Highest number of people on trolleys this month at UHG

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October 23, 2019

Galway Daily news Planning permission extended for new Kylemore Abbey monastery

Kylemore Abbey and Walled Gardens are putting on a display of local Irish folklore this month for kids and families to celebrate Samhain traditions.

On Sunday, October 27 from 2:30 – 5:30pm at the Kylemore Estate people can celebrate the ethos of Samhain, waving off the Autumn and welcoming the Winter with a host of events.

Discover the tradition of turnip carving instead of the usual pumpkins for Halloween lanterns, meet the age old Irish Púca or Ghost of Samhain, have your fortune told by the gypsy fortune teller and receive a protective charm from the Connemara Cailleach, known in English as a wise woman.

Don’t worry about going hungry if you take a trip out to Connemara for the day as guests will be able to enjoy plenty of homemade traditional Kylemore Barmbrac and colcannon.

The food is being made special for the day by the Head Gardeners Cook, a very superstitious woman full of pisroegs about pucas, and spirits, so listen closely to what she says.

A procession through the beautiful Victorian Walled Garden in all its Autumn splendour, ending at a Samhain bonfire, will be led by the Connemara Cailleach and a traditional fiddler.

After spells have been cast and wishes made it will be time to enjoy music, sean nós dancing and hot chocolate by the blazing fire.

But the celebrations aren’t confined to one location, elsewhere on the estate families will be able to make their own wand at the Fairy Village, giving the kids an entirely disproportional sense of power, or go on a nature walk with the Head Gardener.

Names and markers of those gone before us can be added to a traditional remembrance tree to mark the start of the traditional month of the holy souls in November.

Entry prices for this event are €28 for a family with kids under 10 years old, or €37.50 if they’re over that. Adult tickets are €14, students and kids over 10 cost €10 apiece and kids under 10 go free.

When you book online and in advance discounts will apply, so please log onto www.kylemoreabbey.com or follow the latest news and updates on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

This Samhain celebration also includes access to the new €3 million Kylemore Abbey exhibition, from Generation to Generation, as well as the Neo Gothic Church and the estate.

Searches end after body of missing Clifden man found

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October 23, 2019

Searches have ended after the body Cathal Whelan who was reported missing in Clifden last week has been found.

The 23 year old man from Leitrim was reported missing from Clifden, where he lived and worked, after last being seen on the night of Tuesday, October 15.

Searches have been taking place since then, but those ended after his body was recovered yesterday evening shortly after 5pm in the Owenglen River.

A post-mortem examination will now take place.

Gardaí thanked the public for their assistance in this matter.

Corofin primary school gets more money for energy efficiency refit

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October 23, 2019

Galway Daily news Corofin school gets extra money for refit

St. Coleman’s National School Cummer Corofin has been allocated additional funding for replacing the school’s windows to increase its energy efficiency.

Galway East TD Seán Canney said that he has been informed by the Department of Education that more money has been granted as replacing the windows at the school has proved to be more complex than first anticipated.

“I welcome the fact that the funding has been granted to replace single glazed windows in the school,” Sean Canney said.

He added that when these works are complete St. Colman’s NS will enjoy “better energy efficiency and the classrooms will be warmer for the students.”

The Independent TD thanked the staff, board of management, and parents at St. Colman’s who have worked to “ensure that Cummer NS is maintained to the highest standards the children deserve”.

Lane closure on the M17 motorway for roadworks today

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October 23, 2019

Galway Daily news M17 motorway lane closure today

There will be a single lane closure on the M17 motorway today in order to facilitate roadworks taking place.

A single lane closure will be in effect between 9am and 3pm on the northbound carriageway of the motorway between the M6 Rathmorrisey Interchange (Junction 18), and M17 Annagh Hill (Junction 19).

The fast lane will be closed during this time in order to allow road cleaning works to take place.

T he M17-M18 motorway operator, “DirectRoute” has said that there will be minimal impact on journey times and that traffic management will be in place.

74-year-old woman ‘assaulted on trolley by drunk man’ at UHG

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October 22, 2019

Gardaí are investigating an alleged assault on a 74-year-old woman at UHG.

