Long Term Impact charge adds huge cost to upgrading Group Water Schemes – Camney

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December 3, 2020

Galway Daily news Roadworks to disrupt traffic near Portumna on Tuesday

Roadworks underway in Loughrea this week will disrupt traffic in the town during the evenings.

Galway County Council is carrying out resurfacing inlay works on the R446 Bride Street in Loughrea town.

The works, which got underway on Wednesday, are expected to continue until Friday night.

In order to facilitate these works a Stop/Go traffic management system will be in operation on the road section in question between the hours of 7:30 pm & 7am.

As a consequence users of this road are requested to expect delays during the evening and as such should allow additional time for their journeys.

Galway gives back: Over €125,000 raised for Galway Simon in virtual sleep out

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December 3, 2020

The first ever virtual Sleep Out for the Galway Simon Community proved to be a massive success this year, raising over €125,000 for the charity’s homelessness services.

The annual Sleep Out is the biggest fundraiser of the year for Galway Simon, and an essential source of support for their effort to keep people out of homelessness.

This year has seen a greater demand for Galway Simon’s services than ever before, but fundraising opportunities have also been curtailed by the coronavirus.

In light of this, the Simon Community decided to hold a virtual sleep out this year, with people encouraged to forgo their beds in favour of camping out in back gardens, office car parks, or even just the living room floor.

The virtual sleep out enabled people from all walks of life to take part in unique ways across Galway and far further afield, with individuals, businesses, and community groups chipping in.

The Connacht Hospitality Group moved outside of its regular promotion of sleeping in luxury, with the management team of the local hotels and bars group raising almost €5,000 for Galway Simon, in what has been one of the most challenging years in modern history for the hospitality industry.

“We had originally set a target of €2500,” says Group General Manager Wayne Neilon, “But we were overwhelmed by the generosity of our partners, friends and our teams, the Simon community do fantastic work and we were delighted to be able to support.”

More than 200 people took part in the Sleep Out, which occurred in October, with people joining in across the west of Ireland, and from as far away as Shanghai, Vancouver, and Seoul.

One brave participant, Regina King, went far further than her back garden to pitch her tent on top of Croagh Patrick for the night.

She, along with her three dogs who made the climb with her, raised over €2,500 for the Simon Community herself with this bold pitch.

Karen Golden, CEO of the Galway Simon Community, thanked everyone who took part for their support of Galway Simon’s homelessness prevention services.

“The Sleep Out for Simon is our biggest fundraiser of the year and is vital in keeping our Prevention Services running in Galway.”

“I would like to extend a warm heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported the event this year, from those who participated on the night to those who made a donation and the many people who gave of their time and expertise – a huge thank you from all of us at Galway Simon.”

Coronavirus: 5 deaths today, but just 5 Galway COVID cases

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December 2, 2020

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

There have been 5 additional deaths related to COVID-19 and 270 new confirmed cases reported by the Department of Health today.

Of the cases notified today, just 5 are in Galway, where the 14-day incidence rate is now 44.6 cases per 100,000 population.

This is a fall back closer to the levels seen in recently after two days in a row where the daily cases went back up closer to levels seen around the start of November.

There have now been a total of 73,066 confirmed cases in the Republic of Ireland, and there have been 2,074 COVID-19 related deaths in the state.

Validation of data at the HPSC has resulted in the denotification of 2 confirmed cases, which is reflected in the national total.

“It is important to keep up the progress that we have achieved in recent weeks,” said Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan.

“Ireland now has the lowest 14-day incidence of COVID-19 in the EU according to the latest ECDC figures and we need to hold firm to this position.

“As the country moves into Level 3, there is no room for complacency in our response to COVID-19.

As of 2pm today there are 231 hospital patients with COVID-19 in Ireland, of whom 31 are in the ICU.

Of the cases notified today:

141 are men and 129 are women
63% are under 45 years of age
the median age is 37 years old
58 in Dublin, 38 in Donegal, 28 in Wicklow, 25 in Mayo, 24 in Limerick and the remaining 97 cases are spread across 21 other counties

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

Dr Holohan added, “As more services reopen for business, remember to use the basic public health advice as a guide when organising your time.

