CO2 emissions from energy use down by 4.5% in 2019

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November 10, 2020

To mark World COPD Day, COPD Support Ireland is hosting a virtual wellness conference on Saturday November 21.

COPD Support Ireland is the national umbrella group for COPD support groups nationwide and the event will feature speakers addressing a range of topics from minding our mental health to having a better night’s sleep, among other things.

People with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), their families and carers, can register for the conference free of charge HERE.

COPD is perhaps more commonly known as chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and is characterised by breathlessness and persistent coughing with or without phlegm.

According to the most recent statistics, there were 1,949 people from Galway hospitalised as a result of COPD between 2016 and 2018. COPD is the third leading cause of death globally, with exposure to tobacco smoke and other environmental toxins the main risk factors for developing the disease, alongside family history and having chronic asthma.

3 Things to Keep 3 Steps Ahead of COPD

Unfortunately, we know that each winter there is an increase in emergency admissions to hospital due to respiratory conditions with COPD the most common cause.

With the recent surge in COVID-19, COPD Support Ireland is anxious, more than ever, to avoid a surge of COPD hospitalisations this winter. COPD Support Ireland is urging people living with the condition to do the following three things to keep three steps ahead of their COPD

Make sure to get the pneumococcal and influenza vaccinations.
Have an adequate supply of medication.
Don’t delay in seeking help if feeling unwell. Get in touch with a GP straightaway to be treated early.

COPD Support Ireland has produced a COPD information pack which can be ordered for free delivery by texting the word “COPD”, plus name and address to 51444 (standard network charges apply).

Alternatively, call our COPD Adviceline on Freefone 1800 83 21 46 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) to receive a call-back from a specialist respiratory nurse.

The “Living Well with COPD in a COVID World” virtual conference has been kindly supported by A Menarini, Air Liquide, Astra Zeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim and GlaxoSmithKline.

City councillor welcomes campaign for renewed birthright citizenship

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November 10, 2020

Galway Daily news City councillor welcomes campaign for renewed birthright citizenship

Galway City Councillor Niall McNelis has welcomed a campaign by Labour Youth to reintroduce birthright citizenship in Ireland.

Children born in Ireland since 2005 to foreign national parents are not automatically entitled to Irish citizenship, unless their parents were legally resident for 3 out of 4 years prior to their birth, or had refugee status.

This is a result of the Twenty-seventh Amendment of the Constitution Act 2004, which was approved by referendum in June 2004, limiting the right to citizenship of children born on Ireland to those born of Irish citizens or entitled to be an Irish citizen.

There have been recent cases of children born and raised in Ireland at risk of deportation Cllr McNelis said, predicting more such cases will appear in coming years as children born after 2004 come of age.

Pointing to the Good Friday Agreement, Niall McNelis said that Article 2 states that it is the “entitlement and birthright” of everyone born on the island of Ireland to “be part of the Irish nation”

The removal of automatic birthright citizenship in 2004 was a breach of “the spirit, if not the letter” of this provision he adds.

“If we criticise the British government for their failing to honour the spirit of the GFA – and we should – we must also look at areas where we too have failed to meet the aspirations of the agreement.”

Labour Youth last week launched their Born Here, Belong Her campaign calling for the reintroduction of birthright citizenship, and over the coming months plan to host events spreading awareness of this issue, as well as lobbying politicians on it.

“The Proclamation of the Republic calls on our government to ‘cherish all children of the nation equally. That is clearly a goal we have failed to meet on many occasions,” Niall McNelis said.

“However, there is an easy solution here, and one that surveys show the public support. It is time for our government to exercise the discretion afforded them by the the constitution, and legislate for the reintroduction of birthright citizenship.”

Just Eat confirms McDelivery service to start tomorrow

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November 10, 2020

Just Eat has confirmed that McDonald’s McDelivery will be available from tomorrow, Wednesday 11 November.

People will be able to order from McDonald’s on Shop Street starting tomorrow tomorrow, and from Westside Shopping Centre and Headford Road Retail Park from next Wednesday.

A total of 49 locations across Ireland will be available to order through Just Eat by 25 November.

“We’re thrilled to be launching our partnership with McDonald’s and making McDelivery available to our Just Eat customers right across Ireland,” said Amanda Roche-Kelly, Managing Director Just Eat Ireland.

