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New community footpath in Craughwell to be ready by next summer

By
Michael Malone
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galway daily craughwell
Construction on a new community footpath in Craughwell will begin in August and will take about 10 months to complete,  it has been confirmed.

The new amenity will boost accessibility between the village, school and local recreational facilities and locals will benefit from it by next summer, Minister Ciarán Cannon said.

The Craughwell Community Footpath project received €100,000 in funding late last year under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.

Commenting on the project, Minister Cannon said: “This is great news for Craughwell and I wish to acknowledge the roles of Cllr. Joe Byrne and Cllr. Michael Maher in working with myself and local stakeholders to bring this project to fruition.

“As we move out of the pandemic, it is vital that we continue to ensure that rural regions receive the support that they need to build up local communities and this is one such project which will do that and ensure that the local community will be able to benefit from this amenity by next summer.”

Traffic levels in Galway City growing faster than the rest of Ireland

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily traffic Traffic delays expected from N65 roadworks today

Galway City has seen the largest weekly increase in traffic figures in the country after a week into Phase 2 of lifting restrictions.

The latest figures from Transport Infrastructure Ireland show that traffic on Bothar na dTreabh, one of the busiest routes in the city, is up 8% today compared with Monday, June 8.

Off all the national routes being monitored by TII at the moment, this spike in car numbers was larger than anywhere except on the M1 motorway south of the border at Jonesboro.

There were 2,803 cars recorded on Bothar na dTreabh between 7am and 10am this morning.

However this figure is still down 38% on the same day in 2019.

Last week saw Ireland enter Phase 2 of the accelerated roadmap for ending the COVID-19 lockdown.

In this current stage people are allowed to travel within 20km of their home, or anywhere in the county, and many more have gone back to work with a greater range of businesses allowed to reopen.

TII has been keeping a daily count of car numbers on ten key routes since late April when the agency began noticing a sustained increase in traffic levels.

Two Credit Unions to merge to form one of the largest in Ireland

By
Michael Malone
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Two Credit Unions in County Galway are set to merge to create one of the biggest financial cooperatives in the country, with 100 staff and around 100,000 members.

The merger between St Anthony’s & Claddagh Credit Union and St Jarlath’s Credit Union in Tuam will have combined assets of €500 million, should their members vote for it.

The process will also need the Central Bank’s confirmation, in line with regulatory and legislative requirements.

Kevin Johnson, CEO of the Credit Union Development Association (CUDA), said that combining the resources of two of the most successful credit unions in the country will create one of Ireland’s most significant credit unions.

He said that this will be hugely beneficial for their members, local communities and Galway in general.

“CUDA, particularly through its collaborate digital development hub, the Solution Centre, is hugely impressed with the innovation and sector leadership shown by St Anthony’s & Claddagh and St Jarlath’s Credit Unions over the last few years,” Kevin Johnson, CUDA CEO explained.

“These credit unions have been at the forefront of some of our major projects which have benefited them and other credit unions throughout the country.

“These have included digital-marketing roll-outs, a retrofit home improvement scheme and a unique mortgage offering.”

The two credit unions have said they would build on an already strong relationship that has seen collaboration on many initiatives in recent years.

It is hoped that the merger will mean more products and services available to members, more opportunities for staff, and local communities being supported.

Kevin Johnson added: “Credit Unions have never been stronger both financially and reputationally, and with the advances they have made in digitising their services, they have significantly improved member experiences by making it easier for people to do business with their credit union.”

61 jobs saved in Galway as company exits examinership

By
Michael Malone
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galway daily news learner drivers test galway
Sixty-one jobs have been saved in Galway as Supreme Deliveries Ltd became one of the first companies to successfully exit examinership during the COVID-19 crisis.

The company, which is the sole operator of DPD in Claregalway, employed 47 people when it entered examinership in March – but now employs 61 people.

The company had incurred losses since it started trading in 2018, but the Court’s protection gave it the opportunity to reorganise the business with a view to having a viable and profitable operation at the end of the examinership process.

This enabled the company to take advantage of the upturn in online shopping as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and to experience a turnaround in trade and profitability.

