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Gardaí investigating shooting in Ballinasloe

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

Gardaí are appealing to the public for information after a shooting incident in Ballinasloe which damaged a house and van in Ballinasloe.

The shooting took place at approximately 3am on Sunday, December 22 at a house in Brackernagh, Ballinasloe.

The homeowner was sitting in the front room of the house when she heard two loud bangs around this time.

There was extensive damage to the porch doors and front door of the house, and damage to a van that was parked in the driveway.

No one was injured in the incident Gardaí have confirmed.

Gardaí are anxious to speak to people who were in the Brackernagh area of Ballinasloe between the hours of  2:30am and 3am on Sunday morning.

Gardaí also wish to speak to any taxi drivers or other motorists who passed through or near the location and who may have dash cam footage.

Anyone with information is asked to contact them at Ballinasloe Garda Station on 090 – 9631890, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.

Galway county allocated €29 million for roads maintenance

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Roadworks to disrupt traffic near Portumna on Tuesday

Galway County has been allocated €29 million in funding to upgrade and maintain the county’s roads infrastructure.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland announced the funding as part of €450 million allocated to local authorities for roads maintenance in Budget 2020.

Major projects included in the funding for Galway are €4 million for phase 2 of the Ballinderreen to Kinvara road realignment, €840,000 for pavement works on the N67 west of Kilcolgan, €600,000 for the N17 Milltown to Gortnagunnad realignment, and €600,000 for phase 2 of pavement strengthening for the N65 at Kilmeen.

There will also be €400,000 allocated for the Galway to Athlone cycle greenway.

Galway East TD Sean Canney said that he is “delighted” with these allocations, which are ” vital for the maintenance and upgrading of our roads network.”.

“The funding of the N67 Ballinderreen to Kinvara is particularly significant and it is very welcome news that the Galway to Athlone greenway will also be funded,” the Independent TD added.

Aldi gets the go ahead for new Tuam store

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

Aldi have been given the go ahead for a new store in Tuam after carrying out a substantial redesign at the request of the county council.

Aldi received planning permission for a discount foodstore with a total retail space of 1,325m² on the Ballygaddy road at Townparks, Tuam.

Galway County Council ordered Aldi to redesign the proposed store in February after saying the initial designs were too box like.

The site of the proposed food store is currently a builder’s providers yard. An existing building and other structures on site will have to be demolished before construction can commence.

When complete the discount food store will “act as a driver for economic growth for the town of Tuam and its hinterlands” a cover letter submitted with the application stated.

The store will include 97 parking spaces in a car park to be accessed off the Ballygaddy road.

One objection was received from the Retail Grocery Dairy & Allied Trades Association which said that having such a large scale development on an “egde of centre” location would negatively impact stores in Tuam.

They said that it “represents a significant threat to the vitality and viability of the town centre and should not be permitted”.

A Road Safety was carried out at the request of the council which made several recommendations concerning vehicular access and pedestrian safety at the site.

A Ecological Impact Assessment and Traffic Impact Assessment were also submitted with this planning application.

Planning permission was granted by Galway County Council with a total of 15 conditions attached.

Before work begins Aldi must submit a design for widening a section of the R332 by the store as proposed in the additional information submitted to the council.

A contribution of €39,044 must also be paid to the county council to cover part of the cost of services provided by the council.

Quinn Roux making his 100th appearance for Connacht this evening

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily rugby Quinn Roux making his 100th appearance for Connacht

Quinn Roux will be captaining Connacht this evening as they clash with Munster in what will be his 100th appearance for the province.

Connacht and Munster will face off at the Sportsground at 5:15pm this evening, with just a single point separating the two sides in Conference B of Guinness Pro14.

Connacht also go into the game boosted by the news that Tiernan O’Halloran has returned from injury and will start at full back. He is part of a back three with John Porch and Kyle Godwin on the wings.

In midfield Tom Daly will be joining Bundee Aki, while Conor Fitzgerald and Caolin Blade will be partnering on the half back line.

In the back row Eoghan Masterson and Paul Boyle are at blindside and openside respectively, and they’re joined by Eoin McKeon.

The front five in the starting lineup consists of Dennis Buckley, Finlay Bealham, Dave Heffernan, Ultan Dillane, and of course, Roux.

