Galway Market returning this weekend with new safety measures

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May 29, 2020

Refunds for people who had already paid for this year’s Leaving Certificate exams have been processed by the Department of Education, it has been confirmed.

Families in Galway who paid for the Leaving Cert will receive the refunds in the next few days, East Galway TD Ciarán Cannon said.

Students in schools sitting the Leaving Cert for the first time this year were due to pay a fee of €116 – while students repeating the exams were to pay a fee of €301.

But the exams were postponed due to concerns arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and students have now been given the option of receiving ‘Calculated Grades’.

Students also have the option of sitting the exams at a later stage, when it is deemed safe to do so.

Commenting on the refunds, Minister Cannon said: “The cancellation of the Leaving Cert exams this year means that there will be no need to pay fees and fees for Junior Certificate/Cycle have also been waived.

“I therefore welcome the confirmation that for any families in Galway who had already paid these fees, refunds have now been processed by the Department of Education and Skills.”

RED forest fire warning issued for bank holiday weekend

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May 29, 2020

Galway Daily news Minister warns of risks from illegal land burning

The Department of Agriculture has issued a Condition RED warning for “extreme forest fire risk” over the weekend.

The elevated forest fire risk this weekend is due to a combination of dry conditions creating hazardous fuels such as dead grasses, heather, and gorse.

There is also an anticyclone currently over the North Sea, which is expected to track eastwards over Ireland in the next 24hrs.

The ‘Type A’ fire weather pattern it’s bringing has been known to cause extreme fire behaviour in Ireland in the past.

The Fine Fuels Moisture Code is now in excess of 85 and Initial Spread index values are in excess of 10 across much of Ireland, which together create conditions for high fire spread potential.

It will also make any forest or gorse fire that crops up extremely difficult to suppress.

Under such extreme conditions, the department is warning that any ignition could create “rapid and unpredictable wildfire development and spread”.

The Condition RED warning will be in place from midday today until the same time on Bank Holiday Monday.

The department is advising that all controlled burning should cease immediately, and the use of barbeques or other outdoor fire sources should not be permitted near on forest lands or other at risk areas.

With silage season underway, extreme caution is also advised while making hay this weekend, as the machinery and dry vegetation pose a fire risk together.

Vehicles should not be parked at forest entry points to avoid potentially blocking emergency vehicles, and people intending to visit forest lands are being reminded of the 5km travel limit still in place.

Rural residents and landowners should also generally exercise vigilance this weekend, checking on elderly or vulnerable neighbours to ensure their safety.

Have you seen this dog? Cash reward offered for safe return of missing Riley

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May 29, 2020

A cash reward has been offered for the safe return of a family pet who has been missing for two weeks.

Riley went missing on the 15th of May from Coillte Mhuirlinne in Ballybane, and hasn’t been seen by the family or any neighbours since that date.

The dog is popular around the estate, and is ‘known by so many people’, the owner has said.

However there are growing concerns about the dog’s safety and whereabouts.

The owner says that her kids ‘miss him like crazy’ and her neighbour told her yesterday that she misses Riley going over to her.

The dog’s mother was a morkie mix of Yorkshire terrier and Maltese, and his father was a papillon.

The family has had Riley for nine years – and anyone with any information about the whereabouts of the dog is urged to come forward.

UPDATE 30.05.2020 | Riley has been reunited with his owners, and is now home!

Six year old boy rescued after being swept out to sea in Connemara

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May 29, 2020

Galway daily news Six year old boy rescued after being swept out to sea in Connemara

A six year old boy who found himself swept out to sea at Renvyle, Connemara on Thursday afternoon was rescued from the water by a fishing boat.

At approximately 4:30pm on Thursday the young boy, who was at the beach at Renvyle with his family, was carried out to sea on his bodyboard.

The Coast Guard Rescue 118 helicopter, a crew from Cleggan Coast Guard Station, and both Clifden RNLI lifeboats were deployed to the emergency,

An alert was also sent out to boats in the area to respond to the situation.