The woman was allegedly assaulted by ‘somebody who was drunk’ and roaming about UHG with a carer, and she was was found ‘on the floor screaming in pain’.

She was then left for ‘five solid hours without an x-ray or pain relief’.

Galway West TD Catherine Connolly raised the case with the Taoiseach in the Dáil on Tuesday, who confirmed there is a Garda investigation underway as well as one by the hospital authorities.

Deputy Connolly said that the family of the 74-year-old contacted her about the case.

The woman spent 72 hours on a trolley at UHG, despite the hospital’s 24-hour trolley policy.

She was admitted from another hospital with a suspected infection and members of her family, who have no medical experience, diagnosed that she had a broken hip.

The woman was found on the on the floor ‘screaming in pain’ during her long wait on the trolley.

After the incident, the family heard nothing from the hospital until a formal complaint was made two and a half weeks later, the Independent TD said.

“Once it was made, they received a telephone call and learned that some investigation was in being.”

Catherine Connolly asked An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to acknowledge that both he and the Government have been put on notice repeatedly about the state of the hospital.

“It is not fit for purpose,” she said. “It is number one on the risk register in terms of capacity.”

The Taoiseach confirmed that investigations are underway, and said he was ‘very sorry to hear about what happened to that lady’.

“The Minister for Health and I will follow up on the case and make sure any investigation that should be carried out is carried out, but for very good reasons mentioned, we will not be commenting on any investigation while it is ongoing,” he added.

Amazing turnout at Women’s Enterprise Day event

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October 22, 2019

women's enterprise day galway daily — Photo Martina Regan

There was an impressive turnout for a National Women’s Enterprise Day event in the city to empower women across the West in pursuing their business dreams.

Over 120 of the most influential female entrepreneurs from across the west gathered in Hotel Meyrick at Eyre Square to discuss all things enterprise.

It has been a record-breaking year for National Women’s Enterprise Day with the largest ever programme of events taking place across the country – with the apt theme of this year’s celebrations being ‘Making it Happen’.

In Galway, the line-up of speakers on the day included ‘Tweeting Goddess’ Samantha Kelly and Loretta Ní Ghabháin of Lorg Media.

Their goal was to engage with businesswomen and aspiring entrepreneurs in attendance from across the West – and use their experience of challenge, adversity and success to inspire them to bring their business visions to fruition.

Also present on the day were experts from the Local Enterprise Offices in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon – including specialists in various fields of expertise including finance, communications, trading online, available grants, innovation, exports and supply chains.

These mentors are available all year round and can offer expert advice in every conceivable field to existing businesses or new ventures.

Also present for National Women’s Enterprise Day in Galway were ambassadors for each of the Local Enterprise Offices in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon.

They took part in lively panel discussions on how they nurtured and grew their successful businesses from mere seeds into thriving enterprises.

Representing Local Enterprise Office Galway was the co-founder of Tympany Medical, Elizabeth McGloughlin, whose firm aims to be the international ‘gold standard’ for ear surgery.

The MedTech firm is based at University Hospital Galway and is currently developing a device which will enable surgeons to perform far more efficient, and less invasive, ear surgeries in certain scenarios.

Boston Scientific sees profits jump by almost a third

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October 22, 2019

Galway Daily news Boston Scientific profits jump by nearly a third

Profits before tax at Boston Scientific surged by almost a third to €737 million last year according to the latest accounts from the medical devices company.

The Irish Times reports that last year Boston Scientific and its subsidiaries paid out $1.14 billion in dividends last year as, as revenue at the multinational medtech giant also climbed by 17 percent to $4.2 billion.

Boston Scientific is one of the largest employers in Galway, with more than 3,700 people employed here working in all aspects of product design & manufacturing.

From here more than four million life saving medical devices are exported around the world each year.

In June Boston Scientific officially opened a €60 million expansion to its main campus in Ballybrit as part of a celebration of 25 years here in Galway.

The new three storey Equipment and Technology Centre is expected to house 250 employees by the end of this year.

The directors of the company are reportedly happy with the increased revenue and overall growth of the company.

According to the Irish Times the increase in pre-tax profits takes into account non-cash amortisation and depreciation costs of $282 million, along with $621 million spent on research and development.