Commenting ahead of the game, Connacht Head Coach Andy Friend said: “Saturday is another big occasion in the Sportsground.

“All players want to be involved in these interpro games and with Munster in our conference it takes on extra significance,” Friend said.

“We take pride in our home record and last season Munster were one of the few teams to beat us in the Sportsground so we know the challenge we will face”.

“It will be a proud day for Quinn Roux and his family. Making 100 appearances for Connacht is a great achievement and it is fitting that with Jarrad out, Quinn will captain the side.”

“He has been a real leader for us this season and has been driving standards among the player group”.

Connacht Matchday Squad V Munster:

 (15-9): Tiernan O’Halloran, John Porch, Tom Daly, Bundee Aki, Kyle Godwin, Conor Fitzgerald, Caolin Blade (1-8): Denis Buckley, Dave Heffernan, Finlay Bealham, Ultan Dillane, Quinn Roux (Capt), Eoghan Masterson, Paul Boyle, Eoin McKeon.

Replacements: Shane Delahunt, Conor Kenny, Dominic Robertson McCoy, Joe Maksymiw, Robin Copeland, Stephen Kerins, Jack Carty, Stephen Fitzgerald.

 

image credit: Connacht Rugby/INPHO

Fog warning extended to Sunday morning

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Met Eireann issues Fog warning as motorists advised to exercise caution

A status yellow fog warning issued by Met Eireann yesterday has been extended until Sunday morning.

A weather warning was issued by Met Eireann for dense fog in Galway and nationwide on Friday afternoon.

The warning was due to expire at 10am on Saturday, but the forecaster has now extended its duration until 9am on Sunday.

“Fog will be slow to lift and will linger in some parts for much of Saturday,” the updated weather alert states.

“Becoming widespread and dense again on Saturday evening, but retreating to northern areas by Sunday morning.

Eight animal welfare groups in Galway awarded €87,000

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Surge in people surrendering their dogs MADRA says

Eight Galway based animal welfare groups have been awarded €87,000 in funding which will be paid over to them immediately.

The Minster for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Michael Creed this week announced that €2.9 million has been awarded to 106 animal welfare organisations around the country.

Minister Creed said that this is the largest ever allocation of funding from his department to animal welfare organisations.

He added that the groups named in this round of funding “provide great support and commitment to protecting surrendered, abandoned and at-risk animals.”

The Galway groups which received funding in the recent announcement are:

  • Fellenberg Foundation Ireland, Woodford  –  €4,000
  • Forgotten Horses Ireland, Kinvara  –  €7,500
  • Galway & Claddagh Swan Rescue, Barna  –  €5,500
  • Galway Cat Rescue, Knocknacarra  –  €5,000
  • Galway SPCA, Heathlawn, Killimor, Ballinasloe  –  €40,000
  • MADRA, Camus  –  €12,000
  • Pro Animale Ireland, Woodford  –  €12,000
  • Renvyle Cat and Dog Rescue, Renvyle  –  €1,000

The Minister went on to say said that he was now introducing new legislation on the sale and supply of pet animals, and publishing a voluntary Code of Practice for Sellers and Suppliers of Pets.

Any selling or supplying more than five pet animals in any given year must be registered with the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine.

All advertisements of pet animals must include certain minimum information about the pet and the seller or supplier, including in respect of dogs, its microchip number.

The Code contains guidelines on animal welfare and also addresses public health concerns, for example the need for good hygiene when handling animals, and the potential risk to the health of children associated with contact with reptiles.

“The introduction of this legislation is the culmination of a public consultation to get the public’s views on the sale and supply of pet animals.”

“I was very pleased with the response, which included views of animal welfare charities and the industry,” Michael Creed said.

Over €150,000 raised for breast cancer research at Galway Races

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily sports Galway Races breast cancer fundraiser

More than €150,000 was raised for the Galway based National Breast Cancer Research Institute at a Galway Races fundraiser.

The National Breast Cancer Research Institute is an Irish charity that raises funds in support of the breast cancer research team lead by Professor Michael Kerin based at NUIG’s Lambe Institute.

The NBCRI and Galway Races together organised the Race in Pink event which took place at Galway Racecourse in Ballybrit on October 27.

