Allow retailers to extend opening hours over Christmas says Galway senator

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November 20, 2020

Galway Daily news Over 44,000 vaccinations carried out at Galway Racecourse in 2022

The new head of Nursing and Midwifery at the Saolta Hospital Group is urging hospital staff to get the flu vaccine this year.

Paul Hooton, the new Chief Director of Nursing & Midwifery for the Saolta Group, said that hospital staff have a responsibility to get the flu vaccine this year.

“This year more than any it is vital that our staff get vaccinated against the flu. We look after the most vulnerable people in our community and them getting the flu can have serious consequences to their health outcomes.”

The Saolta University Hospital Group consists of UHG, Merlin Park, and Portiuncula hospitals in Galway, as well as well as Mayo, Sligo, Roscommon, and Letterkenny University Hospitals.

There are plenty of opportunities for hospital staff to get vaccinated at work Paul Hooton said.

“We have lead vaccinators and peer vaccinators on all sites, and what I really ask all of you to do today, is go to your managers and ask where you can get the vaccination.”

“It’s important that we protect ourselves, yes, but equally and more importantly we have to protect out patients. So please, please sign up today and get it done.”

He concluded by reminding people that getting the flu vaccine doesn’t just protect yourself and those around you, but contributing on a larger scale through the Get A Vaccine, Give a Vaccine UNICEF campaign.

This means that for every flu vaccine given to healthcare staff, Saolta donates the cost of 10 polio vaccines to UNICEF.

Three local restaurants compete for Best Takeaway in Ireland Award

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November 20, 2020

galway daily just eat national takeaway awards galway food lana boojum papa rich

Three Galway restaurants are in with a chance of being named the best takeaway in Ireland and winning a support package worth €20,000 after progressing to the final stages of the Just Eat National Takeaway Awards.

Lana Salthill, Papa Rich Woodquay and Boojum at the Spanish Parade in the city are nominated for the national award, and they will also compete for the title of Best Takeaway in Connacht.

A total of five fantastic Galway businesses are among 77 takeaways shortlisted across a number of categories in this year’s contest.

Harry’s, Bohermore is nominated in the new Best Cocktail category and Wholly Cow Burgers on the Newcastle Road is shortlisted in the Best Takeaway Sustainability category.

Boojum is also competing in the Best Mexican Takeaway category alongside the renowned Burrito Loco in Letterkenny in Donegal.

The fully-digital event has been reimagined this year to support those most at risk during the pandemic, with communities across the country encouraged to cast their votes before Wednesday 25th November.

Nominated by a record number of customers, there are a number of restaurants which started offering a delivery service this year.

“We’ve seen an increase in the number of customers that have engaged with this year’s Just Eat National Takeaway awards, representative of how we’ve seen communities responsively galvanise in their support of local business,” said Amanda Roche-Kelly, Managing Director at Just Eat Ireland.

“The Just Eat National Takeaway Awards is not just about celebrating Just Eat restaurant partners, it’s about shining a light on the hard working owners of local and independent restaurants right across Ireland who are continuously adapting their business model to meet the needs of those within their local area.

“This shortlist features a range of new and long-standing Just Eat restaurant partners, but it also features restaurants who are not using the platform yet but are clearly loved in their local communities.

“There has never been a more important time to get behind your local takeaway restaurant, so I’d encourage everyone to cast their vote on the shortlist and show their support for a sector that has shown incredible resilience in the face of unprecedented adversity.”

Customers have until Wednesday 25 November to nominate their favourite neighbourhood takeaway at nationaltakeawayawards.just-eat.ie with those who do in with a chance to win FREE takeaway for a year. The winners of the 2020 Just Eat National Takeaway Awards will be announced on Friday 27 November.

David Hurley signs for Galway United

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November 20, 2020

galway united fc galway daily news football david hurley — David Hurley. Pic: Galway United

Galway United have signed 22-year-old midfielder David Hurley from Cobh Ramblers.

The skilful midfielder moves to Eamonn Deacy Park after making over 80 appearances for Cobh Ramblers in the past four seasons.

Hurley said he was ‘really looking forward’ to playing under manager John Caulfield.

Speaking to galwayunitedfc.ie, the 22-year-old Corkman said he hopes his new gaffer can can replicate his Cork City success with Galway United in the future.

