Residents in Galway are more law-abiding and less likely to be sent to prison than people in Dublin, Limerick or Cork.
New figures from the Irish Prison Service show that in Galway, just 94 residents were jailed per 100,000 people in 2019 – well below the Republic’s average of 132 per 100,000.
Independent.ie report that only six counties exceeded the average rate: Limerick, Longford, Dublin, Louth, Carlow, and Laois.
Mayo was the most law-abiding county in the State with only 37 people jailed per 100,000. The next lowest were Donegal (51) Kerry (77), Kilkenny (77), and Roscommon (78).
Cork was just below average, with 123 residents imprisoned per 100,000 people.
Over 7,100 people were sent to jail in 2019 and nearly 88% of them were male – with only 894 women imprisoned.
Nearly three quarters of those imprisoned were Irish, almost 2% were from the UK, and a further 12% were from other EU countries.
Of those sent to jail, 36 were convicted of homicide offences and a further 187 of sex crimes.
Pictured at the launch at Fernhill House and Gardens were Ellie and Jude Cleary aged 6 and 4. Pic: Marc O’Sullivan
School communities across Galway are being urged to get involved in an ambitious new project which will capture children’s experiences of the coronavirus pandemic in their own words.
The Covid Book Project was launched today by Irish publishing company Emu Ink, which developed online resources to help children write, edit and proofread their stories.
At the end of the project, the finished collection of pupils’ stories will serve as a local historical record of this year, and schools will have a book that documents the lives of the children and staff during the pandemic.
“We are delighted to be offering this wonderful opportunity to children in Galway and throughout Ireland, who will write a short story or poem about their life during the current crisis,” said Emer Cleary, founder and CEO of Emu Ink.
“We will then publish the work of these pupils, who are quite literally writing Galway’s history from their own viewpoints.”
She said that the finished book will act as a public record of this time and it will be available in the school and wider community for posterity.
“Future generations of students will gain a unique insight into the pandemic from the accounts of the students who have lived through it at their school,” added Ms Cleary.
“This project is going to change how our children’s children learn about what’s happening right now – and that is something special. We want everyone to join our movement!”
Emer Cleary, Emu Ink founder, with Ellie Cleary aged 6 and Jess Conry aged 11 Pic: Marc O’Sullivan
As well as creating a unique first-hand account of children’s experience, The Covid Book Project will encourage them to express their full range of emotions and help the adults in their lives understand how they feel about the last six months.
“It’s been a very tough few months for everyone. The children have been away from their daily routine and their friends – and teachers have been working exceptionally hard over the summer to welcome their classes back to school safely.
“Now that our school communities are getting back into routine, we want The Covid Book Project to be a positive activity for teachers, children and parents that will start the discussion about the impact on each other’s lives and will work in a classroom setting or as part of a blended learning programme.”
Home Stories
The Covid Book Project was inspired by the response from children to Emu Ink’s call to get writing during lockdown.
Ms Cleary explained that she believes that writing is one of the greatest forms of self-expression, so they wanted to get children writing about their feelings around lockdown or simply to offer them an avenue to escape all of that and write something completely unrelated.
“We had a huge response and were bowled over by the standard of work. Interestingly, a common theme was how much they missed school!
“It was this response that inspired Emu Ink to develop The Covid Book Project.”
In May – within four weeks of the call to get writing – Emu Ink published Home Stories, an anthology of stories and poems written by 132 school children throughout Ireland including Galway during the Covid-19 lockdown.
Get Involved
The Covid Book Project is open to primary and secondary schools in Ireland. Participating schools will gain access to Emu Ink’s online resources or teachers can simply set the children the task of writing a story or poem about life during this time.
Schools have a choice of a ‘traditional’ paperback anthology, which will fit the work of approximately 120 children as well as artwork on the front and back cover or an A4 book in full colour, the cost of which is generally covered by the parents or school community.
To recognise the contribution that the children make to The Covid Book Project, Emu Ink have partnered with Starbucks and Leisureplex.
Each child who participates will receive a €10 Leisureplex voucher and a Starbucks voucher for a hot chocolate and a coffee for their accompanying grown-up.
Every student at NUI Galway will receive three reusable face masks over the next few weeks as the new academic year gets underway in unusual circumstances.