“Significantly expanding the delivery areas for McDonald’s lovers nationwide, as the traditional sit-in McDonald’s restaurants remain closed, this partnership will also serve up a sense of normality in our customers routines, despite all the change and worry outside people’s doors at the moment.

“With the Just Eat app now downloaded over 2.5 million times, we’ve expanded our courier network in anticipation of the growing demand for takeaway delivery, but also in support of our restaurant partners as we adapt to our changed reality and the continued demand from our customers for great tasting fresh food delivered straight to their door.”

The McDelivery service, in partnership with Just Eat will be available from participating McDonald’s restaurants from 7am – midnight, seven days a week. Opening hours may vary by location.

Historic Monivea mausoleum victim of serious vandalism

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November 10, 2020

Galway Daily news Historic Monivea mausoleum victim of serious vandalism

The historic 19th century Mausoleum in Monivea Woods was recently the victim of serious vandalism that saw broken windows and extensive damage to the tabernacle.

Councillor Albert Dolan said that “serious damage” was done after people broke in, and that the tabernacle was “destroyed” by the vandals.

“Stuff like this should never happen. It should never happen in a community, in a public amenity that deserves to be respected.”

Gardaí believe that the vandalism of the Mausoleum took place on a date between October 18 and 26.

The damage recorded includes two broken stained glass windows, a broken finger on a statue, and damage to the tabernacle.

Cllr Dolan said that the Mausoleum is part of local history, and that he was upset and “disgusted” that people would do “everlasting” damage to a protected structure.

He added that it’s not acceptable for people to feel that they could do something like this, and that he hopes the people responsible are caught.

“It was only at the weekend that Discover Galway posted saying ‘come to Monivea, visit Monivea, look at how beautiful out village and our woods are’. I hope we never see something like this again.”

The Ffrench Mausoleum was commissioned in 1896 by Kathleen Percy for her father Robert, a Victorian diplomat, and built in a Gothic revival style from Wicklow Granite.

The mausoleum is listed as a Protected Structure, and “unfortunately, it wasn’t protected,” Cllr Dolan remarked.

Local Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have information in connection with this incident to contact them at Monivea Garda Station on 091 849 002.

image credit: Mikeconneely, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Less than 5 COVID-19 patients in Galway hospitals

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November 10, 2020

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

There are less than five people being treated for COVID-19 in Galway’s hospitals according to the latest figures from the HSE.

As of 8pm on Monday night there were just four confirmed cases hospitalised in Galway, two each at University Hospital Galway and Portiuncula Hospitals.

This represents a massive drop of more than two thirds from the 17 confirmed cases in hospital here just a week ago.

Monday’s figures also seven suspected hospital cases, six at UHG and one more at Portiuncula.

There also remains just a single patient in Intensive Care being treated for COVID-19 at the ICU in University Hospital Galway.

This is out of 265 confirmed hospitalisations nationwide, out of which 40 are in Intensive Care.

The number of new daily cases in Galway has also continued to plummet in recent days, with the Department of Health reporting less than five new cases on Monday, a small enough number than an exact county figure was not given in the evening breakdown.

Decision due this week on 11 storey city hotel plans

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November 10, 2020

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

A decision is due from Galway City Council this week on whether to grant planning permission for a new 11 storey hotel by the Docks.

Summix BNM Developments has submitted plans for the construction of a 186 bedroom hotel on a site at the corner of Lough Atalia Road and Bothar na Long.

The project would involved the demolition of the unused coal yard industrial site next to Forthill Cemetery on the Lough Atalia Road, and the construction of a new hotel in its place.

This 11 storey building would include 186 bedrooms, along with a rooftop bar and function area, as well as a restaurant, and a coffee bar in the three storey pavilion area fronting onto the street.

There has been one submission received by Galway City Council relating to this project

The submission states that the proposed development is located in the “historic core” of the city where there are few buildings exceeding 5-6 storeys.

This development would create a “visually dominant feature” in a location where it would have an “overbearing impact” the submission goes on to claim.

“The proposed development does not reflect the narrow plot sizes in Galway City or the ambition of the Development Plan to reflect this through the development of narrow plot sizes on site, resulting in a mainly monolithic development on site.”

“The proposed materials are not in keeping with the area and as such create a loud, garish building in this location in a visually prominent location.”

