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Two weather warnings issued as cold snap to continue

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Galway Daily weather Met Eireann issues fresh weather warning for Galway

Two additional weather warnings for snow, ice, and sub-zero temperatures have been issued by Met Eireann as this weekend’s cold snap is forecast to continue.

Another status yellow snow/ice warning will be in force from midday to 7pm on Sunday throughout all of Ireland.

“Scattered falls of sleet, snow and hail continuing for the rest of today. Icy and hazardous conditions,” the alert states.

A Low Temperature/Ice warning has also been issued by Met Eireann, which will come into effect at 7pm this evening, and last until 10am on Monday.

It cautions that weather overnight will be “icy and very cold with lowest temperatures of -5 to -2 degrees Celsius generally, colder locally.”

In Galway temperatures are forecast to hit zero in the early evening, and go as low as -3 in parts of the county, coldest inland.

Plans submitted for 75 apartments in Briarhill

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Galway Daily news Planning appeal over 91 houses & apartments in Athenry

Plans have been submitted to the city council for a housing development that would consist of 75 apartments in a single building in Briarhill.

Waveridge Ltd is seeking planning permission for the construction of a five storey apartment building on lands adjacent to Briarhill Shopping Centre.

The site is currently mostly unused, the planning application states, consisting mostly of inaccessible gravel covered ground, with some car parking which will be moved.

The housing in this development would consist of 6 studio apartments, 16 one-bed units, 47 two-bed apartments, and 6 three-bed apartments.

The project would also include four retail units at the ground floor of the building, along with the reconfiguration of the existing surface level car park.

Access to the site will  via the existing shopping centre junction onto the R339 Monivea Road.

Landscaping for the project would involve the provision of a central courtyard area with a lawn at the south end of the site.

“The proposed communal lawn located at the south end of the site is proposed as the main open space of the development. Benefitting from south-facing aspect and calm microclimate provided by the enclosure of the proposed buildings, this is an informal landscape of a unique character.”

“Conceptually that character is informal, inviting and ‘garden like’ to cater for a
safe and comfortable communal space. The lawn is enclosed by tree planting to north and
south.”

“A number of clipped hedges in raised planters divide the open space from nearby
ground floor private external spaces, but a small side gate to each private external patio is
proposed to facilitate access and encourage residents to use the proposed area to it’s full
extent.”

A Flood Risk Assessment and Traffic Impact Assessment reports were prepared and submitted with this planning application.

Galway City Council is due to make a decision on this housing application by February 19, 2021.

COVID-19: Further 77 deaths and 74 new Galway cases reported

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

A further 77 deaths related to Covid-19 have been reported by health officials this evening, as well as 1,910 new cases.

Seventy-four of the cases reported this evening by the Department of Health are in Galway, where the 14-day incidence rate is now 914.9 cases per 100,000 people.

Only Dublin and Cork have had more cases in the past two weeks, with a total of 2,361 cases reported in Galway in the past fortnight.

Of today’s cases, 710 are in Dublin, 150 in Cork, 103 in Meath, 102 in Limerick and 86 in Louth.

The age range of the 77 deaths from Covid-19 reported today is 43 – 98 years.

As of 2pm today, 1,892 people with COVID are hospitalised, of which 217 are in ICU. There have been an additional 59 hospitalisations in the past 24 hours.

“Through the solidarity shown by families and communities across the country in recent weeks, we are beginning to flatten the curve of COVID-19 infection,” said Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan.

“Each individual effort to follow the public health advice is making an impact, but we can only continue this positive trend and drive down incidence in the community by continuing to stay at home and avoid meeting or mixing with others in our social circle, including for any close family gatherings, such as birthdays or funerals, as these can be ‘super-spreader’ events.”

The CMO added: “We know it is possible to have COVID-19 without displaying symptoms, so we all need to behave as though we are infectious and minimise our close contacts with others.

“If you suspect that you might be ill, isolate away from others in your household, let your close contacts know and come forward for testing as soon as possible.”

Galway Traffic: Clifden impassable due to snow

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galway daily news Motorists warned of hazardous conditions as weather warning remains in place

Motorists are being warned that Clifden is impassable this evening due to heavy snow on roads around the town.

The snow is affecting a number of routes around Clifden, including the N59.

Road users are being asked to take extreme caution on routes around the town this evening.

A Status Yellow weather warning for snow, hail and icy conditions is currently in place in Galway.

Met Éireann has warned of wintry showers this evening and overnight with some falls of hail, sleet and snow, as well as icy and hazardous conditions.

