Coronavirus: 23 more killed by Covid-19, Galway cases up again

-

May 5, 2020

NUI Galway is launching the third phase of its nationwide survey on the impact the coronavirus and public health restrictions are having on everyday life, this time asking people if they would install a contact tracing app if it helped bring the lockdown to an end.

Multiple countries including Singapore, South Korea and Australia have already rolled out some form of a contact tracing app to trace how the coronavirus spreads in communities, and alert people if they have come in contact with an infected person.

The apps rely on either bluetooth or GPS technology to track mobile devices and their users, but concerns have been expressed both about the limitations of these technologies, and the privacy implications of such an app.

The Corona Citizens Science Study is a joint research operation by NUIG, the Insight Centre for Data Analytics at NUIG, and DCU.

“We want to look at the lock-down, and how people think we might move out of it, and in particular to get some idea of whether an app would be acceptable as part of this,” said Prof. Anthony Staines of DCU, joint project lead.

“How do people balance privacy and contact tracing? How does our very real digital divide affect this?.”

The HSE is aiming to release a contact tracing app for smartphones by the end of May CEO Paul Reid has said.

The app development process in Ireland is going down the route of storing all data on your device rather than sending it to a government server.

Survey

Phase 3 of the Corona Citizens’ Science Study will commence tomorrow, Wednesday, May 6 at 6am, and will remain open for 24 hours.

Along with asking about people’s opinions on using a contact tracing app if it helped lift public restrictions, the survey will also look at the rate of interaction between teachers and school children.

Previous survey findings showed that over a third of respondents were now home-schooling their children and 55% said that their children are losing motivation to keep up their education at home.

Further clarity will be sought on the nature of the delayed medical treatments and check-ups reported by almost a third of people in Phase 2 of the survey.

Researchers are also keen to gauge the state of emotional well-being among people and will ask about the general levels of anxiety and the specific issues causing this.

Dr Akke Vellinga, Epidemiologist at NUIG said “We are keen to get a sense from the general population on how well or poorly their understanding is of the government’s phased plan to relax restrictions.”

“Furthermore, we want to gain a deeper understanding of the rationale for the postponing of medical treatments, which we believe has huge ramifications further down the line.”

The full findings of Phases 1 and 2 of the survey can be found here.

New smartphone app created in Galway to help with social distancing

By

-

May 5, 2020

smartphone app galway daily news social distancing

Social distancing is set to become easier with a new smartphone app which has been created by researchers at NUI Galway.

SPACER – The Social Distancing App vibrates when someone else with the app or with Bluetooth enabled on their phone is less than two metres away for over one minute.

If the SPACER app vibrates, then the person can either move further away or suspend the alarm for ten minutes if it’s not possible to move straight away.

It was created by NUI Galway’s Health Innovation via Engineering (HIVE) Lab, led by Professor Derek O’Keeffe, and the system is currently being evaluated at Galway University Hospital.

After this evaluation, people will be able to download for phase one of the easing of lockdown measures on May 18.

Professor of Medical Device Technology at NUI Galway and Consultant Physician University Hospital Galway, Professor Derek O’Keeffe said: “Implementing the two metre social distancing can be difficult to manage in busy work environments such as hospitals, and it is vital that frontline staff stay adequately distanced to ensure that they do not spread the virus between themselves.

“Unfortunately globally to date healthcare workers are the occupation that have made up the largest percentage of people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic due to their clinical work and their working environment.

“Therefore we urgently need an active and dynamic solution to help this vulnerable cohort and the general public to maintain social distance.”

“The approach to managing COVID-19 with digital health solutions can be thought of like fire safety, our SPACER App is like fire prevention – trying to prevent people from staying in contact too close and for too long,” he said.

Dr Ramona McLoughlin, Clinical Director – Medicine Saolta Group and Gastroenterologist at Galway University Hospitals, added: “Maintaining social distancing is particularly challenging in health care settings, particularly a busy acute hospital like University Hospital Galway.

“The SPACER App will help staff be more aware of their proximity to their colleagues and help them, where possible, maintain the 2 mt distance and help protect themselves, their colleagues and our patients.”

The SPACER App is currently being used by doctors and nurses working in the Acute Medical Unit (AMU) of Galway University Hospital.