“It’s a dream to go into full time football, especially now that I’m finished college. It suited me perfectly and now I can give football my full attention,” he told the club’s media team.

“It’s been a great experience playing with Cobh Ramblers over the last four years and I’ve definitely developed and improved as a player. I’m delighted to be going full time with Galway United next year, it’s something I can fully focus on now and hopefully I can kick on.”

Galway United manager John Caulfield said he is ‘delighted’ to have signed a player with so much potential to his squad for 2021.

“Dave is just right for us and he can see the potential, the planning and the project that we’re trying to put in place here,” said John Caulfield.

“For me as a manager, it’s about making sure that we can sign players that make us better.”

Galway farmers awarded €2.2 million under beef finisher scheme

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November 20, 2020

Galway Daily news Galway farmers awarded €2.2 million under beef finisher scheme

Farmers in Galway have been awarded almost €2.2 million under the Beef Finisher Payment Scheme.

The scheme was announced by the government to support farmers whose income has been affected by COVID-19.

Payments of up to €100 per eligible animal can be made to help cattle farmers store animals and purchase weanlings.

Payments averaging €1,177 have been allocated to 1,854 farmers in Galway under the scheme, totalling €2.18 million.

Welcoming the allocation, Galway East TD Seán Canney said “The beef sector needs to be supported because of the many benefits the beef sector brings to our economy”.

In total the the Department of Agriculture has confirmed that payments totalling €46.6 million will be made to 27,200 farmers nationwide.

This support provides a valuable income support at this time when COVDI-19 impacted on finished cattle prices earlier this year,” Seán Canney said.

“I urge the Minister to continue to support the beef farming sector by pushing forward the BEEP and calf weighing scheme and the rollover of the BDGP scheme”

Five Galway projects to receive over €24k in CLÁR funding

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November 20, 2020

Galway Daily news Dozens of Galway City community groups awarded €272,708 in grant funding

Five Galway projects associated with Meals on Wheels and other services will receive funding under the 2020 CLÁR programme.

The five Galway projects are set to benefit from over €24,000 in total under the latest measure of the CLÁR scheme.

Cairdeas, Forbairt Chonamara Láir Teo will receive almost €4,000 for equipment and COPE Galway will get over €8,000 for vehicle adaption and equipment.

Forum Connemara will also receive €6,785 for vehicle adaption and nearly €3,000 will be made available to Muintearas Teoranta for equipment. Glenamaddy Community Care will get €2,250 for equipment.

The programme provides funding for small scale infrastructural projects in rural areas that have experienced significant levels of population decline.

A total of €340,000 will be given to 45 projects in rural communities under the 2020 CLÁR programme.

“I am delighted to announce funding of almost €340,000 under the CLÁR programme which will benefit 45 organisations across the country,” said Minister Heather Humphreys who announced the funding today.

“These organisations are at the heart of our rural communities and are providing an invaluable service in areas that are often quite remote.

“The support that we are providing to organisations in the provision of Meals on Wheels and linked services is of particular importance this year in light of the many challenges arising from COVID-19.

“These organisations are an important lifeline for people living in their own homes, and they play an important role in combating rural isolation for many people. The funding announced today will help many organisations to continue to deliver their vital services as we continue to deal with COVID-19.”

Sports clubs reminded to apply for Texaco Support funding

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November 20, 2020

Galway daily sport Moycullen GAA cancels all activities in response to COVID-19 cases

A reminder has been issued to registered sports clubs that the closing date to apply for funding under the Texaco Support for Sport is 31 December.

Valero Energy, the company which markets fuel in Ireland under the Texaco brand, has set aside a fund of €130,000 for the scheme. A total of 26 clubs in the Republic will receive €5,000 each.

The scheme, first announced in September, is open to all sports clubs irrespective of sporting discipline, size, membership, age, cultural appeal or gender.

The only requirement is that applicant clubs are properly constituted and hold a valid Games & Sports Number (GS Number) issued by the Office of the Revenue Commissioners.

Dates for the announcement of winners and presentation of awards will be announced early next year.

Full details of the scheme and its operation can be viewed on a dedicated website www.TexacoSupportforSport.com

New superbugs website launched by NUIG

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November 20, 2020

galway daily news nui galway website superbugs

A new website has been launched by NUI Galway’s Centre for One Health to help educate children about the threat from superbugs.

