.

Group Award: Groups of two or more, making a positive contribution to their community, making it a better place to live.

Special Achievement Award:Overcome difficult circumstances, defied all the odds, and whose commitment deserves recognition.

Community Safety Award: Through a crime prevention or safety initiative / innovation, have made their community a safer place to live.

Superintendent Sean Glynn added that due to COVID-19 young people haven’t had the same opportunity to engage in projects and community, but that many have still found ways to contribute during this crisis.

“We have also witnessed that many young people were active in their communities throughout the Covid 19 crisis, volunteering and becoming involved in a variety of projects that supported both the vulnerable in the community, and frontline services.”

Nominations for the Garda Youth Awards are open March 23, 2021.

Application forms can be requested by emailing: Gaillimh.GovernancePS@garda.ie, or are available from any Garda Station in the Galway Division as well as participating stores of the awards’ sponsor Supervalu in.

24 Covid patients in Galway hospitals despite surge in cases

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February 25, 2021

There are 24 people with COVID-19 receiving care at Galway hospitals, the latest HSE data shows.

Twenty of those are in University Hospital Galway, while at Portiuncula Hospital there are four confirmed cases.

Six people with the virus at UHG are in ICU, while none of the four cases at Portiuncula are receiving critical care as yesterday evening.

Across the country, there were 135 people in ICUs yesterday evening, of which 93 are on ventilators.

Galway now has the second highest 14-day incidence rate in the country after Offaly.

Galway recorded 37 new cases of the disease yesterday, taking the 14-day incidence rate to 327.4 cases per 100,000 inhabitants with 845 cases confirmed in the past fortnight.

A further 574 cases of COVID-19 were reported by health officials across Ireland, as well as 56 more deaths related to the virus.

NUI Galway to host Traveller Ethnicity Day next week

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February 25, 2021

Galway Daily news Galway universities awarded over €2 million for new research equipment

NUI Galway is to host a series of online events on Monday 1 March 2021 as part of Traveller Ethnicity Day.

Minister Simon Harris, Senator Eileen Flynn, children’s author Richard O’Neill and US-based academic Professor Sharon Gmelch are among those taking part.

Monday marks five years since the Government officially recognised Irish Travellers as an ethnic group.

And to mark the anniversary, the flag of the Mincéirs Whiden Society, the only university society for Irish Travellers, will fly above the Quad at NUI Galway and a series of films will be shown including a specially produced short documentary Travellers in Higher Education: Building a Sense of Belonging.

Other events planned for the day include panel discussions on pathways to education and a career in teaching and what the State’s recognition of Traveller ethnicity has meant for the community.

The full schedule of events and how to access them is available at https://www.eventbrite.ie/o/nui-galway-irish-traveller-ethnicity-day-2021-32639303919

“Even with the limitations placed on the University because of COVID-19, the events planned for March 1st 2021 are both hugely symbolic and an important showcase and support for the Travelling community,” said Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, President of NUI Galway.

“They resonate with our values of openness and respect. I look forward to taking part on the day.

“Being able to highlight the opportunities in our University is central to the strategy we are pursuing at NUI Galway of Shared Vision, Shaped by Values. Our community, of which the Travelling community is a part, is proud to see initiatives like this, for the public good.”

Imelda Byrne, Head of NUI Galway’s Access Centre, said, “We are delighted to celebrate Traveller Ethnicity Day again this year, and to further embed the progress made by the Access Centre in supporting Travellers to access higher education and become a part of NUI Galway community.”

Owen Ward, Programme Coordinator in NUI Galway’s Access Centre who is leading the day’s events, added that they are highlighting the openness of NUI Galway, its commitment to showcasing the rich heritage of the Travelling community and the importance of building bridges between all communities.

“NUI Galway are the only university in Ireland to officially celebrate Traveller Ethnicity Day annually through a day long series of events and there is a great commitment to widening the participation of Irish Travellers in third level education,” said Owen.

“Through a strong collaboration of numerous partners across the NUI Galway community, this event creates the opportunity for all students, including Irish Travellers, to start planning to study and build their sense of belonging at NUI Galway.”

37 new COVID cases in Galway as county becomes 2nd worst hit in Ireland

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February 24, 2021

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

A further 574 cases of COVID-19 have been reported by health officials this evening, as well as 56 more deaths related to the virus.

