Two Galway gems feature in Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Travel List

Governments worldwide have led the fight against COVID-19 by introducing stern measures to keep the virus at bay. In Ireland, schools reopened at the end of August 2020, the start of the new school year. Together with the Government, academic institutions have prioritized health by introducing new policies such as physical distancing rules to keep the virus at bay.

But are such measures enough? The following article features some of the best practices from institutions across the world that Galway schools in Ireland can adopt to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Established Practices in Ireland

The Government already made it known that it was their top priority to keep education services open during the pandemic. As a result, they introduced practices such as increased hand washing and sanitizing, social distancing, enhanced cleaning practices, change of school programs, face-covering, and school drop-offs.

Students are encouraged to refrain from sharing materials such as books and notebooks. As a result, teachers have been encouraged to give assignments, including dissertation examples and notes using e-mails and other sharing apps. However, the number of assignments that college students have to write since the pandemic started has almost doubled. Quite often, students lack resources for writing as many books and research papers are available in libraries on campus only. As a result, it would be best to seek help with your homework from a university writing centre or another company to ensure that your paper is well-researched. At this time, eduBirdie custom essay service will come in handy to compile a reference list or a rough draft for those challenging home assignments. Despite the disturbing situation, each student still needs to maintain high grades, and such essay services significantly increase your chances of scoring a high grade.

The Government has also urged students to refrain from attending school or student centers if they feel like they have been demonstrated symptoms related to the virus. But there are more measures that you, as a student, can adopt.

Practices in Other Countries

France

In France, schools are encouraged to have different class times to prevent large groups of students’ build-up. Furthermore, students are required to maintain a social distance of at least 1m.

Teachers are required to wear masks during classes. It doesn’t stop there. All children above the age of 11, together with school staff, must wear their masks while indoors. Lastly, the French clean all regularly touched surfaces, such as floors, desks, tables, and other surfaces at least once a day.

Italy

Another country that has adopted stern measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 in academic institutions in Italy. Few countries have been ravished by the pandemic the way Italy has, forcing them to adopt strict lockdowns. Fortunately, students have since come back and resumed standard learning programs.

Unlike France and Ireland, Italy has opted to have its students learn in open spaces such as big halls similar to those in theatres and museums. And even then, students are required to observe a 1m social distance space. Those in secondary school with vulnerable family members now have the option of distance learning.

Denmark

One of the first countries to allow students to return to school, Denmark adopted the staggered times practice. This measure will enable students to have different reporting times, class times, and break times. This practice prevents people from crowding in specific areas of the school premises.

Netherlands

The Dutch have made the air conditioning systems a priority to limit the spread of COVID-19. Schools are encouraged to check their ventilation systems for any faults before allowing students to continue their learning.

Spain and Germany

The Government of Spain has issued several guidelines to control the spread of the virus, one of them, washing toilets thrice a day. Additionally, students are required to observe a larger 1.5m space between themselves. Both Spanish and German Governments encourage students to study in groups or bubbles of about 15- 20 children.

In Conclusion

Campus universities and primary schools have also been forced to take rigorous measures to ensure students’ safety as most of them re-open for the first time since the start of the pandemic.

Galway schools have so far done well in preventing the spread of the virus. However, other countries have introduced different practices that Galway schools can borrow to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Nations League preview: Republic of Ireland v Wales

By

Thomas O'Brien

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October 8, 2020

The Republic of Ireland take on Wales in the Aviva in two days time in the third Nations League match since football resumed. Kick-off is at 2.00pm in the Aviva – but Ireland’s home advantage means very little as the ground will be closed to supporters.

Before that, Stephen Kenny’s men must first play an arguably more important game, as the boys in green travel to Bratislava to take on Slovakia in Euro qualifiers semi-final playoff tie.

If Ireland leave Slovakia with a win, they’ll progress to the final of their bracket, a real one legged playoff game to qualify for Euro 2020 (next summer) – which could be against Northern Ireland in Belfast should they beat Bosnia.

Meanwhile, Wales are making a shorter journey to take on England in a friendly, having already qualified for the Euros.

Republic of Ireland’s form

Leaving the Euros aside, the Republic of Ireland will go into Sunday’s clash with Wales after a rocky first couple of games in the competition, coming away with just one point from the opening two fixtures.

Ireland travelled to Sofia at the start of September to face Bulgaria and came away with a point after a 1-1 draw. Kraev took the lead for the Bulgarians in the 57th minute after some questionable Irish defending, but Shane Duffy came to the rescue late on to salvage a point in Stephen Kenny’s first game in charge. The second match was one to forget, a 1-0 home defeat at the hands of Finland.

Wales form

Wales, on the other hand, will travel to Dublin in good form, sitting comfortably at the top of the table with maximum points from their first two games. Both were 1-0 victories – the first away to Finland where Kieffer Moore kept up his fine introduction to the international scene with a late winner as Wales beat Finland 1-0 in their Nations League opener in Helsinki.

