A status yellow weather warning for rain has been issued for Galway and 11 other counties in the west and midlands.
Met Éireann’s warning was issued earlier this afternoon and will come into effect at 6pm tomorrow, Wednesday.
The warning will last until Thursday morning at 6am, and the weather chiefs say there is a risk of localised flooding overnight.
Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Meath, Monaghan, Roscommon, Sligo, and Westmeath are also affected by the rainfall warning.
The Dáil will debate a motion backed by multiple Galway TDs this week to introduce tougher penalties for stealing family pets.
When the Dáil returns on Wednesday, one of the items on the agenda for debate is the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) (Amendment) Bill 2020.
A group of regional TDs is saying that the government should use this bill as a vehicle to quickly enact changes to law to bring in tougher penalties for pet thieves, recognising that it is different from stealing other property.
The Regional Group includes Galway TDs Seán Canney, Noel Grealish, and Denis Naughten.
In 2020 the Gardaí received 14 reports per day of an animal being stolen the Independent TD said.
Under current law this is treated as the theft of property, no different than a mobile phone.
However, Deputy Canney said that this doesn’t take into account the “emotional distress” that comes from having a pet stolen.
“We all know that pets are much more than property, they are very much part of a family in homes across our country,” Seán Canney said.
“Sometimes the only friend to someone who is isolated, the guide for someone who is blind or has other sensory issues, and this needs to be clearly reflected in much stronger legislation”.
Deputy Canney said that there is a need to raise public awareness of the issue of pets being stolen, as there would be “no demand for criminals to steal them” if people were not buying them.
“Those purchasing animals should make sure that they are microchipped and have the details on the chip checked in advance of purchase”.
“We are also urging people to get their dogs microchipped, especially those who came to new homes at Christmas and ensure that the details stored on the chip are kept up-to-date so they can be easily identified if found.”
After the first lockdown last April, a number of legendary figures in Galway GAA took park in a unique initiative to help vulnerable people deal with their isolation with their gift of the gab.
With Ireland in Level 5 lockdown once again, which will now continue to early March at least, multiple Galway GAA stars are once again making themselves available for a chat with fans living alone over the phone.
Brendan Mulry of Irish Rural Link is managing the initiative again in association with Galway GAA, Paul Byrnes Media and support from the ‘Keep Well’ Resilience Campaign.
The sports stars taking part in the initiative include 3-time All-Ireland winning manager Cyril Farrell, 3-time All-Ireland winner Noel Lane and Joe Connolly who captained Galway to All-Ireland success in 1980 as well as All-Star footballer John Tobin.
“We are very lucky to have the likes of Cyril, Joe, John and Noel all on board for this project. They are all legends of the game and are very kindly giving up their time to help,” said Paul.
If you would like to receive a call from one of our legends or would like to arrange a call on behalf of a family member or friend just contact Brendan on 087 2194243 or brendan@irishrurallink.ie who will arrange the calls over the coming weeks.
Btendan Mulry said; “While there aren’t any firm rules, the focus is really on those fans who maybe need this most.
“Think of a parent or grandparent who is at home alone and would love to chat all things GAA with one of our legends.”
Pat Kearney, Chairperson of Galway GAA said that this initiative was a great success last year, helping many people “stuck at home” cocooning.
“It’s still a very difficult time for everybody so projects like this really help in these uncertain times.”
Galway City Community Network is urging community groups to have their say on the future of the city by taking part in a public consultation process for the next City Development Plan in February.
The GCCN is hosting a series of thematic online townhalls next month for groups with a stake in the city to have their first say in the City Development Plan 2023-2029 during the pre-draft public consultation stage.
At a meeting of the GCCN City Development Plan Task Group, members emphasised the need to ensure that the new plan will represent the interests of the diverse communities in the city.
It was also emphasises that the plan must tackle issues of deep concern such as the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, the housing crisis, sustainable transport and economic inequality, delivering in the process a tangible legacy for Galway communities.
Brendan Mulligan, from Engineers Ireland West Region, a member of GCCN, said “Every 6 years the preparation of a new City Development Plan gives those of us who live and work in Galway an opportunity to have our say in shaping the future of our city.
“Let’s all get proactively involved in a meaningful collaboration with Galway City Council and others in making Galway a better, happier, healthier more prosperous place for us all”.
