Survey finds 2km travel limit is lockdown restriction most want lifted

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April 27, 2020

Galway Daily news NUIG and GMIT receive almost €500k for mental health supports

Mature students and early school leavers wondering whether or not to take the plunge into higher education, now of all times, can get some additional insight into what that might entail with Live Online Q&A sessions on becoming an Access Student at NUIG this week.

The NUIG Access Centre is focused on bringing people into higher education who are considered “non-traditional” students by the Higher Education Authority.

The centre offers courses delivered at the main NUIG campus, as well through three outreach locations at St. Angela’s College, Sligo; An Cheathrú Rúa; and Ballinasloe.

These information sessions are designed particularly for early School Leavers aged 22 or under, and Mature Students aged 23 or over, who never had the opportunity to study at third level and could never reached their full academic potential for a wide range of reasons.

The Q&A session for prospective mature students will take place on Tuesday, April 28, while school leavers can tune in on Thursday, April 30. Both sessions will run in the afternoon from 3pm – 4pm.

This event is aimed primarily at people on a low income, and/or those with a long-term disability, who may have believed that going to university was out of their reach.

The NUI Galway Access Courses aim to support students build confidence in themselves, in their academic ability and also to support them all to reach their full potential.

The Q&A sessions will feature representatives from the Access Centre and Coordinators from each of the programmes who will be able to answer questions about the courses on offer and support services in the programme.

One former Access Student, now and NUIG alum, said that their Access Course “laid solid foundations for me and allowed me to develop academic skills.

“I left school at 15 and now as a Mature Access Student realise that I am not a failure where learning is concerned”

Join the online Q&A Mature Student session HERE on Tuesday, or go to the School Leaver session HERE on Thursday.

Coronavirus: No new Covid-19 cases in Galway

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April 26, 2020

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

There were no new cases of Covid-19 confirmed in Galway today, as 26 more people are reported to have died from the disease.

The total number of deaths caused by Covid-19 in the republic now stands at 1,087, with two suspected deaths removed from the tally after validation of results.

An additional 701 new cases were also confirmed by the HPSC on Sunday, bringing the total number of cases nationally to 19,262.

Galway remains at the lower end of the scale with just 332 confirmed cases, making up 1.8% of the national total.

Data from the HPSC as of Friday night, gathered on 18,431 cases, shows that 57% of people afflicted are female, and 43% are male.

Of those confirmed cases, 2,576 required hospitalisation, while 349 have been admitted to the ICU.

Dublin accounts for half of all cases in the country with 9,224, followed by Cork with 1,110 cases (6%).

Plans for temporary prefab secondary school in Murrough

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April 26, 2020

Galway Daily news craughwell national school

Plans have been submitted to the city council for the construction of a temporary secondary school at Murrough in Galway City.

The Department of Education is seeking planning permission to build two, 2-storey prefab buildings to serve as a temporary secondary school on the grounds of Grainach House on the Dublin Road.

The site is owned by the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, which has granted the department permission to build there.

The department is only seeking temporary permission for this prefab structure, for a maximum of two years, on the same site as the existing Educate Together Secondary School.

“The Department of Education and Skills have appointed a Design Team to deliver a number of interim schools in specific areas,” the planning application states.

“These interim schools are intended to provide facilities until such a time as the permanent school for that area is constructed.”

“It is proposed to provide an interim school as a series of pre-fabricated buildings located at Galway Educate Together Secondary School”.

The two prefabs will together be used to accommodate 48 students and two teachers.

Flood Risk and Traffic & Transport Assessments were carried out and submitted with this application.

Galway City Council is due to make a decision on this planning application by June 1.

Galway comedian raising vital funds for the Irish Wheelchair Association

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April 26, 2020

Popular Galway comedian Stevo Timothy has started preparing for a 5km cycle, raising vital funds for the Irish Wheelchair Association.

The fundraising campaign has raised almost €5,000 so far, as donations continue to flood in from across the country.

Stevo suffered a motorbike accident in 2005 which broke his neck and his back. Because of the paraplegia, he says this 5km cycle will be a challenge.

“I haven’t a clue if I’ll be able to acheive it,” he said, “but I’m going to give it a go!”