Temperatures in Galway are expected to hit -1 degrees in parts of Galway tonight, with the coldest temperatures inland.

AA Roadwatch reminded motorists that it can take up to ten times longer to stop a vehicle on icy roads.

Two men face trial in connection with alleged theft of over €15,000

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

Two men face trial at Galway Circuit Court in connection with the theft of more than €15,000 from another man over the course of several days in late 2018.

Daniel Lukau (22), of Caiseal Cam, Roscam and Eltice Kiki (20), of Ard Alainn, Ballybane have both been indicted on multiple counts of theft from an individual.

Kiki has been indicted on six counts of alleged theft, while Lukau has been indicted on all the same offences, and two more alleged thefts.

The offences are alleged to have occurred between October 19 – 23 of 2018.

Daniel Lukau has been charged with eight counts of theft totalling €16,350, while Kiki, his co-accused, faces six counts amounting to €14,250.

A book of evidence was served on both accused men at Galway District Court this week.

Judge Marie Keane made an order returning both cases to the next sitting of Galway Circuit Court, commencing on April 13, for trial on indictment.

Conor Kearns heads west to join Galway United

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Galway Daily sport Conor Kearns heads west to join Galway United

Galway United has signed a new goalkeeper, with 22 year old Conor Kearns coming west to join the Tribesmen after spells with UCD and St Pat’s.

The 22 year old goalkeeper started off strong with UCD in 2018, where he was part of the effort to claim the First Division title.

Kearns continued to be a regular for UCD in the Premier Division in 2019, and his reputation as one of the most promising goalkeepers in the country earned him a call up to Stephen Kenny’s Irish under-21 squad.

Last year he made the move to St. Patrick’s Athletic, but the shortened league campaign proved to be a frustrating experience, with little opportunity to get on the field.

Despite this setback Kearns said he learned a lot through the year, and that he’s excited to be coming to Galway United.

“It was difficult at Pats last year, it didn’t go as I expected, but it was a learning curve for me. This is a step out of my comfort zone, but it’s by no means a step down or sideways, I see this as a step up.

Kearns said that John Caulfield is the type of manager “every player wants to work under” and that he is excited to be part of the community at a club with such a proud history.

“It’s a club where I can improve as a player, and enjoy my football like I did at UCD. I’ve been in this Division before, I know what it takes to win it and I want to be a part of a squad that understands that as well.”

“I had more comfortable options and offers, but ultimately I left my masters to play full time football and this is the place I want to do it.

“You’re doing what you love every morning and you’re part of a fantastic club. I’m really excited to get going now, it’s going to be a challenge, but it’s one that I’m relishing.”

Snow/Ice warning in effect as temperatures to go below 0 tonight

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galway weather road salt

A Status Yellow weather warning for snow, hail and icy conditions is now in effect in Galway, with two alerts for the west carrying through to Sunday afternoon.

Galway, Mayo, Clare, Cork, Kerry and Limerick have been issued with a Snow/Ice warning by Met Eireann which is in place this afternoon from 2pm to 6pm.

“Wintry showers moving in this afternoon and evening with some falls of hail, sleet and snow. Icy and hazardous conditions,” the alert states.

However, things aren’t expected to pick up tonight, as immediately as that weather warning expires, a similar for all of Ireland will be in place.

The weather alert forecasts “falls of hail, sleet and snow. Icy and hazardous conditions” tonight, and will be in place until midday Sunday.

Temperatures in Galway are expected to hit -1 degrees in parts of Galway tonight, with the coldest temperatures inland.

Even at the coast, temperatures will be hovering around 0 degrees overnight Met Eireann has said.

Galway United taps Gary O’Connor for first team coach

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Galway Daily sport Galway United taps Gary O'Connor for first team coach

Galway United has announced that Gary O’Connor has taken up a new role as First Team Coach, moving up after a season and a half in charge of the Tribesmen’s under-17 team.

O’Connor has a strong history with Galway football in many roles, having previously assisted Galway United Head of Youth Development Johnny Glynn at Mervue United.

He also helped United to win promotion from the First Division in 2014, and held the position of interim at the club for a short spell before taking charge of United’s under-17s.

O’Connor appointment comes shortly after John Caulfield announced that Lisa Fallon will be the new First Team Head Coach.

Caulfield said that he is “thrilled” to bring O’Connor back into the fold at the senior team, citing his experience and emphasising the importance of having a strong backroom team before the 2021 season.

