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Tired of the regular takeaway? There’s plenty of options out there

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily life & style Tired of the regular takeaway?

Takeaway food is a great indulgence, a little bit of ‘It’s been a long week and I deserve this’ and another part the pleasure of just not having to cook yourself. 

But after weeks in lockdown with few other indulgences still available to indulge in, and not a lot going on to occupy the mind for a lot of people, another pizza or bag of chips is still a delicious takeaway, no doubt, but not quite the same treat as it was a few weeks ago.

Fortunately, with so many cafés and restaurants now running collection and delivery services, there are more options than ever to get some take home food in Galway that falls a little outside of the usual pizza and chips at the end of the night. 

Here are just a few ideas for a change in pace from your usual takeaway fare that could be part of a full dinner, a light lunch, or just a snack to take you through the day.

Cottage Pie

A staple of Irish traditional home cooking, a Cottage Pie being divvied up with a side of fresh veg is a taste of home and family life.

Piping hot savoury beef, rich with gravy and crunchy onions, covered in a thick layer of creamy mashed potato with an ever so slightly crisp shell, all of it melting together in your mouth. I dare anyone to try that and say that Irish food is boring.

Now this might fall under the heading of a dish you can cook at home, whereas you’re unlikely to have a traditional stone baked pizza oven, or an industrial scale frier.

And while I’m sure that this time in lockdown has prompted many people to take up the spatula with great vigour, after the better part of two months I know my effort levels when it comes to cooking have, unfortunately, plummeted.

Getting a freshly made Cottage Pie to take home, knowing that its made with fresh local ingredients by a professional chef, has all the satisfaction of home-cooking, without any of the hassle.

For a fresh Cottage Pie as the centrepiece of any dinner, try Flannery’s Hotel in Galway City, now running a Call & Collect service at weekends.

Salad

A salad doesn’t just have to be a boring bowl of greens nicked from a rabbit, it we’ve long since moved past the notion that it even has to be a strictly vegetarian choice.

A great salad can is more than just the vegetables that go into it, bringing them together with different meats, roughage and dressings that can turn a light snack into a full blown meal of its own.

Salads are also a fantastic way to blend foods of different nationalities, experimenting with sauces, vegetables and more from all corners of the globe.

And why go the takeaway route? Well for one thing, if you’re thinking of whipping one up at home, this can save you the hassle of having to buy a long list of ingredients to put together one, admittedly extraordinary, dish.

But if they supermarket shelves beckon, with healthy food made easy, then keep in mind that freshness is key for any salad, and the best way to ensure that is to have it made to order for you.

If you’re interested in a range of salads and other veggie centric dishes, but still packed to the brim with indulgent flavour, try Moycullen Green Foods and their signature takeaway bowls.

Ice-Cream

Bit of a sharp u-turn here from our venture into healthier territory, but ice-cream has always been one of those “ah shur why not” indulgences.

A cold and creamy treat that can be the perfect snack to liven up an otherwise monotonous day, or the finishing touch to a larger meal, ice-cream suits many ocassions.

You might be able to get a litre tub from the supermarket cheaper. but is anyone really going to deny the difference in quality that comes from freshly made ice-cream, that added creaminess that comes when it doesn’t have to be able to last in the freezer for weeks.

For a range of ice-creams that includes your usual options, and other flavours such as cookie-dough and bubble-gum, along with a range of other desserts to accompany it, try Bubble Bee café on Abbeygate Street.

 

Many of Galway’s restaurants and cafés are adapting to the current crisis by offering takeout services, whether for delivery or collection. To see what restaurants are open near you and what they have to offer check out galwaydaily.com/galway-restaurants.

Boil water notice Kinvara will remain until repairs are completed

By
Michael Malone
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Galway Daily news Kinvara Boil Water Notice

A boil water notice will be in place in Kinvara from 9am on Monday, Irish Water has confirmed.

The notice will last for the duration of essential repairs to a piece of equipment at the water treatment.

The areas affected affected include Kinvara and the surrounding areas of Nogra, Moy, Dooras, Gortboy, Caheravoneen, Cahernamadra, Tralick, Crushooa and the west side of Ballinderreen village.

Minister Ciaran Cannon said that Irish Water confirmed to him that the repairs will take place over a number of days – and that the boil water notice is necessary in order to protect the health of customers.