This proved a fortunate move as a fishing boat rescued the boy from the water and brought him back to his family at the shore.

The boy was assessed at the scene by a paramedic from Rescue 118 and Cleggan Coast Guard crew, and did not require medical attention.

Clifden RNLI Community Safety Officer Miryam Hayes said “We are all very relieved at the outcome of this launch and well done to the fisherman who came to the aid of this family”.

However, with the June Bank Holiday approaching, and more fine weather expected, she also urged people to exercise safety on the water.

“With the beautiful weather at the moment we would encourage everyone to be safe in their seaside activities.

Be sure to check the tides and wind forecast regularly as conditions can change so quickly.

Always try to do your activity with another person, have a means of calling for help with you and wear a life jacket appropriate to your activity.

Athenry Community Council launching online lotto

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May 29, 2020

Galway Daily news Galway family syndicate "laughing, cheering and crying" after €250,000 Lotto win

Athenry Community Council is adapting to the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions by launching an online version of its local lotto.

The Community Council lotto in Athenry is used to fund the upkeep of a number of community facilities, as well the ‘Athenry News & Views’ magazine.

Chairperson of Athenry Community Council, County Cllr Shelly Herterich Quinn said “When the lockdown was implemented everything came to an immediate halt. It was obvious to me something pressing had to be done.”

Matt Lawless of Clubforce had previously helped the local Monivea RFC go online, and it was to him that Cllr Quinn went to for advice on doing the same with the Athenry lottery.

Lotto envelopes will still be available from the usual outlets, however due to the current restrictions there will only be one collection point at The Shopping Basket on Church Street.

Envelopes can then be dropped back before 6pm on Thursday. The draw will subsequently take place electronically and all rules for the Jackpot, Match 3 and Lucky Dip remain the same.

“People have always enjoyed playing the lotto for a good cause and we are delighted to be able to bring the Community Council Lotto online and indeed international now.

“The committee of Athenry Community Council were very supportive of the idea and I want to thank long serving member Willie Killeen for his commitment to the lotto and his help in getting the ‘Online Lotto’ rolled out.”

The proceeds from the lottery are used to fund maintenance of:

The Community Hall
The Raheen Playing Fields
The Town Park
The Allotments at Knockaunglas
The Handball Alley and the 1916 Commemorative Garden at Swangate

Gaeltacht summer schools receive €4.7 million lifeline

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May 29, 2020

Galway Daily news Funding awarded to explore feasibility of Irish Language Cultural Centre in Galway City

Gaeltacht summer schools left desolate by closures due to the Covid-19 crisis have received emergency support from once off funding of €4.7 million.

Galway Senator and Minister of State Seán Kyne said that this once off stabilisation fund has been set up to keep Gaeltacht summer schools viable past this crisis.

His department announced on April 20 that summer courses in the Irish Language in the Gaeltacht would not go ahead this year.

From the fund €3.1 million will be given to for colleges to provides refunds on fees and deposits to parents.

While the remaining €1.6 million will help offset the losses incurred by the roughly 700 households who normally take in students.

Announcing the stabilisation fund, Senator Kyne said that Gaeltacht communities faced “unique challenges” due to the cancellation of summer schools.

The €4.7 million fund recognises the contribution gaeltacht schools make “providing language learning and enrichment opportunities” for the Irish language outside of the normal school sector.

These 42 recognised colleges take in 26,000 students each summer for Irish Language courses.

He added that sector is a significant contributor to regional economies, “estimated to be worth €50m annually, also provides a valuable income source to over 700 Gaeltacht householders”.

He added that the money going to households housing gaeltacht students provides significant “down-stream benefits” to local communities.

“In light of this and the importance of ensuring the sector’s ongoing viability into the future in the broader context of the language, I am delighted to be in a position to provide this stability fund”.