“Gary assisted me for a while when I first took over, but the circumstances didn’t suit for him to get involved fully then, but we’re delighted that things have changed and it suits Gary to become a part of the backroom staff at the club now.”

“He’s an excellent coach with a great personality, and he’ll fit in well with the management team we have in place.”

Speaking about his new role at the club, Gary O’Connor said that he is looking forward to getting involved with the club, and that he can’t wait to work with John Caulfield after seeing how results turned around at United after he got involved.

“John is a manager I really respect, he’s one of the top managers in the country, so to work alongside him will be fantastic.

“I can see the work that’s already being done in the background, everything is in place and we’re ready to go now. It’s going to be tough, but hopefully it will be a successful season.”

“It’s an honour to be back involved with the club again, I thoroughly enjoyed my two previous spells as assistant, and with the team that’s being assembled and the calibre of coaches and management at the club, it’s very exciting times ahead.”

“One hundred percent is going to be expected of everyone, Galway United is too big of a club to be stuck in the First Division, but it’s going to take serious effort to get us back to the Premier Division where we belong.”

New Gardaí deployed to the Northwest for Level 5 policing

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galway daily news Further arrests made in connection with car park brawl

There have been 28 new Gardaí assigned to the Northwestern region, headquartered in Galway, to assist in the enforcement of Level 5 COVID-19 restrictions.

The new officers for the region are a mix of 16 newly sworn trainees, and 12 Garda reserves who have undergone additional training.

The new sworn members of An Garda Síochána commenced their Garda training in May 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic.

These members have undertaken a blend of on-line learning, on-site learning in the Garda College, and experiential learning in training Garda stations.

The Garda reserves have undergone training to prepare them to contribute to front-line policing including public compliance with health guidelines and regulations.

In addition, a re-deployment of uniform personnel from administrative roles to front-line operational duties took place over the last week.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said that throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and extremely important part of their duties has been day-to-day engagement with the most vulnerable people in society.

“Often Gardaí have been people’s only interaction or contact, their only support. The newly attested Garda members and reserves will help support this work and that no one in need will feel as though they are dealing with this alone.”

While everyone has been encouraged to limit their interactions with others in this pandemic, this has been of particular importance in the case of older and more vulnerable people.

Many older and vulnerable people have been left isolated by the pandemic as a result of self-isolating, and travel restrictions during this lockdown, and the first, which may prevent family or other from travelling to them except in extreme circumstances.

And while much of the Irish economy has been shut down over the past year, crime has continued despite COVID-19 the Garda Commissioner said, praising the “dedication and professionalism” of the officers which has allowed An Garda Síochána to maintain its operational pace.

“At all times, Gardaí across the country have continued to focus on preventing and detecting criminality,” Commissioner Harris said.

The Garda headquarters for the Northwestern Region of Ireland is at Murrough in Galway City.

In total 71 new sworn members of An Garda Síochána are being deployed around the country, along with 69 reserve Garda members.

“Garda members regularly face dangerous, uncertain situations in order to assist and protect the public. It takes true mettle to come forward at a critical period in the country’s fight against this virus and be prepared to give it all to protecting the public from the frontline.”

COVID-19: 52 deaths today and 103 Galway cases

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

There have been another 52 deaths related to COVID-19 reported by the Department of Health today, along with 2,371 new cases.

Of the case notified today, 103 are in Galway. The incidence rate here has now dropped back below 1000 cases per 100,000 population, falling to 968.8.

The deaths notified today occurred in people aged from 32 to 99 years old. Of them, 50 are known to have occurred in January, while the dates of two are still under investigation.

As of 2pm today, 1,931 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of whom 219 are in ICU. There have been 78 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours.

There have been a total of 184,279 confirmed cases in the Republic of Ireland, and 2,870 deaths related to COVID-19.

Validation of data at the HPSC has resulted in the denotification of 14 confirmed cases.

“We know that the ongoing restrictions are very challenging for people but, through the hard work and sacrifice of the vast majority of people, we are starting to see the first signs of a lower prevalence of the disease in the population,” said Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer.

“Strictly adhering to the public health measures is the key to making real progress in terms of flattening the curve and lowering the current trends in our hospitals and ICUs.”]

“The ‘COVID-19 find-test-trace-isolate’ process is vital to our efforts. Our data is telling us that for a third of people, it’s 4 days or more from the time they first experience symptoms of COVID-19 to the time they get tested.

Dr Holohan added that “We all need to contact our GP as soon as symptoms occur, so we can trace our contacts and prevent further infections.”

