Galway TD asks Tánaiste to head response to loss of 115 jobs in Ballinasloe

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August 31, 2020

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

Fifty-three new cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed this evening by NPHET – but no further deaths have been reported in the State.

It has now been eight days since a Covid related death was reported in the Republic.

None of today’s cases are in Galway, where the total number of positive test results remains 515, after one new case was recorded in the county yesterday.

25 are in Dublin, 11 in Limerick and the remaining 17 cases are located in Kildare, Longford, Clare, Cork, Kerry, Laois, Meath, Roscommon, Tipperary, Westmeath.

28 are men and 25 are women, while 75% are under 45 years of age.

There is now a total of 28,813 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Ireland and there have been 1,777 deaths.

Dr Ronan Glynn said: “This evening, I want to recognise the very significant impact of the measures on individuals, communities and businesses in Kildare over the past three weeks.

“The improvement in the epidemiological situation there is a testament to the willingness of everyone to adhere to the public health guidance and measures implemented.

“At a meeting of the National Public Health Emergency Team today, NPHET thanked people in Kildare – and in Laois and Offaly previously – for their forbearance and noted that their actions are a demonstration, and a further reminder, of what can be achieved through collective action as we continue to strike a balance between living our lives and behaving in a way that protects one another.”

Dr Siobhán Ni Bhriain, Consultant Psychiatrist and Integrated Care Lead HSE, added: “As we continue through the school year, we expect cases and these will be responded to rapidly, tailored to that outbreak and led by public health doctors.

“These public health doctors will communicate with school staff and parents as indicated.”

Galway Lifeboat rescues yacht with broken mast in Galway Bay

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August 31, 2020

Galway Daily news Late night rescue of stricken boat by Galway RNLI

The Galway Lifeboat was called out to rescue a man and his yacht which got into difficulty on Galway Bay this morning due to broken mast.

The yacht was sailing from Barna to Ballyvaughan on Monday morning when his forestay broke and and the mast crashed onto the deck of the yacht.

The lone man was able to contact the Coast Guard for help, and they made a request for assistance from the Galway RNLI Station shortly before 9:30am.

The lifeboat launched within minutes, and located the yacht off Furbo, where they took the beleaguered sailor aboard and towed the yacht to Spiddal.

Galway Lifeboat Deputy Launch Authority Shane Folan said that the rescue was not without its difficulties.

“There was a southwest wind 4 to 5 and an one and a half to two metres sea swell, but thankfully we got the vessel safely to Spiddal.

The RNLI volunteer crew involved in this rescue were Martin Oliver, Sean King, Lisa McDonagh, and Creg Cullan.

Hidden Gems: 3 Shows to Binge on Netflix This Summer

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Thomas O'Brien

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August 31, 2020

Galway Daily television Hidden Gems: 3 Shows to Binge on Netflix This Summer

The fact that a movie or a TV show is popular doesn’t automatically mean that it’s also valuable. The movies with the highest ticket sales routinely prove to be forgettable, a kind of bubblegum for the brain – all flavour, no calories – or, as Martin Scorsese put it, theme parks.

Then again, a lack of popularity doesn’t mean that a show or movie is good. The fact that far fewer people know about “Belief: The Possession of Janet Moses” than the show about Joe Exotic’s menagerie doesn’t make it any better.

Actually, “The Possession” is not the best example, considering that it tackles a much more serious question than keeping exotic pets: religion, exorcism, and death.

Netflix has something for every taste, from light comedies and kids’ shows to deep, thought-provoking shows, including some hidden gems that may easily slip under the radar – underrated shows that deserve all the attention they get.

I Am A Killer

“I Am A Killer” is a true-crime series that takes turns things upside-down: instead of following the investigators solve a crime, it interviews the killers – death row inmates convicted of murder.

The series offers never-before-seen insights into what went on in their minds, what made them commit the crimes they were condemned for, and questions the very reason for a death row to even exist.

The series has two seasons, one released in August 2018, and a second, in January this year.