The fund will be drawn from existing resources within the Community Language and Supports programme at the department.

Coronavirus: 9 Covid-19 deaths, spike in Galway cases

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May 28, 2020

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

Nine more deaths of patients with Covid-19 have been reported today, along with 46 new cases in the Republic of Ireland.

This brings the national death toll in the Covid-19 crisis to 1,629 people, while there have been a total of 24,841 cases in Ireland.

The number of Covid-19 cases in Galway jumped in today’s count, with 9 more confirmed cases bringing the county’s total to 473.

Validation of data by the HPSC has resulted in the denotification of one death, which is reflected in the national death toll.

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said “Throughout this pandemic NPHET has maintained a consistent focus on mortality, being very aware of the sad toll of lost loved ones on families.”

A mortality paper discussed by NPHET today shows that mortality levels in Ireland from Covid-19 have been at the lower end of the scale compared with other countries around Europe.

“Ireland will continue to report both confirmed and probable deaths from COVID-19 in all settings and direct public health measures to limit the burden of mortality.”

Today’s data from the HPSC, as of midnight, Tuesday 26 May (24,795 cases), reveals:

· 57% are female and 43% are male
· the median age of confirmed cases is 48 years
· 3,267 cases (13%) have been hospitalised
· Of those hospitalised, 404 cases have been admitted to ICU
· 7,920 cases are associated with healthcare workers
· Dublin has the highest number of cases at 11,996 (48% of all cases) followed by Cork with 1,458 cases (6%) and then Kildare with 1,414 cases (6%)
· Of those for whom transmission status is known: community transmission accounts for 40%, close contact accounts for 58%, travel abroad accounts for 2%

Dr. Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer said that the NPHET agreed “in principle” today to sudden loss of smell (anosmia) and loss of taste (ageusia) in the case definition for Covid-19.

This is subject to updated guidance from the European Centre for Disease Prevention, which is expected tomorrow.

The reproduction rate for the virus is currently estimated to be at 0.5, while hospital admissions continue to decline said Professor Philip Nolan, Chair of the NPHET Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group.

Next week we are expected to see figures which will reflect the easing of restrictions on the spread of the disease, thought it is hoped that the r number will remain below 1.

Community outraged as local post office closes after 180 years

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May 28, 2020

galway daily ardrahan an post office shop

Residents in Ardrahan have expressed their anger and disappointment after the closure of their local post office after more than 180 years in business.

The post office – which also served as a shop – allowed locals to buy goods and use the postal service, and they will now have to drive to the closest convenience stores in Labane or Kilcolgan.

Responding to the closure of the post office in the village, East Galway TD Ciarán Cannon said that the loss of post office services to any community is ‘deeply disappointing and to be avoided if at all possible’.

“I’m in discussions with An Post management to determine how these services can continue to be provided to Ardrahan village and the local community,” said Minister Cannon.

People Before Profit’s Galway spokesperson Adrian Curran said that local residents in Ardrahan would be within their rights to hold a socially-distanced protest against the closure.

He blamed the government for the ‘decline of rural communities’ – which he said was ‘undeniable’.

“Over the last decade, rural schools, post offices and libraries have all been on the front line of so-called government rationalisation.

“When added to decline in agriculture, the future of rural Ireland looks quite uncertain. To reverse this decline will take a systematic investment and employment strategy,” said Adrian Curran.

Students urged to use caution before leasing accommodation this year

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May 28, 2020

Galway Daily news Galway City Council has announced plans for a social housing development of 84 apartments and houses in Knocknacarra.

Students are being advised to exercise extreme caution before signing up to a lease for accommodation this year, as it’s still uncertain what the academic year will look like.

The Union of Students Ireland housing charity Threshold have joined forces as students have been dealing with accommodation issues present and future due to the effects of the Covid-19 crisis.

Many students are still struggling with refunds for accommodation they had to vacate early due to the pandemic.