In Cardiff a few days later, the Welsh left it late again – very late in fact – as Neco Williams’ first international goal in the 94th minute sealed a 1-0 win against Bulgaria, with Wales maintaining their perfect start to the competition.

Wales squad

Gareth Bale has been left out of the 27-man Wales squad for the upcoming international fixtures due to injury, but Aaron Ramsey is fit and will return to the team for Sunday.

Bale suffered a knee injury on Wales duty last month and is yet to feature for Spurs after re-joining his former club on loan from Real Madrid.

“We’ve had conversations with both Gareth and the medical team and he’s not quite right for this camp,” Wales manager Ryan Giggs told Sky Sports News.

“It’s nothing serious but it’s just one to keep an eye on. It has just taken a bit of time to settle down and he’s not quite right.”

Ireland squad

The Republic of Ireland squad looks good going into the Wales game, provided there are no injuries in the game against Slovakia midweek.

Stephen Kenny called both Derrick Williams and Jack Byrne and Derrick Williams to the first team squad for the game against Wales and the Euro qualifier.

Byrne has been in fine form for Shamrock Rovers who currently sit at the top of the League of Ireland. He turned heads while in action for Rovers in their 2-0 defeat to AC Milan in the Europa League qualifier a few weeks ago, earning him a well deserved call up.

Shane Duffy

Ireland’s only goalscorer of the campaign goes into the game in fine form, after taking to Scottish football like a fish to water.

The Derryman joined for the 9-in-a-row Scottish champions Celtic on loan from Brighton last month, and has already scored two goals in just five games, scoring on his debut as Celtic strolled past Ross County 5-0 on 12 September.

The six-foot-four defender, who made his Ireland debut six years ago, has scored four goals in 35 caps for his country, and will no doubt be hoping to get his head on the end of a corner against Wales. Therefore it comes as no surprise that Ireland vs Wales 888 football betting odds are reviewed with much anticipation by fans and sports enthusiasts.

Republic of Ireland squad to face Wales & Slovakia

Goalkeepers

Darren Randolph (West Ham United), Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (Bournemouth).

Defenders

Seamus Coleman (Everton), Matt Doherty (Tottenham Hotspur), Enda Stevens (Sheffield United), Darragh Lenihan (Blackburn Rovers), Shane Duffy (Celtic, on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion), John Egan (Sheffield United), Derrick Williams (Blackburn Rovers).

Midfielders

Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa), James McCarthy (Crystal Palace), Harry Arter (Nottingham Forest), Jeff Hendrick (Newcastle United), Alan Browne (Preston North End), Jayson Molumby (Brighton & Hove Albion), Jack Byrne (Shamrock Rovers), Robbie Brady (Burnley).

Forwards

Callum Robinson (West Bromwich Albion), Callum O’Dowda (Bristol City), James McClean (Stoke City), Aaron Connolly (Brighton & Hove Albion), David McGoldrick (Sheffield United), Adam Idah (Norwich City), Shane Long (Southampton).

Plans for new 186 bedroom City Centre hotel

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October 8, 2020

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

Planning permission is being sought for the constructions of a new hotel in Galway City Centre, down by the docks, with 186 bedrooms.

Plans have been submitted by Summix BNM Developments to the city council to demolish a vacant industrial building on Lough Atalia Road next to Forthill Cemetery.

It is then proposed to build a hotel on the site at the junction of Lough Atalia Road and Bothar na Long, partially three storeys tall and part 11 storeys high, with a total of 186 bedrooms.

The development will also include 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.

Summix also proposes to carry out “localised repair and rebuilding of the shared boundary wall with Forthill cemetery” at the north end of the site.

The 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 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.”

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

“The subject site is ideally placed to contribute to the regeneration of the Inner Harbour area. This provides an opportunity for visitors to be orientated within the new urban quarters by the active street frontage and distinctive character of the proposed building.”

The developer says that it is “infeasible” to provide the 120.9 car parking spaces which would be required under the city development plan for a project of this scale in both bed spaces, bar space, and restaurant space due to the nature of the site.

It is not proposed to include any car parking, but 14 dedicated bicycle parking spaces each for guests and staff are included in the plans.

A Natura Impact Statement and Architectural Heritage & Archaeological Impact Assessments were submitted with the planning application due to the location of the development.

Public submissions related to this development can be made until October 22, and Galway City Council is due to make a decision on this planning application by November 12.

Gardaí set up two static checkpoints in Co Galway

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October 8, 2020

galway daily news "detailed policing operation" for the northwest as Gardaí ask public to comply with health guidelines

Two static checkpoints have been set up in Co Galway by An Garda Síochána, as part of a nationwide operation to encourage people to stay within their county during Level 3.

One fixed checkpoint is on the N84, while the other is in the vicinity of Castlegar. Non-static checkpoints have also been set up in Co Galway and across the country.