Please please RT 😊
Hi all. I’m doing a charity cycle for the Irish Wheelchair Association in memory of my mother and to raise some vital funds for all the good work they do. I use a wheelchair and crutches to walk so this will be a challenge!

GoFundMe: https://t.co/L1Y1Ud25Zi pic.twitter.com/tW2P7vyy5v

— Sir Stevo Timothy (@SirStevoTimothy) April 25, 2020

On the official fundraising page, Stevo explained the great work that the Irish Wheelchair Association does across the coutnry.

“The Irish Wheelchair Association delivers vital services to people with physical disabilities who due to their disability, are extremely vulnerable to COVID-19.

“Its employees are among the many heroic frontline healthcare staff who are courageously committed to reaching the most vulnerable during this very difficult time,” he said.

“They are delivering care packages to those, who need it most, setting up Skype accounts to connect people with their families, hosting virtual tea parties and online dance classes and taking the time to make sure people feel less alone.

“Their small acts of kindness like daily phonecalls, friendly visits and even singing songs from across the street, make all the difference to their service users who are very isolated during COVID-19

“Each year Irish Wheelchair Association needs to raise €2million on top of HSE funding to keep its services running.

But because of the COVID-19 crisis, they have been forced to postpone their nationwide fundraising activities and close their charity shops.

“They need your help to support over 4,000 people with physical disabilities every week during this challenging and stressful time. Please donate what you can.” Stevo added.

The fundraising page can be found HERE.

INMO says govt childcare plan “does nothing” for most nurses

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April 26, 2020

Galway Daily news Budget 2022: Childcare providers say not enough done to address costs

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation has been highly critical of the government’s childcare proposal for medical workers, saying that it is “worse than irrelevant” for most of their members.

The government announced plans earlier this week for the partners of healthcare workers to receive paid leave to assist with childcare.

However this plan only applies to people who work in the public sector, and delivers nothing for single parents, or medical workers whose partners are privately employed.

The INMO strongly criticised the scheme, on the basis that many workers do not fall within this “old-fashioned” concept of family structures.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar acknowledged that the plan, which is due to be rolled out next week, is “no good” for many healthcare workers, and that they may have to wait until May 5 for supports to be introduced.

But even under the limited support structure of this scheme, the union warned that many of its members who might benefit could find that their partners are doing “essential” work and can’t take leave for childcare.

Phil Ní Sheaghdha, INMO General Secretary, said that for most of their members with childcare needs this plan is “worse than irrelevant”.

“It actively discriminates against single parents and many modern families, who will still have the same problems in relation to childcare provision.”

The union has been seeking a solution for its members for more than a month, she added, saying that they have been “bounced” between government departments, and given “endless deadlines” for decisions by the NPHET.

“Ireland’s nurses and midwives are risking their lives to provide care. The very least that the state can do is take care of their children when they go to work.

“Instead, our members are told to simply get on with it – forced to choose between caring for patients or their children.”

“During this pandemic, our union and professions have worked hard to be constructive and collaborative. We wish to continue that approach, but the government cannot take our members’ hard work for granted.”

Another measure which is being considered by the NPHET would involve childminders going to the homes of healthcare workers. But there have been concerns that this would involve mixing households, and risking further spread of the coronavirus.

GMIT launches online Open Day for prospective students

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April 26, 2020

Galway Daily news GMIT virtual open day — Fynn-McMahon- Headford-CoGalway-BA-Hons-Design-Year-Two. Photograph by Aengus McMahon

While the current crisis may seem like we’re stuck in limbo, life will return to normal eventually, and GMIT is helping students plan for the upcoming academic year with their online Open Day experience.

With the institute closed, and the kind of crowds a normal Open Day would attract out the question this summer, GMIT has created a new online platform for prospective students and their families.

GMIT President Dr Orla Flynn says: “The Virtual Open Day is not a one-off live event, rather a micro-site that will be open 24/7, with no obligation to connect in at any specific time.”

“We invite you to browse our campuses and courses, and get advice on careers, accommodation and our range of services.”

The platform, which went live on Friday, contains information about all campuses and courses, advice and guidance for students, personal welcome videos from academics and support staff, and a special video message from Dr Flynn.