Galway City Community Network (GCCN) is a network of 145 community, voluntary and environmental organisations active in Galway City, serving as a conduit between those groups and Galway City Council.
The townhall meeting dates and topics for February are:
Ann Irwin, GCCN Co-ordinator, said: “Given the limitations brought by the current pandemic, people have Zoom and consultation fatigue by now.
“GCCN intends to deliver thematic one-hour meetings to allow people to choose the area that interests them.”
“To keep the discussions focused and maximise the quality of the input shared, the attendees will receive a checklist of what is required prior to each meeting.”
The meetings are open to all GCCN members and other interested people but please remember to register.
Further information on this is available on the GCCN website – www.galwaycitycommunitynetwork.ie.
Details on the two year process of creating the next City Development Plan, the current public consultation stage of which is due to run until March 5, can be found at www.galwaycity.ie/development-plan-2023-2029.
Galway City Council has given planning approval for a new gym in Doughiska, with strict requirements on noise proofing for the benefit of the local community.
Planning permission was sought by Conor Mullen to change the permitted usage of Units 1 & 2 at Merlin Commercial Centre from warehouse/light manufacturing to sports recreational facility in order to house a gym.
Other works in the project would involve the expansion of the mezzanine area of Unit 2, and the creation of internal access between the two units.
The applicant, Conor Mullen, is the owner of Hustle Fitness in Ennis, and hopes to open an even larger facility in Galway.
“Our aim is to create a world class facility and to bring a vital and much needed amenity to the Doughiska community,” the application states.
Three objections were submitted to Galway City Council concerning this project by local residents on the grounds that there was insufficient parking, that it would generate traffic in an already congested area, and that it would create noise pollution for local residents.
Concerns were raised by local objectors that the lack of space would result in people parking in the parking areas of local businesses.
The proposed gym would require 19 parking spaces under the city development plan, due to its floor space. The plans propose 15 spaces, including a disabled parking space, and bicycle spaces.
The application said that the area is well served by public transport, and due to its outer suburb location, local residents could access the gym without travelling by car.
To ameliorate concerns about noise pollution, the city council attached a condition to the grant of planning permission requiring the developer to reduce the level of sound that can escape the premises.
“The operator of the proposed sports recreational facility shall insulate against the transmission of sound and the activities carried out therein,” condition No. 5 states.
“And shall ensure that the development shall not make or cause to be made any noise or vibration which is so loud, so continuous or so repeated, or of such a duration of pitch or at such times as to give reasonable cause for annoyance to persons in any premises in the neighbourhood or to persons lawfully using any public space”.
Noise levels from the gym must not exceed 48db during operating hours, or may not go more than 5db over the background noise, whichever figure is greater, as measured from the nearest inhabitable building.
The developer stated that it is hoped that the new gym will result in the creation of 12 jobs locally.
As the government considers introducing mandatory quarantine for people arriving at airports in the Republic without a negative COVID test, over 20 planes will arrive at Dublin Airport tomorrow from across Europe, the USA and the Middle East.
Over the next 24 hours, five flights from both Amsterdam and London will arrive in Dublin.
This evening, planes will arrive from Málaga, Lanzarote, Paris and Budapest as well as Amsterdam and London.
Early tomorrow morning, two Aer Lingus flights from New York and Chicago will land in Dublin, along with a United Airlines flight from New Jersey.
Thirteen passenger planes will arrive from across Europe tomorrow, with a total of four flights scheduled from London.
Dublin Airport will also be the destination of planes departing Lisbon, Frankfurt, Fuerteventura and Helsinki.
05:30 New York – Aer Lingus
06:00 Chicago – Aer Lingus
06:10 Doha – Qatar Airways
07:00 Newark – United Airlines
08:30 Kerry – Aer Lingus
08:50 Donegal – Aer Lingus
09:00 Helsinki – Finnair
09:50 London – Ryanair
10:05 London – Ryanair
11:10 Amsterdam – Aer Lingus
11:20 London – Aer Lingus
11:40 Cluj – Blue Air
12:40 Amsterdam – Klm Royal Dutch Airlines
15:00 Donegal – Aer Lingus
15:10 Kerry – Aer Lingus
15:10 Lisbon Tap Air Portugal
15:45 Frankfurt – Lufthansa
22:00 Amsterdam – Klm Royal Dutch Airlines
22:05 London – Aer Lingus
22:20 Chisinau – Air Moldova
23:10 Fuerteventura – Ryanair
The Level 5 lockdown will remain in place until 5 March and new travel restrictions will be introduced at airports and ports after the Cabinet’s Covid-19 committee agreed on further measures to curb the spread of the virus.
