Electric buses could soon come to Galway

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June 3, 2020

Galway Daily news Number on Pandemic Unemployment in Galway drops below 20,000

Over 2,000 people came off Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment payments in Galway last week according to the latest figures.

Data from the Department of Social Protection and Employment Affairs, there were 29,500 people in Galway in receipt of pandemic unemployment in Galway as of June 2.

That figure is down 2,100 from the week prior when 31,600 people were receiving the payment on May 26.

The department is now paying €190.2 million to 543,200 people receiving the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment, down 36,200 on last week.

In addition to this there are now 57,800 employers who have registered for the Wage Subsidy Scheme with the Revenue, supporting 508,100 employees.

Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Regina Doherty said that the “peak demand” for the payment has passed in parallel with the flattening of the Covid-19 curve.

“If the current progress on the health front holds firm, we will see an incremental drop on the numbers in need of this assistance.”

However, the Minister cautioned that “not everyone will be getting back to work” in Phase One of reopening the country, and that the payment will have to continue past June.

“As we gradually move through all the phases of reopening our society, we do need to review the nature of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment and how it fits into cross-government plans to keep Ireland healthy and get the country working again.”

Changes will soon be brought forward to accommodate changing circumstances Minister Doherty said, adding that all who need it will receive “appropriate assistance”.

In the last week 33,900 people closed the claim for pandemic unemployment with the department, and of those, 28,400 said they were returning to work.

The main sectors in which people are returning to work this week, continue to be Construction with 9,900 workers back in work.

That was followed by Wholesale and Retail Trade, Repair of Motor vehicles and motorcycles with 4,300 people back at their jobs, and another 2,800 returned to work in the Manufacturing sector.

Coronavirus: 8 more deaths across Republic & small increase in Galway cases

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June 2, 2020

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

A further eight deaths related to COVID-19 have been confirmed this evening, taking the death toll in the Republic of Ireland to 1,658.

Just 10 new cases were confirmed by the NPHET, meaning the number of people who have tested positive for the disease in the State now stands at 25,066.

In Galway, the number of cases as of midnight on Sunday has risen to 482 – an increase of two cases for the second day in a row.

The county continues to have one of the lowest numbers of cases in the state per 100,000 people, and just 1.9% of the national total.

Yesterday, the Republic passed 25,000 cases of the disease.

Speaking this evening, Dr Tony Holohan said: “Over the past week there have been approximately 500 new cases of COVID-19 notified, 54% of which are aged between 24-55 years old.

“Incidences of these cases are spread across 21 counties in Ireland. While we are doing well, the potential for spread remains present across all regions of the country.”

Dr Cillian De Gascun added that as of midnight on Monday 1 June, 348,416 tests have been carried out.

“Over the past week, 22,621 tests were carried out and of these 389 were positive, giving a positivity rate of 1.7%.”

Hospital statistics

Total number of cases	25,056
Total number hospitalised	3,292
Total number admitted to ICU	408
Total number of deaths	1,394
Total number of healthcare workers	7,986
Number clusters notified	867
Cases associated with clusters	10,018
Median age	48

(as of Sunday, 31 May 2020)

Galway Cycling Campaign welcomes EU funding announcement

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June 2, 2020

Galway Daily news Call for Coca Cola Bike Rental scheme to be expanded into Dogughiska and Roscam

Galway Cycling Campaign has welcomed an announcement that cycling will be funded as part of the new mobility funds that will be released by the European Union.

The Urban Mobility package is expected to be around €20 billion and will be given to Member States through EU regional funds.

Its purpose is to support challenges linked to air pollution, climate change and citizens’ wellbeing and it will include a cycling package for cycling infrastructure and e-bike access funds.

Martina Callanan, spokesperson for Galway Cycling Campaign and board member of the Irish Cycling Advocacy Network, said that this is something to celebrate on the eve of World Bicycle Day, which is taking place tomorrow.

