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SEAI welcomes “historic investment” in sustainable energy in Budget 2021

By
Michael Malone
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galway daily seai energy budget 2021

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland has welcomed the Government’s “historic investment” in sustainable energy action in Budget 2021.

The SEAI have described it is a “significant milestone” for both Irish society and the economy, as we “take fossil fuels out of Ireland’s energy mix”.

They say that the commitment means that homes will be more comfortable, businesses more competitive, transport less polluting and our energy supply more affordable and secure.

“SEAI continues to support Government in the implementation of sustainable energy policy,” said Mr William Walsh, Chief Executive of SEAI.

“We have designed and managed successful programmes to engage and support all segments of the economy.

“Our dual focus has always been on value for the public purse and providing a strong evidence base for future policies and measures.” 

SEAI’s budget, which is also part funded through carbon tax, has increased by more than 50% to approximately €350 million. The additional funding will support: 

  • National Retrofit: The launch of the national retrofit programme through SEAI with significant scaling up and streamlining of retrofit programmes for homes and communities. The total allocation for homes and community retrofit is €221 million.  This represents a €100 million, or 82% increase, on this year’s budget with the increase funded through carbon tax revenue. This allocation includes additional supports for low income homes with a budget of €109 million. 
  • Communities: An enabling framework for communities who want to invest in renewable energy projects 
  • Transport: the continued support for electric vehicles and charging infrastructure and a national campaign to encourage the take up of electric vehicles 
  • Businesses: Substantial increase in supports for all sectors of business including energy management and capital investment  
  • Public sector: An expanded support structure for public bodies, spanning energy management, measurement of progress, and capital supports for deep building retrofit 
  • Research: Substantial additional scaling of SEAI’s research and innovation activities 

SEAI also welcomed the Minister’s announcement that a new National Retrofit Office will be established in the SEAI as well as the commitment to additional staffing and funding for the organisation to drive achievement of our retrofit targets.   

Walsh continued:  “SEAI is a key enabler of climate action in Ireland. This funding from Government will allow us to support all energy users to take more fossil fuels out of Ireland’s energy mix.

“It will also support cutting edge research and pilots. We are inviting all citizens, businesses and communities to join us on this movement by taking energy action.

“The recently published Climate Action Bill and this Budget demonstrates this Government’s commitment to follow through and deliver on our international targets. 

“We look forward to working with, and supporting, our colleagues in the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, central Government and all stakeholders, to deliver these targets.” 

Outage leaves almost 500 properties in Ballygar without electricity

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Storm Isha: Over 6,000 properties without power in Galway this morning

A power outage in the Ballygar area has left almost 500 homes and businesses without electricity this afternoon.

The electrical fault was first reported by the ESB at approximately 11:45 on Thursday morning.

Repairs are currently expected to be completed by 3:15pm this afternoon the utility provider has said.

This comes after an earlier series of sever outages left more than 11,000 homes in East Galway and Roscommon without electricity this morning.

Updates from the ESB can be found on the powercheck website pae.

Design team to be appointed for new Athenry Gaelscoil campus

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news craughwell national school

Work on delivering a new Gaelscoil campus for Athenry is progressing, with approval given for a design team to be appointed for the project.

Galway East TD Seán Canney says that the Galway Roscommon Education and Training Board have been given the go ahead to proceed with designing the new campus.

When completed, this development will bring together the existing Gaelscoil National and Secondary schools in Athenry together in a single campus.

The two existing Gaelscoileanna in Athenry are Gaelscoil Riada (primary), and Coláiste an Eachréidh (secondary).

“The progress with this project is welcomed and I wish both schools well in their journey to realise their dream for a modern facility for students, parents, staff and Board of Management,” Seán Canney said.

Spiddal food producer wins award for unique mayonnaise

By
Michael Malone
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galway daily news heather o'flaherty mayo supervalu

A Galway Food Academy producer has won a silver award at the recent Blas Na hÉireann awards for her unique mayonnaise.

