Coronavirus: 4 deaths and 98 new COVID-19 cases

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August 7, 2020

Now in its 14th year, Athenry Walled Town Day is set to go virtual for the first time due to Covid-19.

The theme of this year’s event is ‘Learning from our Heritage’ – and will be a family focused fun day where all sectors of the community can gain a better appreciation of the medieval town walls and the town itself.

The events are programmed to suit all age groups and have a strong educational
and awareness building theme.

Marie Mannion, Heritage Officer, Galway County Council said: “Athenry Virtual Walled Towns Day 2020 has been designed to be inclusive, accessible, fun and free for all to view on our websites and social media platforms.”

Alan Burgess, Manager, Athenry Arts Heritage Centre added: “The programme reflects the medieval history of Athenry and is a platform to showcase craft, food, art weaponry music, the rich heritage assets of the town.”

Dr Christy Cunniffe, Dr Jeff Dann, GK Media and Gary Dempsey will be in attendance, as they take people on virtual tours of Athenry Walls, Castle, Dominican Friary, the Mace and Seal of Athenry, Loro Gate and St Mary’s.

Loughrea Craft Club have two videos on how to make a medieval castle and how to make medieval characters for your castle and Athenry Medieval Times newspaper is a must read as is Athenry Medieval activity book.

There is also an online etching exhibition by Martina Passman of the main medieval features of the town. This exhibition is also on view in Athenry Heritage Centre.

Gary Dempsey has created wonderful 3D models of Athenry Market Cross, the Mace
& Seal of Athenry and elements of the Dominican Priory.

Film maker Paul Murphy has produced an excellent film on the Art and Craft of Spinning with Sandra King, Irish Fibre Crafters and Medieval Combat Armour by Brian Quinn. Anna O’Donnell, Gastronomy Heritage Expert showcases the art of Butter making on the banks of the Clarin river.

Listen to a podcast of a walking tour of Athenry by Sally Ann Barrett, Galway Bay FM as she interviews Alan Burgess and Dr Jeff Dann on the wonderful treasures to be found as you walk around the town of Athenry.

Gary Dempsey has created 3D models of various elements of the medieval heritage of Athenry including the market cross, the seal of Athenry and the tomb of Meiler de
Bermingham.

Harper Úna Ní Fhlannagáin has produced 10 videos entitle “Noteable Events – Irish
Music and History” and she will give the historical context behind a selection of
Irish pieces she plays.

Artist John Flynn has created excellent post cards on Athenry Madonna Athenry, the
14th century Mace and Seal of Athenry and the Market Cross. Copies are available
from Athenry Heritage Centre and the Heritage Office, Galway County Council.

Huge class sizes in parts of Galway is a “huge concern” says Galway TD

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August 7, 2020

A Galway West TD has expressed concerns about new figures from the Department of Education which show class sizes with as many as 37 pupils in some parts of Galway.

Mairéad Farrell TD said that it is clear that overcrowding in classrooms is a huge problem, and called on the government to immediately carry out an audit of class sizes across the country.

“New figures show that the median class size in 2019 was 25 students,” she said. “The EU average is 20 students per class.

“Classes in Wicklow and Kerry had up to 39 and 38 children respectively, whilst schools in Galway, Limerick, Louth and Meath were not far behind, with up to 37 kids sharing one classroom.”

Schools in Galway had up to 37 kids in the classroom, while in Westmeath there were 45 pupils in one class last year.

The Sinn Féin TD said that the planning for a return to school in just three weeks’ time is being made more difficult because ‘we have the highest class sizes in Europe’.

She said that the Government failed to tackle this in its plans for the reopening of schools, whilst one in every five primary school children here is in a class of over 30.

“There are countless classes that are far too big, in buildings too small, and not fit for purpose,” added Deputy Farrell.

“The first step in ensuring that educational standards and safety protocols are maintained, is by drastically reducing class sizes down to the EU average of 20.

“It is extremely disappointing, then, that the government parties voted against our Private Members’ Motion last week that would have committed the Government to doing just that.

