Galway TD calls for out of hours flu vaccine clinics

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August 29, 2020

Galway City Council has published plans for a residential development of apartments for older people and families with special needs in Ballybrit.

The council plans to to build 15 apartments for older people on lands at Ballybaan More, Galway, east of Ballybrit Court and south of the High Road.

The development will consist of 12 two-bedroom apartments in a two storey building, and a further 3 two-bedroom units in a separate, single storey building.

The 12 apartments are meant primarily for older people, and the three units are meant for families with special needs.

Two bungalows at the front end of the 0.4ha site have already been demolished, and another bungalow on the site is also set to be demolished.

Other work involved in the project will involve building an access road, landscaping, the central courtyard, and other site works.

“Our intention is to allow for older tenants spending more time at home with particular consideration given to quality of space and light and sense of community,” a planning report states.

Our intended site strategy is to provide an active and overlooked, south facing social space for the community that has a distinctive and rich sense of place, that ages well; that gives pleasure to its residents and that enriches its immediate context.”

The plans have been published and are available for inspection at City Hall until Thursday, September 24.

Written submissions relating to the proposed development can be made to the city council until October 8.

No plans to hold Maam Cross Fair in 2020

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August 29, 2020

The Maam Cross Fair will likely not be taking place in Connemara this October due to public health concerns caused by COVID-19.

The Maam Cross fair is a long standing tradition for farmers in the Connemara area, with sales of sheep, cattle, and the famed Connemara ponies.

Galway County Council and the Gardaí are typically involved in the safe organisation of the one day celebration, which involves closing the road from Maam Cross to Maam.

But the county council has said that due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, the event will not be going ahead this year.

“Due to the continuing impact and uncertainty surrounding Covid-19 and in the interest of public health and safety no arrangements are being made for the Maam Cross Fair to be held in 2020.

image credit: Galway County Council

Coronavirus: No deaths for 6th day as Galway cases rise

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August 28, 2020

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

There have been no deaths related to Covid-19 in the State for the sixth day in a row, but the number of cases has risen by 127.

At least one of the 127 new cases is in Galway, which has 1.8% of the total cases in the country.

Of today’s cases, Dublin is has the highest number with 52 new cases, followed by Monaghan (13), Tipperary (9), Meath (8), Wexford (8) and Roscommon (8).

The remaining 29 are located in Galway, Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Cork, Kerry, Kildare, Kilkenny, Limerick, Longford, Louth, Offaly, Waterford, Westmeath and Wicklow.

80% of today’s new cases are under the age of 45, and the increase brings the total number of cases in the Republic to 28,578. The number of deaths related to the virus remains 1,777.

Talking about the number of people in hospital and ICU, Dr Ronan Glynn said that while the number of people in critical care remains stable, eight people have been hospitalised in the last 24 hours.

“If cases continue to rise we will see an inevitable increase in the number of people hospitalised,” he said.

“We all have a role to play in preventing that from happening.

“This weekend it is vital that people play their part by decreasing social contacts. Do not drop your guard just because you are meeting people close to you.

“Remember that just because somebody looks and feels well, that does not mean they are Covid free.”

Plans lodged for 186 room hotel and spa in Briarhill

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August 28, 2020

Galway daily news Plans for city centre hotel development off Eyre Square

Plans have been lodged with the city council for the construction of a new hotel and spa in Briarhill.

The proposed eight storey hotel will have 186 bedrooms, as well as a restaurant, bar, and spa.

Parosi Developments Ltd is seeking planning permission from the city council to build this hotel in Briarhill Business Park on Bothar na dTreabh.

The ground floor of the hotel would contain the reception area, lounge, restaurant, and bar, and a public entrance to the spa.

The spa facilities would be located on the ground and first floor of the hotel, with a swimming pool, a whirlpool, a sauna/steam room, male and female changing rooms, and storage rooms on the ground floor.

Upstairs the spa facilities would include a treatment room, studio, gym, and lobby area, while the first floor would also have eight meeting rooms and an office with facilities.

The remaining six floors above these facilities will contain the 186 guest bedrooms in the proposed hotel, spread across two wings of the building to “maximise views and natural light” according to the application.