The planning application states that the demand for hotel space in Galway is expected to exceed pre-COVID demand by 2023, but that there is a lack of options for places to stay in the harbour area.

The submission by the Harbour Hotel states that the justification assessment provided with the application does not take into account serviced apartments and aparthotels in the area.

When completed, the hotel will support 223 permanent jobs, and contribute €7.8 million to the local economy each year the application claims.

“The redevelopment of this brownfield vacant site and the delivery of a high-quality hotel will act as a local catalyst for further regeneration of the Inner Harbour Area and will support broader plans to transform this strategically located part of the city.”

Galway City Council is due to make a decision on this planning application by Wednesday, November 12 this week.

101 Galway sports clubs receive over €125k in grants

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November 10, 2020

More than 100 sports clubs around Galway City and County have been awarded over €125,000 in funding through the Local Sports Partnership Small Grant Scheme.

The COVID-19 Small Grant Scheme operated by Galway Sports Partnership offered grants of up to €1,500 for clubs to support them in implementing COVID-19 safety and hygiene protocols.

This grant can cover costs associated with the reopening of clubs & physical activity, for expenses dating from May onwards.

GSP announced that 101 sports clubs in Galway have been allocated €126,036.73 under the scheme.

The LSP Small Grant Scheme was one of the measures funded under €85 million for the Irish sports sector allocated by Sport Ireland in the past week.

Chairman of Sport Ireland, Kieran Mulvey said that it will help provide “much needed financial stability” for the sector, and help keep organisations operational through the crisis.

The full list of clubs in Galway which will receive funding under the Grant Scheme is:

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How to Improve Your Writing Skills in Essays and Dissertations

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James Collins

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November 10, 2020

Are you struggling with academic papers? This might make you feel better: everybody is! Even those talented students, who don’t have a problem completing research papers and other complex projects, will get stuck at one point.

With that workload that professors assign, it’s impossible for a student to achieve all goals. They work, attend classes, take exams, and live their lives somewhere in between. There’s no time for writing all that content.

Stress is a real epidemic among students. Academic writing projects contribute towards it. If you learn to approach the writing process from a different angle, you’ll be more confident and relaxed about it.

We’ll give you tips that help you improve your skills in dissertation and essay writing.

Tips: This Is How You’ll Boost Your Academic Writing Skills

Read a Lot

Before you can write a good academic paper, you need to understand what a great academic paper is. You can find tons of dissertations, essays, and research papers online. Be specific in your research: focus on those that belong to the area of study you’re working on. These publications assist the studying process. You’ll learn a lot about the topics, but you’ll also understand the concept of academic writing.

Pay attention to the style. It has to be clear, professional, and almost dry. There are creative academic projects. But when you’re sharing ideas and arguments with a broad audience that’s interested in your research and findings, there’s not much space to improvise. The style has to be crisp and clear!

Hire a Writer for Improving Essay Writing

You already know what students do when they get stuck in studying: they hire tutors. Online tutoring services are booming. When you get stuck with essay writing, you can do the same thing: get essay writing help online. EduBirdie is an agency that offers assistance with any type of essay, research paper, dissertation, case study, and more.

When you collaborate with a professional who can guide you through the stages of completion, you’ll understand the process. Your teachers aren’t giving you the instructions you need. Fortunately, you can get detailed guidance through online writing services.

Don’t Start without an Outline

An outline seems like an unnecessary step at first. All that planning requires time, which you would rather save. Most students get directly to the process of writing, thinking they are saving time that way. But they aren’t. Without an outline, they spend much more time on the other stages. In essence, outlining saves you time and guides you towards a more successful final result.

The outline should include all chapters and paragraphs of the project. Plan the thesis statement, arguments, and all other important points. It’s also important to plan what sources of information you’ll use (you’ll need to reference them in the bibliography). With such a clear skeleton for your paper, half of the work will be done. After this, you’ll only need to fill in the gaps.

Practice a Lot!

Here’s the truth that nobody wants to hear: you don’t become a great writer from the first attempt. That’s an extremely rare situation with extremely talented students. The rest of us weren’t born with a natural talent for writing. We need guidance, instructions, and endless practice.

The process of academic writing is guided by specific principles. As you go through different types of papers, you’ll build on the foundation that you develop with essays. In your free time, you can use social media writing tools to practice on topics that you like. You can even publish that content to start your own blog.