Gardaí say that delays are ‘likely’ on main routes where they have set up 132 ‘large-scale’ checkpoints, encouraging people not to travel beyond their county border unless for essential reasons.

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin confirmed yesterday that the government is exploring stronger enforcement measures to ensure people are following the Level 3 guidance.

Fines could therefore be introduced to enforce Operation Fanacht – or to act as a deterrent to those considering travelling for non-essential purposes.

Speaking about the nationwide operation, Commissioner Drew Harris said that An Garda Síochána’s priority is keeping people safe.

“This will be a major policing operation across the country with high visibility of Garda members to support public health measures,” he said.

“An Garda Síochána is encouraging people not to travel out of their county unless it is for essential purposes.

“We want to advise people that will be conducting major checkpoints on main routes and travelling by road… will be different. People using the roads are likely to face delays.”

Man jailed for thefts using a stolen debit card

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October 8, 2020

Galway Daily courts Man jailed for thefts using a stolen debit card

A Galway man received a total of ten months in prison at Galway District Court this week for thefts involving tapping a stolen debit card at stores around Galway City, and other offences.

Richard McDonagh (32), with an address at Sliabh Rua, Ballybane pleaded guilty to eight counts of theft, two counts of possession of stolen property, and trespassing at a private residence to commit an offence.

Mr McDonagh also pleaded guilty to unlawful interference with a vehicle under the Road Traffic Act.

The court heard that on June 24 of this year, Gardaí got a report that a wallet containing two Bank of Ireland debit and Visa credit cards had been stolen.

Mr McDonagh made use of the stolen debit card six times in one day, tapping it multiple times at JD Sports in Eyre Square Shopping Centre, Monaghan’s Circle K in Westside, and Holland’s on Williamsgate Street, for a total value of €169.60

He was ID’d off of CCTV footage and charged with theft for the usage of the card, and also charged with two counts of possession of stolen property for the two cards. He was not charged with stealing the cards himself.

Two other theft offences before Galway District Court occurred at Tesco on the Headford Road in April of this year where, on two separate occasions McDonagh stole alcohol from the store.

The first of those occurred on April 19, where McDonagh was detained by store security after attempting to leave without paying for a €30 bottle of Smirnoff, and on another occasion he stole two bottles of Malibu, which were not recovered.

The final incidents before the court happened at a private residence in Corrib Park, Newcastle, where McDonagh and another man trespassed on private property to go through a car.

On May 26 of this year, at 10:45pm, Gardaí received a report of two men in a car at a house in Corrib Park which suggested that they were trying to steal it.

Gardaí found two men in a vehicle matching the description of the men reported, and arrested them and took a statement from the complainant.

He said that he had looked outside and seen two men in the car, which they did not own. One man was rifling through the car’s glove box and the other was going through the back seat he said.

Ms Traynor said that there was no evidence in the statement that they had interfered with the car’s mechanism or otherwise broken in, but Judge Mary Fahy asked how else they could have gained entry to the car.

Ms Traynor said that these offences were crimes of opportunity committed by someone with addictions and limited means.

Judge Mary Fahy sentenced McDonagh to a total of 10 months in prison, with six months to be served for the largest valued theft charge with the stolen debit card of €45 at JD Sports, and a consecutive four months for the trespassing charge.

Another five concurrent sentences of one month were also imposed on McDonagh, and two concurrent sentences of two months.

Burst mains disrupting Ros a Mhíl water supply

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October 8, 2020

Galway Daily news Water outages expected in Loughrea tomorrow

A burst water main in Ros a Mhíl is disrupting the water supply to the village and surrounding areas of Connemara this afternoon.

Irish Water reported the burst main at Ros a Mhíl at approximately 2:20pm on Thursday afternoon.

Repair works are underway, and currently have an estimated completion time of 5pm this evening.

A traffic management plan will be in place for the duration of the works.

People experiencing water outages as a result of this are advised that it may take 2 – 3 hours after repairs are completed for their full water supply to be restored.

Updates can be found on Irish Water’s Supply and Service website page, or by contacting Irish Water’s twitter account @IWCare.

Coronavirus: 506 new confirmed cases and one further death

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October 8, 2020

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

The Department of Health has reported 506 new cases of Covid-19 in the Republic of Ireland as well as one additional Covid related death.

Ninety-one of today’s cases are in Dublin, while 76 are in Cork, 53 in Donegal and 42 in Meath. The remaining 244 cases are located across 21 other counties.

The total number of cases in Galway, not including today’s figures, stands at 901 after 35 new cases were confirmed yesterday.

Sixty-four percent of the cases reported today are under 45 years of age, and 39% are confirmed to be associated with outbreaks or are close contacts. Fifty-nine cases have been identified as community transmission.

There has been a total of 1,817 COVID-19 related deaths in the State and 40,086 confirmed cases.

There are currently 159 people with Covid-19 in hospitals, and 25 in ICU.

