More time given for major renovation of Ceannt Station

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August 15, 2019

For the first time, a Common Tern chick has taken flight from a floating raft in Galway, Conservation Volunteers Galway has announced.

Most of the Common Tern nests on Mutton Island and Rabbit Island in Galway Bay are predated each year by a variety of predators.

This has resulted in very few Common Tern chicks surviving long enough to take to the air.

Protecting the nests on these islands from predators is very difficult. One solution is a floating raft which can be seen moored in Lough Atalia.

This solution has been successful in Lough Neagh and in Dublin Bay.

With funding from GMIT Marine & Freshwater Research Centre and GMIT Green Campus, a floating raft with poly-carbonate sides was constructed by Conservation Volunteers Galway and put in place in April.

Up to eight pairs of Common Terns were observed by Niall Keogh, a PhD student at GMIT, to make nests on the raft beginning in mid-May.

For reasons unknown many of the nests were abandoned, possibly due to a period of very strong winds and inclement weather.

Chicks hatched from three nests from which one chick survived and took flight on 12 August. Based on learnings from this year, modifications will be made to the raft and it will be put in place again next year.

If funding can be obtained to do so, a second raft will be added as Common Terns are better protected from airborne predators if they can nest together in large colonies.

Connacht Rugby head to France for pre-season friendly

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August 15, 2019

Galway Daily sport Connacht Rugby head to France for pre-season friendly

A squad of 30 Connacht players arrived in France yesterday afternoon ahead of Friday’s pre-season friendly against Oyonnax Rugby at the Stade Charles-Mathon.

The game is Connacht’s first of the 2019/20 rugby campaign as they step up preparations for the start of the Guinness PRO14 against the Scarlets on September 28.

There will be a further friendly game to sharpen their edge against Munster at the Sportsground the week the competition gets underway.

New signings John Porch and Rory Burke are included in the travelling party, as are academy players Seán O’Brien and Seán Masterson.

Speaking after the squad’s arrival, Head Coach Andy Friend said, “This game is our first opportunity to put into action what we’ve been working on since the start of pre-season training at the beginning of July.

He added that “I’ve been very impressed with the squad in that time and I’m excited to see what the players can offer”.

“We have brought over a squad of 30 players and it is our intention to give every player a run-out and an opportunity to impress.

“Oyonnax are a good side so this is the ideal game for us as we get closer to the new season”.

Connacht Rugby Squad vs Oyonnax Rugby

Forwards (17): Finlay Bealham, Paul Boyle, Denis Buckley, Matthew Burke, Rory Burke, Jarrad Butler, Robin Copeland, Colby Fainga’a, Cillian Gallagher, Dave Heffernan, Tom McCartney, Ultan Dillane, Joe Maksymiw, Eoghan Masterson, Sean Masterson (acad), Dominic Robertson-McCoy, Gavin Thornbury.

Backs (13): Niyi Adeolokun, Caolin Blade, Tom Daly, Conor Fitzgerald, Kyle Godwin, Matt Healy, David Horwitz, Darragh Leader, Angus Lloyd, Seán O’Brien (acad), Tiernan O’Halloran, John Porch, Peter Robb.

NUI Galway reveals which degrees increased in points this year

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August 15, 2019

NUI Galway has seen a significant increase in points this year with the number of courses over 500 points almost doubling since 2018.

CAO offers, out earlier this afternoon, have highlighted the interests of the class of 2019, with Law and STEM subjects at NUI Galway remaining popular.

Points for all engineering courses at the University increased this year as the demand for courses in STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) continues to increase.

The largest increases in points were in Civil Engineering, Electronic and Computer Engineering, Biopharmaceutical Chemistry and Energy Systems Engineering.

Outside of the STEM subjects, Podiatric Medicine, a health sciences degree, increased by a massive 43 points to 434 CAO points.

Interest in all Law programmes at NUI Galway also increased significantly, including the new Law and Human Rights degree for 2019 coming in at 510 CAO points.

NUI Galway programmes which have seen the greatest year-on-year increases in points include Civil Engineering, Electronic and Computer Engineering, Biopharmaceutical Chemistry and Energy Systems Engineering.