Dr Colin Davenport, Acute Medical Unit Consultant at University Hospital Galway said: “Following distancing guidelines as much as possible is a vital part of controlling this pandemic.

“By making health care professionals aware of when they are getting too close to others around them the SPACER app has the potential to significantly reduce any spread of coronavirus amongst staff and patients, and ultimately to prevent more cases of COVID-19 emerging.”

Galway City Innovation District welcomes new CEO

By

-

May 5, 2020

Galway Daily business Galway City Innovation District welcomes new CEO

Galway City Innovation District has welcomed the appointment of Mary Rodgers as its new CEO after more than four years with the company.

Galway City Innovation District is a non-profit founded in 2015 to encourage start up companies, innovators, and outside investment in Galway City.

Mary Rodgers joined GCID in 2016 as Innovation Community Manager, and during her tenure she has overseen the management and operations of the PorterShed.

The PorterShed is a co-working office space and tech innovation hub, currently based behind Ceannt Station.

Since opening in May 2016 The PorterShed has been home to more than 65 businesses and member companies have raised €36 million in investment funding.

It has also supported the creation of over 750 jobs in the west of Ireland, held over 1,000 events and welcomed more than 11,500 visitors.

Mary has over 20 years experience in key roles as both an Entrepreneur and Executive manager.

Prior to joining GCID Mary ran her own business, Stateside Solutions, helping Irish companies to enter the US market, and before that she was Vice President at Credit Suisse in New York.

On behalf of the Board of GCID, Maurice O’Gorman praised Mary for her passion for economic development and job creation in the region.

“Her openness to partnership and her willingness to provide help, support, and guidance whenever needed, has led to the deepening of our entrepreneurial ecosystem and the success of the PorterShed.”

“Her track record, depth of experience and passion for developing our community makes her the ideal person to lead our expansion.

“The Board of Galway City Innovation District are delighted with Mary’s appointment as CEO – fíor-cheannaireacht.”

Galway City Innovation District is working on a major expansion of its operations this year.

Plans have been submitted to the city council to convert the Connacht Tribune offices on Market Street to new co-working offices, which will provide an additional 220 desk spaces.

Additional plans are in the works to convert a nearby building on Bowling Green, which will take over for the current Portershed, offering even more space for the facility which is already at capacity.

Coronavirus: What lockdown conditions have changed from today?

By

-

May 5, 2020

Though the nationwide lockdown imposed for the Covid-19 crisis remain in force, several changes to its conditions have come into effect from today, literally offering people a breath of fresh air.

People over 70 who have been advised to take a more stringent form of lockdown, cocooning themselves for several weeks now, will be able to get out and exercise, or just enjoy the sun again.

The government is still advising that the elderly should cocoon for the most part, and when they go outside they should avoid all contact with other people.

It has been reported in the Irish Independent that the cabinet overruled the National Public Health Emergency Team’s recommendation that people over 70 should stay at home until August.

That comes to the second big change today, the 2km travel limit being raised to 5km.

Since March 27 people have only been able to go for a walk or other outdoor recreation/exercise within 2km of where they live.

Journeys beyond that point were only allowed for very limited reasons such as going to buy food, attending a necessary medical appointment, or providing essential care to a family member.

This travel limit confining people to the streets and back roads near their homes has been the most chafing restriction imposed to fight the coronavirus, and the one that people are most desirous of seeing lifted.

The Taoiseach, announcing the government’s roadmap to reopening the country starting from May 18 last week, cautioned people not to get complacent, and risk giving the virus new strength.

Gardaí have reported broad compliance with social distancing and lockdown restrictions, but officers were assigned this bank holiday weekend to patrol leisure spots such as Salthill beach over fears that the fine weather would tempt people.

When the first phase of the plan to ease Covid-19 restrictions comes into effect from May 18, people will be able to meet outdoors in groups of up to 4, as long as the employ proper distancing of 2m.

Outdoor spaces such as beaches and mountain walks will also reopen, provided people are able to maintain social distancing there.

Social visits to friends’ homes won’t be possible until later in the summer when Phase 2 gets underway on June 8, and people who are cocooning will be able to have small numbers of visitors to their homes, provided those people wear gloves and face coverings.

The restrictions will continue to be eased through the summer, with more social contact allowed and hospitality businesses allowed to reopen.

But all of this is contingent on Covid-19 cases number staying down, and restrictions could be reimposed if the virus makes a comeback.