Starting from next Friday, May 1, and every Friday thereafter until the end of June, the Virtual Open Day will be complemented by live online Q&A sessions at www.gmit.ie/livechat from 2pm to 4pm.

GMIT Schools Liaison Officer Lorraine Cunningham said that they know there were disappointed parents and students who were unable to attend their Spring Open Day due to COVID-19 restrictions.

“We want to reassure you all that we are still here for you, so please do connect with us on our ‘Virtual Open Day’ any time between now and the Leaving Cert.”

While it can’t replace the experience of coming to the campus in person, it’s hoped that this virtual platform will help students get more of a feel for GMIT than just reading a pamphlet.

A unique feature of the Virtual Open Day is the “Careers Corner”, a valuable tool for any Leaving Cert student who may be unsure of their course and career choices.

It features a series of presentations that help students to discover their personality type and match it to suitable courses and careers.

GMIT Careers Officer Bridie Killoran, says “We understand that matching your personality type, interests and motivators to suitable courses will lead you towards a rewarding career.”

Normally the assessment, and follow up with a member of the Careers Office, costs €150, but for a limited time it being provided free of charge.

“We feel it is important to offer support and security to students in these challenging times,” Bridie Killoran said.

In the live Q&A chats on Friday afternoons, prospective students and their parents can get quick feedback from GMIT staff about over 120 courses on offer at the Institute of Technology.

Families to receive refunds for school transport fees

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April 26, 2020

Galway Daily news Families to receive refunds for school transport fees

The Department of Education has confirmed that families will receive refunds for school transport fees for periods of school closures this year.

Payments to families for school transport fees will issue at the end of the school year once the exact period of closures is confirmed.

Minister for Education Joe McHugh also confirmed this week that bus operators will continue receive a 50% payment while schools are closed.

When the initial decision was made to close schools until March 29 it was agrees that bus operators would be paid at the full rate for that period in light of the “exceptional circumstances” in the pandemic.

From the period after that, from March 30 until now, it was agreed that half of the full rate would continue to be paid.

That 50% payment will be extended while schools are closed for this academic year in light of ongoing public health restrictions.

Minister McHugh said “We know that parents, particularly in rural areas, were seeking clarity in relation to refunds while schools were closed.”

“I am happy to confirm refunds will issue later this year when we know the precise amount of time lost in schools.”

Minister of State John Halligan added that this “brings certainty to parents and to operators of the school transport scheme.

“It is only right that parents and contractors are compensated due to this unprecedented chain of events.”

Planning permission sought for Oranmore housing estate

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April 26, 2020

Galway Daily news Planning appeal over 91 houses & apartments in Athenry

Planning permission is being sought for the construction of new housing estate outside of Oranmore town.

JAPET Investments has submitted plans to the county council for a 47 unit housing estate on an infill site at Oranhill, Oranmore.

The estate would consist of 8 three-bed, semi-detached houses; 19 three-bed, terraced houses; and 20 two-bed, terraced houses.

The estate would have 79 car parking spaces, most of which will be provided in a group area, along with 15 bicycle parking spaces.

Other work involved in the project will include landscaping three public open spaces with a playground, and connecting to existing water and sewerage services.

Entrance and exit from the estate would be through a new access road onto Oranhill Drive, with additional pedestrian routes connecting to existing estate routes onto Oranhill Road.

The site of the proposed house estate is to the east of the existing Oranhill residential development outside of Oranmore town.

It is currently used for agricultural purposes according to the planning application, and contains no existing buildings.

A Design Statement for the project says that the site has “excellent connections” due to being an infill site close to Oranmore town.

The design and layout of the scheme was chosen to be “respectful of the existing built form in Oranhill”, with a mix of housing types and landscaped public areas.

In order to comply with Part V planning law requirements, the developer has proposed reserving 5 two-bed houses for social housing.

An Ecological Impact Assessment Report, Flood Risk Assessment, Traffic and Transport Assessment, and Natura Impact Statement were submitted with this planning application.

Public submissions related to this project can be made to the council up until April 30.

Galway County Council is due to make a decision on whether to grant planning permission for this housing development by May 21.

Galway landowners told to halt all controlled burning until further notice

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April 26, 2020

Galway Daily news Galway landowners told to halt all controlled burning until further notice

Due to the dry conditions and warm weather we have been experiencing, Galway County Council has banned any controlled burning until further notice.