Overall hospitalised cases by age group

Age range	Number of cases	Change since the day before
0 – 4	35	+1
5 – 14	27	No change
15 – 24	105	+3
25 – 34	227	+4
35 – 44	303	+3
45 – 54	499	+3
55 – 64	562	+3
65 – 74	663	+2
75 – 84	808	+6
85+	499	+3

Six Connacht players make Irish squad for Six Nations return

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October 8, 2020

Galway Daily sport Connacht squad named for Edinburgh trip — photo credit: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy

The Irish International Rugby side features six players from Connacht as a squad has been named for a return to the Six Nations later this month.

Bundee Aki and Dave Heffernan, who were part of the original squad chosen before COVID-19 interrupted the Six Nations, are joined by their provincial colleagues Finlay Bealham, Jack Carty, Kieran Marmion and Quinn Roux.

The squad which will be captained by Johnny Sexton contains six uncapped players – Ryan Baird, Ed Byrne, Will Connors, Shane Daly, Hugo Keenan and Jamison Gibson Park.

While Baird and Connors have been involved in national camps before it will be a first time with the national squad for the other uncapped players.

Ireland’s first match back in Round 4 of the Six Nations will be against Italy at Aviva Stadium on October 24 before facing France in Paris the following Saturday.

Ireland currently sit fourth on the Six Nations table one point behind Scotland and 4 points behind England and France who have all played an extra game.

Back in February Ireland recorded wins over Scotland (19-12) and Wales (24-12) before losing to England (12-24) at Twickenham.

“There has been a huge effort right across Irish Rugby to ensure that the professional game could return safely and that work is greatly appreciated by the national management,” said Ireland Head Coach Andy Farrell.

“We have protocols in place to safeguard the welfare of the players and staff and are looking forward to completing the Six Nations Championships.”

The return to play hasn’t been without challenges Farrell said, there have been limited opportunities to get on the field and play, and some players have had injuries.

They play to closely monitor the health and fitness of players competing in the Guinness PRO14 over the coming weeks.

“We have two competitions to play in over the coming months but will focus first on a strong finish to the Six Nations Championships.”

Ireland Squad 2020 Guinness 6 Nations Championships Round 4 & 5

Backs (16)
Bundee Aki (Connacht/Galwegians) 26 caps
Ross Byrne (Leinster/UCD) 6 caps
Jack Carty (Connacht/Buccaneers) 10 caps
Andrew Conway (Munster/Garryowen) 21 caps
Shane Daly (Munster/Cork Con) uncapped
Chris Farrell (Munster/Young Munster) 9 caps
Jamison Gibson Park (Leinster) uncapped
Robbie Henshaw (Leinster/Buccaneers) 43 caps
Hugo Keenan (Leinster/UCD) uncapped
Jordan Larmour (Leinster/St Mary’s College) 24 caps
Kieran Marmion (Connacht/Corinthians) 27 caps
Stuart McCloskey (Ulster/Bangor) 3 caps
Conor Murray (Munster/Garryowen) 81 caps
Garry Ringrose (Leinster/UCD) 29 caps
Jonathan Sexton (Leinster/St Mary’s College) 91 caps CAPTAIN
Jacob Stockdale (Ulster/Lurgan) 28 caps

Forwards (19)
Ryan Baird (Leinster/Dublin University) uncapped
Finlay Bealham (Connacht/Corinthians) 9 caps
Tadhg Beirne (Munster/Lansdowne) 13 caps
Ed Byrne (Leinster/UCD) uncapped
Will Connors (Leinster/UCD) uncapped
Jack Conan (Leinster/Old Belvedere) 17 caps
Caelan Doris (Leinster/UCD) 2 caps
Cian Healy (Leinster/Clontarf) 98 caps
Dave Heffernan (Connacht/Buccaneers) 1 cap
Iain Henderson (Ulster/Academy) 55 caps
Rob Herring (Ulster/Ballynahinch) 11 caps
Ronan Kelleher (Leinster/Lansdowne) 3 caps
Peter O’Mahony (Munster/Cork Constitution) 67 caps
Andrew Porter (Leinster/UCD) 26 caps
Quinn Roux (Connacht/Galwegians) 12 caps
James Ryan (Leinster/UCD) 26 caps
John Ryan (Munster/Cork Constitution) 21 caps
CJ Stander (Munster/Shannon) 41 caps
Josh van der Flier (Leinster/UCD) 26 caps

Training with Squad w/c 12th October
Harry Byrne (Leinster/Lansdowne) uncapped
Craig Casey (Munster/Shannon) uncapped
James Lowe (Leinster) uncapped
James Tracy (Leinster/UCD) 6 caps
Fineen Wycherley (Munster/Young Munster) uncapped

Image credit: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy

Connemara cyclists raise over €4,000 for Clifden RNLI

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October 8, 2020

Galway Daily news Connemara cyclists raise over €4,000 for Clifden RNLI

A group of 12 cyclists in Connemara raised almost €4,000 for the Clifden RNLI lifeboat station with their hill cycling challenge in September.