Plans to replace Loughrea mobile tower with one 11m taller

By

-

May 5, 2020

Galway Daily news Planning refused again for Galway City mobile tower

Plans have been submitted to replace an existing mobile and broadband tower outside Loughrea with a new mast 11m taller.

Cignal Infrastructure are seeking planning permission to replace an existing 25m high mobile and broadband monopole at Ardnadoman West, Loughrea.

In its place the developer intends to erect a 36m high multi-user lattice telecoms tower carrying multiple antennae and dishes.

It will be enclosed in an extended 2.4 metre high palisade fence compound together with associated ground equipment cabinets.

“The development will form part of eir Mobile communications network, and a future operator network,” the application states.

“The operator eir require modifications to their equipment on the site to facilitate an improvement in the coverage in the wider area”.

“And in particular for eir to deploy advanced 4G quadband antennas which the current monopole structure cannot accommodate.”

The planning application goes on to state that eir are currently upgrading their network in the Loughrea area to cater for increased data demands from customers, and to provide for future demands on the network.

The site of the telecoms mast is within forestry to the north of the R446, approximately 3.5km to the west of Loughrea town centre.

The existing monopole mast cannot physically support 4G antennas which, at 2.5m long, are larger than the current 3G array installed.

Along with being able to support larger equipment, the additional height of the multi-user lattice will expand its coverage footprint in the area.

The upgrade will also enable the site to become capable of hosting multiple mobile and broadband operators, which is encouraged under government telecommunications policy to cut down on the number of masts and towers going up.

Cignal Infrastructure is a new telecoms infrastructure provider operating since 2015.

It owns and maintains towers and fibre networks for operators such as eir, Three, Vodafone, and others to use for their phone and internet services.

Galway County Council is due to make a decision on this planning application by May 24.

Roadworks underway on N17 Tuam Bypass

By

-

May 5, 2020

Galway Daily news Roadworks to disrupt traffic near Portumna on Tuesday

Two days of roadworks with alternating carriageway closures on the N17 Tuam Bypass have gotten underway this morning.

CRJV are carrying out routine maintenance roadworks on the bypass on behalf of Transport Infrastructure Ireland both today and Wednesday.

On Tuesday, May 5 the northbound carriageway is being closed between the roundabouts with the N83 at either end, with the southbound carriageway closing on Wednesday.

The road closures will be in place between 8am and 6pm each day.

During this time, traffic will be diverted through Tuam.

Coronavirus: 16 more deaths in Republic, no new cases reported in Galway

By

-

May 4, 2020

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

Sixteen more people have died after being diagnosed with the coronavirus, it has been confirmed.

The state has also recorded 266 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of people who have tested positive for the disease to 21,772.

The total number of deaths related to COVID-19 in the Republic now stands at 1,319 .

Galway recorded no new cases in the latest update, taken at midnight on Saturday. There is a total of 365 confirmed cases in the county.

As of Saturday, 58% of confirmed COVID-19 cases were female and 42% were male. The median age of those who tested positive is 49 years.

The most recent announcement from the government has recommended that people should stay at home as much as they possibly can.

Meeting small groups outside will be allowed under phase 1 of the government’s de-escalation plan, expected to begin on 18 May.

Up to four people who don’t live together will be able to meet outdoors while keeping at least two metres apart.

School and college buildings will be opened in phase 1 for access by teachers for organisation and distribution of remote learning.

PBP Galway calls for asylum seekers to be moved out of Direct Provision centres

By

-

May 4, 2020

galway daily weather Rain to return and temperatures skyrocket as cold snap ends

People Before Profit in Galway has called on the government to move asylum seekers out of Direct Provision centres and give them refugee status immediately.

The party says that the current situation is a ‘catastrophe waiting to happen’ whereby people in both Direct Provision centres in Galway cannot adhere to social distancing advice or self-isolation.

PBP Galway spokesperson Cian Mortimer has said that residents of the Eglinton in Salthill and the Great Western in Galway city centre are currently sharing communal facilities, including bedrooms with three or more strangers.

“Like the nursing homes, in these cramped and inadequate accommodations the virus could spread extremely fast,” said Cian Mortimer.

With schools being closed, the party says that families staying at the Eglinton in Salthill see their children spending most of the time in their rooms, adding to the social and mental distress.