The University has supplied high-quality, washable face coverings, which NUIG Students’ Union will be distributing for the next three weeks starting with First Year Orientation.
The SU has partnered with the University to ensure that everyone has a chance to get their masks which will be available for collection from the Aula Maxima in the Quadrangle building on campus until Friday 9 October.
Masks will then be available from the SU Office for anyone who did not have a chance to collect theirs.
The University will also be distributing masks to all NUIG Staff members.
“We are delighted to partner with the University on this project to ensure that all NUI Galway students are ready for the start of the semester with a supply of reusable masks,” said NUI Galway Students’ Union President Pádraic Toomey.
“We encourage all our students to wear face coverings to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and look after each other.
“This is just one of the important ways in which we can all join the fight against the spread of coronavirus.”
Reports required for the N59 upgrade project between Glenlo Abbey and Killeen are expected to be submitted to An Bord Pleanála by the end of the year.
Galway County Council plans to carry out realignment works on a 900m stretch of the N59 between the Glenlo Abbey Hotel and Killeen to improve road safety.
The realignment project will involve removing several dangerous bends from this stretch of road, as well as widening the road.
The realignment project requires the approval of An Bord Pleanála due to its proximity to the Lough Corrib Special Area of Conservation.
Senator Seán Kyne said that he understands from council engineers that reports required by An Bord Pleanála will be submitted before the end of the year.
“The upgrade of this stretch of the N59 will improve safety for all road users and especially cyclists,” Seán Kyne said.
The county council is also securing new cyclist safety signs to install ahead of the upgrade works
“The installation of suitable cyclist safety signs will help remind motorists of the need to observe an appropriate passing distance – at least 1.5 metres on roads of this type – when overtaking cyclists.”
Two Galway islands will benefit from over €190,000 in grants announced today by the Department of Rural and Community Development.
Inis Mór and Inishbofin as well as three islands in Cork and one in Donegal will receive grants for the resurfacing of roads, repairs to sea walls and slipways, and work on damaged coastal defences.
Announcing the funding, Minister Heather Humphreys said that our offshore islands and their communities are an ‘integral part of the fabric’ of rural Ireland.
“The issues affecting our islands are similar to those in the rest of rural Ireland, whether they relate to employment opportunities, access to services, or the social and economic impact of COVID-19,” said the Minister.
“That is why the Taoiseach decided to assign responsibility for the islands to the Department of Rural and Community Development.”
The responsibility for the development of the offshore islands was officially transferred to Minister Humphrey’s department today.
“The integration of the islands function under the remit of my Department will ensure a more integrated and cohesive approach to the development of rural and community policy for the people living on the islands and for their economies,” she said.
A man was rescued from the waters of the River Corrib this morning by the same two fishermen who saved two girls at sea last month.
Shortly before 9am this morning, a pedestrian spotted the man in the river and contacted the Coast Guard.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, included the Galway Fire Brigade and the RNLI Galway lifeboat.
The man was ultimately rescued by father and son Patrick and Morgan Oliver, the same fishermen who saved two paddleboarders in August, who were on the scene with their boat.
They were able to rescue the man from the water, and he was taken by ambulance to University Hospital Galway.
The man’s current condition is not known.
The Galway Lifeboat remained on standby during the rescue operation on the River Corrib.
“The quick response of the pedestrian was crucial in activating the rescue services in time,” said Barry Heskin of the Galway Lifeboat Station.
The Department of Health has confirmed 234 new cases of COVID-19 in the Republic of Ireland.
Twenty-two of the new cases are in Galway, with just Dublin and Donegal recording more cases today.
The total number of cases in Galway not including today’s figure stands at 628.
Two more deaths related to the coronavirus have also been confirmed in the Republic.
Sixteen people with Covid-19 are in ICU, and there are 90 people with the disease in hospital.
“The single most important thing that people all across the country need to do now is to reduce their social contacts,” said Dr Ronan Glynn, Acting Chief Medical Officer.
“We all need to cut down on discretionary social activities. Meeting fewer people means fewer opportunities for the virus to transmit.
“Please prioritise who you choose to meet and try to keep your social network as small as possible.”
Dr Una Fallon, Director of Public Health, HSE Midlands, said that COVID-19 is highly contagious, and people can be infectious without symptoms.