The website secretlifeofmicrobes.com went live this week as part of initiatives to coincide with the WHO’s World Antimicrobial Awareness Week.

It is designed for 2^nd to 6^th class pupils at primary schools, and brings together information, resources, games and experiments with informational videos.

“World Antimicrobial Awareness Week is a reminder of how much the discovery of antibiotics has helped us all to live longer and healthier lives, but also of how much is at stake if we do not act to safeguard antibiotics,” said Prof Dearbháile Morris, Director of the Ryan Institute Centre for One Health at NUI Galway.

“If we do not have antibiotics that work, certain types of surgery and cancer treatments will become almost impossible to perform safely.”

“We can safeguard antibiotics by making sure we only use them when we need them, by making sure we complete the dose as directed by the doctor, by not sharing antibiotics with others and by making sure we bring back any unused antibiotics to the pharmacy for correct disposal.”

The webinar takes place live on Zoom Friday 20 November from 2.30pm-4pm and registration is free via Eventbrite.

Dr Liam Burke, Lecturer in Bacteriology at NUI Galway, who will be among the speakers said that when a human or animal is given antibiotics, the bacteria inside them can sometimes change their genes in order to survive.

“These resistance genes can be shared to other bacteria, and can be spread to the environment in waste streams such as sewage and slurry,” he explained.

“The global spread of antimicrobial resistance is maybe the best example of a One Health challenge, as it connects the health of humans, the health of animals and that of our shared environment.”

Connacht Hospitality Group determined to push forward

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November 20, 2020

Galway Daily news Compassion and Empathy for hospitality workers

This year has been a challenging time for the hospitality industry in Galway, where there was expected to be a bounty of visitors due to the Capital of Culture and more. Instead hotels, bars, restaurants, and more were among the first businesses hit by COVID-19.

Despite the challenges that have come with long periods of closure, and altering businesses practices for the new normal, one Galway hospitality company is determined to beat the odds, not just pushing through the hard times, but placing itself in the best position for a rapid recovery.

The Connacht Hospitality Group, run by the Fitzgerald family from Clarinbridge, with the support of fellow company director John Carmody and their experienced leadership team, consists of multiple much loved hotels and bars in Galway City.

The Connacht Hotel, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2019. The Forster Court Hotel, a stylish hotel located in the heart of Galway City, and The Residence, a boutique style hotel located on Quay Street.

Also part of the CHGL are the award-winning An Púcán located on Forster Street, 1520 Bar located in Galways Latin Quarter and the chic HYDE Bar & Gin Parlour on Forster Street.

The Connacht Hospitality Group also operate a 24-hour gym and leisure centre Active 24 Fitness & Leisure and late 2019 saw the welcome addition of the Galway Bay Golf Resort to the portfolio.

Over the past few months the group have taken a range of actions to not only sustain their businesses throughout this pandemic but also to place the company in the best possible position for recovery.

This week the Connacht Hospitality Group launch a new look group brand that incorporates the elegant design that their businesses have become renowned for.

The HYDE Bar is possibly the most notable example of this, being regularly referred to the “most stylish bar in Galway”. January saw the full ground floor refurbishment of the group’s flagship property “The Connacht Hotel” with the design lead again by company director Paul Fitzgerald.

“The refurbishment of the Connacht Hotel gave the hotel the additional space to allow for safe social distancing throughout the summer months and gave us a fighting chance while still maintaining the homely welcoming feeling the hotel is known for.” says Group General Manager Wayne Neilon.

There are developments currently underway in the award winning An Púcan with equally as exciting plans for the popular 1520 Bar, to be completed in the coming weeks.

These changes will see both An Púcan and 1520 adapt to the “new normal” and ensure patrons can return to both enjoyable and safe surroundings whilst adopting the sustainability policies that have become a core value of the group.

Most eagerly anticipated for the group are the plans in the coming years to full redevelop the site at Galway Bay Golf resort, into a luxury 4-star property that will compliment the already renowned Golf Course. This promises to be one of the leading hotels in the west of Ireland once completed.

Group CEO Peter Fitzgerald said that the greatest priority of the company right now is to rebuild their teams.

“the success of the brand to date has always been attributed to our people and as we build for the future this determination is at our core.”