People entering the Republic through airports and ports without a negative PCR test will be forced to stay in a quarantine hotel policed by private security firms for up to two weeks under the new rules.
Those coming from ‘high-risk’ areas will also have to quarantine, and passengers will have to pay for their own stay in the hotels.
The Cabinet will meet tomorrow to formally agree on the new measures, and an announcement is expected to be made tomorrow afternoon.
The government wants to get Leaving Cert students and children with special needs back to in-person classes, but talks are currently on-going with the unions.
Construction and all non-essential retail will remain closed until March at least.
There will also be an increased garda presence at Airports and ports and breaches of the public health regulations will result in a fine of up to €2,500 and/or up to six months’ imprisonment.
There have been seven additional deaths related to COVID-19 notified by the Department of Health today, along with 1,372 new confirmed cases.
Galway saw just 26 cases reported today, with the county’s 14-day incidence rate now falling to 813 cases per 100,000 people, still one of the highest levels in the country.
All of the deaths reported today occurred in January, among people ranging in age from 43 to 94 years old.
There have now been a total of 188,923 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland, with 2,977 deaths related to the disease in the pandemic.
Validation of data at the HPSC has resulted in the denotification 3 confirmed cases.
As of 2pm today, 1,905 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised in Ireland, of whom 219 are in ICU. There have been 58 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours.
The COVID-19 Dashboard provides up-to-date information on the key indicators of the disease in the community.
Galway County Council has issued an apology today for the horrific conditions and treatment endured by woman and children at the Tuam Mother and Baby Home, and for its complicity in their ill-treatment and failures of care.
The county council debated the final report from the Mother and Baby Homes Commission of Investigation today at its annual plenary meeting.
The report, which was published last week, detailed appalling unsanitary conditions at the Mother and Baby Home which endured for decades.
978 children died at the Tuam Mother and Baby Home during its years of operation up to 1961, at rates massively above what was normal.
Both County Manager Kevin Kelly and Cathaoirleach James Charity made statements of apology for the failings of the council in caring for the woman and children at Tuam Mother and Baby Home.
Councillor Charity said that he had a “deep sense of shame” while reading the report as it detailed the county council’s efforts to have women who were pregnant for a second time sent to the Magdalene Laundry.
The report highlighted a council “more consumed with mundane budgetary and financial oversight” than in caring for the most vulnerable people in society who needed its protection.
He added that it was a matter of “shame and sorrow” that the council did not ensure that the children who died at the Tuam Mother and Baby Home were accorded a proper resting place.
Galway County Council lacked the “courage and foresight” to show more compassion, charity, and kindness to the people under its care he said.
“To all those with a personal connection to the Tuam Mother and Baby Home, in particular, the frightened mothers and innocent children, to their families and to the people of County Galway, Ireland and beyond, this Local Authority is humbly sorry.”
Chief Executive of Galway County Council Kevin Kelly said that the council must be willing to accept “hard truths” about its past, and work to try and rebuild its relationship with survivors of the home.
He acknowledged that “appalling conditions” at the Tuam Home outlined in the report, and that while the death rate among infants was “multiple of the general population”, it did not result in appropriate action from the council.
The “lack of respect” shown to women and children in death at the home was “particularly upsetting”, and the council failed to ensure that they had the dignity of a proper resting place he said.
Both Councillor Charity and Mr Kelly acknowledged the role that survivors of the Tuam Mother and Baby Home played in bringing this repressed shame in Ireland’s history to the spotlight, and their courage in sharing their stories.
Councillor Charity praised the “dedication, commitment, determination and perseverance” of survivors, and those who helped them, in campaigning not just for themselves, but for everyone who did not live to see this brought to light.
Mr Kelly said that hearing of the “sadness, shame, pain and suffering” endured by survivors of the home, and their loved ones, was a profound moment when they “powerfully and eloquently” addressed the council in 2019.
The full statements of Both Chief Executive Kelly and Cathaoirleach Charity can be read below.