In recent days, Judge Garavan of the Western Circuit Court approved a Scheme of Arrangement drawn up by Neil Hughes, Managing Partner at Baker Tilly, who was the Court appointed Examiner.

Welcoming the news, Neil Hughes said that the successful conclusion of the examinership process is another example that examinerships can save jobs at a time of economic uncertainty.

“The restructuring plans put in place for Supreme Deliveries,  together with an upturn in trade from online shopping has resulted in an additional 14 staff being taken on during the 100 days of Court protection,” he said.

“With the public health measures put in place to deal with COVID-19 many viable Irish businesses across the country are facing challenges in paying their debts as they fall due.

“Examinership provides a breathing space to allow some of these companies secure fresh investment and restructure its balance sheet.”

Neil Hughes added that far too often, companies facing financial difficulties fail and jobs are lost without fully exploring restructuring options available to them such as examinership.

“As we reopen the economy, it is critical that we do not ignore the real and viable opportunities that exist to protect and secure jobs within indigenous Irish companies situated in our hospitality, food and drink, retail and distribution sectors.”

The scheme formulated by the Examiner enjoyed the support of suppliers, who now have a viable entity to trade with going forward, following a substantial write off of company debts.

Agreements have been reached with all creditors while no pay cuts were undertaken during the examinership process.

Status Yellow weather warning for thunder and possible flooding issued

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily weather Status Orange thunderstorm warning in effect for Galway

A Status Yellow weather warning for thunderstorms and a risk flooding has been issued for Galway and much of the county today.

A separate Status Orange weather warning for heavy rainfall has been issued for the northwest, and a yellow alert for thunderstorms covers four counties in Norther Ireland.

The warning for Galway forecasts; “Scattered thunderstorms developing through the afternoon and evening with heavy downpours and a risk of localised flooding.”

The weather warning, which will be in effect until 9pm tonight, covers counties Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal, Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Louth, Offaly, Westmeath, Meath, Galway, Leitrim, Roscommon, Sligo, Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, and Tipperary.

A Status Orange warning for counties Longford, Cavan, Leitrim and Roscommon is in place today until 6pm.

Met Eireann has forecast “Intense thundery downpours today, in excess of 50mm” which are expected to cause surface flooding.

Counties Armagh, Fermanagh, Tyrone, Derry in Northern Ireland are also under a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms today, which “may cause travel disruption” in some areas.

This is the second thunder warning issued by Met Eireann in quick succession after a similar warning was in place until 11pm on Sunday.

€360m per year for cycling and walking included in Programme for Government

By
Michael Malone
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Galway Daily news Oranmore active travel
Galway Cycling Campaign has welcomed the massive investment in cycling and walking infrastructure which is included in the Programme for Government which was widely leaked yesterday.

This will be allocated each year before the proposed future investment split of 2:1 in favour of public transport over roads, and Galway Cycling Campaign has described it as a smart deal for transport, public health, and supporting the local economy.

The volunteer group for everyday cycling has campaigned over many years for 10% of the land transport budget to be allocated to cycling.

In 2019, it was estimated that less than 2% from the land transport budget was spent on everyday cycling, according to the 2020 budget submission by Cyclist.ie – the Irish Cycling Advocacy Network.

Kevin Jennings, chairperson for the Galway Cycling Campaign, said that a commitment of 10% for cycling in the land transport budget could help change transport in Ireland.

“Recently we all have heard government radio ads asking us to cycle and walk where possible,” he said.

“My kids are asked to cycle to camógaí training. Investment in cycling is investment in public health.”

He said that better infrastructure will encourage more people to cycle during the COVID-19 emergency, and enable the years of social distancing we must do until a Covid-19 vaccine is available.

Cycling is good for local business, he added, as “customers by bike are local and loyal”.

“Research in London and Europe shows that bike parking outside your business brings five times the retail spend as the same space allocated to a car.”

“Our first CycleCoffeeCake event yesterday ended at Ground & Co in Salthill, who were delighted to sponsor this event to support new people cycling as they’ve seen a massive jump in customers arriving by bike.”

