Mountbellew filling station fight heads back to An Bord Pleanála

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April 29, 2020

Galway Daily business Women's EMPOWER entrepreneurship programme heads online this summer

The women’s entrepreneurship EMPOWER programme delivered by GMIT across the west of Ireland is going online when it returns this June due to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions.

The EMPOWER entrepreneurship programme has been running in the Galway and Mayo GMIT iHubs since 2017 to support women in the west of Ireland establishing businesses.

Last year the programme rolled out in Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal under the Connacht-Ulster Alliance.

GMIT President Dr Orla Flynn says “In Ireland, female-led businesses remain an underdeveloped source of economic growth and jobs.

“Bringing more women entrepreneurs into the economy will help improve economic growth and stability and is particularly needed in the rural and peripheral West and North-West of Ireland.”

Funded by the Department of Justice and Equality and the European Social Fund, the application deadline for this year’s programme has been extended to Friday, May 29.

All participants will need to have access to a device (PC or laptop) and have good broadband in order to fully participate in the online courses.

Selected participants will engage online in group discussions and in one-to-one mentoring sessions. Role models will also be introduced along with new modules on Leadership and Sales.

Maria Staunton, EMPOWER Programme Manager, says that it helps women to build confidence and skills needed to start and scale up businesses.

Over 60 women in the west have completed the programme in its first three years, and their businesses employ 146 people full time.

“Labour force participation rates for women in Ireland remain low by international standards despite rising wages and more career opportunities and this EMPOWER programme aims to help redress that imbalance,” Maria said.

CSO figures indicate that while the gender differential in the participation rates between men and women here is falling, it remains wide – 68.4% for men compared to 56% for women even though women make up over 50% of the population.

“The women I have worked with on this programme have shown tenacity and determination to get their business up and running. Whilst I have observed high levels of ambition some lack confidence and have low perceptions of capability.”

“Sometimes aversion to debt and a conservative approach to risk-taking can hamper ambition.”

“Often entrepreneurship is seen as providing more flexibility for women, however work-life balance still remains a challenge, particularly so during this COVID-19 lockdown.”

She added that there is often a ‘guilt’ factor in play when women focus on their business while having other responsibilities, and that policy makers should not overlook the challenges women face in maintaining a work-life balance.

“Women often choose self-employment for lifestyle reasons, particularly when the children are young, while men, to a larger extent, are driven by pecuniary motives”.

“We talk about implementing entrepreneurship in schools but what better way to learn about entrepreneurship than listening to and being involved with your parents on topics such as new ideas, ordering stock, money, etc.”

“This might be the bigger impact supporting women entrepreneurs has on the economy”, says Ms Staunton.

The EMPOWER programme is funded by the Irish Government and the European Social Fund as part of the Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning 2014-2020.

Ammunition cache and ‘suspect device’ found by Gardaí in south Galway

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April 29, 2020

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

An ammunition cache was seized and a ‘suspect device’ made safe by army ordnance disposal experts after a search by Gardaí in south Galway.

The ammunition and suspect device were found by Gardaí from Gort and Loughrea at Castledaly on Tuesday in an intelligence led operation.

A search in the woods off the Gort to Loughrea road at Castledaly uncovered two boxes of ammo, and a suspect device contained in a pipe.

The device was made safe by members of the Army Ordnance Disposal Unit.

The operation took place at approximately 2pm yesterday in woodlands around 5km off the main road.

The scene of the search has been has been sealed today, and a technical examination of the items seized will take place.

Coronavirus: 59 more deaths confirmed with 299 new cases reported

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April 28, 2020

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

Fifty-nine more pople have died after being diagnosed with Covid-19, bringing the total number of deaths in the state to 1,159.

The NPHET confirmed an additional 299 cases this evening meaning there are now 19,877 confirmed cases in the Republic.

The latest county breakdown of figures says there are 332 cases in Galway.

However, yesterday’s breakdown of figures show that there were 335 cases confirmed in the county at midnight on Saturday.

The Department of Health clarified this and said it is common for figures to be revised upward or down for a number of reasons, including a change to location information.

It confirmeded that the data currently available is correct.

As of midnight Monday 27 April, 153,054 tests have been carried out across the state.

Over the past week, 41,470 tests were carried out and of these 5,335 were positive, giving a positivity rate of 12.9%.