“The HSE has advised that the tap water is safe to use for personal hygiene such as handwashing, bathing and flushing of toilets and the public is urged to continue frequent handwashing in line with HSE Covid-19 advice,” said the East Galway TD.

 

1,072 people caught speeding during National Slow Down Day

By
Michael Malone
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galway daily news national slow down day

A total of 1,072 vehicles were detected travelling over the speed limit on National Slow Down Day which ran from 7am yesterday until 7am this morning.

The aim of the garda operation was to remind drivers of the dangers of speeding and to reduce the number of speed-related collisions, save lives and reduce injuries on our roads.

More road deaths have been recorded so far this year compared to last year, despite the historic low traffic volumes due to the COVID-19 restrictions.

Galway Cycling Campaign welcomed the 24-hour operation, but said that every day should be National Slow Down Day.

Martina Callanan, spokesperson for Galway Cycling Campaign, said: “The research is stark. If you are walking to the shop and a person driving at 60km/h hits you, there’s a 90% chance your family will be gathering for your socially-distant funeral.

“If you are cycling to the local café and are hit by a car travelling at 30km/h, there’s a 90% chance you will survive and be able to return to your favourite coffee shop one day.

“We appeal again to the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to take out his pen and sign a ministerial order to lower speed limits to 30km/h in areas where people walking and cycling are sharing space with cars, buses, trucks and HGVs. This will save lives.”

Calling for more patience and empathy from different road users, Kevin Jennings, Chair of Galway Cycling Campaign, added: “We welcome enforcement and speed vans all over our city and county tomorrow – and every day.

“We need a cultural change on our roads. Responsible driving is critical at all times, and particularly now during coronavirus.”

He explained the two metre social distancing requirement frequently forces people to step off narrow paths out onto carriageways to avoid contact with other people walking. People cycling usually give two metres social distance to people walking too.

“This means people on bikes must move into the primary position in the middle of the lane, which is difficult when motor vehicles are moving at speed.

“People should not have to choose between risk of death by road traffic collision or risk of contracting a deadly viral infection.”

Over the Edge open mic night heads online with Zoom gathering

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily arts Over the Edge returns after summer break

The arts community in Galway is staying strong and connected, even in physical isolation, with the Over the Edge Open Mic night going online to give people their fix of poetry and prose next month.

A special June Over the Edge Open Mic reading will take place through Zoom on Thursday, June 11 at the usual time of 6:30pm to 8pm.

Over the Edge literary events, including the popular monthly open mic night for poetry and prose are organised by local artists and power couple Kevin Higgins and Susan Millar DuMars.

The featured readers for the June session will be Matthew Caley, Maeve Galvin, & Quincy Lehr, with the floor open to all comers afterwards.

Quincy R. Lehr says that he “is a butt-scratching imbecile with bad personal hygiene” but Kevin & Susan assure us that he exaggerates.

His most recent collection, The Dark Lord of the Tiki Bar is an often hilarious, but savagely critical take on the extremism often found in modern politics.

Going online has its advantages, as Quincy is joining this reading from his home in Los Angelas, where he teaches in High School.

Maeve Galvin has grown well beyond her roots of Bray, Co. Wicklow, travelling as an international development worker with the UN and non-profits to all corners of the globe.

Her work Cambodia forms the basis of her first novel The Saviours, which traces the lives of foreign aid workers.

Since the debut of his first collection Thirst in 1999, Matthew Caley has published five more to great acclaim.

His latest and 6th collection is Trawlerman’s Turquoise, published by Bloodaxe in 2019.

Join the June Over the Edge Open Mic night on Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7389013549. Meeting ID: 738 901 3549

As usual there will be an open-mic after the Featured Readers have finished. New readers are always particularly welcome. The MC for the evening will be Susan Millar DuMars.

Galway Chamber calls for expansion of commercial rates waiver

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Galway winner claims €50,000 in prize bonds draw

Galway Chamber is calling on the government to expand the commercial rates waiver to last longer, and include some businesses which have stayed open through the Covid-19 crisis.

Earlier this month the Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government announced a three months waiver of commercial rates for businesses which have been forced to close due to Covid-19.

This waiver, beginning from March 27, was an expansion of a three month deferment of rates which the Department had previously instructed local authorities to grant.

Kenny Deery, CEO of the Galway Chamber, said that “while this move was welcomed by many as a step in the right direction, it was clear that three months was an inadequate period of support and the term needed to be expanded.”