“When you are out in shops and accessing services, try to avoid high risk situations and wear a face covering when social distancing is not possible on busy streets and crowded outdoor areas.

“When you come home from shopping or being outdoors, remember that washing your hands is your first priority.

“For those of us who cannot work from home, the wearing of a face covering is now advised when moving around busy indoor workplaces and in communal work areas.

“If you are planning to travel around your county, consider first whether it is absolutely necessary to travel.”

“Your individual actions are vital to our national effort to suppress the transmission of this disease.”

Man gets prison for abuse of Gardaí at A&E

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December 2, 2020

Yelling abuse and threats at Gardaí in the A&E and train station in Galway City netted a man four months in prison at Galway District Court.

Sam Lynch (28), with an address at St. Brendan’s Terrace, Ballinasloe was convicted of public intoxication and threatening, abusive, or insulting words and behaviour from two separate incidents in late 2019.

The first incident happened, at Ceannt Station at approximately 9pm on October 11, where Gardaí were called to the station after a passenger on a train said that he had been threatened by Lynch.

He was found nearby extremely intoxicated and unable to stand up unsupported. He was arrested for public order offences, and became abusive to the officers.

Lynch said that he was “going nowhere” with “garda c***s”. While he was being transported to the station he repeatedly kicked the door of the van and spat on the glass.

He continued to behave abusively in the custody area at the station, the District Court heard, calling the Garda officers “cancerous c***s”. He also continued to yell abuse in the custody area of the station after they arrived.

The next incident before the court happened on November 7 after Lynch was brought to University Hospital Galway by ambulance, saying that he had been assaulted.

In the A&E he was extremely drunk and abusive to both the hospital staff and gardaí, telling one officer to “fuck off” and threatening to knock their teeth out.

Mr Lynch’s solicitor Martina Morgan said that her client has addiction problems. He has no memory of events and is extremely apologetic she added.

Judge Mary Fahy said that his behaviour was “appalling” on both occasions.

She sentenced him to four months in prison for the threatening and abusive behaviour, two month consecutive sentences on each charge, along with a €100 fine for each of the public intoxication charges.

Galway based start-up pockets €100,000 in business competition

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December 2, 2020

2. (L to R) Padraig Maher, CTO_ Barry McCann, CEO and Marie-Therese Maher, COO, NUA Surgical — adraig Maher, CTO_ Barry McCann, CEO and Marie-Therese Maher, COO, NUA Surgical

A medical start-up from Galway has pocketed a cash prize of €100,000 after winning Ireland’s biggest competition for innovative new businesses.

NUA Surgical entered the Seedcorn competition last year and reached the regional finals, but was named the overall winner of this year’s contest at an online ceremony today.

Based at NUI Galway, NUA Surgical is dedicated to innovating in women’s health, and developed SteriCISION – a new C-Section retractor which ensures safer surgeries.

Marie-Therese Maher, COO_ Barry McCann, CEO_ Padraig Maher, CTO, NUA Surgical

“Seedcorn has been a tremendous journey for us, having only reached the regional final in 2019 and now being crowned the overall winner one year later is amazing,” said Barry McCann, CEO at NUA Surgical.

“Our success in Seedcorn is great validation of our investment opportunity it demonstrates that we are now investor ready.

“This win is another steppingstone in bringing the device to market, where we can really make a difference in women’s health.”

The prestigious event also saw GenoME Diagnostics in the North take home €50,000 and the title of Best New Start.

Congratulating the winners, InterTradeIreland Chairman Ken Nelson said that Seedcorn aims to nurture and promote the growth of new enterprises across the island of Ireland.

“After a difficult year, it’s extremely encouraging to see the wealth of enthusiasm, innovative thinking and ambition that these businesses – both North and South – bring to the table,” he said.

“On behalf of InterTradeIreland, I would like to congratulate NUA Surgical and GenoME Diagnostics on their overall win and Sonrai Analytics as the special award winner.

“We wish them success and prosperity in all of their future endeavours, I have no doubt that they are destined for greatness and look forward to following their journey.”

Seedcorn is the island’s biggest business competition for innovative new start and early stage businesses in any sector.

Since its inception in 2003, more than 3,100 companies have been through the programme and finalists have raised in excess of €256m in equity funding.

