Night run raises €70,000 for Croí Heart & Stroke charity

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October 20, 2019

Galway Daily business business ethics and whistleblowing

Just what role does ethics play in the modern business world, and where does whistleblowing fit into that picture?

These are questions which will be addressed at the ‘Inaugural Professors In Conversation Series’ featuring newly appointed Business Professor at NUIG Prof Kate Kenny who will talk about Whistleblowing and Business Ethics next week.

This lunchtime event hosted by the J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics and Whitaker Institute is free and open to the public who want to learn more about how morality operates, or should, at the heart of businesses in Ireland and abroad.

From the U.S. White House, to the Brexit referendum and Ireland’s policing and energy sectors, whistleblowing is rarely out of the news these days.

Meanwhile laws are changing across the world, with a new EU whistleblowing directive promising major changes for Irish organisations in the public and private sectors.

Prof Kenny will be discussing the insights she has gleamed from ten years of research into the role of ethics in business, and the impacts, challenges and opportunities for organisations and citizens in Ireland from the changes that have taken place in that time.

Speaking about the event, Prof Kenny said: “Business ethics is a hot topic at the moment, posing many challenges and opportunities for organisations.

“I am looking forward to discussing insights from my research. Having studied whistleblowing and speak up systems for over ten years, in Ireland and overseas, I am particularly delighted to be joined by John Devitt for this conversation.”

“His continued work with Transparency International Ireland is central to supporting whistleblowers and advocating for strong legal protections, at European, international and Irish levels.”

The event will take place on Wednesday, 23 October from 1pm-2pm in Room CA110 in the Cairnes Building, North Campus, NUI Galway.

Places are free but tickets must be booked online ahead of time.

Gardaí appeal for information on man missing in Clifden

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October 20, 2019

Gardaí are appealing to the public for information that may help to locate Cathal Whelan who has been missing in Clifden since earlier this week.

The 23 year old Leitrim man has been missing since Tuesday evening when he was last seen socialising in Clifden town.

Cathal is described as being 6 foot, with a slim build, short brown hair and a beard.

When last seen he was wearing a grey jumper, grey chino trousers and runners.

Originally from Carrigallen in Co. Leitrim, Cathal Whelan has been living and working in Clifden.

Searches for the missing man took place on Friday and Saturday and his family have appealed to the public on social media.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Clifden garda station at 095 22500, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any garda station.

Investment approved for works on two Headford schools

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October 19, 2019

Galway Daily news Presentation College Headford expansion approved

An East Galway TD has welcomed approval from the Department of Education and Skills for mechanical works at Headford Boys NS & Presentation College, Headford.

Minister for the Diaspora and International Development Ciaran Cannon has said that the approval for the two Headford schools comes under the Emergency Works scheme and represents further investment in important aspects of the district`s educational facilities.

“I`m very pleased to receive confirmation that the Department of Education and Skills have given approval under the Emergency Works Scheme for mechanical works at Headford Boys NS & Presentation College, Headford”.

“The main purpose of the Emergency Works Scheme is to ensure the availability of funding for urgent works to those schools that are most in need of resources as a result of an emergency situation or on receipt of an enrolment application from a special needs pupil”.

“The purpose of this scheme is solely for unforeseen emergencies and to provide funding to facilitate inclusion and access for special needs pupils”.

Minister Cannon added “This represents further investment in important aspects of the district`s educational facilities and I will continue my work with local stakeholders to ensure that students and staff have every facility they need”.

Galway East TD Sean Canney also welcomed news of the funding saying that it is “vital that all school facilities are up to the required standard”.

Legal Notice

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October 19, 2019

Almost €100,000 approved for Inis Mór coastal protection

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October 19, 2019

Galway Daily news €760,000 funding allocated for road improvements on Inis Mór

Funding for coastal repair works on Inis Mór to the tune of €97,500 has been allocated this week.

Galway West TD and Minister of State for the Islands Seán Kyne announced that more than three quarters of a million will be spend on capital projects on Inis Mór and 10 other islands in Cork, Mayo, and Donegal.

The money awarded to Galway County Council will be used for coastal protection works near the graveyard, which has been threatened by extreme weather events.

“Today’s announcement regarding the provision of assistance towards implementing minor works on the islands shows that the Government is committed to providing resources in order to improve infrastructure on the islands when those resources are available,” Seán Kyne said.

Free public talk and short film screening to take place on World Stroke Day

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October 19, 2019

free stroke day event croi public talk short film

A public talk and short film screening will be hosted by Croí, the heart and stroke charity, on Tuesday -World Stroke Day.