Additionally, while the waiver has only applied to businesses closed due to Covid-19, Galway Chamber has asked that it also be applied to businesses which have stayed open, but seen their business negatively impacted by the crisis.

These local businesses should receive a “proportional rebate”, using a 25% loss of turnover as the criteria for eligibility.

Kenny Deery said that as it stands now, the waiver has the possibility to act as an incentive for businesses to stay closed longer than they need to.

In Galway, revenue from commercial rates make up 38% of city council spending, and 23% of the county’s.

As part of the three month waiver for closed businesses, the government said that it would make up and loss in funding experienced by local authorities.

Galway TD accuses Minister of “hands off” approach to Covid-19 outbreaks in meat plants

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Lack of Island specific group in LEADER programme criticised

Galway TD Claire Kerrane has accused the Minister of Agriculture of taking a “hands off” approach to COVID-19 outbreaks in meat processing plants.

The Sinn Féin TD was speaking in the Dáíl on Thursday at questions and answers session for Ministers Creed and Humphreys specifically related to COVID-19 outbreaks in meat plants.

She said when she contacted Minister Creed with the concerns of people living near a meat plant where there were rumours of cases, he informed her that it was a matter for the factories themselves to ensure safety protocols were in place.

“We all know COVID-19 is a public health matter, but there is also a responsibility for the Minister in all this,” Claire Kerrane said.

Deputy Kerrane said that outbreaks at meat processing plants don’t just affect the employees there, but their families and communities.

“It is not good enough to leave factories to put protocols in place, hope for the best and leave it at that.”

“The Minister might have faith in a lot of these meat processing plants, but I do not think that faith is shared by many other people.”

The HSE has identified 16 outbreaks at meat processing plants which are associated with 823 cases.

Deputy Kerrane also criticised the fact that no inspections of meat processing plants were carried out by the Health and Safety Authority despite complaints.

“I know of a factory where positive cases were identified in April. The HSA wrote to all staff at the time.

“Would that not have been a time for the HSA to go into that plant to check the protocols and see what was in place for the protection of those employees?”

Coronavirus: 11 more Covid-19 deaths, Galway cases rise again

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

Another 11 deaths related to COVID-19 have been reported to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre today, along with 115 new confirmed cases.

There have now been a total 1,592 COVID-19 related deaths in Ireland, and 24,506 confirmed cases.

There were six cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Galway today, after the county went a day without any new cases on Thursday.

Validation of data at the HPSC has resulted in the denotification of 2 deaths today.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tony Holohan said “Today NPHET recommended that the HSE build on the very significant work to date in expanding the testing capacity, to ensure that there is an integrated and coordinated clinical and public health-informed approach to the establishment and implementation of a national testing strategy.”

Today’s data from the HPSC, as of midnight, Wednesday 20 May (24,351 cases), reveals:

  • 57% are female and 43% are male
  • the median age of confirmed cases is 48 years
  • 3,194 cases (13%) have been hospitalised
  • of those hospitalised, 393 cases have been admitted to ICU
  • 7,791 cases are associated with healthcare workers
  • Dublin has the highest number of cases at 11,794 (48% of all cases) followed by Cork with 1,398 cases (6%) and then Kildare with 1,383 cases (6%)
  • of those for whom transmission status is known: community transmission accounts for 60%, close contact accounts for 37%, travel abroad accounts for 3%

Dr Siobhán Ni Bhriain, Consultant Psychiatrist and Integrated Care Lead HSE, said “Individual health is never more important than it is during this time of pandemic.”

“I would encourage every member of society to register with a GP and establish an access point to the healthcare system.”

Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn added “Research conducted on behalf of the Department of Health shows that 86% of people rate their knowledge on how to prevent the spread of COVID-19 as high.

“This is essential knowledge for all of society to have and use as we move safely through the phases ahead.”

Radical changes needed to address ‘fundamental threat’ to childcare sector

By
Michael Malone
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galway daily news presshool childcare sector

Maintaining physical distancing with pre-school children is impossible and the changes required by the COVID-19 pandemic pose a fundamental threat to the survival of the sector.

This is unless adequate funding is made available, according to the results of an Early Childhood Ireland survey published yesterday, which focuses on providers’ concerns about reopening their childcare settings in the coming weeks and months.

