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Council to seek funding for road safety works in Gort

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

Galway County Council intends to seek funding for road safety improvements in Gort for the coming year.

Councillor Joe Byrne said that after much discussion and representation to the council, it has been decided to carry out works on the junction of of George’s Street and Loughrea Road in Gort to improve road safety.

The council will be seeking funding in 2020 to install traffic signal controls, a pedestrian crossing and road markings at the junction.

It is estimated that the total cost of these works will be somewhere in the region of €50,000.

Councillor Byrne welcomed the decision, saying that this will make the junction safer for all users.

Galway students among 1,500 to graduate from LIT

By
Michael Malone
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limerick it galway students galway daily
15.11.2019 Limerick Institute of Technology Thurles Campus Conferring Ceremonies. Pictured at the conferring Ceremony were, BA (Hons) Social Care Work graduates, Lia Tannian, Salthill Co. Galway, Eileen Croke, Mullinahone, Co. Tipperary, Siobhan Burke, Crecoa Co. Limerick and Emma Compton, Donaskeigh Co. Tipperary. Photo by Alan Place.

Galway students were among the 1,500 students who graduated from LIT’s five campuses, during nine special ceremonies over five days, with many of these graduates already in employment in the Mid West region.

15.11.2019
Limerick Institute of Technology Thurles Campus Conferring Ceremonies.
Pictured at the conferring Ceremony were, B.Sc (Hons) in Sports Strength and Conditioning graduates, Katelyn Phelan, Pilltown Co. Kilkenny and Sinead Burke, Dunmore Co. Galway. Photo by Alan Place.
15.11.2019
Limerick Institute of Technology Thurles Campus Conferring Ceremonies.
Pictured at the conferring Ceremony were, B.Sc (Hons) in Environmental and Geographical Sciences graduates, Grace English, Broadford Co. Clare, Eoin Fogarty, Roscrea Co. Tipperary, David Finane, Ballyshane Co. Offally and Lisa Sweeney, Castletroy Co. Limerick. Photo by Alan Place.
15.11.2019
Limerick Institute of Technology Thurles Campus Conferring Ceremonies.
Pictured at the conferring Ceremony were, BA (Hons) Social Care Work graduates, Lia Tannian, Salthill Co. Galway, Eileen Croke, Mullinahone, Co. Tipperary, Siobhan Burke, Crecoa Co. Limerick and Emma Compton, Donaskeigh Co. Tipperary. Photo by Alan Place.
15.11.2019
Limerick Institute of Technology Thurles Campus Conferring Ceremonies.
Pictured at the conferring Ceremony was, BA (Hons) Social Care Work graduate, Lia Tannian, Salthill Co. Galway. Photo by Alan Place.

Bearna and Knocknacarra residents asked to complete online survey

By
Michael Malone
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Galway Daily news Funding awarded to explore feasibility of Irish Language Cultural Centre in Galway City

Residents in Bearna and Knocknacarra are being asked to complete an online survey about the Irish language in the area.

The voluntary group Pleanáil Teanga Bhearna/Chnoc na Cathrach has launched the survey as a way to assess the desires and needs of the community in relation to the development of the Irish language.

They hope information from the survey will help form a concrete plan to continue to build a vibrant community of Irish language speakers in the area and maintain its Gaeltacht status.

The survey is anonymous and bilingual and takes about ten minutes to complete.

It is available at www.ptbc.ie and will be open until 1 st December.

Additional information regarding the survey or the voluntary work of our language planning committee Pleanáil Teanga Bhearna/Chnoc na Cathrach can be found here.

Sponsor a Christmas Tree Light launched by UHG

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Michael Malone
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launch uhg christmas light galwa daily

The 21st ‘Sponsor a Christmas tree light’ has been launched at University Hospital Galway.

The annual initiative gives families an opportunity to remember their loved ones in a very special way over the festive season.

A giant Christmas tree will be on display at the entrance to University Hospital Galway this Christmas, and people can sponsor a light on the tree as a dedication to a loved one.

Every time a light is sponsored, the family of the person to whom the light is dedicated to receives a Christmas card and will be remembered in three masses celebrated in UHG over the festive season.

Susan Massey from the Children’s Remembrance Day Committee explained: “Our tree is unique in that the lights on the tree can be sponsored for both the living and the deceased.

“This year’s card features the Galway Hooker. The illustration is taken from the poem ‘I Am Standing Upon the Seashore’ by Henry Van Dyke which depicts death as a ship sailing from one port out of sight to another port.