The free event, designed to help raise awareness of stroke and offer information to stroke survivors, will begin at 7pm on 29 October in the Croí Centre in Newcastle, Galway.

It will include a talk by Dr. Tom Walsh, Stroke Specialist, Galway University Hospital and a local Galway stroke survivor, followed by a special screening of the award-winning documentary, A Tiny Spark.

In Ireland, approximately 10,000 people have a stroke-related event annually and an estimated 30,000 people are living in Ireland with disabilities as a result of a stroke.

Croí’s World Stroke Day event aims to highlight the risk factors associated with stroke and to provide helpful information for those living with, and recovering from, a stroke.

The Galway-based documentary, A Tiny Spark, produced by Swansong Films, examines the effect of stroke on people’s lives and looks at research into the blood clots that cause stroke.

The documentary is about ground-breaking research being conducted by neuroscientist Dr. Karen Doyle at CÚRAM, the SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices at NUI Galway and was made under the ‘Science on Screen’ partnership with Galway Film Centre.

Refreshments will be served on arrival. The event is proudly supported by Ballinasloe-based company Surmodics, who are community partners to the Croí’s stroke programme.

Plight of carers worse than ten years ago

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October 19, 2019

The plight of family carers in Ireland is even worse than ten years ago, a new report has found.

The second report of ‘Paying the Price’ carried out by the College, Family Carers Ireland (FCI) and UCD School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, highlights how almost half of family carers regularly deal with abusive behaviour.

The report shows that they are expected to fill significant service gaps in health and social care systems at a huge physical and psychological expense to them.

These are just some of the findings of this new research report which examines family carers’ access to supports and services, how this can affect their health and the daily challenges they face including exposure to abusive behaviours.

The report launch came a day after Family Carers Ireland and their members protested outside Leinster House following anger at the 2020 budget announced last week.

Dr John Hillery, President of the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland expressed dismay at the fact that the results indicate that the plight of carers is worse than that found ten years ago in the first survey.

“My belief is best represented by a play on the lines of Yeats, I wonder if too long listening to tales of sacrifice has made a stone of the heart of those who should help.

“We all must reflect on our roles, Clinicians, Politicians and Administrators and ask are we listening to carers and are we responding in ways that help?”

This is the second in a series of Paying the Price* reports and follows a nationwide health and wellbeing survey completed by 1,102 current family carers between November 2018 and January 2019.

The survey is a repeat wave of a similar survey undertaken in 2009 and allows researchers to track changes in the health, wellbeing and burden of carers ten years later.

The report shows that 44% surveyed regularly deal with abusive behaviour, 70% of carers experiencing abuse as part of their caring role said their loved one did not have access to suitable respite and 76% of care recipients did not receive any home support.

Young Leitrim man missing in Clifden

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October 19, 2019

Galway Daily news Leitrim man reported missing in Clifden

Searches are taking place for a young Leitrim man who has been reported missing in Clifden this week.

The family of Cathal Whelan are appealing for help that might help locate the young man who has been reported missing and was last seen in Clifden on Tuesday evening.

Cathal Whelan, aged in his 20s and originally from Carrigallen in Leitrim, has been living in Clifden and is understood to have been working at a local restaurant.

Gardaí were informed of the situation on Thursday and are trying to establish his whereabouts. A public appeal for information has not been issued at this time.

Searches took place in the Clifden area yesterday and more are being carried out today.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the family of Cathal Whelan or their local garda station.

Galwegians asked to wear their favourite hat on Friday for charirty

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October 19, 2019

galway favourite hat charity galway daily

The people of Galway are being asked to don their favourite hat on Friday 25th in support of Brain Tumour Ireland‘s annual fundraising campaign #WearAHatDay.

The annual campaign raises funds for the charity’s vital support and information services for people diagnosed with brain tumours and their families.

A €4 donation can be made by simply texting BTI to 50300.

Over 400 people are diagnosed with a brain tumour in Ireland each year with many contacting Brain Tumour Ireland for support when they receive their diagnosis.

As well as the practical supports and information, Brain Tumour Ireland also raises awareness of brain tumours and their symptoms among the public and the medical professions and contributes funding to brain tumour research initiatives.

This year, Brain Tumour Ireland has partnered with milliner Deb Fanning, who is donating a bespoke head piece as a prize for the ‘Best Selfie’ posted with the hashtag ‘#WearAHatDay’.