Slight increase in Covid rate in three local areas

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November 20, 2020

galway daily news lea covid-19 connemara

Just three Local electoral areas in the county have seen an increase in their 14-day Covid-19 incidence rate, according to new data released this evening.

All three LEAs in Galway city saw an increase in their 14-day rate this week, but the incidence rate fell across the other seven LEAs in the county.

Galway City Central, which had an incidence rate of over 1,000 just a few weeks ago, recorded 213 cases per 100,000 population over 14 days.

Galway City West and Galway City East LEAs both had rates of 145.8 and 142.9 respectively in the latest update.

These are the only areas in the county with higher rates than the national average of 121.3 cases per 100,000 in 14 days.

Gort-Kinvara LEA has the second highest rate in the county despite the Covid rate there falling by over a half since last week. 35 cases were recorded in the area in 14 days.

In Connemara, 14 people tested positive for Covid-19 in 14 days.

Conamara North and Conamara South LEAs, with a combined population of 38,532, are among six LEAs in the county with a 14-day Covid rate of less than 40 per 100,000 population.

Ballinasloe continues to have the lowest Covid rate in Galway with 21.3 cases per 100,000 people in 14 days. There were six confirmed cases in the electoral area in two weeks.

14-day incidence rate by Co. Galway LEA (+/-change on last week)

Galway City Central: 213.5 cases per 100k (+78.7) | 57 cases in two weeks (+21)
Gort – Kinvara: 148.9 (-161.7) | 35 cases (-38)
Galway City West: 145.8 (+11.8) | 37 cases (+3)
Galway City East: 142.9 (+15.1) | 38 cases (+4)
Loughrea: 38.8 (-12.9) | 9 cases (-3)
Conamara South: 37.5 (-23.4) | 8 cases (-5)
Conamara North: 34.9 (-17.5) | 6 cases (-3)
Tuam: 33.1 (-45.2) | 11 cases (-15)
Athenry – Oranmore 27.4 (-48.7) | 9 cases (-16)
Ballinasloe: 21.3 (-35.6) | 6 cases (-10)

Data from 03/11/2020 to 16/11/2020

Spend your time with online casino games

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Angela Mc Bride

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November 20, 2020

Most people around the world have heard of online casino games, simply because they are just that popular. There are plenty of reasons for the constantly growing popularity, one of them being that there are tons of different games, so you will surely be able to find something you enjoy. What are you waiting for?

Casinos are now legal in Pennsylvania

The word “casino” has been heard around the world for many years. People used to go to different casino-venues and play all the different games, such as roulette, blackjack and poker. Even though you are still able to visit several casino-venues, most people prefer playing the fun, hazards games at home, especially during these pandemic times. These games are a great way of enjoying your time at home, by keeping your distance, but still allowing yourself to be social with other people. It is also hard to get tired of online casino games, since there are so many different ones to play. If you get sick of playing blackjack, why not jump over to poker and see if you like that game instead? It is interesting to note, that online casino has not been legalized everywhere. However, Pennsylvania made it legal in the summer of 2019, so take a look at casinos in Pennsylvania. They may have something interesting games that you haven’t tried before.

Online casino games have gained a larger fan base during the pandemic

Since the pandemic hit the world, we have experienced many businesses go bankrupt or just completely shut down, because they weren’t able to survive the virus. This has meant that many businesses have to start from scratch, and work they’re way up again. Even though most businesses were hit during the pandemic, this has not been the case for online casino games. In fact, quite the opposite, since many of the platforms has gained larger user bases. Since people have more time on their hands at the moment, and also spend more time at home, it makes sense that we use our computers more, also for entertainment purposes. Online casino games can be a good way of removing some of the scary and negative thoughts we might have about the pandemic, so in that sense, online casino games might be able to help your mental health.

If you or someone you know suffers from gambling addiction

It is also a good way of keeping in contact with your friends and family, when we are too afraid to go visited them, in fear of catching the corona-virus and infecting them. However, even though online casino is fun, it can, for some people, be quite addicting. This is important to look out for, since it can be very damaging if it goes without treatment. Some people just have a more addictive personality, and there is not wrong with that, but make sure that you do not spend way too much time on casino games. If you feel as if it is getting out of hand, you can always seek help for gambling addiction. Online casino games are meant to be fun, so take care of yourself and make sure you see them as what they are; fun, online games.