And the two groups have also expressed concern that people could be left out of pocket and fighting to get deposits back if they book accommodation early, when it is still so uncertain when the 2020/21 academic year will start.

Universities and colleges have also signalled that they plan to deliver more of their educational content than ever in an online format for the coming year to maintain social distancing.

USI President, Lorna Fitzpatrick said that dealing with concerns about accommodation due to Covid-19 was was one of the biggest topics of debate at their congress this week.

NUI Galway currently has plans to for different schools to start the 2020/21 year on a staggered basis between September and November, and with substantial modifications to calendars of semesters 1 & 2.

Start dates for the next academic year have yet to be confirmed by GMIT, which is currently working on a ‘Return to Campus’ plan for new and returning students.

However the university has also advised that these commencement dates are “likely to be revised further” as the government releases a timetable for Leaving Cert results and CAO offers.

“The USI has been contacted by students from every college and university across the country who have been affected by this situation,” Lorna Fiztpatrick said.

“We again call on companies and landlords to show some compassion to students that are in difficult circumstances.”

The USI has received reports some student accommodation providers are offering up to two months free rent if people pay for the entire academic year up front it says.

Lorna Fitzpatrick said that it’s “disturbing” to see students being put under this much pressure when it’s still uncertain what the coming year will look like.

John-Mark McCafferty, CEO of Threshold echoed the view that “We would advise students to hold off on committing to any lease arrangement until they have clarity from their college or university as to how frequently they will be required to attend on campus.

“We would also strongly advise students not to hand over a deposit until they are absolutely sure they will be renting the accommodation.”

He concluded by saying that “If it seems like a great deal, it is probably too good to be true.”

Shock and anger across Galway after local business has products seized – again

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May 28, 2020

Galway daily news PBP express support for CBD dispensary raided by gardaí

There has been an outpouring of support for Little Collins CBD Dispensary in Galway City after its products were seized by Customs – one year after the business was raided.

The owners of the local business say that in the past three weeks, Customs have taken two litres of full spectrum CBD Oil and 10kg of hemp flower.

They claim that the government is infringing on their civil liberties and their right to run a legitimate business in the county.

“One year ago they did the same, back then it was seizures plus raids,” said JP O’Brien, co-owner of Little Collins.

“That matter remains in limbo of course, there have been zero updates from the authorities, even though our company and our solicitor have been pushing for a resolution.”

The business says that once the products are seized, they have no recourse to communicate with Customs on the matter.

“There is literally no number, email or office we can contact,” he said.

People across Galway took to social media today and yesterday to show their support for the business – and anger at the situation – with similar levels of solidarity expressed as when products were seized last year.

In May 2019, the store was raided by plain-clothes officers, who seized all of the hemp flowers in the premises, before entering and searching the home of the owners.

In response to the events, Revenue said: “If a product contains any amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), regardless of the concentration and unless otherwise authorised, it is illegal to import, export, possess or supply it without the appropriate documentation issued by the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) on behalf of the Department of Health.

“Cannabis is a controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Acts, 1977 to 2015. As such, goods which are being imported into Ireland and that contain THC, are liable to seizure under Sec 34(1) of the Customs Act 2015.

“Under Section 851A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 Revenue is legally precluded from commenting on interactions with, or the tax affairs of, any individual, or business. These provisions apply regardless of the information available in the public domain.”

But JP O’Brien says that the business is merely ‘attempting to supply the Irish people with a harmless, natural, herbal product which is actually very beneficial’.

“Legislation is clearly inadequate to handle this new and booming industry, it’s almost like my Grandad trying to teach me how to use a smart phone.

“Numerous hemp trade bodies have been attempting for years to communicate with the Government to constructively move forward in this area. To date, they have routinely been ignored.

“The next three to six months are extremely important for the future of a cannabis industry in the Republic of Ireland. We implore you to be heard,” he added.

Check out Little Collins on our Galway restaurants and cafes page, featuring all your favourite places to eat out (and take away from)!

