Christmas traffic: Long delays across Galway city this evening

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December 21, 2020

Government agencies and statutory bodies need to work together to make remote working a permanent option for the benefit of rural communities Galway TD Ciaran Cannon said recently.

The Fine Gael TD said that the public service should lead the way on this initiative, to provide an example for private businesses to follow in its footsteps.

Speaking in the Dáil, Deputy Cannon asked Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys what her department is doing to support and encourage remote working.

Huge numbers of people have taken up remote working this year as the COVID-19 pandemic has made it safer to keep offices less crowded.

This has been highlighted by many voices of having great potential for rural areas, which have experienced population decline as young people move to larger towns and cities, as that’s where the jobs are.

However the development of working from home or other remote options in rural areas has been tied to the development of certain infrastructure, such as adequate broadband options.

“We urgently need to sit down with bodies such as Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and the WDC to set out a well-planned and well-thought-out strategy for the development of remote working as a permanent option for employees in Ireland,” Ciaran Cannon said.

“The benefits it can bring to rural communities and families are many. I am delighted to hear the Minister is showing leadership and taking the initiative on this.”

“I urge her to keep going to ensure that, rather than returning to what we described as the normal of the past, there is a new normal created in which remote working becomes a long-term viable option for thousands of workers across the country.”

Minister Humphreys that the Western Development Commissions and NUI Galway’s Whitaker Institute has been conducting ongoing research into remote working during the COVID-19 pandemic.

They found that, of 5,600 people asked, 94% were in favour of continuing to do so on an ongoing basis.

On top of that 23% of respondents said that they would consider moving somewhere else in Ireland if remote working would enable it, and 7% already done so.

“To support this shift, my Department is collaborating with the WDC to develop a national integrated network of remote working hubs supported by shared back office services,” Minister Humphreys said.

This nation network is meant to build on the work of the WDC is developing hubs along the Atlantic Economic Corridor, and a further €5 million has been allocated for investing in remote working facilities in 2021.

Deputy Cannon suggested that the government could help promote this by decentralising the public service.

“From talking to many public servants who are working remotely from their homes in an effective way in towns and villages across east Galway, I know that this is possible now.

“It would be helpful if the public service itself was seen to take a leadership role in the area of remote working, to lead the way, to find the mechanisms for doing it successfully and then to use those mechanisms as an exemplar for others to follow in its footsteps.”

UHG management reminds public that visiting restrictions are in place

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December 21, 2020

Galway Daily news Cancer survival rates significantly higher in centralised unit in Galway

Management at University Hospital Galway are reminding the public that visiting restrictions are in place at the hospital.

They have said that people should not visit the hospital except on compassionate grounds, and that these visits should be arranged in advance with the nurse manager on the ward.

There are currently two wards at UHG closed for new admissions due to a number of confirmed cases of COVID-19, management have confirmed.

The hospital is following the national public health guidance in relation to the management of suspect cases, confirmed cases and close contacts.

Testing and contact tracing of both staff and patients has been carried out to ensure the protection of public health and the hospital is continuing to update those impacted directly.

“It is really important that patients who are attending UHG for an appointment continue to follow all the public health guidance including wearing a face mask,” UHG management said today.

“We also remind patients to attend their appointments alone, unless the support of another person is essential.

“We would also like to remind the public that we encourage them to attend the Emergency Department (ED) only in the case of real emergencies.

“If your health problem is not an emergency you should contact your GP during normal surgery hours or the Westdoc GP out of hours service, in the first instance.”

Galway company named as finalist in Digital Business Awards!

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December 21, 2020

galway daily news whatsfordinner.ie delivery food galway takeaway service click & collect john shields awards

A Galway company has been named as a finalist in the upcoming Digital Business Awards taking place in the new year.

What’s For Dinner.ie, which has its headquarters in Ballybrit, is shortlisted in the ‘Best App’ category in the awards, hosted by Digital Business Ireland (DBI).

The Galway company was one of over 2,000 entries submitted in the inaugural year of the Digital Business Awards, and Company Director and co-owner John Shields described it as an honour to have been chosen as a finalist among such strong competition.

Speaking to Galway Daily ahead of the awards in January, John Shields said that it has taken many years of hard work by the company’s tech department to arrive at this point.

“What’s For Dinner.ie was founded in Galway back in 2003, set up as an option for restaurants and retails stores to outsource their delivery services,” he said.

