Eat More Fish! Ireland’s best chefs teach us how to cook fish this winter

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October 7, 2020

Minister of State Patrick O’Donovan has called on the government to consider limiting the opening hours of off-licenses and the quantity of alcohol that can be bought at one time.

Speaking to Claire Byrne on RTÉ Radio One this morning about the government’s decision to move to Level 3, Minister O’Donovan said that house parties and alcohol are “a huge part of the problem”.

“We know that the uncontrolled consumption of alcohol is a problem and I expressed a personal opinion last night that I believe that we need to look at [off-licences].

He said that he is not suggesting that off-licences should close, but that “we need to examine… maybe opening hours, maybe the volumes that people are allowed to purchase at any one time.”

The Fine Gael TD from Limerick, whose brother is a publican, said that Covid has ’eminated from house parties’ and the uncontrolled consumption of alcohol is a problem.

“The controlled consumption of alcohol, ironically, in pubs and in hotels was not the problem that everybody perceived it to be,” he said.

“But because we want people to reduce social interaction, they had two close, and that is really sad for all of those people.”

Responding to Claire Byrne’s question about what restrictions would be acceptable or what might make a difference, Minister O’Donovan said: “Well I tell you what, what, what would make a difference is when you see, and I think everybody would would agree with this, when you see shopping trolleys be pushed out of supermarkets, with nothing in them but alcohol, you know that there’s a problem.”

“I’m not talking about the person going into a Centra and taking home a bottle of wine in the evening – I’m not talking about that at all.

“But what I am talking about is that where you have slabs of cans and numerous bottles being taken home – you know that that’s not being taken home for an after-dinner apéritif [sic].

“You know this is being taken home for a house party and I think we need to exercise common sense on this,” said the Fine Gael TD.

Job vacancy: Galway based company looking for several quality engineers

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October 7, 2020

galway daily quality engineer sigmar recruitment jobs galway

This is an exciting opportunity for people wishing to progress their careers. The growing medical device company based in Galway is looking for several Quality Engineers to join their team on a full-time, permanent basis. Contract positions are also available.

Job responsibilities:

Summarizes, analyses, draws conclusions and makes appropriate decisions from test results
Responsible to make decisions related to product quality, including the disposition of non-conforming product
Knowledge on QSR and ISO/MDD standards, constantly promoting awareness of best industry practices, making appropriate decision on a daily basis
Fully conversant with validation techniques and associated regulatory requirements including analysis of customer feedback and complaints
Evaluate in conjunction with EHS new equipment, processes, chemicals for environmental impact / effect to climate issues
Knowledge of Six Sigma, Statistical Analysis and Lean principles to investigate and solve problems

Job requirements:

NFQ level 8 qualification in STEM discipline
Minimum 3 years’ experience in Quality Engineering

If you would like to discuss this role, please reach out to Louise Whitty on 021 2359140 or email: lwhitty@sigmar.ie

For other Jobs in Galway, check out https://www.sigmarrecruitment.com/

Three day roadworks near Ballinasloe underway

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October 7, 2020

Galway Daily news Traffic disruption from roadworks

Three day roadworks near Ballinasloe got underway this morning, and are expected to cause some traffic disruptions until Friday.

Galway County Council is carrying out resurfacing overlay works at Kilure Bog.

The works have a scheduled timeframe of Wednesday, October 7 to Friday, October 9 inclusive.

In order to facilitate these roadworks, the road in question will be operated on a Stop/Go system or Traffic Lights during the hours of 8am & 6pm.

As a consequence users of this road should allow additional time for their journeys.

Unique six-bedroom house with chalet offers tons of space

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October 7, 2020

galway daily news property for sale renmore galway o'donnellan & joyce

Located in one of Galway City’s most desirable residential locations, this spacious six bedroom detached house in Renmore has a unique layout that house hunters will want to see more of.

O’Donnellan & Joyce are offering this 178 square metre split-level residence on the Renmore Road, which comes with a fantastic added benefit – a generously sized two-storey chalet of approximately 44 square metres.