#SupportLocalBusiness #ShopLocal #EatLocal #EnjoyLocal

World Cup of Galway Restaurants – Group D!

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May 28, 2020

galway daily food World Cup of Galway Restaurants - Final 16

Bun Bros stole the show in Group C – with over 70% of the votes. They join Papa Rich Woodquay (also from Group C), Woozza, Vinnie’s, Xi’An Street Food and Handsome Burger in the last 16.

But now it’s time for Group D! Vote below – and check out our restaurants page!

[Total_Soft_Poll id=”8″]

Road deaths up 9% in 2020 as Gardaí and RSA issue safety appeal

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May 28, 2020

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

An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority are appealing for road users to take extra care as new figures show that road deaths are up 9% this year.

There have been 60 road deaths so far this year according to provisional figures, while the number of fatal collisions is up 17% from last year, with 56 fatal collisions up to May 27, compared with 48 in 2019.

Of great concern for both the Gardaí and RSA is the doubling in pedestrian deaths this year. 18 pedestrians have been killed this year compared to 9 in 2019.

However while pedestrians deaths are up dramatically, there has also been a drop in cyclist deaths, with one cyclist killed on the roads so far in 2020, compared with three in the same period last year.

This appeal for extra care comes as the Gardaí prepare to launch a special roads policing operation this June Bank Holiday weekend.

Garda Superintendent Paul Cleary of the National Roads Policing Unit said that the operation will focus on four key areas of: driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, and using a phone while driving.

Superintendent Cleary described these as four ‘Lifesaver’ offences which will be the focus of enforcement to prevent road deaths.

“Of concern is the number of people arrested so far this year for driving under the influence of an intoxicant; either alcohol or drugs.”

Despite Covid-19 restrictions on both pubs and travel, there have been 1,153 people caught driving under the influence in the space of just two months since March 27.

This bank holiday weekend there will be increased Garda activity and roads policing enforcement; the primary focus of this operation is to save lives and prevent serious collisions,” Supt Cleary said.

“We want people to enjoy this bank holiday weekend as best they can in difficult circumstances, but we also want every road user to act responsibly and stay safe when using the road.”

Minister for Transport Shane Ross said that he is “alarmed” by the rise in road deaths this year, particularly those of pedestrians.

“Road safety is a public health issue and the way we all behave on the road determines whether people live, suffer injury or die.”

“This means drivers being alert to danger and slowing down and pedestrians walking on the right-hand side of the road towards oncoming traffic if there are no footpaths.”

Highlighting the risks over the bank holiday Mr Michael Rowland of the RSA said that good weather forecast will likely bring people out on the roads walking, jogging, and cycling.

Secondary students who are now on their holidays will also add to the crowds, while silage season means more agricultural vehicles on the roads he said.

“So, motorists need to slow down and expect the unexpected while walkers and cyclists should be seen and use the road safely.

Tenders sought for Martin Roundabout conversion

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May 28, 2020

Galway Daily news Call for report into delays to Martin Roundabout conversion

Galway City Council is seeking tenders for the reworking of the Martin Roundabout in Renmore to a signalised junction.

The Martin Roundabout, located next to the Galway Clinic on the Oranmore road into Galway, is one of the busies traffic spots in the city.

Galway City Council intends to convert the roundabout into a fully signalised junction complete with a new layout prioritising buses, and full pedestrian and cycling facilities.

Funding of €2.7 million from the first round of the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund has been allocated to the project.

Galway City Council is now seeking contractors for the detailed design and constructions phases of the project Galway Senator Seán Kyne has said.

Design services being sought include signalised junction design, signage, public lighting, flood risk and civil engineering including bus, cycle and road design.

“This is one of the key routes into the city and caters for commuters and different types of transport from Oranmore, Clarinbridge and the south of the county,” Seán Kyne said.

He added that it is “very welcome” to see so much emphasis being placed on making the junction friendlier to public transport, cyclists, and pedestrians.