The National Public Health Emergency Team met today to discuss a phased, public health approach to inform any changes to the measures that are currently in place.

It says it will continue to review evidence to enable the Minister for Health to make formal recommendations to Government over the coming days.

More to follow…

Facelift in the works for Ballinasloe Parochial Hall

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April 28, 2020

Galway Daily news Facelift in the works for Ballinasloe Parochial Hall

The Parochial Hall in Ballinasloe is set to receive a facelift to repair the ageing roof and carry out fire safety renovations to the interior of the building.

Ballinasloe Town Band is seeking planning permission re-batten and re-slate the roof of the historic parochial hall, as well as install new fire resistant sheeting inside and other light repairs.

The Parochial Hall at Dunlo, Ballinasloe is a Protected Structure with the Architectural Conservation Area of Ballinasloe Town.

A conservation report prepared for this application noted that the slate ceiling is in “a poor state of repair and is leaking, particularly where lead flashing etc. is damaged”.

The natural slate tiles that currently roof the hall will be removed and stored to be reinstated wherever possible.

While the slate tiles are off, it is intended to carry out repairs to the roof timbers, replacing them where necessary, and install new lead sheet flashing.

The original slate tiles will be reinstated as much as possible, while any replacement slates that are needed will be of a similar type, size, and provenance.

Other works to be carried out on the roof include repairs to the chimney stacks’ masonry, and the installation of new cast iron guttering and down pipes.

According to the planning application, all work on the roof will take place under the supervision of an accredited Building Conservation Surveyor to protect its architectural heritage.

The proposed internal renovations to the building largely consist of fire protection works such as sheeting the ceiling in fire resistant plaster boards on the ground and first floors, first removing the existing ceiling sheeting.

Other work will involve removing and replacing part of the staircase where it has rotted, and painting and decorating walls and ceilings.

Galway County Council is currently due to make a decision on this planning application by May 21.

Wind energy becomes Ireland’s No.1 energy source for first quarter of 2020

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April 28, 2020

galway daily windmill turbine climate change sustainable energy

Wind energy became Ireland’s number one source of electricity in a full quarter for the first time during the first three months of 2020.

Figures released from the SEAI this morning showed that wind energy provided 3,390 GWh of electricity, which is 43.8% of demand, compared to 3,234 GWh for natural gas (41.8 per cent) during the first quarter of 2020.

CEO of the Irish Wind Energy Association Dr David Connolly said that the figures show that it is only a matter of time before wind energy is Ireland’s number one source of electricity.

“Last year was a record-breaking year for the industry as we provided a third of the country’s electricity demand.

“The first three months of 2020 show that we are well on track to beat that record.

“More wind power means less carbon emissions. It means less fossil fuel imports. It means more jobs and more investment in Ireland,” he said.

Dr Connolly aruged that to build on this succes, it is essential that the next Government prioritises reforming the planning system so we can develop wind energy off our coasts.

It is vital that it ensures that the new Wind Energy Guidelines enable us to build the next generation of onshore wind farms, he said.

“It is the next Government that must ensure we have the right policies and the right strategies to enable industry to reach the target set out in the Climate Action Plan to provide 70 per cent of Ireland’s electricity from renewable energy by 2030.

“It can take eight to 12 years to develop a wind farm in Ireland. This means that any Government serious about our 2030 targets has – at most – only a couple of years to make the right policy choices to grow Ireland’s renewable energy industry and turn this country into a leader in the fight against climate change.”

32,000 people now on Pandemic Unemployment Payment in Galway

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April 28, 2020

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

There are now 32,000 people in receipt of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment in Galway with the addition of 400 new people this week.

In total the government is now making Pandemic Unemployment payments valued at €207 million a week to 591,000 people who have lost their jobs in the Covid-19 crisis.

That’s according to the latest weekly data from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection.

There are also 2,300 people in Galway receiving a medically certified Covid-19 related Illness Benefit payment as of today, up from 2,100 last week.

This accounts for just 6.3% of the national total of 36,100 people in receipt of Covid-19 illness benefits, which are also paid at a rate of €350 a week.

There are also now 49,000 employers around the country signed up to the Wage Subsidy Scheme with the Revenue Commissioners.

These pandemic specific payments are in addition to approximately 205,000 people who were on the Live Register as of the end of March.