Upon entering no.47 Renmore Road, the property offers large reception spaces on the raised ground floor, with a fully-fitted kitchen, a wrap-around living and dining room, a main bathroom and two decent-sized bedrooms.

The lower ground floor is arranged between two (with the possibility of a third) large bedrooms, one with an en-suite, a guest bathroom, and a fitted utility space and storage room.

Adjacent to the main house is the two-storey chalet which comes fully fitted with a living space, a kitchen area, a bathroom and two double bedrooms which have wardrobe fittings.

Externally, the property boasts of an abundance of space both at the front and rear, with the front offering manicured lawns and greenery as well as off-street parking.

The rear of the property benefits from a large private garden area with tree-lined surroundings and a solid built shed – offering bountiful storage space.

47 Renmore Road, on the market for €440,000, is situated in a superb residential location, a popular family friendly area with plenty of communal green areas and facilities nearby.

These include Liam Mellows GAA Grounds, Galwegians Rugby Club, Kingfisher Leisure facilities, Renmore local community centre and the popular Ballyloughane Beach.

Renmore is well serviced by a host of amenities and services, with a number of shopping centres and retails parks within close proximity, and has easy access to a number of business parks such as Parkmore.

Additionally, the area is excellently serviced by quality transport links allowing easy access to Galway City Centre and the neighbouring suburbs, as well as the M6 & M18 motorways.

The unique and spacious layout, as well as the popular residential location, makes this house on the Renmore Road a must-view property.

To find out more about this fantastic property and others visit: http://property.odonnjoyce.com/residential/brochure/san-souci-47-renmore-road-renmore-galway/4458905

Key features of no. 47 Renmore Road

Large detached residence

Superb residential location

Main House c. 177.76 sqm

Constructed 1970’s

Chalet c. 44 sqm

PVC double glazed windows

Oil fired central heating

Excellent community facilities e.g. playground & green areas

Easy access to the M6 motorway and Oranmore

Excellent road, bus and transport network systems

Walking distance to Bon Secours

Easy access to Galway Clinic & Merlin Park

Within easy access of Boston Scientific, Merit Medical & Creganna

Moments from shops, schools & sporting/recreational facilities

External space

Private front garden

Ample off street parking

Large private rear garden

Circa 11 meter depth to rear

Solid block built shed to rear

Ample storage in shed

Multiple Galway train services cancelled today

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October 7, 2020

Galway Daily news New timetable adds stops on Galway train services — file photo

Four Galway train services have been cancelled today and will be operating as bus transfers instead due to an “operational issue” Irish Rail has said.

The four commuter services affected today are between Galway and Athenry, and Galway and Ennis.

16.30 Galway/Athenry
16.55 Athenry/Galway
18.40 Galway/Ennis
20.30 Ennis/Galway (19.50 will depart Limerick and bus transfer from Ennis)

Due to an operational issue. The following services are cancelled tomorrow Wednesday 07th of October and will be operated as bus transfers.

16.30 Galway/Athenry
16.55 Athenry/Galway
18.40 Galway/Ennis
20.30 Ennis/Galway (19.50 will depart Limerick and bus transfer from Ennis)

— Iarnród Éireann #StaySafe #HoldFirm (@IrishRail) October 6, 2020

Two other trains from Galway to Heuston were at reduced capacity this morning due to ongoing issues caused by vandalism, which resulted in disruptions on Tuesday evening.

Due to vandalism, the following services will operate with reduced capacity tomorrow Wednesday the 7th of October.

07.05 Tralee / Heuston
05.30 Galway / Heuston
07.30 Galway / Heuston

– MH https://t.co/pm3hxwillh

— Iarnród Éireann #StaySafe #HoldFirm (@IrishRail) October 6, 2020

Over 420 parents and guardians ‘Park and Stride’ to get exercise on the school run

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October 7, 2020

Galway Daily life & style Over 420 parents and guardians 'Park and Stride' to get exercise on the school run

More than 420 parents and guardians have signed up for the city council’s ‘Park and Stride’ scheme to encourage people to exercise on the daily school run.