“This is also true of the journey our card takes as it makes its way around the world to those family members who have travelled to other ports in different countries letting them know they are remembered and that a light shines for them on the Christmas tree at University Hospital Galway.

“A card is given with every light sponsored and the card can be sent to family and friends abroad or to the family of the deceased person to let them know their loved one has a light shining for them on the tree.”

The funds raised through the sale of the Christmas tree lights are used to fund the activities of the Children’s Remembrance Day Committee throughout the year.

The committee is non-profit based and any extra monies raised are used to enhance the services for bereaved families within the hospital with monies given to improve facilities for them.

“We were delighted that the members of the winning All Ireland Galway Camogie Team joined us to formally launch this year’s ‘sponsor a Christmas tree light’. The lights will be on sale at different times in the main foyer of UHG from 22 November until 08 December at a cost of €5 each,” added Susan.

Switching on the Christmas Tree Lights

On Sunday 08 December Irish country singer and Galway native Mike Denver will officially switch on the Christmas tree lights at UHG.

The afternoon’s festivities will commence at 3.30pm with music from the Conquerors and friends and the boys and girls from Scoil Cathríona Renmore will perform Christmas carols. There will also be a special visit from Santa on the day.

If you would like to sponsor a Christmas tree light, please contact Children’s Remembrance Day Committee members Margaret Duignan on 085 8214443 or Susan Massey on 087 9452810 for more information.

Galway United U-13 and U-17 National League trials

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Briain Kelly
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Galway United sport Galway United builds up defensive line

Galway United FC are holding trials this weekend for U-17 and U-13 players for the upcoming 2020 National League.

Trials for the U-17 players at Galway United will take place first on Friday, November 22 followed by the U-13 trials on Saturday.

Both will take place in the evening at Drom Soccer Park, home grounds of Salthill Devon FC.

The U-17 trials are for people born in 2003, and the U-13 assessments are for young people born in 2007.

Interested players must email either u13@galwayunitedfc.ie or u17@galwayunitedfc.ie in order to take part in the trials.

The email should include their name, date of birth, preferred position, present club and the contact name and number for their parents or guardian.

The deadline for applications is 5.00pm on Thursday, November 21.

Moycullen water supply disrupted by broken mains

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Latest EPA report shows one Galway public water supply deemed "at-risk"

Homes and businesses in the Moycullen area are without water today due to a burst water mains.

Irish Water have said that a burst mains is disrupting the water supply to Moycullen, Kylebroghlan and surrounding areas.

Repairs works are underway and are currently expected to be completed by 3pm this afternoon.

People living in the area are advised that it may take 2 -3 hours after work has been completed before full water supply is restored.

Anyone affected by these works can find updates through Irish Water’s Supply and Service page or by contacting the Twitter account @IWCare.

Creative Makers returning to show the best of Galway’s craftspeople

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Briain Kelly
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"Creative Makers Galway" Christmas Pop Up Shop in 2019. Photo Martina Regan

The Creative Makers pop-up shop will be returning to Galway city this holiday season to showcase the work of Galway’s finest artisans and craft makers.

The annual event is organised by Creative Makers Galway – a unique collaboration between a wide range of high quality craft makers and designers across the city and county.

Their annual pop-up shop is returning from Friday, December 6 through to Sunday December 22 at the Corn Store on Middle Street.

The work of 19 different local artisans will be on display, with people able to choose from a wide array of products including children’s books and toys to wood crafted pieces, jewellery, glassworks, candles, artworks, soaps, calendars and scarves.

The craft makers and designers taking part in this year’s popup shop are Scents of Galway, Fiona Concannon Artist, Peppermint, Niamh Daniels Scarves, Saileen D Arts, Studio C, Pat Flannery Artwork, Lorraine Fletcher Art Studio, The Owl Tree, Carol Kelly Artwork, Black River Silver, Burren Flower Fairies, Mannifacture, Fiona Louise Knitwear, Ambrose and Brid, David Bog O’Malley, Ciara O’Neill Art, The Soap Room and Glassix.

As well as buying their goods, shoppers will get the chance to meet some of the artisans behind this work and talk about the craft that went into creating them.

“We’re really looking forward to the Christmas popup this year, as there are lots of exciting and unique new products from our makers which would make perfect Christmas presents,” says Anna Brown of Scents of Galway.

“Galway has always been extremely supportive of our makers and we’re looking forward to welcoming all our customers to this year’s unique, indoor popup shop”.