Green Frontier (Frontera Verde)

One of the best things about Netflix is that it goes way beyond Hollywood (or Hollywood North), giving filmmakers from pretty much all over the world a chance to shine.

This policy has allowed not only acclaimed shows like “The Dark” reach a global audience but hidden gems like “Green Frontier” to find their way into our playlists.

“Frontera Verde” is Colombian crime-thriller miniseries that takes us deep into the jungle. Creators Diego Ramírez Schrempp, Mauricio Leiva-Cock, and Jenny Ceballos went to great lengths to make it as authentic as possible.

The main story is built around a well-known trope – a group of young investigators look into a series of crimes – but the setting makes it stand out: it all happens in the jungle on the border of Brazil and Colombia, filmed on location, and involves a series of native actors.

The series has stunning visuals that make it totally immersive – even if you’re not a fan of the genre, it’s worth watching as eye bleach.

Crazyhead

If you’re a fan of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”, you may want to give “Crazyhead” a chance.

The miniseries created by Howard Overman of “Misfits” fame follows a couple of young women who, on top of their own problems, have to also deal with demons trying to open the gates of Hell.

“Crazyhead” is a solid horror-comedy that, unfortunately, only lasted for six episodes – but at least those six are filled with one-liners, a down-to-earth attitude, often impolite dialogue, turning it into a guilty pleasure for the fans of the genre.

Charities invited to apply to become beneficiaries of NUIG SU fundraiser

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August 31, 2020

The application process has opened for Charities wishing to be considered as beneficiaries of NUIG Students’ Union’s annual fundraising campaign.

Last year, students took part in cake sales, table quizzes, a comedy gigs, pet farm visits and collection days to raise €10,000 for Domestic Violence Response and Sexual Health West.

And this year the SU will be introducing its new Charity Challenge which will involve students completing a different challenge each month from October to May, bringing a new approach to fundraising in the current Covid-19 climate.

Application forms for the 2020/21 fund are available from the Students’ Union
website www.su.nuigalway.ie and the closing date for applications is 5pm Thursday 10 September 2020.

Please note that any canvassing will automatically disqualify your charity from this process.

Pádraic Toomey, Students’ Union President said that despite constant cutbacks and daily challenges, NUI Galway students have a very proud tradition of raising money for charities.

“This year we hope to raise even more money for good causes with our new Charity Challenge,” he said.

“Each month NUI Galway students will take on a different challenge that will be adaptable to the challenges of living with Covid-19.

“These challenges will encourage our students to get involved in helping their community whilst also setting goals for themselves each month.”

Palestine solidarity demo planned for Sunday

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August 31, 2020

A demonstration in solidarity with the Palestinian people will be held this coming Sunday in Eyre Square at 2pm.

People Before Profit Galway are organising the event on September 6 after weeks of attacks on Gaza by Israeli forces.

Yesterday, Palestinian sources said an Israeli artillery shell was fired towards a field control point – but the Israeli fire brigade says balloon attacks from Gaza have been causing fires in the south of the jurisdiction.

Gaza, surrounded by Israeli territory on one side and the Mediterranean Sea on the other, is one of the poorest places on earth and conditions in Gaza have been deteriorating rapidly in recent weeks.

Its only power plant was forced to shut down on 18 August because of a lack of fuel. On top of this, Palestine recently announced their first cases of community spread of Covid-19.

UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Nickolay Mladenov recently described living conditions in the Strip as “unbearable” and added that electricity is down to three hours per day with hospitals barely functioning.

People Before Profit Galway spokesperson Adrian Curran said that the Irish people have always stood in solidarity with the Palestinian people and their struggle.

“They need international solidarity now more than ever,” he said. “We need to put pressure on our government to pass the Occupied Territories Bill, which would ban the import or sale of goods or services originating in occupied Palestinian territories.”

Adrian Curran said the bill passed a majority vote of the last Dáil but has been “undemocratically blocked by Fine Gael.”

“We also reiterate our support for the international Boycott, Divestment & Sanctions movement.