The existing entrance point to the site from the Business Park campus would be upgraded as part of these plans, and three new vehicle entrances created from the north and west.

The plans include 153 car parking spaces, 28 bicycle spaces, and three set down spaces by the main entrance.

The application states that this proposal represent an “efficient use of land which will enhance the vibrancy of this area of the city whilst establishing tourist accommodation to meet the growing number of visitors to the city each year.”

Galway City Council is currently due to make a decision on whether to grant planning permission for this proposal by October 14.

West of Ireland start-up Blocworx helping food businesses with COVID compliance

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August 28, 2020

|Ga;way Daily business The west of Ireland software startup Blocworx have launched an innovative food safety management solution to help businesses in the food industry — CEO of Blocworx Adrian De Cléir and Solutions Development Manager Mark O’Sullivan

The west of Ireland software startup Blocworx have launched an innovative food safety management solution to help businesses in the food industry handle the increased requirements for safety compliance and customer tracing in the era of COVID-19.

The no-code solution can help hotels, restaurants, caterers, and food producers progress their digitalisation to better meet the need for compliance with HACCP and COVID-19 Safety requirements.

The hospitality industry, which naturally involves large numbers of customers coming and going, has been one of the sources of concern about its potential to spread COVID-19.

In order to combat this, regulations have been introduced, and new standards adopted by the sector as businesses reopen, which keep people safer, but also add to the administrative burden in an industry already laden with paperwork.

Adrian De Cléir, CEO and Founder of Blocworx, said despite the current crisis, there is still a strong appetite for “digital transformation” in businesses, with many wanting to modernise how they operate.

“Which makes sense, because now more than ever, businesses are trying to find ways of saving money and making their processes more efficient.”

The COVID-19 specific features available in Blocworx’s solution include tracking customers as they come and go from the premises, health sign-offs for employees before they return to work, and the tracking of additional health requirements such as hand hygiene, daily cleaning routines and kitchen management.

Furthermore, the innovative software can be linked up to infrared thermometers to track and record customers and employee’s temperature checks if required.

All of this will not only help to reassure customers that it is safe to eat out again, but increase efficiency and turnover at restaurants, pubs, hotels, and other food businesses at a time when they are struggling.

Digital Transformation

Headquartered at Annacotty Business Park in Limerick, Blocworx has created a cost-effective software solution, which has gained significant recognition in a short space of time for its ability to cut out vast swathes of paperwork out of business processes.

By using digital tracking software in a single platform to not only follow your businesses processes, but automate and optimise them, it can avoid duplication of effort, ensure reports are accurate and timely, and generally save a great deal of time and effort on administration.

Blocworx’s cloud-based software is prized for its adaptability, and the fact that no coding is required, which makes it easy to utilise in any industry, and simple for customers to customise for themselves.

The platform contains built-in features such as custom report generation, data analytics and data displays, email alerts, user role hierarchy, custom forms, fields and rules.

Its adaptability has already made it popular in a range of industries including healthcare, film & screen skills training, manufacturing, construction, and local sports clubs amongst others.

Industry specific software can be “cumbersome, expensive and sometimes cluttered with unnecessary features,” Adrian De Cléir says, while getting a bespoke solution made just for your business can run up a large bill.

“We offer something unique, which is a fast, clean and simple approach to digital transformation. In the time it takes for an IT company to spec up a project, we have a working version for them to try out.”

At the start of this year, Blocworx had been planning to launch their Platform in April, but the pandemic forced them to alter their plans.

“By March we knew it wasn’t going to be a typical product launch so instead we opted to repurpose our solutions for contact tracing and Covid-19 related tracking purposes.”

And while these COVID-19 specific features have been a source of great interest to food businesses, Blocworx have not lost sight of the goal to help businesses across Ireland to move into the digital era.

“Our goal at Blocworx is for all business to realise that digital transformation does not cost the world, allows organisations to adapt to market changes much quicker and can transform their business without compromising quality & service.”