Statement by the Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway – Cllr. James Charity
It is important to note at the outset that this week, perhaps almost prophetically, marks the 60th anniversary of the decision to close the Tuam Mother and Baby Home which the final report of the commission notes was passed by this authority on the 28th January 1961. However, the legacy of the Home’s operation and oversight, from its opening in 1925 to its closure in 1961, and indeed in the operation of its predecessor at Glenamaddy which operated from 1921-1925, continues to cast a long and onerous shadow over this Council, a shadow which we as a body must confront and acknowledge on this day with heavy, open and contrite hearts.
It is important to acknowledge that today is only possible because of the dedication, commitment, determination and perseverance of the survivors, their advocates and researchers, who campaigned not just for themselves, but for the countless others that did not survive to tell of their experience and to right the wrongs done to them.
It is also particularly appropriate that here, a few short miles from Tuam, we acknowledge the tireless and unselfish work of Catherine Corless in relation to the Tuam Mother and Baby Home. There is no description which can more aptly or appropriately apply to Ms. Corless other than to acknowledge her as a “heroine”, whom is deserving of all of our admiration, and of our profound and deepest respect, for bringing the dark history of the Tuam Mother and Baby Home out into the open.
On this day, we remember all of the survivors of the Tuam Home. We remember the 2219 women whom we know were admitted to Tuam from the findings outlined in the report, we remember those born in the home and we remember those who sadly died there.
The content and findings of the final report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes, and particularly those relating to the Tuam Mother and Baby Home, make for difficult, uncomfortable and upsetting reading. For those who us who have been elected to this local authority to represent and act in the best interests of all of our communities across County Galway, and who share a sense of civic duty and responsibility, it is almost incomprehensible that a time could have existed where a resolution would be passed by this Council calling for legislation to commit women who were pregnant for a second time to Magdalene homes. But happen it did and I am sure that all members of this Authority will have shared the deep sense of shame that I have no difficulty in saying I personally experienced, as the extent of the long standing failures of this Council were set out in black and white for all to see. The Commission’s findings identify a Local Authority which was far more consumed with mundane budgetary and financial oversight than its role as custodian of those who were most vulnerable and required its care and protection.
The vulnerable in our society should always feel the comforting protection of those entrusted by a nation’s people to lead, show example, demonstrate good moral judgement, to be fair and non-judgemental, to protect and nourish, to extend a helping hand when required, and to care with dignity and compassion. It is clear from listening to the survivors and reading their testimonies, that they were failed by the State and they were failed by Galway County Council.
Entrusted with the great honour to lead and represent, this Council failed in its most basic and principal duty. This Council should have put the needs and welfare of the most vulnerable in our society to the fore. The invisible and voiceless, in particular vulnerable women, innocent beautiful precious new born children; little girls and boys, who should have survived, grown and thrived, learnt and laughed, worked and played, participated in society and perhaps even led it. But to our eternal shame, this Council failed both mothers and their children at a time when they most needed its support and protection the most.
Today is an important day as we apologise and work, insofar as we possibly can, to right the wrongs of the past, and to listen to the voices of the many survivors, who for too long had no voice. We also remember today those for whom this apology is sadly too late.
As Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, on behalf of the Members, the Chief Executive and staff, I offer a sincere and humble apology for the failings of this local authority. We are deeply sorry that this Council did not do enough to ensure appropriate care, compassion and protection to the mothers and babies who passed through the threshold of the Tuam Mother and Baby Home, and to those children who were born and died there.
We further deeply regret that Galway County Council did not ensure there were enough safe-guards and measures in place to guarantee and ensure that children boarded out from the Home were better cared for, protected and cherished. To the shame and sorrow of all of us, this Council did not ensure that those who died in the Tuam Mother and Baby Home were afforded the dignity of an appropriate place of rest, which was the very least that they deserved. We are profoundly sorry, that as a local authority, this Council did not have the foresight or courage to at all times to ensure the welfare of those entrusted to its care was paramount, and to be kinder, more compassionate, and more charitable.
To all those with a personal connection to the Tuam Mother and Baby Home, in particular, the frightened mothers and innocent children, to their families and to the people of County Galway, Ireland and beyond, this Local Authority is humbly sorry.
Statement by the Chief Executive of Galway County Council – Mr. Kevin Kelly
The publication of the Final Report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes has been acknowledged as an important milestone with deep and personal impact for all those with a connection to the Mother and Baby Homes. Given the detailed and comprehensive nature of the report, it was considered appropriate that the Council, and all of those impacted, could take time, after its publication, to read the report and begin the process of considering its content and findings.