The survey results show that the issues causing most concern to childcare providers include how to implement physical distancing amongst pre-school children, staff-to-child ratios and the provision of PPE for childcare staff.

The survey was issued online to Early Childhood Ireland’s members in early May, and received 1,689 responses, representing 48% of ECI’s early years membership.

Survey Findings

Implementing physical distancing was a concern for 85% for respondents, while 61% said that they were worried about adult to child ratios.

PPE was a worry for 48% of people who responded to the survey, and 46% said they are concerned about floor space requirements.

Members also raised a range of concerns around business operations, funding, infection control and the health and wellbeing of both staff and children.

The challenges identified by providers are underpinned by the fact that almost 70% of the childcare-providers that completed the survey say they provide care for children whose parents are essential workers.

Commenting on the survey findings, Frances Byrne, Director of Policy with Early Childhood Ireland, said that the high response rate to the survey shows that Early Childhood Ireland’s members are focused on re-opening, with ‘many prepared to find solutions to ensure they can do so in a safe and sustainable way’.

“However, the survey findings show starkly that the prevailing perception amongst providers is that physical distancing will not be possible with pre-school children.  Reduced capacity, in the number of children and/or hours of provision, is likely,” she said.

“This presents a huge challenge to policymakers, who will need to provide realistic solutions, which support quality experiences for children, safety for staff and which take account of the long-term sustainability of a vital sector.”

Ms. Byrne said there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution for re-opening the childcare sector.

“The diversity of our members’ settings, and of the childcare sector more generally in Ireland, means that there can be no ‘one size fits all’ solution to the multitude of challenges we face in relation to reopening safely,” she added.

“Any changes to reduce the capacity of provision will create a funding gap that will severely compromise the long-term sustainability of our sector.

“Early Childhood Ireland believes the radical changes that will be required in the aftermath of the Covid-19 emergency have the potential to fundamentally and positively change our childcare system on a permanent basis.

“For many years in Ireland, we have been aware that our funding provision to the sector is not fully fit for purpose.  This crisis is presenting us with an opportunity to fix it and properly resource the sector in a sustainable, long-term way.

“For our economy to fully recover post-Covid-19, we need to ensure all members of the early years workforce can keep their jobs until Ireland returns to a fully functioning labour market.  This cannot happen without a well-equipped and effectively functioning childcare sector.”

Galway Market returns to the streets this weekend

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news St Nicholas Market returns to the streets this weekend

The popular St. Nicholas Market is returning to life in Galway City this weekend, with social distancing restrictions in place.

A number of the Galway Market traders have been operating online since it closed due to Covid-19 restrictions.

The city council has now confirmed that the market will be returning this weekend, the first since Ireland began Phase 1 of lifting the nationwide lockdown imposed to fight the pandemic.

“Galway City Council would like to confirm that the St Nicholas Saturday and Sunday Markets resume this weekend.”

“We also confirm that we can accommodate not only local food producers, but also a hot food offering with social distancing, due to the numbers that wish to attend.”

The reopened market will require strict adherence to social distancing and hand hygiene guidelines, which will be managed by traders at each stall.

The city council will be monitoring adherence to these guidelines this weekend, and may make changes as needed for next weekend.

“Galway City Council is currently finalising plans with the Traders on a revised layout which will enable a full return to the Market of all remaining traders in the coming weeks.”

Gardaí seize €31,000 in drugs and cash in Ballybane raid

By
Briain Kelly
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0
Galway Daily news Gardaí seize €31,000 in drugs and cash in Ballybane raid

More than €30,000 in drugs and cash were seized by gardaí during a raid on a house in Ballybane on Thursday.

Gardaí from the Divisional Drugs Unit searched a house in Ballybane at approximately 10pm last night.

They found approximately €19,000 worth of euro and sterling notes, as well as over €12,000 worth of suspected cocaine, pending analysis.

Two designer watches worth €7,000 were also seized.

One man in his 30s was arrested at the scene and later released without charge.

A file is now being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Status Orange gale warning for rough seas in the west

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily weather Storm Debi - Status Red Storm Warning for Galway coasts

Today has seen heavy winds prompting weather warnings across Ireland, but conditions are even worse on the water, with gale force winds along the west coast.

Met Eireann has issued a Status Orange Gale Warning for all Irish waters today, but the worst of the stormy weather will be felt in the west of Ireland.

