Derry Girls star asks people to support Galway Hospice in crisis

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March 27, 2020

Galway Daily news Taoiseach Varadkar meeting with local businesses in Ballinasloe visit

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has announced a two week nationwide lockdown from tonight in a range of new measures to combat the coronavirus pandemic announced this evening.

Announcing the lockdown down in a update on the coronavirus pandemic this evening, the Taoiseach said that from midnight tonight, everyone must stay in their home except for very limited circumstances until Easter Sunday.

People should only leave their homes if the have to travel for essential work which cannot be carried out in their home, shopping for groceries and household goods, delivering social care, attending medical appointments, or pressing family reasons.

All gatherings, both public and privately in your own home, are also prohibited.

While people may still leave their home for brief physical exercise, they may only do so within 2km of their home.

The Taoiseach was speaking alongside Minister for Health Simon Harris and Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan.

Today also saw the a new omnibus bill of emergency legislation to combat the Covid-19 pandemic pass all stages of the Seanad and get signed into law by President Michael D Higgins.

The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the Republic of Ireland now stands at 2,121, with 22 deaths, after a further 302 cases were confirmed by the Department of Health today.

The number of cases in Galway also jumped by over a quarter to 57 as part of the new figures.

Coronavirus: 27% increase in confirmed cases in Galway

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March 27, 2020

The latest county breakdown of coronavirus cases shows that there were 57 people diagnosed with COVID-19 as of midnight, Wednesday.

This is a 27% increase on the day before, up 12 from 45 cases on the 24th of March.

The Department of Health has announced that there has been increase of 302 in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Republic.

Three more people have sadly died as a result of the virus in the state.

The total number of confirmed cases in the Republic now stands at 2,121- with 22 deaths.

Thirty-five people in Ireland have now died from COVID-19 with 2,396 confirmed cases on the island.

Credit Unions urged to give clarity on supports available

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March 27, 2020

Galway Daily credit unions sport Television broadcast deal sidelines GAA fans says Rabbitte

A Galway East TD has called for greater clarity from credit unions around the availability of supports being offered during the ongoing Covid-19 crisis.

Anne Rabbitte TD was responding to the government designation of credit unions as an essential service during the Covid-19 crisis.

Deputy Rabbitte said that while she welcomes yesterday’s statement from the Irish League of Credit Unions, ‘it needs to be clearer’.

“We know where the banks stand and their offer of a potential payment break of up to 3 months for customers. We need this type of clarity from the credit unions as well.

“Credit unions are a vital service in many communities across the country and a lot of people have loans with credit unions. People who have now found themselves in financial difficulties though need to know if such repayment suspensions will be offered,” said the Fianna Fáil TD.

She said that constituents are worried because they’re not sure where they stand with their loans and they’re afraid they may default.

“People need to know that there are enough supports in place and there’s a safety net in place, and a level of understanding, if they lose their income during this Covid-19 crisis.

“While I appreciate credit unions say they’ll deal with customers on a case-by-case basis, I’m asking the Irish League of Credit Unions to at least outline the baseline that’s in place.

“This will help reassure concerned customers and minimise their sense of vulnerability. People are already fearful of the potential impact of Covid-19 on their health, we don’t need additional strain due to financial uncertainty,” added Deputy Rabbitte.

NUI Galway researchers refocus research to fight COVID-19

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March 27, 2020

Galway Daily news International Criminal Court Chief Prosecutor

NUI Galway is reviewing its healthcare research and looking at ways it can help fight the spread of COVID-19.

Researchers at the university are examining an existing study of interventions for patients with community-acquired pneumonia.

This study is being quickly refocused to examine COVID-19 patients.

It is being revised so that it can enable healthcare professionals to offer novel emerging therapies to the sickest patients.

A new working group has been established to allow healthcare professionals to quickly profile the immune response of severely ill patients with a view to guiding therapeutic options.

The working group is made up of the University’s top academics in the fields of haematology, immunology and ID.

The University’s critical care researchers are working with the Irish critical care trials group and international pandemic research consortia to develop and quickly implement Clinical Trials in patients with COVID-19 Severe Respiratory Failure in order to test and gain access to novel therapies as they emerge.

President of NUI Galway, Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh said: “NUI Galway exists for the public good. The Irish people have answered the Government’s call to combat the spread of Covid 19, and the University is mobilising all its academic capabilities to join this global action.