The report contributes significantly to our deeper appreciation and understanding of the past failures of the State, including this local authority, in the provision of care to the women who were forced to enter the Tuam Mother and Baby Home. It is to our shame, that we acknowledge, that there, when at their most vulnerable, in need of compassion, empathy, support and understanding and in need of our care, we failed them.
An Taoiseach, on behalf of the State, has acknowledged the duty of being willing to be held to account, to confront hard truths and to accept parts of our history which are deeply uncomfortable. We acknowledge the need and importance for Galway County Council to also be willing to hold itself to account, to confront the hard truths of our shared past however difficult and to acknowledge our failings.
The report contributes to giving survivors their voice and affords them a long overdue opportunity to highlight the shortcomings of all aspects of the State, including this local authority. All of us here today appreciate the courage and resilience required for survivors to share, their lived experience of the Mother and Baby Home, both from individual survivors and from the contributions of members of the Tuam Mother & Baby Home Alliance who so powerfully and eloquently addressed this Council in September 2019. It was a profound moment for all present when survivors and those with a personal connection to the Tuam Mother & Baby Home shared with us some of the sadness, shame, pain and suffering that they and their loved ones endured.
While it is recognised that context is always important to an appropriate appreciation of any period, we must openly acknowledge that context does not lessen our role and responsibility. The findings of the Commission and the evidence bravely and openly shared in the testimonies dealing with the treatment of women and children in the Tuam Mother & Baby Home is stark.
It is appropriate and necessary that as civic leaders and citizens of this county and country that we reflect and learn lessons from the clearly painful and distressing accounts previously shared with us and from the testimony of many survivors as has been detailed. From our personal experience of listening to and engaging with survivors and those with a personal connection to the Tuam Mother & Baby Home, there can be no doubting our role in the arrangements for their care which resulted in the heavy burden that they continue to carry.
The report identified that in the congregated settings of mother and baby homes poor sanitary conditions had much more serious consequences for disease and infection control and identified Tuam as having appalling conditions. It is also clear that the death rate among infants in the Tuam Mother and Baby Home was noted and while known to be a multiple of the general population did not prompt appropriate action.
The lack of respect and dignity afforded to the women and children in death is also particularly upsetting and a source of great hurt and sorrow. The Council accepts its role in failing to ensure that these individuals were afforded the dignity of an appropriate and respectful resting place.
In relation to the Tuam site the Government’s agreed course of action, includes memorialisation and the Council will continue in its efforts to engage with all those with a personal connection to the site and with the local residents in relation to the actions required to implement this decision. The Council is fully committed to supporting the full range of actions agreed by Government including progressing on the work already undertaken directly by Galway County Council in relation to providing survivors with appropriate access to archives and records.
The Council acknowledges the commitment by Government to advance burials legislation to support the excavation, exhumation and, where possible, the identification of remains together with their dignified reburial. The Council has and will continue to actively assist the ongoing work to implement the Government’s agreed course of action and response for the Tuam site. It is also important that I acknowledge today the dedicated care, commitment and respect the local residents in Tuam have afforded to maintaining the site in Tuam over several decades.
We acknowledge with deep regret that the relationship between this local authority and those entrusted to the care of the Tuam Mother and Baby Home has been broken due to our failings in the arrangements for their care. We have already begun and are committed to the journey to rebuild that relationship and today is a further and important step in this regard. The cooperation and priority we have afforded this process from the establishment of the Commission, through our ongoing engagement with the survivors, and through actions required in relation to the site in Tuam will continue with the work that will follow-on from the publication of the Final Report of the Commission.
Today, I reaffirm the commitment and renewed determination of this local authority to continue our efforts to assist and support the survivors and all those with a personal connection to the Tuam Mother and Baby Home. No one can change the past; however, it is important that we accept and learn from it, acknowledge the sad and painful truth, the personal impact and heavy burden carried by survivors and humbly acknowledge our failings.
Pandemic Unemployment Payments will be paid to 25,130 workers in Galway this week – an increase of 777 since last week.
The number of people on PUP in Co. Galway is creeping ever closer to the 32,300 workers who were in receipt of the payments during the first wave in May 2020.
Across Ireland, the Department of Social Protection has issued payments to 475,364 people this week, at a cost of €142.86 million.