Southwest gales or strong gales today on all Irish coastal waters and on the Irish Sea with

The winds will reach storm force at times along the west and northwest from Loop Head to Erris Head to Malin Head.

Strong gales will persist tonight along the waters of the west of Ireland, but will become confined to northern coasts on Saturday.

A Status Yellow weather warning for heavy winds is in force in Galway and Mayo today, and will remain in place until 9pm tonight.

Throughout the day people can expect sustained winds of 50-65km/hr, and gusts reaching up to 110km/hr.

Similar warning have been issued by Met Eireann for all of Ireland today, after previously being confined to the west.

Realignment project for N83 accident black spot moves forward

By
Briain Kelly
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0
Galway Daily news Traffic disruption expected from Galway City centre roadworks

Plans to make the road safer for motorists at an accident hotspot on the N83 Tuam to Dunmore road are moving forward.

The accident black spot at Twenty Minute Hill has been the scene of six major traffic collisions, and one tragic death in October 2017.

In order to try and make the narrow stretch of road safer, a stop and go system has been in place to manage traffic since November 2018.

“The road has become a very busy access route to the N17 motorway and motorists have suffered long delays over the last two years as a result of the stop-go system,” Seán Canney said.

Hopefully that will come to an end, with traffic able to move freely and safely before long when a planned road realignment project is completed.

Deputy Canney has confirmed that the tender for the road realignment project will be published in the coming weeks.

The Independent TD said that he expects work on the road to commence in the summer.

Teachers Union tells members not to work on predicted Leaving Cert grades

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Repeat Exam fees

One of the country’s largest teachers unions has cast doubt on plans for predicted grades for the 2020 Leaving Cert by telling its members not to cooperate with the plan.

The Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland has said that the Department of Education’s plans to indemnify teachers against legal action over predicted grades in the Leaving Cert to not provide enough protection.

The government released guidelines on Thursday which outline how students will receive a predicted grade estimated by their teachers, as well as a class ranking.

The department also plans to indemnify teachers against being sued over this, which will apply where teachers have made “every reasonable effort” to give a grade in accordance with these guidelines.

The ASTI said that it recognises that predicted grades are necessary to provide clarity and allay student anxiety, but that the indemnity being proposed by the Department of Education is not sufficient to safeguard its members.

“As part of that process, we have sought to have full indemnity available for teachers while they undertake this work in good faith.

“Unfortunately, and upon legal advice, the indemnity that has been offered to teachers thus far falls short of what is required and could potentially lead to personal liabilities for costs for second level teachers. This position is unacceptable.”

“We will continue to engage with the Department of Education and Skills to secure the necessary provisions.”

“In the meantime, we are advising ASTI members not to undertake any work on the process until this issue is resolved.”

The predicted grade is being offered to roughly 60,000 young people who were due to take their Leaving Cert this year.

Students will have the option to appeal the grade they receive if they are not satisfied, or to sit conventional Leaving Cert exams when it is safe for them to be held again.

Three €1,000 residencies open Galway based artists

By
Briain Kelly
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0
Galway Daily arts & culture Three €1,000 residencies open Galway based artists

Three Galway based artists have the opportunity to avail of a €1,000 Artist in Residence opportunity with Áras Éanna this summer, except that they won’t be in residence.

Áras Éanna, the most westerly arts centre in Europe located on this island of Inis Oírr, is seeking three Artists in Residence (in absentia) to create works that celebrate the spirit of Inis Oírr.

The Artists in Residence programmes are being delivered in partnership with Ealáin na Gaeltachta, Galway County Council Arts Office and Galway City Arts Office, each of whom are offering a €1,000 stipend.

As this year’s residencies are taking place during the strange and trying circumstances of the Coronavirus pandemic, the artists will not be able to visit Inis Oírr, but can create work inspired by the island with the help of locals.

Áras Éanna is proposing providing a local Inis Oírr person as an artist’s assistant who through smart phone and internet could work with the artist on documenting, photographing and researching any aspect of the island that the artist may need for the creation of their work.

This could include taking photos/video on smartphone of stone walls, Live facetime on island location like skies, waves, fauna. Getting relevant historical information to help with the artists research for the creation of their work.

Once the current restrictions are lifted, Áras Éanna will schedule a visit for the successful artists to Inis Oírr to present their work to the public at their gallery.

They will also get the opportunity to experience the natural beauty and hospitality of Inis Oírr they’ll sadly be denied for the moment.