“While we’re also repurposing our research to combat this crisis, I’d like to pay particular tribute to our medical community, staff and student doctors and nurses who are on the frontline saving lives in our hospitals, nationally and internationally.

“They making a great contribution throughout the world and our impact is at its most profound through them and their commitment to others. We are deeply grateful to them.”

Professor John Laffey at NUI Galway added: “There are several emerging drug therapies for COVID-19, including antivirals, chloroquine and derivatives, steroids and immune modulating drugs.

“However, the research is very young and needs further examination to determine their effectiveness before we can see results.

“Our research focuses on what we already know about viruses and how we can quickly adapt it to make early and effective interventions to save the lives of thousands of people.”

Vacant units on the Tuam road to become new gym

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March 27, 2020

Galway Daily new Plans for new gym and leisure centre in Headford

Galway City Council has approved plans to convert vacant retail units on the Tuam Road into a new gym.

Planning permission has been granted to Lane Pension Trust to change the approved use of units 10 & 11 at Tuam Road Retail Centre from warehousing, retail, light industrial, and car showrooms to a gym and fitness studio.

The application applies to the first floor of this commercial building, the ground floor of which is currently occupied by ‘Finline Furniture’.

It’s intended that the first floor will be converted from its current state into two open plan gym areas, along with toilets and other ancillary facilities.

The space in question was previously occupied by the GRETB, which received temporary permission to vary its use from commercial to educational back in 2007.

These units make up part of a larger building complex at the Tuam Road Retail Centre which is served by roughly 90 communal parking spaces to the front and rear of the building.

Galway City Council granted planning permission for the new fitness studio with three conditions attached.

No objections or other third party submissions were made to the council concerning this development.

Flights in coming days confirmed for Irish in Australia

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March 27, 2020

Details of flights home from Australia for Irish citizens have been confirmed.

The flights have been chartered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and will be departing over the next few days.

The flights are as follows:

· Sydney – Dublin
28th March & 30th March

· Melbourne – Dublin
28th March & 29th March

· Brisbane – Dublin
31st March

Minister Ciaran Cannon, who highlighted the details, said: “Fare is €1740 and bookings may be made via Hannon Travel who can be contacted via info@hannontravel.com or at +353469075852 and I encourage people in Galway with loved ones who wish to return from Australia to pass this information on to them as soon as possible.”

Feeding the Tribe: Hospitality group serves over 1,000 meals to front line staff

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March 27, 2020

Galway Daily life & style Hospitality group serves over 1,000 meals to front line staff

Tribe Hospitality in Galway have been extending their tribe to provide over 1,000 meals to front line medical workers fighting the coronavirus pandemic.

Over 12 days ago, Business man Kevin Nugent, MD of Tribe Hospitality, got an email from a woman who wanted in some way to help front line staff but had no real way of directly helping.

She wanted to support with money and from this sprang the idea of ‘Let’s Feed the heroes who are helping to save all our lives.

A gofundme page with a target of €500 was set up, and in just four days it blew past that target to raise €7,000, with donations continuing to pour in.

Tribe Hospitality have now served over 1,000 meals to staff at UCHG in Galway and have coupled this with gathering surplus food and bringing to Galway Simon community.

Tribe Hospitality’s Mr Waffle location in Newcastle which is directly across from UHG opened their doors for all HSE staff only last week.

They could get a coffee they actually wanted and were treated to some in house bakes as well.

Mr Waffle staff volunteered their time to work and social distancing was observed throughout this coffee/tea service for HSE staff.

“We never expected the response from the local community and businesses in enabling us to feed and provide coffee to the front line staff in UHG,” explained Kevin Nugent.

“Between the kindness and encouragement from local businesses and the general public, we have been able to continue providing lunches to the incredible staff in UHG, despite closing all our stores.”

“Again, this is not something we ever expected. This is an operation that would not have been possible without the support of the public and other local businesses.”

“This is a challenging time for everyone, but everyone rallying together to support these incredible workers will try and help them get through this difficult time.”

The crowdfunding page is over €12k now and “it has been so heart-warming and also it give a sense of purpose and perspective. We will continue to do this work as long as we can.”

Prize Bonds draw nets €50,000 for lucky Galway winner

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March 27, 2020

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

One fortunate individual in Galway has had some very good news amidst all the worry in the air during the coronavirus pandemic after winning €50,000 with Prize Bonds.