“With the impact of Covid-19 the speedier development of different transport types to allow for social distancing is more important than ever.”

Call for Coca Cola bike rental scheme to expand to Salthill and Knocknacarra

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May 28, 2020

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

A City Councillor is calling for the Coca Cola bike rental scheme to be expanded to Salthill and Knocknacarra to improve social distancing transport options.

The Coca Cola Bike rental programme currently has 22 stations in Galway City, with a total of 195 bikes to rent.

But the vast majority of these are clustered around the city centre, with only a few further out such as one each in Westside, Dangan, and Mervue.

City Councillor Clodagh Higgins said that “given social distancing will remain in place
for sometime” it’s vital to expand transport options as people return to work.

“We therefore, must provide transport solutions to people who have to commute to work in
our city so we can make the place accessible for all”.

The Fine Gael councillor said she believes people will “not be confident” about travelling on public transport for some time, so it is crucial to offer sustainable alternatives.

As part of the expanded health advice that came with Phase 1 of easing Covid-19 restrictions, people are being advised to wear face coverings in situations where social distancing is more difficult, such as on public transport.

Given Salthill and Knocknacarra’s proximity to the city centre and the numbers living in this area, I believe the scheme will be well utilised and will deliver health benefits and great value for investment.”

“This will leave a lasting and positive legacy on our areas, well beyond this pandemic” Councillor Higgins concluded.

The Coca Cola Bike Rental service operates from 5am to 12:30am, seven days a week. People subscribe to the service, and choose the stand they wish to take a bike from to receive the lock code, and can return it to any available stand.

The science behind our Seafood

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May 28, 2020

Galway daily news The science behind our Seafood

The work that goes into managing and conserving Ireland’s sources of seafood, and ensuring that its safe for human consumption, is taking centre stage in a new online resource from the Marine Institute.

Seafood remains the single largest source of protein in the world, with more than 3 billion people relying on the oceans as their primary source of this essential nutrition.

The seafood industry plays a huge role in Irish cuisine, especially here on the west coast, as well as being a major part of the economy, valued at €1.22 billion in 2019.

Exploring the science behind our seafood with ‘Food from our Ocean’ is the first topic in the Marine Institute’s Oceans of Learning series.

The Oceans of Learning series is a new online resource sharing news and offering online interactive activities, videos and downloadable resources on a new marine topic each week.

Dr Paul Connolly CEO of the Marine Institute said, “Our Oceans have always been an important and reliable source of food, and our work ensures that this resource is managed in a responsible and sustainable manner.”

The Oranmore based Marine Institute plays a crucial role in ensuring the sustainability of the Irish marine sector by assessing crucial fish and shellfish stocks around Ireland.

This information is used to inform the Irish government and the EU on what can be sustainably fished from the waters around Ireland.

The Institute also carries out year round testing of shellfish and monitoring of their main production areas to ensure they are safe for human consumption before going on the market.

“Our scientists work closely with industry to ensure our shellfish meet approved standards,” Dr Connolly said.

“Research in fisheries and aquaculture is also a key component of our work with the Newport Research Facility acting as a hub for national and international research on fish ecology, genetics and population dynamics ”

Irish commercial fish landings alone are worth €216 million each year, though the continued prosperity of that sector faces the same challenges every industry does in the face of the Covid-19 crisis.

“The main challenge facing the seafood sector for the foreseeable future will be our recovery from the economic impacts of the current public health crisis,” Minister for Agriculture and the Marine Michael Creed said.

“This will require stakeholders to develop a renewed focus on innovation across the seafood sector to ensure that employment is maximised and the momentum for longer term sustainable growth is maintained.”

The Marine Institute also provides a range of services to the aquaculture industry to ensure that the industry operates to the highest standards, in the areas of seafood safety, fish health and monitoring of the marine environment.