There are three separate residencies available

  1. Gaeltacht based Artist. €1000 stipend funded by Ealaín na Gaeltachta.
  2. Galway County based Artist: €1000 stipend funded by Galway County Council Arts Office
  3. Galway City based Artist: €1000 stipend funded by Galway City Arts Office

Application info: Please forward a cv, work proposal, the residency you are applying for and digital samples of work, the dates you propose for residency. Please send application to: eolas@aras-eanna.com.

The closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday, May 29.

 

image credit: Áras Éanna

Coronavirus: 12 more Covid-19 deaths but no new Galway cases

By
Briain Kelly
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0
Galway Daily news 25 percent drop in COVID cases in Galway hospitals

Another 12 Covid-19 related deaths have been reported to the HPSC today, along with 76 more confirmed cases in the Republic of Ireland.

But in Galway there were no new cases of Covid-19 reported today, after several days in a row where the daily count has remained steady, even as the national numbers declined.

The total death toll in the state due to this pandemic has now reached 1,583, and there have been a total of 24,391 confirmed cases of Covid-19.

Dr. Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said: “We have experienced 6 consecutive days of under 100 new confirmed cases in Ireland.

“This is very positive and demonstrates the extent to which the public’s actions have limited the spread of this disease.

“However, it is only through continued commitment to hand washing, respiratory etiquette and physical distancing that we will remain successful in suppressing the spread of Covid-19 through the community.”

Today’s data from the HPSC, as of midnight, Tuesday 19 May (24,274 cases), reveals:

  • 57% are female and 43% are male
  • the median age of confirmed cases is 48 years
  • 3,183 cases (13%) have been hospitalised
  • of those hospitalised, 392 cases have been admitted to ICU
  • 7,747 cases are associated with healthcare workers
  • Dublin has the highest number of cases at 11,765 (49% of all cases) followed by Cork with 1,386 cases (6%) and then Kildare with 1,381 cases (6%)
  • of those for whom transmission status is known: community transmission accounts for 60%, close contact accounts for 37%, travel abroad accounts for 3%

Prof Philip Nolan, Chair of the NPHET Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group said that indicators such as ICU and hospital admissions, daily cases, and deaths are continuing to decline.

“Prevalence of the virus remains low in the community. The reproduction number is well below one, so our task remains to maintain low transmission of the virus.”

Week-long celebration of biodiversity begins tomorrow

By
Michael Malone
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The Galway Buzz Paddy Crowe Inis Oírr Photo
Photo: Paddy Crowe, Inis Oírr

A week-long celebration of biodiversity will begin tomorrow, to mark International Biodiversity Day.

Galway County Council’s virtual celebration will centre on the theme of ‘Our Solutions are in Nature’ – looking at using nature-based solutions to improve our quality of life.

There will be a different biodiversity-related theme every day, including a focus on birds, hedgerows and trees, the work of Tidy Towns groups, water and wildlife, pollinators, and community-based biodiversity projects, among others.

Cllr Jimmy McClearn, Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, explained: “Galway County Council is celebrating International Biodiversity Day and National Biodiversity Week virtually this year, through The Galway Buzz.

“They will be launching a week of biodiversity-related online resources on May 22nd that will run until May 29th on https://biodiversity.galwaycommunityheritage.org/ and other platforms.”

Many people have been finding comfort in nature and wildlife while on their 2km or 5km walks or in their gardens during the COVID crisis, and National Biodiversity Week and The Galway Buzz are designed to connect people with nature and inspire them to protect the natural world we depend on.

Many community groups, Tidy Towns groups and schools in Galway work tirelessly to protect and enhance our natural heritage and the Galway Buzz will showcase some of their work and provide resources for future projects and activities.

 

 

To help support the local hospitality industry, Galway Daily has launched a new restaurants page to help people see what takeaways are open near them.

Restaurants, cafés and more in the food industry are struggling in the current crisis, and we can all help the places that create delicious experiences for all in Galway by eating local.

Survey finds COVID-19 is changing the way we think about death

By
Michael Malone
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galway daily news covid-19 hospice society

The majority of people in Ireland believe that the coronavirus pandemic has made us rethink how we deal with dying, death and bereavement, an Irish Hospice Foundation survey has found.

The survey, conducted by B&A, found that 68% agree that the COVID-19 crisis has made Irish society reevaluate the way it deals with death and bereavement.