Martina Callanan, spokesperson for the Galway Cycling Campaign, said that according to EU research, each 1 km drive costs the public purse €0.11 in terms of travel time, collisions, and pollution, while at the same time each 1 km cycle or walk brings health, environmental and quality of life benefits of €0.18 & €0.37 / km respectively.

“We look forward to the confirmation of the percentage budget for cycling and walking.

“It looks like the Programme for Government will commit 20% of the land transport budget to cycling and walking, as 20% of 2020 land transport budget is €360m.

“We expect 10% to be clearly allocated to cycling as this 10% allocation is endorsed by the UN, Citizens’ Assembly, the Dáil, Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action and the government’s Climate Plan,” she added.

Nursing homes open to visitors again

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway daily news Day services in Loughrea remain in limbo

People are able to visit their older relatives in nursing homes today for the first time since March.

Nursing homes were to remain closed to visitors until Phase 3 of the roadmap out of the COVID-19 crisis, but Dr Tony Holohan said earlier this month that this was being brought forward, as the NPHET felt that “conditions are right”

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has published new guidelines on how to allow visitors to residential care facilities without endangering patient health.

Whether to allow visits to a care facility is open to the person in charge, and they are ultimately the one responsible for ensuring visits do not “compromise overall
resident care”.

Nursing home residents should have a maximum of two named visitors, only one of whom can be present at any one time.

Visits should be scheduled ahead of time, with visitors coming and going through a separate entrance.

Masks should also be worn at all times in the facility, with temperature and symptom checks also required for visitors, who should be asked if they have had COVID-19, or if anyone close to them has.

These are in cases of nursing homes with no COVID-19 outbreak, if there are cases in the facility, then only essential visits should be allowed.

Sage Advocacy, a group which campaigns for older vulnerable people, welcomed the resumption of visits at nursing homes, saying people are “counting down the minutes” until they can visit loved one.

But the group said the impact COVID-19 has shown the need for private homes to be “integrated” in the public health system framework.

Mervyn Taylor, Executive Director, Sage Advocacy, said many families had suffered heartbreak and loss during the pandemic.

“We know there are many families and friends today who are grieving over the loss of a loved one and we also recognise how difficult it has been for nursing staff, carers and all workers in care homes and residential care facilities.”

Man charged in connection with Ballybane stabbing

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news

A man in his 40s has been charged and is due to appear in court today in connection with a stabbing incident in Ballybane.

Gardaí were called to the scene of a stabbing in Ballybane at approximately 4pm on Sunday.

They found a man in his 40s with an apparent stab wound.

The injured man was brought to University Hospital Galway for treatment.

After numerous gardaí units patrolled the area immediately afterwards, another man in his 40s was arrested and brought to Galway Garda Station.

He has since been charged in connection with this incident, and is due to appear before Galway District Court this morning.

Childcare providers accuse government of failing children with extra needs

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Budget 2022: Childcare providers say not enough done to address costs

Childcare providers are accusing the government of failing children with additional needs with its plan to reopen the sector at the end of the month.

The government last week announced a €75 million package of financial supports to help roughly 1,800 providers which would normally operate in the summer to reopen from June 29.

The Federation of Childcare Providers, which represents 1,600 providers nationwide, say the plan doesn’t take into account additional support scheme for children with additional needs which have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme, which normally runs from September to June, was cancelled in mid March due to the crisis.

It provides early childhood care and education for children of pre-school age for three hours a day, five days a week over the course of 38 weeks each year.

The Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) supports, which help children with disabilities access the ECCE scheme by supporting pre-school providers, have similarly come to a halt.

Elaine Dunne, the Chairperson of the Federation, said that under this plan, children with additional needs will not be able to return to childcare, and will have to stay home until September.

“Every single additional needs child in the country will have received no specialised care or education for a total of six months this year.”

“This is an unprecedented disaster for these children and their families as they will regress dramatically without specialised support.’’

Creches and other service providers will be operating at reduced capacity when they do reopen in order to enable proper social distancing.

The aim of these support packages, which includes funding for additional staffing costs, learning materials, and hygiene and cleaning goods, is to ensure that parents do not face higher fees.

Announcing the package, Children’s Minister Katherine Zappone said “Many parents need to return to work to support their families.”

