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Status Yellow weather warning issued for Galway

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily weather Wind Warning in effect as crappy day ahead for Galway

A status yellow weather warning for heavy winds has been issued for Galway and the northwest of Ireland today by Met Eireann.

The weather warning states that southwest winds, veering westerly will reach mean speeds of 50-65km/h, with gusts up to 100km/h on Friday evening, Friday night and for a time on Saturday.

The alert will come into effect at 5pm this evening, and remain in place until midday on Saturday.

Aside from Galway it also covers Donegal, Mayo, Sligo, and Clare.

Two marine alerts have also been issued by Met Eireann today, including an overnight gale warning for all coastal waters.

Southwest winds will reach gale force today and tonight on Irish coastal waters from Roche’s Point to Slyne Head to Malin Head, veering westerly during Saturday with gales extending to all Irish coastal waters and the Irish Sea.

A small craft warning has also been issued for waters on the east coast.

NUIG scientists make breakthrough on schizophrenia with genome editing

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news NUIG leads €4 million project seeking new Multiple Sclerosis treatments

Scientist at NUI Galway have made a breakthrough in identifying genetic risk factors for schizophrenia which could lead to new treatments.

Schizophrenia affects an average of one in a hundred people, but its biology is still very poorly understood.

What is known is that it’s a highly genetic condition, so finding the biological answers to its causes and treatments lies in the roughly 20,000 genes that make up a human being.

In a new study, researchers at NUIG found that by inhibiting the function of a gene called SDCCAG8, which is known to be a risky gene for schizophrenia, they were able to change the function of brain cells.

Using the CRISPR genome editing technology, PhD student Mairéad Flynn was able to remove that particular gene altogether from brain cells cultured in a lab.

This caused startling changes in behaviour, with the altered cells struggling to migrate or change into more specialised brain cells.

The team were also able to observe that hundreds of other genes were also getting disrupted in these cells, showing how brain function can be disrupted, leading to the development of mental illness.

Professor Ciaran Morrison, Head of NUI Galway’s School of Natural Sciences, said that this may provide them with a trail of breadcrumbs for how other genes may contribute to the biology of the disease.

“This can be exploited to help understand the biology of schizophrenia in greater detail and open up opportunities for new drug development, which is badly needed for this mental illness.”

Prof Morrison was one of the heads of this study, which has now been published in the journal Human Molecular Genetics, along with Dr Derek Morris, Director of the new BSc in Genetics and Genomics.

He said that advances in genome editing and sequencing over the last 15 years have revolutionised many areas of biology and biomedical sciences, as exemplified in their schizophrenia research.

Ballinasloe choir raises over €10,000 for charity with carol singing

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Ballinasloe Choir raises over €10,000 for worthy causes

St. Michael’s Folk Choir in Ballinasloe has raised over €10,000 for two worthy causes through their holiday singing efforts.

The choir recently presented cheques for €5,400 each to Galway Hospice and Ballinasloe Social Services.

The money was raised through their annual Christmas Eve Carol Singing last year.

“We are absolutely thrilled with this contribution! Thanks to all who helped out and contributed on the day!” Ballinasloe Social Services said on Facebook.

Galway Hospice also offered its thanks to everyone who took part in the event and helped raise money.

Galway Hospice is the primary provider of palliative care in the city and county, and is almost wholly supported by donations.

In 2020 it will need to raise €2.3 million to provide its vital services for those living with life-limiting illnesses.

Ballinasloe Social Services is a registered charity which aims to improve the quality of life for elderly, physically disabled, children and people in need in Ballinasloe and the surrounding areas.

It has been in existence since 1972 when its first service, the local Meals on Wheels, was launched.

It does this by assisting and promoting existing social services and identifying new areas of need in order to respond to them.

 

image credit: Galway Hospice/via Facebook

Public rally supporting local artists facing deportation

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news

A public rally is being held at the Spanish Arch this weekend in support of two local artists who are facing deportation after years in Direct Provision.

Theo ‘Touché’ Ndlovu and Mduduzi Creative has both been served with deportation orders after spending three years in Direct Provision.

Theo Touché Ndlovu is a well known local hip-hop and spoken word artist, and a founding member of the Atmos Collective,

This creative group promotes mental health and personal development through music and poetry workshops throughout Galway.