“If there ever was a time to tackle this issue, surely this is it. To start, all classes of over 30 kids should be abolished, and never allowed to return.”

Support local creators and Shop Galway in 25% off sale

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August 7, 2020

Galway Daily business Support local creators and Shop Galway in 25% off sale

It has never been more important to support local creators; artists, designers and more who are struggling to make a living, which is why Shop Galway is running a 25% off sale for its Galway branded merchandise.

Shop-Galway.com is e-commerce store making it easier for people to shop local at a time when so many artists, designers and craftspeople are still struggling to make any kind of a living event as COVID-19 restrictions ease.

All while wearing great kit that highlights some of the most well known attractions in Galway, or appreciating the finest points of life here with unique designs on stylish art and accessories.

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Grab one of more of a range of t-shirts, hats, and hoodies celebrating great evenings down in Salthill, craic at the Sparch, or our very own Michael D looking pure beast at a concert back in ’84, now even more affordable at 25% off.

Protect your phone with a case emblazoned with the city skyline in dazzling colours, or fill up on shopping with a Tote Bag that calls out to all other Galwegians. Gaillimh Abu!

Galway and the Atlantic Coast have some of the most stunning scenery in Ireland that’s a photographer’s dream to capture on camera.

Own a little bit of that majesty for yourself with breathtaking prints of sights such as Pine Island in Connemara, the sun rising over Blackrock Diving Tower, or a once in a lifetime shot of Comet Neowise dashing across the sky over Mutton Island lighthouse.

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At a time when everything in clothing and accessories has “gone international”, it’s good to bring a bit of local pride back to the market says James Dorrian, Managing Director of Galway Daily and Shop Galway.

On top of that, artists, designers and other craftspeople: “who may have been relying on stalls, fairs, and other events to sell their merch can have a new place to get their products out there while things are still so badly affected by COVID-19.”

Check out the full range of great clothes, accessories, and art that celebrates that best city and county in the west of Ireland at www.shop-galway.com.

Galway Pride 2020 ploughs ahead with August festival

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August 7, 2020

Every year Galway has a summer of non-stop action, festivities, and cultural and artistic show cases. At the end of typical that summer in Galway comes Galway Pride.

This is no typical Galway summer but Galway Pride will still be delivering a week full of events like the 30 years that have come before it, albeit in a new online format.

The pride festival began in 1981, at a time when the LGBT+ plus community in Ireland had to endure much more regressive attitudes in Ireland, and the festival was as much a protest against that as anything else.

Many things have changed since then, but the Pride festival remains much needed as a celebration and a driving force to move the community forward.

Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, Galway Community Pride will be going ahead with its annual festival this month from August 10 – 16.

The festival will follow in the footsteps of others by moving the bulk of the events online.

Galway Community Pride Chairperosn Scott Green said that planning a Pride is always an exciting challenge and 2020 is no different.

“Galway Pride has had to adapt in ways in never has before and like many organisations we had learn on our feet.”

“We had imagined a very different Pride before Covid-19 made everyone change how we did events like these.”

“So with a mostly virtually calendar of events we have managed to deliver another Pride Week because we know how important it is for our community.”

The theme for Galway Pride 2020 is ‘Ní Neart Go Cur Le Chéile’, which stands for strength through unity.

“Never before have we all had to stick together by making choices and sacrifices not just to keep ourselves safe, but to keep others safe,” Scott said.

“It’s why this year we have dedicated our Grand Marshal role to all healthcare care workers, for exemplifying these selfless principles.”

He added that this is also an important mantra for people in the LGBT+ community, saying that there are those who are increasing trying to target the “most vulnerable” in society.

The LGBT+ community is “completely united” in the face of a “seedy underbelly” of society that attacks them he said.

Galway Pride will run from August 10 – 16, with a total of 25 events taking place, most of them online in order to comply with social distancing requirements.

On Monday evening the Pride Launch will take place where the Community Awards 2020 will mark important role models, campaigns and community groups.