“If you are a close contact of a confirmed case please follow the guidelines on hse.ie and restrict your movements for 14 days – do not go to school or work, do not have visitors to your home, do not go to the shop or pharmacy unless it is absolutely necessary,” she said.
“And to everyone, I would urge that you reduce the number of people you are in close contact with.”
Dr Colm Henry, Chief Clinical Officer, HSE, said: “Earlier in this pandemic, we succeeded in flattening the curve through a common purpose and solidarity.
“Now, we face the more difficult task of suppressing the virus again while trying to protect education and healthcare settings.”
49% are confirmed to be associated with outbreaks or are close contacts of a confirmed case
34 cases have been identified as community transmission
103 cases are in Dublin, 30 in Donegal, 22 in Galway, 21 in Cork, 13 in Wicklow, 12 in Louth, 9 in Kildare, 8 in Meath, with the remaining 17 spread across 10 counties.
Creggs RFC is seeking planning permission to expand its facilities with the construction of a new sports complex next to the existing pitch.
Plans have been submitted to Galway County Council for the a ‘Sports Complex’ building at The Green, Creggs with a gross floor space of 1,512sqm.
This would include a gymnasium, dressing rooms, club rooms, toilet facilities and a dedicated wastewater treatment system.
Permission is also sought for the retention of the existing developments on site, consisting of an astro turf playing pitch, spectator stand, and flood lighting.
Galway County Council is due to make a decision on this planning application by October 12.
A Galway West TD has described the water readings at Ballyloughane Beach this season as “hugely positive”.
Mairéad Farrell TD noted that 16 water quality tests were carried out at Ballyloughane on the east side of Galway City – and that 15 of these were categorised as ‘Excellent’ and one as ‘good’.
This is the best set of readings at the beach since regular testing began in 2012.
Deputy Farrell commended staff at Galway City Council and their colleagues in the EPA for doing ‘Trojan work’ in the last couple of years to help resolve issues affecting the water quality at Ballyloughane.
This includes the reconnecting of foul sewer pipes from the stormwater outfall back in to the foul drainage network; the inspection of septic tanks in the area and construction works to raise the weir level of nearby Combined Storm Overflows.
“Classification of bathing waters takes in to account the readings taken over a four year period and so from my analysis of the results this season, Ballyloughane should be upgraded from ‘Poor’ to ‘Sufficient’ for next summer and be re-instated as an acceptable bathing water for people,” said Deputy Farrell.
“As the only recognised ‘bathing water’ east of the Corrib in County Galway aside from the beach at Traught, Kinvara, it is a vitally important amenity for local communities.”
She said that she would like to see the water at Ballyloughane classified as ‘Excellent’ in the next three to four years – and eventually a blue flag being secured for the beach.
“In light of the work being carried out by Galway City Council and the careful treatment of the beach area by local people, I think this is very achievable,” added the Sinn Féin TD.
The Department of Justice has today announced that it will be opening a direct provision complex with 35 independent homes in Galway City this week.
The ‘Own-Door Accommodation Centre’ for people in the direct provision system will be located on Dominick Street in the city’s Westend.
It consists of 30 apartments and 5 townhouses, with a mix of one and two bed units.
The Department has agreed an initial two year contract with the owners of the properties, Keldesso Limited.
“The new centre in Galway City meets the new standards set out for centres, in that it provides for Independent Living own-door accommodation,” a department spokesperson said.
“This means that all residents will have cooking facilities and an in-house food hall where they can get their groceries using a cashless system.”
“This type of accommodation also ensures additional privacy and comfort for everyday family living.”
The self-contained units all have independent access, fully equipped kitchens, living rooms and bathrooms and on-site Wi-Fi.
A communal area with a children’s play facility, a library and a games room for teenagers is also included in the complex.
The Department said that opening this new centre will help ensure that no more than 3 non-related people are sharing a room in their other direct provision centres.
Shelagh O'Connor from Roscommon and Cliona O Mahony from Ballaghdereen, Mayo enjoying the spectacular outdoor installation, Mirror Pavilion
The Galway International Arts Festival’s Autumn Edition programme will come to an end this Saturday, after running for almost two months in Galway City.
The once-off programme of events had both live arts and an enhanced digital component this yea including the amazing Mirror Pavilion.
What’s on until Saturday?
Mirror Pavilion
The centrepiece of the programme, Mirror Pavilion by John Gerrard, situated on the Claddagh Quay, has fascinated locals and visitors alike.