Call for Ministers to demand Knocknacarra bus service is reinstated

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August 28, 2020

galway daily eamon ryan knocknacarra bus

People Before Profit Galway have urged Ministers Eamon Ryan and Hildegarde Naughton to demand that Knocknacarra’s bus service is reinstated.

They wrote to the Minister and Minister of State for Transport as well as the National Transport Authority calling them to take action to ensure people in the area have public transport.

Knocknacarra has been left without public transport since private operator City Direct suspended their 410, 411, 412 and 414 routes five months ago.

The routes also served Barna and Salthill and there are approximately 20,000 people in the area left without public transport.

People Before Profit Galway spokesperson Adrian Curran said that City Direct suspended the routes “presumably because it was not sufficiently profitable for them” to run them with social distancing measures in place.

He says that this shows the problem of our public services being privatised.

“Public transport is an essential public service and running it solely with the intent to profit doesn’t work,” he said.

“It should be a state-run public service, not reliant on private operators. These routes should be re-nationalised and reinstated immediately.”

Adrian Curran said that limiting public transport leads to an increase in traffic and a rise in emissions.

“That means increasing public transport,” he said. “To do this we cannot rely on private operators.

“We need massive state investment in public transport to expand it to connect all areas, reduce reliance on cars and reduce emissions.

“As a Green Party minister we would expect Éamon Ryan to appreciate the importance of this. With a local TD as a Minister of State in the Department we would also expect swift action on this.”

The party also wants to see the a move towards free public transport across the country.

They say that it has been shown in other cities around Europe that making public transport free for all users is a vital step in reducing traffic and emissions.

“Luxembourg became the first country to implement free public transport throughout the nation, earlier this year, but many cities in Europe have implemented free public transport.”

People Before Profit are also backing a petition in support of the service being brought back into operation started by a local resident.

NUIG and GMIT receive almost €500k for mental health supports

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August 28, 2020

Galway Daily news NUIG and GMIT receive almost €500k for mental health supports

NUI Galway and GMIT have been awarded just under half a million euro to enhance mental health and wellbeing supports for students this year.

Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris this week announced that €5 million will be provided for the recruitment of student counsellor and assistant psychologists at colleges this year.

The funding will also be used for the implementation of the Framework for Consent in colleges, and the soon to be published National Student Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Framework.

NUI Galway will receive €313,000 in funding for these improvements, while GMIT has been allocated €164,000.

“The number one health issue for young people in Ireland today is concerns or worries around their mental health,” Simon Harris said.

“These concerns have been compounded by the isolation and uncertainly brought forward by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“For students, the college experience has been different this year from ever before. Students have had to adjust to remote learning and carried out without face to face support from their college or their peers.

“For these reasons, I have sought to support student counselling services, key mental health interventions and the provision of a safe, respectful, supportive and positive environment in our higher education institutions.

Commenting on the announcement, Dr Alan Wall, Chief Executive of the Higher Education Authority, said “This additional support, being provided by the Minister, is a welcome boost to a higher education sector that enrols in the region of 55,000 new students each year.”

“These young and not-so-young students engage in higher education at a sometimes-challenging time of change and progression in their lives.”

“This is a sizeable proportion of our population, and while our health and community services work to support everyone, there can be environmentally specific or transitional issues that arise for both current and new students in higher education.”

Coronavirus: 93 new COVID-19 cases but no deaths

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August 27, 2020

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

There have been 93 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported by the Department of Health today, but no further deaths associated with coronavirus.

There have now been a total of 28,453 COVID-19 cases in the Republic of Ireland, and the coronavirus pandemic has claimed 1,777 lives in the state.

None of the coronvirus cases which have been reported by NPHET today are in Galway.

Validation of data at the HPSC has resulted in the denotification of 3 confirmed cases, which is reflected in the national tally.

“We continue to see a slow growth of COVID-19 in Ireland,” said Dr Ronan Glynn, Acting Chief Medical Officer, adding “The most effective action we can take to reduce the transmission rate of this virus is to reduce our number of close contacts.

“If we do this and keep practicing the other safe behaviours by continuing to physical distance, avoid crowds, wash our hands, cover our coughs and sneezes, wear a face mask where appropriate and download the COVID Tracker app, we have a real chance of slowing the spread of the virus to where we want it to be”.