Galway has 37 new cases of the disease, taking the 14-day incidence rate here to 327.4 cases per 100,000 inhabitants with 845 cases confirmed in the past fortnight.

Galway now has the second highest 14-day COVID rate in the country after Offaly.

The median age of the COVID-related deaths reported today was 82, and the youngest person to die was just 16 years old.

There has been a total of 4,237 deaths related to the disease in the state.

Dr Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer said that the good progress needs to be sustained.

“It is vital that we get our children back to school over the coming weeks. A key part of making this a success will be our continued collective buy-in to the public health measures that are tried and tested. Stay at home, work from home where possible.”

“Given the increased transmissibility of the virus now, we must continue to limit our social contacts and do all we can to starve this disease of opportunities to spread.”

As of 8am today, 652 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 137 are in ICU. 35 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours.

Galway-based writer’s fantastic new novel to be published in March

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February 24, 2021

galway daily news culture new book published in galway by american author about farming

Ryan Dennis, an American writer based in Galway, will have his brilliant new novel published in March by Epoque Press.

The Beasts They Turned Away follows ageing Irish farmer Íosac Mulgannon trying to keep his senility and his farm, while trying to protect a mute boy in his care who is burdened with a particular curse.

The book allegorises present Irish farming and is the only piece of fiction that addresses such concerns in modern agriculture.

Ryan grew up on a small dairy farm in the western part of New York State and has always had an interest in writing about farming and telling the story of the family farm.

In the US, family farms came under threat and in 2014 his parents were forced to sell their herd.

Since then, Ryan’s passion for writing about agriculture has become his main focus.

“Specifically, I looked for different ways in which to spark, disseminate and nuance the public dialogue in regards to supporting family agriculture, and to emphasize the value of doing so,” he said.

“I took a specific interest in Irish agriculture, partly because Ireland is one of the few places in which farming is still somewhat integrated into the social fabric of the general public, as evidenced with programmes such as Countrywide and the presence of farming in the media.

“In the US, family farming is all but entirely disappeared, and it is far from the mind of the average citizen.”

But Ryan fears for the future of Irish agriculture.

“Just as the United States did not learn from specific policies in Australia in 2001 that saw a majority of its family farms go out of business, I think there are certain lessons from US agriculture that the EU is ignoring, and which may specifically impact Ireland the most,” he said.

“In short, there are certain policy ideologies in place that will cause Irish farms to disappear in the near to intermediate future.”

Ryan moved to Galway to explore Irish farming and completed a practice-in-research PhD at NUI Galway which combined fiction writing and the academic study of ag policy.

The most significant result of this project is a literary novel titled The Beasts They Turned Away that will be published by Epoque Press on March 11th.

“Ultimately, the novel is a part of my lifetime goal, which is to help prevent other farming families from going through what my family did,” he added.

Pandemic Unemployment numbers in Galway continue to fall

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February 24, 2021

Galway Daily news Details announced for reopened Pandemic Unemployment scheme

The number of people receiving pandemic unemployment in Galway has continued to show moderate declines after turning around last week.

There are 25,304 people in receipt of pandemic unemployment in Galway this week, down 192 people on the week before.

There were 510 people in Galway who closed their PUP account with the Department of Social Protection in the week leading up to February 23.

In total 473,400 in Ireland received the Pandemic Unemployment Payment this week, a decrease of 4,252 on last week.

These figures are in addition to the 188,543 people who were on the Live Register at the end of January.

Minister Heather Humphreys said of the figures “For the second time in two weeks, we have seen the number of people in receipt of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment decrease.”

“We have also seen decreases in the number of PUP recipients across every county which is to be welcomed.”

More than €6 billion has been paid out through the PUP scheme since it was introduced last March, more than three years worth of Jobseekers payment.

Minister Humphreys said that this shows the “commitment to supporting workers and indeed businesses” of the government during this pandemic.

It was announced this week that the Pamdemic Unemploymemt Scheme, which was due to expire on March 31, is being extended to the end of June.

This comes after the government announced that Level 5 lockdown conditions will continue until April 5 at least.

Step forward in plans to form new Technological University including GMIT

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February 24, 2021

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

The formation of the Connacht Ulster Alliance – a merging of GMIT, Letterkenny IT and IT Sligo – has taken a step forward.

Minister Simon Harris confirmed to Senator for Roscommon-Galway Aisling Dolan today that the Alliance is hoping to have their application for its formation submitted in March.

