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Woman stalked for weeks by man who broke into her home and attacked housemate with a hammer

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily courts Man sent to trial charged with pulling knife on Garda

A woman who was stalked by a man for weeks before he broke into her house and attacked her housemate with a hammer is still afraid to open the door to visitors.

Last November Lewandowski (20), of Monasterevin, Kildare, and who at the time lied on the Bishop O’Donnell road, pleaded guilty to one charge each of harassment and aggravated burglary after he stalked and assaulted

He admitted to stalking NUIG student Eve McDowell (20) between May 10 and 27 last year as well as breaking into her home at Dun na Coiribe using a makeshift scaffold, and attacking her housemate with a claw hammer.

Lewandowski, a Polish national who came to Ireland 10 years ago, has been in custody since being arrested last year after being refused bail based on garda objections.

He appeared before the Circuit Court again for sentencing, but Judge Rory McCabe said that an updated psychiatric report was needed before he could finalise the matter.

In a victim impact statement read into court Eve McDowell said that her trust in everyone, particularly men, has been destroyed by this, and that she still suffers nightmares and deals with paranoia that has affected her relationships.

“Since he rang my doorbell, I have been afraid to open the door to anyone,” Eve said.

She added that she is frightened to walk places alone, where she used to go walking whenever she needed to relieve stress, and pushed her locker in front of her bedroom door before going to sleep.

Whenever Lewandowski is free, she will have to move out of Galway she sad, because “I don’t know if my life is in danger, I fear for my life and safety.”

Her housemate, who was attacked with a hammer while she was sleeping, also gave a victim impact statement, but asked that it be given to the judge and not read out in court.

Stalked

Detective Garda Bernard McLoughlin said that Lewandowski had stalked Ms McDowell all over Galway, at her home, at work, and around town while she was out with her friends.

The first incident occurred on May 10, when she spotted him behind a wall after she came out of Lidl, hiding when she saw him.

On May 14 he followed Ms McDowell to her place of work, and cctv footage showed him watching her workplace from Eyre Square as well as walking past the store repeatedly in the Shopping Centre.

That evening when she went out with friends he again stalked her around town despite being repeatedly spotted and confronted by the group of women, fleeing when they approached.

The Circuit Court heard that they told him that he was extremely recognisable because of his beard and hair.

Several days later, on May 17 Eve McDowell was at home when the doorbell rang. When she went to the door she saw a man with his face pressed up against the window next to it and trying the door handle.

When she went to get a better look at him from another room she saw that his beard, hair, and eyebrows were shaved off.

Ms Dowell later became alarmed and called gardaí when she saw Lewandowski hiding under a staircase near her house on May 26.

Gardaí went to her home and searched the area at the time, but were unable to locate him Garda McLoughlin said.

Home invasion

The court heard that the very next day, gardaí were called back to the house in Dun na Coiribe after receiving a 999 call at 6:30am.

Lewandowski had used a makeshift scaffold to access a lean-to roof, and from there get inside through the balcony.

He entered through an open door, and attacked Alison Buicke after encountering her sleeping on the couch in the living area.

She woke up as he came in, and tried to shield herself from his attacks with the hammer using the duvet.

Garda McLoughlin said that she suffered injuries to her arms, which the prosecution called “classic defensive type injuries”.

Lewandowski fled when she screamed, jumping off the balcony and injuring himself in the process.

After fleeing the scene, Lewandowski crawled for half a kilometre on a sprained ankle before being found by Gardaí on the Dyke Road.

When he was arrested he had no mobile phone on him, and when questioned he said he didn’t bring it in case something happened and gardaí were able to track him with it.

During his interview with Gardaí, Mr Lewandowski admitted that he repeatedly followed Eve McDowell from work in order to find out where she lived.

He also said that he found a position that allowed him to watch both exits to her estate while he stalked her.

Defence Barrister Patrick O’Sullivan said that his client had written a letter of apology to the two women.

He said that a psychiatric report on his client showed that he has difficulties with empathy, and recommended additional therapy to improve that and his social skills.