Always Edit!

Solid grammar, punctuation, and style are essential for a successful paper. Even if your ideas are good, you won’t get a good grade when your content is flooded with grammar mistakes. You can use Grammarly or any similar tool during the proofreading process.

But for editing, you have to mind the logical flow and style. You’ll do that by reading the paper several times and making the needed adjustments to it. If it’s an extremely important paper, consider hiring a professional editor to improve it.

You Can Do This!

Nobody said that your studies would be easy. They require effort, commitment, and some talent for writing. Your professors keep assigning essays without teaching you how to complete them. But if you’re committed enough, you can learn how to write any kind of paper. The tips above are universal; they work for all students and all aspects of academic writing. Today is a good day to start practicing!

BIO: James Collins loves writing. He always enjoyed essays and other assignments. James shares his tips with students through blog posts, and his favourite topic is… you guessed it: writing!

No confidence motion in Tánaiste to be debated in Dáil tonight

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November 10, 2020

Galway Daily news no confidence leo varadkar fine gael dáil What is in Phase 3 of the accelerated plan to end the lockdown?

TDs will vote on a motion of no confidence in Leo Varadkar this evening at the Convention Centre following a two-hour debate.

Sinn Féin tabled the no confidence motion after accusing Micheál Martin of “sitting on his hands” in the aftermath of the controversy surrounding last Saturday’s Village magazine article.

The article revealed that Varadkar posted a confidential document to his friend Dr O Tuathail in April 2019 when he was Taoiseach.

A number of opposition parties have said they will vote for the motion, but the three coalition parties have presented a united front on the matter.

Galway West TD Mairéad Farrell said that Sinn Féin did not take the decision lightly, but that this latest government controversy is ‘different’.

“This government has only been in office for just four months and over that time we had the basis of taking many motions of no-confidence due to gross incompetence and bad decision making,” said Deputy Farrell.

“We choose not to do so because of the challenges facing the country.”

But Deputy Farrell said that this time it is different as it is “more of the old Fine Gael behaviour where it is about who you know and insiders getting access to the corridors of power”.

“It comes after Michael D’Arcy has moved on from his role as Minister of State to the world of high finance in the same way Brian Hayes moved from politics to the banking sector; where he is now their chief lobbyist.

“All of this further undermines the public’s confidence in politics and is totally unacceptable to us. The election in February was about change, about new politics and that is what we intend to deliver.”

Minister Simon Coveney has said however that the motion was an attempt to keep the issue in the news, to try to create division within Government – particularly within Fianna Fáil.

Coveney said he spoke to Leo Varadkar ‘in some detail’ about this issue, and he believes his version of events ‘absolutely’.

Woman had ‘Do Not Resuscitate’ on ICU file without family’s knowledge

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November 10, 2020

Read the full Seanad exchange here.

galway daily news do not resuscitate dnr ireland

Galway Senator Seán Kyne has said that there needs to be a debate on the use of Do-not-Resuscitate orders in hospitals in Ireland, after a woman had a DNR order placed on her file in ICU without her or her family’s knowledge or consent.

The Fine Gael senator said that the issue of ‘Do Not Resuscitate’ orders has become more prominent with Covid-19, and that we need to look at how patients’ wishes are respected and how families are consulted.

Senator Kyne told the Seanad of a woman who spent more than six weeks in intensive care in a Dublin hospital battling Covid-19 and its significant after-effects.

“The woman in question underwent a cancer operation, which, thankfully, was successful, but she contracted pneumonia in hospital and spent almost eight weeks on that occasion in ICU,” he said.

After getting excellent care from the team in the hospital, she was transferred from ICU and was on the road to recovery when Covid-19 struck.

“Like so many people, she contacted the virus in hospital and had to be moved back to ICU and placed on a ventilator again.

“I understand that in most cases a ventilated person has to be kept heavily sedated, including in paralysis, due to the body’s natural tendency to reject the ventilator.

“One can only imagine the worry and concern the family experienced as their loved one made it through ICU and into recovery only to be rushed back to ICU on account of this new and unknown virus.”

Senator Kyne said that on this second occasion, the patient was in a weakened state and gravely ill.