Cian Mortimer added: “Due to the inability to observe social distancing, these children have no other place to play except for their rooms.

“The COVID-19 pandemic shows the utter failure of the Direct Provision system and of the Government to protect vulnerable people to whom the Irish state owes a duty of protection.

“The residents of the centres are particularly vulnerable as they have to go through the trauma and suffering that comes with this virus.

“They live in constant fear of getting infected and are frustrated by their inability to observe social distancing.

“Some asylum seekers have been temporarily rehoused in hotels, but they are still sharing their rooms and bathrooms with a stranger.

“This shows once more Government’s inefficiency and lack of will in protecting the most vulnerable in our society.

“Therefore PBP Galway are calling on the Government and the Minister of Justice and Equality to move those vulnerable people out of the centres, accommodate them in houses and apartments that are empty and vacant and grant them refugee status immediately.

“This will also help to reduce the risk of infection and transmission of the virus.”

PBP Galway has also called on the Government to end Direct Provision altogether and give asylum seekers the right to work, in order to enable them to contribute to Irish society.

CALLING ALL GALWAY RESTAURANTS, BARS AND CAFES!

We are launching an exciting new hospitality page in the coming days. The new page will showcase businesses in the hospitality sector across Galway, free of charge, and aims to give these businesses a boost in these challenging times and beyond. Click here for more info!

Publicans propose measures to reopen pubs at end of June

By

-

May 4, 2020

Galway Daily news Galway publicans express disappointment with ongoing closure of wet pubs

Trade groups representing Irish publicans have made a radical proposal for pubs to reopen at the end of June, six weeks ahead of the timeline laid out in the government’s roadmap.

The Licensed Vintners Association and Vintners Federation of Ireland have written to the government seeking an urgent meeting to discuss reopening pubs alongside restaurants and cafés this summer.

Currently pubs are not expected to reopen until August, but the two trade groups say that they should have the same opportunity to trade as other hospitality businesses.

Ahead of any meeting with government officials, the two vintners groups have outlined changes which could be made to normal pub operations to protect public health.

These include:

Bars will become dispense bars only with no sitting, standing, ordering, payment or drinking at the bar allowed.
Table service will be a requirement with pubs only serving customers seated at tables.
The numbers on the premises would be confined to no more than 4 per every 10 square metres.
A maximum of 6 people would be permitted at any one table.
Customers will be required to use hand sanitiser upon entry.
All customers must remain seated.
Staff will be fully trained in the new procedures. They will also be asked to maintain a safe distance from customers when taking orders and to wash their hands thoroughly every 30 minutes.
The utilisation of outdoor spaces to enhance social distancing.
Procedures implemented to ensure safe use of toilet facilities, which may include limits on the numbers using toilets at any one time.
No live music or DJs.
Gardaí / HSE will have the power to close any business who is flouting the public health guidelines.

Speaking about the proposed measures, Donall O’Keeffe, Chief Executive of the LVA said that they respect the need to protect public health, and the fact that pubs were the first to close demonstrates that commitment.

“We also believe that if other venues who serve food and alcohol are allowed to reopen in Phase 3, then pubs should be granted the same opportunity to trade.”

“We don’t believe it is in any way appropriate that the Government should apply one rule for some hospitality businesses and another rule for others.”

O’Keeffe acknowledged that trading will be “extremely difficult” under the measures the have proposed, and that many pubs may choose not to reopen as it simply wouldn’t be financially viable.

But, he added, for those who want to get back to business, these measures will protect the wellbeing of staff and customers.

The two organisations also stressed that they will have any temporary social distancing measures reviewed by the NPHET on an ongoing basis.

Padraig Cribben, Chief Executive of the VFI said they are pleased to see Ministers Humphreys and Harris commit to organising a meeting with them this week to discuss the timeline for reopening pubs

“What is clear is that the current roadmap plan isn’t tenable and will lead to confusion in the hospitality sector if it is not addressed.

“The public health restrictions will present real challenges to all hospitality venues, it doesn’t matter if they are a pub, a restaurant, a café or a hotel. There is no denying that and there is no getting around it.

“Addressing those public health requirements will be necessary for all hospitality businesses whenever they reopen.”

“Pubs across Ireland are up to that challenge and will do what is required for maintaining a safe and healthy place of business,” Mr. Cribben concluded.