The council has stated that applications by the agricultural community to carry out controlled burning will not be approved anywhere in county Galway.

Instructing landowners to refrain from carrying out any burns, the county council warned that they will bear the cost of any callout by the fire service if this is ignored.

“Should landowners ignore this notice and proceed to carry out any burning and a 999 emergency call is received relating to a fire on their property, then the Fire Service will be mobilised to attend and extinguish the fire”.

“In addition to this all the costs associated with the attendance of the Fire Service will be invoiced to the property owner,” a council spokesperson said.

“Landowners and the wider public need to be mindful of the significant risks of fire at this time of year and also be aware of the damage to land and habitats caused by illegal burning.”

This decision was made following advice from the fire service based on the prolonged period of dry conditions and warm weather.

Coronavirus: 52 more deaths in State, one new case reported in Galway

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April 25, 2020

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

Fifty-two more people have died after being diagnosed with COVID-19, it has been confirmed.

This takes the total number of deaths in the state to 1,063.

There were also 377 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 bringing the total cases in the state to 18,561.

In Galway, there was one new case reported in the latest county breakdown of numbers, which looks at cases up until midnight on Thursday.

There are now 332 confirmed cases in the county, which is 1.8% of total cases in the Republic.

Community transition accounts for 63.4% of cases in the country, while almost a third of cases come from direct contact with somebody who has COVID-19.

Virtual choir at GMIT creates stunning video of John Lennon’s Imagine

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April 25, 2020

Galway Daily arts & culture Virtual choir at GMIT creates stunning video of John Lennon's Imagine

Award-winning Galway Musical Director Sean Rowland has produced an enthralling video of GMIT’s virtual choir singing John Lennon’s “Imagine” in an incredible example of the creative things people have been achieving under our current restrictions.

Over 100 staff and students took part in the virtual choir, each individually recording their own sections, Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass, and sending them to Sean.

In a feat of editing, Sean then single-handedly edited all of these segments together into a whole, producing an incredible video which can be seen on YouTube here.

Normal choir practice came to a halt on 12 March when the Government announced college closures.

Within days choir master Sean and colleague Anita Mahony had put out a call seeking those interested in continuing their passion 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, in what has been one of her first opportunities to interact with staff and students since she took up her new position after the Covid-19 restrictions had closed the IT.

“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 says.

“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 said it was very brave of everyone involved to “step out of their comfort zone” and take part in a virtual choir, even if

“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 good bit of 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.

Staff and students connected using the teleconferencing app Zoom, which has been in the spotlight during this pandemic, taking part in online tutorials with Sean.

The response to this entire experience has been overwhelmingly positive”, says Anita Mahony, Chairperson of both GMIT Voices and Healthy Campus, adding that it has been having a great impact on people’s mental wellbeing.

“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.”

She praised Sean for completing a “mammoth” task to bring this video together, involving over 80 hours of post-production and editing that would usually require 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”.

Student teachers continue studies thanks to online technology

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April 25, 2020

galway daily online learning computer hibernia college galway students teacher

Students in Galway and elsewhere planning to pursue third-level studies in teaching should not be worried that the current COVID-19 restrictions will affect their career ambition.

That’s according to Hibernia College – one of the country’s foremost teacher-training colleges – which is welcoming its April 2020 class of over 270 student teachers.

The students are now undertaking a two-year Professional Masters in Primary and Post-Primary Education made possible by an interactive virtual format that replaces the need for traditional face-to-face contact.

In a statement released by the College, its President, Dr Seaìn Rowland, said: “Our experience in blended learning over the past 20 years has enabled us to move our classes seamlessly online, thereby ensuring that students are freed from the worry that their studies might be put on hold.

In addition, Hibernia has moved all open days and road shows for its Autumn 2020 enrolments to online webinars that Dr Rowland said have proven to be “a resounding success with record numbers attending in recent weeks.”

Gardaí warn of resurfaced iTunes gift cards scam

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April 25, 2020

Galway Daily news Gardaí warn of resurfaced iTunes gift cards scam

Gardaí have warned of a fresh scam that tricks people into buying iTunes gift cards by pretending that you will be helping charity.