“We’re asking people to join us in Eyre Square to show solidarity with the Palestinian people and to bring attention to the atrocities Israel is carrying out.

“Bring flags, wear a mask and adhere to physical distancing.”

Gardai investigating house fire in Carnmore

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August 31, 2020

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

Gardaí are investigating a fire at a house in the Carnmore area of Galway near the airport which occurred this morning.

Emergency sercices attended the scene of a firee at a house in Kiltullagh at approximately 5:10am this morning.

Gardai say that no-one was injured in the incident, but significant damage was done to the premises before the blaze was extinguished by Galway Fire Services.

The house in question is reportedly the same one Galway City Council had purchased outside of its local authority boundary in order to house a Traveller family.

Galway awarded €3.6 million for Active Travel and Climate Change Adaptation measures

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August 31, 2020

Galway Daily news Dozens of Galway City community groups awarded €272,708 in grant funding

Galway County Council will receive €3.6 million in funding for Active Travel and Climate Change Adaptation measures on Galway’s roads.

The Department for Transport has announced that 26 council will receive €14 million for climate change adaptation measures, and €33 million will go to 22 councils for active travel projects under the July stimulus package.

These are part of an overall allocations of €115 million in the July stimulus package to encourage sustainable transport and the renewal of our transport infrastructure

Galway County Council has been allocated €2.6 million for a total of 41 projects to encourage Active Travel.

These include €205,000 for the resurfacing and widening of the walkway at Corry’s Field in Loughrea, €150,000 to create cycle tracks on the R446 and R458 roads, and another €150,000 for the upgrading of footpaths at Castleblakeney Village.

And the county will receive a further €1 million for 23 climate change adaptation measures.

Works to protect a number of roads across South Galway from frequent flooding by starting work on raising the level of the roads have been awarded €150,000.

Another €110,000 will go towards upgrading the surface water drainage system on the Laurencetown to Eyrecourt road.

The funding was welcomed by Galway Senator Aisling Dolan, who said that it is wonderful to see this kind of investment in towns and villages.

“The Active Travel grant scheme is a very positive initiative which will see communities across Co. Galway benefiting from improved and more accessible walking and cycling infrastructure as well as stimulating local employment.”

“The projects included in the scheme can make a real difference to our safety and encourage people to become more active with their families.”

Minister of State, Hildegarde Naughton said “Families and businesses in our villages, towns and cities right across the country will benefit from these important ‘shovel ready’ projects as soon as November this year.

“The funding being announced today will go a long way in facilitating a secure environment for our children in their daily commute to school as part of our work on the Safe Routes to School initiative.”

The full list of projects in Galway which have been awarded funding is:

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Galway Music Residency is back ‘From Europe with Love’ in return to live concerts

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August 31, 2020

Galway Daily music Galway Music Residency is back 'From Europe with Love' in return to live concerts

Galway is home to a community some of the most talented musicians in Ireland, who are treating audiences to concerts of music from around Europe, with big changes in place to ensure public health.

After months away from the stage, and live performances, Galway Music Residency is bringing back the From Europe with Love lunchtime concerts series this month.

“Following 6 months of uncertainty and many concert cancellations, Galway Music Residency is delighted to return to Live events, albeit under very different circumstances”.

From Europe with Love is a three year initiative celebrating the shared musical heritage of the European Union by exploring the string quartet repertoire from each of its 27 member countries.

Starting back this Tuesday, September 1 the quartet will first enthral audiences with music from two great Austrian composers in the Mick Lally Theatre.

Mozart’s String Quartet No. 21 in D major, nicknamed The Violet, will open the concert. This will be followed by Schubert’s Quartettsatz in C minor, which was composed as a first movement of a string quartet the composer was never to finish.

The concert will be given a digital introduction by Austrian native and Galway citizen, Ursula Shields-Huemer.

From Europe with Love will take place in line with government regulations and GMR is working closely with the venue’s team to ensure all safety controls are in place.

Upon booking, patrons will receive clear guidelines to follow when attending the venue, so they can enjoy these performances in safety and comfort.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, only a reduced audience can be facilitated and booking is essential.