Atmos was recently granted funding by Galway 2020 as part of its ‘Small Towns Big Ideas’ scheme, to host community music workshops in the city and county over the next 12 months.

Mduduzi Creative Ngwenya is a founding member and chairperson of The Melting Pot Luck, a group which has organised events which bring people from all backgrounds, minority groups and cultures together through food and music.

Through his volunteer work with The Melting Pot Luck, Mduduzi has worked organisations like Galway City Partnership and Amnesty International.

Also a staple of Galway’s arts scene, he DJs regularly with Galway African Diaspora at Áras na Gael.

A rally against the deportation of both men is being hosted by Galway Anti-Racism Network this Saturday down starting from 1pm down at the Spanish Arch.

After gathering it is planned for the protesters to march towards Eyre Square, after which a number of local musicians, artists, poets will perform until 5pm.

“These are people arriving to our shores eager to role up their sleeves and contribute in a positive way to Irish society, creating new businesses and jobs,” the organisers of the rally say.

Driver fined for having camera on a stick out the window

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

A man was fined for using a camera on a selfie stick out of the car window while driving in Salthill.

Garda Michael F Murphy said that on May 26 of last year he was on patrol when he saw a car driving towards the Prom with what appeared to be a camera on a stick out the window.

As the driver of the car was pulling the camera back inside he nearly crashed into a parked car Garda Murphy said.

Darius Ivan, with an address at Slí Gheal on the Ballymoneen road, was charged with driving without reasonable consideration for others.

A fixed charge penalty notice was issued by gardaí which went unpaid, leading to a court summons being issued.

Ivan, who did not appear at the hearing in Galway District Court, was fined €250 with three months to pay.

Ros na Rún: Adam can’t believe Sorcha’s buys Sadie’s story about the money

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily arts & culture Ros na Rún episode 44 billing

Berni digs into the mystery of what happened to Jude, Caitríona tries desperately to recover Maeve’s money, and Adam doesn’t get why Sorcha believes her mother on Ros na Rún.

Angst still swirls in Ros na Rún over what happened to Jude. Berni can’t understand why Andy is convinced that Briain was the one who hit him, and she decides to visit him in prison. 

Briain tries desperately to get Jude to believe him. Will Jude believe Briain, or will his Big Little Lie be exposed?

Vince wants Maeve to spend her 1,000 Euro advertisement payment on science equipment, causing a major panic moment for Caitríona. 

Her daughter’s money is well and truly spent and not a cent of it exists. The clock is ticking for Caitríona, and she needs to come up with a plan before Vince notices her thieving.

Will Caitríona start selling her beloved belongings to make things right, or will she fall deeper into debt?

Adam goes through Sadie’s bag and finds a bundle of cash. Sadie tells Sorcha that the money is for a Credit Union repayment. 

Adam is flabbergasted that Sorcha believes her mother. Will blood prove thicker than water, or is Sorcha having doubts?

Laoise’s cantankerous behaviour is taking it’s toll on everyone, not least her partner Mícheál.  

She’s starting to realise just how much work goes into a business plan and apologises to Frances for being so rude.

Will Frances help Laoise?  Or is there more behind her mood swings than just the Business Plan?

Watch Ros na Rún tonight on TG4 at 8:30pm, or catch up on both of this week’s episodes with a double billing on Sunday.

Memorial service at Portiuncula for those who have lost a child

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news PUH bereavement memorial service

A service of remembrance and memorial for parents who have suffered bereavement through the loss of their child will be held at Portiuncula Hospital next week.

This memorial service is a space for all those who have experienced the death of a child, or have lost a baby through miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, still birth or shortly after birth to grieve together.

Niamh Brennan, one of the Hospital Chaplains said, “This service offers parents who grieve the loss of a baby or child a space to come together, to remember and reflect on their grief journey through symbol, music and prayer.”

“Parents who have attended this service in the past have shared with us that they have found it to be a time of healing and comfort”.

The service will take place at 7:30pm in the Chapel at Portiuncula Hospital on Monday, February 3.

Families are invited to stay and join with other families for light refreshments afterwards.

Blood pressure treatment guidelines called into question by Galway study

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Blood pressure guidelines called in question

Up to 150,000 Irish patients who could be affected by new, lower thresholds for high blood pressure treatment might not need any increase in medication.