Mayor of Galway Mike Cubbard will officially launch the 2019 Creative Makers Galway Christmas pop-up shop on Friday, December 6 at 2pm.

Creative Makers Galway is supported by Local Enterprise Office Galway and the craft makers group has this year increased its membership to 35 of the finest artisans in the county.

 

image credit: Martina Regan

Public event on the rise of Superbugs and how to stop them

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Briain Kelly
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Galway daily news Vigilance urged as HSE investigates case of meningitis

NUI Galway are hosting a free public event today on tackling the issue of antibiotic resistance and the growing prevalence of superbugs.

Antibiotic resistant bacteria, often called “superbugs” are appearing and spreading all over the world and pose a serious threat to public health.

These mutant bacteria have spread so far in no small part due to massive overuse of antibiotics in society, whether it’s people taking them unnecessarily, or their use in agriculture.

The Review of Antimicrobial Resistance commissioned by the UK government in July 2014 warned that by 2050 these superbugs could be responsible for up to 10 million deaths a year.

To mark European Antibiotic Awareness Day today NUIG are hosting a free public event, ‘Resistance Rebellion – The Rise of Superbugs’ in the Orbsen building.

Dr Dearbháile Morris of the School of Medicine says “European Antibiotic Awareness Day is a reminder of how much the discovery of antibiotics has helped us all to live longer and healthier lives, but also of how much is at stake if we do not act to safeguard antibiotics.”

“If we do not have antibiotics that work, certain types of surgery and cancer treatments will become almost impossible to perform safely.”

“We can safeguard antibiotics by making sure we only use them when we need them, by making sure we complete the dose as directed by the doctor, by not sharing antibiotics with others and by making sure we bring back any unused antibiotics to the pharmacy for correct disposal.”

This free event will give members of the public a chance to meet with medical experts and discuss what they can do to solve the problem of antibiotic resistance.

Speakers include NUI Galway’s Professor Martin Cormican, HSE National Clinical Lead on Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control and Ms Caroline Garvan, Superintending Veterinary Inspector in the Antimicrobial Resistance division of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine.

Professor Cormican and Ms Garvan will talk about how antibiotics are becoming less useful in both human and veterinary medicine.

They will also discuss the One Health concept, which recognises that human health is linked to the health of animals and the environment that humans share with them.

To register for this free event please click here.

Calls for inquiry into child abuse allegations against scouting organisations

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Disability day services returning to full capacity from October

A statutory inquiry is needed into accusations of historical child abuse at the Catholic Boy Scouts of Ireland and Scouting Association of Ireland says Anne Rabbitte.

The Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Children and Youth Affairs said that an independent inquiry is needed to assess any structural failings within those scouting organisations.

An RTÉ Investigates programme aired this week contained first hand testimony of abuse survivors and the devastating impact this has had on their lives.

“The act of child abuse is the most deplorable act someone can commit. It takes away a childhood and leaves the victim with lifelong challenges,” Anne Rabbitte said.

“Some of the memories these men re-lived were haunting – the loneliness and vulnerability so palpable. These men had their childhoods robbed and their innocence stolen.”

“There were individuals within certain scouting organisations who took advantage of their position of responsibility. Those who perpetrated abuse should be brought to justice.”

Deputy Rabbitte said that Children’s Minister Katherine Zappone needs to outline what her Department is doing to address this, adding that the Minister cannot take a hands off approach.

Minister Zappone said that she has been assured that recommendations from the independent review of Scouting Ireland by Senator Jillian van Turnhout in June 2018 have been implemented in full.

She also said that Scouting Ireland have made strong progress in implementing the actions agreed with Tusla in March 2019.

That aside Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said during Leaders’ Questions in the Dáil this week that the government would give consideration in a statutory inquiry to handle historical allegations.

However, the Taoiseach warned that such an inquiry would have to take care not to prejudice any legal cases.

Deputy Rabbitte said that an inquiry into allegations of a cover up of these crimes needs to be investigated promptly.

“We have to put the safety of children first. Sadly, we have a long and dark history of child sexual abuse in this State,” she concluded.

Weather warning issued as temperatures to drop below freezing

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily weather Met Eireann issues fresh weather warning for Galway

The recent cold spell is expected to get even worse tonight, with Met Eireann issuing a weather warning as temperatures are expected to drop below freezing.

The status yellow weather warning will be in place for Galway and 21 other counties from 8pm tonight until 9am on Monday morning.

Minimum air temperatures tonight will range between -2 and -4 degrees.