Park and Stride’ means leaving the car about 10 minutes’ walk from the school gate, and making the last leg of the journey to school on foot.

Parking is the key challenge in that equation, so over 20 car parks in Galway City have signed up to provide free parking to people taking their kids to school.

The scheme was launched by Mayor of Galway Mike Cubbard as part of the European Mobility Week 2020.

Research shows that children who are active on the commute have higher levels of concentration in the classroom, with Park and Stride one of the measures recommended by the HSE for the return to school.

Galway City Council is working in partnership with An Taisce Green-Schools, local businesses, organisations, and schools in the city, as part of this scheme.

“It’s fantastic to see over 420 children and parents in Galway fitting a walk into their journey to school, whether younger children doing Park and Stride, or older children doing ‘Drop and Hop’,” said Mayor Cubbard.

“Regular physical activity is important from an early age to promote good physical and mental health.”

He added that additional schools and car parks not already signed up are welcome to get involved in the exercise scheme.

Parents and Guardians can check the list of participating car parks and schools, and register through their school, or online at www.galwaycity.ie/ParkandStride . Note that if your school is not listed, you are still welcome to participate.

On top of the health gains for young people, the scheme also has multiple other knock on benefits.

Less traffic outside the school gate means less interaction with cars for young children trying to cross roads; less fumes and pollution from cars idling; and access for those who really need to park near the school gate for mobility or health reasons.

“Many thanks to the parents, schools, businesses and organisations supporting Park and Stride,” Mike Cubbard said.

Level 3 | What stays open and where can I travel?

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October 6, 2020

Galway will be moving to Level 3 COVID-19 restrictions from midnight tonight along with the rest of the country, which will include new restrictions on pubs, restaurants, travel, gatherings and more.

Before today, Dublin and Donegal were the only counties at Level 3, where they will remain, with additional restrictions on wet pubs in Dublin.

For cafés, restaurants, and pubs, the Framework for Living with Covid-19 states Level 3 can include “a range of restrictions up to and including no indoor dining” – which is the case in both counties already at Level 3.

From tonight, only 15 people will be allowed in outdoor dining or drinking, and restaurants, cafés, and pubs may also operate takeaway and delivery service. No indoor service is allowed.

People will only be allowed to meet with six people from one other household under the new measures, and weddings and funerals will have a maximum of 25 people.

No organised indoor events can take place in Level 3, but outdoor gatherings of 15 people are permitted. Sports matches and events will be cancelled except in specific circumstances, and training must be done with a group of fifteen people or less.

All indoor cultural venues such as museums, galleries, or theatres must close from tonight.

Gyms, pools and leisure centres can stay open for individual training only, and services at hotels and B&Bs will be limited to guests only.

Unlike in Level 5 where only essential stores would remain open, these restrictions allow for shops and retail stores to remain open.

People will also be asked to stay in their county, except for work, education and essential purposes.

Schools and colleges will remain open, but visiting cares homes will be suspended under Level 3.

The decision to move to Level 3 COVID-19 restrictions was made by the government on Monday evening following a meeting of the Cabinet.

It came after NPHET recommended on Sunday that the entire country should move straight to Level 5, but ultimately it was decided that this would have too harsh an effect on businesses that are just getting back on their feet, and other services.

Gardaí appeal for witnesses after serious Oranmore assault

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October 6, 2020

Gardaí in Oranmore are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault which took place in Oranmore over the weekend.

A man was seriously assaulted last Saturday at a fast food premises on Main Street, Oranmore.

The assault took place at approximately 11:50pm on the night of Saturday, October 3.

Anyone who may have been in the fast food premises at the time and may have witnessed this assault is asked to contact Oranmore Garda Station on 091-388030.