“It has since gone on to expand across Athlone, Drogheda, Mullingar and Tullamore, with Newbridge and Naas launching in January 2021.”

But what makes What’s For Dinner.ie stand out from the international delivery giants of Just Eat and Deliveroo?

“Firstly, we are of course an Irish-owned company,” John explained. “Our Head Office is located here in Ballybrit in Galway, so we are very local and present to our clients and customers.

“Our Founder Jason Gallagher has spent over 15 years building personal business relationships with many of our restaurant and retail clients.”

He added that being entrusted with people’s businesses and brands is extremely important to the company and something they spend a lot of time and energy on.

“That is why you will see many locally-owned and operated brands such as Scotty’s, Seven, The Cellar, Tuco’s, Salt & Pepper and The Galleon, etc on our website, unique to us.

“These brands you can not find anywhere else for delivery, we are entrusted by the owners to ensure their own business reputation is beyond reproach. We operate a very-much owner to owner service to our clients.”

And the future looks bright for the Galway-based company.

“We expect 2021 to be our busiest year to date, on top of our Newbridge and Naas launch we expect to add at least a further eight locations across Ireland reaching 1 million deliveries during the year,” said John.

2021 will also see the business add a zero % commission ‘Click & Collect’ service for collection orders, for the restaurant and retail industry.

“With the ongoing pandemic situation causing havoc within hospitality and retail, we feel we are perfectly placed to assist struggling businesses who currently have, or who may want to add, a Click & Collect service to their business.

“We pledge to do this at an industry first of 0% commission,” he added.

To find out more about this true local success story and to order online, check out WhatsForDinner.ie!

Download the What’s For Dinner app on the App Store or Google Play Store!

Coronavirus: Three times more cases at UHG than last week

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December 21, 2020

The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 at University Hospital Galway today is three times higher than it was last Monday.

There are now 13 confirmed cases at UHG while at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe there is still just one person with the disease. On December 14, there were just four cases at UHG.

One patient who has tested positive for coronavirus at UHG is in critical care.

At 8.00 pm yesterday evening, there were 244 people with Covid-19 in hospitals across the State, an increase of 24 on yesterday morning.

When the data was recorded by the HSE, 29 patients were in ICU, with 16 ventilated cases.

Four additional deaths related to Covid-19 and 764 new cases have been confirmed by the Department of Health yesterday evening.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said: “We have the very real prospect of COVID-19 vaccines on the horizon. Ensure that your loved ones stay alive to receive them, by keeping your distance from them if you have not restricted your movements to this point.

“As difficult as it may seem, staying away from older family this Christmas will protect them – and it would be an exceptional sacrifice made for the common good.”

Businesses need clarity after COVID-19 disarray says Galway TD

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December 21, 2020

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

The government needs to provide a clearer roadmap for businesses which are in “disarray” as a result of COVID-19 restrictions decisions Galway TD Michael Fitzmaurice has said.

The Independent TD said that there need to be “definitive decisions” which are then stuck to, rather than shifting scenarios.

Businesses were allowed to reopen at the end of the Level 5 lockdown on December 1, with pubs and restaurants in the hospitality industry following on December 4.

After reopening in the summers, businesses had to shutter once again for a six week lockdown following an uptick in cases again in October.

While this period of relaxed restrictions was originally meant to last until January 6, it is now expected that fresh restrictions will be brought in before the new year as daily cases have increased dramatically in recent days.

“The hospitality sector in particular has taken a massive hit this year as a result of Covid-19 and the lockdowns. Hotels, pubs and restaurants have all suffered in 2020,” Michael Fitzmaurice said.

“However, when the Government previously outlined they would be open for the Christmas period, extensive planning went into their reopenings.”

“Staff were brought back, with many of them having been in receipt of the Covid payment, and orders for stock were lodged.”

Deputy Fitzmaurice added that it is unacceptable that a “chopping and changing” of plans for the Christmas period could leave businesses facing ruination.

“Definitive decisions need to be made and stuck too. Businesses, as well as their suppliers, cannot afford to be following one plane – only for that to be thrown on its head in a matter of days.”

The government has, however, found itself responding to unexpected circumstances beyond its control on top of the recent domestic spike in COVID-19 cases.

The most recent alarm in the coronavirus pandemic has come from a new strain of the virus circulating in the UK which is believed to be far more easily transmissible.