This scam has been around before, but has recently reemerged with a fresh twist.

Gardaí recently got a report from a company which had gotten a fraudulent email pretending to be from a senior member of staff there.

They asked that another staff member to go and purchase iTunes gift cards, which they did, and share the 16-digit code on the back of the card.

The scammers will then use this code to purchase goods online.

The twist on this scam that relates to our present circumstances is that the scammers said the gift cards were being used “as a donation to the local hospice” and made reference to Covid-19.

Gardaí are advising people to be vigilant and suspicious of any calls, voicemails, emails etc. from people claiming to represent a company or organisation you may be a customer of or work for.

The person contacting you may have some information about you, so don’t trust them just because they use your name or other personal information.

Always say “NO” to unsolicited calls or emails seeking private information about you. Private information includes your name, address, date of birth, family details, bank account numbers, PIN, or passwords.

Gardaí have also said that people should independently verify any requests for information and never use the contact details supplied to you by the person contacting you.

If you receive a request from someone within your business and you are unsure, ring them directly to verify. Do not reply directly to the email.

There have been reports of numerous scams in recent weeks that have taken to using the coronavirus pandemic as tool to try and trick people, often posing as a bank or financial institution to get people to divulge information, or click on dangerous links.

How COVID-19 is changing how consumers spend

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April 25, 2020

The COVID-19 crisis has changed the way consumers are spending, with a huge shift towards contactless payments being seen in shops across the country.

Data collected from over 1 million debit card transactions by AIB at the start of this month reveals that consumers are spending 30% more per transaction using contactless since the limit was increased.

Consumers are also spending more using digital wallets – with average spending among Apple Pay and Google Pay users up by over 40% as they look to avoid unnecessary interactions in stores.

When broken down demographically, the data also reveals that since 1 April, Digital Wallet spend now accounts for 37% of all instore transactions by those who are under 25.

The average amount this age group are spending in store is up 24% and 35% for Apple Pay and Google Pay respectively.

The average amount per transaction being spent by those between the age of 25 and 34 is up 41% among Apple Pay users and 45% among Google Pay users. However digital wallet transactions only account for 7% of the total instore spend by this age group.

Fergal Coburn, Chief Digital & Innovation Officer at AIB said: “As seen from our insights, COVID-19 has rapidly changed the behaviour of Irish consumers and how they spend their money.

“The data shows a shift across all demographics towards spending more using contactless payments since the spending limit was increased to €50 at the start of April.

“What is even more interesting is the shift towards Apple Pay and Google Pay, which have a higher limit than contactless on cards, which points to consumers looking to further avoid unnecessary interactions with chip and pin terminals and pay for more of their goods and services using contactless.”

The data also revealed that customers over the age of 45 are spending 31% more using their digital wallets and that contactless is the most popular choice of instore payment method among all age cohorts, except those under 25.

Burst main causes water outages in Moylough

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April 25, 2020

Galway daily news Water outages in multiple areas of Galway due to burst mains

People living in the Moylough area are likely to experience water outages throughout the day due to a burst main

Water outages are likely for homes and businesses on the Kilkerrin Moylough Public Supply, specifically those in Moylough Village and the wider Cooloo area.

Despite the supply issues, people who have been affected by this are being reminded that they should continue to wash their hands regularly, in line with HSE guidelines.

Irish Water is carrying out emergency repairs on the burst pipe, and currently expects them to be completed by 9pm tonight.

People affected by this are advised that it may take 1 – 2 hours after repairs are complete for full supply to be restored as water refills the network.

Updates can be found on Irish Water’s Supply and Service page

Galway TD sends message to employers who missed payroll deadline for Wage Subsidy Scheme

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April 25, 2020

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

Employers in the county who missed the 15th March payroll deadline have been urged to access the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme if they meet the revised criteria.

Minister Ciaran Cannon has said that employers who avail of Scheme’s payments should ensure eligible employees are set to J9 PRSI class on future payroll submissions.

The Galway East TD said he is pleased to note that Revenue announced yesterday that it will allow certain employers who hadn’t fulfilled their PAYE reporting obligations for February 2020 by 15 March, to access the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme.