Ciara Peters, Brain Tumour Ireland spokesperson, said: “We’re calling on the people of Galway to get involved on Friday, 25^th October to support the work that Brain Tumour Ireland does – by simply wearing their favourite hat on the day and donating €4 by texting BTI to 50300.

“We receive no State funding so our #WearAHatDay campaign is essential in funding our services year-round. A brain tumour diagnosis can have a devastating impact on patients and their families and we’re hoping that the public will show their support for people diagnosed with brain tumours and have a little fun by getting involved in this campaign.

“We’re very grateful to Deb Fanning for donating her beautiful piece for our ‘Best Selfie’ prize. We can’t wait to see the creative hats and photos shared on the 25^th October. If last year is anything to go by, the difficult part will be picking a winner!”

WearAHatDay is taking place ahead of International Brain Tumour Awareness Week which runs from 26^th October to 2^nd November 2019.

For further information, please visit: https://braintumourireland.com/news/brain-tumour-awareness-week/

Man jailed for threats to stab, rape, and more

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October 18, 2019

Galway Daily courts Man receives jail sentence for racial abuse

A man who made violent threats to stab, rape, and more to multiple people at businesses in the city has been sentenced to eight months in jail.

Alan Doherty of the Fairgreen Hostel appeared before Galway District Court charged with numerous counts of threatening and abusive behaviour which included threatening to stab one person, rape others, and other acts of violence.

A lengthy list of charges from between June and August of this year was heard where Mr Doherty threatened members of the public in different businesses, as well as several gardaí.

Several of the charges were contested, with Mr Doherty saying they did not occur as alleged, while he pleaded to several others.

The court heard that on June 27 a barista was working at Gourmet Tart at Raven’s Terrace shortly not long after 1pm when Mr Doherty entered with a lit cigarette.

The barrista asked him to leave, and said that Doherty threatened to “break my teeth” and stab him, and called him a cunt.

When asked by gardaí how this had let him feeling the young man said that he felt like he couldn’t leave the shop afterwards, “I was afraid, he threatened to stab me”.

Gardaí approached Doherty at Claddagh Quay not long afterwards upon receiving a report of the incident. The court heard that he was drinking at the time and said that he would have Garda Carney raped and would take his pension.

The next incident the court heard took place a month later on July 27 at Vocho Mexican Restaurant at Forster Street.

The General Manager of the restaurant said that he as about to go on break when he saw Alan Doherty come in and interact with a customer.

When approached he said that Mr Doherty threatened both him and his girlfriend, who was not present.

When asked by the prosecuting inspector is he could give more details about the threat the young man said that Doherty “said he was going to rape my girlfriend” and put his fist up to his face.

Mr Doherty told the District Court that “never threatened any girl” and hadn’t said anything to anyone.

The final two incidents took place in August at the Coach Station and a nearby café on the Fairgreen road.

Evidence was given that Alan Doherty threatened to bite the lip off a barista at Badger and Dodo café on the Fairgreen road when he was closing up at the end of the day on August 23.

The young man said that Doherty had approached him and asked if there were any leftover scones. When he told him there weren’t Mr Doherty threatened him to the point where he felt the need to lock himself in the café until he left.

A Supervisor at Galway Coach Station also said that he was threatened by Mr Doherty that same week on August 28.

The supervisor at the station said that he had first asked Mr Doherty, who was frequently around the station, to leave when he entered shortly after midday.

However he relented and let Doherty use the vending machine after he said that he would “knock my fucking head off” if he didn’t.

As gardaí were investigating that same day they saw Doherty on Fairgreen acting “erratic” and aggressive and ordered him to leave the area.

It was alleged that he moved off a short distance and entered a business on Forster Street, but returned while gardaí were still taking statements.

Upon returning Doherty was still behaving in an aggressive manner gardaí said, and was arrested for failing to comply with lawful garda directions.

Prior to this hearing Mr Doherty had last been in court in connection with these charges on September 2, when he received bail on condition that he stay away from the Fairgreen road other than the hostel.

When gardaí saw at businesses on that road the next day he was arrested and taken in custody until his hearing this week.

Judge Fahy sentenced Alan Doherty to eight months in prison, the last month of which was suspended, and added a one month concurrent sentence.

The incidents at the Coach Station and Gourmet Tart each came with a three month sentence, the maximum allowable for Abusive, Threatening, or Insulting Behaviour.

The judge added that sentencing for these kinds of Section 6 Public Order charges should be examined considering the severity of the incidents.