Minister Regina Doherty said that the smaller increase in figures seen this week suggests we have “come through the worst” of temporary job lay-offs.

But, she added, with over a million people now on some form of state income support “the scale of the challenge that this health emergency has posed for our national economy and to so many households is now very clear.”

“Our priority now is to continue to support all those who need assistance and to work to help all employers and workers to adjust to the emerging reality that COVID-19 may be with us for a long time to come.”

The Minister convened the first meeting of the Labour Market Advisory Council last Friday, comprised of economists and representatives of both employers and workers.

“The Council will play a key role in advising on public policy responses to support labour market recovery,” Minister Doherty said.

Part of its role in planning for the country’s economic recovery post Covid-19 will be in assessing what sectors will be most challenged, and what skills will be in greatest demand.

To date, the department has processed 691,000 claims for Pandemic Unemployment benefits.

Motor insurers urged to ensure “level playing field” for Galway customers

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April 28, 2020

Galway Daily news motorists advised to watch for people walking in the fine weather

An East Galway TD has called on all motor insurers to clarify which discount premiums or refunds will be given to customers in response to the pandemic.

Minister Ciaran Cannon has said this would ensure a ‘level playing field’ for all motorists in the county and he is urging insurers to make sure that precise details of these discounts or refunds are made available as soon as possible.

“Recently, my colleague Minister Donohoe called on insurers to be pro-active on behalf of motor insurance policyholders during this exceptionally difficult period and especially given the reduction in road journeys due to restrictions and the consequent reduction in claims,” said the East Galway TD.

“I’m pleased therefore to note that in the past few days, some motor insurers have agreed to discount premiums or give refunds to customers in recognition of the pandemic which will give additional financial relief to motorists in the county and especially those who may have recently been reduced significantly in terms of their income.

“I would now urge all motor insurers to ensure they give discount premiums or refunds to customers so that there is a level playing field for all customers in Galway and we don’t have a situation whereby some insurers discount while others don’t.”

NUIG makes changes to 2020/21 academic year

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April 28, 2020

NUIG is making significant changes to the timetable and teaching methodology of the upcoming 2020/21 academic year in response to the impact of the Covid-19 crisis.

President of NUIG Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, in an email sent to staff and students on Monday, outlined ways in which they are adapting to challenges posed by the public health emergency, and its accompanying restrictions.

The university is proposing a later than normal start date of September 28 for semester 1 of the coming academic year.

This would apply to all taught students with the exception of first year undergraduates.

New undergraduate students won’t be starting until even later in the year, with an anticipated date in November to accommodate the later leaving cert schedule.

When the university does reopen next academic year, don’t expect things to have gone back to exactly the way they were before the pandemic.

Teaching in semester 1 is planned to be delivered through a mix of face-to-face and online methods Prof Ó hÓgartaigh said.

“We will be contacting Heads of School to initiate a planning process at School level with Discipline Heads, Programme and Module Leaders to prepare to deliver programmes in these scenarios.”

“I want to reassure our university community that we will continue to consult with staff and student representatives in the coming weeks and months as we work out the details and try to overcome the challenges of this new approach.”

“We are also very conscious of the challenges this poses for colleagues and students and have been keen to signal our intentions early so as to accommodate and support planning in that regard.”

NUIG is also holding its first ever Virtual Open Day on May 7, with an enhanced online offering highlighting the university campus and courses on offer.

“Presenting all of this information online will be challenging, and I commend all the staff who are involved in making it happen,” Prof Ó hÓgartaigh said.

Cyclists on Headford Road taking their lives into their own hands

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April 28, 2020

An in-depth investigation into cycling infrastructure across Ireland has found that a one kilometer stretch on the Headford Road is a dangerous blackspot for cyclists.

The Noteworthy investigation published yesterday found that there were 16 collisions involving cyclists, including two serious injuries, along a 1km length of the Headford Road from 2005 to 2016.

Responding to the findings, Galway Cycling Campaign has said that immediate improvements must be made to the road during the coronavirus pandemic.

Martina Callanan, spokesperson for Galway Cycling Campaign and a resident of the Headford Road area, commented that this is a dangerous route for adults and children on bicycles making their way from home into town to work and school.

“The bike lane is essentially an extended piece of pavement. It is cut across by access roads to retail parks so you have to come off the path frequently where other traffic is given priority.

“The Headford Road is a congested main route from north Galway into the city and onto the university.