The top prize in this week’s Prize Bonds draw went to a lucky winner in Galway holding the bond number AKQ 956417, which was bought in 2018.

A night on the town might be out of question right now, with the country mostly shut down to limit the spread of coronavirus, but whoever the lucky winner is might surely enjoy a bit of an online shopping spree to celebrate.

There were over 5,100 prizes awarded in this week’s Prize Bond Draw, amounting to over €319,000 handed to people all over the country.

In addition to a €1 million prize awarded on the last weekly draw of June and December, there are weekly draws where the top prize is €50,000.

Other cash prizes awarded each week include 10 of €1,000 and 10 of €500.

All winnings are tax-free, and Prize Bonds can be cashed in at any time after the minimum holding period of three months.

Founded in 1957, the Prize Bonds draw is Ireland’s longest running prize draw. Each bond costs €6.25 with a four bond minimum purchase.

They make up part of the range of Ireland State Savings products offered to retail customers by the National Treasury Management Agency.

The scheme is operated on behalf of the NTMA by the Prize Bond Company, a joint venture between An Post and FEXCO.

Prize Bonds can be purchased by Direct Debit, online at www.StateSavings.ie, by telephone to callsave 1850 30 50 60, or at your local Post Office.

Bond holders can check draw results online, and the main winning numbers are also available in most Post Offices.

Public transport services to scale back from next week

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March 27, 2020

Galway Daily news Two Galway - Castlebar bus services cancelled today

Public transport services by both bus and rail will be scaled back starting from next week as demand plummets amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The government announced today that public transport will be reduced to about 80% capacity with new schedules starting to come into place from Monday.

Irish Rail’s new timetable will come into effect next Monday, March 30, followed by Bus Eireann, which is introducing a revised timetable from next Wednesday, April 1.

The changes were confirmed this morning at a press briefing from the Department of the Taoiseach, where Deputy Assistant Secretary General at the department Elizabeth Canavan said that changes are needed in response to demand, and social distancing requirements.

Local Link has also announced that is is suspending its regular evening door to door bus services effectively immediately.

Instead the public transport provider is shifting its resources to provide collection and delivery services from local shops to people in rural areas.

Yesterday saw the Dáil pass an omnibus bill of emergency legislation, building on what was passed last week to give the government powers to deal with the Covid-19 crisis.

It also contained more measures to economically support businesses and employees during this time.

The number of confirmed deaths due to the coronavirus in the Republic of Ireland more than doubled as of yesterday, now standing at 19 lives lost.

The total number of confirmed coronavirus infections in the state also climbed to 1,819 with the addition of 255 new cases yesterday.

NUIG professor creates site to link Protective Equipment supplies with hospitals in need

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March 27, 2020

Galway Daily news NUIG professor creates site to link Protective Equipment supplies with hospitals in need

NUI Galway has set up a new donations website to link Personal Protective Equipment supplies with hospitals in need worldwide during the coronavirus pandemic.

The COVID19 pandemic has overwhelmed the resources of the world’s health systems, often leaving frontline clinical staff without the required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as supply chains struggle to catch up with the surge.

This puts medical personnel, and other front line staff, at much greater risk of contracting the virus themselves, potentially spreading it within the health system, and removing healthcare staff when they are most needed.

The new global platform, www.covidmedsupply.org, allows local organisations, such as industry, business, universities, and laboratories, who may have PPE stock in supply to list the categories of what they have on inventory.

They list the gear they have, gloves, gowns, masks, etc, along with contact details and then drop a map pin to show their geographic location.

If a coronavirus surge occurs in their geographic area, for example Cairo, Cork, Calgary, then the local hospital or clinic can simply click on the map of their surroundings and see what emergency PPE/Medical stock is in the vicinity and access it quickly.

This innovative solution to the supply problem was created by Professor Derek O’Keefe of NUIG, who is also a Consultant Physician at UHG, and his colleague Dr Kevin Johnson at University of Limerick.

“Speaking with my clinical colleagues across the world and looking at the repeating patterns of health supply logistics breakdowns that have occurred as COVID19 surges have swept across the world, it is clear that innovative alternative solutions need to be developed,” Prof O’Keefe said.

Dr Johnson added “Everybody has a role to play in this fight against the COVID19 pandemic – that could be simply to self-isolate, use your skillset to create a website such as www.covidmedsupply.org or donate any surplus supplies you might have to this worthy cause.