However, continuing its commitment to making high-quality music accessible to as many people as possible, Galway Music Residency will belive streaming these events for free on its Facebook page for all to enjoy from the comfort of their own homes. Online donations are welcome.

Though this week’s event is already booked out for live attendance, From Europe with Love will be continuing throughout the year, with music from Hungary, Croatia, and Romania still to come.

Tickets for these concerts cost €6 each, and are sold in pairs so people from the same household can attend together.

They can be purchased online at https://www.druid.ie/the-mick-lally-theatre/whats-on.

Coronavirus: No deaths and 42 new cases today, including in Galway

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August 30, 2020

There have been no new deaths related to the coronavirus reported today, and NPHET has confirmed 42 cases of COVID-19, a far lower number than the remainder of this week.

There have now been a total of 28,760 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland, and the coronavirus pandemic has claimed 1,777 lives.

Even as the number of daily cases has begun to spike dramatically once again in recent days, it has been over a week since there has been a death reported due to the disease.

Validation of data at the HPSC has resulted in the denotification of 2 confirmed cases, which is reflected in the national total.

At least one of the cases reported today is located in Galway, as NPHET has said that 12 cases are spread across counties Carlow, Clare, Galway, Kildare, Longford, Offaly, and Sligo.

Of the cases notified today:

20 are men and 22 are women
71% are under 45 years of age
15 are confirmed to be associated with outbreaks or are close contacts of a confirmed case
6 cases have been identified as community transmission
24 are in Dublin, 6 in Limerick, and the remaining 12 are located in Carlow, Clare, Galway, Kildare, Longford, Offaly, and Sligo

The HSE is working to identify any contacts the patients may have had to provide them with information and advice to prevent further spread.

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

The latest county data for which figures are available, with statistics measured as of Friday, August 28, shows 514 confirmed cases in Galway, coming to just 1.8% of the national total.

Silverstrand access road reopening Monday

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August 30, 2020

Galway Daily news Prior warning notices for three city beaches

The access road to Silverstrand beach will be reopening from Monday, August 31, Galway City Council has said.

The access road has been closed since early due to overcrowding at the car park, as large numbers of people attempted to go to the beach.

The move to close the access road was meant to cut down on crowds and help make social distancing more achievable.

The road closure at Silverstrand was ordered around the same time the city council had Blackrock Diving Tower closed once again.

However, it has remained shut for more than a fortnight after Blackrock was reopened to the public.

National Lottery launches new app to “shake up” how people play

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August 30, 2020

National Lottery launches new app to "shake up" how people play — NO REPRO FEE. Lotto presenter and broadcaster, Bláthnaid Treacy (pictured here) launches the new National Lottery App today. Pic Mac Innes Photography. 01 661 0215

The National Lottery has released a new app to ‘shake up’ how people play the lotto by making it quicker, easier, and more secure to play.

New figures released by the Lottery show that the vast majority of lotto players don’t pick their own numbers, with 74% going for the Quick Pick option.

That’s true across the board, whether they’re playing Lotto, EuroMillions or Daily Million games, buying in-store, or online.

The new app is meant to be a one stop shop for your lotto needs, with features such as ‘Shake, Pick & Play’, where users can choose their preferred game, give their phone a shake, and a line of numbers will be randomly selected and appear on screen.

Players have the choice to play these randomly generated shaken numbers, edit and swap a number or numbers they don’t like; or shake again for a whole new line.

The app also has other exciting new features such as the ticket scanner, which enables users to find out if they are a winner instantly by scanning a ticket bought in-store.

New features such as ID Verification are meant to encourage responsible playing of the lottery, and protect players, by ensuring that all are over the age of 18.

The app also enables users to easily access information and controls on their use and spending.

These include the ability to set spend limits, lock certain games and a feature which enables them to take a break from using the app.

“We are absolutely delighted to launch the new app and are really excited to bring this to our players to bring a new dimension to playing National Lottery games,” said Cian Murphy, Head of Product & Digital at the National Lottery.