Man arrested over €9,000 cocaine seizure at Ballinasloe checkpoint

By

-

May 4, 2020

Galway Daily news Six people hospitalised after crash in Connemara — SAMSUNG

A man has been arrested and is due before court this week in relation to a cocaine seizure made at a Covid-19 checkpoint near Ballinasloe.

Gardaí from Ballinasloe found €9,000 worth of cocaine in a car coming off the M6 motorway on Sunday night.

The officers were carrying out a Covid-19 checkpoint as part of Operation Fanacht, monitoring travel restrictions over the bank holiday weekend.

The driver of the car was arrested and detained at Ballinasloe Garda Station.

This morning, Monday, May 4 the young man was charged and released by Gardaí.

He is due to appear before Ballinasloe District Court on Thursday, May 7 at 10:30am.

Gardaí in Ballinasloe conducting #OperationFanacht patrols stopped vehicle coming from the M6 motorway late last night. Driver arrested after drug search located approx. €9,000 of cocaine. Prisoner detained under Section 4, and since charged and released. Court to follow. pic.twitter.com/J4sPbha6Ja

— Garda Info (@gardainfo) May 4, 2020

CALLING ALL GALWAY RESTAURANTS! We are launching an exciting new hospitality page in the coming days. The new page will showcase businesses in the hospitality sector across Galway, free of charge, and aims to give these businesses a boost in these challenging times and beyond. Click here for more info!

Ordinary Heroes of Covid-19 crisis praised by community champion

By

-

May 4, 2020

steve dolan galway daily community champion

Galway’s community champion Steve Dolan has praised the work of ‘ordinary heroes’ during the COVID-19 crisis, highlighting organisations on the ground in places like Ballinasloe.

Steve Dolan heaped praise on volunteers who are providing companionship, helping with grocery runs and odd jobs, and working hard at keeping-up the spirits of people cocooning.

“For many, this is a mental health challenge as much as a physical health challenge,”
he said.

“The lockdown is being experienced very differently by different individuals and the glue that has held our communities together has been the local volunteers.

“The organisations in places like Ballinasloe have responded rapidly to the changed
environment and they have led the way in so many ways.”

Dolan said that many in our community are struggling, but the teamwork on display in Ballinasloe has been ‘truly inspiring’.

“To see the residents of Saint Teresa’s, Saint Anne’s and Saint Grellan’s come together,
check-in with each other, and organise food and fuel so no one gets left behind is to see
what’s best about this county and country. These are Ireland’s ordinary heroes.”

Galway Daily is launching an exciting new hospitality page in the coming days. The new page will showcase businesses in the hospitality sector across Galway, free of charge, and aims to give these businesses a boost in these challenging times and beyond. Click here for more info!

Galway Film Fleadh won’t be going ahead this summer

By

-

May 4, 2020

Galway Daily arts & culture Galway Film Fleadh cancelled

The 32nd annual Galway Film Fleadh due to take place later this summer has been cancelled due to ongoing Covid-19 public health restriction.

Galway Film Fleadh was due to run from July 7 – 12 this year, but as the roadmap for easing restrictions won’t see cinemas open until August, the decision has been made not to go ahead.

The Galway Film Fleadh is a world renowned film festival, and a haven for up and coming filmmakers from all walks of life.

Along with playing a major role in promoting New Irish Cinema, the festival also plays host to the Galway Film Fair, Ireland’s only film & television marketplace.

The full statement from Fleadh CEO Miriam Allen and Programme Director William Fitgerald reads:

“It is with heavy hearts that we have to announce that the 2020 Galway Film Fleadh will not go ahead as planned in July, due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.”

“We know the Film Fleadh is a much loved part of the summer calendar in Ireland and on the international film festival circuit, but this is the best thing for the health & safety of our audiences and filmmakers given the recovery timeline announced by the Government on Friday, which will prevent large gatherings and keep cinemas closed until August 10.”

“While we understand this is disappointing, we very much hope to be able to announce our contingency plans in the coming days.”

“We would ask all of our audiences, supporters, and our filmmakers who have submitted films, to please bear with us until then.”

The festival is continuing to accept short film submissions until the original deadline of May 11 as planned.

This is the latest in a series of major upsets for Galway’s cultural summer season after the announcements that the Capital of Culture Programme will be severely curtailed, and that Galway International Arts Festival will not be taking place either, but attempting an Autumn programme of events.