A total of 6,749 people closed their PUP claims in past week to return to work, including 330 in Galway, but there was an overall increase of 15,443 people receiving PUP since last week.
“Even though there are an additional 15,443 people receiving the Pandemic Unemployment Payment this week, the scale of the increase has reduced significantly when compared to the previous fortnight,” said Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys today.
“The PUP continues to provide valuable support to those who have lost employment due to the implementation of necessary public health measures to curb the spread of this dangerous virus.”
Minister Humphreys said that protecting the health of everyone living in our State is paramount – and now more than ever, it is paramount that everyone makes every possible effort to follow the health guidelines.
The rate of crack use has become a matter of increasing concern, with the HSE distributing 50,000 crack pipes to people in Galway, Limerick and Dublin over the past five years.
The Irish Times reports the HSE purchased and gave out 49,021 pipes since 2016 across the three counties, at a cost of €65,000.
Crack pipes are distributed by the HSE and local agencies to users of the drug to prevent them from sharing pipes, which can lead to the transmission of diseases such as hepatitis C.
The figure of 49,021 relates to crack pipes issued by the HSE, and does not include those given out by local drug agencies.
Crack cocaine is smokeable and made by chemically altering cocaine powder to form rocks or crystals.
Researchers from NUI Galway are participating in a new large scale experiment to examine how green hydrogen could be made a big part of Ireland’s energy system.
Green Hysland is a five-year project that will generate, distribute and use at least 300 tonnes of hydrogen per year produced from solar energy on the island of Mallorca.
Dr Pau Farràs Costa, Dr Rory Monaghan and Dr Thomas van Rensburg from the Energy Research Centre at the NUIG Ryan Institute will be closely assessing the project’s economic impact.
Dr van Rensburg said that this is a large scale demonstration which could be “replicable on tourism dependent island economies” such as Ireland.
“Islands like this can use their excellent renewable energy sources to strengthen and accelerate energy security and the low carbon transition”.
“The involvement of Energy Cooperatives Ireland means that we will be able to examine our ability to replicate green hydrogen deployment on Ireland’s islands, including the Aran Islands and Valentia Island, with their excellent renewable energy potentials.”
The project won’t just involve a few limited scale projects, but completely integrate hydrogen into all parts of Mallorca’s energy sector, from solar power generators which will produce the fuel; gas grid operators which will distribute it; and to bus operators, vehicle rental firms, homes, businesses and hotels using it for power, heat and mobility.
The project will be under an intense spotlight from people looking to see how this could help other island nations and communities secure energy independence, as well as offset climate emissions.
On top of the inherent potential for energy independence, with island communities able to manufacture their own fuel, the project also aims to demonstrate that using hydrogen fuel can cut down on emissions.
Green Hysland expects to reduce CO2 emissions in Mallorca by 20,000 tonnes per year.
Green Hysland – Deployment of a hydrogen ecosystem on the island of Mallorca is being supported with €10 million of European Commission funding. The project will entail investments by partners of up to €50 million in total.
Dr Farràs Costa said that this will be the first big opportunity to show that green hydrogen is the key to “island decarbonisation” and energy independence.
“The project has a holistic approach covering all the different end-uses from transport to heating to industry, and will be at a scale that will have an economic and environmental impact on the region.”
A spike in coronavirus cases in the Tuam area earlier this month contributed to the sharp increase in cases reported in Co. Galway.
The latest breakdown of Covid-19 rates across Ireland shows that 513 cases were confirmed in the Tuam Local Electoral Area between 5 January and 18 January.
When the data was taken, Tuam LEA had a 14-day incidence rate of 1,535 cases per 100,000 people – the highest in the county.
A total of five local electoral areas in Galway had 14-day Covid incidence rates of over 1,000, with the lowest rate of 407 cases per 100,000 people in Conamara North. Seventy cases were confirmed in two weeks among the 17,191 people in the area.
Ballinalsoe, which has consistently had one of the lowest rates in the county throughout the pandemic, had a 14-day incidence rate of over 1,000 cases per 1,000 population on 18 January, representing a rise of almost 300% in just two weeks with an additional 303 confirmed cases.
Of the three LEAs in Galway city, Galway City West had the lowest rate, while both Galway City Central and Galway City East had rates of over 1,000.