This has resulted in a ban on all travel from the UK by the Irish government, along with many other countries, while large amounts of the UK are now under the highest level of restrictions.

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said on RTÉ’s This Week Radio programme that he believes it likely that this strain has already arrived in Ireland due to the amount of traffic between our two countries.

Plans for Loughrea housing estate rejected

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December 21, 2020

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

Plans for the construction of a 46 home housing estate on the outskirts of Loughrea have been rejected by the due to its density, and a lack of information provided by the developer.

Galway County Council refused approval for Bilberrylane Ltd for the construction of a residential estate on a site off the Caheronaun Park Road, bordering the N65.

The council gave six reasons for refusing planning permission for the estate, citing a mixture of design, road safety, and infrastructure reasons.

The estate would have consisted of 6 two-bedroom, terraced houses; 4 three-bedroom end terrace houses; 18 one-bedroom, duplex units; and 18 two-bedroom duplex units.

The proposed location of the housing estate was a greenfield site south of the N65, with vehicular access off the Caheronaun Park Road.

“The proposed houses are to be laid out along the south, east and partially along the western boundary thereby creating a large public open space for houses to overlook,” the application stated.

“It is considered an important design principle that all houses are outward looking, and which overlook the public open space, thereby creating an element of passive surveillance but also outward looking to address and animate the public road”.

Parking at the estate would have been via 65 car parking spaces of “communal shared parking” located in front of the houses.

The council said that the density of the proposed development was too high for a site of this size located on the outskirts of Loughrea, and that the plans included too many apartment type homes.

It was also noted that no road safety audit or traffic and traffic and transport assessment had been carried out which, combined with the lack of footpaths, could pose a road safety hazard.

One submission had been received from Transport Infrastructure Ireland, raising concerns about the frontage of the development onto a main road, and the lack of a TTA with the application.

Coronavirus: 764 new cases reported, CMO says carefully consider Christmas plans

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December 20, 2020

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

Four additional deaths related to Covid-19 and 764 new cases have been confirmed by the Department of Health today as Dr Tony Holohan issued another warning ahead of Christmas.

Seventeen of the new cases are in Galway, while 284 are in Dublin, 70 in Limerick, 52 in Donegal, 44 in Cork and 37 in Wexford.

Dr Tony Holohan said that if young people have been socialising in the past few weeks or over this weekend, they should consider their Christmas plans carefully.

“Is it responsible to meet with your family over 65 later this week, if you have not kept your contacts low?” he asked.

67% are under 45 years of age and the median age is 34 years old.

“We have particularly strong concerns about the prospect of inter-generational mixing around the festive season,” said the Chief Medical Officer.

“On 11th December the 7-day incidence rate for people aged 19-44 was 106 per 100,000 population, by yesterday this rate had more than doubled to 217 per 100,000.

“If these younger people come into contact with their loved ones over the age of 65, we could see a spike in infections in this more vulnerable group. This would lead to very a serious pattern of disease, hospitalisations, ICU admissions and unnecessary deaths.

“We have the very real prospect of COVID-19 vaccines on the horizon. Ensure that your loved ones stay alive to receive them, by keeping your distance from them if you have not restricted your movements to this point.

“As difficult as it may seem, staying away from older family this Christmas will protect them – and it would be an exceptional sacrifice made for the common good.”

Saolta and World Health Organisation explore the future of digital healthcare

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December 20, 2020

The Saolta Hospital Group and the World Health Organisation recently partnered to dicuss how digital technologies will impact the future of healthcare.

A public lecture on Digital Health with Prof Derek O’Keeffe, Consultant Physician at University Hospital Galway and Mr Bernardo Mariano Jr, WHO Chief Information Officer is now available to view at: https://youtu.be/h9JvfPDRt98

Prof O’Keefe, who chaired the discussion, said that as connected technology becomes more ubiquitous, more services will be able to be conducted remotely.

“Equipment such as wifi-enabled blood pressure monitors, weighing scales, glucometers and thermometers will transform how chronic disease is managed, whereby a clinician will be able to access this data and have rich virtual consultations with patients about how to improve their health.”

This has already been seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, as restrictions have forced hospitals to change the way they operate, including with virtual outpatient appointments.

These virtual clinics have continued alongside face to face appointments, even after in person medical services resumed this year.

“Our strategy is to continue to be leaders in this new paradigm of healthcare delivery that will improve patient care,” Prof O’Keefe said.