Minister Harris will then appoint an advisory panel in relation to the establishment of the alliance and a report will be submitted to the Higher Education Authority.

“The expansion of TU’s will be a game-changer as it will create dynamic campuses focused on research and innovation which will drive investment to our region,” said Senator Aisling Dolan this afternoon.

“I am delighted to hear that the international independent review of the Technological University with Athlone IT and Limerick IT has recently been completed and this report will be due at the end of March.”

She said that the Connacht Ulster Alliance are due to submit their application at the end of March and this will cover five campuses including GMIT in Galway city and Mountbellew Agricultural College.

“I welcome the Minister’s commitment to a cohesive single research strategy and key agency objectives to support the Higher Educations Institutes and Technological Universities,” added Senator Dolan.

Farrell welcomes vaccine update for those with underlying conditions

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February 24, 2021

galway daily mairead farrell td sinn fein nurses midwives pay

Galway West TD Mairéad Farrell has welcomed news that people with underlying conditions will be moved up the priority list for a COVID-19 vaccine.

The Sinn Féin TD said that tens of thousands of people with serious underlying health conditions have been effectively unable to leave their homes for the last year because of the virus.

“This has been a deeply anxious period and people have been understandably highly concerned by the lack of priority given to them in the vaccine rollout so far,” said Deputy Farrell.

“I hope this development will give them some peace of mind.”

But the Galway West TD said that she remains deeply concerned by the fact that family carers are still not treated as a priority group, which she described as ‘unacceptable’.

“Many family carers have also been unable to leave their homes for almost a year as they try to protect their loved one from this disease,” said Deputy Farrell.

“They are feeling stressed, isolated and abandoned by this Government.

“We must ensure that family carers are also considered a priority group, so that they can protect themselves and their households.

“I will continue to press the government on this and ensure that family carers are not abandoned on this crucial issue.”

NUI Galway announces new partnership with Rowing Ireland

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February 24, 2021

galway daily rowing ireland nui galway news

NUI Galway has announced a new partnership with Rowing Ireland which will help develop the high-performance programme at NUI Galway.

The college will become an official Pathway University, developing talented athletes for international selection at Under 23 and eventually Olympic level.

The partnership will also provide value to NUI Galway coaches with Rowing Ireland helping to upskill them, improving the rowing programme on campus.

This will in turn increase the number of NUI Galway athletes on the national squad.

“We are very excited about this New Partnership with Rowing Ireland’s High Performance Programme,” said Mike Heskin, Director of Sport and Physical Activity at NUI Galway.

“The University has been developing partnerships with a number of the High Performance Sport programmes in Ireland involving both domestic and Olympic sports.

“These partnerships will prove hugely beneficial to our University athletes by providing a clean pathway for them to archive their athletic goals.”

He said that they are especially delighted to be in partnership with Rowing Ireland to build on the existing relationship which has provided Olympians in the recent past.

“We hope to see a number of other sports follow Rowing’s Lead and operate a high performance programme from the NUI Galway’s campus.”

NUI Galway head coach, Ciro Prisco will continue to build on his experience as part of Rowing Ireland’s High-Performance coaching team.

He will take up the new position of temporary High-Performance assistant coach, working with the team at the National Rowing Centre while combining his duties as NUI Galway head coach, overseeing the development of the club programme in Galway.

Commenting on today’s announcement, High-Performance Director Antonio Maurogiovanni, said, “We are delighted to have NUI Galway as a partner in supporting the High-Performance Programme Pathway.

“Along with our partnership with Queens, NUI Galway will have an essential role in our High-Performance programme’s success in the years to come.

“We welcome Ciro Prisco to our High-Performance team in an important role as Assistant Coach for our High-Performance Senior Athletes. Ciro will be a valuable member of the team, and we look forward to working with him and supporting him alongside his role in NUI Galway.”

Michelle Carpenter, Rowing Ireland Chief Executive Officer, added that NUI Galway has a history of producing World Class athletes, and this partnership will benefit both NUI Galway and Rowing Ireland for the future.

“This partnership is a testament to the vision and hard work that our High-Performance Team has put in,” said Michelle.

“I want to thank Antonio Maurogiovanni and Fran Keane for their hard work in getting this over the line.”

Modern six bedroom house has stunning lake views

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February 24, 2021