When the data was taken, the national incidence rate was 1,334.6 cases per 100,000 people. The rate has since fallen to 840.7, as of yesterday evening.
There were 21 COVID-19 patients in Intensive Care in Galway as of Sunday night according to the HSE, as serious cases remain high despite falling daily case numbers.
As of 8pm on Sunday there were 17 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the ICU at University Hospital Galway, the fourth highest level in the country.
Portiuncula hospital has seen a worrying rise in ICU admissions in recent day, and now has four confirmed cases in Critical Care, with test results awaited on one more ICU patients.
In total there were 123 confirmed cases in Galway’s hospitals as of last night, with 115 at UHG and a further 8 at Portiuncula.
Nationwide the HSE reports that there were 1,930 people receiving treatment for COVID-19 in hospital, of whom 219 were in the ICU.
There were 85 new cases reported in Galway yesterday, out of 1,378 cases nationwide.
The Department of Health also reported 23 further deaths related to the disease nationwide.
The President and Vice-President of NUI Galway have been urged to consider policies that would support students undertaking assessments this year.
A letter signed by Students’ Union leaders from USI, UCC, Trinity, GMIT and Maynooth echoed calls from NUIG Students’ Union for the University to provide more flexibility in assessments during the pandemic.
Other Universities have introduced policies including the option to retake passed exams without charge where students felt they could have achieved a better mark, and the removal of repeat exam fees. NUIG has opposed
Students’ Union President Pádraic Toomey said that he is particularly worried about final year students – as they will go out into the workforce and compete with students from UCC, Trinity and Maynooth.
“We need a level playing field where all students are offered equal opportunities to get the best possible results in these extremely trying circumstances,” said Pádraic Toomey.
“The continued refusal of NUI Galway to remove the exorbitant €295 repeat exam fee is putting huge stress on our students who are already at breaking point.”
A recent survey of over 4,000 NUI Galway students found that 54.9% were unsure that they would get a Graduate job offer.
The SU says the opportunity to have free resits of both passed and failed exams would ensure the graduating class would have a better chance of finding a job without Covid taking more from their futures.
Lorna Fitzpatrick, President of the Union of Students in Ireland which represents 374,000 students across the island, said: “We hope that the opportunities that other colleges such as UCC, Trinity and Maynooth have introduced would also be introduced in NUI Galway with the aim of providing a consistent approach to students across the sector.
“We recognise the measures introduced to date, and welcome same, however, we do not believe they provide sufficient supports for students during this time.”
Gardaí have urged AIB customers to be cautious after a spate of ‘smishing’ attacks on bank account holders this month.
The scammers are sending texts pretending to be from AIB, asking people to click a review or block a fraudulent transaction.
On some occasions they have told people that they have been locked out of their accounts.
The texts will encourage the account holders to click on a link and they will be asked to input codes from their Card Reader or divulge their One Time Passcode (OTP).
Gardaí have warned the public that this information is enough for scammers to access an account and transfer money out.
AIB and gardaí have advised people to never disclose their Registration Number or Personal Access Code (PAC) or card information after clicking a link on a text.
People should never generate codes from their AIB Card Reader to cancel transactions or divulge their One Time Passcode (OTP) to cancel transactions.
AIB has also reminded its customers that it will never ask people not to log back into their account or ask customers to click on a link.
If anyone has received such a call or text message and have disclosed any information, they should contact AIB immediately.
AIB customers can find out more information and advice from the Bank’s website. Similar frauds may be perpetrated against customers of other banks and the same advice applies.
These frauds cannot occur without the co-operation of people who allow their accounts to be used – so called Money Mules, Gardaí have said. Acting as a money mule is a serious offence and carries a 14-year prison sentence.
There has been a 132% increase in the amounts of ‘smishing’ reported to Gardaí for the first 20 days of January 2021 as against the first 20 days of January, 2020.
Galway City had failed to make serious inroads in tackling its litter problem in lockdown, with the latest IBAL survey declaring the city “Moderately Littered” once again.
Galway City Centre climbed from 27th place in the previous survey up to 19th place now, and Ballybane went from 35th place on the list to 26th, but neither of the two main Galway areas surveyed was declared “Clean to European Norms”.
The report, which was carried out by An Taisce on behalf of Irish Businesses Against Litter, noted that Ballybane in particular “wasn’t just casually littered but subject to dumping”.