NUI Galway moves to online teaching for rest of semester

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October 6, 2020

Galway Daily news Galway universities awarded over €2 million for new research equipment

NUI Galway has decided to move all teaching online for the remainder of the semester with only essential activity taking place on campus.

The decision was communicated in an email sent to students and staff earlier today, as the country prepares to enter Level 3 from midnight tonight.

Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, NUI Galway President, said in a video to students today that only research lab based teaching and practical tuition will continue and that all other learning will take place online.

“The library will remain open, both with restrictions on access in order to avoid congregating, given that we will be at least at Level 3 for the next three weeks,” he said.

Speaking about Covid-19, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh said that the virus knows ‘no borders of grief’.

“We should take care of each other, be kind to each other, in that context and follow public health advice at all times. There is no hierarchy or monopoly of inconvenience, or of hurt.

“This is a virus which is affecting everybody and which has particularly grievous consequences for many in society.

“We know many old people who have leave their homes, or visit their loved ones. We know many families who are anxious for their children and for those around them,” he said.

In a statement this afternoon, NUI Galway said: “Following the Government’s announcement to move to Level 3 restrictions in the National Framework for Living with COVID-19 effective for three weeks from midnight tonight (Tuesday, 6 October), where further, higher and adult education are asked to escalate all appropriate protective measures and limit congregation as far as possible, NUI Galway will conduct all teaching and learning courses online only until the end of this semester, with the exception of lab-based and practical tuition, which will remain on campus.

“Only essential on-site activities will continue on campus. These essential on-site activities include:

All research activities, under the restrictions and guidelines which have operated since their re-opening during the summer
Lab-based and practical tuition under the restrictions and guidelines in place in that regard since the beginning of semester
Library access on a planned / regulated entry basis, avoiding congregation risk.

“Considering that current national restrictions (at Level 3 at least) will be now in place until (at least) week five in the semester and sensing the need for as much certainty as possible in this regard, for the remainder of this semester, all other teaching and learning will remain online.

“Students and staff are advised to prioritise COVID-19 testing over any study or work obligations. If you are advised to be tested by your doctor or by a contact tracer, please do so as quickly as possible. Students will be excused from missing lectures to attend to testing.

“During these unprecedented and challenging times where the pandemic is causing worry, stress and anxiety among our student and staff community, the University will continue to provide supports through our Student Services, Counselling, Chaplaincy, Pastoral Care, Student Wellbeing and Students’ Union teams, to ensure the continued safety and wellbeing of our community and to help students who encounter difficulties throughout the academic year.

“Our campus accommodation will remain open. However, we understand that students who are not attending lab-based and practical tuition on campus may wish to leave Galway to return home and continue their online studies remotely. The University will support students with this decision and will refund the cost of campus accommodation, should they choose to leave.

“In making decisions about your movements, we advise all students and staff to observe the public health advice as outlined in the National Framework for Living with COVID-19.

“The University would like to thank all of the students and staff who have embraced the safe return and new way of teaching and learning this academic semester. It speaks to our resilience as a community, our ingenuity and the respect we share for the important role our university plays in the lives of so many people.

“This virus knows no borders of grief and we should be kind to each other, take care of each other and follow public health advice at all times.

“At this critical stage in the fight against COVID-19 in Galway, we ask every member of our University to take personal action and responsibility to adhere to public health advice and Level 3 restrictions in order to stop the spread of this virus in our community.”

Coronavirus: 432 new cases and one death reported today

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October 6, 2020

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

The Department of Health has reported 432 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the State, and one further death related to the illness.

Dublin has the highest number of new cases (111), followed by Donegal (51), Cork (41) and Clare (32). The remaining 197 cases are spread across 20 other counties.

The total number of cases in Galway, not including today’s figures, is now 859 after an increase of 22 cases yesterday.

There are 150 people with Covid-19 in Irish hospitals, 24 of whom are in ICU.

“It is essential that there is a broad societal effort over the coming weeks,” said Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer.

“Every one of us has the power to interrupt the spread of this virus and now is a vital time to use it.