Photo:Andrew Downes, xposure
Commissioned by GIAF for Galway 2020, Mirror Pavilion is a beautiful and striking mirrored structure featuring a virtual world on the LED wall.
The characters and landscapes on the LED wall may look like video or film but they are part of a simulation created using cutting edge digital technology in response to the escalating climate crisis.
Festival Gallery exhibitions
The Festival Gallery on William Street hosts two spectacular exhibitions: Night Cargo, by Irish artist Hughie O’Donoghue, and Three Women by internationally acclaimed video artist Bill Viola.
Entry is free with a pre-booked ticket (giaf.ie). It is open until this Saturday from 12pm-6pm with late opening until 8pm on Friday. The Festival Merchandise Shop is also located in the Festival Gallery.
Photo: Emilija Jefremova
Medicine
On Saturday audiences can enjoy a ‘one-night-only’ peek at a new Enda Walsh play, Medicine, at a work-in-progress stage.
Medicine will see Domhnall Gleeson return to the stage, alongside Clare Barrett, Aoife Duffin and jazz percussionist Sean Carpio. Produced by Landmark Productions and Galway International Arts Festival.
BEETHOVEN 250
Celebrating Beethoven’s 250th birthday, Galway Music Residency and Contempo Quartet are this week presenting Beethoven 250; a series of live performances of some of Beethoven’s most celebrated works for string quartet in St. Nicholas’ Collegiate church until Friday 25 September.
Experience GIAF online at home, anytime
Festival organisers were acutely aware that some may not be in a position to experience events in person and with that in mind you can enjoy an enhanced digital programme at home in your own time.
This includes all First Thought Talks, which featured a wide range of speakers discussing the big issues and challenges of 2020 including Samantha Power, Professor Luke O’Neill, Marion McKeone, Colm Tóibín, Eamon Dunphy, Fintan O’Toole and many more.
Watch on the Festival’s YouTube channel, on GIAF.ie and listen on the Festival’s new Podcast – First Thought.
Also on the First Thought podcast, you can listen to special guests Julie Feeney, David Brophy and Liz Nugent discuss their favourite music and memories with Tiernan Henry in a new series of Vinyl Hours conversations. Listen on Spotify, iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts.
There’s also an online photographic exhbition from artist Sarah Hickson – Placing Home: Hidden Stories – which portrays the experience of people making long, perilous journeys to find refuge.
This new exhibition was planned as a collaboration with people in Galway who had lived experience of Direct Provision (on GIAF.ie).
Online interviews with playwright and director Enda Walsh, artist Hughie O’Donoghue and a series of Mirror Pavilion videos, including an ‘in conversation with artist John Gerrard’, are also available to watch on GIAF.ie.
Commemorative Artwork by Jennifer Cunningham
To mark this most unusual of years, Galway International Arts Festival commissioned award-winning visual artist Jennifer Cunningham to create a commemorative artwork for Galway International Arts Festival’s once-off Autumn Edition programme.
Jennifer Cunningham’s hopeful piece is both a celebration of the recent past and a look to a more optimistic future and features the iconic Heineken Big Top, which we all missed in Galway this summer.
The Festival poster, and all other GIAF merchandise for 2020, is available to buy online on GIAF.ie or in the merchandise shop in the Festival Gallery.
Galway International Arts Festival’s Autumn Edition programme concludes in Galway city this Saturday 26 September.
The online programme will remain available beyond this date. For full details see https://www.giaf.ie/
The sale of single-use plastics must be restricted as ‘alarming quantities’ of wet wipes are being washed up on the shores of Galway Bay.
That’s according to Mairsíl Claffey of the Galway County Public Participation Network, who said that the Covid response is exacerbating this already hazardous source of plastic pollution.
In an open letter issued to Minister Eamon Ryan yesterday, the network called for restrictions on the sale of single-use plastics, and highlighted the burden single-use plastics present to waste management processes and environment.
“Alarming quantities of wet wipes”
Quoting research conducted by Dr Liam Morrison and his team at the Ryan Institute at NUI Galway, Claffey noted that the use of wet wipes particularly exacerbates this situation with ‘alarming quantities’ of wipes washing up on the shores of Galway bay.