Gaeilge will again be a core part of Galway Pride as it is a bilingual event with many Irish language events throughout the week.

Several panels will also take place across Pride with topics on anti-racism, mental health, workplace well-being, activism, and trans and non-binary voices.

And of course there well be some much needed entertainment with music nights, movie watch alongs, and a rainbow cake tutorial.

Despite the current circumstances, the festival organisers wanted keep some of the in-person element of the festival, so three events will take place in person.

This will start with the annual flag raising in Eyre Square, followed by a midweek vigil, also in Eyre Square, with masks and social distancing at both events.

And on Sunday morning a new event will see the community on their bikes for a coffee and cake session in collaboration with the Galway Cycling Campaign.

“Having the chance to meet and come together in person, where safe, is really important for the community,” Scott Green said.

City and County councils resume bulky goods waste collection

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August 7, 2020

Galway Daily news City and County councils resume bulky goods waste collections

Galway City and County councils are resuming their bulky goods waste collection service this month, with an extended collection period in recycling centres.

Bulky Goods collections were suspended when Galway’s Council’s closed their recycling centres in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

They are now resuming with a collection to run from August 10-22 at the Civic Amenity sites in Tuam, Ballinasloe, Clifden, and at the Carrowbrowne Recycling Centre on the Headford Road.

This collection service is open to households in Galway City and County.

Items that will be accepted in this collection include upholstered furniture such as couches, armchairs etc; wardrobes; bedside lockers; bedframes; as well as tables and dining chairs.

Goods that will not be accepted include construction and demolition waste, electrical items, hazardous waste, bags of household waste, ceramic items, or textiles.

The gate for this bulky goods collection service is €5 per car/van and trailer.

This service must be booked in advance via the Barna Recycling Waste before coming to any of these sites at: https://barnarecycling.com/booking

This service is for household waste only, and any commercial operators will be turned away.

For more information please contact your relevant council’s environment section.

For the county enquiries contact: 091 509510 or environment@galwaycoco.ie and for the city contact: 091 536400 or environment@galwaycity.ie.

NUIG wins big at national student societies awards

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August 7, 2020

Galway Daily education NUIG wins big at national student societies awards

NUI Galway remains one of the top ranked colleges in the country for student societies, taking home multiple prizes at the national society awards.

At the 24th annual Board of Irish College Societies Awards NUIG increased its total tally of awards since 1996 to 75, winning in three categories on the night.

Following detailed entries for the awards including a portfolio and short video presentation, NUIG won in:

Best Society in a Charity of Civic Field – Sláinte Society
Best Society in a Cultural, Academic or Social Field – Dramsoc
Best Event – Akumakon, Anime & Manga Society

“As NUI Galway Societies Officer I could not be more proud of our societies and I am humbled with the way they have coped with lockdown and continue to engage with us and their members,” said NUIG Societies Officer Ríona Hughes.

She praised the university’s societies for operating well under very trying circumstances during the COVID-19 crisis, saying this “augurs well” for when they return to college next semester.

The awards were livestreamed from the Shelborne Hotel in Athlone to over 250 groups taking part, in order to comply with social distancing guidelines.

Ríona Hughes, who is also an BICS Executive Member said that this was the product of months of planning.

“I am thrilled we were able to produce such an interactive event for our 23 member colleges and even more so that NUI Galway once again proved what a top class institution it is.”

“It’s yet another demonstration of the can do attitude of colleges and universities in the face of such challenging times.

The societies at NUIG are now preparing for the Virtual Summer Festival which will run from August 26-29, with a wide array of events from the university and the wider creative community in Galway.

Anyone who is interested can get details on www.socs.nuigalway.ie

Coronavirus: Five deaths & 69 new cases reported today

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August 6, 2020

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

Five more deaths related to COVID-19 have been confirmed by the NPHET this evening – however four of these deaths occurred a few months ago.

Sixty-nine new cases have also been confirmed today, taking the total number of cases in the Republic to 26,372.