“Focus on what you can do; wash your hands regularly, wear a face covering, keep your distance from others, avoid crowds, limit your social network, know the symptoms and what to do if you experience them or are a close contact of a confirmed case.”

Of the cases notified today, 218 are men and 214 are women. 62% are under 45 years of age and 48% are confirmed to be associated with outbreaks or are close contacts of a confirmed case.

Sixty cases have been identified as community transmission.

Reduced capacity on two Galway trains due to vandalism

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October 6, 2020

Two trains from Dublin to Galway will be running at reduced capacity this evening due to reported vandalism Irish Rail has said.

“Due to vandalism, the following services will operate with reduced capacity today,” Irish Rail said on Twitter today

A total of three trains have been affected, two of which are on the Galway-Heuston service.

17:05 Heuston/Tralee
17:30 Heuston/Galway
18:30 Heuston/Galway

Due to vandalism, the following services will operate with reduced capacity today:

17.05 Heuston/Tralee
17.30 Heuston/Galway
18.30 Heuston/Galway

-AD

— Iarnród Éireann #StaySafe #HoldFirm (@IrishRail) October 6, 2020

Minimum wage to increase in January after government approval

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October 6, 2020

galway daily news Cost of Living protest planned for Galway City

The National Minimum Wage will go up to €10.20 per hour from 1 January 2021 after the government approved the increase today.

This increase of 10c on the current minimum wage will benefit 122,000 low-paid workers across the State.

Minister Heather Humphreys said she also wants to ensure that the measure does not mean that employers will have to pay a higher level of PRSI.

“Since 2016, the national minimum wage has increased from €8.65 per hour to its current rate of €10.10,” said Minister Humphreys.

“Government approved a further increase to €10.20 which will come into effect on 1st January 2021.

“I also want to ensure that the increase in the minimum wage does not result in employers having to pay a higher level of PRSI charge solely due to this increase.

“I will make regulations that will increase the employer PRSI threshold from €395 currently to €398 from 1 January 2021.”

Two Galway United players test positive for Covid-19

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October 6, 2020

Two Galway United players have tested positive for Covid-19 and the entire first team squad and staff are restricting their movements while they await tests.

Their match against Drogheda this Friday night at Eamonn Deacy Park has been postponed.

“Galway United will continue to follow all protocols relating to Covid-19 and the players will isolate for the required period of time,” the club said in a statement this afternoon.

The players are the first to test positive for the virus since the League of Ireland resumed in July.

A new date for the game against Drogheda has yet to be announced.

More to follow…

Voluntary and community sector organisations in Galway to receive €390,000 in funding

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October 6, 2020

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

Over €390,000 has been allocated to ten voluntary and community sector organisations in Galway to help deal with the impact of Covid-19.

The allocation is the fourth from a €40 million funding package for voluntary groups, charities and social enterprises.

The Stability Scheme provides short-term cash flow support to organisations in the community voluntary sector, such as Croí and Tuam Cancer Care which provide services and support to people across Galway and the West.

Due to Covid-19, income and revenue has dropped sharply and the funding aims to help support the ongoing work of these organisations.

The ten Galway organisations to receive funding are:

Croí – West of Ireland Heart and Stroke Foundation – €200,000
Claregalway and District Day Care Centre – €34,651
Galway Telework – €9,106
Amach LGBT – €15,214
Tuam Cancer Care – €29,974
Act for Meningitis Limited – €33,258
Independent Living Ireland – €2,345
Galway Head Injury Support – €6,142
Ballinasloe Social Services – €25,374
Galway Autism Partnership – €34,204

This latest round of funding is in addition to funding provided in June, July and September under the Scheme.

Connemara Rugby Club plans new training facilities

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October 6, 2020

Connemara Rugby Club is planning further upgrades to its grounds in Clifden, with plans submitted to the county council.

The rugby club is seeking planning permission for a new running track on its grounds at Ardbear, Clifden, as well as new training paddocks.