This, she said, is due to the inability of sewage treatment to break down wet wipes containing plastic, and the fact these wipes are not biodegradable.
“Galway enjoys a stellar reputation as a tourist destination and our beautiful beaches are integral to that,” the letter reads.
“The Galway community depends on the reputation and quality, of our waters and shoreline, for tourism, oyster harvesting, sea swimming and many other recreational and business endeavors.
“Members of the Galway public want to see the sale of plastic containing wet wipes restricted in order to protect their right to live in an environment which is adequate for personal health and well being.”
The letter also refers to the provisions in European legislation to reduce the impact of certain plastic products on the environment which Ireland must implement.
Currently, wet wipes are not included in the list of products mentioned in this Directive.
The Galway Co PPN suggests that plastic-containing wet wipes be treated in the same way as those single use plastic products, covered in the legislation, with their sale restricted.
By issuing the letter, the Green Recovery Working Group, backed by the Galway County PPN, hope to raise awareness of the need to take urgent action to curtail the harmful impact of non-biodegradable wet wipes, as well as action against the ‘erroneous labelling’ of wipes as ‘flushable’.
Galway has been chosen as the landing location for an undersea telecommunications cable connecting Iceland with the rest of Europe.
Farice, which currently operates two submarine cables that connect Iceland to Northern Europe, has been undertaking preparatory work for a new submarine fibre cable from Iceland to Europe since early 2019.
Part of preparing for this project has been identifying a suitable landing site in Europe for the cable.
Galway was an attractive choice due to both suitable seabed approaches for the cable itself, and the advantage of bringing it ashore in a city.
“The Icelandic landing site will be on the Reykjanes peninsula with the final location to be decided during the winter 2020/2021,” said CEO of Farice Thorvardur Sveinsson.
“This coupled with Galway’s reputation for business, education and hospitality will lead to a win win situation.”
“The enhanced global activity provided by the system will be a catalyst for attracting high tech business to the city and the regions.”
An undersea route survey is currently underway from Galway, to the edge of the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone, which stretches to 200 nautical miles off the coast.
Once the full marine investigation of the route is completed, the project could be operational within two years of securing financing.
Underseas fibre optic cables carry huge amounts of data for international telecommunications and internet traffic.
This is not the only such international project which has chosen Galway as its landing site, as the proposed PISCES Cable System, (Portugal, Ireland, Spain, Connecting Europe System) would also come ashore here.
“Ireland has many important attributes that makes it attractive as a destination for this new cable from Iceland, over and above the relatively short distance between the two countries,” Thorvardur Sveinsson said of the Icelandic project.
He said that Ireland is a “nexus” of trans-Atlantic connections, and also cited the many international businesses which headquarter their European operations here, and the skilled workforce, as factors in Ireland’s favour.
“Ireland has thus firmly established itself at the forefront of the development of Europe’s digital infrastructure and as such is an important connection point for a new submarine cable between Iceland and Europe.”
People across Galway are being asked to participate in National Walking Day on Sunday, 27 September, by visiting one of Coillte’s local forests.
National Walking Day aims to inspire people to get out and walk in their local areas to experience the great physical and mental wellbeing benefits of walking.
Coillte says it is delighted to support the annual event by encouraging the public, regardless of age or ability, to get active and stay local.
“Coillte is proud to be Ireland’s leading provider of outdoor recreation activities, with more than 3,000 kilometers of trails, 260 recreation sites and 12 forest parks across the country,” said Charlie Burke, Recreation Officer with Coillte and co-ordinator of Coillte’s Woodlands for Health campaign.
“We know about the importance of walking in nature to members of the public and the benefits for both physical and mental health.”
The initiative by Get Ireland Walking is supported by Sport Ireland, and takes place as part of the European Week of Sport.
“Our forests offer a space where people can walk safely while maintaining social distancing and abiding by COVID19 guidelines,” added Charlie Burke.
“Coillte wants to encourage local residents in County Galway to take some time out of their day and enjoy their local landscape by participating in National Walking Day on 27th September and visiting one of your local Coillte forests, like Derroura or Monivea.”
Coillte’s Woodlands for Health campaign encourages the public to engage with nature through outdoor activities to promote better mental and physical health.
Galway accounted for almost one in ten call-outs related to biting insects in August, a leading pest control company has said.
Nationally, Rentokil saw a 39% increase in queries related to bed bugs, fleas, mosquitos and midges in August, when compared to July.