Met Eireann is also warning people to expect widespread frost forming overnight with a risk of icy patches.

Things are expected to pick up as the day goes on, with temperatures rising as high as 6 degrees by the end of Monday.

The warning is in place for all of Connacht, along with counties Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal, Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Louth, Offaly, Westmeath, Meath, Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary.

Twelve NUIG postgraduate courses shortlisted for Higher Education Awards

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily education twelve NUIG postgraduate courses nominated for higher education awards

Twelve postgraduate courses from NUI Galway have been shortlisted in five categories for the gradireland 2019 Higher Education Awards.

The twelve postgraduate courses have been nominated for awards in Best New Course, Best Science Course, and Best Business Course of the Year.

Winners will be announced at the 2019 Higher Education Awards & Symposium on Friday, November at a reception in Dublin.

These awards, now in their ninth year, are the blue riband event for higher education professionals, admissions officers and course providers across the island of Ireland.

The winning courses are judged on the success of the course including employability of graduates, recognition of the course’s quality or ranking by external bodies, research record of academic staff, and providing a good experience for students.

Judges also take feedback from students into consideration when selecting a winner.

Valerie Leahy, Postgraduate Recruitment Officer at NUI Galway, said: “We’re delighted to again make the shortlist for these important national awards.

“It’s great that the calibre of our postgraduate courses is being acknowledged, as is their effectiveness in terms of employability, and interaction with industry and business.”

Over 5,000 postgraduate students (including international students) currently attend NUI Galway, where traditional strengths have been bolstered in recent years by the addition of Research Centres in areas as diverse as Biomedical Engineering, International Human Rights, Digital Media and Film Studies, and Regenerative Medicine.

The courses that have been shortlisted are:

  • Best New Course: MSc in AgriBiosciences, Masters in International and Comparative Business Law, MSc in International Accounting and Analytics, MSc in Exercise Physiology and Application in Therapy, and MSc in Cellular Manufacturing and Therapy
  • Postgraduate Course of the Year Award in Law: Masters in International and Comparative Business Law
  • Postgraduate Course of the Year Award in Business, Finance and Management: MSc Business Analytics and the MSc Digital Marketing
  • Postgraduate Course of the Year Award in Computer Science and Technology: MSc in Business Analytics.
  • Postgraduate Course of the Year Award in Science: MSc in Medical Physics and MSc (AgriBiosciences).

Winter funding of €647,000 announced for healthcare services in the west

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news People in Galway urged to know their healthcare options for Bank Holiday

Extra winter funding of €647,000 has been allocated by the HSE for healthcare services in the west of Ireland.

The HSE’s Winter Plan 2019-2020 published this week contains €26 million in additional funding for hospitals groups around the country as extreme pressure is expected on healthcare services.

The money allocated for the west of Ireland has been jointly awarded to Community Healthcare West and the Saolta Hospital Group to support patients in both hospitals community services.

Martin Greaney, Acting Chief Officer Community Healthcare West said that they have been working with the Saolta Group for the last couple of months in anticipation of the winter period.

“We are particularly focused on helping patients avoid hospital admission and supporting the transfer of care of older patients from acute hospitals to the community as quickly as possible.

“This funding will also allow us provide for additional aids and appliances which will facilitate patients’ earlier discharge from hospital.”

In the coming months healthcare services expect to be challenged as higher rates of respiratory viruses circulate including seasonal influenza, norovirus and healthcare associated infection.

Visitor restrictions have already had to be imposed this month at University Hospital Galway and Portiuncula Hospital due to outbreaks of Norovirus.

All of this is taking place during a period where Emergency Departments in hospitals, UHG in particular, have been under unprecedented amounts of strain.

Tony Canavan CEO of the Saolta University Health Care Group acknowledged that the winter period is always extremely challenging for their hospitals, and the Emergency Department in particular.

Over the winter period they will try to cut hospital stay time by increasing access to diagnostics such as MRI and ultrasound.

“We will be opening some of our services over the weekends in the winter period to assist with patient flow through the hospital.”

“We are also putting a number of additional targeted staff in place to help increase the movement of patients through the ED to facilitate discharge or faster admission.”

Commenting, Dr Áine McNamara, Consultant in Public Health Medicine said, “It is extremely important, in particular that the over-65s or patients living with a chronic condition such as asthma, COPD, diabetes and heart conditions are protected against influenza by availing of the flu vaccine.”

“I also encourage them to chat with their pharmacist and/or GP to ensure they are taking their medicines correctly and are using any devices properly which will help to keep them well this winter.”