Judge Rory McCabe said that he could not finalise sentencing at this hearing as “many significant questions remain unanswered about the risk this young man poses”.

The judge ordered that a psychiatric assessment of Lewandowski be completed as soon as possible, and adjourned final sentencing to May 21.

Fire fighters rescue man after four storey fall down a narrow shaft

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news fire fighters rescue man after four storey fall

Firefighters in Galway City pulled off an extremely tricky rescue after a man fell four storeys at a construction site this weekend.

The construction worker, a man in his 30s, was the subject of a rescue operation after he fell four storeys into a confined shaft at his workplace.

The accident at a construction site on the Fairgreen road was attended by the fire service, gardaí, and ambulance crews.

Galway’s Fire Service said that the rescue operation was “very technical” as the man had fallen into a confined space, but that the results were successful.

“A Technical Rope Rescue hauling system was put in place in order to lower our specialised Rope Rescue Technicians down to the injured man.”

“Once in place they assessed the patient, gave pain relief in accordance to the paramedics who were on scene and strapped him to a spinal board.”

“He was hoisted vertically up the 4 stories, then lifted by our Aerial Ladder Platform from the top of the building down to the waiting Ambulance.”

The man was taken to University Hospital Galway with injuries which are understood to not have been life-threatening.

Storm Jorge: Truck overturns near Maam Cross

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news truck overturns at Maam Cross in Storm Jorge

Storm Jorge swept through Galway yesterday, with terrible winds causing extremely hazardous driving conditions.

While downed trees and flooding were the main cause of stress for motorists during Storm Jorge, one truck had a much more direct confrontation with the wind.

Gardaí were called to a overturned truck near Maam Cross on Sunday which had been completely blown over by high winds.

Fortunately, gardaí said that the driver of the truck was uninjured.

The last weather warning for Jorge expired at midnight on Sunday after a harsh day that saw Galway under a Status Red wind warning for several hours during the afternoon.

Teenage girl killed in Oughterard car crash

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Briain Kelly
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A teenage girl lost her life in a single vehicle crash in the early hours of Sunday morning in Oughterard.

The girl, a passenger in the car, was killed in the crash which occurred at Porridgetown, Oughterard shortly after 1am on Sunday morning.

Her body was taken to the mortuary at University Hospital Galway, and a postmortem examination will now take place.

The driver a the car, a 21 year old man, was uninjured in the crash.

Garda are asking anyone with information, in particular any drivers who were on the road and may have dashcam footage, to come forward.

Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact Salthill Garda Station on 091 514 720, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.

This morning’s collision marks seven people killed on Ireland’s road this weekend.

Plans submitted for 60 bed community nursing unit at Merlin Park Hospital

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Plans submitted for community nursing unit at Merlin Park Hospital

The HSE has submitted plans for the construction of a 60 bed community nursing unit on the grounds of Merlin Park Hospital.

The proposed nursing unit will be a part one-storey, part two-storey building for community and residential care with 60 ensuite bedrooms.

This includes a dedicated 10 bedroom dementia unit to be housed in a single storey block.

Other facilities which will make up the new unit include dining rooms, residents areas, visitors room and family overnight room, treatment rooms, a hairdresser’s salon and more.

Design and landscaping elements to make the unit more comfortable for residents include balconies and an internal courtyard area.

The unit will have a floor space of 5,100sqm, and the total development in the planning application encompasses a 1.8ha site.

Before any work can begin the HSE would have to demolish several buildings already on the site including a carpenter’s workshop, storerooms, and a vacant former nurses accommodation building.

Public submissions concerning this development can be made to the city council until March 18, and a decision is due on this planning application by April 4.

Dillane and Heffernan return from Irish squad to boost Connacht

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily rugby Ultan Dillane departing Connacht after 10 years
Photo credit: Connacht Rugby/INPHO

Ultan Dillane and Dave Heffernan have both returned to give Connacht a welcome boost in South Africa this weekend for the Guinness Pro14.

Connacht are facing off against the Southern Kings this Sunday in Port Elizabeth, with kick-off at 1pm Irish time.