In this, the second nationwide survey carried out for IBAL since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was noted that disposable coffee cup and PPE are extremely prevalent among discarded rubbish.
For the first time in 13 years, fewer than half of the towns surveyed were deemed clean.
Kilkenny was deemed the most pristine urban area in Ireland once again, and was joined by Killarney, Ennis, and Tullamore as the only areas deemed “Cleaner than European Norms”.
“The decline in cleanliness is less a case of the poorer areas getting worse, but of previously clean towns slipping to littered,” says IBAL spokesperson Conor Horgan.
“Covid is clearly a factor here, but we should never accept litter as inevitable. It comes down to people disposing of their waste without regard for their surroundings or their fellow citizens and it is entirely unnecessary.”
Part of the problem is that while people are spending more time than ever outdoors due to COVID-19, council cleaners have not been on the streets as much, Conor Horgan said.
“With restrictions on time and resources, local authorities need to be more selective in their cleaning efforts. Too many sites are persistently littered. It is disheartening that yet again our work in reporting them is falling on deaf ears.”
“While people have certainly become more attuned to their natural surroundings and more conscious of how litter can spoil those surroundings, this is offset by an understandable unwillingness to pick up waste for fear of contamination.
“As the pandemic endures, and with it the sensitivity around touching items, people may simply get out of the habit of picking up other people’s litter. We risk losing a civic behaviour which is vital in keeping our country clean.”
Twenty-three more deaths related to Covid-19 were reported by the Department of Health this evening, taking the total overall number of deaths from the disease in the Republic to 2,970.
The median age of those who died is 84 years and the age range is 61 to 99 years old.
Health officials also reported a total of 1,378 new cases, of which 85 are in Galway, where the 14-day incidence rate is now 892 cases per 100,000 people.
Speaking this evening, Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said that while we are starting to make progress in reducing the level of the virus in the community, this is a critical time for all of us to hold firm to the public health advice.
“We must not let down our guard against this highly infectious disease and the risk it poses to ourselves and those most medically vulnerable to infection,” said Dr Tony Holohan.
“There is a huge volume of disease in the country and the recent surge in cases continues to place an unprecedented strain on ICUs, hospitals and other frontline healthcare services.
“The answer lies in driving down social contacts and congregation in all settings, including in workplaces.
“Everyone who can, should work from home where possible. For those of us who cannot work from home, it is essential to follow the public health advice in the workplace, such as the wearing of face coverings when moving around communal areas.
“We urge all employers to facilitate home working as much as possible and to ensure strict adherence to public health measures in the workplace.”
Homes and businesses in parts Salthill may experience water outages or supply disruptions throughout next week due water mains repair work being carried out.
Irish Water is carrying out repairs may cause supply disruptions to Lenaboy Avenue, Cappanaveagh, Salthill and surrounding areas.
Works are scheduled to take place from 9am on 25 January until 6pm on 29 January.
People affected by this are advised that it may take 2 – 3 hours after work is completed for their full water supply to be restored.
Updates on both situations can be found on Irish Water’s Supply and Service website page, or by contacting Irish Water’s twitter account @IWCare.
The number of COVI-19 patients in Intensive Care at both UHG and Portiuncula Hospital increased yesterday in the latest HSE figures.
There were 116 people hospitalised with COVID-19 at UHG as of 8pm Saturday, with another 8 known cases at Portiuncula.
There were 20 COVID patients in the ICU in Galway, with 3 at Portiuncula in Ballinasloe, and 17 at University Hospital Galway.
That is an increase of three patients on the previous day’s numbers, up from 15 at UHG and 2 at Portiuncula.
UHG had two Critical Care beds available as of Saturday night, while the ICU at Portiuncula was at full capacity.
University Hospital Galway had the fifth highest level of admissions nationwide, exceeded by UH Limerick (141), Cork UH (140), St. Vincent’s (136), and UH Waterford (123).
Nationwide, admissions continue to be extremely high despite the steadily declining number of daily cases, as the recent surge in numbers is presenting its toll in serious illnesses.
There were a total of 1,893 people in hospital with COVID-19 as of Saturday night, of whom 214 were in Intensive Care.
There 74 new cases reported in Galway yesterday, out of 1,910 nationwide. A further 77 deaths related to the disease were also notified.
© 2026 GalwayDaily. All rights reserved. | Designed by Web Design Ireland