“This weekend, we need everyone to stay the course with hand washing, covering coughs, wearing face coverings and keeping a 2m distance.”

“In order to take care of each other, we need all to stay at home, except for essential reasons, to minimise the spread of COVID-19 to ourselves and our loved ones.”

The COVID-19 Dashboard provides up-to-date information on the key indicators of the disease in the community. The dashboard also now includes information on total vaccines administered.

Galway United appoints Lisa Fallon new Head Coach

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Galway Daily sport Galway United appoints Lisa Fallon new Head Coach

Galway United has announced that highly-experienced UEFA Pro Licence holder Lisa Fallon has been appointed as the team’s new Head Coach.

Fallon is coming to United after successful spells at Chelsea FC, Cork City FC and with Dublin GAA’s Senior Footballers.

It was as part of the backroom team at Cork where she previously worked with John Caulfield during a highly successful run.

They helped shepherd the club to wins in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division and FAI Cup double in 2017, FAI Cup in 2016 and three President’s Cups.

John Caulfield said that he has seen significant development in Lisa Fallon’s coaching style since they last worked together.

“Her time in England has transformed her into a top coach and has given her the understanding and belief to coach at this level.

“Over there she was operating in the highest learning environment and it is clear to me that now is the right time for her to show her qualities which I believe in. I am delighted to have her on board.”

In the UK she was part of Chelsea FC women’s technical staff when the club won the WSL and Continental League Cup double in 2020.

Fallon was also part of Jim Gavin’s all-conquering Dublin senior football team that won the All-Ireland Football Championship, Leinster Senior Football Championship and Allianz National Football League in 2018 prior to her departure to England.

Following her time at Chelsea, Fallon became Head Coach of FA Women’s Championship side, London City Lionesses, but she made the decision to return to Ireland prematurely due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Lisa Fallon at Eamon Deacy park

Speaking about her appointment as Head Coach, Fallon said that there are fantastic people, and huge potential, at United, and that she’s excited by the “plans, ambition and possibilities” with the club.

“I’ve worked with John before and I know the high standards he demands. We’ve an exciting squad and a brilliant backroom team and although the club came very close to promotion last season, we know that absolutely everything has to go up a gear for the 2021 campaign.”

Fallon is the first female head coach in the history of Galway United, calling it a “very proud moment” for her and her family.

“But really, my focus is totally on the players and working with everyone here to make sure we are ready for pre-season and for a strong league campaign.”

I’m grateful to John, the Board and all the Galway United supporters for this opportunity. I feel ready and know it will challenge me to draw on all of my experiences over the years but I’m really looking forward to that.”

“I love the game, I love the League of Ireland and I love winning football matches. That’s what we are here to do.”

Weather warning: Hail, sleet and snow to cause hazardous conditions

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Galway Daily news snow and ice weather warning

Met Éireann has issued a weather warning ahead of ‘hazardous conditions’ tomorrow night, with wintry showers forecast across the country.

Temperatures are set to fall to zero degrees Celsius on Saturday night, with hail, sleet and snow expected in many areas across Connacht.

The weather experts have warned road users that ice will lead to dangerous conditions.

The status yellow warning extends across all counties in the Republic, and will start at 6pm on Saturday, lasting until midday on Sunday.

Tonight will also be cold, with a sharp frost and icy patches forming early in the night.

Wintry showers will continue for a time but it will be mainly dry with long clear spells developing in Galway. Lowest temperatures tonight will be between -3 and 0 degrees in a light westerly breeze.

COVID-19: Cases in the ICU hit 20 in Galway

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Galway Daily news

The number of patients in Intensive Care with COVID-19 in Galway has reached 20 according to the latest HSE.

As of 8pm Thursday there were 18 confirmed cases in the ICU at University Hospital Galway, and 2 at Portiuncula.

There are a further two suspected cases in Intensive Care at Portiuncula Hospital.

UHG has the second highest level of COVID patients in the ICU in the country, tied with UH Limerick and exceeded only by St. James’, which has 22.

There were no critical care beds left available at either Galway hospital at the time of this count.

In total, there were 131 patients hospitalised in Galway as of Thursday night, 120 at UHG and 11 at Portiuncula.

Galway saw a further 132 new cases reported yesterday, out of 2,608 nationwide. A further 51 deaths related to the disease were also notified.

Galway records 16 Covid deaths in one week

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Galway Daily news Woman (80s) dies following car crash two weeks ago

Sixteen people in Galway died from COVID-19 in the second week of January, the latest CSO report shows.