Call for Minister for Health to ‘step up to the plate’ and pay student nurses

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December 2, 2020

Galway daily news Sinn Féin takes the lead in Galway West

Galway West TD Mairéad Farrell has called on Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly to step up to the plate and pay student nurses.

During a debate on the matter in the Dáil, Deputy Farrell raised real life experiences from Student Nurses in Galway.

“Student nurses and midwives deserve to be paid,” said the Sinn Féin TD. “They are the glue holding our public health system together.

“They perform duties far beyond their educational requirements, often filling gaps in employment caused by illness or vacancies.”

Deputy Farrell said that student nurses have been central to our front line response to this pandemic but have been left in financial hardship by the Government.

“This has been particularly acute during Covid, as more than 11,000 healthcare workers have contracted the virus over the last number of months,” she added.

“The pandemic means that many student nurses can’t work their part time job on top of the placement because of the infection risk moving from one place to another which leaves them short again. How can they support themselves if they’ve no income?

“Some of them have children, how are they to support their families?

“They cannot forego the placement as it is required for their degree. We must ensure that student nurses are financially supported to finish their placements and studies.

“They need to be paid fairly for the work they do. They must be treated as workers as well as students, and their student status should not be used to undermine their rights to fair pay.”

Snow, hail and sleet possible as temperatures fall below 0

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December 2, 2020

Met Éireann is warning of much colder weather in the coming days, with wintry showers possible across the country tonight and tomorrow.

While today starts mostly sunny and dry in Galway, tonight is set to be freezing, with heavy and thundery showers becoming wintry on high ground.

Temperatures will fall even further tomorrow (Thursday), with afternoon temperatures of just 2 to 4 degrees.

There is a risk of hail and thunder tomorrow, and some showers will fall as sleet on high ground.

Wintry showers will persist in western coastal areas on Thursday night and it will be very cold, with lowest temperatures of +1 to -4 degrees forecast for the country.

Friday will be another cold day but not quite as cold as Thursday. Showers will continue in western coastal areas, some heavy and wintry with the risk of hail.

And the winter weather is set to continue over the weekend and into next week, according to Met Éireann’s early forecast.

Galway salons take home Silver at National Beauty Awards

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December 2, 2020

Galway daily life style Galway salons take home Silver at National Beauty Awards

Two Galway salons achieved high recognition at the national Business of Beauty Awards this year, with both businesses claiming silver prizes.

Yourells Hair Group and The Beauty Suite Tuam were named as the Silver Award winners for Best Hair Salon and Best Beauty Salon respectively at the 2020 Virtual IMAGE Business of Beauty Awards.

The awards which took place on line on Sunday evening 29th November saw the Galway beauty businesses claiming Silver accolades in their respective fields.

Yourells Hair Group with three locations in Galway on Eyre Street, in Moycullen and in Oranmore came within a hair’s breath of taking the gold, finishing just four votes shy of the top spot.

The award-winning hair group which employs over 30 in Galway have a national reputation for excellence and each year are praised highly for their customer care.

The Beauty Suite in Tuam, which is owned by Skincare expert Anna Forde, is no stranger to award wins, having claimed the ‘Image Skincare Salon of Excellence’ for 2020 in Ireland in March of this year and numerous other award wins since they opened in 2007.

Anna Hosty and Claire Dixon, co-owners of Yourells Hair Group, said that this is a welcome morale boost for the team returning to work this week, acknowledging that it has been “quite the year” for the industry.

“The Image Awards are held in such high regard by our industry peers and by the public, and even though the awards were adapted and we all could not be together, we were absolutely honoured to be named Silver in the Best Hair Salon in Ireland.

“We are all opening our doors again this Friday and now we can do this with the positive recognition of an award win now to boost morale and to say well done to all our hard working brilliant team.”

Slow progress on new buildings for Renmore schools raised in Seanad

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December 2, 2020

galway daily news renmore school building sean kyne

Senator Seán Kyne raised the slow progress on a new school building for Scoil Caitríona Junior & Senior Primary Schools, Renmore with Minister for Education Norma Foley in the Seanad.