The $1.14 billion dividend in 2018 is a decrease from a payout of $1.8 billion recorded in 2017.

People urged to stay safe this Halloween

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October 22, 2019

galway fire safe this halloween galway daily

Galway City Council, Galway County Council, An Garda Síochána and Galway Fire & Rescue Services have come together to urge people in the county to stay safe this Halloween.

A public awareness campaign about Halloween celebrations was announced yesterday following a meeting of the Galway City Joint Policing Committee.

Politicians, staff, gardaí and community representatives at the meeting all noted the importance of safety in the next couple of weeks.

Each year, there are safety concerns associated with Halloween including bonfires, fireworks, and safety concerns for older residents and animals.

Galway Fire & Rescue Services urged the public to consider some of the dangers on what is one of the busiest nights of the year for emergency services.

They reminded people that fireworks and bonfires are a safety hazard and ‘an unnecessary burden’ on emergency services.

As well as being dangerous, fireworks and bonfires, in particular, can cause damage to the environment.

Galway City Council Environment Department said that households or individuals who hand over waste for bonfires can be liable for prosecution.

The disposal of waste by uncontrolled burning is an offence under both the Air Pollution Act 1987 and the Waste Management Act 1996, as amended.

Bonfires can also cause long lasting damage to local green areas.

Animals may also be at risk at this time of year – many can become so terrified from the noise of fireworks that they are driven to extreme behaviour.

It is advised to take pets to a quiet room, and to close windows and curtains. It’s also important to have pet identification such as an ID tag on your pet’s collar and a micro-chip in the event of pets escaping.

The council reminded people who witness an animal being subjected to cruel treatment to notify your local Gardaí and contact the ISPCA National Animal Cruelty Helpline on 1890 515 515.

They also reminded people who are out “trick-or-treating” with children to be safe and stay visible at all times.

“There are many ways to enjoy the festivities, without putting your own safety and the safety of others at risk. Enjoy the celebrations and stay safe!”

Busking regulations must be revisited after Lonely Planet rating

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October 22, 2019

lonely planet galway daily busking ciaran cannon city council

Lonely Planet today rated Galway City as one of the top destinations to visit in the world in 2020, describing the city as ‘brilliantly bohemian’.

But Galway City Council‘s busking regulations undermine the very traditions that led to this rating, Minister Ciaran Cannon has said.

The East Galway TD welcomed the major vote of confidence given to Galway by the travel guide but called on City Councillors to revisit the imposition of regulations on busking.

“I’m both delighted and unsurprised that Galway should receive what is a major vote of confidence from travel guide Lonely Planet,” the Fine Gael TD said.

This, he said, will further increase the already very high numbers visiting our county and engaging with its places and traditions.

“The language used in the rating says it all, speaking of ‘brilliantly bohemian Galway’, the ‘creative exuberance’ of the city and the chance to have ‘front-row seats to watch buskers perform’.

“I would encourage local councillors in particular to take note of the fact that busking and street spectacle feature prominently in references.

“I would go further and encourage City Councillors to revisit the decision to impose regulations on buskers in order not to undermine the very traditions that led to the Lonely Planet rating in the first instance.

“This review should also take place quite quickly”.

Minister Cannon went on to say that you cannot and should not try to fence in artistic expression, because to do so is a ‘form of censorship’.

“It is the ‘brilliantly Bohemian’ Galway that continues to attract thousands of visitors from all over the world. Let’s not turn it into a sterile and uninspiring place, an identikit city no different to any other,” added the Minister.

Lonely Planet’s experts recommended experiencing the live trad music at Tig Cóilí, the atmosphere at Tigh Neachtain, and enjoying the groundbreaking flavour combos at Loam.

UHG is the second most overcrowded hospital today

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October 22, 2019

Galway Daily news Cardiac care investment in Galway

UHG is the second most overcrowded hospital in Ireland today once again with 46 patients on trolleys.

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation’s Trolley/Ward Watch consistently shows that UHG is one of the worst affected hospitals in the country by the overcrowding crisis along with UH Limerick and Cork.