There have been no new confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Galway, meaning the total number of cases in the county remains 498.

Of the 69 new cases reported today, 37 are men and 31 are women. A majority (65%) are under 45 years of age.

Dr Ronan Glynn, Acting Chief Medical Officer, said: “Over the past fourteen days, 226 cases have arisen in Kildare, Laois and Offaly. These represent almost half of all cases in Ireland over that time period.

“While the majority of these cases can be accounted for by outbreaks, this volume of cases is significant and our main priority now is to ensure that these outbreaks do not lead to widespread community transmission in the region.

“NPHET continues to monitor the situation closely. I urge people in these counties to remain vigilant to stop the further spread of COVID-19 in these areas.”

Professor Philip Nolan added: “We have seen a significant increase in the incidence of COVID-19 over the past week.

“The reproduction number for the virus is now estimated to be 1.8. A reproduction number of almost 2 is a serious concern, and although we have not yet seen a significant increase in community transmission, there is a significant risk this could develop over the coming days and weeks emphasising the need for each of us to be extremely cautious that we do not contribute to the transmission of the virus.”

Navy rescues ship drifting towards the rocks off Galway coast

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August 6, 2020

Galway Daily news Navy rescues damaged ship drifting towards the rocks off Galway coast

The Irish Naval Service have been praised for rescuing a tanker ship full of oil drifting towards a rocky stretch of island off the coast of Galway this week.

Shortly before midnight on Sunday, the LÉ Niamh responded to a call from the Coast Guard to a ship drifting without engine power off the coast of Galway.

At the time of the callout the cargo ship was adrift 9 miles south of Slyne Head after suffering an engineering breakdown.

The 60m long Aqua Transporter was carrying 32,000 tonnes of fuel, and 2 metric tonnes of lubricant oil, which could have had disastrous environmental consequences in the event of a crash.

On Monday the LÉ Niamh took the damaged tanker under tow just 4 nautical miles west of Skedmore Island after it had drifted closer to land overnight.

Under the command of Lt Commander Claire Murphy, they towed the damaged ship to safely anchor in Galway Bay.

image credit: Irish Naval Service via Twitter

In pictures: Anti-Direct Provision protest at Eyre Square

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August 6, 2020

Pictures of the Anti-Direct Provision rally at Eyre Square.

Photos: Cleo McKeon Burke

Health Services Staff Credit Union issues over €10M in loans in just one month

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August 6, 2020

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

Health Services Staffs Credit Union (HSSCU) has made history by issuing over €10 Million in loans to its members in just one month, during July 2020.

The credit union says that the vast majority of this €10 million will be spent locally and will garner a sizeable addition to the Irish economy.

As a nationwide credit union with branches in Galway, HSSCU has enabled members to transact business from home for many years.

Speaking of HSSCU’s achievement, HSSCU’s marketing manager, Pádraig Power said: “We have a fantastic team and this achievement would not have been possible without strong
interdepartmental teamwork and the community that we have cultivated with our members.

“Credit unions are ingrained in Irish culture. I see this as an achievement not only for HSSCU, but for the Irish Credit Union Movement.

“We have once again stepped up to the plate and our members have acknowledged this in making credit unions their lender of choice.”

HSSCU has introduced tailor-made products such as the ‘Stay at Home’, ‘Elevate’ and ‘Staycation’ loans, which have helped address lending needs such as tiding members over during the pandemic, elevating members’ home-life scenarios and enabling members to take well-deserved breaks.

Speaking about the milestone, HSSCU’s CEO, Sean Hosford stated: “This is a major achievement for our Credit Union.

“We knew there was pent up demand following the shutdown, and by listening to our members, we quickly developed and launched products to meet their needs.

“We found our new Stay at Home, Elevate, and Staycation loans to be very popular, as well as existing products, such as our large home improvement loan.

“All of these loans are designed to be spent locally and we are delighted that our members, many of whom have worked on the frontline during the pandemic, can now also contribute to our economic recovery.”