“I’m well aware that these are public order matters,” Judge Fahy said, but added that these were extremely serious threats.

A condition of the suspended sentence was the Doherty must stay away from all of the businesses and premises listed in the charges above.

Want to pay off your mortgage as quickly as possible? Here’s how

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Joe Bruen

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October 18, 2019

galway daily news average rent in galway rooms for rent in galway city price

We Irish love property as an investment and we all have a fear of missing out when it comes to our money. So if you’re one of those thinking of buying a property and paying off that mortgage as soon as possible, here’s how you might go about it.

If you are considering getting on the property ladder or “rightsizing”, the new term for downsizing your home, consider a property that can avail of significant tax breaks on rental income to help with that mortgage.

All of the rent generated could even be tax free if you avail of a scheme to rent out part of your own residential property.

Homeowners can receive up to €14,000 tax free each year through the “rent a room” tax credit scheme.

Considering a main residence with the potential to avail of this scheme could be far more beneficial than the traditional “buy to let” model, and involves less hassle than managing different properties.

Remember that the €14,000 is completely tax free, i.e. no income tax, USC or PRSI.

Many clients I have met have presumed that the “rent a room” scheme means that you can only have one of your bedrooms, within your main house, let to a student or a long-term lodger.

This is not necessarily the case as you could rent a unit attached to your main house that has its own private entrance.

That means no awkward meetings on the landing in the middle of the night with your tenants.

Here’s an example of a property that was for sale in Galway recently. There was a garage adjoining this particular house, which if converted to a one bed property, could see the owner earn up to €750 per month tax free based on rents in the area.

Refit prices would cost somewhere between €25,000- €35,000, but once up and running could generate a tax-free income of up to €9,000 a year.

So, once the costs of renovation are paid off after roughly 4 years, the homeowner could see their monthly mortgage repayments substantially decrease.

Or alternatively they could keep their monthly repayments level and pay off their mortgage in double time.

Of course, with such a potential for tax free gains the Revenue have imposed restrictions. Following recent legislation short term lets (Airbnb types) cannot avail of the scheme.

You can also be heavily penalized if you earn anything over the €14,000 limit. Even €1 euro more will mean taxing the full rent at your marginal rate of tax!

There are additional restrictions in regard to renting the property to a child/partner/employee etc.

Be conscious that you may have to register your property with the Residential Tenancies Board and the rights and obligations under the Residential Tenancies Act would apply.

RTB rules would apply if you want a tenant to leave and you might also be subject to complaints from your tenant.

Celebrate German style with Oktoberfest at An Púcán

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October 18, 2019

Galway Daily life & style Oktoberfest at An Púcán

Enjoy the taste of the continent with Oktoberfest right here at An Púcán, where the multi-award winning pub has made itself a Bavarian wonderland.

Grab yourself a full stein of German Paulaner beer and enjoy a delicious Spiced Pork and Apple Bratwurst for just €15 up until October 20th and enjoy the taste of Oktoberfest here in Galway.

The German beer has proven extremely popular since this cross cultural promotion kicked off with a show of strength at half time during the Connacht Rugby match last week.

An Púcán Stein Holding Competition, with 12 hopefuls battling it out to see who could hold a full stein of beer straight in front of them for the longest.

Yes, trying to “lower the weight” of the stein would most definitely have been cheating I’m told, but there are worse ways to lose a competition.

After a fierce showdown Cork native Niall O’Driscoll proved he had arms of banded steel and won himself a trip to Cologne.

Oktoberfest is a world renowned festival that takes place at Munich, Bavaria in Germany every year in September and October, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world including Ireland.

People come to love the world renowned German beers and snacks and An Púcán has recreated them here in Galway for anyone who wants to capture the magic.

An Púcán has also created a special snapchat filter for the occasion which has been used thousands of times already.

sponsored by the Connacht Hospitality Group

Pictures: Turloughmore Tractor Run

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October 18, 2019

Attending the Turloughmore Tractor Run for the National Breast Cancer Research Institute were Frank Keane, Ronan Carr, June Morrissey, Anne Mitchell Chairperson Galway IFA, Joe Healy President IFA, Nonie Fahy, Jonathon Flynn and Julien Flynns. Photo: Martina Regan

Attending the Turloughmore Tractor Run for the National Breast Cancer Research Institute were: Nonie Fahy, Margaret Fahy, Eva Quirke, Darren Fahy and Susan Quirke. Photo: Martina Regan

Event organizer, Nonie Fahy attending the Turloughmore Tractor Run for the National Breast Cancer Research Institute. Photo: Martina Regan

Attending the Turloughmore Tractor Run for the National Breast Cancer Research Institute were: Nonie Fahy & Ciara Flaherty. Photo: Martina Regan

Donal Higgins signs contract extension with Galway United

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October 18, 2019

Galway Daily sport Donal Higgins extends contract with Galway United

Irish international U19 midfielder Donal Higgins is sticking with the Tribesmen for at least another year having signed a contract extension for Galway United.