Meanwhile, there was continued high demand for both Biomedical Science (533 points) and Biomedical Engineering (519 points).

NUI Galway’s strength and reputation in Biosciences is also reflected with continued high demand for both Biomedical Science (533 points) and Biomedical Engineering (519 points).

Science programmes which experienced significant increases in CAO cut off points include Biotechnology (473 CAO points) and Biopharmaceutical Chemistry (510 CAO points).

The flagship business degree BComm (Global Experience) continues to attract high demand, cutting off at 509 CAO points.

NUI Galway’s Student Recruitment and Outreach Manager, Sarah Geraghty said: “NUI Galway has seen significant increases in CAO points reflecting a continued growth in interest in the University and its programmes.

“The number of courses commanding in excess of 500 CAO points at NUI Galway has almost doubled since last year.

“This year’s choices indicate an increased interest in careers in the technology and innovation sector, with MedTech courses proving particularly popular.

“The demand for NUI Galway’s new programmes, Law and Human Rights and Government (Politics, Economics and Law), provide evidence of demand for courses leading to careers where graduates can have a powerful and positive impact on the world around them.”

Ms Geraghty continued: “We are conscious that students are faced with big decisions as they move to third level, and a dedicated first year student hotline is now open to help with queries about college life at NUI Galway.”

Students who achieved the CAO points for an undergraduate engineering degree course at NUI Galway but who have not met the obligatory maths requirement have the opportunity to take a Maths qualifying exam on August 20^th.

Galway Educate Together NS among 17 schools with structural defects

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August 15, 2019

Galway Daily news Galway Educate Together National School among 17 schools found with structural issues

Another 17 schools have been identified as having structural defects after investigations, including the Galway Educate Together National School in Newcastle.

All the schools in question were built by the Tyrone based company Western Building Systems, and come on top of 22 others built by them found to have structural problems last year that required emergency works.

Temporary engineering solutions and other precautionary measures will be carried out on the 17 newly identified schools while longer term solutions are worked on.

Educate Together, the patron of multiple schools now identified as needing work, has said that there may be a delay to the opening of some of its schools in September as a result of this.

The 17 schools underwent a preliminary analysis last year after the scandal broke, which said that they did not require any precautionary measures.

However, more in depth investigations have since been carried out which found that some amount of permanent repair and remediation work is required at each of the schools.

It’s currently expected that these permanent remediation works will take place over the summer periods of 2020 and 2021, while temporary solutions will be put in place for the coming school year.

The Department of Education has said that it is continuing to liaise with the Chief State Solicitor’s Office and the Attorney General’s Office on the on-going legal process underway against Western Building Systems.

When this scandal erupted last year after several schools were forced to close temporarily die to safety concerns, WBS said that the building had been certified safe at the time of their construction.

One, Ardgillan Community College, remains closed due to ongoing safety concerns.

Of the 17 newly identified, at risk schools, nine are in Dublin, with the remainder in Meath, Laois, Donegal, Wexford, Wicklow, Galway, Kildare, and Westmeath.

	Detailed investigations completed, temporary remediation and precautionary measures being undertaken – 17 schools.
County	School Name
Dublin	Luttrellstown Community College
Dublin	Gaelscoil Shliabh Rua, Dublin 18
Dublin	Broombridge Educate Together NS, Cabra
Dublin	Scoil Choilm Community National School, Porterstown
Dublin	Gaelscoil na Giúise, Firhouse
Meath	Gaelscoil Thulach na nÓg, Dunboyne
Laois	Maryborough National School, Portlaoise
Dublin	Scoil Aoife Community National School, Citywest
Donegal	Letterkenny Educate Together NS
Dublin	Firhouse Educate Together NS
Wexford	St Joseph’s Primary School, Gorey
Dublin	Lucan Community National School, Balgaddy Rd
Wicklow	Gaelscoil na gCloch Liath, Greystones
Dublin	Rush and Lusk Educate Together NS
Galway	Galway Educate Together NS, Newcastle
Kildare	Gaelscoil Mhic Aodha, Kildare Town
Westmeath	Mullingar Educate Together NS

In total, the Department is carrying out or planning remediation works at 40 schools constructed by WBS.