Feast on Christmas cuisine from around the world with Galway Food Tours

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily life style Galway Food Tours Christmas specials

Galway is a bubbling pot of cultures from around the world, and when people come here they bring their culture, art, and that all important food.

This Christmas Galway Food Tours are giving people a seasonal feast for the senses with special tours that explore Galway’s food heritage from many countries.

Locals and tourists alike can let their eyes and ears take a break and explore one of the leading culinary destinations in Europe through its food.

Since starting Galway Food Tours in 2015, Sheena Gill and her teammates Gosia and Orla have been walking the streets of Galway with close to 7,000 people following in their footsteps.

Christmas Food Tours

To celebrate Christmas and their own food heritage from France (Sheena), Poland (Gosia), and Germany (Orla), three very special seasonal food tours will be running in the weeks up to Christmas.

The Christmas tours will be over two and a half hours through the streets of Galway where people will get a flavour of the Christmas market, the lights and all the festive fun that Galway has to offer.

“The tours are a great way spend time with pals from work, family, a partner or if you just fancy a day out in Galway away from everyone!” explained Gosia.

These Christmas specials will introduce will introduce some French, German and Polish Christmas twists to the usual lineup.

“We will surprise your taste buds with some ‘herring in a duet’, pate, French Log cake and wurstchen as well as delicious local dishes. It’s going to be a savage afternoon, mulled wine will be flowing and laughter will be heard,” said Sheena.

The Tours will run on Saturday, November 30; Saturday, December 7; and on Saturday, December 14 and all will start at 3:30pm.

The food tours are priced at €60 per person and gift vouchers can be bought for you or as a gift from www.galwayfoodtours.com.

 

image credit: Julia Dunin photography

Return of Dillane and Aki gives boost to Connacht for Champions Cup opening

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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 has returned to the Connacht starting team to face Montpellier in the opening round of the Heineken Champions Cup in the Sportsground today.

The first match of the Champions Cup also sees Irish international star Bundee Aki making his first start since returning from the World Cup after coming off the bench .

This is no doubt a welcome boost to Connacht’s confidence as they head into the Champions Cup this afternoon after a two year absence.

Today’s match against Montpellier is kicking off at the Sportsground at 1pm.

The Irish sides have had a strong start to the pool stage so far, with Leinster beating Benetton 33 – 19 and Munster overcoming the Ospreys 32 – 13 on Saturday.

Commenting ahead of the game, Connacht Head Coach Andy Friend said that getting Dillane and Matt Healy back from injury, along with the return of Aki to the starting line, is a huge boost.

“They bring a huge amount of experience at this level and that will be invaluable to us,” Andy Friend said.

Getting off to a strong start is hugely important heading into the Cup he added, especially when playing at home.

That said everyone is looking forward to the game this afternoon and the Connacht side is expecting strong support from the home crowd.

“We have had incredible support so far this season in the Sportsground and we are expecting a huge occasion again on Sunday afternoon.”

“Everyone associated with Connacht Rugby is excited about our return to the Champions Cup and our focus now is on delivering a win against Montpellier.

 

Connacht Matchday Squad V Montpellier (SUN 17 NOV, 1PM)

(15-9): Darragh Leader, Niyi Adeolokun, Kyle Godwin, Bundee Aki, Matt Healy, Jack Carty, Caolin Blade (1-8): Denis Buckley, Tom McCartney, Dominic Robertson-McCoy, Cillian Gallagher, Ultan Dillane, Colby Fainga’a, Jarrad Butler (C), Paul Boyle.

Replacements: Dave Heffernan, Matthew Burke, Conor Kenny, Eoghan Masterson, Robin Copeland, Stephen Kerins, Tom Daly, John Porch

 

image credit: inpho/Connacht Rugby

More funding for Irish Water needed to end dumping of raw sewage – Fitzmaurice

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Lack of sewerage infrastructure impeding housing Galway TD says

More funding is needed for Irish Water to tackle the discharge of raw sewage into the environment says Galway-Roscommon TD Michael Fitzmaurice.

The EPA’s Urban Waste Water Treatment in 2018 report released this week noted that 36 different towns and villages are still discharging raw sewage into waterways.

That list includes Carraroe, Roundstone, and Spiddal villages in Galway.

It also noted that significant improvements are needed in relation to waste water treatment, particularly at 21 large towns and cities.