Heather Flaherty, who runs Builín Blasta in Spiddal, took home one of 23 silver awards which were chosen from thousands of entries.

The café and bakeryin the heart of Conamara is loved by locals and tourists alike, where Canadian chef-owner Heather brings her own flavour combinations to her menu.

The winning Smoked Onion Mayo has been described as being a totally ‘unique product that must be tasted to be believed’.

Many of Heather’s homemade products are award-winning, and available at SuperValu stores thanks to the Food Academy programme.

“2020 has been another excellent year for SuperValu’s Food Academy producers at the Blas Na hÉireann awards with a total of 66 awards,” said Ray Kelly, Interim Managing Director, SuperValu.

“At SuperValu we are committed to supporting more Irish food producers than any other retailer and in delivering the best quality products for our customers, over 75% of products on SuperValu shelves are sourced or produced in Ireland.

“It’s been another great year for our local producers and at a time when we are encouraging the country to shop local it is great to support and stock these award-winning brands and see them receive the recognition they deserve.”

Over 300 Connemara kids to run a marathon at school

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily sport Gaeltacht schools marathon

This week over 1,360 children in Gaeltacht schools around the country, including over 300 in Connemara  have started preparations to run a marathon over the course of the coming weeks.

Oved the next eight weeks, these kids will be running greater and greater distances at their schools in the Maratón na bPáistí.

They will run a specified distance around the school yard four days  a week, increasing the distance every week until they have run a full marathon, 42.2km.

Each day they run they will also follow lessons where they learn about the physical, mental, educational and social benefits of being active.

Children will run the final mile of Maratón na bPáistí  on Thursday 10 December, when they will be awarded special medals and t-shirts.

This project is being promoted by the Gaeltacht Irish Language Planning Officers, in conjunction with Marathon Kids Ireland.

They devised the programme and have been running it successfully in Dublin schools for five years. This is the first time the programme is being run outside of Dublin.

Majella Ní Chríocháin, Language Planning Officer with Pobal Rua in  An Cheathrú Rua said they’re delighted with the level of participation seen, but not surprised.

“We have over 150 children involved in the programme locally and it is a wonderful opportunity for them to become fitter, more confident and to learn about the importance of physical activity,” she said.

The kids will also come to learn how jogging and running improves their ability to learn, to socialise and to be part of the community.

“This is a fun activity which all children, regardless of their level of fitness, can take part in and enjoy.”

From a language planning perspective, it provides an opportunity for children to socialise and engage in activities in Irish in the school yard, with their friends and classmates.”

“We wish all of the children taking part the best of luck, go n-éirigh go geal libh!”

Galway landlords urged to provide students with refunds

By
Michael Malone
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galway daily news €3 million for funding community facilities in Galway

The Students’ Union at NUIG has called on landlords and student accommodation providers to give refunds to students who no longer need to be in Galway after learning moved online.

So far, the University managed Corrib Village and Goldcrest developments along with the privately run Menlo Park apartments have agreed to offer refunds to students not taking up their accommodation offers.

In a joint letter written by the NUI Galway President and the Students’ Union President this week to accommodation providers, there was a call to show ‘care and compassion to students during the COVID-19 emergency’.

The letter also recognised that property owners are also facing a “stressful and difficult economic time” but that there’s a need to work together to create an impression of Galway as a destination for study.

“With the announcement that most teaching will be online for the current semester at NUI Galway a lot of our students have found themselves with accommodation they no longer need and can’t afford,” said Students’ Union President Pádraic Toomey.

“This is adding extra financial pressures to students and their families at a stressful time of huge uncertainty.

“We are calling on all accommodation providers in Galway to talk to their tenants and look at how they can be flexible in their rental agreements.”

Students’ Union Welfare and Equality Officer Róisín Nic Lochlainn said that she hopes that other student accommodation providers and landlords in Galway will follow in the footsteps of Campus Living and Menlo Park and provide refunds to students who no longer need accommodation.