As expected the Emergency Department in Limerick is under by far the most pressure, with 63 patients without a proper bed, and Cork is tied with Galway today at 46.

Also in Galway there are six people on trolleys today at Portiuncula University Hospital in Ballinasloe.

The INMO has been saying for some time a staffing crisis for nurses is making it impossible to keep up with demand at public hospitals.

In the Saolta Healthcare Group, which includes UHG, Merlin Park, and Portiuncula hospitals the union has warned that the level of vacancies is serious enough that services need to be curtailed for patient safety.

“Our frontline members tell us that day staffing levels now resemble the night shift,” said Anne Burke, INMO Officer for Galway, Mayo, and Roscommon.

Anne Burke said that there are more than 60 vacant nurses positions at University Hospital Galway alone, and that failing to either fill those positions or curtail services will have a serious impact on staff and patients alike.

Tuam 50 bed Residential Care Centre gets planning approval

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October 22, 2019

The HSE’s plans for a 50 bed Residential Care Centre in Tuam can progress to the next stage as planning permission has been granted by the county council.

The Residential Care Centre on the Sean Purcell Road in Tuam will contain 50 ensuite bedrooms, including a dedicated dementia unit with ten beds.

The design for the Residential Care Centre consists of a two storey building with a central courtyard and adjoining wings for services and a day care.

The centre will include a reception area, day care and therapy spaces, activity rooms, dining areas and their associated kitchen facilities, family accommodation and amenities as well as office and administration space.

“Development of this Residential Care Centre and Day Care facility will provide much needed modernised services for those in need of residential care, and their families, within the Tuam and hinterland area,” the HSE said.

A Landscape Plan was submitted with this application which said that residents and visitors would be able to enjoy a rooftop terrace garden, landscaped courtyards and other garden areas.

“The external environment will be designed to accommodate places for residents to be alone, places to be with family and friends, places for external therapy and places for staff”.

One objection was received by the county council which said that a proper Environmental Impact Assessment had not been carried out and that this development should be located in the city, not Tuam.

In August the county council requested significant changes to the initial design, asking the HSE to remove the vehicle access onto the Sean Purcell Road out of road safety concerns.

Instead the council said that vehicle access to the Residential Care Centre should be through the existing Primary Care Centre nearby.

The HSE was also conduct a full Road Safety Audit, update its Flood Risk Assessment and increase the amount of bicycle parking in the plans.

In response the HSE said that access off the Sean Purcell road is the only “viable, safe option to serve the proposed development and is designed to meet relevant safety and technical requirements”.

A Road Safety Audit, Waste Management Plan, and updated Flood Risk plans were submitted to the council

Planning permission was granted by the county council with a total of 16 conditions attached, and before work can begin the HSE must lodge €49,959 with the council to pay for the provision of public services.

Any existing trees, hedges, and stone walls on the site must not be interfered with except in the provision of site access and any phone or power lines for the centre must be located underground.

Galway listed in world’s top cities for tourists in 2020 by Lonely Planet

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October 22, 2019

galway city lonely planet travel galway daily

Galway has been named one of the world’s top cities to visit next year by popular travel guides Lonely Planet.

The city was included in the website’s Best in Travel 2020 – which features the best travel destinations, trends, journeys and experiences to have in the year ahead.

Lonely Planet describes Galway as ‘arguably Ireland’s most engaging city’ where ‘brightly painted pubs heave with live music’ and ‘cafes offer front row seats to watch buskers perform’.

And with the city being European Capital of Culture next year, visitors can expect live and digital art as well as world-class music, theatre and dance.

Lonely Planet’s experts recommended experiencing the live trad music at Tig Cóilí, the atmosphere at Tigh Neachtain, and enjoying the groundbreaking flavour combos at Loam.

Tom Hall, Lonely Planet’s VP of Experience, said: “Exuberant, vibrant and full of imagination, Galway in 2020 will be home to a year-long celebration and amplification of culture and creativity which travellers will love.”

CEO of Galway 2020 Patricia Philbin said: “It’s official – Galway is the place to be in 2020! Right across the city and county momentum is building and preparations are well underway.

“The Lonely Planet Best in Travel accolade is a fantastic endorsement of this incredible place on the western edge of Ireland and at the heart of Europe.