Ireland’s first ever drive-in theatre show as gaeilge comes to Galway

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August 6, 2020

fiach theatre show galway conamara drive-in

Ireland’s first ever outdoor theatre show as gaeilge will begin next week in Baile na hAbhann, Conamara.

From the safety of their cars, spectators will watch the World Premier of Philip Doherty’s Fiach – an epic show that features live music, projection and special effects.

Fíbín Theatre Company’s show, in association with An Taibhdhearc, will run from August 12th to the 22nd and tickets are priced at 25 euro per car.

The drama is Fíbín’s Artistic Director Philip Doherty’s latest production, since winning the top awards of ‘Best Irish Film’ and ‘Best Irish First Feature’ in the Galway Film Fleadh, with his feature film Redemption of a Rogue.

Commenting on the Fiach, Philip Doherty said: ‘Fíbín wanted to rise to the challenge in making theatre that is safe, but thrilling for a live audience.

“We’ve had to think outside the box, and if anything it has pushed us to be inventive, and create new ideas for performance.

“We are delighted to be able to invite an audience to ‘Fiach’, our Drive-in Theatre show, where people can enjoy the electric experience of watching a story together in a great atmosphere’.”

Venue: Baile na hAbhann, Conamara, County Galway.

Dates: 12-22 August, 2020

Tickets: €25 (per car)

Two men (60s) injured after Headford Road traffic collision

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August 6, 2020

Two men in their 60s were taken to hospital after a road traffic collision on the N84 Headford Road this morning.

Gardaí attended the scene of a road traffic collision which occurred on the Headford Road early on this morning.

The two vehicle collision occurred at approximately 8am on the morning of Thursday, August 6.

Two males in their 60s, drivers of both vehicles, were taken to University Hospital Galway after the collision.

A Garda spokesperson said that the men’s injuries are non-life threatening.

Aldi chooses Portumna store to trial new 100% recycled plastic bags

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August 6, 2020

Galway Daily news Aldi chooses Portumna store to trial new 100% recycled plastic bags

Aldi customers in Galway will be among the first in Ireland to trial new reusable fruit and vegetable bags made from 100% recycled plastic bottles.

The reusable plastic mesh drawstring bags are meant for cutting down on plastic waste carrying loose fruit, as well as heavier items.

Aldi is trialling the reusable bags at a selection of stores around the country, including Portumna, where they will be available to purchase for €0.49.

“In the last year, we have completely overhauled Aldi’s range of shopping bags to introduce eco-friendly options that are compostable, reusable and recyclable where possible,” said John Curtin, Aldi Group Buying Director.

He added that it is hoped customers will respond positively to the move, which is part of Aldi’s goal of cutting their use of plastic packaging in half by 2025.

Measures taken by the discount supermarket so far include introducing compostable and recyclable packaging in its fresh herb range, cardboard trays in its Specially Selected tomato range, moving all 1ltr fresh Irish milk to fully renewable and plant-based packaging, and introducing three new environmentally friendly bag options in its stores.

Aldi says that these have so far managed to save the use of 12.5 million plastic bags annually in its stores.

The trial for these new plastic bags will run for four weeks at stores in Ardkeen, Carrick-on-Suir, Castlebar, Castleisland, Dungarvan, Dunmanway, Limerick, Nenagh, Portumna and Wilton.

“All the team here at Aldi’s Portumna store are delighted we were chosen to lead this new trial,” said Austin Mahony, Aldi Portumna store manager.

“Sustainable shopping is something we hear customers talking more and more about, and we’re looking forward to hearing any feedback our customers may have over the coming weeks.”

Gardaí urge boat owners take precautions after engines stolen

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August 6, 2020

Galway Daily news Gardaí urge boat owners take precautions after theft of engines

Gardaí in Galway are urging boat owners to take safety precautions after the alleged theft of two boat engines in Connemara in recent weeks.

Clifden Gardaí are investigating the two alleged thefts of boat engines from the Leenane area which took place in June and July.