“Childcare is essential to this and a critical element in enabling our economy to get up and running again.”

“We now have a funding model which supports the public health guidance. I believe it supports the sustainability of the childcare sector. It is the first step back towards full capacity.”

But Elaine Dunne described the €75 million figure as “bordering on deceitful” since it includes measures open to all businesses, such as the Wage Subsidy Scheme.

The Federation has raised concerns with a number of other parts of the plan including deducting the value of Local Enterprise Office supports from departmental funding.

Concerns were also raised about childcare providers working on their own not being able to avail of the Wage Subsidy Scheme, as well as a “lack of clarity” on whether government funding will be based on pre-pandemic numbers at creches, or the number of children attending under new rules.

A short timeframe for applications has also been targeted as an area of concern, as funding applications will only open on June 22, and must be approved by June 24, to begin receiving payments on the 26th.

“I would strongly appeal to the Government that they need to go back to the drawing board urgently,” Elaine said, adding that even with the supports childcare providers will have a “black hole” in their finances.

Coronavirus: 1 COVID-19 death, one new Galway case

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news 25 percent drop in COVID cases in Galway hospitals

The Department of Health has been notified of one death of a person with COVID-19 today, along with eight new confirmed cases.

There was one new case confirmed in Galway, bringing the total in the city and county to 486 cases.

The death toll from the COVID-19 pandemic has now reached 1,706 people in the Republic of Ireland, and there have been 25,303 confirmed cases in the state.

Today’s data from the HPSC, as of midnight, Friday 12 June (25,295 cases), reveals:

  • 57% are female and 43% are male
  • the median age of confirmed cases is 48 years
  • 3,279 cases (13%) have been hospitalised
  • of those hospitalised, 416 cases have been admitted to ICU
  • 8,130 cases are associated with healthcare workers
  • Dublin has the highest number of cases at 12,210 (48% of all cases) followed by Cork with 1,533 cases (6%) and then Kildare with 1,432 cases (6%)
  • of those for whom transmission status is known: community transmission accounts for 37%, close contact accounts for 60%, travel abroad accounts for 2%

Galway cyber security company TitanHQ secures major investment

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily business Galway cyber security company TitanHQ secures major investment

The Galway based cyber security company TitanHQ has secured a major investment from the UK private equity fund Livingbridge.

Headquartered in Salthill, and with offices in Tampa, Florida TitanHQ provides web filtering, email security and email archiving cyber security to businesses.

More than 20 years old, the company provides solutions for over 8,500 businesses and 2,500 Managed Service Providers across 150 countries, including Virgin, O2, ViaSat, Pepsi and Datto.

Livinbridge has bought a stake in TitanHQ through its Enterprise 3 fund, which invests in fast growth SMEs with an enterprise value of up to £50m

Ronan Kavanagh, Chief Executive Officer of TitanHQ, described Livingbridge as “a partner that understands the unique strengths of our business, shares our vision for success and has the experience and resources to help us to achieve it.”

“The recent pandemic and the growth of WFH initiatives has further highlighted the need for multiple layers of cyber security and our solutions form key pillars in this security strategy.”

Livingbridge is private equity firm with offices in the UK, the US and Australia, which invests in companies with a valuation of up to €200 million.

Nick Holder, Director at Livingbridge, said that TitanHQ is a “uniquely positioned business” for this fast growing market.

“There is a tremendous opportunity for Titan HQ to accelerate its growth trajectory over the coming years and we look forward to working closely with the management team to fulfil the company’s potential.”

 

image credit: TitanHQ/Linkedin

WEATHER WARNING: Thunderstorm alert issued for Galway

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily weather Thunderstorm alert issued for Galway

Met Eireann has issued a Status Yellow thunderstorm weather warning for and “torrential” rain in Galway and much of the country.

The weather warning states that “thunderstorms will develop today with torrential downpours in some areas bringing a risk of hail and localised flooding.”

It covers all of Munster and Connacht, as well as counties Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath.

Only the east coast of the country is not covered by the alert.

The weather warning will be in place until 11pm on Sunday night.