Of the cases notified today:

52 are men and 41 are women
70% are under 45 years of age
73 are confirmed to be associated with outbreaks or are close contacts of a confirmed case
12 cases have been identified as community transmission
34 are in Dublin, 7 in Kildare, 6 in Donegal, 6 in Laois, 5 in Limerick, 5 in Wexford and the remaining 30 cases are in Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Cork, Louth, Meath. Monaghan, Offaly, Tipperary, Westmeath and Wicklow

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

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said that Ireland was at a “tipping point” when speaking to an Oireachtas Committee yesterday, and that the country is close to having to go into lockdown again.

The R number for the virus is now between 1 and 1.2, which Prof Philip Nolan, Chair of the NPHET Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group, said is an improvement on what we have seen recently, but not where we want it to be.

“We are still seeing growing transmission of the disease and we need to bring the R-number back below 1 if we are to effectively slow the spread of COVID-19 and suppress its transmission.”

Dr John Cuddihy, Director of the HPSC, said that outbreaks have been identified in diverse settings including private homes, workplace, and social gatherings.

“Congregated settings are ideal environments for this disease to spread between people. We all must avoid such congregations if we are going to break the chains of transmission of the virus.”

Figures show number of people with dementia ahead of World Alzheimer Month

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August 27, 2020

1B. Maureen O'Hara who featured in the Dementia Understand Together TV advertisement campaign — Former physiotherapist Maureen O'Hara who featured in a Dementia Understand Together TV advertisement campaign

A public awareness campaign has called on members of the public to become ‘Dementia Champions’ ahead of World Alzheimer Month in September.

The Understand Together campaign is asking people to join 340 other Champions who promote inclusivity in their communities, as latest figures from the HSE show that there are an estimated 3,553 people in Galway living with dementia.

The campaign is also taking the opportunity to highlight the availability of the local Memory Technology Resource Room in Loughrea, a service that has become increasingly valued during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Double by 2045?

There are over 400 different types of dementia, the most common of which are Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.

It is estimated that there are over 64,000 people currently living with dementia in Ireland and this figure is set to more than double to over 150,000 by 2045.

Each year more than 11,000 people develop dementia in Ireland – that’s approximately 30 people every day.

Symptoms of dementia include memory loss, confusion with time or place, difficulty communicating, changes in behaviour and issues with problem-solving.

There are a number of ways that people can reduce their risk of dementia – by eating healthily, exercising regularly, not smoking, having regular blood pressure checks, avoiding excess alcohol, keeping socially connected and challenging ourselves mentally.

For Dr Suzanne Timmons, Consultant Geriatrician and Clinical Lead of the HSE’s National Dementia Office, World Alzheimer Month offers a valuable reminder of the importance of reaching out to people with dementia.

“For people with dementia, we know that maintaining involvement in activities and social contact are vital for maintaining physical and mental health and wellbeing,” she said.

“With the arrival of COVID-19 in Ireland, recent months have been very difficult for everyone.”

She said that for people with dementia, many of whom have had to cocoon or stay at home to minimise their risk, they have been especially difficult, depriving them of friendship and routine.

“September is World Alzheimer Month and an ideal opportunity to reach out and support people living with dementia and their families in our neighbourhoods.

“A first step can be checking in on someone you know with dementia and asking how you can help. It will make the world of difference to them.”

“For those with a little more time to give, I would encourage you to think about becoming a Dementia Champion in your community. Champions are the spirit of the Dementia: Understand Together campaign.

“They work in their communities by sharing information, providing training, and creating inclusive services, and by inspiring sports and other community groups to embrace people with dementia. The campaign is here to support you to take the first steps on this rewarding and hugely impactful journey – you can find out more at www.understandtogether.ie”

With many traditional supports changed due to COVID-19, technology has played an important role in enabling champions and others to connect with people with dementia.

Technology can also help day-to-day living and a range of assistive technologies can be purchased to help people with dementia maintain their independence, to continue doing what is important to them, and to feel safe at home.

