Galway TD calls for winter ban on utility disconnections

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October 29, 2020

Galway Daily news Portiuncula Hospital reports high flu circulation

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly will meet with Minister of State Anne Rabbitte next week in relation to bed capacity issues at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe.

Portiuncula Hospital has had to reduce its bed capacity in recent months due to COVID-19 protocols, which have reduced the number of people which can share a ward.

The HSE said earlier this month that it would create a temporary, modular outpatient unit for Portiuncula, to alleviate some of the pressure this has created/

This will allow the existing outpatient department to be converted into 14 single ensuite rooms to expand the main bed space of the hospital, which is still a work in progress.

Galway TD Denis Naughten said that despite the announcement of these plans, he had concerns that “these replacement beds will not be in place to cater for the huge additional pressure being placed on staff and patients at the hospital.”

Deputy Naughten added that he has received confirmation from Minister Rabbitte that she will meet with the Health Minister face-to-face next week to discuss the delivery of this modular ward.

“I have taken these concerns up with Minister Rabbitte and it is positive to see that a face-to-face meeting with regard to the hospital will now take place next week.”

Speaking in the Seanad this month, Senator Aisling Dolan had also highlighted the severe lack of space at Portiuncula, especially considering the population that it serves.

“For an area of 400,000 people, Portiuncula Hospital has only 13 single rooms. And I’m not talking about ICU beds, I’m talking about single rooms to keep people safe from infection.”

Galway made wipes can remove 99.9% of coronavirus from human skin

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October 29, 2020

Galway Daily news NUIG developed wipes can remove 99.9% of coronavirus from human skin

A novel type of decontamination wipe developed by a Galway company removes 99.99% of coronavirus from human skin a new study claims.

Aquila Bioscience, an NUIG medtech spinout company based at the university, has created a new type of decontamination wipe that can trap biological agents, including viruses, without the use of chemicals.

Their novel technology acts as a kind of velcro acting at the nanoscale, and the most recent study of its effectiveness has shown that it can remove pathogens from skin and other surfaces, including coronavirus.

Lokesh Joshi, Founder of Aquila Bioscience, said that this wipe is a “game changer” in the future of pathogen and infection control.

He boasted that it will “pave the way for safer methods of decontamination that do not cause harm to humans or the natural world.”

The study was carried out by an independent laboratory in France with expertise in Virology using donor human skin from cosmetic surgeries.

When applied to the skin surface, the laboratory found that the ABD device removes pathogens from affected surfaces by binding to the pathogens with molecular hooks.

The development of this technology was funded by the European Defence Agency and was conducted in collaboration with the Irish Defence Forces and the Czech University of Defence.

The goal was to create a wipe or mask that could successfully decontaminate multiple different biological threats, including viruses.

Because they do not rely on chemical agents that are harmful to skin, they can also be used on sensitive areas such as eyes, nose and mouth without fear.

Since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, Aquila have become an approved supplier of PPE to schools for their wipes.

“Currently we are very much focused on supplying this technology to the Irish markets,” Prof Joshi said.

“We are also interested in working with other international partners on how best to bring this technology to other global markets.”

Second weather warning issued for Galway

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October 28, 2020

Galway Daily weather Rough weekend forecast as weather warning issued by Met Eireann

A second weather warning has been issued for Galway for Thursday by Met Eireann, with severe wind and rain now forecast for the day.

Met Eireann issued a Status Yellow weather warning for heavy winds in Galway and Mayo which will be in force from 10am to 4pm on Thursday.

Strong southwest winds reaching average speeds 65km/hr are expected during the day on Thursday, with gusts reaching up to 100km/hr.

The winds will be strongest in the western parts of Galway and Mayo, Met Eireann says.

This second alert joins a rainfall warning for all of Connacht and counties Donegal, Clare, Cork, Kerry and Limerick which will be in effect throughout Thursday and overnight into Friday morning.

Accumulations of up to 60mm are expected from “heavy and persistent” starting overnight on Wednesday and continuing through to Friday morning.

This will likely also cause some “flooding and disruption” Met Eireann says.

The weather warning for heavy rainfall across the west of Ireland comes into force just after midnight Wednesday, and will continue until 6am on Friday.

Coronavirus: 13 new cases reported in Galway today

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October 28, 2020

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

The Department of Health has reported 675 new cases of the coronavirus in the Republic, and six additional deaths related to the disease.

The number of new cases reported today in Galway is just 13 – the lowest number of new cases in weeks.