The Twelve Bens Cycling Club undertook a 17km cycle that was made far more challenging by its steep and winding hillside nature.

The challenge consisted of a dozen laps of the ‘Sky Road’ loop, known for its steep routes, with the 12 cyclists pushing through a testing 230 metres of elevation per lap.

Event organiser Simon O Hora said “We came up with a challenge we could do locally as travelling for training wasn’t an option due to Covid 19 restrictions.”

“As a club, we wanted to do something that would push ourselves mentally and physically and one where we could see the sea on every lap-to remind us why we were doing it.”

The participating cyclists were Ciarán Hickey, Daniel King, Dara O Donoghue, Finian Sheridan, John Gallagher, John James Flaherty, Johnny King, Nick Finney, Rob King (RNLI Area Lifeboat Manager), Simon Ashe, Simon O’ Hora and Willie O’ Hora.

The group were joined by some support cyclists and stewards and a small outdoor gathering of socially distanced supporters to encourage them in their challenge, which they hoped to achieve in less than 12 hours.

The Challenge raised €3774 in donations before taking place, and another €520 was collected in RNLI buckets on the day. The final sum going to Clifden RNLI was €4,294.

The weary cyclists beat their target time by a substantial margin, coming across the line for the final time in 10 hours and 12 minutes.

“In this most challenging year for all charities, the Twelve Bens challenge has provided a very welcome donation to the local Clifden lifeboat crew,” said Catherine Pryce on behalf of Clifden RNLI.

“It was an extremely well run event, all carried out within the necessary public health guidelines and we congratulate the cyclists on their achievement and thank all who donated for their ongoing support”.

Image credit: Rosalind Finney

11 finalists selected for Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh 2020

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October 8, 2020

galway daily news gradam shortlist 2020 final

Gaillimh le Gaeilge has announced the shortlist of 11 successful nominees who have been selected as this year’s finalists for Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh 2020.

At a meeting held over Zoom, there was much discussion between the Moltóirí as to who would be selected to go through to the next stage of the Gradam and move one step closer to becoming ‘The New Tribe of Galway’.

The businesses and organisations selected for the Gradam Gearrliosta 2020:

Retail category, sponsored by Galway Bay FM:

Corrib Shopping Centre, Siopa Leabhar Charlie Byrne

Tourism & Hospitality category, sponsored by Fáilte Ireland:

Galway Greyhound Stadium, The Galmont Hotel & Spa, The Hardiman Hotel, The King’s Head.

Services category, sponsored by Video Sherpa:

Big O Taxis, Morgan Creative.

Other Companies category, sponsored by Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, OÉ Gaillimh:

Bród na Gaillimhe, Galway Traditional Orchestra, St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church.

The winners will be announced by Keith Finnegan in early November – and is a great opportunity for all those involved to promote their bilingual endeavours.

“Míle buíochas do na heagraíochtaí agus do na gnólachtaí go léir a ghlac páirt sa Ghradam i mbliana,” said Cathaoirleach Ghaillimh le Gaeilge, Bernadette Mullarkey.

“Despite the difficulties faced by businesses and organizations this year, the enthusiasm and commitment shown by the Gradam nominees over the last few weeks is remarkable.

“Their bilingual work, the visibility and the promotion of the Irish language are always key ingredients to our success as a bilingual city. Comhghairdeas leo ar fad agus leis an nGearrliosta, go n-éirí go geal leo ar fad sa chéad chéim eile den phróiseas moltóireachta!”

Also speaking on behalf of the Moltóirí, Freda Nic Giolla Chatháin, Translator and former CEO of Gnó Mhaigh Eo said: “Tá moladh mór tuillte ag na gnólachtaí go léir a chuir iarratas isteach. Bliain fhíordhúshlánach do gach duine is ea an bhliain seo, ach go háirithe do ghnólachtaí a raibh orthu go leor athruithe a dhéanamh chun na doirse a oscailt an athuair.

The Moltóirí will meet again via Zoom on Monday 19 October and Tuesday 20 October to interview all the 11 finalists and select the category winners and the overall winners.

Over the coming weeks, a short video will also be made of every business on the Gearrliosta highlighting their bilingual work.

The videos will be made available on their social media as well as Gaillimh le Gaeilge’s and the Gearrliosta’s social media network.

Coronavirus: What city amenities and services are open in Level 3?

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October 8, 2020

Galway Daily news Open call for applicants to Galway City Creative Communities Grant

Galway is now in Level 3 of the Roadmap for Living with COVID-19 for the next three weeks, which has brought in new restrictions on private business, and public services.

A number of amenities and council facilities in Galway City have been closed, or had fresh limitations imposed as a result of the move to Level 3.