Since joining Galway United in 2017 for the U17 side Higgins has progressed rapidly, and this year the 18 year old was a key player this year, making 19 appearances for the Tribesmen.

But it isn’t just at Eamon Deacy Park that he has impressed, international recognition was to follow with a chance to play for the Republic of Ireland under-18 and under-19 teams.

The former Maree Oranmore player made his first appearance for Tom Mohan’s under-19 side against Denmark last week and impressed.

I’m delighted to sign for another year at the club. I’m really looking forward to what next season has to offer,” Higgins said of his decision to return in 2020.

“Last year, there were a lot of positives and things to build on, we’re hoping to bring them into the 2020 season now.”

Galway United manager Alan Murphy, who first brought Higgins into the fold and gave him his debut towards the end of the 2018 season against Finn Harps said that he has a big role to play in the future.

“We’re really looking forward to next season now with Donal being a central part of what we’re trying to achieve,” Murphy said.

“Football will be number one for Donal in 2020, he’s really focused and he really wants to progress and do well.”

“In 2019, Donal has been a schoolboy international, he’s been an Irish under-18 international with Andy Reid’s side and now he’s won an under-19 cap against Denmark, which is very exciting for him, his family and the club. We’re very pleased that Donal sees his future here.”

Ballygar sawmill approved for Brexit proofing extension

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October 18, 2019

Galway Daily news Ballygar sawmill expansion approved

Murray Timber Products have been granted planning permission for an expansion of their Ballygar sawmill to protect its business from the impacts of Brexit.

The sawmill at Hermitage, Ballygar currently has a floor space of 3,730sqm and plans to construct a 490sqm extension to the front of the premises to add more production capacity.

“The proposed production line is to future proof the business from many aspects including allowing the company to produce products suitable for non UK export markets (due to Brexit concerns).”

The application also says that the extension will also allow the sawmill to upgrade from their current equipment which is becoming obsolete.

“It is not feasible to remove and replace the existing line as it must continue to while the new line is built as 75% of the production output passes through this line”.

The Murray Timber Group is a family run business operating since 1977, producing timber for construction, garden decking, pallets and packaging, and more.

The company two main production facilities in Galway and at Ballon, County Carlow.

The site at Hermitage is licenced by the EPA, and is also subject to an IPPC licence which is monitored by the EPA on an ongoing basis.

Galway County Council granted planning permission for the extension with eight conditions attached, including a requirement for the developer to pay a €6,860 line charge towards public facilities for the site.

GMIT welcomes €90 million Technological University fund

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October 17, 2019

Galway daily news Free GMIT food entrepreneurship course course returns

The creation of a €90 million fund to help Institutes of Technology make the shift towards becoming a Technological University has been welcomed by GMIT.

The Connacht-Ulster Alliance Consortium of GMIT, Letterkenny IT, and IT Sligo are working working together with the goal of becoming a Technological University serving the west and north-west of Ireland.

The multi annual €90 million fund was announced as a major piece of an increase of over €153 million in funding for tertiary education announced in this year’s budget.

Dr Michael Hannon, Acting President of GMIT, thanked Minister for Higher Education Mary Mitchell O’Connor for this fund, which he said is crucial towards help the CUA consortium realise its ambitions.

A key principle underpinning the establishment of TUs is connectedness and collaboration with their region,” Dr Hannon said.

“This collaboration has been evident for some time across the higher education technological sector and more recently in the development of the Technological University Research Network report that provided the evidence base for this €90M investment.”

“Fundamental to becoming a TU is the impact of digitalization to enhance the student experience in a multi-campus environment.”

“The CUA partners are collaborating on a separate €3m iNOTE project to roll out digitalisation across the west and north west region.”

“Recently GMIT approved its own Digital Transformation Framework, the impact of which will be experienced by students this academic year.”

Collaboration among the different members of the CUA recently resulted in the announcement of €300,000 in funding to roll out GMIT’s female entrepreneurship EMPOWER programme in Sligo, Donegal and Leitrim.