European and US guidelines for the treatment of high blood pressure, known as hypertension, were updated recently to lower the threshold for treatment from a reading of 140/90 to 130/80.

There are approximately 600,000 people in Ireland currently being treated for hypertension, and a quarter of those may now be eligible to have their treatment increased under the new guidelines.

But a joint study carried out by researchers in Galway and the United States said that many of these people might not derive any health benefits from this, and could end up over medicated.

Blood pressure is measured by two figures. The top, or systolic, figure represents the highest level of pressure, while the bottom, or diastolic, figure represents the lowest point.

This study found that as long as the top (systolic) figure is below 130, there is no increased health risk for adults who have a lower (diastolic) figure over 80.

The research was led by Professor Bill McEvoy of NUIG and has recently been published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).

“Guidelines in both America and Europe advise that doctors treat blood pressure down to a level of 130/80 in the majority of patients,” Prof. McEvoy said.

While he stressed that getting the systolic figure below 130 is “beneficial and reduces heart disease and stroke”, treating patients to get the lower figure below 80 is a more controversial goal he suggested.

“Our results would suggest that the more traditional target for diastolic blood pressure of 90 is also safe as long as the top number is controlled below 130.”

“By focusing on good control of the top number and by relaxing drug treatment goals for adults with isolated increases in the bottom diastolic blood pressure number, we may be able to avoid potential overtreatment of a lot of people and instead focus on healthy diet and lifestyle.”

Aldi recruiting dozens of new staff in Galway

By
Michael Malone
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Galway Daily news Aldi chooses Portumna store to trial new 100% recycled plastic bags

Aldi has announced that it is recruiting 44 new employees for its stores in Galway.

The retailer wants to hire store assistants across its nine Galway stores.

Aldi also announced that it is increasing its minimum wage rate to  the Living Wage of €12.30 per hour.

It will be the first retailer to implement the new Living Wage, reaffirming its position as Ireland’s highest paying supermarket. The new rate will be effective from 1 February.

Store Assistants will earn up to €14.10 per hour.

The retailer plans to recruit 550 new staff across its 140 stores nationwide in 2020.

Adam Ward, Managing Director Aldi Mitchelstown Region said: “We are seeking to recruit 44 new employees this year for our stores in Galway.

“We need the very best people to join the Aldi team to help us continue to deliver the highest level of customer service and lowest grocery prices in Ireland.

“We plan on hiring 550 new employees nationwide this year to join the Aldi Ireland team and contribute to our growth and success.

“Our expanding store portfolio, market performance and new Project Fresh stores demand that we continue to future proof our business with the best people in retail.”

UHG is Ireland’s third most overcrowded hospital with 32 on trolleys

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Cardiac care investment in Galway

UHG is the third most overcrowded hospital in Ireland today with 32 patients on trolleys according to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation.

The INMO’s daily Trolley/Ward Watch shows that there are a total of 485 patients on trolleys in emergency departments of packed into overcrowded wards in Ireland today.

There is a tie for first place today, with both Cork and Limerick hospitals boasting 52 patients without a proper bed today.

They are followed by University Hospital Galway (32), South Tipperary General Hospital (30), and Mercy Hospital Cork (27).

Back in Galway there are another six patients without a bed at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe.

Granite Digital creating 50 new jobs including at Galway office

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily business US software company creating 25 jobs in Galway

Web development firm Granite Digital has announced that it will be creating 50 new jobs at its offices in Galway, Cork, and Dublin.

The new jobs will be created over the next three years, and will bring the company’s total workforce to over 100 people.

Granite Digital offers a range of digital marketing, web design and development, and SEO training services for companies.

The new positions will cover a wide range of creative and technical work.

Partners they have worked with include the Maldron Hotel, UCC, The Competition and Consumer Protection Bureau, and UCD’s Smurfit Business School.

The expansion announcement comes shortly after Granite announced that its revenue has reached over €5 million in the past three years.

Fresh plans in the works for Barna housing development

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

Plans are once again in the works for a large housing development outside Barna after the High Court overturned previous planning permission.

Burkeway Homes is seeking a consultation with An Bord Pleanála about a proposed 121 unit housing development at Truskey East outside Barna village.