Together with a ‘Win a BMW’ raffle earlier that day, a total of €150,997 was raised to support the work of the NBCRI.

Michael Moloney, Manager of Galway Racecourse said that a “phenomenal” level of support was received on the day.

“The day was hugely supported by businesses and hundreds of guests that supported the hospitality lunch on the day. People came from all over Ireland came to support it.”

“We had a great day that raised a large sum of money for such a worthy organisation. Well done to all involved, a great way to end the racing year for us too here at Galway Racecourse”.

he BMW car raffle was a huge success this year, with tickets in huge demand at just €20.

Philip Duffy, Director of The National Breast Cancer Research Institute said “when we came up with the idea of raffling off a BMW we were a little apprehensive as it was our first big raffle to raise funds for Breast Cancer Research.”

“However, it was a huge hit. We can’t thank everybody enough for their enormous generosity and support,” Philip added.

Director of Research Professor Michael Kerin said “I am very grateful for all the support we received – those who sponsored races, took tables, our wonderful Board and the ‘Race in Pink’ Committee.

“Breast cancer is a very common disease and research has led to better outcomes, both in survival and improved quality of life,” he added.

“We still have a long way to go to fight this disease and our research programme focuses on biomarkers which can lead to more focused and personalised diagnosis and treatment, genes which could be used to identify risk and better imaging and diagnostic techniques.”

image credit: Julia Monard/Galway Races

Jurys Inn hotel gets approval for major expansion

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news An Bord Pleanála upholds approval for Jurys Inn hotel expansion

Jurys Inn hotel in Galway city has been granted planning approval for a major expansion which will add an entirely new wing to the building.

The hotel on Quay Street intends to add two new storeys to the entire building, and to construct a new four storey wing facing onto the Corrib.

This will add 89 new bedrooms to the hotel, as well as a new restaurant and bar on the ground floor. This is a significant increase in the size of Jurys Inn, which current has 130 bedrooms.

It’s estimated that this development will result in the creation of 55 new permanent jobs at the hotel, almost doubling its workforce.

The hotel extension was redesigned in response to concerns about the scale of the project from the city council, with the new wing facing the Corrib reduced in size and set back further from the river.

Four submissions were made to the city council concerning this development, three of which were objections and one of which was in support of the project.

The objections centred on concerns about noise, traffic, overshadowing, and access to the Corrib River Walkway.

Concerns were also expressed by An Taisce about the impact this development could have on the adjacent Blake’s Tower/Castle, which is a Protected Structure.

In response the developer reduced the planned roof height of the hotel next to Blake’s Tower in order to minimise the impact on it.

A letter of support for the hotel expansion was received from Galway Chamber of Commerce, and Failte Ireland also expressed its support.

Failte Ireland said that the lack of hotel rooms in Galway “is becoming an increasingly serious issue for tour operators who are finding it more difficult year on year to source rooms in Galway city, particularly at peak periods.”

It’s expected that the hotel will be closed for a period of four to six months while construction is taking place. The Corrib River Walkway will also likely be closed for a time during construction.

Planning permission was granted by the city council with a total of 25 conditions attached.

The developer is required to pay to the city council a contribution of €88,984, and a further contribution of €127,500 for the provision of public transportation services.

An archaeologist must be hired to carry out pre-development investigations on the site, and to monitor it during construction for any archaeological material.

Killer whales stranded in Ireland with toxic level of pollutants GMIT study shows

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Killer whales pollutants

Killer whales stranded in Ireland have had extremely high levels of pollutants in their bodies a Galway based study has found.

GMIT and the Marine Institute  analysed blubber samples from three killer whales stranded in Galway, Mayo and Waterford between 2010 and 2017.

They found that these apex predators all had a dangerous cocktails of pollutants concentrated in their bodies, which may have had significant health effects.

The study showed bio-accumulation of 16 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 7 brominated flame retardants and 19 organochlorine pesticides.

Senior author of the study Moira Schlingermann said that while they found very high results, other parts of the world have shown even worse results in their own studies of killer whales.

“These contaminants are known as legacy pollutants as they were produced decades ago but still persist in our marine waters,” she said of the substances they tested for.