The club is also seeking approval for a new vehicular entry/exit onto the R341 road, as well as a new internal access road and parking.

A Natura Impact Statement was submitted with this application due to the proximity of the site to the Connemara Bog Complex SAC.

Galway County Council is due to make a decision on this planning application by October 19.

The last upgrade to Connemara RFC was a new playing pitch granted approval in December of 2018.

Threats of arrest and fines to follow Covid restrictions don’t help, NUI Galway study shows

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October 6, 2020

Galway Daily news Hospital staff call for reintroduction of mask wearing

Research from NUI Galway has revealed that threats of arrest, fines and quarantine do not encourage people to follow the public health advice.

The research is being carried out to understand the the various factors involved in whether people adhere to physical distancing guidance.

Data from the study – a collaboration with the Montreal Behavioural Medicine Centre – is being fed back to the NPHET Subgroup on Behavioural Change which is advising the Government on its communications strategy.

“The research is yielding tangible and useful results as it helps to provide data-driven recommendations to governments on how to optimise policy and communication strategies,” said Dr Hannah Durand, iCARE collaborator and behavioural science researcher at NUI Galway.

“After half a year of observing physical distancing, working remotely and wearing masks, one of the starkest warnings from the research is that we have evidence that a fatigue is setting in.

“Tellingly, people are consistently reporting the best motivator of adherence to physical distancing and other preventive measures is receiving feedback on how their behaviour is slowing the spread of the disease and saving lives. It suggests that behaviour may be changed by highlighting signs of success.”

Dr Durand added that they have also seen a surprising twist in how campaigns are received by the public.

“Threats of arrest, fines or quarantine do not appear to be helpful,” she said.

“Likewise, messages about the negative consequences of ignoring health recommendations – like an elderly relative will get sick and die – were found to be less effective than those that emphasised positive outcomes.

“This needs to be reflected in the ways we communicate with the public to bring about change in behaviour.”

The study found that vast majority of people are doing the right things, such as following government and health authority directives designed to limit the spread of the virus.

Of all prevention measures, wearing a mask had the poorest adherence (49%) and respondents say they are following safety measures less rigorously now than they did in March.

Just over 16% of people who tested positive for Covid-19 or suspect they have the virus have reported not self-isolating.

Most people reported they are adhering to physical distancing guidelines, specifically staying two metres away from others (84%) and avoiding large gatherings (90%), most of the time.

Adherence to hand hygiene guidelines (89%) and good coughing etiquette (86%) was also high.

The top concern for people was that a relative who they do not live with would be infected with Covid-19 – eight in ten were somewhat or greatly concerned about this.

More than half of the people surveyed (58%) were somewhat or greatly concerned about being isolated.

“The research is showing that it tends to be men more often than women, usually in their 20s and early 30s who are not following the isolation measures in full,” Dr Simon Bacon, co-lead of the iCARE study.

“There are several explanations for this, including greater risk-taking propensity among young men.

“However, we must acknowledge that young people are more likely to work in low-paid, public-facing jobs that make it difficult to adhere to restrictions. They are a key group of people we need to re-engage with.”

COPE Galway calls for referendum on constitutional right to housing

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October 6, 2020

Galway Daily news Galway City Council has announced plans for a social housing development of 84 apartments and houses in Knocknacarra.

COPE Galway is calling for the right to housing to be enshrined in the constitution in its submission to the government for budget 2021.

COPE is seeking a referendum on enshrining the right to housing in the Irish Constitution among the measures to combat homelessness in its pre-budget submission.

Other measures include increasing social housing supply through new build, with a mix of dwelling types and sizes that correspond to the profile of households on social housing waiting lists (including single and older people), and increase the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) limits to reflect actual asking market rent levels.

In measures regarding domestic abuse, COPE Galway is highlighting the government’s commitment under the Istanbul Convention to put in place an additional 331 refuge spaces for victims of domestic abuse in order to have one family place per 10,000 of population available nationally.