“With so much technology at our fingertips, why not use it for the good of your community.”

Galway Mountain Rescue warns of reduced rescue services during coronavirus crisis

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March 27, 2020

Galway Daily news Galway Mountain Rescue goes two months without an emergency

Galway Mountain Rescue has urged people to avoid walking in the mountains of Galway during the coronavirus pandemic, as there will be reduced rescue services available in this time.

Mick Casserly, team leader of Galway Mountain Rescue, said that while they are committed to saving lives in the mountains, the “tangible threat” that Covid-19 poses puts them in uncharted waters.

They are continuously updating their operational procedures based on the most up-to-date public health advice from the HSE, and this will affect rescue services in Galway and Clare for the foreseeable future.

“With the high volumes of people observed on Irish mountains over the last week, and given the current climate in relation to Covid-19, Galway Mountain Rescue must make a number of difficult choices relating to the way in which we operate.”

With that in mind, substantial changes have been made to their procedure for people seeking help from mountain rescue during this pandemic.

If someone calls for help who is uninjured, lost, or benighted, they will be asked to consider waiting until morning, and/or better visibility to extricate themselves.

Someone who is injured, but could be considered ‘walking wounded’, will be asked to consider extricating themselves from the mountain.

If someone is seriously injured, or otherwise unable to get themselves off the mountain, the team will attend with the bare minimum number of personnel necessary for the operation.

This will make any evacuation more challenging, and increase the time it takes to get someone to medical attention.

In addition, helicopter support will only be requested if there is a critical injury which requires immediate attention.

While these measures may go against everything they believe in, they are necessary in order to protect volunteers and their families, Mick Casserly said.

“I share this information with a heavy heart, but given this unprecedented public health crisis, I do so in the knowledge that it is the right thing to do at this time.”

“When calling out the Team to an incident, our first priority has to be the safety of Team members and their families.

“We are all volunteers, many of whom live with and care for ‘vulnerable’ people at home and in our working lives.

“By its very nature, mountain rescue requires close contact between both rescuers and casualty, exposing everyone to the risk of infection.

“Remember, we could also infect you! Our already over-burdened hospitals do not need or want any avoidable admissions over this difficult period.”

With all that in mind, Galway Mountain Rescue is asking people to forego enjoying the mountains of Galway for now, and abide by the HSE’s public health advice surrounding social distancing.

If people don’t, Casserly warns that there may come a time when the mountain rescue team is unable to respond at all.

Appeal lodged against expansion of Menlo Park Hotel

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March 27, 2020

Galway daily news Plans for city centre hotel development off Eyre Square

An appeal has been made to An Bord Pleanála against plans to expand and renovate the Menlo Park Hotel in Galway City.

Galway City Council granted planning permission in February for major renovations to the ground floor of the Menlo Park Hotel which would add 12 new guest bedrooms and add more guest amenities.

The renovations will involve removing the hotel’s conference/function rooms on the ground floor as it is expected that they will no longer be economically viable.

In their place it is intended to add 12 new bedrooms, with added gym and spa rooms.

In addition to this, the existing ground floor foyer at the southwest of the building is to be demolished, and the existing bar/lounge area will be expanded, which will include building a new sheltered, outdoor seating area.

Finally, four existing bedrooms at the hotel will be expanded in size as part of the renovations.

The City Council’s decision to grant planning permission was appealed by a local resident who had submitted an objection to that application.

The objection claimed that site of the hotel is already overdeveloped, and that the proposed works are “excessive, unnecessary, and if granted, will negatively impact on the surrounding area”.

In seeking approval for these renovations said that the changes are being made because of the “significant impact on the operations of the business of the new road layout in the immediate vicinity”.

The planning application states that “the business sustainability financial models arising from this change indicate that the function rooms for weddings, conferences, meetings, etc. will no longer be sustainable and should be replaced by bed spaces.”

While this planning process is ongoing, the Menlo Park Hotel has been temporarily closed due to the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic.

An Bord Pleanála is due to make a decision on this appeal by July 21 of this year.

Coronavirus: Deaths double in past 24 hours, cases rise in Galway

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March 26, 2020

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

Ten more people have died from COVID-19 coronavirus in the past 24 hours in the Republic, the worst day so far in Ireland since the beginning of the pandemic.