“I’ve met with representatives from most of the large student accommodation developments to try to impress upon them the need for compassion this year so that students can afford to rent in Galway in future years,” said Róisín Nic Lochlainn.

Galway City Christmas Market cancelled this year

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Galway Christmas Market closed due to Storm Bram

The annual Galway Christmas Market will not be taking place this year, as the city council has cancelled all public events in Eyre Square for the coming months.

The council said that it has cancelled all activities and events that are due to take place in Eyre Square, including the Christmas Market and comedy festival, as a matter of public safety, and to comply with COVID-19 health guidelines.

“We understand this news will come as a disappointment to the general public, event producers and traders as well as the local businesses,” the city council said in a statement.

“Galway City Council would like to acknowledge efforts of the various event producers in adjusting their plans to comply with the latest and changing guidelines.”

“However, Galway City Council has decided that in the interests of public health, there will be no organised events in Eyre Square for the foreseeable future.”

The City Council has said that it is working with Fáilte Ireland to try and deliver a “safe, socially distant Christmas experience” this year.

“Galway City Council will also fully fund the city Christmas lights for 2020 and is working to ensure that Galway is an attractive and safe place to live, work and visit during the Christmas period.”

“Galway City Council hopes to welcome, as soon as is safe and possible, events back to Eyre Square in 2021.”

Mayor of Galway Mike Cubbard acknowledged that this will be a “huge blow” to local traders, and visitors to the city.

Mayor Cubbard said that a lot of work has gone into trying to come up with a market that would fit with changing public guidelines in recent weeks, but that “sadly there was no concrete solution”.

Stitches’ new owner using clothing company to combat Covid and homelessness

By
Katherine Gannon
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galway daily news feature stitches eyre street shop
Chris Roche with daughters Danielle and Megan

When Stitches Clothing, Alterations and Repairs was taken over by Galway mother Chris Roche this summer, her first port of call was to help the homeless.

Along with her daughter Danielle, Chris worked with Galway Simon Community to donate and distribute 120 reusable face masks from Stitches to homeless people across Galway to help prevent them from contracting Covid-19.

Chris said that since taking over Stitches, which is located on Eyre Street, she has become very aware of how much help the Galway homeless needed.

“Being in the city a lot more since Stitches came about, I have become very conscious of the many people sleeping in doorways,” said Chris.

“We felt given the Covid numbers were rising that we could do good by helping support these people against the virus by donating masks.”

Chris added that her daughter’s own charity work inspired her to use her new business to help those in need.

“My daughter Danielle fits a charity event into her very busy schedule each year which is something I admire about her.

“Feeling the cold evenings in recent weeks it didn’t take long for Danielle to convince me that The Simon Community should be our charity of choice this year.”

Danielle feels we should express more compassion and less judgement towards homeless people, and explained why we should help them.

“I think people’s life can spiral out of control so quickly through no fault of their own. Seeing people losing jobs recently due to Covid-19 has really put it into perspective that you don’t know what is around the corner,” she said.

Along with taking time to benefit a Galway charity, the mother-daughter duo have been flat out adjusting to running a successful Galway company since Chris bought Stitches.

Asked what attracted her to buying the business in July, Chris said that she is fully aware of what a risk it is to buy a company this year with all the businesses closing due to Covid-19, but she has faith that Stitches will continue to thrive.

“Alterations are always going to be needed, and the fact the business is 40 years old this year and in its present location at 4 Eyre Street, the past 20 years told me it could survive the Covid storm.

“I took over the business on the 20th of July, keeping all existing staff in employment and so far, it has been doing really well,” said Chris.

Contrary to fearing how Covid-19 will affect Stitches, Chris feels Stitches can help combat the pandemic.

“I would like to see myself growing the business more, introducing new products and services which in turn will create further employment.

“Given the difficulties that Covid-19 has brought I feel Stitches can continue to be a local manufacturer of masks to help protect against this deadly virus.”

Asked how she felt about working alongside her mother, Danielle said she supports Chris fully in her new business.

“Being able to support her on this new venture and see her excitement about it has been really rewarding,” Danielle added.