Commenting on the contents of the report, Michael Fitzmaurice said “I have highlighted the problem of raw sewage being released into the environment a number of times in the past.”

“I agree that improvements need to be made across the board, but the necessary funding needs to be made available.”

“It is easy for the EPA to call on Irish Water to speed up the delivery of critical infrastructure, but unless it has the funds required to do so, how is it expected to meet those demands?”

Irish Water is currently advancing plans for new sewage treatment plants in Carraroe and Spiddal, though those projects have run into local opposition due to their choice of locations.

Deputy Fitzmaurice said that it is important to remember that Irish Water was only established in 2013, and that the problems its facing go back much further than that.

“It makes no sense to kick Irish Water about this issue or to fine it, as it is making strides to improve the infrastructure.”

“But unless adequate funds are made available, then of course deadlines are going to be missed. That is just common sense.”

The agency has said that since 2014 it has cut the discharge of untreated wastewater by 44 percent, and spent €230 million in infrastructure last year.

Treatment plants at 20 locations around the country were either upgraded or built from scratch last year.

Killary glamping development gets the go ahead

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Planning permission extended to build 113 houses in Moycullen

Galway County Council has given the go ahead for a glamping development overlooking Killary Fjord for tourists who want something other than a hotel.

Brackencroft Ltd have been granted planning permission for five one bed wooden glamping pods at Derrynacleigh, Leenane meant specifically for visitors to the nearby Killary Adventure Centre.

Each self-contained pod will have a floor area of roughly 50sqm with an outdoor terrace area providing a view of the surrounding landscape.

Other works involved in the development includes the creation of a path network providing access to the pods, a private well for the site, and an effluent disposal system.

Two objections against these plans were made by Transport Infrastructure Ireland and An Taisce.

TII said that the proposed development would pose a road safety hazard as it is located off a national road where the maximum speed limit applies.

While An Taisce said that the glamping pods “would be more appropriately described as chalets”, and that this development would have a negative impact in a location of landscape and ecological sensitivity.

On June 26 the county council made a request for further information from the developer in order to satisfy these concerns.

A Road Safety Audit was requested, along with a Design Statement and Landscape Plan in order to show how the development will fit into the sensitive local landscape.

In granting planning permission the county council said the developer must either pay €150,000 to carry out the road works on the N59 junction identified in the Road Safety Audit, or enter into an arrangement to carry them out itself.

TII responded that despite the measure laid out in the Road Safety Audit to mitigate the hazard its position remained the same.

“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 current hostel facilities at Killary Adventure Centre are running at capacity it added.

This glamping development “addresses the need for an environmentally suitable solution that directly addresses accommodation shortages in the area”.

The developer said that the glamping pods were designed specifically to fit into the surrounding landscape which contains multiple Special Areas of Conservation.

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.

Galway County Council granted planning permission with a total of eight conditions attached.

Galway primary schools to receive at least €5,500 in Minor Works grants

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Almost 1,000 Ukrainian pupils enrolled in Galway schools

Galway’s primary schools will receive at least €5,500 in grants under the Department of Education’s Minor Works programme this year.

In total €29 million will be delivered to primary schools in Galway and around Ireland in the first half of December.

Galway East TD Sean Canney welcomed the decision by the Department of Education to move forward the announcement of the Minor Works grants.

This will give principals more to decide how to best to spend the money improving their schools.

“While schools have discretion on how to use the grants for small scale works on buildings and facilities, the Department of Education offers a number of options on how to put the money to good use.

“These include improving the physical infrastructure of the school, upgrading or replacing mechanical and electrical services such as heating or lighting and buying standard furniture, physical education equipment, new floor coverings, window blinds or IT-related equipment.”

“Schools are also being advised of the importance of using the grant to address any fire safety prevention works that may be required.”

Under the Minor Works programme every primary school in the country receives a flat rate grant worth €5,500.

On top of that they receive an additional €18.50 for every pupil in mainstream class and €74 for every child with special needs who is attending a special school or special class.

This works out at  €6,425 for a 50 pupil school and more than €11,000 for a school with 300 pupils.

Making the announcement Minister for Education Joe McHugh said “I know full well how important the Minor Works grant for primary schools is and how important it is for principals to have time to plan and assess what their schools need.”

The payment of the grants follows a commitment under Project Ireland 2040 that all primary schools would receive the Minor Works funding in either December or January of the relevant school year.

Galway sports clubs awarded €2.3 million in funding

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Galway allocated €9 million for LEADER programme 2023-2027

More than 60 sports clubs and community groups in Galway have been awarded €2.3 million in funding under the Sports Capital Programme.