The cocktail of legacy and emerging pollutants, together with other pressures these marine mammals face from noise pollution to the availability of prey, can provide multiple stressors on these top predators.

“The cocktail of legacy and emerging pollutants, together with other pressures these marine mammals face from noise pollution to the availability of prey, can provide multiple stressors on these top predators,” Moira said.

Killer whales are frequently seen in Irish waters, but are rarely stranded here. The few that have been in recent years afforded a rare opportunity for scientists to study how marine pollution has affected these animals.

Dr Simon Berrow, co-supervisor at GMIT and CEO of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, part funders of this study, said the build of up pollutants is the biggest long term threat facing whale, dolphin, and porpoise species in Irish waters.

“We have to do everything we can to prevent these substances entering the marine environment and the food chain, because once in it, they will be almost impossible to remove.”

Fog warning issued for Galway by Met Eireann

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Met Eireann issues Fog warning as motorists advised to exercise caution

A status yellow fog warning has been issued for Galway and all of Ireland tonight by Met Eireann.

The weather warning for dense fog in many areas will remain in place overnight until 10am on Saturday morning Met Eireann has said.

Motorists one the roads tonight are advised to drive with care due to potential poor visibility.

Temperatures in Galway will average 4°c – 5°c tonight, with some cloud cover and light southerly winds.

Burglar faces jail for robbing home while occupants were sleeping

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily courts Man receives jail sentence for racial abuse

A burglar who stole from students’ bedrooms while they were sleeping is likely to face significant jail time when his sentence is finalised after Christmas.

Trevor Harlowe (45), with an address at Corrach Bui, Rahoon appeared before Galway Circuit Court for a sentencing hearing in relation to crimes committed as a burglar last year.

Harlowe had pleaded guilty in July to burglary at a home in Dunaras on the Bishop O’Donnell Road in the early hours of August 2, 2018.

Gardaí were called to the apartment in question, which was occupied by three students at the time, to reports that they had been robbed the night before.

Two men had their phones and wallets stolen from their nightstands from their nightstands while they were sleeping.

The other occupant of the apartment said that heard someone trying the handle of her bedroom door in the night, but had assumed someone went to the wrong room.

Gardaí viewed cctv footage which showed Harlowe outside the apartment between 4:18 and 4:35 in the morning.

He was arrested and charged on August 3 of 2018, but made no admissions to being the burglar who stole from the apartment in question at that time.

The property of the two men, who could not attend court as they only over from Malawi for university, was not recovered.

The other woman who lived in the apartment read a statement to the court where she said that she felt “violated deep down” at the idea of someone entering her home while she slept.

She added that she still gets up in the night to check that the door is locked, and that when she moved home she chose a gated complex with dogs, even though she couldn’t afford it, because of this.

Defence barrister Conall McCarty asked for the final sentencing to put back for a medical report with a psychiatric evaluation to be shown to the court.

He added that Harlowe has a long history of addiction, and was intoxicated on the night in question. The Circuit Court also heard that he has 53 previous convictions, 11 of which are for acts he committed as a burglar.

Judge Rory McCabe said that this incident has clearly “profoundly” affected the woman who lived there.

The judge said that the headline sentence for this would be 9 nine years imprisonment, and that he placed the severity of the offence at the higher end of the scale.

Judge McCabe said that he sees “little reality” of his sentence not including significant prison time, but adjourned finalising the sentence until January 22.

Gardaí investigating body found at Furbo beach

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news missing teen found safe

Gardaí are investigating after the body of a man was found washed ashore on a beach at Furbo village in Connemara yesterday.

The body, described as being an elderly male, was found by members of the public on Thursday evening, who alerted members of the gardaí.

The remains have been taken to the mortuary at University Hospital Galway where a post mortem examination is due to take place.

No formal identification has been made at this stage.

Gardaí have said that this death is being treated as a personal tragedy, and a file will be prepared for a coroner’s inquest to take place at a later date.

This is the second time this week that a body has been found washed ashore in Connemara.

Another man’s remains were discovered on the shore at New Village, Furrymelia, East Barna on Tuesday evening.

Appeal lodged against Killary glamping project

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Green light for new apartment complex in Rahoon

An appeal has been lodged against planning permission granted for a glamping development at an adventure centre in Killary.