A thunderstorm warning for Northern Ireland has also been issued by Met Eireann, with thunderstorms expected to develop in Armagh, Fermanagh, Tyrone, Derry.

Temperatures today are expected to reach highs of 22 degrees, dropping to 15 degrees overnight.

Poor conditions are forecast to continue into Monday, with overcast skies throughout the day, along with scattered rain, heaviest in the evening.

City council must show “greater ambition” for Ballyloughane beach

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

A Galway City Councillor is calling on the city council to increase the level of funding for Ballyloughane beach which has long standing issues compared to other city beaches.

Two beaches in Galway City, Siverstrand and Salthill, recently retained their blue flag status, which councillor Alan Cheevers said “compounds the insult” to Ballyloughane beach delivered by the EPA.

They were also two of just five beaches in the country that were awarded the Green Coast award in addition to the Blue Flag.

Ballyloughane beach in contrast, was one of five listed as ‘Poor’ in the recent Environmental Protection Agency’s Bathing Water Quality report for 2019.

This weekend the city council has erected Prior Warning notices at Ballyloughane and Grattan beaches, cautioning that rainfall may lead to bacterial contamination this weekend.

Councillor Cheevers described Ballyloughane as the “forgotten sister” of Galway’s beaches, saying that there has been a lack of investment in the coastline on the east side of the city.

“The truth is that Ballyloughane has suffered from years of comparative neglect when compared to the care and attention given to the beaches in Salthill and Silver Strand.

“The lack of a Blue Flag and the poor classification of the beach are a direct result of this neglect.”

“I find it impossible to accept that in 2020 we cannot find the proper solution to rectify the issues that are resulting in poor water quality results at Ballyloughane.

“Now is the time for Galway City Council to seek the funding that’s needed to get Ballyloughane Beach to the standards the residents of Galway City East deserve,” Alan Cheevers said.

The Fianna Fáil councillor said that long standing issues with water quality have led to an unfortunate acceptance of low standards for the beach.

Along with water quality troubles, it has also struggled with having poor facilities, no proper toilets, disabled access, or changing rooms, he added.

“Ballyloughane has truly become the Cinderella of Galway beaches and the residents deserve better.”

Marine Institute announces new Eoin Sweeney Scholarship Award

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway daily news Marine Institute welcoming university students for 2023 Bursary programme
Marine Institute Headquarters at Renville, Oranmore

Galway’s Marine Institute, together with the PLOCAN (Oceanic Platform of the Canary Islands) in Spain has announced a new PhD scholarship for ocean technology research.

The Eoin Sweeney Scholarship is a 4 year PhD scholarship in advanced ocean technology development and/or ocean observing stems.

It is named in honour of Eoin Sweeney (1947-2017) who was a key figure in establishing Ireland’s nascent ocean energy sector, including the development of crucial test-bed sites off the Irish coast opening opportunities for researchers and technology developers.

The programme aims to provide research training opportunities for scientists in oceanography, marine engineering and related marine science disciplines.

It will also establish collaboration between Ireland and Spain though research undertaken using the test-bed and demonstration facilities in both countries.

The Galway Bay Marine & Renewable Energy test site off the coast of Spiddal is Ireland’s premiere test bed for prototype marine technologies, including in renewable energy.

The scholarship also provides an invaluable opportunity for the scholar to spend two or three months per annum utilising the state-of-the art facilities in PLOCAN, Spain.

The Marine Institute has now announced a call for proposals from academic institutions in Ireland with the necessary competence to host and supervise the PhD scholar.

The scholarship can provide maximum funding of €120,000 over four years, and more details can be found in the Proposal Outline.

The closing date for applications through the Marine Institute is 4pm on Tuesday, July 21.

The Eoin Sweeney Scholarship is funded by the Marine Institute under the Marine Research Programme with the support of the Irish Government.

Roadworks to disrupt Kilcolgan traffic for four weeks

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Roadworks to disrupt traffic near Portumna on Tuesday

Traffic in the Kilcolgan area will be disrupted for the next four weeks by roadworks which are scheduled to get underway on Monday.

Galway County Council is carrying out roadworks on a 1.3km stretch of the N67 from the T junction at Kilcolgan village, headed towards Kinvara.