Almost half of the cases reported today are in Dublin and Cork.

Of the cases reproted today, 65% are under the age of 45, and the median age is 35 years.

Nationally, there are 41 people with Covid-19 in critical care units, and a total of 327 in hospital.

There are 18 people with the virus at UHG, with two of the confirmed cases in ICU.

“Everyone must be aware of the actions they should take if they have symptoms or are awaiting a test or if they are a contact of a confirmed case,” said Dr Tony Holohan today.

“If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you must self isolate and phone your GP for further advice.

“If you have been referred for a test or are awaiting a test result, you must self isolate. If you are a confirmed case of COVID-19 you must self isolate for 10 days.

“If you are identified or have identified yourself as a close contact of a confirmed case, you must restrict your movements.

“Stay informed on the public health advice around COVID-19 and be prepared to protect yourself and those around you.”

Shock and disbelief as Galway comedian’s Facebook page deleted for “hate speech”

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October 28, 2020

Sir Stevo Timothy had alomst 380,000 likes on Facebook after posting viral videos and content to his page for six years.

Last night, he found out that those years of hard work were lost after Facebook took the bizarre decision to unpublish his account.

The social media platform said that the page went against their ‘community standards on hate speech’.

But thousands of people have shown their support for the popular Galway man today, expressing their disbelief and anger at Facebook for closing down his page without warning.

“This isn’t right. Stevo is a Facebook comedian who brings alot of positivity to the mental health conversation,” said Blindboy earlier today.

“He also doesn’t engage in hate speech. I hope this gets resolved. This is someones career.”

A recent video featuring Stevo’s character Farmer Michael

Stevo said that he was completely confused and shocked to learn that his Facebook page was gone.

Philip O’Connor, an Irish journalist based in Sweden, told Facebook to wise up and restore Stevo’s page.

“If you want to bin someone, bin the Nazis,” he said, “not a comedian and perfromer who brings so much joy to so many.”

The hashtag #FreeSirStevoTimothy has started to draw attention to the situation and demand that Facebook restores the account.

This has to be a mistake @SirStevoTimothy is a great bloke. One of the best. Sort it out @fbnewsroom https://t.co/9v845Urd7Z

— The Irish Post (@theirishpost) October 28, 2020

This isn't right. Stevo is a facebook comedian who brings alot of positivity to the mental health conversation. He also doesn't engage in hate speech. I hope this gets resolved. This is someones career https://t.co/47fzPsOUxQ

— The Blindboy Podcast (@Rubberbandits) October 28, 2020

Wise up @Facebook and restore @SirStevoTimothy’s page. If you want to bin someone, bin the Nazis – not sa comedian and perfromer who brings so much joy to so many. https://t.co/ugN6Z8OZbu

— Philip O'Connor (@philipoconnor) October 28, 2020

One man dead and another injured after Ballinasloe traffic collision

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October 28, 2020

One man has lost his life and another has been injured following a fatal road traffic collision which occurred near Ballinasloe on Tuesday evening.

The two vehicle traffic collision took place on between Shannonbridge and Ballinasloe at approximately 6:55pm yesterday.

A man in his 30s was pronounced dead at the scene, while another man in 40s was taken to Portiuncula Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The body of the deceased man was taken to University Hospital Galway, where a post mortem examination will take place.

The collision involved a car and a truck and occurred approximately one and a half kilometres from Shannonbridge village.

Forensic Collision investigators are carrying out an examination of the scene and the road is currently closed with diversions in place.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses and also to any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) from along the route at around the time of the collision to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Roscommon Garda Station on (090) 663 8300 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.

Road reopens after fatal crash near Ballinasloe

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October 28, 2020

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

The Ballinasloe to Shannonbridge road has reopened this evening after being closed today due to a fatal crash.

A man in his 30s lost his life in a two vehicle collision outside Shannonbridge which took place on Tuesday evening shortly before 7pm.

The affected section of the R357 was closed today, with diversions in place, in order to allow a forensic examination of the scene to take place.

However Gardaí have confirmed that the road has since reopened to traffic.

The man in his 30s was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash and his body was removed to University Hospital Galway.

A post-mortem examination will now take place Gardaí said.

The other person involved in the collision, a man in his 40s, was taken to Portiuncula Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses and also to any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) from along the route at around the time of the collision to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Roscommon Garda Station on (090) 663 8300 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.

Hospitals update: 18 Covid cases at UHG, two in ICU

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October 28, 2020

There are 18 people with Covid-19 at UHG and six people with the virus at Portiuncula Hospital, according to the latest HSE data.