Galway County Council granted approval Brackencroft Ltd to build five one-bedroom wooden glamping pods at Derrynacleigh, Leenane in November.

The glamping pods are to serve as sustainable tourist accommodation for people visiting Killary Adventure Centre. They are needed, the developer said, because a hostel serving the centre is at capacity.

“The purpose of the development is to cater for a rise in demand for a more responsible tourism that provides guests with an intrinsically local and responsible experience inspired by the stunning natural surroundings of Connemara,” a Design Statement for the development said.

The wooden lodges will be clad in larch and the roofs will be coated with grass sod in order to retain grass area, as well as to provide a habitat for birds and insects.

A Road Safety Audit was carried out in response to a request for further information from the county council at the time, which identified several improvements which should be made to the junction onto the site from the N59.

As a condition of planning permission the council said that the developer must either pay €150,000 to have the council carry out those road improvements or enter into an arrangement to perform them itself.

An Taisce has appealed the county council’s decision to grant planning permission to An Bord Pleanála.

When this application was first before the council An Taisce said that the pods would be “more appropriately described as chalets”.

The appeal states based on the documents submitted, this project would not integrate well into a sensitive and exposed landscape, and would create a traffic hazard in the area.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland said that the increased traffic from the development would pose a road safety hazard at the N59 junction access, and An Taisce agreed.

“Notwithstanding the revised junction proposal, we consider that increasing that increasing the number of vehicle users at a junction on a curved portion of maximum speed limit national road that already sees heavy tourist traffic would indeed endanger public safety”.

Ultan Dillane lines out as patron for MADRA dog rescue charity

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Briain Kelly
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Galway daily news Ultan Dillane Madra dog rescue

The Galway based dog rescue charity MADRA has acquired a towering new patron in Connacht Rugby’s Ultan Dillane.

MADRA – Mutts Anonymous Dog Rescue and Adoption – is a volunteer-run dog rescue and adoption charity based in Camus, Connemara.

Dillane, who has appeared 89 times with Connacht “has a big heart and a genuine love of animals,” according to MADRA co-founder and director, Marina Fiddler.

“We at MADRA are delighted to welcome Ultan Dillane as our new patron to stand up and speak for our rescue dogs,” Marina said.

“It is so important to us that people like Ultan, who have a strong following, help us to keep animal welfare in the public eye.”

Ultan was part of Connacht’s famous PRO12 Championship victory in 2016. He has 14 Irish international caps, and made his debut with the Irish squad against England during the 2016 six nations.

Along with his obvious brilliance as a sportsman, Ultan will bring a lot to his new role as patron of the charity, and we can’t wait to work with him,” says Marina.

Ultan was born in Paris, Francem but at the age of seven, he moved to Ireland, settling in Tralee in his mother’s native county of Kerry.

He came into the Connacht academy for the 2012/13 season, making his Connacht debut in the 2014/15 season against Leinster.

Dillane said that he is honoured to become a patron for MADRA, adding that he loves dogs and they have been a big part of his life from a young age.

“Animal welfare is something I am particularly passionate about, so I am delighted to come on board to help highlight some of the issues faced today.”

MADRA’s other patrons include musician Sharon Shannon and Pete Wedderburn, known as Pete the Vet.

In keeping with their newest patron, MADRA are auctioning a signed Connacht rugby ball from Thursday, December 19th to Saturday, December 21st until 9pm  –  opening bids start at €20.

To take part and raise vital funds for the animal rescue charity in the run up to Christmas, you can place your bid on their Facebook, Instagram and Twitter channels and also via email at admin@madra.ie.

image credit: Sean Lydon

NUIG sharing in €150 million investment in data analytics

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news

NUI Galway will be one of the beneficiaries of €150 million to be invested in the the Insight Centre for Data Analytics in the next six years.

The Insight Centre for Data Analytics is hosted in four higher education institutes; NUI Galway, DCU, UCC, and UCD, as well as working in partnership with Maynooth, Trinity, Tyndall, and University of Limerick.

The government has announced this week that it will be investing €49 million in the Insight Centre through Science Foundation Ireland.

A further €100 million is intended to be raised over the next six years from various sources including industry and the European Union.