It was at this time a nurse in the ICU mentioned to the family there was a do not resuscitate order on their relative’s file – which came as ‘a complete shock to the already anxious and worried family’.

“It led to several days of attempting to establish what the DNR order meant in practice at a time all hospital visiting had ceased and all communication with families was conducted over the phone.

“Very often, the staff member assigned to liaise with a family was a retired person who worked not from the hospital but from home.

“The family was told the nurse should not have mentioned the DNR order in the manner in which it was done. The family received an apology and an explanation regarding the reasons for a DNR order.”

The family was told that over the previous 18 months, the HSE had wanted to be very clear on how far treatment was to be taken.

Senator Kyne continued: “The family was told that in the event of cardiac arrest, the DNR order would come into effect because cardiac arrest in ICU represents a failure in terms of the treatment.

“In the event of a cardiac arrest the quality of life of the patient would be negligible.

“This may all seem rational as I stand here now but at a time when a relative is seriously ill in ICU on account of a new illness and all hospital visiting had been suspended, it is a difficult concept to understand or accept.

“Thankfully, in this case the woman overcame Covid-19 and has made a strong recovery in spite of the odds, which were stacked very much against her, and she is at home now with her family.”

The senator said that this experience, however, raises serious questions over the use and practice regarding DNR or do not attempt resuscitation, DNAR, orders.

“From my limited knowledge of the issue, I understand there is no strict definition of what a DNR order constitutes, although it generally it is taken to mean an order that no intervention be made when a person suffers cardiac arrest.

“There are no written guidelines for hospitals, although I stand to be corrected. There is no specific legislation in operation to guide this sensitive area.”

He argued that we need clarity in the use of DNR and DNAR orders in Irish hospitals and healthcare facilities.

“We need clarity on how patients’ wishes are respected and we need clarity on the role of families and next of kin,” he said.

“We need an information campaign to raise awareness of DNR orders and the wider area of advanced healthcare directives.

“We need to spark a national conversation on these issues. It is never easy to discuss end-of-life matters because it forces us to confront our own mortality and the pain and loss caused by bereavement.

“The best time for such a conversation is before a pandemic. The second-best time is now.”

Minister of State for Older People Mary Butler thanked the Senator for raising this ‘very important issue’, saying that he is definitely right that the conversation needs to be had.

Galway United veteran Vinny Faherty retires

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November 9, 2020

Galway United veteran Vinny Faherty retires — 28/6/2019 Galway United v Athlone Town. Vinny Faherty (Galway United). Photo: Sean Ryan | sportsphoto.ie

Veteran Galway United striker Vinny Faherty has announced that he is retiring, bringing his prestigious 14 year career to an end.

The 33 year old Moycullen has appeared for Galway United more than 200 times, and scored almost 50 goals for his hometown club.

In the course of a long career in soccer, Faherty has also played for St. Patrick’s Athletic, Sligo Rovers, Limerick and Dundalk in the League of Ireland, as well as abroad.

He return to Galway United in 2019, a decade after his breakthrough stint with the club.

In a statement announcing his retirement, Faherty said that as a childhood fan of United, he never could have imagined representing his hometown club, and thanked everyone who has welcomed him into their club down the years.

“After 14 seasons it’s time to hang up the boots. I never thought as a 6 year old going to Galway United games that I’d ever have the opportunity to represent the club at the highest level in the country.”

“The fact that I got to do it so often and finish as the 3rd highest goal scorer in the clubs history is definitely something I never could have imagined. I’d like to thank everyone along the way that helped me achieve that.”

“I’d also like to thank everyone at Galway United, St Pats, Dundalk, Limerick and Sligo Rovers for being so incredibly accommodating and welcoming and especially Stephen Kenny, Jeff Kenna, Shane Keegan, Tony Cousins, Pete Mahon, Liam Buckley, Tommy Dunne, Ian Foster, Ger Lyttle, Alan Murphy, Martin Russell and John Caulfield for allowing me to be a part of your teams. It was always a huge privilege.”

“A big thanks to all the fans at each club who have always been incredibly welcoming, it’s genuinely been an absolute pleasure. Lastly, thank you to all my teammates who made coming in every day so enjoyable. This is the part I will miss the most.”