The City Council’s Customer Service counter at City Hall is open from 9.30am – 1pm daily (Monday – Friday), but wherever possible people should try to make their queries over the phone. Where this is not possible, entry to City Hall will be limited to conform with social distancing requirements.

The Housing Office is operating on an appointment only basis. If you wish to make an appointment, please call 091 894370 or email housing@galwaycity.ie.

Appointments to visit the Planning Office should be made by telephone at 091 536599 or by email to planning@galwaycity.ie

The council’s customer service team is in place at 091 536400 between 9am and 5pm. Our out-of-hours emergency service remains in place outside those hours.

Galway City Museum and Galway Arts Centre have both closed due to the ban on indoor cultural venues, but the museum can still be explored virtually at galwaycitymuseum.ie.

All events at the Town Hall and Black Box Theatre for the next three weeks will be cancelled or rescheduled.

Some events at the two theatres beyond 27 October may be cancelled or rescheduled. Full refunds will apply to customers when an event is cancelled.

For details, please email thtsales@galwaycity.ie or call 091 569777 Mon-Fri, 10am-12pm and 2pm-4pm.

Galway City library buildings will close, but will be available for e-services and call and collect.

Community Centres in the city are closed for all events including religious services during Level 3.

All pitches and courts and Multi Use Games Areas are closed for matches but are available for non-contact training to a maximum of 15 persons in a pod.

All city playgrounds are also still open. Children must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times, who are required to have their own hand sanitiser and ensure physical distancing.

The Claddagh Basin area will remain closed until further notice.

New Facebook grant now open to small businesses in Galway

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October 8, 2020

Galway Daily news Galway allocated €9 million for LEADER programme 2023-2027

Businesses in County Galway have been urged to apply for Facebook’s small business grant – a €4.7 million fund which will benefit over 1,000 businesses across the country.

The grant is a combination of cash (€2,254) and ad credits (€1,353), to help businesses to reset, rebuild and recover operations after this challenging year.

The closing date for applications is 5pm Thursday, 15 October, and eligible businesses in Galway can apply at the Facebook small business grant page here.

“The COVID-19 crisis is more than just a public health crisis, it’s an economic crisis,” said Ciaran Quilty, VP of Global Business Group for EMEA.

“Small businesses in particular have been most affected and are facing the challenge of a lifetime.”

Mr Quilty said that businesses need cash, training, digitalisation assistance and improved social connection infrastructure as consumer behaviour shifts online.

“We also know that a little financial support goes a long way and we hope the grants and online training programme will help small businesses in Galway survive and recover through this crisis,” he added.

A recent survey conducted by OECD, the World Bank, and Facebook revealed that cashflow is a concern for the majority of SMEs.

Over half of SMEs on Facebook in Ireland said they expected cash flow to be a challenge in the coming months.

Facebook’s small business grant aims to help businesses in Galway by providing cash for essential bills such as keeping the lights on and helping to pay employees and providing ad credits to help small businesses generate revenue through online marketing and sales.

As part of its support for small businesses in Ireland, Facebook is also working with local industry partners around the country to continue its virtual ‘Boost with Facebook’ training programme.

During the period of March to June, over 10,000 people in Ireland viewed the company’s virtual training sessions.

The webinar series which featured experts from Facebook and leading creative, sales and marketing organisations including Core Media, Shopify and VidMob is available to view at Boost With Facebook.

This hub for small businesses also has details of future online training events, virtual networking and resources covering a range of topics from how to take a business online, build resilience, stay connected with customers and adapt in real time.

The Rise of the Online Casino in Ireland

By

Thomas O'Brien

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October 8, 2020

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Ireland has a thriving casino live casino culture with top notch establishments located all over the country. In fact, there are even three in Galway alone. But in a time where seemingly every business is going online, what’s the story with Ireland’s online casino industry? Does it even have one?

A little history

Despite the fact that we have a relatively low population on the Emerald Isle, online casino brands have always had a presence here. The first online casinos started to open for business to Irish customers way back in 2001, but at that time, there was very little in the way of government regulations. It was a bit of a free for all with any provider able to offer their services without fear of any punishment from the law.

However, in 2003 the government decided to take some action. But unlike many other governments (we’re looking at you USA), instead of banning online gaming, they decided to legalize and regulate it. Then in 2015, The Betting Amendment Act was signed in an effort to bring all offshore companies in line with Irish licensing regulations.

From 2003, there were dozens of operators around Europe and so the Irish market was flooded with online gaming options. Some soon fell by the wayside, but there were others who established a strong customer base in the country.

The major players succeed

Several major heavyweights in the global online casino industry such as PokerStars Casino have enjoyed great success in the Irish market since those early days. One of the main reasons for this is the fact that they offer a complete range of casino games which is essential for the typical Irish casino goer. While poker is incredibly popular in live casinos here, so too are games such as blackjack and roulette and don’t get us started on the slots!