It also showed that 10% of people think we talk too much about death, while 34% think we don’t talk about it enough.

People under the age of 34 are more likely to struggle with what to say to someone who has lost a loved one – 77% of those under 34 said they find it difficult to know what to say, while over half all respondents reported experiencing the same problem.

Chief Executive of the Irish Hospice Foundation, Sharon Foley said: “We know from our work over 30 years that Irish people want a society where death and bereavement is openly talked about and not hidden away, where people can die with dignity and that supports and services are in place for end of life and for loved ones who are bereaved.

“This opinion poll shows us that more than two-thirds believe the COVID-19 pandemic is making us rethink how we deal with dying and bereavement.

“This supports our belief from decades of experience and our learning from the COVID-19 pandemic that death, dying and bereavement is truly everyone’s business and requires a comprehensive national response.”

The research also showed a significant impact from COVID-19 with measures introduced restricting the numbers at funerals. 89% of people said that being with extended family and friends is key to grieving.

Sharon Foley added: “We know that grieving in isolation has resulted in doubtless suffering for many individuals and families.

“That is why we have written to the National Public Health Emergency Team calling on them to increase the number of people allowed to attend funerals while maintaining social distancing and other public health measures.”

The Irish Hospice Foundation says the results also highlight the need for further resources and supports for people to deal with death and bereavement.

It says that they have gone some way towards addressing this with the development of a Care & Inform online hub during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The document has been sent to all political parties and outlines the key steps they can take to ensure that policies and supports for death and bereavement are considered in government formation talks.

 

To help support the local hospitality industry, Galway Daily has launched a new restaurants page to help people see what takeaways are open near them.

Restaurants, cafés and more in the food industry are struggling in the current crisis, and we can all help the places that create delicious experiences for all in Galway by eating local.

Weather warning extended into Friday night

By
Briain Kelly
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0
Galway Daily weather Wind Warning in effect as crappy day ahead for Galway

A Status Yellow weather warning for heavy winds in Galway over the next day has been extended by Met Eireann, and added more counties along the west coast to their glum forecast.

The yellow weather warning for Galway and Mayo issued on Wednesday is forecasting sustained winds of 50-65km/hr from tonight and through Friday, with gusts reaching up to 110km/hr.

The worst can be expected on coastal areas and exposed hills and mountains, where wind speeds will occasionally exceed these forecasts.

The warning was initially due expire at 6pm on Friday, but Met Eireann is now saying that the heavy winds will last until 9pm that night.

Along with heavy winds, Galway is also expected to experience heavy rain throughout the night and into tomorrow which will be strongest on Friday morning.

The status yellow wind warning for Donegal which will be in place from 6am to 9pm on Friday has been expanded to include county Sligo.

And another yellow weather warning has been issued for Clare and Kerry. There Met Eireann is also forecasting winds of 50-65km/hr, with gusts reaching up to 110km/hr.

That warning will come into effect at 7pm this evening and last until 5pm on Friday.

 

 

To help support the local hospitality industry, Galway Daily has launched a new restaurants page to help people see what takeaways are open near them.

Restaurants, cafés and more in the food industry are struggling in the current crisis, and we can all help the places that create delicious experiences for all in Galway by eating local.

New app lets pubs and restaurants do business in COVID-era

By
Michael Malone
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galway daily news pub ordee app covid-19

An Irish tech duo have launched a new app that will allow pubs, restaurants, gyms and other outlets to open and do business in the new COVID-era.

The GPS-based technology allows business owners to let their customers know their compliance standards and how much space is available at their premises.

Ordee allows customers to make informed, real-time decisions about where they can go to socialise safely.

In its first week, 200 businesses signed up to arrange a demo of the software, which is the first of its kind in Ireland.

It is expected that many more will sign up to Ordee in the coming months, as the country prepares for a ‘new normal’.

“Publicans, restaurateurs and so many other business owners throughout the country are chomping at the bit to get back to work,” said Anthony Cronin, co-founder of the app. “But they are struggling to see how they can maintain compliance standards and still operate their business, while keeping costs down.”

Anthony Cronin

“With Ordee we have basically taken these key obstacles that businesses are facing, developed solutions to address them, and centralised the solutions in one easy to use app.

“It’s critical that venues can re-engage with their customer base – and Ordee will allow them to do this efficiently, cost effectively and safely”.