“I now get to look forward to heading up the Dyke Road on Friday nights as a fan again to cheer on United!”

image credit: Galway United FC

Met Éireann warns of localised flooding, weather warning issued for Galway

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November 9, 2020

Galway Daily weather Weather warning for heavy rain in Galway tonight

Met Éireann has issued a status yellow weather warning for Galway ahead of heavy rain on Tuesday evening and overnight.

The warning comes into effect tomorrow, Tuesday, at 6.00pm and will remain in place until 12.00pm on Wednesday.

Localised flooding will occur and 25 to 40mm of rain is expected, with higher accumulations forecast in mountainous regions.

The warning also extends to Mayo, Kerry and Cork.

Serial shoplifter getting increasingly aggressive with staff

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November 9, 2020

A serial alcohol shoplifter is becoming increasingly abusive towards staff at shops in the city where he steals alcohol, a judge noted at Galway District Court.

Michael Dalton (45), with a former address at Abbey House, Upper Newcastle in the city, pleaded guilty to a large number of charges for stealing alcohol, public drunkenness, and threatening or abusive behaviour.

He received a total of 12 months in prison at Galway District Court for these, which took place at shops around the city centre, along with a large number of concurrent sentences.

The offences before the court consisted mainly of stealing alcohol and using abusive or language between July and October of this year.

There were a total of eight theft charges before the court for stealing alcohol from supermarkets and newsagents in Galway City.

There were also a large number of public order charges for being drunk in public which were not connected with any theft charges.

Judge Mary Fahy said that she would be taking all of these into consideration as a whole rather than hearing the facts, as it would take up too much of the court’s time.

The judge added that there is no way that he would be able to pay any fines, so he was going to receive a prison sentence for the thefts.

The offences for which he received consecutive prison sentences included four months each for stealing wine from Londis in Newcastle and Spar on Mainguard Street on July 12 and 17.

A one month consecutive sentence was imposed for stealing wine from Centra on Foster Street, which he drank in the store, with another month for stealing two bottles of whiskey and a bottle of cider from Dunnes Stores in Eyre Square Shopping Centre.

Several of these thefts were accompanied by charges of being drunk in public or using threatening, abusive, or insulting words or behaviour that could result in a breach of the peace.

Dalton received a further two months in prison for yelling abuse at the staff of Lidl on the Headford Road when caught shoplifting. He told the staff of the discount supermarket, “I’m Irish, ye are foreign c***s.”

There was also one criminal damage charge before the court for throwing a rock through the window of Abbey House at 11:20pm on the night of July 8 after being told he was not welcome anymore, for which he received a concurrent one month sentence.

The court heard that Dalton has a long history of alcohol thefts, with Judge Fahy noting that it’s worrying that they seem to involve an increasing level of abuse towards staff.

“Mr Dalton increasingly seems to be getting more personally abusive to staff at these stores,” she said, adding “A lot of these shops are staffed by young people, who are confronted by this, and it must be very frightening for them.”

Defence solicitor Mr John Martin acknowledged that his client’s alcohol issues have “increased greatly” recently.

The 12 month prison sentence was backdated to October 26, when Dalton went into custody on these matters.

Recognisance was fixed in the event of an appeal, with a €400 bond and €600 independent surety, half of which were to be lodged with the court.

Coronavirus: Fewer than 5 new cases in Galway today

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November 9, 2020

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

The Department of Health has reported 270 new cases of COVID-19 today and one further death related to the illness.

Fewer than five new cases were reported in Galway in today’s figures, while 103 cases were confirmed in Dublin, 34 in Limerick and 20 in Donegal.

When the number of new cases is smaller than 5, the Department of Health does not release the exact figure until the following day.

Of the additional 270 additional cases, 69% are under 45 years of age and the median age is 34.

There are currently four people with COVID-19 at UHG and two at Portiuncula, according to the latest HSE data. One person who has been diagnosed with COVID is in ICU at UHG.

Nationally there are 291 people with the virus in hospital, of which 39 are in ICU.

Demolition of the Corrib Great Southern starting in December

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November 9, 2020

Galway Daily news Corrib Great Southern derelict levy

After many years as one of the most unwelcome eyesores in Galway City, demolition orders have finally been issued for the former Corrib Great Southern Hotel.

It is expected that demolition work will begin on the Corrib Great Southern in early December, and take approximately four months to complete.

The order comes after plans for the demolition work were recently signed off on by the City Council, which will continue to monitor the progress of work.