Dillane will be taking his spot on the starting lineup next to Joe Maksymiw in the second row, while Heffernan will be one of the squad’s replacements.

The two have been released to Connacht following the postponement of Ireland’s Six Nations match up against Italy.

Six changes have been made to the squad lineup following last weekend’s defeat against Edinburgh.

Paddy McAllister is taking a spot in the front row, while prop Dominic Robertson-McCoy is replacing Finlay Bealham, who is currently suffering from an ankle injury.

Caolin Blade is back on the starting team at half-back, Tom Daly is taking a spot in the centre, and record try-scorer Matt Healy will be on the wing in the back three.

Commenting ahead of the fixture, Head Coach Andy Friend says everyone is keen to put the disappointment of last weekend behind them.

“We didn’t get the result we wanted in Edinburgh, so this week has been all about ensuring we get another win on the board.”

“The Kings are a dangerous side especially at home so we will have to be at our very best.”

“We’ve been able to call on two international footballers in Dave and Ultan which is a nice boost for us.”

“This mini-block of three games is key for us so I believe we have named a squad that can get the job done on Sunday and finish on a high before the short break.”

The full Connacht team up on Sunday is:

(15-9): Tiernan O’Halloran, John Porch, Kyle Godwin, Tom Daly, Matt Healy, Jack Carty, Caolin Blade.
(1-8): Paddy McAllister, Shane Delahunt, Dominic Robertson-McCoy, Ultan Dillane, Joe Maksymiw, Paul Boyle, Colby Fainga’a, Jarrad Butler (c).

Replacements (16-23): Dave Heffernan, Denis Buckley, Conor Kenny, Eoghan Masterson, Eoin McKeon, Kieran Marmion, Conor Fitzgerald, Peter Robb.

Galway trains running slow due to Storm Jorge

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Briain Kelly
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All trains to and from Galway are operating at reduced speed today due to extreme weather conditions brought on by Storm Jorge.

Irish Rail has said that travellers should expect delays on trains in Galway, Westport, and Tralee this afternoon while Storm Jorge continues.

A Status Red warning was in place in Galway up to 3pm this afternoon, with Met Eireann saying that at one point gusts at Mace Head weather station exceeded Status Red conditions.

Though this has now expired, a Status Orange wind warning for Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Sligo and Clare remains in place.

It was issued by Met Eireann shortly before 3pm today, and will remain in effect until midnight tonight.

Galway is also under a status yellow rainfall warning this afternoon, along with the rest of Connacht and Donegal, with accumulations of up to 50mm of rain possible in mountainous areas.

Rain has already caused issues for rail travel in Galway, with bus transfers operating on the Galway-Limerick line between Gort and Athenry for the foreseeable future due to flooding on the line.

Bus Eireann decided to suspend all bus services in Galway for the duration of the red warning today, going on the original hours of 1-4pm given by Met Eireann.

Motorists are also being advised to take care today, as fallen trees have been reported by the county council at locations across Galway.

Storm Jorge downs trees and blows a shed into the street.

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Briain Kelly
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Galway daily weather Met Eireann weather warning in force for Galway today

Galway County Council is reporting fallen trees and other wind blown debris at multiple locations as Storm Jorge rages today.

As Storm Jorge is at its height this afternoon, Galway County Council has reported trees down at three locations so far, and a shed blown into the road.

Trees are down at Derrydonnell petrol station, Oranmore; before Kinnevey’s Pub at Rosscahill; and at Anbally Cummer, Tuam.

A shed has also been reported blown into the street at Kingland, Athenry.

Council crews will begin attending to the fallen trees and other debris as soon as it is safe to do so.

Meanwhile, the county council is urging people to stay indoors while the Status Red warning is in effect.

The Status Red wind warning for Galway and Clare, with winds of 100km/hr and gusts reaching up to 145km/hr, is due to expire shortly at 3pm.

A Status Orange warning issued by Met Eireann will remain in effect afterwards until 3am tomorrow morning.

So far the ESB is reporting on a few small power outages in Galway, affecting

One outage in Curra has left 50 homes without power and is currently expected to be repaired by 5pm.