“I think we make a great team and I’m looking forward to seeing what she does with the company.”

Stitches had planned to launch on the 40th birthday of the company but due to the current government guidelines surrounding the pandemic, the company has decided to launch online events instead.

“In an effort not to let the year end with nothing happening we decided, for now, we would run some social media competitions as a thank you to our customers,” explained Chris.

To enter any of the upcoming competition please see the Stitches’ Facebook page or company website: www.stitches.ie

Coronavirus: 5 deaths and 1,095 COVID-19 cases today

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news 25 percent drop in COVID cases in Galway hospitals

There were five additional deaths related to COVID-19 and 1,095 new confirmed cases reported by the Department of Health today.

The breakdown does not show how many of today’s notified cases are in Galway, but the latest county figures up to Tuesday’s reported figures show that there have been 1,162 COVID-19 cases in Galway, of which 39 were notified yesterday.

There have now been a total of 45,243 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland, and the coronavirus pandemic has claimed a total of 1,835 lives in the state.

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

Of the cases notified today:

  • 529 are men / 552 are women
  • 70% are under 45 years of age
  • the median age is 31 years old
  • 246 in Dublin, 185 in Meath, 128 in Cavan, 118 in Cork, 63 in Kildare and the remaining 342 cases are spread across all remaining counties

There 232 patients in hospital with COVID-19 nationwide today, of whom 30 are in Intensive Care. Nine of these hospitalisations have been in the last 24 hours.

“Today, we again report a daily new confirmed case figure over 1,000,” said Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, “This situation is extremely concerning. Every single one of us has a role to play.”

“We each need to reduce contact with other people as much as possible, so that means staying at home, working from home where possible, practicing physical distancing and stopping discretionary”

Dr Ronan Glynn reiterated his call for people to reduce their social contacts and avoid gathering in large groups.

How Twitter could help Donald Trump hold onto power in 2020

By
Thomas O'Brien
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As we edge closer and closer to polling day, a nation remains split on who will lead America as President for the next four years.

Controversial incumbent Donald Trump faces possibly his toughest opponent yet in the shape of Joe Biden, who, turning 78 in November, would become the oldest person to hold office in The White House.

But even though election night is just a few short weeks away, there’s plenty of water to go under the bridge and, especially if you’re Trump, plenty left to be said. And with over 87m Twitter followers, a large percentage of the US population will be listening – whether they agree with him or not.

In this article, we will examine Trump’s strategy on social media and consider whether or not Twitter could help the former real estate mogul hold onto power for another four years. Could 280 characters really help shape the future of the Western world?

The state of play

At present, Biden appears favourite to unseat Trump and become the next President of the United States. The latest odds on the next US president place him narrowly ahead with just weeks to go until election day. Unsurprisingly, the prospect of losing, and failing in his objective of becoming a two-term President, has supercharged Trump’s attack. Twitter is a key tool for the incumbent as he seeks to claw back the deficit, especially if the sheer volume of Tweets being published is anything to go by.

Biden is also active on Twitter, but he is far more restrained in his output. There’s a distinct whiff of consideration and forethought about the Democratic candidate’s output, and there’s no doubt that the veteran hopeful has a team around him helping him make the right statements on social media.

Trump’s brand of Tweeting is the total opposite, with frequent Retweets, fragment statements and liberal use of capital letters commonplace through his feed. It’s not beyond the realms of possibility that members of his communications team have attempted to intervene when Donald has seen the red mist, but it’s apparent they haven’t had much success.

Why is Twitter so important

In the lead up to his election in 2016, throughout his first term, and during the build-up to this year’s election, Trump has harnessed the power of Twitter to remain in the headlines and at the centre of conversation. He has eagerly Retweeted supporters from all walks of life – be they rappers, businessmen or MMA fighters – and reacted quickly to negative headlines written about him. Because Twitter is instant, and his followers so numerous, Trump has the ability to easily challenge and even change a narrative.