This would consists of 58 houses and 63 apartments, along with a creche and associated site works.

Burkeway had previously been granted permission by An Bord Pleanaála for a 197 unit estate on an acre site at Truskey East in November 2018.

But that approval was struck down by the High Court after a judicial review was secured by Gabriel McGoldrick and Heather Hill Management Co, management company of an existing residential development nearby.

Last June Justice Garrett Simmons said that the plans would contravene the County Development Plan in two main areas.

The judge said that the higher planning authority failed to take into consideration the planned population growth of Barna, which is envisioned to grow by 420 by 2021.

A “justification test” was also required as this site had been deemed a flood risk, and this was not carried out.

In December the High Court refused An Bord Pleanála permission to appeal that decision, saying that none of the issues of law it wished to raise were of exceptional public interest.

This fresh application by Burkeway Homes contains 76 fewer units than its previous plans.

An Bord Pleanála is due to decide on the consultation by March 23. If it is successful the next stage in the project would be to submit a planning application for a Strategic Housing Development.

A Strategic Housing Development is a instrument where planning applications for developments consisting of more than 100 residencies or 200 student bed spaces can be made directly to An Bord Pleanála.

Enacted in 2016, this is meant to speed up the planning process for large scale housing developments.

Fear of increased ATM fees as banks plan mass sell off

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily business fear of increased atm fees

Fears have been raised that ATM fees could increase drastically under plans by Ireland’s two largest banks to sell of huge numbers of machines to private operators.

Bank of Ireland and AIB are planning to sell of over 1,000 ATM machines between them, with Galway-Roscommon TD Michael Fitzmaurice saying that they are turning their backs on rural Ireland.

BOI is seeking to sell off 700 machines that it owns, while AIB are looking for a buyer for a further 375 ATMs it has been reported.

“These ATMs represent around a quarter of those in the entire country,” Michael Fitzmaurice said, “For the most part, they are located in shops and other retail outlets dotted around the country.”

“If the two major banks sell off these ATMs, what is to stop private operators from drastically increasing fees to take out money – on top of the normal bank charges?”

The Independent TD warned that such fees can easily add up to significant amounts, especially for people on a low income.

There are also fears that rural areas will be worst affected, as independent operators could simply remove ATM machines altogether at locations where they are least profitable.

This could have a dire knock on affect on the business of shops, post offices, pubs and other places where such machines are found Michael Fitzmaurice said.

“If you call into a shop or a filling station to take some cash out, it’s likely that you will buy something on the way out. Without that service there, you may be forced to move on to a bigger town to get to an ATM.”

“That passing trade may be keeping some of these shops open and if their footfall is affected if their ATM is taken away, they could close completely.”

Both banks have said that they will continue to maintain their ATMs in bank branches. Private operator Euronet is rumoured to one of the chief bidders for Bank of Ireland’s portfolio.

The Central Bank has also said that it does not regulate the pricing of independent ATM operators, which has further stoked concerns.

Hit the trail in the annual Menlo Walk to support autism services

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway daily news Support autism services at Ability West with 5 mile walk
Pictured from Left To Right:

Now in its 13th year of pounding the trails, the annual 5km Menlo Walk in aid of Ability West will take place next month to help people with autism.

Organised by the Kelly family, whose youngest child Andrew has autism, the Menlo Walk has so far raised €65,000 for Ability West.

Ability West is a voluntary, not for profit organisation, set up by parents and friends, that provides services and supports to over 580 children and adults with an intellectual disability and autism in Galway.

Andrew attends their day service and also a respite service, both located in Galway City. These support services are vital to him and to the family.

All of the funds raised through this annual walk will go towards supporting their ongoing capital programme which includes new builds, as well as extensions and refurbishments of existing buildings.

The programme is also used for the purchase of essential aids, appliances, specialised equipment and minibuses.

“The walk is a huge part of our year but also it’s all about community,” said Brega Kelly, Andrew’s mum and co-organiser of the Menlo Walk.

“The Menlo community, our family and friends and friends of friends who come each year and support us and Ability West. We are so delighted to have raised close to €65,000.”

The next walk will take place on Sunday, February 9, starting from Scoil Bhríde, Menlo in the city, with lots of cakes and bakes afterwards.

“So even if walking isn’t your thing, you can reward yourself with a slice of cake for your effort if nothing else,” said Brega.