“Though Galway has the second highest percentage of commuters cycling in a city, you are mainly sharing the roads with other motor vehicle users and there are very few dedicated and segregated cycle tracks,” she said.

Galway Cycling Campaign says that the city is perfect for bikes due to its size and that during the crisis more people are taking up cycling as a means of transport and for exercise.

Kevin Jennings, chair of Galway Cycling Campaign, proposed two temporary solutions.

“Galway City Council should temporarily reduce the four-lane Headford Road to two lanes for vehicle traffic, and reallocate the other two lanes for people on bicycles,” he said.

“This will do three things: give more space and better road conditions to cyclists, double the width of footpaths for pedestrians, and encourage motorists to slow down.

“The Council can do this for all four-lane roads across the city to make our roads safer and a more pleasant experience for people walking and cycling.

“Secondly, the Council should temporarily reduce the speed limit to 30 km/h within the city. If a car moving at 50 km/h hits a person walking, there is a 50% chance that person will die. At 30 km/h, that same person has a 95% chance of surviving injuries.”

Financial services firm creating 100 new jobs in Galway and Dublin

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April 28, 2020

Galway Daily business US software company creating 25 jobs in Galway

Financial services firm Fidelity Investments is creating 30 new jobs in Galway as part of an expansion of its Irish operations.

The majority of the new jobs in Ireland for the Boston based company will be for software engineers to be hired in the coming months.

In total Fidelity has announced the creation of 100 new posts across its Galway and Dublin offices, adding to the 1,100 people already employed in Ireland.

Among those are 350 people currently employed at its base in Ballybrit.

“Fidelity Ireland continues to provide critical technology and operations support to the firm,” said Al Riviezzo, General Manager, Fidelity Investments Ireland.

“All of our 1,100-strong workforce are working from home across Ireland and ready to welcome new colleagues to support our expanding need for tech skills and talent we have based here in Ireland.”

These hiring and training status of these new jobs reflects the changing conditions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Fidelity is offering expedited hiring, virtual “onboarding” training, and wide-ranging work-from-home flexibility and supports to ensure the safety of employees.

The company also recently announced additional Covid-19 supports for its workforce focused on time, flexibility and new care services.

Part of these include time needed to manage unexpected homelife events and COVID-19 screening.

“We understand that these are very uncertain times,” said Conor McDonnell, Head of HR at Fidelity Ireland.

But he added that they are able to protect their existing staff and look to fill a significant number of roles at the same time.

“We want to assure people considering a new job or career change that Fidelity Investments continues to actively recruit and hire for several critical roles and is accelerating hiring in key tech areas.”

The privately owned company US employs roughly 40,000 people worldwide, and administers assets worth $7.2 trillion.

Fidelity’s first expansion outside of the United States came with the opening of its Irish offices in 1996.

Its wide range of financial services include asset management, brokerage, and administrative solutions serving personal, workplace, intermediary, and institutional markets.

Gardaí launch major operation to stop Bank Holiday travel

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April 28, 2020

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

Gardaí have launched a major operation this morning, with thousands of officers taking part, to stop any travel around the country in the week up to the Bank Holiday.

Operation Fanacht will run throughout this week until the end of the May Bank Holiday weekend on the night of Monday, May 4.

It will again involve large-scale checkpoints on many main routes, and thousands of mobile checkpoints on secondary routes and in towns and villages.

Throughout the week Gardaí will also be conducting high visibility patrols at major tourist locations, parks and natural beauty spots to ensure compliance with restrictions.

At any one time, there will be over 2,500 Gardaí involved in checkpoints or high visibility patrolling.

This is the second time in recent weeks that Operation Fanacht has been carried out, previously running through Easter week from April 8 to 13.

Deputy Commissioner, Policing and Security, John Twomey said that it has been planned for some time to repeat the operation in the week leading up to the May Bank Holiday weekend.

“When we last ran Operation Fanacht there was a high level of compliance from the public. It is vital that we see that again.”

“I want to thank the public for their co-operation so far. We know it has not been easy and has required significant sacrifices.”

He said that this is a “critical week” for the country, and that if people continue to work together, it will save lives.

Under the current lockdown conditions people are only allowed to travel 2km from their home for exercise, and beyond that only for very limited reasons such as buying food.