“Cycling is part of a solution to a myriad of intimately intertwined social and economic problems: transport and commuting, quality of life, public health, physical and mental health, air pollution, school routes, and transport emissions and climate change targets.

“This is particularly welcome and follows the announcement last week by Minister Ross that the National Transport Authority are offering financial and technical support to all local authorities to deliver improved walking and cycling infrastructure across the country.”

Kevin Mayne, CEO of Cycling Industry Europe (CIE) explained the importance of the announcement, saying that it was made at the absolute core of EU policy making ‘which is a real first for cycling’.

“Secondly it was the clarity of the endorsement, cycling is alongside the other modes as a core responsibility of the EU, not hidden in local transport policy. This is a big breakthrough for the cycling sector.”

Martina Callanan added: “An e-bike access fund is particularly important to help people switch to cycling.

“Cyclist.ie has regularly made submissions to the government, and again recently to the political parties negotiating the programme for government, to introduce an e-bike subsidy scheme, like the SEAI ecar grants.

“Electric-assisted bicycles increase commute range from 6 to 9 km by pedal bike to 20 km, are helpful on journeys with hills and wind, and are enormously supportive to older people and people with mobility challenges.”

Cycling Ireland reports that over 500,000 adults are now regularly cycling, over double the amount of people cycling compared to last year.

GMIT wraps up project that made 10,000 face shields for healthcare workers

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June 2, 2020

Galway Daily news GMIT wraps up project that made 10,000 face shields for healthcare workers — University Hospital Galway with the PPE protective masks made by GMIT School of Engineering. (l-R) Anne Conroy, Deirdre Killeen Senior Supports Services Officer University Hospital Galway, Leonie Cullen, Caroline Miskell, Gerard McMicahel Head of School of Engineering GMIT, Brian DeSilva, Lecturer Mechanical Engineering GMIT and Anne Conroy. Photo:-Mike Shaughnessy

While colleges may be closed, their highly skilled staff have kept at work in the Covid-19 crisis, with GMIT producing over 10,000 face shields for healthcare workers.

Led by Dr Brian de Souza and Eddie Dunbar of the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, ‘GMIT Project Visor’ got underway in April, making face shields in response to an unprecedented demand for PPE.

Working both from the Dublin Road campus and from homes all around Galway City and County, hundreds of people volunteered time to help assemble face shields; firstly for primary care facilities, but later expanding to Galway University Hospitals.

“We initiated a call for staff within GMIT to volunteer for the project in mid-April and were astounded by the response,” says Gerard Mac Michael, Head of School of Engineering

“We were inundated with offers to help. The goodwill and sense of unity was humbling”.

Within days over 170 people had volunteered for the project, and local businesses chipped in more than their fair share of support as well.

Collins’ Plastics in Ballina volunteered their 1,900 sq ft plastics production facility to assist the project, and Standard Printers, Galway donated their expertise, materials and services free of charge.

As the number of cases of COVID-19 has reduced, the project is now coming to completion. The last batch of GMIT visors was delivered to GUH staff this week.

Commenting on the project, Ms Chris Kane, General Manager, GUH, says “The support of our community has been incredible over the past few months.

“In a very short amount of time we’ve had to completely change the way we deliver healthcare and every day we need a large volume of PPE to protect our patients and our staff.”

“We are very grateful to the staff and volunteers form GMIT who produced face shields for our hospitals. At a time of great need and supply challenges, it made a huge difference.”

In addition to Galway University Hospitals, GMIT face shields have been supplied to the Association of Optometrists, Ireland, assisting with the safe reopening of opticians across the country.

Face shields have also been supplied to local charities such as Ability West, nursing homes, pharmacies and primary care centres.

Other initiatives have included the opening of a contact tracing centre, and pioneering the development of open source ventilators.

Dr Brian de Souza said that when we look back on these time, we will remember the “shared feeling of fear and uncertainty” caused by the virus.

“Yet, what also should be remembered is the indomitable spirit and resilience of our community, our commitment to the common challenge”.