Senator Kyne acknowledged the engagement between the Department and the School Board of Management over recent years, but expressed his deep concern on the lack of progress for the schools’ 800 pupils and over 60 staff.

Senator Kyne informed the Minister that the issue of lack of Green Space can be resolved by the use of the adjacent lands owned by Galway City Council and that this is a viable solution to the confined size of the site.

Minister Foley said that that the Department is anxious to advance the building projects for the schools into the architectural planning process.

“However, the complexities associated with the existing site need to be resolved and the Department is currently exploring the options available,” she said.

Minister Foley is to hold a meeting next week with Oireachtas members to discuss issues regarding the schools.

Senator Kyne reiterated that there is a solution and what is needed now is recognition by the Department of this and to progress rapidly to design, planning and construction for the nearly 800 pupils in the schools.

Give a few hens a happy home this Christmas!

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December 2, 2020

By Nelly Berg

Thousands of caged hens are destined for the slaughterhouse this month, and they’re hoping for a Christmas miracle!

During the festive season, LittleHill Animal Rescue hopes to save as many of these ladies as possible, but only if they can secure happy homes for them.

The charity is calling on compassionate people throughout County Galway to make space in their lives a few birds, so that they can enjoy a merry Christmas and a happy new year.

“We are driving to every corner of Ireland to try to save these girls from the slaughterhouse and get them into their own homes for Christmas – please help us,” said Susan Anderson, LittleHill’s founder.

Nelly and hens – photo by Louise Wallace

But why are these chickens bound for the abattoir? Commercial egg-laying hens are routinely slaughtered and replaced at about 15 to 18 months of age, when their laying dips slightly.

“Their productivity might only drop by a mere 15 percent at this young age,” explained Susan. “But this means they are no longer profitable for farmers to keep.”

For the past few years, Susan and her team of volunteers have been rescuing and re homing hens from a number of egg farms. In this way, the birds can live long and happy lives as much-loved pets, who thank their new families with delicious, cruelty-free eggs.

Many hen adopters report how their rescue hens have provided company and ‘hentertainment’ during the pandemic.

“During the lockdown, our hens gave us a routine and a sense of normality,” said Vivienne McCormack, who lives near Loughrea. “To see them carry on as normal in their own cheeky way without a bother was more than comforting at a time of fear, uncertainty and isolation.

We also rescued more hens during lockdown, and to see them thrive and recover from their horrific cage lives gave an enormous sense of hope at a time when we are all vulnerable.”

LittleHill’s volunteers will be transporting hens to Gort and Portumna on December 5th; Loughrea, Galway city, Tuam, Spiddal, Clifden and Oughterard and Moycullen on the 19th of December; and Athenry on December 20th.

To offer a happy home, potential adopters must send a private message to the charity’s Facebook page, “LittleHill Animal Rescue & Sanctuary”, stating the number of hens they would like to reserve and the collection town.

Those without a Facebook account can ask a friend or relative to make the booking on their behalf. An adoption fee of six euro per hen applies, which covers the charity’s expenses.

Christmas lights ring in the holiday season in Eyre Square

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December 2, 2020

Galway Daily news Christmas lights ring in the holiday season in Eyre Square

Galway City is getting in the festive spirit, with Eyre Square now lit up each evening by Christmas Lights spearing the sky.

Mayor of Galway Mike Cubbard officially switched on the Christmas lights on Tuesday night, the same day as shops threw open their doors again for the seasonal shopping season.

New to the light shop this year are the ‘Lights of Hope’ which have been installed around the Galway Hooker monument in Eyre Square.

People in the city centre, and far beyond, will be able to see them lighting up the sky from 4pm onwards each day until the New Year.

“These lights of hope come at time as the country exits Level 5 restrictions and are a symbol of the hope of a bright future in 2021 as we look forward to emerging from Covid-19,” the city council said in a social media post.

The council is urging people to enjoy Galway City Centre and to shop local this Christmas to support local businesses and jobs.

But people continue to observe social distancing and all health precautions in order to prevent another resurgence of COVID-19.

#LookForLocal when shopping this Christmas!

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December 2, 2020

GALWAY DAILY NEWS SHOP LOCAL business support local woman shopping in galway

Galway consumers are being urged to support Irish businesses and jobs by making an effort to support local retailers as they reopen in the lead up to Christmas.