While a second outage in Screeb has affected the electricity supply to 55 homes.

Oxfam’s Fashion Relief fundraiser comes to Gaway

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily life & style Fashion Relief fundraiser
Rob Kearney and Lorraine Keane pictured as stars from Irish fashion, entertainment and sport joined broadcaster Lorraine Keane at the 5* InterContinental Dublin to launch Fashion Relief 2020 – a sustainable fashion fundraiser in aid of Oxfam Ireland. Taking place in Galway and Dublin in March, tickets are on sale now at fashionrelief.ie Pic Brian McEvoy No Repro Fee for one use

This weekend Lorraine Keane and Oxfam Ireland along with a host of fashion and lifestyle personalities are bringing Fashion Relief the fundraiser, back to Galway city.

Now in its third year, Fashion Relief has raised over €200,000 for Oxfam, with all profits supporting people affected by poverty and disaster, including communities at the sharp end of climate emergencies and conflict in places like Yemen, Ethiopia and Bangladesh.

Keane and Oxfam have teamed up again for two events in 2020, kicking off in Galway on Sunday, March 1.

The event will take place in the Galmont Hotel, where people will be able to bag a bargain from their favourite fashion brands and icons, all while raising crucial funds for Oxfam’s work worldwide.

Speaking ahead of the event, Lorraine Keane said that they’ve been blown away by the generosity people have shown so far.

“Over the last few weeks, items have been pouring in from a host of amazing designers, retailers and the public, as well as of course, celebrities and influencers.”

This year, the event is going to focus on sustainability, and trying to cut back on the massive waste generated by ‘throwaway fashion’ where huge amounts of clothes end up in the landfill after minimal use.

This event will give ‘pre-loved’ clothes a second lease on life, Lorraine explained, while raising money for people living in poverty worldwide, many of whom have been affected by the climate crisis.

Last November Keane visited the the world’s largest refugee shelter at Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, home to almost one million Rohingya refugees who fled unimaginable violence in Myanmar.

And while they may be safe from the threat of ethnic cleansing, these refugees are still left facing daily poverty in their makeshift home.

” I saw first-hand the devasting impact the climate crisis is having on people affected by poverty and disaster right now,” she said.

“Cox’s Bazar is extremely vulnerable to rising sea levels and extreme weather events like cyclones and monsoon – and when you live in a flimsy shelter made of tarpaulin and bamboo that is particularly catastrophic.”

“The Oxfam staff in the camp told me how during storms and flash flooding, homes and even little children are at risk of being washed away.”

“There are many reasons to join me at Fashion Relief in Galway, but the most important is that we’ll be raising vital funds for Oxfam’s work in places like Bangladesh where they are providing life-saving support like shelter, food, water and safe sanitation.”

Fashion Relief Galway opens at 11am on Sunday, and will showcase rail after rail of premium pre-loved clothes and accessories starting at just €5.

These will include donations from the stars and the public as well as brand-new items from designers and retailers across the nation.

Tickets for the event are just €10 and can be purchased online here.

A host of Irish designer items will be on sale from Fee G, Caroline Kilkenny, Deborah Veale, Umit Kutluk and Heidi Higgins.

There will also be a designer corner with pieces by all the high-end international fashion houses such as Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Roland Mouret, Chloe, Celine, Balenciaga, Chanel and so many more.

image credit: Brian McEvoy

Status Red Storm Jorge warning brought forward, now in force

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Storm Jorge Status Red warning now in force

A Status Red weather warning for Galway is now in force as Met Eireann has moved it forward this morning while Storm Jorge batters Galway with wind and rain.

The Status Red alert, which was due to be in place from 1pm to 4pm, will instead be in place for Galway and Clare from 11am until 3pm during Storm Jorge this afternoon.

People should take extreme care in Galway today, as winds of 85-100km/hr can be expected, with gusts reaching up to 145km/hr.

People are being advised to stay indoors during the period of the Status Red warning

Three other weather warnings have also been issued for Galway by Met Eireann, two status yellow alerts for rain and snow/ice, and a status orange wind warning which will be in place until 3am on Sunday.