These technologies range from picture phones, personal alarms and night lights with sensors, to medication reminders, locators for items such as keys, and talking photo albums. The Memory Technology Resource Room in Seven Springs Day Centre, St Brendan’s Community Nursing Unit, Lake Road, Loughrea, showcases a range of products and devices that can help manage with memory and recall.

Members of the public can speak to an occupational therapist for free expert advice on what technology best suits their situation, as well as receive information on other local services.

To make an appointment with your local memory technology resource room, telephone 087 7514428.

Top 5 Ways to Take Action in Your Community

Get talking. The more people that understand what dementia is and how they can actively support people with the condition, the bigger the impact will be. You can help by sharing your knowledge, be it through social media or talking to your colleagues, family and friends
Check in. Staying connected is important for people with dementia, their carers and families. If visiting, agree the time in advance, be prepared for a short visit and observe public health guidance. You can also do an activity together, such as painting or playing a game of cards, spending time baking or in the garden, or creating a life story book or memory box
Help out. People in vulnerable groups are still being advised to stay at home as much as possible. Ask the person with dementia, their carer or family how they are doing and what you can do for them. Why not offer to do some errands such as buying the groceries or collecting medication?
Go on tour. Why not go on an online tour with a person with dementia and visit a famous gallery or museum, or take a walk down memory lane with Google Street View, or watch a golden oldie such as The Sound of Music or The King and I?
Be inclusive. If you run a business, think about what you can do to be dementia-inclusive. Consider signing up for dementia awareness training for staff, also available online, review your signage and seating, and reduce any unnecessary distracting noise

The Dementia: Understand Together campaign is led by the HSE in partnership with the Alzheimer Society of Ireland and Age Friendly Ireland.

For information on supports such as a local service-finder and weekly Virtual Dementia Cafés for people living with dementia and family carers, as well as information on how to become a Dementia Champion in your community, visit www.understandtogether.ie or Freefone 1800 341 341 (Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm, Saturday 10am to 4pm).

New shop to open in Knocknacarra

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August 27, 2020

galway daily news carraig donn new shop knocknacarra

Carraig Donn has announced it will open a new store at Gateway Shopping Park in Knocknacarra in September.

The Irish fashion, jewellery and homeware store will open on Friday, 11 September, creating up to 20 jobs.

“We’re delighted to announce the opening of our new flagship store, and our third store in Galway,” said Managing Director Pat Hughes.

“Despite the challenges that exist in our industry as a result of Covid-19, we are committed to our growth and expansion plan.

“We have a loyal customer base in Galway, and we are delighted to bring the very best of Irish fashion, jewellery and homeware to Knocknacarra”.

The store will be the largest of the 42 Carraig Donn stores and it will bring the workforce of the Mayo-based retailer to over 500.

Commenting on the opening, Marcus Wren, Managing Director of Sigma Retail Partners, asset managers for Gateway Shopping Park said: “On behalf of Sigma and indeed the wider design team and the owners, we are thrilled to welcome Carraig Donn to our newly extended and re-branded Gateway Shopping Park.

“Carraig Donn will join top quality retailers including Boots and Harvey Norman who also opened their fantastic new stores within the last few weeks, and will join existing tenants Dunnes, B&Q, Next and New Look.”

Retail Excellence Ireland, the largest representative body in the sector have also welcomed the announcement. Managing Director Duncan Graham said that it’s great to see Carraig Donn opening in Knocknacarra at such an important time for retail.

“We at Retail Excellence celebrate Carraig Donn’s success story”.

Carraig Donn has confirmed that the new store will open its doors with all safe shopping measures in place, including social distancing markings, hand sanitizers and monitoring of in-store numbers.

Connacht Rugby enters three year partnership with Genesys

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August 27, 2020

Galway Daily rugby Connacht Rugby enters three year partnership with Genesys

Connacht Rugby has entered into a new partnership with the US based software company Genesys, who will be their principal sponsor for the next three years.

Genesys will also become Title Partner for the Connacht Women’s Team, a move which is meant to help encourage the growth of the women’s game in the west.

As Principal Partner for Connacht Rugby, Genesys will feature prominently on the club’s apparel for the next three seasons, including the 2020/21 Home, Away and European kit.