This brings the total number of deaths due to the coronavirus in the state to 19 and the total number on the island of Ireland to 29.

The Department of Health has announced that there have been an additional 255 cases of COVID-19 in the Republic. The total number of cases now stands at 1,819.

The most recent county breakdown in cases shows that at midnight on Tuesday, there were 45 confirmed cases in Galway.

This is an increase of 5 cases from midnight on Monday.

The median age of those who have died is 77 and 13 of the 19 people were male.

There is now over 2,000 confirmed cases on the island of Ireland.

More to follow…

NUIG President asks landlords for “care and compassion” towards students

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March 26, 2020

The President of NUI Galway has asked landlords and property owners to show compassion to students during the Covid-19 crisis.

Professor Ciaran Ó hÓgartaigh said the university has become aware of some students being served with eviction notices, while others who have been trying to go home early have been struggling to get their deposits back.

NUI Galway cancelled all lectures and moved teaching online when the government first ordered schools and colleges to close in order to limit the spread of Covid-19.

With these restriction now expanded, and extended until April 19 at least, the university has decided that all classes and assessments for the remainder of the semester will now move online.

NUIG draws its student body from a very wide geographical area, and a great many students returned home when the government began advising people to restrict their movement, but others have been unable to do so.

Professor Ó hÓgartaigh said: “These are challenging times for all our community. Many students have remained in Galway at this time, by necessity.

“Many have returned home, also by necessity. NUI Galway is mindful of the healthcare, social and economic impacts of COVID-19 on all members of our society.

He said that the university “commends” the many landlords who have show kindness to students, adding that this is a time when people will remember how they acted towards one another.

Beyond just looking out for the students renting in Galway now, he said that looking after Galway’s reputation as a “welcoming, respectful place” is in everyone’s interests.

“We therefore request that property owners who have our students as tenants in their properties show care, compassion and some flexibility at this time of urgency and need.”

He asked property owners to work with the university on supporting students in this time.

Campus accommodation at NUIG also remains open to students who have to stay in Galway, with arrangements in place for those who need to self-isolate.

This is in stark contrast with Trinity College Dublin, which abruptly asked students living in on-campus accommodation to leave on short notice earlier this month, after coronavirus cases were identified at the university.

To keep current students up-to-date on all developments in relation to wellbeing and support, NUIG is hosting a series of online Q&A sessions, starting with accommodation queries.

This will take place on Friday, March 27 from 11am-1pm where accommodation questions will be answered at nuigalway.pubble.io/app/preview/66049.

Student nurses will be paid during COVID-19 crisis

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March 26, 2020

Student nurses working in the health service during the COVID-19 crisis will be paid, Minister Simon Harris has confirmed.

Around 4,000 student nurses and midwives will be offered contracts as Healthcare Assistants, and they be paid accordingly.

The announcement follows widespread calls for students who are working in hospitals across the country to help fight the coronavirus to be paid for their work.

The Minister for Health thanked the nurses and healthcare staff for their work during this difficult time and said that we need ‘all hands on deck’ to combat the virus in Ireland.

The student nurses and midwives will be paid if they sign up at http://hse.ie/oncall , even if they are already in the system.

Galway TD sends message of solidarity to Irish citizens abroad

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March 26, 2020

galway daily irish overseas ABROAD Ciaran cannon — An Irish flag overlooking the old town in the city of Córdoba, Spain on lockdown on St. Patrick's Day last week. Photo: Peter Moore

Minister Ciaran Cannon has sent out a message of solidarity to Irish citizens and communities across the world and says every action is being taken to protect citizens abroad.

The East Galway TD said that the government is doing everything it can to protect Irish citizens who are overseas during this crisis, and he outlined a number of things that citizens and community organisations can do to play their part in helping the diaspora.

“At this time of grave concern around the world, I wish to assure people in Galway with loved ones abroad that the Government is taking decisive actions to do everything possible to protect its citizens from the spread of the Covid-19 virus,” said Minister Cannon.

“The actions will require sacrifices and courage by our citizens, acting in solidarity for the common good.

“I am also deeply aware of the solidarity we owe to our many citizens who live around the world, who may face similar challenges.”

The Galway TD is urging people to read the health advice which the Health Service Executive has published [here] as part of their efforts to protect their own health and the health of loved ones.

“Clearly, this advice should be read in conjunction with the local health protection measures in place by the authorities in your host country,” he said.