After the red alert expires at 3pm, Galway can still expect winds of 65-80km/hr for the remainder of the day, with gusts reaching 110-130km/hr and an elevated risk of coastal flooding.

The local authorities have been preparing for Storm Jorge, with the county council making sandbags available and the city council deploying the inflatable flood barrier at the Spanish Arch and putting road crews on standby.

No major power issues have been reported in Galway yet, but the ESB has cautioned people to expect widespread outages today.

Appeal lodged by developer in Gort Biogas Plant battle

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Public meeting to discuss approval of Gort BioGas plant
Photo Credit: Vasyatka

The developers of a proposed Biogas plant in Gort, plans for which were defeated after massive local opposition, have appealed the decision to An Bord Pleanála.

Sustainable Bio-Energy Limited were refused planning permission for a a biogas plant on a 10ha site in the townlands of Ballynamantan, Kinincha and Glenbrack near Gort in late January.

A Biogas plant is used for converting farm waste into fertiliser and producing energy.

The project attracted massive local opposition, with over 300 submissions made to the county council.

Galway East TD Ciaran Cannon said that the future of Gort is with tourism, and that building a plant like this less than kilometre outside Gort would make it impossible for the town to be the epicentre of Fáilte Ireland’s planned Burren Loop initiative.

In refusing permission for the plant last month, the county council said that the local road network could not handle the increased HGV traffic which would come with it, creating a public safety hazard.

The council also raised concerns about the lack of sufficient information in the Environmental Impact Assessment Report, saying that it could not be sure the project wouldn’t affect the local environment.

“potential direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts of air pollutants, pollutants to water quality, habitat loss/fragmentation and the exclusion of a satisfactory assessment of a number of European sites in the vicinity,” meant that it could not rule out a threat to local biodiversity, as well as human health.

In appealing the council’s decision, Sustainable Bio-Energy Limited said that its Road Safety Audit made recommendations to deal with traffic issues, and that there would not be a large enough increase in traffic to merit concern.

It also disagreed with the council’s assertion concerning the visual impact the plant would have on the area, as well as claims that local biodiversity was not taken into consideration in the NIS and EIAR.

In conclusion, the developer said that the county council had refused permission based on “unclear and unfounded” reasoning.

The Gort Bio Gas Concern Group, composed of locals who object to the plant, said in a facebook post “This company has spurned 100s of objections by the local community as well as Galway County Council.

“This is the Derrybrien debacle all over again, big ‘Green’ corporations bullying and trampling communities.”

“Shame on the directors of “Sustainable Bio-Energy Limited” but just to let you know… you haven’t picked an ‘easy’ target this time.”

County Councillor Joe Byrne, who is also opposed to the plant, said that it is “disappointing that the applicant would challenge so many local respectful people who objected”.

The appeal was lodged by the developer on February 290, and An Bord Pleanála is due to make a decision by June 24.

Snow and Ice warning added to the mix for Storm Jorge

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Briain Kelly
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Galway daily weather Two weather warnings in place for Galway this morning

Met Eireann has added yet another element to the mix for Storm Jorge today, with a snow and ice warning issued for all of Ireland today.

There are now four weather warnings for Storm Jorge which will be in place in Galway throughout the day.

The new status yellow snow and ice warning came into effect at 7am this morning, and will remain in place until 4pm this afternoon.

“Wintry showers of hail, sleet and snow spreading eastwards this morning will lead to icy conditions,” Met Eireann’s warning says.

“Later this morning a more persistent band of rain and sleet will cross the country, turning to snow for a time,” particularly in the midlands and north of the country.

“The combination of sleet/snow and strong winds will lead to low visibility and hazardous driving conditions.”

This is one of three weather warnings now in effect in Galway. A Status Yellow rainfall warning has been in place since Friday, while a Status Orange wind warning came into effect at 6am this morning.

Galway is set to the see the worst of Storm Jorge later this afternoon, with a Status Red alert issued for Galway and Clare.

From 1pm to 4pm today, Met Eireann warns that Galway can expect westerly winds with a mean speed of 85-100km/hr, and gusts reaching up to 145km/hr.