CEO of Connacht Rugby Willie Ruane said that the partnership is “hugely significant” for the province, and everyone associated with the rugby club.

He described Genesys as a company with “firm roots” in the west of Ireland, where it has “huge ambitions” and some of the world’s best talent.

“We look forward to helping Genesys grow and scale their presence in Ireland. It’s been a pleasure to work with the team at Genesys and we are eager to build an exciting partnership between our two organisations in the years to come.”

The California based software multinational has had a presence in Galway since early 2018, when they acquired the local software firm Altocloud to add their expertise to Genesys’ customer service AI platforms.

“We are proud to partner with Connacht Rugby,” said Barry O’Sullivan, vice-president and general manager at Genesys.

“This partnership is a fantastic opportunity to connect with the local community and with the wider global rugby audience.”

“It also provides Genesys a platform to foster the region’s talents in computer science leading to exciting future career paths in the West of Ireland.”

image credit: Connacht Rugby

Multiple burst mains causing water outages across Galway City

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August 27, 2020

Galway daily news Water outages in multiple areas of Galway due to burst mains

Multiple burst water mains are causing water outages on both the east and west sides of Galway City this afternoon.

Irish Water has reported burst main in both Dun na Mara, Renmore and Droim Chaoin, off the Bishop O’Donnell road.

The burst pipe in Dun na Mara is causing supply disruptions to homes and businesses in Dun na Mara, Renmore and surrounding areas of the east side of the city.

Repairs are underway, and Irish Water has said that they are due to be completed shortly.

The burst mains on the west side of the city is disrupting the water supply to Droim Chaoin, Cuan Glas, Rosedale, Hazel Wood, Taylors Hill, and the Bishop O’Donnell Road.

Work here is expected to take longer, with an estimated completion time of 3pm given for the repairs.

Traffic management measures have been put in place at both locations while work is underway.

People affected by these outages are advised that it may take 2 – 3 hours after repairs have been completed for their full water supply to return as the network refills.

Updates on both of these situations can be found on Irish Water’s Supply and Service website page.

954 children in Galway waiting over 1 year to see a psychologist

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August 27, 2020

galway daily child psychologist waiting list

There are 1,464 children and teenagers waiting to see a primary care psychologist in Galway, with 954 waiting for more than one year.

Across the state, there are 8,011 children and teenagers waiting for treatment from a psychologist – and 3,359 have been on the waiting list for over 12 months.

The figures were received by Mairéad Farrell TD after the HSE responded to a Parliamentary Question submitted by her colleague Pat Buckley TD.

The Galway West TD said that these waiting lists are a “national scandal of epic proportions” and that the figures left her “shocked”.

“Over 1,464 children and teenagers were waiting for a psychology appointment at the end of June 2020 in Galway.

“The figures are an increase on last year’s, as systematic under-investment and mismanagement of mental health services are coming home to roost,” she said.

The Sinn Féin TD said what worries her most is that 954 children have been waiting over a year. A further 260 children have been waiting for more than six months.

“This is unacceptable. Early intervention is key to a child’s development and any delay in treatment can have untold detrimental impact on their future wellbeing,” said Deputy Farrell.

In response to Deputy Buckley’s question, the HSE said that the spread of Covid-19 was posing significant challenges for many service areas, including all Therapy Services.

“In light of these unprecedented challenges together with the Government’s guidance on social distancing and on ‘Cocooning’ for those aged over 70, The HSE has had to reassess its operation of Community Therapy Services nationally, to ensure that the assessed needs of those clients with the highest priority are met.”

But Deputy Farrell said that sometimes we can get lost in statistics, and that we must remember that behind every number is a child waiting to be seen by a psychologist.

“Each is a child with an individual story; a child with individual needs; a vulnerable child who needs treatment.

“Children need this service for a vast range of reasons including anxiety, depression, difficulties managing their feelings, difficulties with concentration and attention, social and interpersonal difficulties among others.

“Psychology is considered a very basic service in other countries. This Government needs to fundamentally change how mental health services are provided for,” she added.