“With almost three quarters of National Lottery players choosing their numbers randomly, Irish people love their Quick Picks so we hope that the new shake feature will delight our players while giving them a key role in buying their ticket, which could make them a multi-millionaire.”

image credit: Mac Innes Photography

Latest housing plans for Moycullen attract local opposition

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August 30, 2020

Galway Daily news Green light for new apartment complex in Rahoon

Planning permission is being sought from Galway County Council for the construction of a 48 unit housing estate in Moycullen, but local residents say there is already enough housing approved in the area.

Baile Uí Choirc Fearainn Teoranta has submitted plans for a mixed-use development with 48 homes, a café, and creche, at Ballyquirke, Moycullen.

The proposed location of the development is a greenfield site off the N59 Clifden road, which currently has one existing entrance point.

The land in question is zoned ‘Village Centre/Commercial (C1)’ under the Moycullen Local Area Plan, not residential.

The the west and east of the site respectively, are two existing residential developments, the An Fuarán and Uíllinn estates.

A total of 20 submissions were received by the county council from locals raising concerns and objections to this development.

Local residents are extremely worried that the infrastructure in Moycullen is already at its limit, and that this development would pose a traffic and road safety hazard, and further strain local services in need of upgrade.

Objections also highlighted the fact that there are already several hundred housing units in the Moycullen are which are due to be built in the next few years.

Local residents said that if this site is developed, it should be for commercial purposes, not residential usage.

The original designs by the developer were for 51 homes, however following a pre-planning consultation with the council, that number was reduced, and the plans were changed from solely residential to a mixed-use development.

The current plans are for 13 one and two bed independent living units specifically designed for the elderly, along with 34 other houses.

The developer said that there is a strong demand for “independent living” housing for elderly people in the Moycullen area.

“It is envisaged that the demand for this type of housing may increase in the future as a knock-on impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” a Cover Letter for the planning application states.

“As able-bodied elderly may be slow to seek accommodation in nursing homes going forward and may seek to trade down and seek out dedicated independent living accommodation, specifically designed to meet their needs.”

The developer also intends to build a “community café” to act as a hub for the independent living units, and a childcare facility with the capacity for 40 children.

Reports submitted with this planning application include a Flood Risk Assessment, Traffic and Transport Assessment, and Natura Impact Statement.

Galway County Council is due to make a decision on whether to grant planning permission for this housing estate by September 16.

Teach Solais LGBT+ Resource Centre forced to close over funding crisis

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August 30, 2020

Galway Daily news Dozens of Galway City community groups share over €260,000

Teach Solais LGBT+ resource centre in Galway City is closing its door permanently at the end of this month due to long standing funding issues.

The lease for the existing Teach Solais at Victoria Place in Galway City expires on August 31, and AMACH LGBT Galway has said that they do not have the means to continue financing this space.

While charities across the country have been suffering during the COVID-19 crisis, Teach Solais has been suffering from financial woes for considerably longer.

Last year Teach Solais came close to having to close its doors, and was only able to go past last November due to crowdfunding efforts to save the important community space and resource for the LGBT+ community in Galway.

The problem has not just been short term issues caused by COVID-19, AMACH has said, but a lack of “sustainable funding and government support” for the centre.

“Without sustainable funding and government support we do not have the means to continue to finance the space we currently occupy and sadly, we are not in a position to extend our time in this venue.”

“This has not been an easy conclusion to come to and we struggled immensely with this decision but we must focus on the future and continue to work hard for our community with the resources we currently have.”

There was an outpouring of sympathy on social media, with many commenting on the support that Teach Solais had provided that made them feel safer and more welcomed in Galway.

City Councillor Owen Hanley said that this was “heartbreaking” news, especially after staff and supported worked so hard to keep the centre open.