“As 2020 approaches we are inviting people from right around the world to come and experience Galway in this special year.”

Galway features fourth in the list of top cities for 2020.

Salzburg, Austria is named the number-one city and will be pulling out all the stops for the centenary of its world-famous festival of music and drama next year, while Washington, DC, USA is second-ranked, with Cairo, Egypt in third place.

Bhutan — the kingdom set to become the first fully organic nation by 2020 — claims the coveted spot as the number-one country to visit in 2020.

The Central Asian Silk Road, which is now more accessible than ever before, thanks to visa improvements for the majority of the world’s citizens, along with massive transportation and infrastructure investment is named top region while Indonesia’s East Nusa Tenggara is named Lonely Planet’s best-value destination.

Connemara radio presenter up for prestigious Oireachtas Award

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October 21, 2019

rnag rte oirechtas award galway daily connemara

A young RTÉ RnaG Connemara presenter has been shortlisted for the Oireachtas Rising Star of the Year 2019 award, Réalta Óg na Bliana.

Séamus Ó Scanláin (28), from Teach Mór in the Cois Fharraige area of Connemara, started working with Raidió na Gaeltachta in October 2014.

He has worked in many areas of the organisation, and currently works in the newsroom.

Previous to that, he presented the main western magazine programme Iris Aniar for the 2018/2019 season. He has also indulged his passion for music on different music shows on RnaG, including the series Gleann an Cheoil he presented last year.

As well as his radio work, Séamus is familiar to TV viewers from his work with TG4.

He has been involved with the country music show Glór Tíre there for many years, and has been fronting the show, together with Aoife Ní Thuairisg, for the past two years.

He also presented the children’s book show Léirmheas Leabhar on the station, and his voice will be recognisable to many young viewers as characters from various cartoons.

“I’m very lucky to be able to work in my native language, in my native place, and it’s an honour in itself to get the nomination for this prize,” he said.

“I’ve grown up listening to people who are now my colleagues and friends in RnaG, and I’m grateful to them for all the advice and practical help they have given me since I started with Raidió na Gaeltachta.”

As well as country music, Séamus also has a grá for traditional music. He comes from a family steeped in the sean-nós tradition, and his grandfather Máirtín Pheaits Ó Cualáin, was a legendary singer.

Séamus is very interested in amateur drama too, and is a member of Cumann Drámaíochta Chois Fharraige. He travelled to the US with them last year where they performed Martin McDonagh’s Cripil Inis Meáin.

The winner of the Réalta Óg award is decided by public vote, and listeners can vote for Séamus Ó Scanláin by texting GRADAM3 to 51500. Lines close at midday on Tuesday 29 October.

The winners will be announced at the Oireachtas festival in Citywest Hotel in Dublin on Wednesday 30 October.

The Oireachtas Media Awards are the national awards for Irish-language media.

City centre street closing for two weeks in November

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October 21, 2019

Middle Street in Galway city centre will be closing for two weeks in November while roadworks are being carried out.

Galway City Council has ordered the road closed from 8am on Monday, November 4 to 6pm on Sunday, November 17 between the junctions with Cross and Abbeygate Street Lower.

The purpose of the road closure is to allow the road to be dug up so that a new 90mm gas main can be laid.

Alternative routes for traffic will be via signposted diversion routes and traffic on Augustine Street will be reversed for the duration of the road closure.

The notice and a map showing the affected area can be downloaded from www.galwaycity.ie.

Galway TD unsure about pedestrianisation of Athenry town centre

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October 21, 2019

pedestrianisation athenry centre galway daily

Any talk of pedestrianisation in the centre of Athenry needs careful consideration, Galway East TD Sean Canney has said.

The Independent TD spoke hesitantly about the idea of pedestrianisation, saying he has received ‘many calls’ from business people who are fearful about the plans.

They say that any attempt to change the bye laws about pedestrianisation of the town would have a ‘serious negative impact’ on their businesses.

Sean Canney TD said: “Athenry is a town that needs a master plan first to identify the needs and the problems with traffic in the town.

“It is imperative that the next section of the ring road is put in place first. I am waiting for Galway County Council to submit their final plans to the Department of Transport for approval to proceed.