WATCH: Galway comedian releases heart-wrenching Christmas ad

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November 19, 2020

galway daily news stevo timothy video christmas

As the debate continues about whether John Lewis or SuperValu’s Christmas advert is better, Sir Stevo Timothy has joined the fray with his own heart-breaking Christmas video.

Set in Galway city with the unmistakable sombre vibe of 2020, the popular comedian’s 3-minute video asks people to help alleviate loneliness this Christmas.

Watch below and share!

Coronavirus: 4 deaths in Ireland, less than 5 COVID cases in Galway

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November 19, 2020

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

There have been 4 additional deaths related to COVID-19 reported by the Department of Heath today, along with 429 new confirmed cases.

Of the cases reported today, less than 5 are in Galway, where the 14-day incidence rate now stands at 70.9 cases per 100,000 population.

This is the third lowest incidence rate in the country, behind only counties Wicklow (56.9) and Wexford (37.4).

There have now been a total of 69,473 confirmed cases in the Republic of Ireland, and there have been 2,010 deaths related to the disease.

Validation of data by the HPSC has resulted in the denotification of 14 confirmed cases, which is reflected in the national tally.

While Galway has had great success in keeping the incidence rate low, health officials sounded alarm about the national picture.

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer said that the past week has seen progress stalled on driving down the rate of COVID-19 during the six week lockdown.

“We now have two weeks to get back on track. Drive down the disease by limiting the number of daily contacts you have.”

“Work from home, stay at home and follow public health advice to get us to a reproduction number below 0.5 by December 1st.”

As of 2pm today there are 290 COVID-19 patients hospitalised in Ireland, 33 of whom are in Intensive Care.

Professor Philip Nolan, Chair of the NPHET Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group, said that for roughly three weeks, there was a steady decline in cases of roughly 5-7% a day, and the reproduction number fell to 0.6.

“We are aware that case numbers have now stopped declining and as a consequence the reproduction number has increased to an estimated 0.7- 0.9.”

“The data strongly suggests that a small, recent increase in the level of social contacts has led to the increase in reproduction number we see now.”

Of the cases notified today:

194 are men and 234 are women
69% are under 45 years of age
the median age is 34 years old
173 in Dublin, 44 in Cork, 26 in Donegal, 22 in Louth, 21 in Kildare and the remaining 143 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.

Loughrea company to host virtual staff recognition awards

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November 19, 2020

A Loughrea based company will be holding virtual staff recognition awards this week, with family members tuning in from more than 10 countries.

Neylons Facility Management in Loughrea employs over 600 people across its contract services of cleaning, security, catering around the country.

To thank staff who have worked through difficult conditions in the COVID-19 pandemic, the company is holding a staff recognition awards ceremony this Friday.

25 staff members will be receiving a custom designed Badge that is to showcase their hard work and dedication to their jobs throughout 2020.

The awards ceremony will take place on Zoom, with over 100 people taking part in the call from

A lot of our people are from across Europe and we wanted their families this year to see how much they are doing here in both their jobs, with this company and in working consistently throughout this pandemic,” explained Maria Sava Chief Executive Officer.

This company was founded by Sylvester Neylon in 2004 as purely a cleaning company, and has grown massively since then, including an 11% increase in business this year.

In 2014 the company set up they ‘Neylons Academy for Growth’, investing in staff development to encourage skills development for promotion within the company.

Galway TD calls for cull of wild mink

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November 19, 2020

Galway Daily news Galway TD calls for cull of wild mink

Galway TD Michael Fitzmaurice has said that a planned cull of mink farms in Ireland should be extended to include wild populations.

The Department of Agriculture plans to cull three mink farms in Ireland on the advice of Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan.

The cull comes after concerns raised over a mutated strain of COVID-19 was discovered among farmed minks in Denmark.

Michael Fitzmaurice said, “If a cull is to take place on the three mink farms in Ireland, then we must take the opportunity to eradicate the mink in the wild.”

“The wild mink in Ireland became established after escaping or being released from farms decades ago. They are a scourge on the countryside, particularly when it comes to lambs and native birds.”

The population of wild minks in Ireland is up to an estimated 33,500 according to a report by the National Parks and Wildlife Service which was compiled in 2009.