Work is scheduled to get underway on Monday, June 15, and take approximately four weeks to complete.

A Stop/Go system will be in place to manage traffic for the duration of these works.

Coronavirus: 5 COVID-19 deaths, no new Galway cases

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Galway hospitals see COVID cases double in recent weeks

There have been five further deaths of people with COVID-19 and 46 new confirmed cases reported to the Department of Health today.

The total death toll in the Republic of Ireland from this pandemic has now reached 1,705 people, while there have been 25,295 confirmed COVID-19 cases.

Galway has gone two days in a row now with no new confirmed cases of COVID-19, even with the increase reported today, with the total in the city and county remaining at 485 cases.

Validation of data by the HPSC has resulted in the denotification of five deaths and one confirmed case, which is reflected in the national tallies.

Of the new cases reported today 22 were from samples taken on Monday and Tuesday, and would have been reported on Thursday and Friday, but “laboratory practice” meant they were reported today instead.

The Department of Health says that contact tracing has already taken place in the majority of those cases.

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, said “Today’s increase in notifications of COVID-19 is not an increase in the daily incidence of the disease.

“When the cases are analysed according to the date the samples were taken, it shows that they were spread out over a number of days.”

“All the indicators of the disease are stable or reducing. We will continue to closely monitor these every day.”

Today’s data from the HPSC, as of midnight, Thursday 11 June (25,249 cases), reveals:

  • 57% are female and 43% are male
  • the median age of confirmed cases is 48 years
  • 3,276 cases (13%) have been hospitalised
  • of those hospitalised, 416 cases have been admitted to ICU
  • 8,123 cases are associated with healthcare workers
  • Dublin has the highest number of cases at 12,179 (48% of all cases) followed by Cork with 1,533 cases (6%) and then Kildare with 1,426 cases (6%)
  • of those for whom transmission status is known: community transmission accounts for 37%, close contact accounts for 60%, travel abroad accounts for 2%

Galway United joins call for clarity on FAI supports for football clubs

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Briain Kelly
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Galway United sport Galway United builds up defensive line

Galway United has joined a nationwide call by football clubs for the FAI to provide information on what supports, including financial, are available for a safe return to football.

The call was made by Galway United along with other football clubs in the First Division Alliance on a call with the FAI on Friday.

Under Phase 2 of the roadmap for reopening the country from COVID-19 lockdown, groups of up to 15, including trainers and coaches, may return to non-contact outdoor training activity.

However a return to playing matches is not permitted in this phase of the plan.

The FAI released its own Safer Return to Training Protocol earlier this week, which contains a series of public health and safety protocols for affiliated football clubs returning to training on or after June 15.

A statement from Galway United on their return to the pitch stated:

“Whilst the financial challenges are significant, we are also very aware of the positive impact a return to football would provide for the health and well-being of all involved in our club and wider community.”

“As such, the safety of our players is of paramount importance to the club in this decision making process. We are actively working with other FDA clubs to try to ensure a safe and successful return.”

“We now need some time to consider our options and explore all avenues possible for this to happen.

“We acknowledge and thank all involved for their efforts in the discussions so far, and appreciate your patience and continued support as we work through what is a challenging and complex environment.

Galway awarded €196,000 to preserve historic buildings and heritage

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Galway awarded €196,000 to preserve historic buildings and heritage

Almost €200,000 has been allocated for the conservation and preservation of historically significant buildings in Galway to preserve architectural heritage.

Galway City and County Council have received a combined total of €196,000 in funding under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and the Historic Structures Fund.

Galway Senator and outgoing Minister of State Seán Kyne said that this money from the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht will help safeguard “historically significant buildings and structures” in Galway.

This year they include a pilot programme to combat the impact of climate change on historic buildings.

These two scheme are vital for protecting structures that are “central to our heritage” the former Galway West TD added.

The city council has been awarded €77,000 for nine projects under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme, while the county council has been allocated €79,000 for 17 projects.

A further €40,000 has been allocated to Galway under the Historic Structures Fund which will support works to the Thatch Cottage, Murrough Park in Renmore and Cill Éinde in An Spidéal.