Galway Senator Aisling Dolan is asking people to ‘Look For Local’ as many businesses re-open this week.

“Now is the time to buy gifts for our nearest and dearest from shops and businesses that we know,” said the Fine Gael senator.

“So shop local to support Irish businesses and local jobs. Don’t forget many of our local shops are offering the option to click and collect. It’s not just the big international retailers offering online shopping.”

An Tánaiste Leo Varadkar recently launched a national #LookForLocal campaign which is showcasing local talent, crafts and gift ideas.

Senator Dolan said that supporting our neighbours’ jobs, income and businesses by keeping spend in the local economy brings benefits to us all, especially when these are the same shops that sponsor prizes for our clubs, schools and community groups.

“It has been an extremely difficult year for retailers right across the country and it is important to support them in the run up to Christmas,” she said.

“It is really important also that we continue to protect each other by wearing masks outdoors in crowded areas and keeping to public health guidelines.”

From Galway to the North Pole – festive fundraiser to save lives at sea

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December 2, 2020

Galway Daily news North Pole challenge raises €5k festive gift for Galway RNLI

There have been many expeditions to our planet’s North Pole that have gone down in history for their grit and determination in harsh circumstances. And while the Marine Institute’s epic voyage won’t actually be leaving Ireland, it’s still a great cause to get behind.

Staff at the Marine Institute in Oranmore are taking on a festive fundraising challenge in aid of the RNLI, aiming to run, walk, or swim the entire 4,068km distance from Renville to the North Pole.

“The ocean is at the heart of the work that we do in the Marine Institute. Many of our colleagues and those that we work with spend much of their time at sea,” explains Dr Paul Connolly, CEO of the Marine Institute

“Knowing that the emergency services are there should we need them is a huge comfort for all who use the ocean whether for work or for pleasure.”

The RNLI depends on voluntary donations to fund its lifesaving services at lifeboat stations across Ireland. It costs €1,650 to train a volunteer lifeboat crewmember for a year and €1,764 to kit them out in their lifesaving gear.

This has been a particularly difficult year for charities that require support from the public, as COVID-19 restrictions have made many fundraising activities impossible.

So far this year, the RNLI has been responsible for for 78 rescues and lives saved in 2020 in Galway alone.

“For these reasons, as an organisation the Marine Institute decided that together we could do our bit to support the RNLI and have a bit of festive fun while we are at it,” Paul Connolly said.

The North Pole team challenge will run until Friday, December 18, with a target of raising €2,500 and people can register online to take part here.

1 of 2

Speaking on behalf of Galway RNLI, Mike Swan, Lifeboat Operations Manager said that they are extremely grateful to the Marine Institute for their Christmas fundraiser.

“This has been a challenging year for the RNLI as the demand for our service remains high and we have been operating during restrictions with PPE for the volunteer lifeboat crews.

“Those crews bring loved ones home every day and this year we have continued to do that along with all our lifeboat colleagues around the coast.

“Thank you to the Marine Institute for this wonderful fundraiser which will support the RNLI’s work in saving lives at sea.”

image credit: Andrew Downes Xposure

High speed Halloween chase ends in prison for drunk driver

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December 1, 2020

Galway daily news Woman in her 80s seriously injured after being hit by car

A high speed chase leading out of Galway City on Halloween ended with a drunk driver ditching the car he had taken, and trying to escape Gardaí on foot across open fields.

Alan Connell (23), with an address at Old Road, Tuam received a total sentence of 15 months in prison after pleading guilty to multiple charges of dangerous driving, unauthorised taking of a vehicle, driving without insurance or licence, and drunk driving at Galway District Court.

The incident involved a high speed chase that began when Connell hit the side of Garda car trying to stop him at Fearr an Rí estate in Doughiska on the evening of October 31 this year, and ended with him diving out of the moving car at Grange, Claregalway after a number of dangerous incidents.

In one incident singled out by Gardaí as particularly dangerous, Connell blew through a red light at a pedestrian crossing on the Old Dublin Road while a woman was crossing with a pram.