The rise is attributed to humid conditions during the summer months, which provide perfect conditions for some pest insects to thrive and multiply.
Dublin accounted for 31% call-outs, while 9% of those looking for assistance were in Galway.
“At this time of year, biting insects can become very common, and it is important that members of the public are aware of them and the steps they can take to prevent them,” said Richard Faulkner, Advanced Technical Field Consultant with Rentokil.
“Bed bugs, fleas, mosquitos and midges all have different habits and behaviours.”
Fleas, midges and mosquitos in particular become very active during the warm summer period, leaving bites that are not particularly painful, but can become itchy and irritating.
Increases in bed bug call-outs are generally attributed to increased levels of travel, as they are often picked up while staying in accommodation, and are unknowingly brought home by holidaymakers in their luggage.
“There are a number of common steps that can be taken to help to prevent their presence in your home or business,” added Richard Faulkner.
“We predict that we will continue to experience significant levels of call-outs for these biting insects as we enter the early Autumn period.”
Steps to prevent the presence of biting insects
Vacuum your premises regularly and thoroughly
Eliminate clutter on your premises
Remove standing water
For fleas, wash pet bedding weekly, ideally at above 50°C
For bed bugs, wash and dry clothes at the highest possible temperatures
For midges and mosquitos, try natural repellents such as citronella, neem oil, peppermint oil, lemon eucalyptus oil, witch hazel, garlic, lavender and vanilla extract.
Approval is being sought to amend plans for a housing development in Woodquay to include more apartments and duplexes than originally intended.
K King Construction is seeking planning permission to amend plans for a residential development at 33-35 St. Brendan’s Avenue Woodquay which
The developer is seeking to increase the total number of housing units to 27, up from the 19 which have already been approved.
Under the revised plans submitted to the city council two buildings which have already been approved, a four storey block and a two storey block, would be replaced with a six storey apartment building.
The original plans consisted of a four storey duplex block to the rear of the site, with four 1-bedroom apartments and four 3-bedroom duplexes, and a two storey building with two 2-bed apartments.
It is proposed that instead of these, a six storey apartment building with twelve 2-bedroom apartments and six 1-bedroom apartments will be built.
This would include a larger communal courtyard than the original plans, and revised access onto the rear laneway.
“The ground floor apartments are accessed via an entrance corridor leading from the central courtyard area,” the planning application states.
“While the upper floor apartments are accessed via a single stairway, which, due to the split level nature of the site, discharges to outside at both ground floor (into the central courtyard) and at first floor onto Bothar Na mBan at the rear of the site”.
A three storey building with five duplex units and 4 apartments remains mostly unchanged in the new proposed plans.
Some amendments have been proposed to the rear of the building to allow for a lift and stairs to the first floor there.
No onsite car parking is included in the plans for this development.
Galway City Council is due to decide whether to grant planning permission for the revised development by November 8.
Galway GAA has called on clubs across the county to take part in Galway Simon’s Virtual Sleep Out in October, in support of those facing homelessness in the community.
The annual Sleep Out for Simon event has been re-imagined due to the pandemic, and is set to take place virtually across Galway and beyond on Friday, October 2.
The event is their biggest annual fundraiser – having previously taken place across towns and villages in the West for the past four years.
Pat Kearney, Chairman of Galway GAA is calling on members of Galway GAA to take part this year.
“We are delighted to be associated with this wonderful fundraiser on Friday, October 2nd. The last few months have been extremely tough for everybody including all the wonderful charitable organisations here in Galway.
“I know it’s a very difficult time for GAA Clubs financially so anything you can do would be greatly appreciated.”
Damien Comer, Galway Senior Footballer, also spoke about his involvement in the event, saying that the Virtual Sleep Out for Simon event is a great idea.
“I hope every GAA Club gets behind it. Galway Simon is a great organisation who helps so many every day and I am delighted to be supporting them for their annual fundraiser,” Damien said.
The Virtual Sleep Out is an easy to-do, engaging fundraiser and each club can choose to take part their own way – whether it’s pitching a tent at home in their gardens, bedding down on their living room floors, or spending the night under the stars on their local pitch.
On the night there will be a timeline of live-streamed activities from Galway Simon which will bring everyone together with interactive games, music and entertainment.