Construction contract signed for €1m social housing development in Loughrea

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June 2, 2020

galway daily news housing development loughrea

The construction contract for a €1m social housing development in Barrack Street, Loughrea has been signed.

The housing development was announced last year and will see the creation of 5 two-storied terraced houses – two with 3 bedrooms and three with 2 bedrooms.

Galway County Council confirmed the construction contract with Jada Projects Ltd and it is hoped that the development will be completed in early 2021.

East Galway TD Ciarán Cannon has said that the development is a vital investment in meeting local housing needs.

“This is a vital investment in meeting local housing needs and is being funded under ‘Rebuilding Ireland – Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness’ with the project anticipated to be completed in early 2021,” said Minister Cannon.

“It is especially encouraging to see the development commence at the same time as we prepare to get underway with work on the old Town Hall just further up the street which will add hugely to the town’s enterprise and tourism potential.

“This is an investment in the future of a town which has always had a vibrant business life and is the location of a thriving educational environment and I welcome this further progress in our work to ensure that people’s housing needs are met in regions like East Galway.”

Anti-Racism protest organised for Saturday in Galway City

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June 2, 2020

galway daily news black lives matter anti-racism

An Anti-Racism demonstration has been organised for Saturday in Galway City – in solidarity with the protest organised by MASI, MERJ and Black Pride Ireland.

Demonstrations have been taking place across North America and Europe following the killing of unarmed black man George Floyd in the United States last week.

Galway Anti-Racism Network is asking the Galway community to ‘support the Black Lives Matter movement against racist violence, discrimination and police brutality’ in the United States, while ‘acknowledging our own issues with racism in Ireland’.

People will meet on Saturday, 6 June at 2pm in Eyre Square and the anti-racism organisation has asked everyone to wear masks if possible.

GARN has also called on people to maintain careful social distancing at the event with two meters between people, and to observe proper hygiene practices to minimise the risks associated with COVID-19.

Saturday’s demonstration is just one of many to take place across the world after grim footage showed a number of police officers kneeling on father-of-two George Floyd’s neck and back as he lost consciousness and died.

The protests turned violent in a number of cities – and US President Donald Trump has called on governors in the country to use aggressive means to put down the riots, saying ‘you’re going to look like a bunch of jerks’.

INMO calls for inquiry into Covid-19 rates among healthcare workers

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June 2, 2020

Galway Daily covid-19 INMO calls for inquiry into Covid-19 rates among healthcare workers

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation is calling for independent inquiry into the high rates of Covid-19 cases among healthcare staff.

As of May 26, just a third of all Covid-19 cases in Ireland were among healthcare workers.

Figures previously released by the INMO in April show that of healthcare workers who contract the virus, 35% are nurses.

If this continued through May then roughly 1 in 10 cases in Ireland would be among nurses.

The union is calling for regular publication of detailed statistics Covid-19 cases among healthcare workers, in order to identify how it is being transmitted, and to help eliminate that risk.

The INMO sent a letter to the HSE saying that it is “not satisfied” with the level of detailed information available to date.

This warrants “immediate independent scrutiny” the union argued, adding that it will be seeking a review from the Minister for Health.

NMO General Secretary, Phil Ní Sheaghdha, said: “Healthcare workers make up a third of COVID-19 cases in Ireland.

“This is an unacceptably high rate, indicating that something is going wrong on the frontlines. Other countries see far lower rates of infection.

“To fix a problem, you need clear data. We have asked time and time again for the HSE to publish clear, detailed statistics on healthcare worker infection.

This, she argued, would make it clear which services are being the worst hit and are in greatest need of support.

“The state is asking our members to put their lives at risk to defeat this virus. The very least they can do is provide clear information to allay fears and resolve problems.”

Another €200,000 invested in eBooks and eAudiobooks for libraries

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June 2, 2020

Galway Daily news Another €200,000 invested in eBooks and eAudiobooks for libraries

The government has doubled the funding it has provided for public libraries to buy eBooks and eAudiobooks in the Covid-19 crisis.