Connell was pursued by Gardaí out of Galway City in the direction of Galway airport, performing numerous dangerous overtaking and undertaking manoeuvres at high speeds on narrow roads.

At one one point he was clocked doing 180km/hr speeds in an 80km speed zone at Lydican. Shortly afterwards he crashed into a tree and stone wall following a sharp turn, but continued driving for a time afterwards.

The chase ended when Connell jumped out of the still moving car at Grange, and ran into a field while the now driverless vehicle rolled on and crashed. Gardaí apprehended and arrested him after he ran through several more fields.

An oral fluid sample tested positive for cocaine and cannabis, and a blood sample taken back at the station returned a result of 147mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood, almost three times the limit for a fully licenced driver.

The car, which was not his, was taken without permission from Flannery’s Hotel in Galway City earlier that evening.

At the time of the incident, Connell had no licence or insurance as he was serving a 6 year disqualification from driving which was imposed in 2016.

Solicitor for the defence Martina Moran said that her client had a long history of addiction, which he was attempting to address, and had a “blowout” that night, for which there was no explanation.

She added that he realises how lucky he is that the circumstances of this incident did not result in more serious charges, and entered a plea at the first opportunity,

Judge Mary Fahy said that “this man did not seem to have regard for anyone else on the road”, describing his behaviour as “absolutely appalling”.

For the dangerous driving incident that initiated the chase, where Connell struck the Garda car at Fearr an Rí, Judge Fahy imposed a five month prison sentence.

Consecutive sentences of five months and four months were imposed for the dangerous driving where he blew through the red light at the pedestrian crossing, and for the drunk driving charge.

A further one month in prison was imposed for the driving without insurance charge, bringing the sentence to a total of 15 months.

Concurrent or suspended sentences were imposed on the other dangerous driving, driving without a licence, and unauthorised taking charges.

Recognisance was fixed in the event of an appeal at €400 of his own bond, and an independent surety of €1,000, half of which was to be lodged with the court.

Coronavirus: 16 new cases in Galway, 18 further deaths reported

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December 1, 2020

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

The Department of Health has reported 269 new cases of Covid-19 today as the country begins to re-enter Level 3 restrictions.

Health officials also reported eighteen further deaths related to the disease, 15 of which occurred in November. One death occurred in October and two are under investigation.

Sixteen of the new cases are in Galway, while 73 are in Dublin, 20 in Kilkenny, 20 in Limerick and 19 in Louth.

Dr Tony Holohan said: “The hard work and sacrifices that have been made by people over the last 6 weeks to suppress COVID-19 means we are now in a position to reopen non-essential retail and to travel within our counties.

“It’s up to every person to remain vigilant… do not have visitors to our homes, outside of necessary visitors in a support bubble, until the 18th of December.”

The 14-day incidence rate is down to 87 and the seven-day incidence rate is now 39.9.

Outbreak of COVID-19 at Galway school

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December 1, 2020

The HSE has sent an urgent letter to parents and guardians at a Galway school after multiple students tested positive for COVID-19.

The Daily Mirror reports that all close contacts of the cases have been contacted.

The worrying development comes after 17 students tested positive for the virus at a school in Co. Cork, which is now closed for two weeks.

The school in Galway remains open despite the outbreak.

The HSE letter says that close contacts, siblings and all household contacts should then also be kept at home on restricted movements, according to the Daily Mirror.

Country farmhouse is a dream restoration project

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December 1, 2020

Galway Daily property Country farmhouse is a dream restoration project

When picking a family home to settle down in long term, some of the most sought after features in a house are lots of outdoor space for kids and adults alike to enjoy, and the chance to shape your house to your desires.

The country farmhouse at Cregboy, Claregalway would be a great fixer upper project for a family to undertake, with a two storey detached house that has room to grow, and extremely large grounds.

O’Donnellan & Joyce Auctioneers are offering this four-bedroom farmhouse, outbuildings, and grounds for sale at their live stream nationwide property auction on Friday, 11th December. In order to take part, bidding by phone, online, or via proxy, interested parties must register online.

Just inside the front door is a large living room looking out over the front and back of the property, and down the hall is another Dining/Living Room.

One of the house’s four bedrooms is located downstairs, with windows looking out onto the front and rear of the property to let in lots of light, as is the house’s main bathroom.