These kind of collaborative projects give a glimpse of how the three partners will work together when they are fully integrated as a Technological University Dr Hannon added.

Minister Mitchell O’Connor said that this funding will put ITs in a “prime position to address digital skills needs, to focus on upskilling, reskilling and lifelong learning”.

“2020 will see the launch of a major multi-annual transformation fund of €90m for Technological Universities.”

“This fund will assist TUs in delivering significant inputs to national strategic priorities in relation to higher education access, research-informed teaching and learning excellence.”

“It will also assist increased regional development and socio-economic progress through TUs connectedness to their regions, and their collaboration, deeply embedded and fostered over many decades, with business, enterprise and local communities,” the Minister said.

Other measures included in the €153 million package for tertiary education include €60 million for the launch of the Human Capital Initiative next year.

It also features €18 million to address demographic pressures, accommodating an additional 2,700 places in 2020, €3.3 million to promote excellence in research, and €2 million for student mental health and wellbeing initiatives.

Man repeatedly caught stealing alcohol from the same shop

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October 17, 2019

A man who was repeatedly caught stealing alcohol from the same store was described as “totally lawless” at Galway District Court and given a six month prison sentence.

George O’Connor of Lavally, Gort was charged with multiple counts of theft of alcohol from Londis in Newcastle this year, as well as from a nearby Centra.

The first incident before the court took place on February 26 of this year, when it was alleged that O’Connor asked for a small bottle of vodka at Londis, then drank it in store before saying that he had no money.

Then, on April 25 gardaí said that he once again went to Londis and consumed two bottles of cider in store, then placed them back on the shelves before leaving.

On June 6 it was alleged that O’Connor stole a bottle of vodka valued at €10 from the same Londis and returned the next day, partially drinking two bottles of wine in store before leaving without paying.

A week later he went to Centra in Newcastle instead the District Court heard, where staff observed him stealing a bottle of wine.

Staff from the store called gardaí and followed George O’Connor to Ceannt Station, where he was spoken to Gardaí Maria Freely.

Garda Freely said that he was extremely drunk, and the stolen alcohol was not recovered.

Gardaí were called to the same Londis on October 23 to reports that Mr O’Connor was drinking wine in the store.

When gardaí arrived it was said that he broke the bottle on the ground in front of them. However, solicitor for the defence Olivia Traynor said that this was not a deliberate act, but that he just dropped it due to the amount of alcohol he had consumed.

The case had originally been scheduled to be heard by Judge Cashin in July when it was indicated that there would be a plea, but when told that more charges were pending she pushed it back to be heard by Judge Fahy.

Judge Mary Fahy said that Mr O’Connor is “totally lawless” and showed a problematic persistence in repeatedly targeting the same store.

The judge said that she has been dealing with Mr O’Connor for years, that he does not listen to her or probation service, and had frequently shown up drunk for community service in the past.

Judge Fahy imposed a six month prison sentence on Mr O’Connor, along with one month concurrent, for the thefts from Londis and Centra.

A three month consecutive sentence was also imposed which was suspended for 12 months, and a charge of public intoxication was taken into account.

Plans for 64 homes in Loughrea appealed

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October 17, 2019

Galway Daily news Green light for new apartment complex in Rahoon

An appeal has been lodged against planning permission for 64 homes near Loughrea which were heavily contested on road safety grounds.

Jardonelle Ltd received planning permission from the county council for 32 semi-detached and 32 terraced houses in an expansion to a housing development at Baunoge, Loughrea.

The new development would be accessed through the Corridor road serving Baunoge housing estate, which would be extended to serve the new homes.

Seven submissions were made to Galway County Council concerning this project, all of which objected to it on multiple grounds.

A number of similar objections were raised in the appeal to An Bord Pleanálá by a local resident, the biggest one being connected to road safety issues.

The appeal says that a full Stage 2 Road Safety Audit should have been completed before any grant of planning permission, saying the Stage 1 audit was carried out during the summer holidays and didn’t account for four schools in the area.

The county council made a request for further information from the developer in February, 2018 requesting a road safety audit which would cover all aspects of road safety, something the appeal states it failed to do.

The appeal also noted that the planning application made no mention of the private gas network serving the site and how that would be connected, and said that there are two green areas currently privately maintained by residents of Baunoge would become public facilities under these plans.

The higher planning authority is due to make a ruling on this appeal by February 19 of next year.

Tenders to be sought for new 50 bed ward at Portiuncula Hospital

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October 17, 2019