A survey of 35,000 people around the country by NUIG found that the travel limit is overwhelmingly the lockdown restriction which people would most like to seek lifted.

The number of deaths as a result of Covid-19 continued to fall yesterday with the confirmation of 18 new deaths nationwide, and a further three cases confirmed in Galway.

Testing criteria has also been broadened as of today, so that now people who have only displayed one symptom of Covid-19 such as fever, a cough, or shortness of breath, may now seek a testing.

Coronavirus: New cases reported in Galway, 18 more deaths confirmed in the Republic

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April 27, 2020

Eighteen more people have died after being diagnosed with the coronavirus, taking the total number of deaths related to the virus in the Republic to 1,102.

A further 386 cases have also been confirmed this evening meaning there are now 19,648 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the state.

The latest figures for Galway, taken at midnight on Saturday, show that there were three new cases reported in the county.

This brings the total number of people in the county diagnosed with the illness to 335, which is 1.8% of the national total.

In the west of Ireland, Galway has fewer cases than Donegal, Mayo and Limerick but more than Kerry, Clare and Sligo.

Leitrim and Carlow are the only counties with fewer than 100 confirmed cases.

Speaking this evening about the current public safety measures, Dr Tony Holohan said: “We have always made it clear that there are certain things that we need to be satisfied with prior to recommending any change in current restrictions.

“The most important one is that the incidence rate of the virus needs to be as low as possible in terms its transmission in the community and within community and residential settings.

“In addition, the impact of the disease on rates of mortality and hospitalisations including admissions to intensive care units also needs to be at a very low level.

“Improvements are still needed in these important measures.”

Across the island of Ireland, there are now over 23,000 confirmed cases of the disease.

The number of people worldwide who have tested positive for Covid-19 passed 3 million earlier this evening. At least 208,131 people have died.

Nursing homes “utterly forgotten” at pandemic’s outset – Connolly

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April 27, 2020

Galway Daily news Respite services at Merlin Park to be restored by August

Galway West TD Catherine Connolly has accused the government of forgetting about nursing homes at the outset of the coronavirus pandemic, and failing to put an action plan together even after there were clusters of cases.

Speaking at the Dáil sitting last Thursday, Deputy Connolly asked why nursing homes were not at the top of the government’s priority list from “day one” of this crisis.

“On one level, this virus knows no bounds but, on another, there has been no equality in the way people have been treated.”

When this pandemic was declared on March 11, the WHO commented on the delay in taking action by various governments, the Independent TD added.

“That was on 11 March. On 17 March, the Taoiseach travelled to the US. Less than five days later, there were four clusters in nursing homes but there was no action plan.”

“On 24 March, there were clusters in nursing homes but there was no action plan. On 27 March, there were clusters in nursing homes but there was no action plan.”

Deputy Connolly spoke of her “horror and upset” at being informed by an expert from Trinity College that the situation in nursing homes “crept up on us”, saying that it seems they were “utterly forgotten” in the early days of the coronavirus pandemic.

“The real danger is that of losing the ability to feel upset at the level of deaths in nursing homes and residential centres, not to mention direct provision.”

Responding to Deputy Connolly, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said that protecting vulnerable groups was one of six fronts in combating this pandemic, all of which had to be tackled together.

The others included sourcing PPE, testing and tracing, ICU capacity, social distancing and lockdown restrictions, and economic and welfare supports.

“I never attended a meeting where anyone ever said we should prioritise nursing homes over PPE or testing over social distancing, for example. That is not how it works.”

“There are six fronts with six battles and we are trying to fight on every front every day in order to give each one equal attention and as much attention as possible.”

The Taoiseach added that it would be a “misunderstanding” to say that any one issue is being put above the other.

He also highlighted an agreement with unions allowing HSE staff to work at nursing homes on a voluntary basis.

The HSE has designated 75 residential facilities as ‘Status Red’, meaning they are at the greatest risk due to challenges such as staffing issues, and require the most support.

Weather forecast: temperatures near 0C expected with rain coming

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April 27, 2020

Galway Daily weather Falling temperatures and weekend rain mark weather for rest of the week

The weather forecast for the coming week shows the summer temperatures we’ve been enjoying dropping somewhat, with rain to come later this week.

After temperatures soared over the weekend, the coming weather forecast shows that summer preview slacking off this week, and headed into the bank holiday weekend.