Over one third of all COVID deaths in the county occurred between 8 January and 15 January, with the death toll rising from 25 to 41 in just seven days.

Across the country, 247 people died due to COVID-19 in the week ending 15 January.

The latest report also shows that than 50 people died due to COVID-19 in each of the three weeks up to the middle of this month.

For the week ending 15 January, the number of weekly cases was 16,461, a decrease of 13,135 from the previous week.

This was the third highest weekly number of cases since the beginning of the pandemic.

The median age of new confirmed cases was 42 years old for the week ending 15 January.

Galway has the lowest median age at 31 while Wicklow is highest at 42, while the overall median age of cases is 38.

NUIG and GMIT receive over €1 million for mental health and disability supports

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

NUIG and GMIT will receive more than €1 million for infrastructure and services supporting students with disabilities and mental-health difficulties.

The funding from the Department of Education is to help make the campuses at both institutes more inclusive and accessible for students who require additional supports.

A total of €518,071 will be invested in six related areas at GMIT, including the development of a student-centred occupational therapy service, and the instalment of two autism-friendly support pods.

GMIT also intends to employ mental health and wellbeing support coordinators, and hire an access and disability service data analyst for a period of nine months, and the purchase of required equipment, licences and training.

NUIG is receiving €506,532, which it intends to spend in five areas including modifications to make the campus more accessible for students with physical disabilities, the development of a sensory space, and strategies to promote positive mental health at the university.

Galway West TD and Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton welcomed the funding, saying that “modest changes” would make a huge difference to students.

“Even small changes can have a massive impact on a student’s experience and engagement in higher education, and these initiatives have the potential to make more possible for those who need them,” she said.

“The funding will allow services and facilities to be put in place to support those who would benefit from them now, and ensure that they’re in place for students who may need them in the future.

Minister Naughton said that no-one should be prevented from reaching the “pinnacle” of their academic potential for any reason.

These measures are intended to break down a few more barriers so that our colleges and universities are open, accessible and inclusive, and I thank Minister Harris for considering our local institutes so favourably in the context of this scheme.”

Sentencing delayed for Corrandulla man found in possession of child pornography

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Galway Daily courts Man receives jail sentence for racial abuse

Sentencing has been pushed back again for a Corrandulla man who was found in possession of thousands of images and videos child pornography.

John Healy (47), of Gortroe, Corrandulla was due to be sentenced this week at Galway Circuit Court, but the state had difficulty in getting all of the required witnesses to court.

Healy pleaded guilty on May 18 of 2019 to two counts of possession of child pornography under Section 6(1) of the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1998.

Judge Rory McCabe noted that the sentencing in this case has been pushed back on multiple occasions, saying “This has been getting on for a while now this sentencing, well over a year”.

Judge McCabe also noted that the most recent probation report he had was from June of 2020, and defence solicitor Gearoid Geraghty said that another expert report is still outstanding.

Judge McCabe ordered the preparation of an updated report from the Probation Services, and adjourned that case to June 10 for sentencing.

Spacious family home overlooking the bay is in turn key condition

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Galway Daily property Spacious family home overlooking the bay in turn key condition

This immaculate and spacious home overlooking Oranmore Bay in Roscam is ready for a family to move in at a moments’ notice.

O’Donnellan & Joyce Auctioneers are offering this four bedroom, semi-detached house at 341 Boireann Bheag for sale by Private Treaty.

This property has all the benefits of modern construction, having only been built in 2006. The house has been further improved by the current owner, both functionally and aesthetically.

In 2017 bonded bead cavity wall insulation was installed, which will ensure that any occupants are kept warm, while keeping the heating bill down. The house has a good BER: C1 rating overall.

The interior has also been lovingly updated, the quality of which is breathtakingly evident from when you step in the front door.

The tiled entrance hall leads to a plush and comfortable living room, a beautiful dining room which is flooded with light, a modern kitchen, and downstairs bathroom.

The Living Room is centred around a marble feature fireplace that creates an atmosphere of old-school luxury. This classic decor is further enhanced by the chandelier style light fitting, stylish coving, and french doors leading to the dining room.

The Dining Room itself is fitted with hardwood floors, and is flooded with light from the glass doors opening out onto the rear garden.

The open plan kitchen has been beautifully updated with tiled flooring for easy cleaning, and modern fittings that complement the colour scheme and add to the room’s sense of light. The fitted countertop wraps around the room to end in a seating area for casual family dining.