“These past seven months and more have been very challenging for many across our community due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet we’ve also seen what can be achieved in terms of supporting the most vulnerable,” says Martin O’Connor of COPE Galway.

“We are only too aware of the demands Government faces in framing Budget 2021, but we also see the opportunity to build on the positives of the past number of months by continuing with what has been so encouraging in addressing the shortcomings that still exist.”

The submission also highlights Ireland’s increasing older population and how this is presenting new challenges in the areas of healthcare, pensions and housing.

COPE is calling for the introduction of a single-rate universal state social welfare pension; increases in the state pension and living alone allowance by €5 and €6 per week respectively; increased funding of Housing Adaptation grants; additional resources and funding to address the urgent waiting lists for home help hours and an increase in the number of hours provided.

Regarding health measures, COPE Galway seeks the allocation of €500m towards initial infrastructure to ensure the speedy implementation of Sláintecare; prioritising the rollout of the Integrated Care Framework; investment in mental health in primary care and the provision of additional technological resources to support the use of online mental health services.

You can read the full submission at copegalway.ie/publications/pre-budget-submissions.

Consortium developing new treatment for respiratory condition linked to COVID-19 deaths

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October 6, 2020

Galway Daily news Consortium developing new treatment for respiratory condition linked to COVID-19 deaths

A coalition of companies and research groups, heavily based in Galway, have been awarded more than €11 million to develop a new aerosol treatment for a respiratory disease linked to COVID-19.

NUI Galway, the Galway based biotech company Aerogen Limited, and Tipperary’s Omnispirant Limited are working together on a project to create a new treatment for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).

ARDS has been heavily linked to many of the worst cases, and deaths, from COVID-19, with one study JAMA Internal Medicine from showing that 40% of people hospitalised with COVID-19 developed ARDS, and half of those died.

This partnership have received €11.6 million from the Disruptive Technologies Fund to create a new exosome based inhaled treatment, which will make use of their different specialities.

Aerogen, based at Galway Business Park, is a pioneer in the field of aerosol delivery systems for new drug therapies.

Dr Ronan MacLoughlin, Head of Respiratory Science at Aerogen, said that they are pleased to be involved in this “potentially transformative” project that involves a combination of disruptive technologies.

“We look forward to bringing to bear Aerogen’s unique expertise in this field and working with OmniSpirant and the Centre for Cell Manufacturing Ireland at NUI Galway over the coming years in bringing this technology to patients worldwide.”

Tipperary based OmniSpirant will provide the technological expertise to produce exosomes from genetically modified stem cells, as well as improved methods of delivering exosomes to lung tissues.

The Centre for Cell Manufacturing Ireland (CCMI) at NUI Galway is the first and only approved cell manufacturing facility in Ireland.

It produces Advanced Therapeutic Medicinal Products, such as stem cells, for use in human clinical trials.

“The Centre is ideally placed, with experience and expertise in bringing treatments such as this from bench to pre-clinical stage to early clinical trials,” said Dr Janusz Krawczyk, Clinical Director of the CCMI.

“The programme is also aligned with NUI Galway’s ambition to partner with national and multinational industry to ensure that research discoveries have a beneficial impact on patient care.”

Professor John Laffey, Professor of Intensive Care Medicine at NUIG said, “Current pharmacologic therapies are of marginal benefit for COVID-19 patients suffering with ARDS.”

“Advanced support of respiratory function in Intensive Care Units remains the main therapeutic approach,” he added.

An aerosol treatment that targets the inflammatory response to COVID-19 could be “game-changing” in terms of reducing mortality from COVID-19 Prof Laffey said.

This treatment also has the potential to treat Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), which affects over a quarter of a billion people around the world each year.

The three-year grant funded programme aims to complete Phase 1 clinical trial studies in ARDS patients and to complete the preclinical development needed to support clinical studies in COPD patients.

Top Facts About Microsoft MS-900 Exam: Explore Them with Practice Tests

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Thomas O'Brien

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October 6, 2020