“This substantial allocation for Galway will fund improvement and enhancement works at dozens of sports clubs and organisations across the city,” said Galway TD and Minister Seán Kyne.

“With enhancements to facilities and, in many cases, the construction of new facilities, the investment will benefit tens of thousands of people in communities across Galway.”

The Sports Capital Programme is operated by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and partially funded by National Lottery proceeds.

It provides grants to assist in the development or refurbishment of sports facilities and the provision of sports equipment

Along with funding going directly to sports clubs this programme is also delivering funding to Galway City Council to carry out upgrades on community facilities used by the public as well as by clubs.

“The investment will also boost the local economy through works carried out by local construction companies in addition to purchases from local businesses,” Deputy Kyne added.

The full list of sports clubs and community groups being supported under this investment, and the works that they will carry out, is:

13th Galway Scouts €1,814 Sports Hall accessible bathroom and access upgrade
Abbeyknockmoy Hurling Club €58,350 Hurling Club pitch development
Ballinasloe & District Tennis Club €27,959 Two tennis courts with lights
Ballinasloe Town AFC €27,694 Upgrading of pitch floodlights and Astro fencing
Ballinderreen GAA Club €72,206 Gymnasium and changing room building
Ballymoe FC €17,357 Floodlighting soccer pitch
Beagh Hurling and GAA Club €62,726 Extension to Beagh GAA Sports Hall
Ballaun Sportsfield Co-Operative Society Ltd €25,033 Multi-use community sport facility phase 2
Cappaghtaggle Community Association for Recreation and Sport €65,570 Pitch and training area at Cappaghtaggle
Castleview Sports €49,341 Castleview Sports Astro Pitch and Fencing Project
CFCD LTD (Colga) €54,935 Phase two of Artificial Surface playing pitch
Claregalway GAA Club €58,350 Improvements to training grounds at Knockdoemore
Clifden Community School €50,383 Clifden Artificial Sports Pitch
Coiste Pairc na Forbacha €10,377 Coiste Pairc na Forbacha Ball-stop Netting
Colemanstown UTD FC €40,060 All-weather synthetic grass pitch and fixtures
Connemara Rugby Club Company €30,517 Development of a second pitch
Corofin GAA Club €81,690 Multi-purpose indoor sports complex phase 1
Corrib Celtic FC €52,806 New dressing rooms and running track
Cartoon Shamrocks GAA CLub €19,465 Training standard floodlighting
Cregmore Claregalway Football Club €10,938 Pitch development and equipment
Cumann Liathroid Laimhe Inis Oirr €8,947 Handball and basketball court upgrades
Cumann Liathroid Laimhe Mhaigh Cuilinn €11,655 Sports capital grant programme
Dunmore Community Sports Group €7,753 PV Solar panels for clubhouse and ball stop netting
Fr Sammon Community Centre CLG €50,416 Redevelop Fr Sammon Community Centre
Galway Atlantic athletic club €5,303 Equipment and storage for new athletic club
Galway City Council €9,275 Doughiska Hurling and handball wall
Galway City Council €13,953 Glen Oaks MUGA refurbishment
Galway City Council €19,978 Bohermore All Weather Refurbishment
Galway City Council €24,390 Murvue Public Park All Weather Pitch
Glen Celtic AFC €19,531 Facility enhancement and community engagement
Glenamaddy Community School €48,025 Glenamaddy Community school Astroturf pitch
Gort Community Council Ltd €52,515 Extension to community centre
Gort GAA Club €64,185 Flood lighting and associated pitch improvement works
Gort Golf Club €24,507 Refurbishment and resurfacing of tee boxes
Kilbeacanty GAA €40,359 Development of artificial playing surface
Kilkerrin Community Development Centre €8,486 Erection of fencing and removable ball stop nets
Kilkerrin Development Co Ltd €18,439 All weather pitch from multiple use
Killimor GAA Club €40,490  Pitch drainage and enhancement
Kilnadeema Leitrim GAA Club €65,973  To develop new dressing rooms, showers and toilets
Kiltullagh Community Development Group €68,561  Floodlit Astro playing surface and walkway and fencing
Kinvara GAA €2,757  Security fencing
Kinvara Hockey Club €3,662  Expansion
Kinvara United FC €5,398 Girls dressing room and toilet facilities
Leitrim Community Field €15,792 Upgrade facilities
Liam Mellows GAA Club €27,570  Flood lighting
Loughrea Athletic Club €23,626  Security fencing, ball stop, mover and defibrillator
Maree Oranmore FC CLG €66,342 Full size Astroturf pitch
Merlin Woods €27,873 Floodlights and multi sports equipment
Moyne Villa FC €36,955 Phase 2 clubhouse extension
Mullagh GAA Club €38,939 Club development
Naomh Feichin GAA Club Clifden €35,328  Artificial pitch
New Inn Community Council €70,750 Multipurpose playing surface
Oranmore Maree GAA Club €66,373 Sportsground phase 1 development
Oughterard Leisure Centre Ltd €17,087  Uprade of sports hall and fitness centre
Oughterard Rugby Football Club €66,890  Pitch development
Padraig Pearse’s GAA Club €69,759 Pitch development
Portumna Lawn Tennis Club €6109  Refurbishment and insulation of clubhouse
Portumna Town FC €7290  Portable accessories to pitch drainage
Scoil Bride Mercy Secondary School, Tuam €61,710  To convert tarmac sports area to all weather
Scoil na bhForbacha €15,949 Upgrade sports park
Sean MacDiarmada GAA Club Craughwell €36,753  Artificial sport playing pitch at training grounds
St. Brendan’s GAA Football Club €36,826 St Brendan’s GAA Football Club
Tearmann Eanna Teo €20,868 Aiseanna Aclaiocht taobh amuigh
Tuam Celtic FC €8325 Multi use games arena equipment
Tuam Stars GAA Club €25,780 Main football pitch upgrade works
Turloughmore Hurling Club €72,966  Astro turf pitch and ball wall with floodlights