Through the kitchen there is also a utility room and storage shed, offering an abundance of storage space for the home. The shed also opens out onto the rear of the property.

The remaining three bedrooms are located upstairs, all offering plenty of space as they occupy the entire floor, including one particularly spacious master bedroom running the length of the building.

Outside of the main farmhouse there is a hay shed, and multiple other single and two-storey outbuildings which could be renovated for storage or other uses.

Though they have seen better days, there is incredible potential in these outbuildings, some of which incorporate traditional stone-walled construction.

As the property has been vacant for a number of years the grounds of this 0.84 acre site have been allowed to grow more than a little wild, but a green thumbed buyer could make them into something truly stunning.

The property itself is located just a very short distance outside the village of Claregalway, within easy reach of the village’s schools, hotel and other amenities.

Vacant for several years, this house and grounds is going into auction with an Advised Minimum Value of €200,000.

While there is a large amount of work that needs to be done to bring it up to modern habitable standards, the size and potential of the site and property make it an attractive investment prospective for a family looking to settle down for the long term.

Viewings of this property are available by appointment on Thursdays & Saturdays from 12pm – 1pm. To arrange a viewing, or for other inquiries, call O’Donnellan & Joyce at 091 564 212.

To see more of this property, check it out on O’Donnellan & Joyce’s website at odonnjoyce.com/residential/brochure/cregboy-claregalway-galway/4465811.

Livestream Auction

The next O’Donnellan & Joyce nationwide property auction will take place on Friday 11th December at noon. The auction will be live streamed through their website and social media, as in person attendance will not be permitted.

In order to take part in this auction, potential homeowners must register by 4pm on Wednesday, December 9th.

On the block so far are 30 properties in Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon, Donegal, Dublin, Carlow, and Wexford including a wide range of houses and apartments in different locations and price points.

To look at the growing number of properties up for grabs next month go to the auction catalogue on O’Donnellan & Joyce’s website.

Call for better conditions for childcare staff at launch of new report

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December 1, 2020

galway daily news early childhood ireland childcare

Early Childhood Ireland has called for early years practitioners to be given the same treatment as professionals working across the wider care and education sectors.

The call was made at the launch of a new research report on pay and working conditions in the early years sector.

The report examines how best to professionalise the early years sector, and improve terms and conditions for the workforce.

It compares pay and conditions for early years care and education workers with those for workers in a range of other sectors, including healthcare support assistants, special needs assistants, social care workers, physical therapists, teachers, and nurses.

Commenting today, Teresa Heeney, CEO of Early Childhood Ireland, said the research shows the key factors that need to be taken into account to professionalise and adequately resource the early years sector.

“Early Childhood Ireland has always recognised the important contribution of the thousands of staff who work in the sector, delivering quality care and education to babies and children nationwide,” she said.

“The backdrop to their vital work, however, is one of low rates of pay and the absence of a clearly defined career path.

“Over the past decade, the Government has given significant attention to professionalising the early years workforce.”

Teresa Heeney said that for the most part, they have been concerned with increasing the qualifications profile of early years workers.

“And this has been successful,” she said, “in that there has been substantial upskilling of the workforce.

“However, this upskilling has not been met with the increased investment needed to ensure highly qualified professionals receive appropriate pay and secure working conditions.

“The reality is that the early years workforce remains in a policy limbo. On the one hand, employers in the sector have the legal authority but not the financial capacity to improve pay and conditions and, on the other hand, the State has the financial capacity but not the legal authority of an employer.

“This has led to an unsustainable policy ‘merry-go-round’ with no winners.”

Early Childhood Ireland is calling on the Government to increase investment in the early years sector to address the issues highlighted by the research.

The new report, ‘Pathways to Better Prospects: Delivering Proper Terms and Conditions for the Early Years Workforce in Ireland’ was produced by the Department of Work and Employment Studies at the University of Limerick.

The research received funding from the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, also looks at international models of good practice for professionalising the early years workforce, with comparisons made between Ireland and Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Germany, Finland, Denmark and Norway.

Full report available HERE.

Ireland’s deadliest spider even more dangerous than believed

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December 1, 2020