Two people with Covid-19 were in ICU at University Hospital Galway when the data was collected yesterday evening.

There are 18 general beds and four ICU beds available at GUH, but none at Portiuncula.

Across the country, there were 41 people with Covid-19 in ICU hospitals and 327 cases.

A total of 106,124 tests have been carried out in the past seven days.

Knock Airport to close for a month after Ryanair suspends flights

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October 28, 2020

Knock Airport has announced it will close for a month after Ryanair decided today to suspend flights from the airport and other regional airports.

The airport will close its doors on Saturday 14 November and remain shut until Sunday 13 December.

Ryanair announced it is suspending flight services at regional airports due to a “complete collapse in travel demand as a result of the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the current travel restrictions in place”.

The closure will be yet another devastating blow for the airport and its staff where passenger numbers this year plummeted by over 90%.

Annual passenger numbers are forecasted to decline to less than 150,000 for the full year – the lowest in over 20 years.

The airport is calling on Government to provide urgent support through an expanded regional airports programme so the airport can address the enormous financial losses to support and protect its cash position.

TG4 documentary retraces Charles de Gaulle’s trip to Ireland in 1969

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October 28, 2020

To commemorate the 50^th anniversary of Charles de Gaulle’s death, a new TG4 documentary explores the remarkable circumstances of his visit to Ireland for six weeks in 1969.

Immediately after resigning as French president in April 1969, de Gaulle fled to the small town of Sneem in Kerry seeking peace and solitude – but he didn’t get it.

A horde of international paparazzi descended on the town and besieged the general in his hotel, and the documentary features interviews with local people who share anecdotes of this extraordinary time.

It also explores de Gaulle’s fascination with Daniel O’Connell and reveals how his visit to O’Connell’s home at Derrynane, County Kerry, helped him come to terms with his inner turmoil.

The general followed up his visit to Kerry with an extended stay at Cashel House Hotel in Connemara before concluding his visit in Dublin, where he and Irish president Éamon de Valera met for the first time.

Against extraordinary archive footage of de Gaulle and de Valera on the lawn of Áras an Uachtaráin, the film explores what the two men discussed and reveals how de Gaulle may even have predicted Brexit over fifty years ago.

The French leader’s visit also led to stronger ties between Ireland and France, a relationship now growing in importance as Brexit gets underway. But Charles de Gaulle also had a deeply personal and poignant reason for visiting Ireland, something that is explored at the end of the documentary.

Narrated by Doireann Ní Bhriain, “De Gaulle in Éirinn” is produced by Tile Films for TG4. Tile Films’ Manging Director Stephen Rooke is executive producer for Tile Films Limited. Máire Ní Chonláin is executive producer for TG4.

Research team in Galway wins SEAI Energy Award and €10,000 bursary

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October 28, 2020

galway daily news seai awards nui galway

A research team based in NUI Galway was among the winners at the 2020 SEAI Energy Awards.

The VorTech research team took home the Excellence in Energy Research and Innovation Award and a €10,000 bursary at the online awards ceremony.

The team’s VorTech technology looks at ways of treating water by using less energy and a spin-out company has been formed, VorTech Water Solutions, which aims to deliver energy savings at wastewater treatment plants both in Ireland and abroad.

“We are delighted to win the Research and Innovation award at this year’s SEAI Energy Awards,” said Eoghan Clifford, Senior Lecturer at NUI Galway.

“Research plays a fundamental role at NUI Galway from a teaching point of view and by helping us to solve some of society’s challenges through the development of the next generation of technologies.

“The VorTech team’s technology and research looks at ways to treat wastewater using far less energy and improving environmental performance. The technology was launched this year and we already have plans diversify.

“This is exciting not just in terms of the research but also in terms of the formation of our company as we are able to target new markets into the future.”

A total of ten awards were presented to individuals, businesses, communities, and public sector organisations in recognition of their commitment and dedication to sustainable energy and climate action. The online awards ceremony was hosted by broadcast journalist, Andrea Gilligan, who was joined by Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications Eamon Ryan T.D. for a special interview.

Survivors of Mother and Baby Homes must be listened to, says Galway TD

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October 28, 2020

galway daily news Advisory Board members sought for Tuam Mother and Baby Home excavation

Galway West TD Mairéad Farrell has called on the Government to ensure that survivors of mother and baby homes have an opportunity to have their voices heard.