The first incidenet involved the theft of a Yamaha longshaft boat engine from Leenane between 6pm on June 22, and 8am on June 23, 2020.

The second theft took place between 4.30pm on July 24, and 9am on July 25, 2020, and also involved a black Yamaha boat engine.

Sergeant Michael Walsh, Garda Crime Prevention Officer for Galway, said that boat owners should try to protect their property by making them more challenging, and less attractive targets for thieves.

One suggestion the sergeant made was that, where possible, boat engines should simply be removed after use and brought home with the owner.

“I appreciate this is not always possible given both the weight of the engine and its proximity to transport based on your mooring location; but if removed it obviously provides the best security for your engine.”

Other security suggestions included locking your boat engine to a secure mooring point, removing the plastic cover to make it a less attractive target, or installing a GPS tracking system on the engine.

“These trackers can be set to instantly message your mobile phone if your engine moves,” Sergeant Walsh said.

“Obviously CCTV and other more costly surveillance systems can be adopted, and perhaps angling clubs may look at these options going forward.”

“Be aware that boat engine thieves don’t always come by road and may approach from the water by boat themselves, especially during the hours of darkness.”

Gardaí are appealing to the public for information in relation to these two thefts.

Anyone who may have been in the Leenane area in the vicinity of Killary Harbour on those dates and who may have noticed unusual activity or who may have video footage from the dates in question is asked to make contact with Gardaí in Clifden on 095 22500.

Contact can also be made in confidence through the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111, or with any Garda Station.

Oranmore Arts Festival gives voice to female artists for Culture Night

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August 6, 2020

Galway Daily music Oranmore Arts Festival gives voice to female artists for Culture Night

Oranmore Arts Festival are presenting a special online music experience next month for Culture Night, featuring three incredible female voices in Bean/She.

Outstanding young artists Denise Chaila, Niamh Regan and Gráinne Conaty will each perform a set of original material representing the best of contemporary music in Ireland.

Headlining Bean/She is Denise Chaila who contributed an electrifying performance to Other Voices: Courage, in May 2020.

A self-described ‘grime poet’, she is taking the Irish hip hop scene to new heights since her song ‘Copper Bullet’ became one of the standout releases of the past year.

The Limerick based performer released her debut EP, Duel Citizenship, in 2019, with her first album, Go Bravely, due to be released in 2020. Her performance, recorded in Oranmore Castle, is not to be missed.

Niamh Regan is a singer-songwriter from County Galway. She has earned a reputation in her hometown, and nationally, for her beautiful vocals and lyrics.

Niamh has a strong connection to the local arts and music scene, including this festival, having first performed for the Oranmore Arts Festival as support to Mundy in 2019.

Since then she has gone from strength to strength with the release of her new single ‘Save the Day’ ahead of the release of her debut album, Hemet, this month.

Oranmore Arts Festival’s organisers says they are delighted to have her back as a principle act for this special production.

From Co. Cavan, Grainne Conaty is a singer-songwriter who won the Oranmore Arts Festival’s Virtual Open Mic competition with her song ‘In Limbo’.

Described by legendary singer songwriter Luka Bloom, who judged the competition in May 2020 as ‘a wordsmith [and] a thinker’, she released her debut EP ‘Wild Heart’ last year.

The festival team are delighted to share this emerging talent with local audiences.

The Oranmore Arts Festival is a not-for-profit arts organisation with a driving motivation to provide access to the arts across all stratas of the local community.

The main four day festival takes place in May, with smaller events running throughout the year.

Having presented the entirety of the 2020 festival online last May, the festival is continuing that tradition of providing ongoing meaningful artistic experiences for the local community despite the COVID-19 crisis.

Bean/She will take place at 8:30pm on Culture Night, September 18, running live on the festival website at www.oaf.ie.

Cemetery Sunday mass at Bohermore will be behind closed doors

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August 6, 2020

Galway Daily news Cemetery opening hours

Cemetery Sunday mass in Bohermore will be closed to the public this year, but will be live streamed online.