The President has focused much of his energy on attacking his opponent in recent months, and again Twitter is the perfect tool for implementing this strategy. A quick Retweet can add momentum to a theory and turn a little bad press into a PR nightmare for Biden. From Trump’s perspective, somebody who doesn’t vote for his opponent is almost as valuable as somebody who votes for him, especially as records show that low turn-outs typically favour Republican candidates.

As voting day edges closer, it’s likely the volume will be ramped up even louder on social media. And though platforms like Twitter will not decide the next president on their own, they will certainly have a significant impact.

Galway senior football team named to face Mayo

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily sport County senior hurling final replay - All you need to know

Galway GAA has named the line-up of the senior football team that will face Mayo in the Allianz League this weekend.

Galway and Mayo will face off in Tuam Stadium this Sunday, October 18, with throw in at 2pm.

Several Moycullen players had to be withdrawn from the pool due to confirmed cases of COVID-19 at the club.

The Galway side for this Sunday’s football match is:

1. Connor Gleeson

2. Conor Campbell

3. Sean Andy Kelly

4. Johnny Heaney (Capt.)

5. Liam Silke

6. Johnny Duane

7. Cillian McDaid

8. John Maher

9. Cein D’Arcy

10. Eamonn Brannigan

11. Michael Daly

12. Jason Leonard

13. Robert Finnerty

14. Ian Burke

15. Paul Conroy

GMIT highlighting the research of STEM undergrads at virtual SURE conference

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily education GMIT highlighting the research of STEM undergrads at virtual SURE conference

GMIT will play host to the third annual SURE Conference this week, in a virtual event highlighting the research being done by STEM undergraduates around the country.

The conference, taking place this Friday, October 16 is a part of Science Undergraduate Research Experience Network, and is being carried out in association with CIT and TU Dublin.

The conference will be opened online at 9:30 am by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris, TD, via Zoom

This annual conference attracts over 500 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) students and academic research supervisors each year, and reflects the work of the SURE Network.

This is a collaborative partnership consisting of members from nine Irish Higher Education Institutions. This is the first year the event is being hosted completely online.

Over 70 science graduates throughout Ireland who completed their final year projects in the 2019/20 academic year will present their undergraduate research work in both poster and oral presentation formats at the event.

The presentations fall under three themes: Analytical, Environmental and Pharmaceutical Science; Health Science and Nutrition; and Biological, Sport, Computing, Mathematical and Physical Sciences.

GMIT will be represented by final year students in Chemical and Pharmaceutical Science, Tamara Jordan and Fox Fallon, a keynote speaker Dr Ian O’Connor, and by post-graduate speaker Michela Caprani.

Co-Chair of the National Conference Committee and award-winning GMIT lecturer, Dr Cormac Quigley, says: “This year’s conference presents us with an exciting opportunity to showcase the dynamic range of research activities undertaken by science students nationally, both remotely and in the lab, and highlights the importance of STEM graduates to the Irish workforce”.

Awards for the best students in the Biological, Sport, Computing, Mathematical and Physical Sciences will be presented by GMIT President Dr Orla Flynn.

Registration which is free of charge is now open on: https://forms.gle/oVjzyhrPPeH3c9rj9 For further details see http://sure-network.ie/conference/  and Twitter #SURE20.

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

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

Moycullen GAA Club has cancelled all activities after a number of reported cases of COVID-19 among club members.

There have been several reported cases of COVID-19 among the club’s senior football team players, prompting a cancellation of all activities while contact tracing and other precautions take place.

“The global COVID-19 pandemic has affected everyone over the last seven months,” a statement from Moycullen GAA said.

“In recent weeks the national numbers have started to rise again at an alarming rate and unfortunately there are several cases in our own community. This includes some members of our senior football squad who won the County title recently.”

“In learning of these cases in the club we immediately acted and have cancelled all activities to allow time for all necessary actions to take place regarding the contact tracing process. Previous to this, the club had cancelled club celebrations after our County Final victory.”

“We will be following all protocols set down by the HSE and the GAA as we try to get through these challenging times together.”