“As well as protecting and conserving these buildings for future generations the funding will also leverage private investment and boost employment in local, highly-specialised sectors,” Seán Kyne said.

The full list of projects in Galway which have been funded by the two schemes is:

Galway County:

  • Ballyglass, Ardrahan – €5,000
  • Main Street, Loughrea – €6,000
  • Tavanagh, Cummer, Tuam – €3,000
  • Tonroe, Ardrahan – €5,000
  • Wormhole, Roscahill – €5,000
  • St. Thomas Church, Moyard – €6,000
  • Moorefield House, Eyrecourt – €6,000
  • Cahermorris, Corrandulla – €2,000
  • Cloonboo, Corrandulla – €5,000
  • Cregboy, Doorus, Kinvara – €5,000
  • The Pines, Creagh, Ballinasloe – €5,000
  • St. Brendan’s Church, Annaghdown – €4,000
  • Killeroran, Ballygar – €2,000
  • Dunlo Street, Ballinasloe – €7,000
  • Moat, Killimor – €2,750
  • Annagh East, Corrandulla – €2,750
  • Kylemore House, Kylemore – €7,500

Galway City:

  • Poor Clare Convent, Nun’s Island – €8,012.50
  • St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church – €14,000
  • Presentation Convent – €14,000
  • Thatched Cottage, Menlo – €4,500
  • 14 High Street – €5,702
  • 17/18 High Street – €14,000
  • 22 High Street – €4,828
  • O’Connell’s Bar, Eyre Square – €4,712.50
  • 16 New Road – €7,245

Historic Structures Fund:

  • Thatch Cottage at Murrough Park, Renmore – €15,000
  • Cill Éinde, An Spidéal – €25,000

Plans to convert prominent Eyre Square store into café

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Green light given to convert Eyre Square store to restaurant and café

Planning permission is being sought to convert a currently closed Dunnes Stores on Eyre Square into a new café and restaurant.

Better Value Unlimited Company has submitted plans to convert the former Dunnes Stores Paul Costello Living store at 40 Eyre Square to a café.

This development would consist of a ground floor café/restaurant with ancially takeaway, with office and storage space on the first floor.

“Given the site’s city centre location we respectfully make the case that a café/restaurant use is acceptable in principle and would actively help preserve the City Centre as the dominant commercial area of the city”.

The application states that these plans have been submitted to “assist in the future letting of this vacant unit”

“The shop’s external facade will remain unchanged and the shop’s existing signage is to be replaced.”

“Replacement signage can be agreed by way of planning condition”.

“As an end operator for this unit remains to be agreed, we would request that no condition be placed on the development restricting opening hours”.

However the application proposes a closing time of 10pm.

In order for any café/restaurant to “remain viable” when open with social distancing restrictions required for COVID-19, interested operators have said that a takeaway would be required “to complement on site dining” the application claims.

It asks the city council to permit this development to operate with a takeaway service, “even if is on a temporary basis” for three or five years.

The subject site, which fronts onto Eyre Square and Rosemary Lane, is not a Protected Structure itself, but is part of the Eyre Square Architectural Conservation Area.

Galway City Council is due to make a decision on this planning application by July 19.

World Cup of Galway Restaurants – Last 16

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Briain Kelly
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galway daily food World Cup of Galway Restaurants - Final 16

We’re down to the last round of the final 16 in the Galway Daily World Cup of Galway Restaurants and Takeaways.

There’s still time to vote and see which of these two restaurants, Tulsi Indian or Cooke’s restaurant and wine bar, will go through to the quarter finals.

One of them will join Handsome Burger, Vinnie’s, Lolo’s Pizza & Pasta, Papa Rich Woodquay, Bun Bros, BóTOWN, and Galway Tandoori in the final eight.

Vote in our Facebook poll below to choose which restaurant you would like to see advance.

And to check out more incredible takeaways open near you, visit galwaydaily.com/galway-restaurants.

One poll left in the World Cup of Galway Restaurants Last 16!Tulsi restaurant galway vs. Cookes Restaurant and Wine…

Posted by Galway Daily on Friday, June 12, 2020

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