There will also be an elevated risk of coastal flooding during that time.

Galway City Council began preparing flood defences yesterday evening, deploying the inflatable dam down at the Spanish Arch.

Salthill Promenade will also likely close this afternoon during the worst of the storm, and council road crews will be on standby to deal with any flooding, fallen trees, or other issues.

City Council deploys flood defences for Storm Jorge

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Storm Barra: High tide passes without flooding in the city
Flood barrier at the Spanish Arch

Galway City Council is deploying flood protection measures for Storm Jorge as Met Eireann has issued it highest level of weather alert.

A Status Red weather warning, the highest level of alert, has been issued for Galway and Clare between 1pm and 4pm on Saturday as Storm Jorge batters the west coast of Ireland.

During that time Galway will is forecast the worst of Storm Jorge, with winds of 85-100km/hr and gusts reaching up to 145km/hr and an elevated risk of coastal flooding.

A Status Orange warning will come into effect well before that, at 6am tomorrow, and will remain in force until 3am on Sunday.

The inflatable water dam has been been deployed at the Spanish Arch to protect against any overtopping caused by the winds.

While the Promenade in Salthill has not been ordered closed yet, it will only remain open as long as it is safe, and “will almost certainly be closed to traffic during the Status Red period” the city council said in a statement.

Car Parks along the Prom and at Toft Park will be closed on Saturday during the storm the council also said.

Other facilities which will be closed tomorrow include Leisureland in Salthill, Bohermore and Rahoon cemeteries, and Galway City Museum.

Druid Theatre Company’s matinee performance of The Cherry Orchard at the Black Box Theatre scheduled for 3pm has been cancelled, but the 8pm performance is currently expected to go ahead.

“Members of the public are advised to caution outdoors at all times and motorists are advised to heed the Road Safety Authority’s warning regarding journeys during the Status RED period.

People are being asked to be watchful and check on elderly neighbours during Storm Jorge.

The ESB is also advising people to keep mobile phones charged as widespread power outages are expected.

A status yellow rainfall warning is also in place today, and will remain in force until 3am on Sunday.

During that time Galway could receive up to 30mm of rain, or possibly up to 50mm in mountainous areas.

This also poses a serious flooding risk as the county is already severely flooded after a long period of rain.

Man gets suspended sentence for burglary at hotel spa

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news An Bord Pleanála approves Meyrick hotel expansion

A man caught on cctv committing burglary at the spa in the former Meyrick hotel received a six month suspended sentence at the District Court.

Daniel Kiernan (34), with an address at Rathnamuddagh, Dysart, Mullingar was convicted of a single count of burglary at the Hardiman hotel, then known as the Meyrick, on October 9 of last year.

Garda Peter Colleran gave evidence that he was called to the Meyrick Hotel on the day in question, where the duty manager Jack Hurley reported that there had been a burglary on the 5th floor spa, and that a man was being detained by security.

When he spoke with Mr Kiernan at the scene, Garda Colleran said he was uncooperative, refusing to give his name, or an explanation of any sort.

The incident was captured on cctv at the hotel, and after viewing the footage Garda Colleran said he was satisfied that the man in the video was Daniel Kiernan.

The District Court also heard evidence from two hotel employees, the manager Jack Hurley, and another employee at the spa, Ms Niamh Molloy.

She told the court that a colleague informed her about a confused person in the back rooms at the spa where the public wasn’t supposed to be.

Out of caution she checked the register at reception, and informed her manager that €140 in notes was missing.

After, while she was giving a spa treatment, she said she heard someone trying the room’s locked door, and rummaging in another unoccupied room next door.

Gym goers also told her that there had been a suspicious person behind the desk at reception.

After being told about the missing money, Mr Hurley began checking the cctv cameras before being informed that the man was still in the spa.

He encountered Daniel Kiernan as he was approaching the elevators, demanding that he return the stolen money.

According to Mr Hurley, Kiernan became aggressive and tried to leave the hotel, but he was able to trap him in the revolving door until gardaí arrived.