In its strategy for the use of digital technologies in national healthcare systems the WHO is pursuing goals of: global collaboration; implementation; strengthening governance; and patient centred care.

Mr Bernardo Mariano, the Director of Digital Health for World Health Organisation, believes that healthcare in this decade will become like banking.

He said, “Most interactions will be done online, digital to digital, but occasionally you will have to go into the premises physically.”

Almost 1km of leaky water mains replaced in Ahascragh

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December 20, 2020

Galway Daily news Water main replacement

Almost a kilometre of problematic water mains in Ahascragh have been replaced in an effort to cut down on frequent leaks and bursts.

Irish Water and Galway County Council replaced 850m of pipes on the L74151 road in the east Galway village.

The old and leaky mains were replaced with modern high density polyethylene (plastic) pipes.

Commenting on the project Dave Murphy of Irish Water said “This mains replacement work is part of a significant investment by Irish Water to upgrade the water network in Galway”.

He added that “we would like to thank the local customers for their cooperation and patience while we completed this essential job.”

The works were part of Irish Water’s National Leakage Reduction Programme, which aims to invest €500 million in reducing leakage by 2021.

Man gets suspended sentence for stripping copper from Tuam courthouse

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December 20, 2020

Galway Daily courts Man gets suspended sentence for stripping copper from Tuam courthouse

A man who admitted to trying to steal copper piping from the vacant Tuam courthouse building was given at suspended sentence at Galway Circuit Court.

Michael Casey (24), of Parkmore Road, Tuam, pleaded guilty in November to trespassing and burglary, and appeared before Galway Circuit Court again this month for sentencing.

The court heard that on May 3 of 2019, Gardaí received a report of people trespassing at the vacant Tuam Courthouse building.

On arriving they saw multiple men cutting down copper drainpipes with electric tools. These men fled when they saw the Gardaí, leaving behind power tools and some copper piping which had been cut up and stacked for removal.

Casey was arrested several days later, and made full admissions to the Gardaí. When questioned he said that he believed the building was abandoned.

Barrister for the defence Conal McCarthy BL said that his client admitted his responsibility entered a plea of guilty at the first opportunity.

The estimated damage to the building was €5,000, and Mr McCarthy said that his client had €2,000 in court as a “practical token of remorse” beyond just words. This had been amassed with difficulty he added.

Judge Rory McCabe directed that the money should go to ALONE, a charity assisting older people in living independently.

Casey had already been in custody on this matter for roughly eight months since April on this matter Mr McCarthy said, adding that the inability to receive visitors in prison this year die to COVID has been an added hardship.

Judge McCabe imposed a one year prison sentence, crediting Casey for the time he has already served, and suspending the balance of the sentence for one year.

Coronavirus: 5 deaths and 527 COVID cases, 11 in Galway

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December 19, 2020

There have been 5 additional deaths related to COVID-19, and 527 new cases reported by the Department of Health today.

11 of today’s cases are in Galway, where the 14 day incidence rate is now 49.6 cases per 100,000 population.

There have now been 2,154 COVID related deaths in Ireland, and a total of 78,776 confirmed cases in the coronavirus pandemic.

Validation of data by the HPSC has resulted in the denotification of five previously confirmed cases, which is reflected in the national total.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said “The figures we are seeing across all key indicators of disease severity continue to give us strong reason for persistent, ongoing concern.”

“As we head into a week with uniquely risky inter-household and inter-generational mixing, please remember to act responsibly. Start this weekend. It is never too late to cut down your contacts, cancel plans, or avoid a crowd.”

“Bear in mind that you may well be the link in a chain of transmission that ends with a vulnerable loved one catching this dangerous disease. Stop that chain of transmission now – limit your movements today.”

As of 2pm today there are 207 people hospitalised with COVID-19 in Ireland, of whom 28 are in the ICU. There have been 12 people hospitalised in the past 24 hours.

Of the cases notified today:

271 are men and 255 are women
65% are under 45 years of age
the median age is 37 years old
191 in Dublin, 54 in Cork, 44 in Donegal, 32 in Wexford, 27 in Kilkenny, and the remaining 179 cases are spread across 20 other counties

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

Gardaí renew public appeal on suspect car in fatal hit and run in Furbo

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December 19, 2020

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

Gardaí are renewing their appeal for information in a fatal hit and run incident at Furbo where a woman in her 50s was killed this week, with new details on a suspect vehicle.