Open air exhibition keeping the arts alive in Galway

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily arts Local Community Festivals Grant Scheme

Museums and galleries may be closed, but Galway City itself is being turned into an exhibition, with displays of art, poetry, and stories in the coming months.

To kick things off, the rest of October will see an exhibition of photography by Dr. Chaosheng Zhang, a Prof of Geography at NUI Galway, at Eyre Square Shopping Centre.

Dr Zhang’s stunning photos of Galway have been freely shared and widely admired on Twitter since 2017, and from this Thursday

This space will see different exhibitions showcasing a different aspect of the incredible artistic community in Galway each month.

November will showcase imagination and creativity of young people in the City and December will have an exciting Christmas themed exhibition.

This is a project funded through Galway City Council’s Creative Ireland funding as part of the Irish Government’s campaign ‘Getting Through Covid-19 Together’.

The Creative Ireland Programme is a five year culture based initiative that emphasises the importance of human creativity for individual and national wellbeing.

“I would encourage everyone to check out what is happening and to take the opportunity to attend or take part in Creative Ireland projects around the City,” said Councillor Mike Cubbard, Mayor of Galway.

“You never know what will spark your imagination and creativity. We have all seen just how much creativity and the arts support health and well-being during the last few months. As the Mayor of Galway City I’m proud of our creative reputation.”

Galway County Council meeting moves to Corrandulla

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway daily news Lease approved for modular homes for Ukrainian refugees in Ballinasloe

Due to the Level 3 COVID-19 restrictions currently in place, Galway County Council will be moving its monthly meeting to Corrandulla.

The next statutory meeting of GCC will take place on Monday, October 19. Due to the Level 3 restrictions, it has been moved to the new Corrandulla Community Hall Cathaoirleach James Charity said.

“As the Cathaoirleach of the County and local representative for the area, I note this is the first time Galway County Council have met in Corrandulla village, and I am happy that in the current times, we have a venue that is able to accommodate the Council,” Cllr Charity said.

This change has only been possible due to the support of the council’s administrative staff and COVID-19 officers Cllr Charity added.

It will “ensure matters affecting the County can continue to be discussed by the members Hall,” he said, adding “Many thanks to Annaghdown Parish Council for making the facility available to the Council.”

Swimming pool in Ballinasloe must remain open, say Independent councillors

By
Michael Malone
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galway daily swimming pool denis naughton ballinasloe

Two local Independent councillors have called on the Government to step in to ensure Ballinasloe swimming pool stays open, following concerns it could close due to funding issues.

Councillors Tim Broderick and Dr Evelyn Parsons have engaged with Galway County Council on keeping the pool open, subject to the latest public health advice, and they are supported by Roscommon-Galway TD Denis Naughton.

While the pandemic has affected Galway County Council’s budget, the councillors argue that it is already one of the lowest funded county councils in the country, and there are fears of knock-on effects on the delivery of services.

“The pool is an essential resource for physical health and mental wellbeing for many in Ballinasloe and it serves the wider catchment area of East Galway,” said Cllr Dr Evelyn Parsons.

“Ballinasloe Pool provides an invaluable service to people of all ages and abilities, including our sporting community, children’s swim lessons, those learning water safety, for rehabilitation and physiotherapy, to people with special needs and those differently abled.”

Dr Parsons said that the pool also helps in the fight against a rising tide of obesity and combats sedentary lifestyles as well as providing local employment.

“It is an activity highly used with the provision of tracker hoists facilitating disabled access and ensuring this facility remains open is a measure of how we value our vulnerable community and their carers,” she added.

Cllr Tim Broderick said that additional resources are urgently needed at County Council level.

“We are calling for swift government intervention to ensure this vital amenity remains operational for our communities now and into the future,” he said.

In addition, Denis Naughten TD has asked for a meeting with Minister Peter Burke who has responsibility for County Councils and their funding to see if a quick resolution can be found to this issue.