Mechanical issue with swing bridge cuts N65 traffic at Portumna

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August 27, 2020

Galway Daily news Mechanical issue with swing bridge cuts N65 traffic at Portumna

Update: The swing bridge has now reopened to vehicle traffic on the N65 following earlier mechanical issues.

A broken bridge has cut off traffic on the N65 in Portumna at the county border with Tipperary today.

Galway County Council has said that there has been a “mechanical difficulty” with the swing bridge on the N65 at Portumna.

This has rendered it “impassable” to vehicle traffic, and motorists are being advised to use a different route until further notice.

“Due to a mechanical difficulty having occurred with the swing bridge at N65 Portumna, the bridge is currently impassable to vehicles and will remain so until further notice.”

“Members of the public are requested to avoid this area until further notice and to use alternative routes.”

“Galway County Council is aware that Waterways Ireland are working now to address the problem and a further announcement will follow once the problem has been resolved.”

image credit: JP / Portumna Swing Bridge via Wikimedia Commons

Galway medtech company approved to supply virus trapping wipes to schools

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August 27, 2020

Galway Daily business Galway medtech company approved to supply virus trapping wipes to schools

The Galway based medtech company Aquila Bioscience have been approved to provide their virus trapping decontamination wipes to the education sector.

Aquila Bioscience, an NUI Galway medtech spinout company based at the university, has created a new type of decontamination wipe that can trap biological agents, including viruses, without the use of chemicals.

This Anti Bioagent Decontamination (ABD) technology was developed in collaboration with the Czech University of Defense and Defense Forces Ireland to deal with biological contamination.

Aquila have now been made an approved supplier of PPE to the education sector, allowing up to 4,000 institutions to avail of their wipes.

As these wipes are free from any alcohol, biocides or other toxic chemicals, and so do not cause skin irritation or destroy skin cells, they can be used on sensitive skin surfaces like the eyes, nose and mouth.

The wipes act as a kind of “living velcro” operating at a nanoscale, due to containing specific carbohydrates and proteins that cause pathogens to stick, and bind, to them.

The wipe is made of biodegradable material and is environmentally friendly. ABDs are contained within individual pouches and so are easily distributed throughout schools.

Cormac Lynch, CEO of Aquila Bioscience, said “Being approved by the Department of Education to supply our ABD Devices is welcomed, and is a significant decision that will enhance the safety and protection of all staff and pupils in Ireland as our schools reopen.”

ABD’s are class I sterile medical devices and are used in emergency situations, and Aquila hopes to incorporate them into first aid kits in classrooms, offices, community areas and more to help keep staff and students safe as schools reopen.

Developer appeals rejection of expansion plans for Claregalway quarry

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August 27, 2020

Galway Daily news Planning approval sought to reopen quarry near Tuam

An appeal to An Bord Pleanála has been made against the county council’s decision to refuse planning permission for an expansion of a Claregalway quarry.

Harrington Concrete & Quarries sought a five year permission to extract rock from a 4.35 hectare site down to a dept of 5m using using explosives at an existing quarry at Ardgaineen, Claregalway.

However Galway County Council refused permission for the development after intense public opposition, with 44 public objections made to the plans.

Locals were concerned about potential danger to road users and pedestrians from the increased HGV traffic, pollution from dust and other materials thrown up by the quarry, and damage to property from blasting vibrations.

In refusing permission for the expansion of the quarry, Galway County Council cited the local road network as being inadequate for the increased level of vehicle traffic expected, and the effect that the operation of the quarry would have on local residents.

The local road is “deficient in terms of its width, composition, alignment and overall carrying capacity to serve a development of the nature and scale proposed,” the council said.

Granting permission for the development would therefore “endanger public safety by reason of traffic hazard and obstruction of road users” and would “have a detrimental impact on the capacity, safety, or operational efficiency of the local and national road network in the vicinity of the site”.

The council also said that based on the submissions it has received it wasn’t satisfied that the quarry wouldn’t “endanger the health and safety of persons occupying the site or adjoining the site and immediate surrounds and serious injure the amenities of property in the vicinity” due to the intensification of dust and noise from the site.