Mr Kiernan chose to represent himself at this hearing after previously being granted free legal aid.

He did not question the witnesses in this case, but said that the person in the cctv footage is not him.

I wasn’t in the spa,” he said, adding “what would I be in the spa for?”.

Judge Mary Fahy disagreed with this claim, saying the footage “is so clearly of him, taking money”.

She handed down a six month prison sentence, but suspended it in its entirety for two years on the condition that Kiernan stay out of Galway city and county entirely.

Status Red weather warning issued for Galway as Storm Jorge approaches

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Storm Bram road closures

Met Eireann has upgraded the severity of the weather Galway can expect from Storm Jorge tomorrow, issuing a Status Red weather warning for heavy winds.

The new weather forecasts that the worst winds from Storm Jorge will come in the early afternoon on Saturday, with the status red alert in force from 1pm through to 4pm for Galway and Clare.

During that time storm force winds with an average speed of 85-100km/hr are expected, with gusts reaching up to 145km/hr.

This brings an elevated risk of coastal flooding Met Eireann has said.

Three weather warnings have now been issued for Galway for this weekend as Storm Jorge is expected to batter the west coast.

A Status Orange wind warning will come into effect at 6am on Saturday, and remain in force right through the red alert until 3am on Sunday.

Meanwhile a status yellow rainfall warning came into force for Connacht, Munster, and Donegal today, and will remain in place until midnight on Saturday.

Up to 30mm of rainfall can be expected this weekend while the county is still dealing with high flood levels, with even more rain of up to 50mm possible in mountainous areas.

N63 reopens after being blocked by overturned truck

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Briain Kelly
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The N63 has reopened this afternoon after a traffic collision involving a truck closed the road between Abbeyknockmoy and Horseleap Cross.

The N63 was closed to traffic after a truck overturned into a ditch earlier this afternoon.

Gardaí attended the scene of the incident, but it’s understood that no one was injured.

The road was expected to remain closed until 6pm while the incident was being dealt with.

However it has reopened earlier than expected, though traffic is still down to one lane with temporary lights operating.

Status Red marine warning issued for Storm Jorge

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

The west coast of Ireland is forecast to get hammered by Storm Jorge (Hor-hay) throughout the weekend, with a Status Red marine warning issued by Met Eireann.

Galway is likely to see further flooding this weekend, both coastal and rain induced, as Storm Jorge brings heavy winds and rains.

This marine alert is the latest warning issued by Met Eireann, joining a status yellow rainfall and status orange wind warning issued for Galway.

Southwest gale force 8 to strong gale force 9 winds will develop tonight on Irish Coastal Waters from Mizen Head to Slyne Head to Rossan Point.

Winds will veer westerly Saturday morning and increase to Storm Force 10 and occasionally Violent Storm Force 11.

On Saturday west to southwest Gale Force 8 to Storm Force 10 winds will extend to all Irish Coastal Waters and the Irish Sea going into the afternoon.

A Status Yellow rainfall alert came into effect at midnight last night, with Galway expected to receive 30mm of rain over the next two days, possibly up to 50mm in mountainous areas.

This poses a severe flooding risk at the time when the county is already saturated and the rivers and bursting their banks.

An Orange level wind alert will come into effect at 6am on Saturday in Galway, Mayo, Clare, and Kerry.

Winds of 80km/hr and gusts reaching up to 130km/hr can be expected throughout Saturday, with a possibility of coastal flooding.

Traffic management plan for roads around Pearse Stadium this Sunday

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Pearse Stadium traffic management plan

Gardaí will be enacting a traffic management plan on the roads around Pearse Stadium this Sunday for the Allianz League Hurling game.

Galway and Cork will face off in round 5 of the League tomorrow, with throw in at 2pm in Pearse Stadium.

The game will result in increased traffic in Salthill around the stadium and throughout Galway city.

Supporters are being urged by Galway GAA to arrive early in order to avoid traffic congestion and delays entering the stadium.

An Garda Síochana will be implementing a local traffic management plan ahead of the game which will include closing a number of residential and access roads near the stadium.