This will allow the centre’s 450 researchers to continue their work on data analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Making this announcement, Minister for Business, Enterprise, and Innovation Heather Humphreys said that the jobs of tomorrow are changing, and Ireland must “focus on what is within our control domestically and be the masters of our own destiny.”

“Insight is playing an important role in our plans to prepare now for tomorrow’s world by keeping Ireland at the cutting edge of innovation in this important sector.”

The Insight Centre was established in 2013 through an initial SFI investment of €43 million, and it has been estimated that since then it has delivered €593 million in benefits to the Irish economy.

That’s a return of €5.54 for every €1 invested in the centre by the State.

Through this new investment, Insight will continue its world-class research via a set of three demonstrator projects under the themes: Augmented Human, Smart Enterprise and Sustainable Societies.

In addition, it will significantly expand its Education and Outreach Programme, including a new Citizen Science initiative.

Insight collaborates with over 80 industry partners, including Abtran, Acquis BI, Boston Scientific, Curtiss-Wright, Eagle Alpha, Fujitsu, GAA and Dublin GAA to name a few.

Also welcoming the announcement, Minister for Research and Development John Halligan said: “As one of Europe’s largest data analytics research organisations, the Insight SFI Research Centre has over 450 researchers and 89 industry partners.”

“I am delighted to welcome this investment announcement, as part of the Government’s commitment to develop a highly skilled and innovative workforce.”

Almost 500 homes in Galway without electricity after Storm Elsa

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Storm Isha: Over 6,000 properties without power in Galway this morning

Almost 500 homes and businesses in Galway are still without electricity this afternoon after damage from Storm Elsa last night.

Multiple electricity outages are being repaired across Galway today after stormy winds toppled trees across the city and county last night.

Galway saw an orange weather warning issued late on Wednesday as worse than expected conditions from Storm Elsa caused heavy flooding and blocked many roads.

While most roads have now been cleared power outages still persist.

The largest is 121 properties without power in Cong, 117 in Headford, 95 premises in Ballinrobe, 69 in Oughterard, 57 in Oranmore, 12 in Dalton, 11 in Tuam, and 10 homes in Creagh.

The bulk of the homes affected by these outages are expected to have their electricity restored by 4pm this afternoon according to the ESB.

Roughly ten properties and up to 50 cars were caught in flooding in Salthill last night, as city officials had little time to prepare for the storm with the warning coming so late.

 

Love Music Hate Racism gig in Woodquay

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Anti Racism Network are holding a concert this weekend to “end the year on a positive note” after a year of growing divisions.

The ‘Love Music Hate Racism’ gig will take place at Galway Rowing Club in Woodquay from 6pm until late this Friday, December 20.

The incredible artists performing on the night include: Roots & Culture DJs, Tracy Bruen, SONKE Multicultural Choir, Witek Kulczycki & Iweta Kulczycka, Shmakn, ATMOS Collective and Tuath.

GARN has organised this gig in partnership with Love Music Hate Racism (LMHR) – a broad based music-oriented anti-racism campaign that “uses the energy and vibrancy of the music scene to promote unity and celebrate diversity through education and events.”

Born out of the Rock Against Racism movement in the late 1970s in response to a rise in racism and far right activity in the UK in the early 2000’s, hundreds of successful LMHR gigs have been hosted across the UK and Europe.

A spokesperson for GARN said that not a week goes by but they get reports of incidents of hate against asylum seekers, members of the Travelling community, migrant workers, or Irish people of colour.

“GARN sees it as our duty to not only address these issues through campaigns and direct action, but also to create an environment where diversity and difference are celebrated, and where ideas are exchanged on how to work together to combat the racism we see and hear on this island.”

The cost of entry will be €10 on the door, concession €5.

Experience nature in the city with new biodiversity walks

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Briain Kelly
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The people of Galway city, now have the chance to appreciate nature on their doorstep with four ‘Biodiversity’ walks launched this week.

These biodiversity routes are walking trails which feature a wealth of birds, plants, animals, places of interest, and natural features that are hidden away in Galway city.

These walks were designed by Birdwatch Ireland and Galway City Council, to showcase the wealth of biodiversity and green spaces in our city, as a legacy of Galway’s European Green Leaf designation in 2017.