The appeal states that the county council erred in saying that the local road is inadequate for the increased traffic the development would bring, claiming that the council’s Roads & Transport Department did not state as much

Harrington also disputed the council’s claim that the increased dust and noise emissions, blasting vibrations, and increased traffic, could endanger the health and safety of people living nearby, saying that the Environmental Impact Assessment Report submitted with the original application contains enough information to show this would not be the case.

The appeal was lodged with An Bord Pleanála on August 17, and a ruling is due from the board by December 21 of this year.

GMIT offers second chance for students who don’t get the needed Maths grade

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August 27, 2020

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

GMIT and the Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board have introduced a new maths course for students who fell short of what they needed in their Leaving Cert.

The “Enabling Maths” course is meant to assist CAO applicants who didn’t reach the required grade for entry into a number of GMIT courses.

It comprises of a preparatory course and an entrance examination based on the Ordinary Level Leaving Certificate syllabus and of a comparable standard to the Ordinary Level LC Maths examination.

Students who achieve a pass mark in this examination are deemed to have met the minimum mathematics entry requirements for most GMIT programmes. No additional CAO points are awarded.

Jacinta Ryan, Admissions Officer at GMIT, said that this new approach aims to deliver a more inclusive model of access to higher education, as well as increase the “diversity and social mix” of the student body.

“This pre-entry project targets students who might otherwise miss out on the opportunity to progress to higher education”/

The preparatory course will be run online by GMIT from September 14 – 16, with the examination taking place in person there on the morning of September 17.

Students who pass and meet all other entry requirements for their chosen course will receive an offer of a place in Round 2 of CAO offerings.

The course fee is €50 and exam fee €30. Full details are available on https://www.gmit.ie/apply/maths-entry-exam.

Students who have received confirmation from CAO of eligibility for the Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) or the Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) entry schemes can undertake the course and the exam at no cost.

Eithne NicDhonnchadha, Director of Further Education and Training at GRETB, said that getting into a 3rd level course is a “significant milestone” in a young person’s life.

“However from time to time entry requirements can be challenging. Having a Maths pre-entry opportunity for those who may not have achieved the required result first time around is very important as it can change one’s career path in such a positive way.”

“I am delighted that GRETB is working in collaboration with GMIT in providing this opportunity.”

Phil Hogan to resign as EU Commissioner tonight

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August 26, 2020

Galway Daily news Phil Hogan to resign as EU Commissioner tonight

Phil Hogan is expected to resign as an EU Commissioner tonight amid mounting pressures from all sides over his attendance at a golf society dinner in Clifden last week.

Hogan was one of the most high profile guests at an event organised by the Oireachtas Golf Society in Clifden which was attended by 81 people, in breach of limitations on the number of people allowed at gatherings.

On Tuesday Hogan submitted an itinerary of his movements in the days surrounding ‘golfgate’ to President of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen, who was considering his fate today.

The Irish Independent reports that sources in Brussels have confirmed that Hogan will instead offer her his resignation tonight.

There has been particular public ire directed at Hogan over the seemingly combative and evasive statements he has made in the past week as fresh revelations have emerged about his movements in the days around this event, and how they may have breached COVID-19 restrictions.

Hogan, who arrived from Brussels on July 31, claimed that he did not need to complete the quarantine period as he received a negative test result for COVID-19 while in hospital on August 5.

However, the Department of Health quickly contradicted that claim, saying this did not apply to people arriving from outside of Ireland, from a country not on the green list.

This also contradicted an earlier statement by his spokesperson, who said that he had completed the required isolation period.

In a joint statement yesterday, the three heads of the coalition government Micheál Martin, Leo Varadkar, and Eamon Ryan, said that Phil Hogan has “undermined public confidence” by his “delayed and hesitant” release of information.

Eamon Ryan went further than either Varadkar or Taoiseach Martin by saying that Phil Hogan had lost the confidence of the government through his actions.

Leo Varadkar had earlier said that Hogan should “consider his position”, but as an EU Commissioner, the decision on whether to remove him if he did not resign would ultimately reside with Dr von der Leyen.

Coronavirus: More Galway cases but no deaths in Republic for 4th day

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August 26, 2020