Minister Cannon explained: “With regard to the ambition of the Wage Subsidy Scheme to maintain links between employers and employees to the greatest extent possible and to the generally tax compliant position of these employers, Revenue has allowed such employers access the Scheme provided: The employees in question were included on the employer’s payroll on 29^th February 2020; the February 2020 payroll submission was submitted to Revenue before 1^st April 2020; and payroll submissions for all previous months were submitted to Revenue before 15^th March 2020”.

“Any employers in Galway that were previously unable to access the Scheme and who meet the revised criteria are now included in the Scheme and where they wish to avail of Scheme`s payments they should ensure eligible employees are set to J9 PRSI class on future payroll submissions”.

“Employees who were laid off after 29^th February 2020 may be taken back onto the payroll for the purposes of the Scheme.

“It is important that employees receiving COVID-19 related Pandemic Unemployment Payments from the Department of Employment and Social Protection, who are subsequently rehired by their employer to avail of the Wage Subsidy Scheme payment cease their Pandemic Unemployment claim.

“Revenue and the department are sharing information to identify duplicate payments across both schemes”.

Young people in with a chance to win €1,000 with ReelLIFE SCIENCE

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April 25, 2020

Galway daily news Young people in with a chance to win €1,000 with ReelLIFE SCIENCE

Young people with a love of science, filmaking, or both could be in with a chance to win €1,000 for their school or organisation with NUIG’s ReelLIFE SCIENCE @ HOME competition.

ReelLIFE Science asks young people to make a short video, up to a minute in length, exploring any STEM topic, including How Things Work, Climate Action, Healing the Body and more.

The programme is supported by Science Foundation Ireland’s SFI Discover Programme, the Community Knowledge Initiative, the CÚRAM SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices and the Cell EXPLORERS outreach programme.

Dr Enda O’Connell and a team of enthusiastic scientists from NUI Galway have taken it on themselves to organise this competition which is enjoyed by thousands of young people each year.

The best videos will be screened for the public at the Galway Science and Technology Festival on 8 November.

The general public will vote on what they consider to be the most engaging video, that communicates its topic most clearly, and the best video will earn its creator a €1,000 prize for their school or organisation.

“We are delighted to support this initiative, which cleverly combines science literacy and creativity, while providing a great opportunity for young people to be creative in communicating scientific topics from home, while maintaining social distancing,” said Dr Ruth Freeman of SFI.

She added that the competition “encourages young people to connect with the science and technology in their everyday lives, and to bring that knowledge to a wider audience, while promoting current Irish scientific research and development.”

Since launching in 2013, more than 13,000 young people in 400 schools and youth organisations around Ireland have taken part in the ReelLIFE SCIENCE programme.

Plans to replace Knocknacarra petrol station with apartments

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April 25, 2020

Galway daily news Knocknacarra social housing

Plans have been submitted to the city council to demolish a petrol station in Knocknacarra and replace it with a new apartment complex.

Planning permission is being sought to demolish the existing Top Oil petrol station, shop, and houses facing onto Bruach na Mara in Knocknacarra.

The developer then intends to build a three storey building with 17 apartments and a ground floor office unit with car parking on the site.

The 17 apartments will include 15 two-bed units, 1 three-bed unit, and 1 one-bed unit.

The four vehicle access points to the site which currently exist would be consolidated into a single entry/exit point into the proposed basement car park.

The basement car park will consist of 17 parking spaces, each of which will come with an electric charging point.

The planning application describes the location as an “underutilised brownfield and infill development site” with a petrol station, retail kiosk, and three houses.

In regards to the height of the proposed apartment block, the application claims that it is “not inconsistent” with other buildings in the area, and that the penthouse level provides a “step down” in height to meet adjacent buildings.

A design statement submitted as part of the application describes the proposed development as a “sustainable commercial/residential scheme, with a mix of high quality apartment units, designed as ‘life long’ units to suit all demographics”.

“The location is second to none, with available amenities adjacent or close to the site”.

“The aspect to Galway Bay is open and vast to accommodate this high quality proposal, which will make a positive visual and residential contribution to Knocknacarra, Salthill”.

Galway City Council is due to make a decision on this planning application by June 11.

Coronavirus: Deaths pass 1,000 as new cases are confirmed in Galway

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April 24, 2020