Just off the kitchen is a fully plumbed utility room with tiled flooring, appliances, and fitted shelving for storage space. This leads out to the charming rear garden.

Outside, the house boasts a rear garden that offers a chance to soak in the sun, with privacy provided by the fencing and mature greenery. The back garden also features a patio area, perfect for spending time in the summer.

Out front there is off street parking available in the attractively paved driveway of the house.

The first floor is divided among the four bedrooms and main bathroom of the house. The landing also features a hot press to provide additional storage space for clothes, bedding, or more.

Each of the bedrooms comes with a fitted wardrobe, and one features its own en-suite bathroom complete with a shower. Two of the bedrooms have hardwood timber floors, while two are carpeted. The upstairs bedrooms also offer stunning views over Oranmore Bay.

The house is located in an extremely attractive neighbourhood on the outskirts of Galway City, away from the traffic and noise, but still within easy reach of all the city’s amenities. In the other direction, it’s just a short drive from Oranmore.

The estate itself features plenty of well maintained green spaces, and for those seeking to enjoy nature, Boireann Bheag is just a minute’s walk from the coast.

This house has an asking price of €350,000. Viewing is highly recommended. To arrange a viewing or for other inquiries contact O’Donnellan & Joyce at 091 564 212 during office hours.

To see more of this house check it out on O’Donnellan & Joyce’s website at odonnjoyce.com/residential/brochure/341-boireann-bheag-roscam-galway-city/4468449 

Calls for mediator to be appointed in special needs education dispute

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Galway daily news Calls for mediator to be appointed in special needs education dispute

Calls have been made for a mediator to resolve the impasse on reopening special needs education between the department and unions.

Galway East TD Seán Canney said that there has been too much public rhetoric surrounding the issue, and that a solution is needed for families.

“Children and their parents are at their wits end and they have been given too many false dawns over the last two weeks. It is my view that both sides have lost the focus and the children are suffering”.

Plans for special needs education to resume this week collapsed after the Department of Education and Unions failed to come to an agreement.

The department has blamed unions, saying that staff refuse to accept public health advice saying that it is safe to return to schools with mitigation measures.

However the INTO and Fórsa have said that stronger health measures, such as COVID-19 testing, are needed before people can feel confident returning to schools.

There has been a lot of heated commentary surrounding this issues, and instances of feet being planted firmly in their owners mouths’.

In one instance, Minister of State for Special Education Josepha Madigan had to apologise for comparing the current situation to the suffering endured by children in Mother and Baby Homes.

Deputy Seán Canney said that he has been contacted by parents who are “totally lost” watching the government and unions “battle it out” in the media.

“It is past time to re-focus on the real issue and put the children first. It is our duty to act to protect these children who are so vulnerable, and this game needs to end”.

The Independent TD has proposed that the Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters write to the Minister for Education Norma Foley requesting a mediator or facilitator for the dispute.

“There is a solution to be found that protects teachers and SNA staff and at the same time gets the children back to their education”.

Kiltullagh/ Athenry Road blocked after crash

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Galway Daily news missing teen found safe

The Kiltullagh to Athnery Rd (R348) remains blocked between Kiltullagh itself and the M6 flyover after a crash this afternoon.

The road has been blocked for over two hours, and Gardaí are at the scene.

Update 8.30pm: The road has now been cleared.

Updates to follow…

Coronavirus: 51 deaths and 2,608 cases, 132 in Galway

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

The Department of Health has reported 132 new cases of Covid-19 in Galway this evening, taking the number of cases reported here in the past two weeks to 2,624.

Health officials reported a total of 2,608 new cases across the Republic, and 51 further deaths related to Covid-19.

There have been 532 deaths related to the disease so far in January and Deputy CMO Dr Ronan Glynn said that we can expect the high number of deaths to continue over the coming days.

As of 2 o’clock this afternoon, 1,943 people with Covid-19 are hospitalised, of which 214 are in ICU. There have been 105 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said: “While we are making clear progress in reducing incidence we can see we still have a very large burden of infection – to illustrate this on 1 December, when we last eased restrictions, our 5 day moving average was 261 cases per day, today it is almost ten times that number at 2,430 cases per day.

“It is evident that the population is working as one to reduce contacts and interrupt further transmission of the disease.

“However, we are witnessing the effects of high levels of community transmission through our hospital and ICU admissions and reported deaths.

“We need to continue to work together to drive this infection down and bring the disease back under control.”