A woman in her mid-50s died following a road traffic collision, which occurred in the vicinity of Pairicin’s Bar in Furbo on Wednesday evening.

Investigating Gardaí have established that the deceased was dropped to this general location at approximately 6.30pm on Wednesday afternoon.

An Garda Síochána now believe that a 2004 to 2007 model Toyota Corolla was involved in this hit and run collision.

Inspector Brian Ryan of Salthill Garda Station said, “An Garda Síochána is appealing to the driver of this vehicle to please come forward and make contact with Gardaí in Salthill.”

“Similarly we would like to appeal to members of the public who may have information, or may be aware of a vehicle matching this description which has sustained damage in the past 24 hours, to please come forward.”

It is understood that the deceased was walking on the right hand side of the R336 road heading in the direction of Spiddal, and that she was struck by a vehicle travelling from the Spiddal direction heading towards Barna.

Anyone who can assist investigators with their enquiries can contact Salthill Garda Station on 091-514720, or the Garda Confidential line 1800-666-111.

Man (30s) arrested following drugs and cash seizure in Oranmore

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December 19, 2020

Galway Daily news missing teen found safe

A man in his 30s has been arrested after Gardaí seized approximately €36,000 of suspected cocaine and €800 during searches yesterday evening.

Gardaí stopped and searched a vehicle in the Oranmore area at around 6.45pm on Friday evening where they found approximately €8,000 of suspected cocaine and €800 in cash.

€28,000 of suspected cocaine was later seized by Gardaí in a related follow up search in the area. All drugs seized are subject to analysis.

The man who was arrested was detained at the North Western Regional Garda Headquarters in Galway under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.

He has since been released without charge and a file will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions. Investigations are ongoing.

Aki and Oliver starting for Connacht against Bristol

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December 19, 2020

Galway Daily sport Aki and Oliver starting for Connacht against Bristol

Only two changes have been made to the Connacht Rugby squad facing Bristol tomorrow from the side that suffered a close defeat by Racing 92 last week.

Connacht and Bristol have a pre-Christmas Heineken Champions Cup clash at The Sportsground this Sunday, with kick-off at 5:30pm.

Bundee Aki and Conor Oliver are both starting, but the 23 man squad remains unchanged, as Tom Daly and Jarrad Butler are named among the replacements.

That means Paul Boyle again captains the side from the number 8 position, while Sean Masterson completes the back row with Boyle and Oliver.

Sean’s brother Eoghan and Ultan Dillane again pair up in the second row, and Denis Buckley, Dave Heffernan and Finlay Bealham complete the pack.

Kieran Marmion and Jack Carty continue at scrum-half and out-half respectively, while Aki is partnered by Sammy Arnold at outside-centre. The back three is again made up of Matt Healy, Alex Wootton and John Porch.

Head Coach Andy Friend said of the selection, “While you’re never happy with a defeat, there was a huge amount to like about that performance in France last week.”

“It makes sense for us to stick with those same group of players, so the key thing now is we bring that level of consistency to our game and produce it in week in week out.”

Out of the 23 players on the squad, 14 came up through the Connacht Academy, which Friend says shows the level of trust the province have in their systems.

Regarding the game itself, Friend added “European games under The Sportsground lights are always special occasions so no doubt we’ll miss our supporters again on Sunday.

“Both ourselves and Bristol know only a win will do if we want to reach the quarter-finals so it should be a great contest and hopefully we’ll come out the right side of the result.”

CONNACHT MATCHDAY 23 VS BRISTOL BEARS
Sunday 20th December, The Sportsground, k/o 5.30pm

Name/Number/Caps
15. John Porch (25)
14. Alex Wootton (8)
13. Sammy Arnold (8)
12. Bundee Aki (104)
11. Matt Healy (140)
10. Jack Carty (145)
9. Kieran Marmion (171)
1. Denis Buckley (186)
2. Dave Heffernan (133)
3. Finlay Bealham (145)
4. Eoghan Masterson (98)
5. Ultan Dillane (102)
6. Sean Masterson (6)
7. Conor Oliver (8)
8. Paul Boyle (46) (C)
Replacements
16. Shane Delahunt (84)
17. Jordan Duggan (4)
18. Jack Aungier (8)
19. Cian Prendergast (3)
20. Jarrad Butler (63)
21. Caolin Blade (116)
22. Tom Daly (32)
23. Tiernan O’Halloran (185)

People urged to avail of free nasal spray flu vaccine for children ahead of Christmas

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December 19, 2020

As visiting restrictions are eased this weekend, a Galway Senator has called on people to avail of the free winter flu nasal spray vaccine for children in the coming days and weeks.