Heartbreaking news in Galway that the LGBT+ resource centre Teach Solais has to close. @TeachSolaisLGBT have worked so hard to keep the place up and running but without sustainable funding for the centre this was inevitable. The dream of our own dedicated LGBT+ centre carries on. pic.twitter.com/W9WVLS0z4H

— Cllr. Owen Hanley (@OwenHanleyLives) August 28, 2020

However, AMACH is currently in the process of moving to Westside Resource Centre, where the groups hopes to have a “smooth transition” while looking for a permanent home.

“We understand that this is a big, and maybe unexpected, change and not one that we wanted to have to make but this is going to give us breathing room to develop a key strategic plan for our organization.

“Rest assured we will continue our work to develop a sustainable LGBT+ resource centre in Galway City,” a statement from AMACH said.

“We want to thank everyone who has supported us and visited the centre over the years.

“The support of our community and the wider community in Galway means the world to us and we look forward to continuing our work building a safe, happy and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ people in Galway and the West of Ireland.”

Gardaí need emergency powers for house parties City Councillor says

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August 30, 2020

Galway daily news Fianna Fáil City Councillor calls for extension of eviction ban

A Galway City Councillor is calling for Gardaí to be given emergency powers to deal with Airbnbs hosting house parties in the COVID-19 crisis.

Fianna Fáil Councillor Alan Cheevers said that giving Gardaí the power to close pubs if they don’t comply with COVID regulations is not as important as the clusters that will evolve from house parties.

New emergency legislation has also been brought in this week which gives Gardaí the power to order a pub or restaurant closed for the remainder of the day if it is found breaching COVID-19 regulations.

If there are subsequent violations after this, Gardaí can seek orders from the District Court to have a premises closed for up to 30 days.

Similar emergency legislation is needed to give Gardaí the power to police Airbnbs that are being rented for house parties Alan Cheevers suggested.

“The laws state that Garda need a warrant to enter a property to stop these parties,” Councillor Cheevers said.

“I believe emergency legislation needs to be brought in. It is a serious health and safety issue, and as COVID-19 cases rise we need to see this dealt with.”

Under current COVID-19 regulations, no more than 6 people are allowed at an indoor gathering, with limited exceptions, such as for weddings.

Councillor Cheevers added that there is an onus on both property owners to vet the people they are renting to, and on the council to ensure that Airbnbs are operating with the proper planning permission.

County Council publishes draft plan for Lough Derg tourism development

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August 30, 2020

Galway Daily news Galway County Council shortlisted for Excellence in Local Government Award

Galway County Council has published a Lough Derg Visitor Experience Development Plan to increase tourism and visitors to the lake area, and is inviting public submissions until the end of September.

The Visitor Experience Development Plan aims to bring investment into the area to improve tourism offerings, curate clusters of tourist experiences, and help promote the region to domestic and international visitors over the next five years.

“The Lough Derg region has a wide range and combination of natural assets, talented
people, agencies tasked with looking after the place and businesses developing visitor
experiences,” the plan states.

“It has its own particular and distinctive offer of value and great work is already underway across the region to develop this offer for the enjoyment of local people and for visitors.”

“It is generally recognised, however, that the visitor experiences on offer in Lough Derg are not widely known domestically or internationally and that the benefits of tourism are concentrated in a few areas.”

The draft visitor plan was prepared by Tipperary County Council on behalf of the Lough Derg Marketing Group, which is a collaborative working group of stakeholders including Tipperary, Clare and Galway County Councils.

LDMG received the award for best ‘Local Authority Innovation’ at the Irish Tourism Industry Awards in 2017 for its highly collaborative approach to promoting visitor growth in the region.

This Visitor Experience Development Plan builds on the measures that were outlined in the 2014-2017 Lough Derg Road Map.

Work which has already been completed includes improvements to the Lough Derg canoe trail, with the addition of new and upgraded service blocks, improved access and visitor information, which grew the project into a full blown Blueway.

Improvements have also been made to Portumna Castle Harbour, and an Eco-Tourism Destination masterplan has been drawn up for Portumna.

The plan highlights that developing Portumna as a destination town would be a “game changer” for tourism in the area, due to its ideal location in the Hidden Heartlands.