“Minister Burke confirmed the Government is committed to public swimming pools and Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe, has outlined the importance of swimming pools remaining open during and after this pandemic,” Deputy Naughten said.

“I have also raised the issue of funding for swimming pools during the pandemic with the Minister for Sport, Catherine Martin, and while I welcome €2.5m for private pools which are open to the public, I believe this does not go far enough and support must urgently be provided to publicly owned pools.

“I will continue to work with Cllrs. Parsons and Broderick in our determination to keep Ballinasloe pool open.”

Breastfeeding support service at UHG goes virtual

By
Michael Malone
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galway daily news uhg breastfeeding webinar

The breastfeeding support service at UHG has been redesigned so that it can connect with women virtually during the public health crisis.

The webinars are free and will feature Midwives, a Lactation Specialist Midwife and a Consultant Neonatologist who are available throughout to offer advice. There will also be an opportunity for mums to ask questions to throughout the sessions.

“Breastfeeding is natural but it is a skill that has to be learned and support is crucial when learning new skills,” said Carmel Connolly, Clinical Nurse Manager 2, Parent Education Services.

“Many women find it very helpful to attend a breastfeeding support group before giving birth, to talk to other mothers, ask questions and meet breastfeeding experts.

“We have introduced a breastfeeding webinar to provide that same support and to empower, build confidence, troubleshoot, educate and reduce the social isolation some expectant mothers feel.”

Ms Connolly said that some of the topics addressed during the webinar include the benefits, techniques and challenges of breastfeeding, questions related to breast pumps and links to community breastfeeding support groups.

“Since August, we have hosted two webinars with a total attendance of 115 women.  It has been so encouraging to me to see these women coming together and forming communities during this time of isolation.”

One expectant mother said: “It was wonderful to be able to attend a live interactive antenatal session and have my individual needs addressed during the session.”

Claire Cellarius, Breast Feeding/Lactation Specialist Midwife at UHG added that to be able to continue to provide support to women around breastfeeding virtually is fantastic.

“Breastfeeding gives babies the best start for a healthy life and it protects both mum and baby; its health benefits are undisputed and I would encourage all mums-to-be to consider breastfeeding,” she said.

Coronavirus: 811 COVID-19 cases and 3 deaths today

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Galway hospitals see COVID cases double in recent weeks

There were 3 more deaths related to COVID-19 reported by the Department of Health today, along with 811 new cases.

There have now been a total of 44,159 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Republic, and the coronavirus pandemic has claimed 1,830 lives here.

Validation of data at the HPSC has resulted in the denotification of 3 confirmed cases.

The latest county figures for Galway, up to yesterday’s reported cases, show 1,123 confirmed cases in the city and county, of which 27 were notified on Monday.

Of the cases notified today:

  • 415 are men / 396 are women
  • 70% are under 45 years of age
  • the median age is 30 years old
  • 190 in Dublin, 141 in Cork, 62 in Wexford, 51 in Kerry, 50 in Clare and the remaining 317 cases are spread across all remaining counties

“We have widespread community transmission in the country,” said Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, ”

“The spread of COVID-19 is a whole population issue, which is why we’re appealing to every single individual, every single family, household, organisation, workplace, to act on public health advice. You are the frontline defence against this disease.”

As of 2pm today 234 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 32 are in ICU. There have been 22 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours.

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

“If we see community transmission patterns continuing to grow, we’re going to see more vulnerable groups being infected and the result of that, unfortunately will be further hospitalisations and deaths,” said Dr Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer.

“Limiting your contacts, avoiding crowds and following basic public health measures will ultimately save lives.”

Council gives the green light to new Ahascragh whiskey distillery

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Council approves café plans for Ahascragh distillery

Galway County Council has granted planning permission for the construction of a new whiskey distillery in Ahascragh.

Gareth McAllister intends to restore the old Mill buildings on Main Street, Ahascragh and use them to house a whiskey distillery with added tourist facilities.

The visitor facilities will be used to arrange tours of the distillery, and will also incorporate a Tasting Room and museum of the buildings’ history.