Temperatures will drop almost to freezing level overnight tonight, with lows of 1C expected in the early hours Tuesday morning.

Isolated showers of rain are also expected tonight, with patches of mist and fog in places and the possibility of some grass frost.

But Met Eireann says expects that conditions will pick up again later in the day, with temperatures reaching highs of 11 to 13 degrees in the evening.

A mostly cool and bright day, with some cloudy conditions in the morning, clearing that afternoon, and scattered showers developing in the evening.

The heaviest rain forecast for this week is expected on Wednesday, spiking in the early afternoon, but with scattered showers continuing through the evening.

Moderate southeasterly winds in the morning will turn light and variable later in the day, with lowest temperatures of 5 to 6 degrees, lowest inland.

Scattered showers and cloudy conditions will persist into Wednesday night and early Thursday with temperatures dropping down again, reaching 4 to 5 degrees.

Some sun is expected to bring the temperature back up to highs of 13 degrees on Thursday evening, but cloud and scattered showers will persist.

Conditions on the Bank Holiday weekend are currently forecast to swing between periods of overcast sunshine and moderate showers of rain, strongest on Saturday night and Sunday morning.

New supports for children and parents launched

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April 27, 2020

New supports have been launched to help children and parents through the COVID-19 crisis as people prepare for a return to normality.

The new online resource for parents, called Parents Centre, provides links to a wide range of trusted and online resources including learning, parenting and information on supports for parents.

Minister Ciaran Cannon said that while children’s usual activities must be temporarily modified during the crisis, the resources will offer parents and families another important outlet for support at this time.

“The coronavirus outbreak has led to a necessary and rapid re-ordering of daily routines, until further notice, and parents have had to adopt to new roles as teachers throughout this time,” said the Fine Gael TD.

“I wish to acknowledge the excellent work parents, guardians and families in the county are doing in that regard, under such extraordinary circumstances, and I’m pleased to note the launch in the past few days of a range of supports for children and parents to support them during this challenging time.”

Minister Cannon said that Parents Centre is easy to navigate and will help parents in Galway access the information and support they need, and that itwill be updated as new resources and information for parents are developed.

“I also welcome Minister Zappone’s launch of an initiative for children via Let’s Play Ireland, a gov.ie resource to support children and young people’s play during this time, which has been developed with key experts across various sectors including Early Years, Education, Health, Local Authorities, Academic Partners in UCC and Mary Immaculate College, Creative Ireland, Tusla and others.

“Keeping children in touch with the activities they are used to is crucial at a time like this and while those activities must be temporarily modified to take account of the prevailing public health situation, these resources will offer parents and families another important outlet for support,” he added.

Watch: Amazing production of virtual choir singing ‘Imagine’

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April 27, 2020

sean rowland galway daily gmit choir virtual

Award-winning Galway Musical Director Sean Rowland has produced an enthralling video of GMIT’s virtual choir singing John Lennon’s “Imagine”.

He single-handedly edited over 80 individual videos of students and staff singing their sections before merging their voices into one.

Normal choir practice came to a halt on 12 March when the Government announced college closures, but within days, choir master Sean and colleague Anita Mahony had put out a call seeking interest in continuing online.

Over 100 students and staff from all five campuses immediately signed up including alumni, international students and new members, with 80 eventually submitting videos to Sean. Even family members and pets got involved in the process.

One of the first to sign up was GMIT’s new President, Dr Orla Flynn. This was one of Orla’s first opportunities to interact with staff and students having taken up her new position after the Covid-19 restrictions had closed the Institute.

“As a newcomer to GMIT, I didn’t get a chance to get out and meet staff and students due to the closure, so the choir has given me a brilliant opportunity to become part of the GMIT community,” she said.

“Virtually or otherwise, there is something magical about coming together to sing. Sean put in huge effort to encourage participation, and we are very grateful.”

Sean Rowland commented: “I think it’s incredibly brave of all the individuals to step out of their comfort zone and take part in a virtual choir.

“It takes courage to expose one’s voice even if it is only for my ears initially and I think it has come together wonderfully.

“There is no substitute for a live performance and the physical feeling we get from singing in a choir, however what The GMIT Virtual Choir has achieved here is astonishing.

!It was especially uplifting to see everyone’s smiling faces again and to welcome participants from all five of the GMIT campuses.”