Councillor asks why Galway City isn’t collecting vacant site levy

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May 28, 2020

galway daily news average rent in galway rooms for rent in galway city price

Calls have been made for the city council to show transparency on why it is not collecting money owed under the vacant site levy.

A report by the Oireachtas’ Parliamentary Budget Office released recently found that just four local authorities collected monies under the vacant site levy last year.

Neither the city nor county councils in Galway collected any money in 2019 according to the PBO report.

City Councillor Alan Cheevers says that this money is needed now “more than ever” when every penny is needed to help find our way out of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Under the 2015 Urban Regeneration and Housing Act, local authorities are required to maintain a register of residential or regeneration land in its area which has been vacant for more than 12 months.

Since 2019, such sites have been subject to an annual levy of 7% of the land’s value, increased from 3% originally.

Galway County Council does not currently have any sites listed on its ‘register’, one of eight local authorities with no active register last year.

Galway City Council lists six sites on its register, one of which is under appeal. The other five have a combined valuation of €4.2 million.

The largest of these is a €1.6 million valuation for the former Dawn Dairies site on the Dublin Road.

Councillor Cheevers says that he is asking the city council to issue a full report on

Coronavirus: 17 Covid-19 deaths, Galway cases rise again

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May 27, 2020

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

An additional 17 people with Covid-19 have died today, almost double yesterday’s figure and a sharp increase from the start of this week, when no deaths were reported on Monday.

An additional 73 new cases of Covid-19 have also been confirmed to the HPSC today, three of which are in Galway.

The national death toll from this pandemic now stands at 1,631, while there have been a total of 24,803 confirmed cases in the state.

The total number of confirmed cases in Galway is now 464, which amounts to 1.9% of the national total.

Validation of data at the HPSC has resulted in the denotification of 1 death.

Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, said that to date 90% of Covid-19 patients have recovered.

“But we cannot afford to stop the hard work involved in suppressing this virus.”

“Covid-19 is a new disease. Ireland and the world understand more about the virus now than we did at the outset of this crisis.”

“What we do know is that hand washing, social distancing and knowing when to self-isolate do work.”

Today’s data from the HPSC, as of midnight, Monday 25 May (24,730 cases), reveals:

57% are female and 43% are male
the median age of confirmed cases is 48 years
3,251 cases (13%) have been hospitalised
Of those hospitalised, 399 cases have been admitted to ICU
7,891 cases are associated with healthcare workers
Dublin has the highest number of cases at 11,961 (48% of all cases) followed by Cork with 1,451 cases (6%) and then Kildare with 1,408 cases (6%)
Of those for whom transmission status is known: community transmission accounts for 40%, close contact accounts for 58%, travel abroad accounts for 2%

Dr Siobhán Kennelly, HSE National Clinical Advisor and Group Lead for Older Persons, said “COVID-19 is having an impact on everyone in Ireland. We understand that as the country reopens in phases, people may be anxious.

“If we all maintain social distance, wash our hands well and often and know when to self-isolate, together we will keep this virus suppressed.”

Two men arrested following robberies at Rahoon store

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May 27, 2020

galway daily news Further arrests made in connection with car park brawl

Two men have been arrested following two separate robberies of the same retail premises in Rahoon, one of which was an armed robbery.

The first of these robberies occurred on May 17 at around 3pm, when two men entered the premises of the retail premises in Rahoon armed with a knife and an iron bar.

They demanded money from the shop worker and the contents of the cash till were immediately handed over.

Some other shop items were taken by the men before fleeing. No injuries were reported.

The second robbery took place on may 24 at approximately 6:45pm when two men entered the same premises and once again demanded the contents of the till be handed over.

Another sum of cash was taken from the shop. No injuries were reported, a garda spokesperson said.

Following extensive local enquires, a 35 year-old male and 34 year-old male have since been arrested in connection with these robberies.

They are being detained at Galway Garda Station under section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.

Temperatures to soar to 29°C in parts of Galway!

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May 27, 2020