To meet the increased demand for online services from libraries, the Department of Rural and Community Development has allocated €200,000 for purchasing eBooks and eAudiobooks.

This is in addition to the already allocated €200,000 which was invested at the beginning of the crisis.

Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring said that usage of online library services has reached “unprecedented levels” since March.

“Since the closure of public libraries on 12th March there has been an average of 504 new members registering daily for the Borrowbox service which provides eBooks and eAudiobooks to library members”.

This is in comparison to an average of 138 people a day registering earlier in 2020, a 264% increase.

“The average number of daily eBook loans prior to March 12th was 1,106 but since then it is more than double that figure with a daily average of 2,502,” Michael Ring added.

The Minister also announced a fund of €20,000 to support the provision of an EasyReader collection of books for emerging adult readers and people with literacy needs.

These “accessible format” of books are meant to help people with literacy needs through “jaron-free” language and shorter sentences.

“This initative has been developed in collaboration with the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) and is being rolled out as part of our national Right to Read Programme.”

Ireland’s libraries are set to reopen on a limited basis in Phase Two of the Roadmap for reopening the country.

Starting from June 8, selected libraries will begin operating a ‘contact and collect’ service, with strict social distancing and hand hygiene protocols in place.

Roadworks resume across Galway county

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June 2, 2020

Galway Daily news Roadworks to disrupt traffic near Portumna on Tuesday

As the easing of Covid-19 restrictions sends more people back to work, multiple sets of roadworks are getting underway across Galway this week.

Today, multiple sets of roadworks have gotten underway near Bullaun, Athenry, and Glenamaddy.

On the R348 Athenry to Kiltullagh road, resurfacing works are taking place on 2km of road from Tallyho Cross at the Athenry end to the motorway bridge on the Kiltullagh side.

These works are expected to take one day to complete.

In order to facilitate these works, the section of the R348 in question will be temporally closed to two way traffic and an alternating, single file, convoy system will be in place until 7pm this evening.

Two days of roadworks have also gotten underway on the R350 Bullaun to Loughrea at Bullaun village, as well as on the Bullaun to Kilrickle road.

In order to facilitate these works, a stop and go system will be in place on the R350 from 7am to 7pm today and Wednesday.

The section of the local Bullaun to Kilrickle being worked on will be closed to traffic completely.

And two day resurfacing overlay roadworks have also commenced on the R364 Glenamaddy – Ballymoe Road at Kilsallagh today.

A stop and go system will be in place to manage traffic on the affected stretch of the R364 while work is underway.

Motorists travelling in any of these areas are being advised by the county council to expect delays and to give themselves more time to make journeys.

World Cup of Galway Restaurants: It’s time to vote in the remaining two groups!

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June 1, 2020

galway daily food World Cup of Galway Restaurants - Final 16

The last 16 restaurants will go head to head on Facebook and Twitter starting tomorrow – but first it’s time to choose your favourite in the two remaining groups.

Vote for your favourite in both groups in the polls below – and check out our restaurants page here on Galway Daily featuring all your favourite eateries in one place, making it easier than ever to choose what and where to eat and order online!

[Total_Soft_Poll id=”11″]

[Total_Soft_Poll id=”12″]

Coronavirus: One death and Ireland passes 25,000 cases

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June 1, 2020

The Department of Health has been informed of the death of 1 Covid-19 patient today, along with 77 new confirmed cases in the coronavirus pandemic.

There have now been 1,650 deaths due to the coronavirus, with the validation of data by the HPSC resulting in the denotification of three deaths.

The total number of confirmed cases the Republic of Ireland passed 25,000 for the first time today, now standing at 25,062 cases.

In Galway there were two new confirmed cases reported today, with the total in the county now at 480 cases.

Of those infected by the coronavirus, 90% have now recovered, with more than 3,285 people requiring hospitalisation.

Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer in the Department of Health, commented “Covid-19 is a new disease, for which we have no vaccine and we have no cure.”

“As restrictions ease and we begin to resume social and economic life, we must do all we can to prevent a second wave.”

“It is vital that we continue to practice hand and cough hygiene and social distancing, with the additional hygiene measure of face coverings in appropriate settings.”

“It is important to give space to our vulnerable people when out and about,” Dr Holohan added.

He concluded by saying that, “We must continue to do all we can to interrupt the spread of this virus.”

Today’s data from the HPSC, as of midnight, Saturday 30 May (24,985 cases), reveals:

57% are female and 43% are male
the median age of confirmed cases is 48 years
3,286 cases (13%) have been hospitalised
of those hospitalised, 408 cases have been admitted to ICU
7,968 cases are associated with healthcare workers
Dublin has the highest number of cases at 12,052 (48% of all cases) followed by Cork with 1,514 cases (6%) and then Kildare with 1,417 cases (6%)
of those for whom transmission status is known: community transmission accounts for 39%, close contact accounts for 58%, travel abroad accounts for 2%

Private hospitals “must resume” some normal service

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June 1, 2020

Galway Daily news Exemption for farmers on burning green waste welcomed

Private hospitals must begin to resume normal service “as soon as possible” Galway TD Michael Fitzmaurice says, as the number of Covid-19 patients drops.

The government made a deal to take over private hospitals to increase the public health service’s capacity to deal with the Covid-19 crisis.

The two such hospitals in Galway are the Bon Secours Hospital and the Galway Clinic.

“While it was necessary for private hospitals to be called upon in order to combat Covid-19, it is now time for normal service to resume in at least some of these private hospitals,” Michael Fitzmaurice said.

The Independent TD said that there are “countless” people who depend on private hospitals for different procedures.

“My office has been contacted by various people who requirement operations, such as a hip replacement for example, but whose appointments have been postponed.

“Some of these people are in constant pain and require the operation as a matter of urgency.”

Questions have also been raised about the amount of use the state is getting out of the deal, with low occupancy reported in Galway.

Last week in the Dáil, Health Minister Simon Harris told Galway West TD Catherine Connolly that Bon Secours Galway had an inpatient occupancy of 41% in the week of May 18 – 22, while the Galway Clinic had 26% occupancy in the same period.

The government said last week that it will not be seeking to extend the current deal past the end of June.

Instead it is hoped that a new deal can be struck that will allow the state access to private bed space in the event of a second wave of the coronavirus.

“While it is important to consider the possible implications of a second wave, people cannot be left to suffer any longer.”

Letting them return to normal service would also help reduce the €115 million plus costs that the state has “racked up” as a result of this deal.

Black Lives Matter Vigil to take place online tomorrow

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June 1, 2020

Democrats Abroad Ireland will join with Americans and individuals around the world tomorrow, June 2nd to hold an online Black Lives Matter Vigil from 6.00 pm to 9.00 pm.

People across the country are invited to join in solidarity via video conference from the safety of their own homes, due to the pandemic.

During the three hour vigil, Democrats Abroad guests, members, and allies will be able to speak out against the atrocities happening in the United States right now.

Carija Ihus, Chair of Democrats Abroad Ireland said: “I’ve seen the video of the murder of George Floyd and have been watching with heartbreak and outrage as the protests have erupted in my home state of Georgia and across the nation.

“I lost a classmate, Marcus, to a police shooting 4 years ago in my hometown of Carrollton. This hits very close to home. I can totally relate to the anger.

“Americans here and in the US want to know why another family is being devastated by police brutality.

“We are speaking out and demand that the killers be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

For more information, and to join the vigil, visit https://www.democratsabroad.org/black_lives_matter_vigil

Entries open for Galway Film Fleadh Pitching Competition

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June 1, 2020

Entries are now being accepted for the Galway Film Fleadh Pitching Competition – which will take place as an online event this year due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Now in its 15th year, the competition has emphasised that good writing is still the backbone of the audio-visual sector and it has provided many writers with an opportunity to get their foot in the door of the industry.