“It is only then that we well have a true picture of the town traffic problems. It is then that we need to engage with the business people and residents to identify the issues and to find solutions.

“I would not favour any pedestrianisation without the masterplan and full consultation with the locals.”

Galway farmers to receive Hen Harrier payments ‘imminently’

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October 21, 2019

galway farmers countryside hen harrier farming farm galway daily

Payments for Galway farmers under the Hen Harrier programme are “imminent”, an East Galway TD has confirmed.

In 2018 the programme had 249 valid applications for the scheme from Galway farmers out of a national total of 1,632 valid applications.

Minister Ciaran Cannon said that the purpose of the programme, which has a budget of €25m, is to pilot new approaches to farming for conservation.

The Fine Gael TD said: “I’m very pleased to have been informed by Minister Creed in the past few days that the commencement of payments under the Hen Harrier programme are imminent.

“This will be of benefit to a number of farmers in the South Galway region as the Sliabh Aughtys is designated as a Special Protection Area.

“The Hen Harrier Programme is a scheme under the Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Programme and is one of the new types of locally-led schemes under the RDP”.

Picture special: Food on the Edge welcome dinner at the King’s Head

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October 21, 2019

FOTE 2019 — Pictured at the Food On The Edge 2019 welcome dinner in The Kings Head Bistro, Galway, were John and Sally McKenna and JP McMahon. Photo: Declan Monaghan

Pictured at the Food On The Edge 2019 welcome dinner in The Kings Head Bistro, Galway, were Bo Beck, Copenhagen, Dan Giusti, New York, Kristian Baumann, Copenhagen and Nikolai Norregard, Copenhagen. Photo: Declan Monaghan

Pictured at the Food On The Edge 2019 welcome dinner in The Kings Head Bistro, Galway, were Beatriz Finauro, Conor Whelan and Olivier Giulianni . Photo: Declan Monaghan

Pictured at the Food On The Edge 2019 welcome dinner in The Kings Head Bistro, Galway, were John and Sally McKenna and JP McMahon. Photo: Declan Monaghan

Pictured at the Food On The Edge 2019 welcome dinner in The Kings Head Bistro, Galway, were Drigín Gaffey from Food On The Edge and Sasu Laukkonen from Finland. Photo: Declan Monaghan

Pictured at the Food On The Edge 2019 welcome dinner in The Kings Head Bistro, Galway, were Garrett Lynch, San Pellegrino, and his wife, Antonella. Photo: Declan Monaghan

Pictured at the Food On The Edge 2019 welcome dinner in The Kings Head Bistro, Galway, were Josh Nyland, Sydney, Caitlin Sowell, London and Brateek Sadhu from Mumbai. Photo: Declan Monaghan

Pictured at the Food On The Edge 2019 welcome dinner in The Kings Head Bistro, Galway, were Teresa Coughlan, Martina Bromley and Catherine Whelan from Failte Ireland, and JP MKc Mahon . Photo: Declan Monaghan

Pictured at the Food On The Edge 2019 welcome dinner in The Kings Head Bistro, Galway, were Marina and Paul Carroll, visiting from Russia. Photo: Declan Monaghan

Pictured at the Food On The Edge 2019 welcome dinner in The Kings Head Bistro, Galway, were John, Ruby and Catherine Wyre from Dublin . Photo: Declan Monaghan

Roadworks on the N59 lasting three months begin Monday

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October 20, 2019

Galway Daily news Roadworks to disrupt traffic near Portumna on Tuesday

Roadworks on the N59 in the Recess area which are expected to last three months will get underway on Monday.

Galway county council is carrying out roadworks on three and a half kilometres of the N59 to the east and west of Sraith Salach (Recess).

The project will involve planing out and reinstating the road surface to improve conditions, as well as drainage and road marking works.

Work will take place on 1.9km of road from An Gharmain to Lios to the west of Recess and a 1.6km stretch of the N59 between Caher and Derryneen to the east.

The contract for the project has been awarded to McGraths Limestone Works Cong Ltd.

Man charged with sale of cannabis, cocaine, ketamine, and ecstasy

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October 20, 2019