The buildings have been unoccupied since the 1950s, and are now owned by McAllister Distillers Ltd.

This craft distillery will produce both whiskey and gin using malted barley, and will employ an estimated 8 to 14 people when complete between making the spirits and guiding tourists.

It is not proposed to warehouse any of the whiskey at this site according to the planning application.

A Natura Impact Statement was submitted to the county council along with the planning application.

Irish Water confirmed that the proposal to draw 20,000 litres a day would not put pressure on the existing water supply in the area, and the developer has also drilled a well on site, with an “abundant” water source.

One submission was made to the county council supporting this project by the Irish Whiskey Association, which said that whiskey tourism is one of the “fastest-growing” segments of the Irish tourism sector.

“The proposed development will contribute greatly to the local economy, both directly through employment and local purchasing, as well as through various multipliers such as benefits to tourism and hospitality sectors from the inflow of visitors to the distillery and locality,” their submission stated.

During construction, the developer must have a conservation expert overseeing the work to ensure that it is being carried out in accordance with good conservation practice.

A qualified ecologist must also be hired to periodically monitor the works.

Galway County Council granted planning permission for the new distillery with a total of 12 conditions attached.

City Centre duplex would make a great investment

By
Briain Kelly
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0
Galway Daily property City Centre duplex would make a great investment

This two storey duplex property in Galway City Centre would make an incredible investment for any owner, with multiple units in a highly desired location.

O’Donnellan & Joyce Auctioneers are offering 16a & 16b O’Donoghue Terrace on the Headford Road for sale by public auction later this month.

The three bedroom, end-terrace duplex house on the Headford Road is subdivided into two separate two storey units, one of which is a two bedroom unit, and the other is a single bed home.

16a, which faces out onto the Headford Road, has a tiled entrance hall leading into the downstairs residential area, consisting of a kitchen/living room, and shower room.

The cozy living room/kitchen is a bright space thanks to windows to the front and rear, and features both electric heating, and a solid fuel stove in an attractive fireplace for winter evenings.

The downstairs shower room is fully tiled, for easy cleaning and maintenance, and is outfitted with an electric shower, ensuring a constant supply of hot water.

The two double bedrooms are located on the first floor, both of which have well placed windows providing lots of light, and built in wardrobes for storage space.

The second unit, 16b, is accessed from the rear of the property, off St Bridget’s Place. It consists of a living room/kitchen downstairs, and a double bedroom and shower room upstairs.

The tiled downstairs space is outfitted with all kitchen appliances and storage units, and includes additional storage space under the stairs.

The double bedroom upstairs comes with fitted wardrobe space; and the fully tiled bathroom contains an enclosed electric shower cubicle, along with access to the attic.

Both properties in this duplex currently have tenants in situ.

The sub-division presents a plethora of options for any owner. The two units can be rented separately for tenants with different needs, or one unit could be occupied and another let out to supplement income.

Beyond that, the two sides of the property could be amalgamated by renovating them into a larger home in a very attractive location, making it an extremely valuable investment.

The location of the property on the corner at O’Donoghue Terrace is a nexus of many amenities in Galway City.

It is right in the heart of Woodquay, a neighbourhood of growing popularity for gastro pubs and nightlife, just a minute’s walk from Eyre Square and Shop Street, and right across the river from NUI Galway.

To see more of this property, check it out on O’Donellan & Joyce’s website at odonnjoyce.com/residential/brochure/16a-16b-o-donoghue-terrace-headford-road-city-centre-galway-city/4455871.

It will go on sale at O’Donnellan & Joyce’s next nationwide property auction on October 30 which will be live streamed across their website and social media channels from 12pm. 

This auction features 10 properties across Galway up for grabs so far, along with more homes in Mayo, Sligo, Cavan, Westmeath, Roscommon 

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, only remote bidding will be allowed in this auction, and people wishing to take part must register to bid by 4pm on October 28.

To see the full range of properties that could be yours, check out the auction catalogue at odonnjoyce.com/auction/properties/3786.

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