Man due in court over alleged hijacking in Ballybane

By

-

May 4, 2020

Galway Daily courts Man charged with possessing images of child sex abuse — credit: Robert Linsdell CC BY 2.0 'The Courthouse, Courthouse Square, Galway'

A man is due before Galway District Court today for allegedly hijacking a car with the driver inside in Galway City at the weekend.

Gardaí have arrested and charged a man in his 20s in connection with an alleged hijacking in the Bael Srutha area of Ballybane on Sunday.

The driver of the vehicle in question reported that at approximately 11:30am, after leaving a shop, another man sat into his car without permission.

The other man reportedly threatened him, forcing him to drive.

After a short while the man demanded that the driver leave the car with him to buy alcohol.

At this time the driver managed to flee the scene.

The driver, a man aged in his 20s, received no injuries during the course of this incident.

Following an investigation, Gardaí have charged a man in his 20s in connection with this incident.

He is due to appear before a sitting of Galway District Court today at approximately 12pm.

Old House, New Home – reimagining historic buildings as modern homes

By

-

May 4, 2020

Galway Daily life & style Plenty of people live in historic buildings, and wonder about bringing its classical features back to the limelight, or else have dreamed of owning one themselves for a different experience to modern homes.

Plenty of people live in historic buildings, and wonder about bringing its classical features back to the limelight, or else have dreamed of owning one themselves for a different experience to modern homes.

For anyone who has been put of by the fact that restoring historic buildings is a daunting task, the Department of Culture, Heritage and Gaeltacht & Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland have your back with new guidance on how to do just that.

The Old House New Home e-publication offers free guidance and advice on repairing and reusing historic buildings.

The guide goes through everything about understanding what makes your house special, conserving its unique historic features and, crucial to making a house a home, how to bring it to contemporary living standards without compromising its character.

Where original plasterwork has been lost over the years, specialists such as Gaudi Coving supply period-style coving and ceiling roses that can help restore a room’s character.

The guide includes a wealth of case study projects representing different sizes, conditions, characteristics and locations – from homes in urban and suburban settings to the adaptation of farmhouse complex, their yards and outbuildings.

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan said that repairing and reusing historic buildings is of “paramount importance” to urban renewal.

“Nut of particular relevance to informing how to reimagine the historic building stock that lies vacant at the heart of our towns and villages.”

As well as making distinctive homes’, the Minister continued, “the reuse and repair of existing buildings is an important response to climate change and urban revitalisation.”

“Consideration of reuse and reimagining of existing building stock, their embodied energy and craftsmanship is a carbon neutral option, which is part of sustainable development.”

Kathryn Meghen, CEO of the RIAI, added that this publication “provides best-practice architectural advice and beautifully illustrated case studies to support and inspire homeowners in reimagining these buildings.”

“The adaptation of derelict or vacated buildings offer distinct and unique opportunities but can be daunting, where their original qualities are masked by poor condition or previous alterations.”

“Conserving or adapting an existing building is a complex process that requires architectural advice from the outset.”

“These buildings provide exciting opportunities and with the right advice and guidance can provide beautiful homes for generations to come.”

Calling all restaurants, cafes and bars across Galway!

By

-

May 3, 2020

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE NEW PAGE AND HOW TO SIGN UP.

We are encouraging restaurants, cafes and bars across Galway to sign up for free to be listed on our brand new hospitality page, which will be launched in the coming days.

All businesses in the hospitality sector in Galway, or just across the county border, are welcome to avail of the new page which will give extra publicity to our local eateries during this crisis and beyond.

We’re asking businesses interested in signing up to do so as soon as possible, as demand is high.

It’s absolutely free for businesses to be listed on the page and it’s quick and easy to sign up – the link below gives more information and a step-by-step guide on how to do so.

If you know who might be interested in this new service, why not let them know!

To get in touch with us with any queries, email darragh@www.galwaydaily.com

Coronavirus: 19 new Covid-19 deaths, Galway cases rise

By

-

May 3, 2020

There have been 19 additional deaths related to Covid-19 in the Republic of Ireland today, and an additional 330 cases confirmed by the Department of Health.

Galway has seen an additional 8 Covid-19 cases confirmed today, bringing the total in the county to 365.

There have now been a total of 1,303 deaths caused by the coronavirus in Ireland.