Through more than 60 centres in Galway City and County, Ability West day, residential, and respite care, as well as rehabilitative training, supports towards employment, active ageing, and multiple community supports.

These include speech and language therapy, psychology, behaviour support, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and social work.

Ability West is also patron of four special schools located in Ballinasloe, Carraroe, Galway City and Tuam.

It is only through the continued support and generosity of the public that they can continue to deliver high quality services well into the future.

A walking fee of €10 per person or €25 per family is payable on the day. For more information phone Ray on 087-7694153 or Brega on 087-6179886. Donations can also be made online through www.abilitywest.ie.

Galway West candidates taking part in climate change debate

By
Briain Kelly
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cimate change action hildegarde naughton

Galway West election candidates will be taking part in a climate change focused debate this Friday at Coláiste Éinde in Salthill.

The climate change debate has been organised by the student council in Coláiste Éinde, and will take place in front of post primary students from schools around the city and county.

Darragh Ward, chairperson of the Student Council, said that this debate will put candidates in front of young people “and ask them to explain how they propose to tackle what is the biggest existential crisis facing our planet”.

“As young people we are entirely reliant on the decisions being made now and we hope that the event will be a catalyst for future engagement with out elected representatives”.

The candidates taking part in this debate are Conor Burke (Solidarity), Catherine Connolly (Independent), Ollie Crowe (Fianna Fáil), Noel Grealish (Independent), Joe Loughnane (People Before Profit), Niall McNelis (Labour), Hildegarde Naughton (Fine Gael), Darragh O’Flaherty (Independent), Pauline O’Reilly (Green Party), and Niall Ó Tuatháill.

Sorcha Crumlish, Student Council member, said that climate change is one of the most pressing issues for young people.

“This debate is an opportunity for the candidates seeking election to show us, the voters of today and tomorrow, which of them actually has our best interests at heart”.

“We will be listening closely to see who is taking climate change seriously, who has it as their number one priority, because it is our number one problem,” Sorcha concluded.

The debate will take place at Coláiste Éinde in Salthill this Friday, starting at 1:30pm and lasting until 3:10pm.

It will start with statements from the candidates, followed by questions submitted by students councils representing secondary level young people in the constituency.

Galway football team named for Kerry match

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily sport County senior hurling final replay - All you need to know

The Galway football team which will be facing off against Kerry this Saturday has been named.

Galway and Kerry will play this Saturday in Tralee at 7pm for the second round of the Allianz National Football League.

There have been three changes made to the Galway side from last weekend, with Ronan Steede, Eamon Brannigan, and Damien Comer added to the starting lineup.

The full Galway lineup is:

1 Connor Gleeson

2 Johnny Duane

3 Sean Mulkerrin

4 Johnny Heaney

5 Gary O’Donnell

6 John Daly

7 Cillian McDaid

8 Ronan Steede

9 Cein D’Arcy

10 Eamon Brannigan

11 Damien Comer

12 Finnian Ó Laoi

13 Robert Finnerty

14 Shane Walsh

15 Michael Daly

Galway Chamber election manifesto makes traffic a priority

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Galway City Ring Road oral hearing gets underway

Galway Chamber of Commerce has released its election manifesto, calling on candidates and voters alike to Get Galway Moving and tackle traffic congestion.

Traffic is not a new issue in Galway, but there are fears that the problem could get even worse. The National Development Plan forecasts that the population of Galway City will grow by 50% by 2040.

At present just 38% of trips in the city are made using sustainable travel Galway Chamber says, saying that there is an urgent need to improve transport infrastructure in a way that will encourage a reduction in car use.

Galway Chamber’s members represent almost 25,000 people working in Galway and 78% of members ranked Accessibility as their first or second priority.

Beyond just addressing traffic congestion, Get Galway Moving focuses on multiple areas which Galway Chamber says are crucial to making the city a more liveable and economically viable place.

Galway Chamber has focused on five priority areas for its manifesto, including

  • Accessibility: The ability to get into and around the city and county is vital for society & the economy. Traffic congestion is choking Galway.
  • Sustainability: Address climate change, its impact on society and increase the use of Green Energy throughout Galway.
  • Liveability: Make Galway the best place in Ireland in which to live, learn work and to visit.
  • Economic Viability: To achieve the growth targets of PI2040 Galway must increase its attractiveness for international, national and local businesses.
  • Accountability: Policy decisions on Galway’s immediate environment should be made in Galway by those accountable to its people.