Fine Gael Senator for Roscommon-Galway Aisling Dolan urged parents of children and teenagers to take up the nasal spray vaccine before socialising this Christmas.

The free vaccine was recently extended to include all children between the ages of two and 17 and will be administered through a single spray in each nostril rather than an injection.

“It’s free, easy and you are keeping your children safe,” said Senator Aisling Dolan. “Winter flu can have serious complications for children with pneumonia and bronchitis.

“To date since October, over 190,000 LAIV vaccines have been given to children aged from 2 to 12.

“Over 460,000 doses have been distributed to GPs and pharmacists and appointments for vaccination can be made immediately. I would urge families to avail of this free vaccine.”

Senator Dolan called on people to remain vigilant and adhere to social distancing over Christmas.

“It is important that we reduce our number of close contacts before going home to visit parents and grandparents as well as wearing masks and washing our hands.

“In addition, keeping a 2 metre distance from people will all be crucial to keeping everyone safe this Christmas & New Year.

“We do know that 2021 will be a better and brighter year and we will have access to a vaccine to combat Covid-19, however it will take many months to allow a full national roll-out.

“Every action we take will make a difference so plan ahead to keep people safe and have a safe and healthy Christmas with your closest loved ones.”

The vaccine is available from local GPs and medical centre as well as local pharmacists. Parents are asked to call ahead and make an appointment.

Niamh Murphy, Pharmacist at Murphy’s Total Health Medical Hall in Ballinasloe, is also urging people to get the flu vaccine.

“Flu is a highly contagious virus which is easily spread from person to person. Children are more likely than adults to suffer severe complications of winter flu.

“It’s important to protect children and adults over Christmas and you can do this by availing of the free nasal spray flu vaccine,” said Niamh.

Galway United confirms departure of Ludden, Murphy, Warde and Schlingermann

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December 19, 2020

Galway United sports Galway United builds back line with signing of James Finnerty & Mark Russell — Photo: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Galway United has confirmed that Marc Ludden, Sam Warde, Cian Murphy and Micheal Schlingermann are departing the club, and will not be returning in 2021.

Galway United thanked the four players for the time and service they have given to the club, and wished them well in their future careers.

Manager John Caulfield said that it’s known that United intends to move to full time structures from next year, and that this will no suit everyone.

“I’d like to place on record my thanks to the lads and wish them well,” Caulfield added.

“The club would especially like to thank Marc Ludden for his service over the last seven seasons at Eamonn Deacy Park. We wish him well.”

It was also announced this week that Caoilfhionn O’Dea, Wilson Waweru, and Mikey Place will be returning to Eamon Deacy Park in 2021 after extending their contracts.

image credit: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Increase in COVID-19 hospital patients in Galway, 2 in the ICU

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December 19, 2020

There has been an increase in the number of COVID-19 patients hospitalised in Galway, and those who have been admitted to the ICU.

As of 8pm on Friday night there were 12 confirmed cases at UHG, but just 1 at Portiuncula, Ballinasloe.

Of the known patients being treated at University Hospital Galway, two are in the Intensive Care Unit.

However there is just one suspected case among Galway hospital patients, at UHG.

Nationwide there were 201 confirmed COVID-19 cases in hospital as of Friday night, of whom 31 are in the ICU and 18 are on ventilators.

There were just seven new cases reported in Galway yesterday amid a nationwide spike 582 daily cases.

Free parking in county towns to encourage local Christmas shopping

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December 19, 2020

Galway daily news Salthill car parks reopen after run of bad weather

There is free parking in multiple county towns for the entire month of December to help increase footfall and encourage people to shop in town this season.

The County Council is providing free parking in Ballinasloe, Loughrea, Tuam, Gort, Athenry, Clifden, and Cleggan this season.

From 11am onwards there will be free on and off-street parking available in those towns until the end of December.

Many shops have only just recently reopened after enduring six weeks of a second lockdown.

The council’s free parking is to “facilitate and encourage footfall in the regional towns during the Christmas shopping period.”

Pre-booking required for all inter-city train services

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December 19, 2020