The mass at Bohermore Cemetery will take place at 11am on Sunday, August 16.

Galway City Council has said that “In agreement with the Diocese this mass will be held behind closed doors and will not be open to the public.”

However, for those who wish to observe the service, it will be streamed live at http://studiorove.ie/graveyardmass/, and broadcast on Galway Bay FM.

Plans lodged for 47 new houses in Ballinasloe

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August 6, 2020

Galway Daily news Planning appeal over 91 houses & apartments in Athenry

Planning permission is being sought to demolish a derelict house in Ballinasloe and build a new residential estate with 47 houses on the site at Kilgarve.

The proposed development by Carbon Sole Ltd involves the demolition of a derelict bungalow along Church St, Ballinasloe, and building 47 new homes on the site.

The proposed housing consists of 4 detached bungalows, 5 terraced bungalows, 22 semi-detached two-storey houses, with a mix of two and three bed units; and 16 two-storey, two-bed, terraced houses.

The developer also proposes to include a children’s playground within a centralised public green area.

“The proposed development offer a wide spectrum of house types to cater for the aspirations of a range of people and households,” a Design Statement for the application says.

“The generous public and private open space provision together with the quality of recreational facilities proposed, will all positively contribute towards the quality of life for future residents at this location.”

“The proposed ‘Children’s Playground’ will encourage a vibrant use of the main open space area as well as a community gain for future residents of the scheme and existing families in the area.”

The site is described as an “underutilised parcel of land” in an area of Ballinasloe town that is already serviced.

The existing access to the site would be replaced by the construction of a new access junction onto the R446 Dublin Road.

The plans include a total of 79 car parking spaces, which the developer says is “slightly in excess” of what is required under the County Development Plan.

24 bicycle parking spaces will also be provided at two separate stands, and the developer proposes installing bicycle ‘mounts’ to the rear of each house.

A Traffic and Transport Assessment was compiled for this application by Cavan based Traffic, Transport and Road Safety Associates Ltd.

Galway County Council is due to make a decision on this planning application by September 14.

Coronavirus: No deaths and 50 new cases today

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August 5, 2020

There have been no deaths related to the coronavirus reported today, but the Department of Health has notified of 50 new COVID-19 cases.

There have now been a total of 26,303 COVID-19 cases in the Republic of Ireland, and the death toll from the coronavirus pandemic remains at 1,763 people in the state.

In Galway the number of confirmed cases has remained the same at 498, based on the latest data available as of midnight on Monday, August 3.

Yesterday, the government decided that Ireland would not move onto Phase 4 of easing lockdown restrictions based on advice from the National Public Health Emergency.

This means that pubs which do not serve food will remain closed, and restrictions on the size of gatherings will remain in place.

“I know the decision yesterday not to move to Phase 4 will have been disappointing for many,” said Dr Ronan Glynn, Acting Chief Medical Officer.

“However, NPHET’s priority must be to control the spread of this virus in our communities and to protect the progress that we have achieved to date.”

Five destinations were also removed from the government’s green list of countries to travel to, and NPHET has today asked the government to restrict non-essential from countries with high rates of coronavirus infections.

From next Monday, it will also become mandatory to wear a face covering in all shops.

Dr Glynn said “COVID-19 is an extremely contagious virus and we have seen a significant increase in its spread across multiple counties over recent days.”

“Our focus over the coming weeks will be on continuing every effort to slow the spread of the virus so that our schools can reopen, our healthcare services resume, and our nursing homes are protected.”

Of the cases notified today:

31 are men and 19 are women
81% are under 45 years of age
42 are associated with outbreaks or are close contacts of a confirmed case
4 cases have been identified as community transmission
11 cases are located in Wexford, 10 in Kildare, 6 in Dublin, 5 in Donegal, and 18 are spread across nine other counties (Carlow, Cork, Limerick, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Sligo, Tipperary and Wicklow)

Rural pubs “facing ruin” due to delay in reopening

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August 5, 2020