“Ensuring the safety of our citizens around the world is a fundamental duty for my Department. We are working intensively right now to help many Irish citizens affected by the global spread of this disease.

“We are updating continuously our advice and guidance to Irish citizens, with specific reference to the threat posed to our citizens by the Covid-19 virus.

“If you are thinking of travelling or are concerned about the situation in your host community, please consult this advice as a matter of urgency.

“While many of our diplomatic missions are also affected by changes necessary to protect the safety and the health of their staff, our network of missions remains available to our citizens in need.“

Minister Cannon added: “Finally, I urge you to make contact with family and friends in Ireland. This is a global challenge. Across Ireland, many families will be worried about their loved ones who live abroad.

“This is a time for strengthening our connections. In his recent speech, the Taoiseach gave advice to the Irish people on both the threat we face, but also the need for solidarity across society and around the world.

“We are all in this together, no matter where we are and by working together, we will overcome this”.

Gardaí warn of coronavirus phishing scams

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March 26, 2020

Gardaí have warned of an increased number of phishing scams in recent days related to the Covid-19 crisis.

The Garda Western Region posted on its facebook page that there have been reports of scams taking advantage of, and directly related to, the Covid-19 pandemic.

“People are getting dodgy requests for bank details via text, email or website links,” a post shared on their facebook page said.

“Please DO NOT respond to these scams – genuine businesses will never ask for your financial data using these methods.”

People seeking more information, and advice, about how to deal with these kinds of fraudsters are advised to check out FraudSMART, a fraud awareness initiative developed by Banking & Payments Federation Ireland.

They have created a page for dealing with Covid-19 related scams, with advice such as:

Never respond to unsolicited emails requesting sensitive personal information.
Never give out personal details, bank account information, or security details such as your PIN online.
Don’t open any email attachments or links until you have verified the source.
Be wary of emails that use generic greeting like Dear Sir/Madam instead of your name.
Don’t open emails you think are spam.
And lastly, if you think you have been the victim of a scam or phishing, contact your bank immediately.

Planning permission refused for 332 apartments in Knocknacarra

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March 26, 2020

Galway Daily news Knocknacarra apartments refused permission

An Bord Pleanála has refused permission for the development of 332 apartments in Knocknacarra, overruling their inspector’s recommendation that it be approved.

Glenveagh Living made a Strategic Housing Development application to An Bord Pleanála for the construction of the apartments and a significant commercial element at Gort na Bró in Knocknacarra

The developer planned to construct 93 one-bed apartments, 219 two-bed apartments, and 20 three-bed apartments along with a creche on the six acre greenfield site next to Gateway Retail Park

The proposal also included 2,667sqm of floor space for commercial usage, which would have been divided among 11 units.

An Urban Design Report said that this development was meant to “transform” a vacant area in the heart of Knocknacarra, including a large public square next to the where the retail units would be placed.

This proposal made up Phase 3 of the Knocknacarra District Centre project, phases 1 & 2 of which were related to Gateway Retail Park.

A total of 27 submissions were received by An Bord Pleanála related to this project, the bulk from local residents, and some of which were made on behalf of multiple people.

These objections said that the density of the proposal was out of sync with the suburban character of Knocknacarra, the impact it would have on nearby residential amenity, and traffic and transport concerns.

The elected members of Galway City Council also expressed their concerns about the proposal, focusing on its density, scale, inadequate parking and childcare facilities, as well as a lack of communal open spaces and public transport options.

A motion brought to the council declaring “That the members of Galway City Council determines that the location of the Knocknacarra District Centre is not a central and/or accessible urban location,” was passed by 14 votes in favour to 0 against.

Despite this, the planning inspector assigned to this development recommended that it be allowed to proceed with a total of 22 conditions attached.

An Bord Pleanála ultimately went against their Inspector’s recommendation and refused planning permission for the project.

In refusing permission the board said that the ratio of dual aspect apartments in the proposed development is “substantially below” the minimum 50% requirement under guidelines issued in March 2018.

It was also said that the proposed creche is “deficient in the provision of childcare places and is not in accordance with the guidelines for such facilities”.

Addressing these two main deficiencies would require significant changes to the current plans, their decision said, and could not be dealt with simply by attaching a condition to the planning permission.

Work underway to ensure sale of livestock for local farmers

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March 26, 2020