This will allow those taking part to keep connected whilst they spend the night fundraising online in a unique and powerful way.
100% of proceeds will go directly towards Galway Simon’s Homelessness Prevention Services in Galway, ensuring the charity can safeguard their essential services during the Covid-19 pandemic.
To register your local GAA club to take part, visit galway.sleepoutforsimon.ie, select the ‘take part as a team’ option and search for Galway GAA from the drop-down list.
There have been no deaths related to COVID-19 reported today, but the Department of Health has confirmed 334 new coronavirus cases.
There have now been a total of 33,444 confirmed cases in the Republic of Ireland, and the death toll from the pandemic remains at 1,792 in the state.
Validation of data at the HPSC has resulted in the denotification of 12 confirmed cases, which is reflected in the national total.
Of the cases reported today, 10 are in Galway. The latest county breakdown, with data up to midnight on Sunday, September 20 shows 618 cases in the city and county.
In the past two months, people aged 15-34 have accounted for 40% of all COVID-19 cases, despite making up just a quarter of the population.
“This is not surprising as they are more likely to be moving about in the community, going to school, higher education or work, and keeping our economy and key services going,” said Dr Ronan Glynn, Acting Chief Medical Officer.
Of the cases notified today:
158 are men and 175 are women
72% are under 45 years of age
53% are confirmed to be associated with outbreaks or are close contacts of a confirmed case
55 cases have been identified as community transmission
174 cases are in Dublin, 34 in Cork, 30 in Kildare, 18 in Donegal, 10 in Galway, 10 in Louth, 6 in Clare, 6 in Mayo, 6 in Meath, 6 in Roscommon, 6 in Waterford, 5 in Limerick, with the remaining 23 spread across 11 counties
The COVID-19 Dashboard provides up-to-date information on the key indicators of COVID-19 in the community.
Dr Glynn said “For teenagers and people in their 20s and 30s in particular, I know that what has been, and is being asked of you again is extraordinary.”
“This pandemic has impacted on your education, your employment, your relationships and your social lives.”
“The vast majority have done the right thing – have heeded public health advice and kept themselves and their families safe.”
“But the disease is continuing to spread disproportionately among younger people at present.”
“And so, I am asking you to stick with this and continue to follow the public health advice,” Dr Glynn said.
The latest O’Donnellan & Joyce Auctioneers Nationwide Property Auction took in almost €2.2 million with the sale of 19 properties in counties across Ireland last week.
The auction took place at the Harbour Hotel in Galway City last Friday, where strong sales demonstrated that demand remains high for properties in the west.
Bidding occurred online, over the phone, or by proxy, but without in-person attendance, as O’Donnellan & Joyce continued with the highly successful model they have adopted since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The auction was live streamed across their website and social media channels, ensuring that bidders didn’t miss out on the action.
The full auction catalogue consisted of 27 properties in counties Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Donegal, Westmeath, and Carlow.
The cream of the crop on the day were three former Garda Stations in Galway, which fetched almost €800,000 between them.
O’Donnellan & Joyce Auctioneers sold the three garda stations after they were put up for sale by the Office of Public Works.
The former Garda Station and Residence at Leenane fetched the price, selling for €325,000, while the old Station and Residence at Corrandulla went for €250,000, and the Station and Residence at Maam Cross was sold for €216,000.
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Former Garda Station in Leenane
Former Garda Station in Corrandulla
Former Garda Station in Maam Cross
Aside from the three Garda Stations, the OPW was also selling a former office at Castle Avenue, Portumna, which went for €95,000.
The highest price fetched by a private property on the day was €260,000 for 14 Westpoint, Westport in County Mayo, a retail unit in Westpoint Shopping Centre which sold after the auction.
There were four other lots that cracked the six figure level at the auction. The highest price among those went to 14 Bridgewater Court, Fairhill Road Lower, a 2-bedroom apartment in the city’s Westend.
And outside of Galway City, No. 1 The Birches, Tuam fetched €153,000; 11 Sruthan na Teorann, Carraroe went for €140,000; and up north 31B Old Golf Course Road, Donegal Town was sold for €145,000.
The next O’Donnellan & Joyce Nationwide Property Auction will take place on October 30. To enquire about listing a property for sale, contact selling agents O’Donnellan & Joyce on 091 564 212 or email info@odj.ie