Operators who wanted to succeed in Ireland quickly understood that offering one or two games just wasn’t going to cut the mustard. So the smaller operators and fly-by-night enterprises disappeared relatively quickly. It was the bigger and more established brands that survived as they had the money to invest not only in a full range of games but also secure websites and platforms.

But why did they enjoy so much success in a nation of less than 5 million people?

The Irish love affair with casino games and the internet

If you’re Irish, then you know only too well that we love a flutter on the races or any risky game of chance. We’re also crazy about card games of ANY kind. So it should really come as no surprise to anyone who lives here to learn that casinos are popular.

What is surprising, however, is how quickly the Irish took to the idea of mobile gaming. Since smartphones came into existence, we have fully embraced everything about them. Right now there’s an estimated 3.6 million smartphones in use here in Ireland and that looks set to rise to almost 4 million by 2024. Even back in 2017, a survey found that 97% of people in the country had access to a smartphone.

Yep, we love our internet in Ireland, and that has had a hugely positive impact on the online casino industry. With everyone and their granny now connected to the internet 24/7, and our well-known love affair with games of chance, online casinos were always going to be a major hit.

Believe it or not, the smaller population has also helped operators to succeed here. With the market being so small and the Irish gaming community being a fickle bunch, smaller operators were forced out of the local scene. Sure, there are still a few that operate here, but generally speaking, Irish players will only play on established major platforms. The profits margins and revenue generated might be smaller than other countries in Europe, but it’s a stable a relatively hassle-free market.

It’s hard to say what will happen in the future in any industry, but it’s highly likely that the online casino operators will continue to have a loyal and dedicated customer base here in Ireland. That is assuming that no one takes away our smartphones of course.

€5.7 million allocated to help GMIT become Technological University

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October 8, 2020

Galway Daily news ATU Languages Competition for secondary schools returns for 2nd year

€5.7 million in funding has been allocated to GMIT, Sligo IT, and Letterkenny IT to help towards their goal of achieving a joint Technological University status.

The three Institutes of Technology are together working towards an application to be designated as a TU under the banner of the Connacht Ulster Alliance.

The CUA plans to make a formal application to become a Technological University before the end of this year, after resuming face to face meetings last month.

The funding announced for the CUA this week is part of €34.33 million allocated by Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris to help IoTs achieve Technological University status.

The money is being allocated under the 2020 Higher Education Authority (HEA) call to assist the development and progression of technological universities.

Galway Senator Aisling Dolan welcomed the announcement, saying that it is crucial to develop campuses that will “attract growth and encourage investment” in the region.

“As the CUA state on their website, this will bring together students, enterprise and communities in rural areas,” Senator Dolan said.

“I congratulate the teams working together across GMIT, IT Sligo & Letterkenny IT to make this happen for the West & North-West.”

The TURN (TU Research Network) report ‘Connectedness & Collaboration enabled by Connectivity’, was published in October 2019 and sets out the case for a State change in higher education reform for the delivery of national strategic priorities.

This calls for a greater degree of connectedness and collaboration among HEIs across Ireland, particularly at a regional level.

In total, €90 million is expected to be allocated across the lifetime of the Technological University Transformation Fund (TUTF) announced in budget 2020, over the course of three years.

This “unparalled Government investment” will help deliver the strategic objectives laid out in the TURN report Minister Harris said.

“This investment will help deliver for the benefit of the West & North-West communities and Ireland internationally.”

Coronavirus: 35 new confirmed cases in Galway

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October 7, 2020

The Department of Heath has reported 611 new cases of Covid-19 today, as well as five further deaths related to the disease.

Thirty-five of today’s reported cases are in Galway, while 218 are in Dublin, 63 in Cork and 60 in Donegal.

Of today’s reported cases, 59% are under 45 years of age and 50% are confirmed to be associated with outbreaks or are close contacts of a confirmed case.

The five deaths reported today by health officials have occurred since 1 October.

“All key indicators of the disease have deteriorated further in the three days since the last meeting of NPHET on Sunday 4th October,” said Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer.

“COVID-19 is spreading in our community in a very worrying manner. We have to break these chains of transmission.”

“80 COVID-19 cases were hospitalised in August, 206 in September and 77 so far in October.

“In August, 4 COVID-19 related deaths in total were reported, 34 in September and today on the 7th of October we report 8 COVID-19 related deaths this month.”

Bench warrant issued for woman driving without insurance while disqualified

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October 7, 2020

Galway Daily news Six people hospitalised after crash in Connemara — SAMSUNG

A bench warrant was issued this week for a woman convicted of driving without a licence or insurance, while she was already disqualified from driving for previous offences.

Therese Daly was convicted at Galway District Court of multiple road traffic offences dating back to 2018 including Driving without a valid Licence or Insurance, failure to produce a Licence or certificate of Insurance when requested by Gardaí, or to submit either within 10 days.