She said that we need to hear the voices of survivors and that they have been ignored in this process.

“Over the last number of weeks I have been contacted by thousands of people who have expressed their deep hurt at the Bill and its passing, it is essential that survivors are now heard,”said Deputy Farrell.

“Survivors must be given the opportunity to come to the Children, Disability, Equality and Integration Committee and give their views on what has happened.”

Deputy Farrell called for the Minister to come before the Committee and explain on what legal basis he has proceeded with this bill, as well what advice the Data Protection Commissioner gave him and when.

“The Minister should also come before the Dáil as a matter of priority to explain the advice he was given by the Data Protection Commissioner and why this was not followed,” said the Sinn Féin TD.

“The Data Protection Commissioner also needs to come before the Committee and explain what advice she gave to the Minister and the basis on which she gave it.

“Survivors have spoken of their deep distress at the events of the last week. They deserve to be listened to with respect.”

NUIG and medtech company launch global clinical trial for heart disease patients

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October 28, 2020

NUIG and Galway medtech company launch global clinical trial for heart disease patients

NUI Galway and medtech company Sahajanand Medical Technologies have launched a global clinical trial for a new generation of stents for heart disease patients.

The trial is for patients suffering from a form of heart disease called three vessel disease, the most severe form of coronary artery disease.

It is currently running at 50 centres in eight countries across Europe, and involves 1,550 patients with three-vessel coronary artery disease.

University Hospital Galway is the first European site that has start enrolling patients in the trial. So far four patients have been successfully treated.

The trial will run over several years and the research team will periodically assess participating patients’ progress.

Eligible patients from the west of Ireland with three vessel disease who have not previously had by-pass surgery will be offered the opportunity to participate in the trial.

Professor Faisal Sharif of NUIG, also a consultant cardiologist at UHG, is the lead investigator for the trial in Ireland. He said that “As well as it being the most severe form of coronary artery disease, three vessel disease is increasingly an issue for younger people.”

“Coronary heart disease means that the blood supply to heart muscle is reduced or blocked due to build-up of fatty tissue, which is known as atherosclerosis.”

“There are many risk factors for this condition but unhealthy lifestyle plays a critical role in its progression,” Prof Sharif warned.

While the use of stents has made “great progress” in treating this condition overall, this trial is meant assess a new generation of stents, and how they can help “high risk” patients.

Sahajanand Medical Technologies is an Indian medtech company which bases its European operations in Galway, where it has a Research and Development Centre at Galway Technology Park.

Professor Timothy O’Brien, Dean of the College of Medicine, said that this trial shows the role NUIG plays in the medtech sector, both in Ireland and internationally.

“It marks a momentous recognition of the excellence of research and development and clinical trial activities here in the University,” he added.

The Irish trial is co-chaired by CORRIB Research Center for Advanced Imaging and Core Laboratory at NUI Galway.

Prof Yoshi Onuma, medical director at the CORRIB centre, said “The hope is that this trial will simplify the treatment for patients with three vessel disease undergoing coronary angioplasty, a non-surgical procedure used to treat narrowing of the coronary arteries of the heart.”

GRETB gets approval for expansion of Mervue Training Centre

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October 28, 2020

Galway Daily news GRETB gets approval for expansion of Mervue Training Centre

The GRETB has been given approval by the city council for an expansion of its Training Centre in Mervue.

Planning permission has been granted to the GRETB for the conversion of an industrial unit at Mervue Business Park to educational use.

The plans are for Unit 108B, Mervue Business and Technology Park, where the existing Training Centre is located in Units 105 – 108.

The GRETB intends to convert this new unit to include a webinar room, green screen/VR room, podcast suite, a small office, and a larger open plan learning space.

Approval was also sought in this application for the retention of the existing storage shed and bike shelter at the north eastern end of the unit, and the addition of new doors and windows.

Planning permission was granted by Galway City Council with a total of eight conditions attached.

Galway Chamber calls for greater support for Knock Airport

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October 28, 2020

Galway Daily news €5 million funding for Knock Airport includes state of the art screening system

Galway Chamber of Commerce have joined with Chambers across the West of Ireland in calling on the government to provide support to keep Ireland West Airport Knock alive.

Knock Airport has seen traffic plummet by more than 80% this year from the 807,000 passengers who passed through there in 2019, creating significant financial difficulties.

Kenny Deery, CEO of Galway Chamber has stated that regional airports like Knock are of “critical importance” to the West of Ireland.