 

Galway University Hospitals to hold free Men’s Health Information Evening

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Men's Health Information evening

Galway University Hospitals will hold a men’s health information evening as part of Movember Men’s health awareness month on November 20.

This free men’s health event will focus on increasing awareness and providing information on the specific health needs of men and to encourage them to think about their health and lifestyle behaviours.

Ms Catherine Dowling, Consultant Urologist, GUH will be in attendance and will provide information and advice on the symptoms, assessment and diagnosis of prostate related conditions.

Dr Briain MacNeill, Consultant Cardiologist, GUH will speak about the importance of diet and physical activity for all men.

Rachel Dalton is a Clinical Nurse Specialist for Prostate Cancer Services and event organiser.

She said, “In addition to the talks, there will be stands from Pieta House, the Citizens Information Board, Croí , Galway City Partnership and the Irish Cancer Society.”

“The evening will provide plenty of opportunity to ask questions and raise any concerns you may have. Light refreshments will also be served”

This free event will take place at the Maldron Hotel, Sandy Road, Galway from 6:30pm to 9:30pm on November 20 and all men are welcome to attend along with their partners.

For further information and to reserve your place, please contact 091 893489 or email rachael.dalton@hse.ie.

Government accused of using ‘money message’ to block opposition bills

By
Briain Kelly
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0
Galway Daily news government accused of using money message to block opposition legislation

The government is being accused of using the little known ‘money message’ rule to block opposition bills which have been passed by the Dáil.

The money message is a procedural implement which requires any opposition bill which involves public expenditure to receive approval from the government.

However the current Fine Gael minority government has used it to block 50 bills which have received approval from the Dáil, effectively using it in place of a majority to block legislation.

People Before Profit have pointed out that all four bills they have put forward which have been passed by the Dáil were blocked in this way.

These bills included measures to ban the exploration of oil and gas in Irish waters, limit the powers of landlords to evict tenants, allow people in need to access medicinal cannabis, and require schools to teach objective sex education.

Earlier this month People Before Profit took a High Court Case against the Ceann Comhairle for blocking a motion to change the rules of how this provision can be used.

That case is currently due to be heard on December 17.

“At best Fine Gael might be seen as a bunch of spoiled children. The reality, however is more disturbing than this,” said Galway PBP representative Joe Loughnane.

Loughnane said that this “anti-democratic” practice is suppressing the will of elected representatives.

Aside from that case the Dáil is also in the process of considering possible changes to the money message provision.

A discussion paper was recently present to the Dáil Reform sub-committee on the history of money message, its current use by the government, and potential changes.

That paper will be debated by TDs when they return next week.

Loughnane fell short of calling for a referendum on the money message, but isn’t ruling anything out.

“The Irish legal system is not defunct. As people are aware, the constitution can only be amended by a referendum.”

“I sincerely hope this won’t be necessary in relation to the money message provision”.

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