Speaking on the Get Galway Moving campaign Galway Chamber President Dave Hickey commented, “It’s a call to all candidates in Galway West to pledge support to the detailed aims at making Galway the best place in Ireland in which to live, learn, work and to visit.”

“It’s about more than addressing traffic congestion. It’s a call to help make improvements to all aspects of Galway society: to Get Galway Moving for everyone.”

Hickey said that the recent announcement of 1,000 potential homes on the Sandy Road, and the upcoming oral hearing on the ring road are positive signs, but that more needs to be done as a matter of urgency.

Missing young woman found safe and well

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Missing Knocknacarra women found safe and well

A young woman reported missing from her home in Knocknacarra has been found safe and well gardaí have said.

Andreea Mereuta was reported missing from her home in Monalee Manor, Knocknacarra since last Thursday, January 23.

Gardaí issued a public appeal for information, saying that they and family were very concerned for her welfare.

She has now been found safe and well gardaí have said, adding that they would like to thank the public for their assistance.

Councillor calls for investment to address Renmore beach issues

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Swimming ban at Ballyloughane Beach due to E. Coli

A Galway City Councillor is calling on the next government to provide funding to address water quality issues at Ballyloughane Beach in Renmore.

Ballyloughane Beach had a swimming ban lifted last April after almost five years when the EPA finally declared its water quality to be sufficient.

But despite this it has been one of the worst affected beaches in the city by swimming bans when there is heavy rain.

Galway City East councillor Alan Cheevers says that funding is needed to address the water quality issues, and upgrades the beach’s infrastructure.

“This amenity is vital for the East side of the city and for to long there has been issues with water quality families unable swim for long periods due to non swim notices,” Cllr Cheevers said.

He said that this should be an election issue locally, to address the ongoing water quality issues and help the beach achieve Blue Flag Status.

Beyond that funding is also needed for “proper infrastructure in relation to proper disability access, new seating and new toilets and changing facilities,” Cllr Cheevers said.

Galway startup developing chemical free masks and wipes to fight viruses

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news New wipes and masks could capture and trap viruses

A Galway based medical startup is developing new medical masks and wipes which could capture and trap viruses without using toxic chemicals.

Aquila Bioscience is a startup company based out of NUIG, which has been developing a chemical free way to remove  bacteria, viruses, fungi and biological toxins from surfaces.

The wipes have been under development for almost two years with the specific aim of not only removing pathogens from surfaces but also ‘trapping’ them within the material so prevent them spreading and so help effective disposal.

In addition, the solution is non-toxic so can be used on human skin, mucosal surfaces and wounds. It has already achieved good results against multiple pathogens in laboratory settings.facebook,

Professor Lokesh Joshi, co-founder and director of Aquila Bioscience described their product as being like “living velcro” operating at a nanoscale.

He explained that all interactions between cells are governed by relationships between carbohydrates and proteins.

Their solution works by infusing the masks and wipes with specific carbohydrates and proteins that cause pathogens to stick, and bind, to them.

This is similar to ways in which nature has already been protecting humans from infectious diseases for millions of years he said.

“There is an ingenious manner by which nature protects us from infectious microbes and most biological toxins which have carbohydrates and proteins on their surfaces.

“In nature, humans and animals produce, milk, urine and saliva/mucus full of specific proteins and carbohydrates that bind to the pathogens to protect us from most of the pathogens we encounter on a daily basis.”

The development of this technology was funded by the European Defence Agency and was conducted in collaboration with the Irish Defence Forces and the Czech University of Defence.

One of the initial goals of the project was to develop a solution which could help the Defence Forces be prepared for any biological threats they might encounter.

The key difference between the wipes being developed by Aquila and existing solutions is that they do not use artificial chemicals such as bleach, calcium hypochlorite and hydrogen peroxide.

These are efficient in destroying harmful bacteria, viruses, and other biological agents, but can also be toxic to human beings.

They are also composed of biodegradable materials in contrast to the damaging environmental impact of chemically based solutions and the major problems caused by non-recyclable wipes in the environment.

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