The entry requirement is a 500-word written pitch from beginning to end, from writers of any skill level, with any genre of feature drama, documentary or animation being considered.

Finalists will be selected to pitch their idea live online as an ‘Elevator Pitch’ of 90 seconds to a virtual panel of industry judges and an audience.

The winner will be announced at the online Awards Ceremony and will receive a cash prize of €3,000.

In addition to the prize money and the opportunity to pitch to industry professionals, the there are many benefits of being selected for the Film Fleadh Pitching Competition.

Previous participants have cited opening the door to producers, having their project optioned by producers, being invited on mentorships to hone their craft, bolstering their confidence and providing the first opportunity for them to win over an audience.

As for the winner, the prize can allow them the time to develop and expand their pitch into a full feature film script.

Last year’s winner Roisin Jones has just been accepted on to the Screen Ireland Spotlight scheme which is supporting fresh and exciting emerging screenwriting talent.

Roisin will receive guidance and mentorship from an experienced script editor alongside a development loan and the opportunity to take part in an industry showcase at the end of the scheme.

Speaking about her experience last year Rosin said: “The pitching competition was a huge highlight of 2019 and provided extra ears on the project from the judges.

“Now it has also been accepted into the Screen Ireland Spotlight development scheme for 2020 which is very exciting as it means extra eyes on the script process.

“Fingers crossed that maybe within a few years everything will go full circle and I’ll be back in Galway with a fully completed film ready to premiere!”

The deadline for entry to the Pitching Competition is Thursday 18 June 5pm – and the entry fee is €30.

Plans for 22 new homes at Glenamaddy housing estate

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June 1, 2020

Galway Daily news Green light for new apartment complex in Rahoon

Planning permission is being sought from the county council for an expansion of an existing Glenamaddy housing estate to include 22 new homes.

Renaissance Property Ltd seeks to build 22 new units onto an existing housing estate at Lakeview, Glenamaddy.

The residential development will consist of 4 two-bed, detached houses; 2 four-bed detached houses; 2 two-bed, mid terraced units; 4 three-bed end terrace units; 8 three-bed, semi-detached houses; and 2 four-bed, semi-detached homes.

These will be added onto the existing 20 unit estate at Lakeview which currently consists of detached and semi-detached houses.

The planning application states that the increased variety in home types will “cater for a wider demographic, supporting a more diverse community”.

“The existing roads network moulds the configuration of the new layout with similar linear clusters of units branched off the main distributor road”.

“It is proposed to integrate traffic calming measures into the existing and proposed road network to maintain a safe flow of traffic”.

“These measures will include designated road crossings with dropped kerbing and tactile paving, 30km speed limit and speed bumps.”

A Natura Impact Statement was submitted with the planning application, which said that this development would not impact on any protected sites.

Public submission related to this application can be made until June 27.

Galway County Council is due to make a decision on this planning application by July 18.

Ireland’s Fittest Family is looking for Galway participants

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June 1, 2020

Ireland’s Fittest Family has called on families in Galway to apply to be on the next series which will filmed in August and September this year.

Only two Galway families have been on Ireland’s Fittest Family in the last seven years – the Ó Gibne family in 2017 and the Flynns in 2018.

But after facing stiff competition, neither made it past the first round.

This year, the production will follow HSE guidelines to ensure that strict social distancing is practised throughout the competition by all crew and families taking part.

Davy Fitzgerald, Anna Geary, Derval O’Rourke and Donncha O’Callaghan will return as coaches this year, while Mairéad Ronan is also back to host the tournament.

The requirements for this year’s contest include:

Minimum age is 14 years old by 01 August 2020
Each family must be comprised of four immediate members
Series will be filmed between August – September 2020

The online application form can be found HERE.