Minister for Education Joe McHugh said “Safety has always been at the heart of our response to the structural deficiencies that were identified in these schools. It will continue to be.”

“Any permanent or temporary engineering solutions or precautionary measures that are advised by engineers as a result of detailed assessment and analysis of these buildings are being undertaken.”

Over the Edge open reading and mic night returns

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August 15, 2019

Galway Daily arts Over the Edge returns after summer break

The Over the Edge reading and open mic night is returning to Galway City Library this month after taking a break for the summer.

The Featured Readers for the August Over the Edge poetry and fiction gathering are Maeve Mulrennan, Nollaig O’Donnell, & Jo Burns and, as usual, there will be an open-mic after the Featured Readers have finished.

The evening will also see the announcement of the long list for the 2019 Over The Edge New Writer of The Year for which the competition judge this year is poet, fiction writer, and publisher Liz McSkeane.

Maeve Mulrennan is a curator and writer based in Galway, where she has worked as the Head of Visual Art + Education in Galway Arts Centre since 2006.

She is the co-curator of the youth programme for Cúirt International Festival of Literature and also serves on the Board of Directors of Galway Community Circus.

Maeve is a short story writer, with fiction published in several online journals, The Doire Press 2013 Anthology, The Honest Ulsterman, for whom she also interviews writers, and The Galway Review.

Her story ‘Blood Cure’ won the 2018 Over The Edge New Writer of The Year competition and can be read here https://humag.co/prose/blood-cure.

Nollaig O’Donnell is a teacher of Piano, French and English who lives in Galway with her husband, Richard.

Nollaig has attended Susan Millar DuMar’s Advanced Writing Class and is currently a member of Galway Write-on Group. As well as writing, Nollaig also enjoys sketching and silk painting.

Her first book, Something Within, was published by Veritas in 2016. It is a compilation of some of her poetry, reflections, vignettes, sketches and paintings.

Nollaig’s short story, In the Pink, appeared in Write-on Anthology 2019, and more will be featured in the 2020 anthology.

Jo Burns is a poet from Norther Ireland, but who currently lives in Germany. Her poetry has been published in Oxford Poetry, Poetry Ireland Review, Southword, The Stinging Fly, Skylight 47 and Magma, among many others.

Galway Daily arts & culture Over the Edge August Reading and open mic — Jo Burns

Jo has in the past been shortlisted for the Over The Edge Prize, Bridport Prize, Strokestown International Prize and nominated for the Pushcart Prize and Best of the Net.

She won the Shirley McClure Poetry Prize 2017 at the Irish Writers Festival, CA, the Magma Poetry Competition 2018 and the New Irish Writing in Germany Poetry Award 2018.

Her pamphlet Circling for Gods was published by Eyewear Publishing, while her first full collection White Horses was published by Turas Press in November 2018.

The August Over the Edge Open Reading will take place at the city library on Thursday, August 29 from 6.30-8pm, and the MC for the evening will be Susan Millar DuMars. For further details phone 087-6431748.

Galway medtech company gets €2.5 million to fast track thumb arthritis implant

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August 15, 2019

Galway Daily business Galway Medtech companies chosen for EU accelerator funding

The Galway based medtech company Loci Orthapaedics has received a grant of €2.5 million from the EU to advance its arthritis combating implant to the market.

Loci Orthopaedics is using innovative medical technologies to help people who suffer from arthritis of the thumb base joint.

This is a condition which affects 30 million people in the EU alone, causing significant hand pain, and restrictions in mobility and independence.

The InDx Implant created by Loci is the first ever implant for the base join of the thumb that fully mimics the movement of the natural joint.

To help bring this product to the market, the company has been awarded in excess of €2.5 million under the European Commission’s ‘Fast Track to Innovation’ fund.

“The orthopaedics market is one of the fastest growing segments in medical devices,” said CEO Dr Brendan Boland, “And the area we are working in is the fastest growing sub-section in orthopaedics.”