Initially, Sean spent a some time upskilling and upgrading the equipment to be able to direct the choir virtually, produce a video and include the visuals and voices of all participants.

He hosted the online tutorials using the video sharing platform Zoom and staff and students connected in using their pc, tablet or phone.

“The response to this entire experience has been overwhelmingly positive”, said Anita Mahony, Chairperson of both GMIT Voices and Healthy Campus.

“Sean’s virtual choir is having a really positive impact on everyone’s mental health during these difficult and worrying times.

“It has been amazing to see the reaction and interaction at our Zoom sessions and also on social media. Everyone is clearly enjoying the experience.

“Sean has completed a mammoth task – over 80 hours of post-production and editing which is usually done by a team of people. We are so grateful for all the passion he brings to this virtual choir, his talent and skill, and his energy and enthusiasm which are so contagious.”

Dr Rick Officer, VP Research & Innovation, added: “Re-joining the GMIT choir online has really lifted the spirits of all involved. Seeing everyone’s faces again has been terrific, but the banter during rehearsals is even better.

“Huge thanks to Sean Rowland for the hard work behind the scenes, and to Anita Mahony who tries to manage us.”

Emma McDonald, final year student, said that for many students, this was their last semester in the choir.

“Undoubtedly being a member leaves us with fond memories for the rest of our lives. We never expected that our practice in March would be the last one on campus.

“Then came the virtual choir, a chance to all come together, near and far, to do what we enjoy most – sing. This experience has been amazing. A big thank you to Sean for all his hard work and dedication. It has been a thoroughly enjoyable experience.”

Galway Tidy Towns groups stay connected online

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April 27, 2020

Tidy Towns groups across the county are coming together online to stay connected during the COVID-19 emergency.

Williamstown Tidy Towns led the way by starting a Virtual Tidy Towns Facebook group for people in the area to show what they are doing during these challenging times.

While everyone is staying at home, many are still cutting the grass, planting bee-friendly flowers in the garden, feeding the birds, preventing, reducing and segregating their waste and composting.

Williamstown Virtual Tidy Towns is encouraging people to send in a photo or description of what they are doing to share with others in their village and stay connected.

People are also being asked to consider sending a photo, poem, story or picture to their local Tidy Towns group’s Facebook page to share with others.

There are many active Tidy Towns groups in the county with a strong record of supporting their communities, and Galway County Council is encouraging them to stay connected while staying safe and at home following HSE guidance.

Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, Cllr Jimmy McClearn said: “Anyone can set up a ‘Virtual Tidy Towns Group’ for their area or keep connected using an existing Tidy Towns Facebook page to post photos of what they are doing in their own gardens and homes while staying safe.”

For tips and ideas check out the County of Galway Virtual Tidy Towns Facebook page or email Galwayvirtualtt@gmail.com.

Undergraduate Open Day at NUIG to be held online for first time

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April 27, 2020

Galway Daily news Galway universities awarded over €2 million for new research equipment

NUI Galway’s Undergraduate Open Day will be held online for the first time on Thursday, 7 May.

The Open Day will give students, parents and guidance counsellors the chance to connect with staff and students at NUIG and explore the undergraduate courses on offer.

Participants will have the opportunity to learn more about courses and careers through video content and a panel discussion will be broadcast live, discussing the key issues for Leaving Certificate students. This will be followed by an interactive live Q&A session.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to talk to programme directors and academic staff via a live online chat, looking at how to choose the right course and how to prepare for a rewarding career after graduation.

Sarah Geraghty, Director of Student Recruitment and Outreach at NUI Galway, said: “With such uncertainty surrounding the Leaving Cert exams in 2020, this is a highly stressful time for students and parents.

“Therefore our aim is to provide an informative and dynamic virtual event which will help students to think beyond the current difficulites and to start looking forward towards their future studies and the wonderful college experience that awaits them.

“It’s an opportunity to not only explore study options, but also to get a taste of university life and the vibrant campus community at NUI Galway.”

Representatives from the university’s support services teams will also be available to chat with students and parents during the NUIG Open Day to discuss accommodation, admissions, fees and other queries.

A programme of talks, will be available to stream and download throughout the Open Day including Sport at NUI Galway, Access Office and College Presentations on Science, Engineering and Computer Science, Business and Law, Arts, and Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences.

Rose of Tralee festival cancelled for the first time ever

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April 27, 2020