Daly, with an address at Cuirt na hAbhainn, Claregalway, was not present in court, but the hearing proceeded in her absence.

“This lady is playing ducks and drakes,” Judge Mary Fahy said, adding that these matters have been dragging on for more than two years.

Garda Shane Lamber told the District Court that on June 7 of 2018, Therese Daly was stopped in a silver Mercedes, where the tax and insurance on display were for another vehicle.

She undertook to produce proof of proper tax and insurance for the car at Oranmore Garda Station within ten days but failed to do so.

Two weeks later on June 20, Daly was stopped again at Lakeview, Claregalway in the same vehicle, with no insurance disc on display.

The car was detained this time, and she again opted to produce here licence and insurance at Oranmore Garda Station within ten days, and again failed to do so.

The court heard that Daly has 24 previous convictions, 21 of which were road traffic matters. Seven of those related to tax, and three were insurance offences.

She had been convicted of similar offences at Galway District Court in September of 2016, and was disqualified from driving at the time these incidents occurred the court heard.

Judge Fahy convicted her of the offences before the court in her absence, and a bench warrant was issued for sentencing.

Galway couple launch new sports brand to help benefit the enviroment

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Katherine Gannon

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October 7, 2020

A Galway couple has launched a new clothing brand ‘KARMA’ to help bring together a love of sports fashion, fitness, and wellbeing, while helping protect our planet.

KARMA provides a range of products with the brand’s mission being to offer a range of sports items that combine both sustainability using recycled and reusable material, as well as quality through the passion for sports.

Lisa Penski and her fiancé Antoine Jacques were developing the KARMA brand for over a year before launching the Autumn.

Speaking of how the idea of launching Karma began, Lisa said: “We talked about it and decided that if we were to start a business, we wanted to make a positive impact on the world around us. We didn’t really know it back then, but we had already found our motto ‘Do Good, Feel Good’.”

Antoine added: “We did some research about the current plastic situation to find an idea that could help fight the plastic crisis.

“We were surprised to realise the sheer volume of plastic single use drinking bottles consumed world-wide, and particularly in Ireland.

“So, one of our first ideas was to focus on an alternative to single use plastic bottles.”

Not only concerned with the issues around recycling plastic, Lisa and Antoine also see the significance of the impact the fashion industry is having on our planet: “We started looking into sports fashion and began to research the impact of fashion on the environment,” Lisa said.

“We quickly realised that the fashion industry is one of the major polluting industries in the world.”

After more research, Lisa and Antoine discovered “Repreve” fabric which is made from recycled plastic bottles.

“We dug a little deeper to see what kind of actions were already being taken in the industry surrounding counteracting pollution, reusability, reducing plastic waste and this is when we discovered Repreve and realised that this is the direction we wanted to take with our business,” added Lisa.

Antoine says that the couple’s experience in the fitness industry was a huge help in discovering what would benefit the customer as well as the environment:

“As Lisa and I are big sports fans we decided to push the concept a bit further by offering eco- friendly sportswear, starting with yoga pants.

“Repreve provide high quality and super soft yarn made of recycled plastic water bottle so it was a perfect match with the theme of our brand.”

Find out more about KARMA’s background, values and product range on:
https://karmaecostore.com

Boost for Galway Gaeltacht communities as funding of €500,000 is approved

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October 7, 2020

galway daily news seán kyne gaeltacht communities inis meain community centre clg

Projects in the Gaeltacht will benefit from almost 500,000 in funding, with over €420,000 being approved for a new community centre on Inis Meáin.

Senator Seán Kyne today confirmed that eight projects will benefit from the funding, which will go towards organisations and projects in An Spidéal, An Cheathru Rua, Bearna, Corr na Móna and the Aran Islands.

“From early education to sports to local media, in addition to capital funding, the funding has been allocated to the co-op on Inis Meáin for a new community centre, GAA clubs in An Spidéal, An Cheathru Rua and Bearna for equipment, and co-ops in An Cheathru and Corr na Móna for improvements to facilities, among others,” Senator Seán Kyne said today.

“In particular, the funding for Comhlacht Forbartha Inis Meáin / Inis Meáin Development Company represents a major investment in the community that will have benefits for years to come,” he said.

Applicant / details	Approved
Naíolann na nOileán C/O Mhuintearas – equipment for a Montessori room	€8,618
CLG an Spidéil – equipment for the football pitch	€17,124
Comharchumann Mhic Dara – smart electric radiators	€2,650
CLG na Ceathrú Rua – new tractor and benches for the football pitch	€7,454
CLG Bhearna – goal posts and related works	€17,638
Comharchumann Dhúiche Sheoigheach – works on the roof of the centre	€15,738
Cumann Forbartha Chois Fharraige – Magazine	€3,000
Comhlacht Forbartha Inis Meáin – ionad pobail nua	€424,462
Total	€496,684

Galway TD says govt must reinstate full Pandemic Unemployment Payment

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October 7, 2020