The draft Visitor Experience Development Plan can be viewed during business hours at County Hall on Prospect Hill until Wednesday, September 30, and public submissions can be made during that same time period.

Coronavirus: 0 Covid deaths for one week & 0 new cases in Galway

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August 29, 2020

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

No deaths related to the coronavirus have been reported to the Department of Health for over one week.

The number of cases has risen by 142 in the State – however none of these cases are in Galway.

The number of cases in Galway increased yesterday by 1, meaning the total number of positive test results in the county is now 514. The number of people across the State who have had the illness now stands at 28,720.

Today’s new cases are spread across sixteen counties; fifty-nine cases are in Dublin, 20 in Kildare, 14 in Donegal, 14 in Limerick, 8 in Wexford and 6 in Tipperary.

The remaining 21 cases are located in Carlow, Clare, Cork, Kerry, Kilkenny, Laois, Louth, Mayo, Meath and Wicklow.

Sixty-nine percent are under 45 years of age, while 74 are men and 66 are women.

Speaking this evening, Dr Ronan Glynn said: “Today marks 6 months since our first case of COVID-19. It has been a very difficult time for many and few have been left untouched in some way by the negative effects of this pandemic.

“However, it has also been a time of incredible solidarity, a time when a sense of community has come to the fore. We have seen innovation, cooperation, volunteerism and charity, and kindness on an enormous scale.

“Our frontline workers have stepped up again and again. But underpinning it all has been each person playing their part by making the right choices, many times, each day.

“Together, we have broken the chains of transmission and flattened the curve. As cases rise again, it is these same behaviours that will once again make the difference, protecting ourselves, our families and our communities.”

NUIG and GMIT awarded almost €3 million for capital works and equipment

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August 29, 2020

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

NUI Galway and GMIT have been allocated almost €3 million between them for capital works and the purchase of equipment.

The funding for Galway’s two main colleges is part of a national allocation of €25 million announced by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris this week.

The funding, which is provided through the Higher Education Authority, is meant to give colleges the flexibility to address small-scale capital investment and equipment including infrastructure upgrades, ICT and equipment renewal, and energy-related upgrades.

NUI Galway will receive €1.75 million from this pot, and GMIT has been allocated €1.06 million, which Dr Orla Flynn, President of GMIT, said is both welcome and timely.

“In GMIT we will be mainly allocating this funding towards upgrading and refurbishing existing facilities across our five campuses, including equipment.

“We will be looking especially closely at investing in supports for our online teaching and learning,” Dr Flynn added.

Minister Simon Harris said that it is essential that higher education institutes can reinvest in their estates, upgrade equipment, and help in the shift to a blend of online and in person learning.

“Ongoing capital investment is essential to ensuring a high quality academic environment and a positive campus experience for students and staff.”

“This flexible funding complements other targeted capital investments in the sector that will help expand availability of student places and transform campus infrastructure over the coming years.”

POLL: When (if ever) should government bring in new national lockdown?

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August 29, 2020

This week, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly sparked fear across the country.

He said that Ireland was close to another national lockdown because we are at “a tipping point”.

But the most health authorities want to avoid this. Dr Cillian de Gascun, the chairman of the National Public Health Expert Team (NPHET) advisory group, said a lockdown would be avoided “if at all possible”.

Positive test results are rising, and we have had slightly more cases per 100,000 people in the last 2 weeks than Sweden.

Despite this, just two people have sadly lost their lives to the illness in the past week and the number of people in hospital and ICU is not overwhelming the system.

Yesterday, 80% of new cases were under 45 years of age.

In Spain, the number of daily cases is higher now than at the height of the country’s strict lockdown, but the number of deaths and hospitalisations hasn’t risen alongside the cases.

So, when (if ever) should the government bring in stay-at-home restrictions again?

Have your say below. We will publish the results of this poll on Sunday, 30 August at 8pm.

[Total_Soft_Poll id=”16″]

Two players debuting for Connacht Rugby in line up to face Munster

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August 29, 2020