The four walking routes are: Barna Woods; Small Woods Reserve (Hunters); Galway City Canal Network, Nimmo’s Pier and Mutton Island; and Rusheen Park and Silver Strand.

The Galway Biodiversity Walks website features amazing images and videos of wildlife on the route – but bear in mind, the best way to experience Galway is on foot.

Routes can be viewed on a phone, and each route has a downloadable information sheet, with route difficultly, distance, and background information.

Galway City Mayor Mike Cubbard launched the routes this week, saying they will “encourage people to get active while getting to know the range of wildlife in our city.

“As an alternative to joining a gym this January, get your walking shoes on, and get to know the fantastic natural environment on our doorstep.”

“It’s only when we get to know more about our environment that we can appreciate it, and protect it appropriately,” he added.

Mayor Cubbard added that the city council has recently adopted the All Ireland Pollinator Plan 2015-2020, showing its support for protecting wildlife in the city and acknowledging the impact humans have on animal species’ wellbeing.

John Lusby, of Birdwatch Ireland commented, “The wildlife of Galway is integral to the character of the city and we are so lucky to have some amazing wildlife in the heart of the city and its surrounds.”

“These biodiversity trials give us a helping hand to explore and appreciate some of these areas and the wildlife right on our doorstep and ultimately help to protect these important green spaces”.

Read more about biodiversity in Galway City in the Galway City Biodiversity Plan, available from http://galwaybiodiversity.com/ . The All Ireland Pollinator Plan is available at https://pollinators.ie/

Massive backlog as traffic lights out on Headford Road

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Briain Kelly
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Galway daily news Traffic lights at UHG out of action until next week

Traffic is heavy traffic reported on the east side of Galway City this morning as traffic lights remain out of action after Storm Elsa.

The traffic lights on the Headford Road at the Bodkin Junction are still out this morning after Galway was battered with heavy winds last night.

This is causing a severe backlog on the N84 from well before Ballinfoyle through to the Kirwan roundabout AA Roadwatch has said.

Traffic is also extremely coming in on Bothar na dTreabh from the Tuam Road junction.

On the Tuam road itself traffic is reported backed up from before Loughgeorge all the way out to Claregalway, and from Two Mile Ditch to Bothar na dTreabh.

A status orange weather warning was issued by Met Eireann for Galway and Mayo late yesterday evening which remained in place until 1am on Thursday,

Severe flooding occurred down in Salthill last night as a result of the storm, with up to 10 properties and 50 cars affected by flood waters.

Crews from the city council, Galway Fire & Rescue, and Galway Civil Defence have been out since the early hours of the morning working to clear multiple roads blocked by fallen trees.

Traffic lights out, flooding, and fallen trees after overnight storm damage

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Briain Kelly
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Galway daily news Galway Daily news Status Orange weather warning issued for Storm Isha

Heavy winds from Storm Elsa caused severe damage to Galway City overnight, with flooding, fallen trees, and traffic lights out.

A Status Orange weather warning was unexpectedly issued for Galway and Mayo by Met Eireann last night after a yellow warning had been in place for much of the day due to Storm Elsa.

It warned of storm force winds into the early hours of Thursday, with gusts topping 120km/hr as Storm Elsa brought severe weather conditions across Ireland.

Traffic lights at the Headford Road end of the Quincentenary Bridge are still out of commission this morning, causing a heavy build up of traffic in the area.

Areas Salthill and the Docks were severely flooded last night, with crews from the city council working to clear gullies in order to allow water to drain away.

Councillor Niall McNelis reported that up to ten properties had some level of flooding, while 40 to 50 cars were caught up. Toft Car Park in particular was reported to be particularly badly hit.

Crews from the city council and Galway Civil Defence were out in the early hours of the morning working to clear multiple fallen trees where it was safe to do so.

Winds brought down trees at the Letteragh Road near Westside Playing Fields, Taylor’s Hill near the Ardilaun Hotel, the Ballymoneen road, and the Old Dublin road near Galway Crystal.

Outside of the city fallen trees were also reported on the N59 and in the Barna area.

The council, Civil Defence Units, and Galway Fire & Rescue have been working to clear all roads, but motorists are advised to drive with extreme caution this morning.

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