Reducing the wild ‘pre-breeding’ population by 75% is feasible over the course of five years the report stated, and would result in dramatic population declines over 2-3 years, followed by “longer-term persistence” of a small number of animals.

The cost of this cull would come to just over €1 million according to the report, which is now more than a decade old.

“We need to take the opportunity of this nationwide cull to fully eradicate this non-native species in Ireland,” Michael Fitzmaurice said.

“If vulnerable Irish bird species are to prosper moving forward, then the wild minks cannot be in the picture.”

The Independent TD added that minks are also a problem for farmers in areas with large populations, where they kill poultry and new-born lambs.

image credit: Mink_in_the_park.jpg: qmnonicderivative work: Mariomassone, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

People invited to watch Galway Hospice’s Virtual Tree of Lights Celebration

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November 19, 2020

galway daily memorial tree galway hospice

A special online remembrance event will take place in December to mark the ‘lighting up’ of the Galway Memorial Tree at Galway Hospice.

The Virtual Tree of Lights Celebration will be broadcast online at 5pm on Sunday 6 December and people are invited to view the event and sponsor a light.

Hosted by journalist and broadcaster Tom Gilmore, the festive event features special guest Dáithí Ó Sé and music from Marc Roberts, Johnny Carroll and Rachel Goode and choir singing.

Now in its seventh year, the lighting up of the Galway Memorial Tree at the hospice is an opportunity to remember and celebrate loved ones together at Christmas.

“Covid-19 means that we can’t all celebrate the switching on of the Galway Memorial Tree at Galway Hospice in person this year, but we can all join together to watch the celebration online,” explained Director of Fundraising and Communications at Galway Hospice, Charlene Hurley.

“Each light on the Galway Memorial Tree is a tribute to someone much loved and missed.

“Sponsoring a light on the tree is a wonderful way to remember loved ones at Christmas and also helps Galway Hospice to continue its care for patients and their families.”

To sponsor a light on Galway Memorial Tree, visit www.galwayhospice.ie/lights or call Galway Hospice Fundraising on 091-770868.

View the Virtual Tree of Lights Celebration on Sunday 6th December at 5pm on Galway Hospice’s Facebook, YouTube and www.galwayhospice.ie/virtuallights

Galway hospital ICUs remain empty of COVID patients

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November 19, 2020

galway daily news Just one COVID patient in the ICU at University Hospital Galway

The number of confirmed COVID-19 patients hospitalised in Galway is continuing to steadily creep back up, but ICUs remain empty and suspected cases are also down.

There are eight confirmed cases of COVID-19 at University Hospital Galway as of 8pm on Wednesday night according to the latest HSE figures. There are no confirmed cases at Portiuncula.

There are also no patients in Intensive Care in Galway, either confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19, in both UHG and Portiuncula.

The number of suspected hospital cases has also declined, with just two suspected cases at UHG as of last night, and none at Portiuncula.

Nationwide, there are 285 confirmed cases in hospital, along with 108 suspected cases. Of those there are 33 confirmed and 8 suspected cases in the ICU.

There were 17 new cases reported by the Department of Health in Galway on Wednesday, out of 379 nationwide.

A further 12 deaths related to the coronavirus were also reported as the total number of fatalities in the pandemic passed 2,000 in Ireland.

“This pandemic has impacted, directly and indirectly, on families and communities all across Ireland,” said Dr Tony Holohan on Wednesday evening.

“It is important that we continue to work together if we are to suppress this virus and protect as many people as possible. For the next two weeks, work from home, stay at home and follow public health advice.”

Galway Science Festival’s annual family day takes place this Sunday

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November 19, 2020

galway daily science technology festival

Galway Science and Technology Festival will present its 2020 annual Family Day Exhibition as a virtual nationwide event this year.

It will be broadcast from GalwayScience.ie at 11am on Sunday 22 November and will be hosted by Clara Murray and John Sharpson of RTÉ Jnrs After School Hub.

This fun, engaging and much-anticipated production will have many of the attractions of the annual exhibition, usually held at NUI Galway.

The whole family can join in the fun and be ready for lots of activities including Scientific Sue’s awesome ‘Bouncing Bubbles’ magic show, get up close and personal with tarantulas and pythons with the Bug Doctor AKA Dr Michel Dugon, as he tells us all about his favourite bugs and spiders plus James Soper will teach us about the ‘Science of the Circus’ where you can learn about juggling and the forces of gravity.