The 330 new cases confirmed today brings the total number of cases in the country to 21,506.

The data from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre, as of midnight on Friday, May 1, covering 21,064 cases, shows that:

58% are female and 42% are male
the median age of confirmed cases is 49 years
2,825 cases (13%) have been hospitalised
of those hospitalised, 363 cases have been admitted to ICU
6,068 cases are associated with healthcare workers
Dublin has the highest number of cases at 10,406 (49% of all cases) followed by Kildare with 1,242 cases (6%) and then Cork with 1,164 cases (6%)
of those for whom transmission status is known: community transmission accounts for 63%, close contact accounts for 34%, travel abroad accounts for 3%

The HSE is working to identify any contacts the patients may have had to provide them with information and advice to prevent further spread.

Of those for whom transmission status is known: community transmission accounts for 63%, close contact accounts for 34%, travel abroad accounts for 3%.

In the event that a person tests positive for Covid-19 and hasn’t been abroad or had contact with another confirmed case in Ireland, that’s known as community transmission.

In the event that a person who tests positive for Covid-19 can be linked to another confirmed case in Ireland, that’s known as local transmission.

Five marketing and PR companies launch new business support platform

By

-

May 3, 2020

galway daily pr oneaday myITdepartment Merger it company

Inspired by the creativity of Irish people helping others during the COVID-19 crisis, five marketing and PR companies have come together to launch a brand new business support initiative.

Oneaday is a platform devised by iZest Marketing which allows businesses and individuals to help one another by offering free services, advice and information based on their area of expertise.

People who avail of a service on the platform are asked to pay it forward in some way to another business or individual.

Over 100 companies have now signed up to Oneaday, giving an estimated €50k of services per week at no charge to support SMEs and individuals.

Galway based Áine Image & Communications became involved by contributing one consultation per day to help people define their Personal Brand.

Director Áine Killilea says it’s more important now than ever to focus on our online image.

“Face-to-face business has been turned on it’s head in the last six weeks with us having to adapt collectively at lightening speed to new virtual methods.

“People have quickly become dependent on social media, most especially LinkedIn of which there are over 2 million Irish Users, to connect and generate business.

“How you highlight your skills and business on social media platforms is now more critical than ever.

“I see this coming through in new clients as I work with them to develop and communicate what they have to offer.

“Being generous is also a great remedy for feeling hemmed in. It lifts your spirits and can encourage others to pass it on building a greater movement.

“When I was approached to contribute to Oneaday with the times we find ourselves in, getting involved makes perfect sense.”

Businesses and experts who want to do their ‘one a day’ can register today on Oneaday.ie and they will then be listed on the collaborators page, with what service they are offering and how they can be contacted.

Approval sought to enlarge Crown Square hotel plans

By

-

May 3, 2020

Galway daily news Approval given for expansion of planned Mervue hotel

Planning permission is being sought to enlarge plans for a new hotel in Mervue to add more bedrooms and another floor to the building.

Wolfe Tone House Crown Square Developments is seeking permission to amend the previously approved plans for a hotel which makes up one part of the larger Crown Square project.

The commercial side of this project was approved by the city council in March 2019, which also includes five office blocks with the capacity for over 3,100 staff.

While the overall footprint of the hotel will not be changed under this fresh application, an additional 1,583sqm of floor space would be added through the addition of a 6th floor.

This will include a lounge, kitchen area, ancillary facilities and two outdoor seating areas on the south-eastern and western elevations.

Internal alterations have also been made to the bedroom sizes on all other floors to accommodate another bedroom on each floor.

Under the revised plans the hotel will have a total of 180 bedrooms, an increase of five from the original plans.

The overall height of the building will be approximately 25.5m with the addition of the sixth floor.

Amendments would also be made to the basement level to include an additional communication room, staff room, and storage rooms.

This would result in there being 24 fewer car parking spaces at this level.

The Crown Square site on the junction of Monivea Road and Joyce’s Road was left vacant for over a decade before until developers JJ Rhatigan signed a deal to take over the site again in June of 2018.

The second Phase of the €200 million project, incorporating 288 build-to-let apartments, was approved by An Bord Pleanála last November.

Galway City Council is due to decide whether to approve the modifications to the hotel plans July 4.

Works approved for Newton NS

By

-

May 3, 2020