“Being the lead partner on such a prestigious European Commission sponsored grant is a great endorsement for the company of the unmet clinical need, the growing market, and the innovativeness of our own technology.”

Loci Orthopaedics was founded in 2017 by Dr Boland and Mr Gerry Clarke as an NUIG spin out company, and is based at the university’s Innovation Centre.

This is the latest in a number of successes the company has achieved in raising funds for the development of its implant.

An investment round in 2018 raised €2.75 million, and the Fast Track grant awarded by the EU will bring the total funding raised for the InDx Implant product to almost €6 million.

Mr Gerry Clarke, Chief Technology Officer at Loci Orthopaedics, said the InDx implant is the only thumb implant with an “evidence-based design”.

“We have been working with three of the world’s leading hand surgeons from Stanford University, Brown University, and KU Leuven Belgium, to develop the first implant that can fully mimic the natural motions of the thumb base joint.”

“This grant further supports the core technology of the product, as well as allowing us to accelerate the product to market to relieve the daily suffering of many millions of patients across the world.”

Recently, the patent for the InDx Implant was granted by the US Patent and Trademark Office, the first patent issued to the medtech company.

It’s expect that the InDx Implant will launch in the US in 2021 and become available to arthritis patients in Europe shortly afterwards.

Loci Orthopaedics has also signed a deal

Family of teenager who died after debs warns of disgusting fake fundraising page

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August 15, 2019

Galway Daily news Family of teenager who died after debs warns warns of fake fundraising page

The family of Loughrea teenager Jessica Moore who died suddenly after becoming ill at her debs have warned people against a fake fundraising page trying to raise money in her name.

Jessica Moore (19), of Bullaun, Loughrea passed away suddenly in the early hours of Monday morning after taking ill at a hotel in Ballinasloe while celebrating her debs with friends from St. Raphael’s Colllege.

She was brought by ambulance to Portiuncula Hospital after telling hotel staff she felt ill, but was later pronounced dead.

Her family have said that they are experiencing “inexpressible grief” and losing the “cherished and much loved” Jessica.

Jessica’s brother Cian has issued a warning on social media about vile people who have set up a fake fundraising page in her name, pretending to be the Moore family.

“Unfortunately, it has come to our attention that some horrible people out there have set up a fake fund-raising page in Jessica’s name.”

“They are using a Facebook account that has copied my fathers. Please please spread the word that this is absolutely not us,” Cian Moore said.

“DO NOT DONATE TO THIS FRAUD. We hope that this message reaches as many people as possible before another penny is taken from honest and caring friends of Jessica.”

Jessica father Brendan also said that there is absolutely no fundraising campaign associated with them, adding that some seems to have copied his profile.

“Please do not contribute but spread the word,” he said.

Posting on Facebook, Brendan said that “My little girl is now an angel. There’s always going to be an irreplaceable hole in our lives. Rest easy Jess, you’ll never be forgotten.”

The funeral for Jessica Moore will take place at 1pm today at St. Patrick’s Church in Bullaun before she is laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery.

The fake page has since been removed. A Facebook company spokesperson said: “There is no place for fake or deceptive profiles on Facebook, and these profiles were in breach of our Community Standards. The profile in question was quickly identified as being fake by our automated systems and was removed.”

Modular theatre building at Merlin Park hospital finally gets approval

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August 15, 2019

Galway Daily news Plans submitted for community nursing unit at Merlin Park Hospital

Plans for a modular building of surgical theatres at Merlin Park hospital have finally been given the go ahead by the city council.

The HSE has received planning permission for a 613m2 modular Theatre Building and link corridor providing two orthopaedic surgical theatres for Merlin Park Hospital.

The modular building has been in the works since two theatres were forced to close due to a leaky roof in September 2017.

Since then a massive backlog of people waiting for elective surgery has built up at

The planning process was held up in March when the city council raised concerns about the ecological impact of the project.

Further information was also requested about the projected lifespan of the modular building amid some confusion about its place in the long term plans for Merlin Park.

However a response letter from Rhatigan Architects said that this would not be a temporary facility, and that it was meant to be a long term addition to the hospital’s facilities.

“We wish to clarify that the proposed building shall be a permanent structure and not temporary in nature as suggested by the planning authority.”