Galway Atlantaquaria will present a short film on ‘Ocean’s Connection and Care’ and you can enjoy the ‘Science of Exercise & Dance’ in a special dance-off.

Our Superhero Scientist Barry Fitzgerald explains the ‘Science of Santa’ and assures us that Santa is 100% ready for COVID this year.

ReelLIFE Science will screen the winning videos from their latest competition and Medtronic will showcase some of their amazing technologies.

The event is free, and people are encouraged to dress like a scientist or a superhero – or even a superhero scientist!

After the show there will be a number of workshops and videos to enjoy on YouTube. ReelLIFE Science Home Cinema will screen all their winning videos; Dr Barry Fitzgerald’s has a special talk on Superhero technologies, Dr. Michel Dugon’s extended talk on spiders and snakes and James Soper’s talk on ‘Your Beautiful Biased Brain’ will be available on the channel for the day.

Other workshops include Fantastic DNA at Home by Cell Explorer’s and Teddy Bear Hospital by Sláinte Society, both by NUI Galway; Exploration Dome’s celestial journey and an art workshop by Dee Deegan ‘X-ray All About the Skeleton’.

On Saturday 21st November, join the Marine Institute’s Explorers Education team as they go on a journey to the rocky seashore – exploring one of the most extreme places on earth that animals can live.

The Marine Institute is also encouraging children to colour a picture of the RV Celtic Explorer, the winning entry will receive a LEGO City Ocean Exploration Submarine Deep Sea Set, and there are two LEGO City Ocean Exploration Mini-Submarine Sets on offer.

Visit the Galway Science Festival YouTube channel today and practice your juggling and dancing in preparation for Sunday, join from the comfort and safety of your home. For more details visit GalwayScience.ie

City Council seeks reduction in scale of docks hotel plans

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November 19, 2020

Galway Daily news City Council seeks significant reduction in scale of docks hotel plans

Galway City Council has requested that the developer of a proposed hotel down by the docks revise their plans with a significant reduction in scale and height.

The council is concerned that the proposed 11 storey building would not integrate well into the area, and would have an overbearing on the adjacent cemetery.

Summix BNM Developments had submitted plans to the council for the construction of an 11 storey, 186 bedroom hotel at the corner of Lough Atalia Road and Bothar na Long.

The development would involved the demolition of the unused Coal Yard industrial site next to Forthill Cemetery, and the construction of the new hotel on the narrow lot.

A planning decision was initially due from the city council on November 12, but a request for further information was made asking, among things, for the developer to reduce the proposed height and scale of the hotel.

In its request the council said that the “scale, height, and massing of the proposed development” is excessive and represents and overdevelopment of the site.

This would include an “overbearing expression” onto Forthill Cemetery and the Long Walk, which are areas of conservation.

The building, as laid out in the initial plans do not “assimilate well with the adjacent context context, lacks integration with the existing urban form, fails to achieve the vision and aspirations for urban design set out in Section 10.2.2 of the development plan and is excessive in terms of defining the character and function of the area”.

The council also suggested that designs should be altered to better relate to Forthill Cemetery, suggesting that Summix incorporate natural stone into the design of the northern elevation, where the hotel would border onto the cemetery, and include “public viewing bridges/platforms” on the side over the cemetery to allow public viewing.

Another issues raised by the lack of space on the site is how the hotel would manage deliveries of goods and collection of waste

Summix said in the plans that it was not proposed to include any parking provision with the hotel die to the constraints of the site.

The city council said that while it was not opposed to a development without guest parking in a location with strong public transport connections, it was a different matter altogether when it comes to business traffic.

“It appears as if the developer is wholly reliant on the use of public road space, by means of a drop off layby, to manage deliveries of goods and services and the collection of waste arising from the operation of the completed development.”

“This is not acceptable to the Transportation Section of Galway City Council. The applicant is requested to revise the proposal such that the public road/path is retained under the exclusive management and control of Galway City Council.

The request for further information was made by the city council on November 11, and the developer has six months to respond, or else the planning application will be considered withdrawn.

Galway tourism operators join ‘Ireland Virtual Expo’

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November 19, 2020