Only residents with Car Pass Permits and those with Official Car Park Passes will be able to bring a car into those areas.

People coming to the game are being asked to make use of both regular and match day car parks in Salthill which will be signposted.

Special car parking for the Sunday game will be available at St. Enda’s College on Threadneedle road.

Finally, anyone coming to the hurling game on Sunday is being asked to be “conscious, mindful and respectful to the needs of our neighbours and local residents,” by the county board.

Deadline approaches to nominate Galway’s finest for the Mayor’s Awards

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Mayor's Awards nominations deadline
Mayor of Galway Cllr Mike Cubbard at the Galway City Volunteer Recruitment Fair at the Galway Bay Hotel. Photo: BRIAN HARDING.

The deadline is fast approaching to nominate individuals and groups in Galway City for the annual Mayor’s Awards.

The Mayor’s Awards acknowledge outstanding people and organisations that, through their commitment to participating in unpaid community and voluntary activities, have had a significant impact on the quality of life of their communities in Galway City.

Speaking at the launch of this year’s awards, Mayor Mike Cubbard highlighted the outstanding work done by volunteers throughout the city.

He said these awards provide an opportunity to highlight the contributions of these volunteers, who might go unrecognised in day to day life.

Groups and individuals can be nominated in nine different categories:

  • Arts, Culture, Heritage & Cúrsaí Gaeilge Award
  • Residents & Local Areas Award
  • Community Service & Social Inclusion Award
  • Older Person Volunteer of the Year Award
  • Sports Volunteer of the Year Award
  • Children and Youth Support Award
  • Young Volunteer of the Year
  • Environmental Sustainability Award
  • The Galway City Council Volunteer of the Year Award 

The deadline to nominate someone for the awards is Friday, March 6, and the winners will be announced on Tuesday, April 21 at The Galmont Hotel & Spa.

Winners will receive a specially commissioned trophy and a payment of €500. All nominees will also be presented with an individually designed Mayoral Certificate

This year the city council is also encouraging online nominations to make the process easier, forms for which can be found on the city council website here.

image credit: Brian Harding

More flooding expected as Storm Jorge to batter Galway

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Storm Amy

Storm Jorge is set to bring another weekend of heavy winds and rain to the already embattled Galway where flooding has gripped the county.

Two weather warnings have been issued by Met Eireann covering Galway for Storm Jorge, a status yellow rainfall warning, and a status orange wind alert.

The yellow rainfall warning for Connacht, Munster, and Donegal came into effect at midnight and will remain in place throughout Friday and Saturday.

Rainfall accumulations of 20-30mm are expected overall, but this could reach as high as 50mm in mountainous areas the forecaster warned.

A status orange wind warning for Galway, Mayo, Clare, and Kerry will come into force at 6am on Saturday and remain until 3am the following morning.

Winds of 65-80km/hr can be expected throughout the day, with gusts reaching up to 30km/hr, and possibly even higher in exposed areas.

These winds will start southwesterly, but quickly veer west and later northwest during the day.

The city council Severe Weather Assessment team met on Thursday after the orange warning was issued.

Council road crews will be on standby from 2pm on Saturday to deal with any flooding or other issues.

The weather assessment team will continue to monitor Storm Jorge over the weekend, and further measures may be put in place.

The county council issues a warning this morning of potentially extremely dangerous driving conditions due to “ice and surface water flooding in many areas, having significant impacts on road conditions.”

“Drivers need to take extreme care and be conscious of cyclists and pedestrians,” the council said.

Galway has been dealing with extreme flooding in recent days after Storms Ciara and Dennis were followed by days on end of heavy rain.

With up to 30mm of rain expected to fall over the course of Saturday and Sunday, Storm Jorge could severely exacerbate this issue.

Met Eireann has warned that the rain will bring a “continuing risk of flooding due to already saturated ground and elevated river levels”.

Storm Jorge is an Atlantic Storm named by the Spanish meteorological service which is tracking northeast towards Ireland and will pass over the north of the country on Saturday.

People are being advised to expect widespread power outages on Saturday caused by storm damage

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