Red skin disease symptoms reported in wild salmon in the Corrib

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June 1, 2020

Galway Daily news Red skin disease symptoms reported in wild salmon in the Corrib

Anglers and fishery owners are being asked to report any incidences of red skin diseases in salmon after reports of possibly infected fish in the Corrib.

Inland Fisheries Ireland says that it has received reports of salmon with symptoms of red skin disease (RSD) in both the Corrib and River Leannan, Co. Donegal.

Salmon with RSD have a characteristic red rash on their underbelly, and may also appear lethargic.

As the condition progress they develop skin lesions, bleeding, and skin ulcers along the belly, which then extend to the head and tail.

Secondary fungal infection can further develop which may ultimately result in death of the salmon.

Low levels of this disease were first documented in European fish stocks in 2019.

The disease has cropped up again in the past few weeks, with suspected incidences reported among returning salmon in Denmark, Norway and Scotland.

Last year in Ireland there were 56 documented cases of RSD among salmon in 17 rivers in Ireland, the majority of which were in June.

Dr Paddy Gargan, Senior Research Officer at IFI said, “We are asking anglers and fishery owners to remain vigilant and report any catches of salmon with signs of this disease to us as soon as possible within the constraints imposed by the COVID-19 National Public Health Emergency.”

IFI is liaising with the Fish Health Unit at Galway’s Marine Institute and international colleagues on this issue, as much as is possible within the constraints of Covid-19 public health restrictions.

As part of this, IFI is appealing for anglers and fishery owners to report any incidences of salmon with signs of RSD to IFI to help determine the occurrence of the disease nationally.

Those who catch potentially diseased fish should follow normal biosecurity procedures and disinfect tackle, waders and equipment.

Until the cause of the disease, and the risk of spreading it, has been properly determined, these salmon should not be taken from the water.

image credit: Inland Fisheries Ireland

Naughten “disappointed” Minister won’t extend July provision for children with a disability

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June 1, 2020

Galway Daily news Disappointment that no occupational injury benefits coming for Long Covid sufferers

Galway TD Denis Naughten has said that it’s “disappointing” the Minister for Education will not considering extending the July Provision for children with a disability.

The July Provision is an extended school year programme for children with a severe or profound general learning disability or autism.

Deputy Naughten submitted a question in the Dáil asking the Minister to consider extending the programme into June, and opening it to all children with a disability.

This would be in view of the “significant period of time they have been out of school due to Covid-19” and a once-off provision only.

However the Minister’s response said that it is “not possible to deliver the normal July Provision programme” this year due to the Covid-19 crisis.

“However my Department is planning for a summer provision type programme for children with complex needs this year as soon as it is safe to do so and in accordance with public health advice.”

The primary aim of this programme will be “limiting potential regression” so that students with additional needs don’t suffer difficulties coming back to the classroom next year.

“This may be done through a targeted level of supports to address regression of social skills and re-establish tolerance of routines,” before September.

Minister Joe McHugh also highlighted online resources developed by the National Council for Special Education and Middletown Centre for Autism on supporting children with additional needs in at home education.

The government has also provided €10m in funding to schools for ICT equipment to support students at risk of educational disadvantage.

“While the Minister is planning to put some supports in place, this will fall short of what parents and children would have received in the past,” Denis Naughten warned.

He called on Minister McHugh to meet with parents’ and school representatives to work on designing a scheme to support children with a disability who have been out of school since March.

“Should these children return to school next September without having received support during the previous six months, then they will be at a significant disadvantage which will impact on all school children.”

The Independent TD also said that “innovative” teaching methods required to teach children with a disability this summer could help address come of the challenges which will be more common next September.

The Taoiseach confirmed this week that both secondary and primary schools will reopen at the end of August, describing it as a “low-risk scenario” as regards spreading the coronavirus.

However this may require a lot of flexible shuffling of students, timetables, and school layouts to comply with social distancing requirements.

Taoiseach Varadkar admitted that it may not be possible for all students to attend school for the whole day.

Coronavirus: Two Covid-19 deaths, minor increase in Galway cases

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May 31, 2020