They provide, “essential connectivity to global markets for regional businesses, in providing a gateway for much needed tourists and in attracting foreign direct investment into the region”.

Galway Chamber, along with the Chambers of Sligo and Mayo, recently had a virtual meeting with Minister of State for International and Road Transport and
Logistics, Hildegarde Naughton to discuss the challenges facing the airport.

At the meeting, Joe Gilmore, Managing Director of Ireland West Airport Knock, outlined
the major issues that the airport is currently facing.

“As a result of the catastrophic collapse in passenger traffic since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and Government travel restrictions, the Airport will sustain losses of close to €4 million,” Gilmore said.

He added that they are seeking, “additional funding through the Regional Airport’s programme to sustain the business through this crisis”.

While Minister Naughton highlighted the supports available for businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, Galway Chamber says that these are “inadequate to address
the losses being incurred” by Knock Airport.

“The Western Business Community represented by the Chambers are calling on Government to increase the regional airports funding programme for 2020, 2021 and a longer term commitment to regional airports for the coming decade, to ensure the sustainability of the airport and the region.”

Fantastic job opportunity: HR Manager needed in East Galway

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October 27, 2020

Galway Daily business US software company creating 25 jobs in Galway

A HR manager is needed to fill a 12-month, fixed-term contract in East Galway, which has the possibility of being extended.

The organisation has an excellent reputation and the ideal applicant could be a strong generalist – or may have a specific area of specialit. Both options can be worked with.

It is essential that candidates are hands-on, as well as high level, and have an excellent sense of team and purpose.

The successful applicant will be collaborative and operate at a high level and partner with leaders to address the strategic needs of their client groups.

They will also provide HR leadership and direction to their direct reports.

To check out other Jobs in Galway, click here.

HR Manager Job Responsibilities:

• Responsible for providing HR leadership and team direction in: competency development, succession planning, talent acquisition, labor relations, employee relations, employee engagement, change management and processes improvement.
• Coach and consult with management on issues affecting morale, performance, development and organization effectiveness.
• Consult with managers to ensure the consistent application of and adherence to company HR policies.
• Introduce, lead and influence change management initiatives with internal Leaders.
• Conduct and manage investigation of complaints and concerns that have potential legal ramifications.
• Guide, coach and develop direct reports.

Qualifications needed for this HR Manager Job:

• Minimum NFQ Level 8 qualification.
• Minimum of 10 year’s HR industry experience.
• Strong people management experience.
• Must be able to demonstrate coaching competencies.
• Proven ability to work well as part of a team & on your own with minimum supervision.

To find out more about this position, see: https://www.sigmarrecruitment.com/job/41825856/senior-hr-manager/

If you’re unsure whether to apply and have questions first, please feel free to contact Louisa in strictest confidence at louisa@sigmar.ie or 091 455 308.

Coronavirus: 5 deaths today, and 47 COVID cases in Galway

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October 27, 2020

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

There have been 47 additional cases of COVID-19 reported in Galway today, out of 720 confirmed cases reported in the country.

There have also been an additional five deaths related to COVID-19 notified by the Department of Health.

Galway had the third highest number of cases in the country today, but still fell far behind the top two, Dublin (228) and Cork (130), which make up almost half of today’s cases between them.

There have now been a total of 58,767 confirmed cases in the Republic of Ireland, and the coronavirus has claimed a total of 1,890 lives here.

Validation of data at the HPSC has resulted in the denotification of 20 confirmed cases, which is reflected in the national tally.

As of 2pm today, 341 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 29 were hospitalised in the past 24-hours, and 38 patients are in Intensive Care Unit.

Of the cases notified today:

348 are men and 371 are women
65% are under 45 years of age
the median age is 32 years old
228 in Dublin, 130 in Cork, 47 in Galway, 31 in Meath, 27 in Limerick and the remaining 257 cases are spread across another 20 counties

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

Teenage boy stabbed at Ballybane church

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October 27, 2020

A teenage boy was the victim of a stabbing incident on the grounds of a church in Ballybane on Monday evening.

The boy (15) suffered a single stab wound following an altercation with an unknown male who had approached him.

The stabbing took place at approximately 6pm on Monday evening on the ground’s of St Brigid’s Church, Ballybane.

He was taken by ambulance to University Hospital Galway, where his injuries are understood to not be life threatening.

Gardaí are appealing for anyone with information to contact Mill Street Garda Station at 091 538 000.

Increase in Covid cases at UHG and Portiuncula

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October 27, 2020