Councillor Alan Cheevers welcomed the announcement as extremely good news for residents of the east side of Galway City.

“This has long been an eyesore at the gateway to our City, which has seen numerous fires and anti social behavior. and has been a great concern to residents for a number of years.”

While the owners of the Corrib Great Southern, the Comer brothers, have said in recent months that the intend to redevelop the site, the city council has said that there are currently no agreed on plans other than demolition and clearance of the site.

Demolition works on the former Connacht Laundry site at St. Helen’s Street are also expected to be mainly complete by December.

The City Council has also issued a demolition notice for the former Oasis site on Salthill Road Upper.

NUIG Students’ Union relaunch charity socks in time for Christmas!

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November 9, 2020

NUI Galway Students’ Union have today relaunched their fundraising socks featuring a tribute to the iconic ‘Galway Yellow’ sculpture on campus.

The socks, a collaboration with Galway company Irish Socksciety, are on sale now for €9 a pair with all proceeds going to the SU charities.

The Galway Yellow sculpture, AKA the Big Yellow Thing, was created by artist Brian King in 1976 and has been a landmark and meeting point for UCG/NUIG students since then. It also goes by the nicknames ‘The Squiggle’ and ‘Archimedes Balls’.

Students’ Union President Pádraic Toomey said they are are delighted to re-launch the socks just in time for Christmas.

“They are a great Irish made gift and will support the work of three very worthy local charities: Galway Rape Crisis Centre, Galway Autism Partnership and Helplink Mental Health,” said Pádraic.

“We hope past and present staff and students will love the socks as much as we do. We look forward to seeing them on cosy feet everywhere!”

The socks are on sale now from the SU website and the SU Shop at NUI Galway.

COVID cases in Galway hospitals plummet

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November 9, 2020

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

The number of people hospitalised with COVID-19 in Galway has dropped sharply to just six confirmed cases across Galway’s acute hospitals according to the latest figures.

Figures from the HSE show that as of midnight on Sunday, there were just four confirmed cases at UHG, and two at Portiuncula Hospital.

There are more suspected cases than confirmed in Galway’s hospitals, with four each at UHG and Portiuncula.

Of the confirmed COVID cases in Galway there is just one single patient in the ICU at University Hospital Galway.

On Sunday there were just seven new cases confirmed in Galway, with the 14 day incidence rate in the county down to 145.3 per 100,000 population.

In total, there were 285 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Irish hospitals as of Sunday night, along with 92 suspected cases.

Of these there are 39 people in Intensive Care with COVID-19, 25 of whom are on ventilator, along with nine suspected cases in the ICU.

11 prominent retailers awarded grants for online sales

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November 9, 2020

galway daily news kennys bookstore — Kennys Bookstore, Galway

Eleven retailers in Co. Galway have been awarded funding under the COVID-19 Online Retail Scheme, which aims to increase online sales at home and abroad.

The successful applicants will receive funding ranging from €16,000 to €40,000 to strengthen their online presence.

The average grant value is €36,700 and covers up to 80% of project costs.

The successful Galway applicants are:

Kennys Bookshop & Art Galleries (Holdings) Ltd

Fonez Ltd

Anthony Ryan Ltd

Bellasy Ltd t/a University Pharmacy

Radharc Concepts Ltd

Lovely stuff Ltd (Kinvara Skincare)

N17 Discount Electrical Ltd

MICHAEL BEATTY & CO LTD

Treshar Ltd

Standum Teoranta

Healthplus Ltd

“The COVID-19 Online Retail Scheme has proven to be a very attractive scheme for retailers,” said Stephen Creaner, Executive Director of Enterprise Ireland. “And it’s clear that Irish businesses are keenly aware of the growing e-commerce opportunities both at home and abroad for online retail.

“They also understand the necessity of operating an updated and efficient online sales platform that complements their physical stores.

“Grants through this scheme are being used by retailers to upgrade their systems to improve their digital presence and to become more competitive in the virtual marketplace.”

He said that this is helping to broaden their customer base and grow sales with some companies reporting that they are recruiting extra staff as result.

“Ultimately, retailers who are investing in their online presence now are also strengthening their offering to help deal with the uncertainty and challenges that lie aheadm” added Mr Creaner.

Galway Hospice awarded €750,000 funding

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November 9, 2020