Mr. Cronin explained how the app also addresses concerns from a consumer perspective -as there is an air of concern among people about how they can go out and socialise safely.

“People are cognisant of the fact that they don’t want their behaviour, or the behaviour of others, to put themselves or others in jeopardy. The Ordee app is designed to go some way to alleviating these concerns.

“Ordee allows publicans, restauranteurs and other service providers and retailers to put their energy into their core business, while ensuring that their venue is compliant with ‘Return to Work Safely Guidelines’,” said Anthony Cronin.

How does the app work?

The business signs up to the program and is then listed as a venue on the app and shown on the live map to users. Businesses can segregate online bookings for space and for walk-ins

The user downloads the app and can check a list of venues in real time to see which venues currently have available space. They can book based on availability and join a queue

Once the user chooses a venue and arrives at the location, they receive a notification to confirm they are there and how many people are in their party, in which case the app will update the venue’s status accordingly.

If the patron him/herself does not have the app on their person, then the venue itself can ‘clock a person/ persons in’ manually through the admin section of the programme

The user can also use the app to order and pay for drinks, food etc.

Financial Support

Developers at Ordee say that because the app is deemed an e-commerce solution, businesses that want to sign up might be able to avail of the LEO Trading Online Voucher to do so – provided they meet the criteria.

Mr. Cronin added: “Cashflow is tight, to say the least, for most businesses at the moment and compliance with COVID-protocols is going to incur additional costs.

“To offset these, the Government have put in place supports – one of which is the Local Enterprise Trading Online grant and businesses can use it to sign up for Ordee.

“If your application is accepted, LEO will fund 90% of the cost of the Platform for your business. There are a few T&C’s but the process is very simple and effective”.

Since launching last week, almost 200 businesses nationwide have requested demonstrations.

“Interest has been huge. Even more than we envisaged. Our team are working round the clock to ensure that we get to everyone who has requested a demo as quickly as possible.”

Garda operation cracking down on speeding after spike in road deaths

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news 33 Almost 200 people arrested for drug and drunk driving over Bank Holiday weekend

Garda will be carrying out a 24hr road safety operation this weekend to enforce speed limits after a significant increase in road deaths so far this year.

There have been 56 road deaths in Ireland this year, 5 more than were seen in the same period last year.

The restrictions imposed during the Covid-19 crisis have led to fewer cars on the road, but there has also been an increase in the number of vulnerable pedestrians out walking.

One example gardaí gave of the extremely excessive speeds seen in April was a vehicle detected doing 105km/hr in a 50km/hr zone on the N6 at Ballinfoile.

To combat this An Garda Síochána are carrying out ‘Slow Down Day’, a 24hr national speed enforcement operation, with the support of the Road Safety Authority.

The operation will consist of high visibility speed enforcement in 1322 speed enforcement zones running from 7am on Friday, right through the day and night until the same time on Saturday.

Chief Superintendent Paul Cleary of the Roads Policing Bureau said that this day is about making our roads and communities safer.

“Despite the reductions in traffic associated with COVID-19 we have continued to see a small percentage of motorists who travel at excessively high speeds both in urban and rural areas.

“In these times with more vulnerable persons on our roads, pedestrians and cyclists, we appeal to motorists to be aware of the posted speed limits and also while travelling to be conscious of the presence of other road users.

“We are appealing for all motorists to drive safely and please don’t be one of those detected speeding on Slow Down day”.

For their part the gardaí will “maintain our focus on non-compliant drivers as they pose a risk to themselves and other road users,” Superintendent Cleary added.

There were 141 deaths recorded on Irish roads in 2019, and an analysis of fatal collisions between 2008 and 2012 by the RSA found that excessive speed was a factor in almost a third of road deaths.

The higher the speed, the greater the likelihood is of a collision happening and the more severe the outcome of that collision.

As a general rule a 1% reduction in average speed will bring about a 4% reduction in fatal collisions, and this is why reducing motorists’ speed is essential to improving road safety.

Mr. John Caulfield of the RSA said “Even though traffic volumes have reduced, the need for drivers to slow down has never been greater.

“Anyone out driving will probably encounter large numbers of people out walking, jogging and cycling within five kilometres of their homes.”

“Care also needs to be taken by pedestrians, to ensure their safety, by using a footpath. Where there is none, they need to walk as near as possible to the right-hand side of the road facing oncoming traffic.”

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