“The use of the terms Modular or Prefabricated relate to elements of the building which may be constructed off site in the form of unitised construction to facilitate the rapid delivery of this essential healthcare facility”.

“An Orthopaedic theatre by its very nature must be a substantial solid structure to meet the strict criteria for this clinical use, therefore a significant degree of permanence is required in excess of 20+ years”.

An Ecological Impact Assessment and Appropriate Assessment Screening report were also submitted to the city council at this point.

According to the plans submitted to the council the theatre building will be constructed on a maintained grass area on the grounds of Merlin Park Hospital in proximity to Merlin Woods.

The EIA said that the development would “avoid impacts on habitats and species of high ecological significance such as the nearby Merlin Woods and associated species such as bats and birds that use the woodland for feeding, resting, or commuting.”

The City Council granted planning permission with a total of ten conditions attached.

Today at Galway Pride 2019: BTQIA+ teaparty and Queer Women’s Night!

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August 15, 2019

Galway Daily news Galway Pride Week gets underway with flag raising in Eyre Square

Galway Daily with @GalwayCommunityPride

It’s day four of Pride Week 2019 and today (Thursday) Galway Community Pride is celebrating overlooked parts of the community.

Starting at 4pm in the Secret Garden is a special event that captures the unique vibe of being queer and living in Galway with a BTQIA+ teaparty.

Galway Community Pride’s secretary Finn Mac Muiris said that the tea party is a space where they are specifically catering towards those who identify outside of gay or lesbian within the LGBT+ community.

“This includes, but is not limited to, those who are bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, or any other sexual and gender identities.”

He went on to say: “It offers a chill, relaxed space for BTQIA+ people to come together. We also welcome partners, friends, family and supporters of these community members – but they will be considered allies in this space, and are asked to be respectful of the communities we’re facilitating the space for.”

Happening towards the end of the evening Galway Pride is partnering up with Teach Solais’s Queer Women’s Group for the launch of their new Zine and selling copies for just €2. Join them for an evening of tea, chats and Zine reading.

Afterwards the community will be moving to the Bierhaus for the annual Queer Women’s Night! This will be a follow up event to the Queer Women’s Group in Teach Solais, but you are welcome to join in for either or both events.

There will be a DJ as well so bring your dancing shoes. Alternatively Steven Sharpe and Katie O’Connor will be doing a gig in the Róisín at the same time so there’s something for everyone.

Galway women with businesses urged to apply for ACORNS funding

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August 14, 2019

Galway Daily arts & culture Poetry workshops with Kevin Higgins go online

Women in Galway with new businesses or well-developed business ideas should apply for funding under the ACORNS programme, a Galway East TD has said.

ACORNS is the highly successful development initiative to support female entrepreneurs living in rural Ireland, who wish to start and develop new businesses or have recently started a business.

Minister Ciaran Cannon said: “There has been an increase in early-stage female entrepreneurs in Ireland over the past year. On average, 850 women are starting a new business every month in Ireland.

“The rate of nascent female entrepreneurs in Ireland is now ranked 5th across Europe.

“Over 200 female entrepreneurs have taken part in ACORNS to date and 50 new participants are being sought for ACORNS 5.

“The ACORNS programme is a tremendous opportunity for early stage female entrepreneurs in rural Ireland to help them realise their ambitions.

“I would urge those who have recently started or are about to start a new business to apply to participate in this exciting initiative, as it is an opportunity not to be missed.

“Each year, the participants give an overwhelming endorsement of the role ACORNS has played in supporting them to start and develop their businesses.

“I am delighted my Fine Gael colleague Minister Michael Creed is continuing to support this initiative through his Department’s Rural Innovation and Development Fund.”

Minister Cannon concluded: “The programme will run over six months from October 2019 to April 2020. The deadline for application for this year’s cycle is 20th September 2019.

“Any woman with a new business based in rural Ireland — or an idea for a new venture they want to get off the ground — can get more information and download an application form at www.acorns.ie. There is no charge for participation.”

Mayor leads delegation to sister cities in the US

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August 14, 2019

Galway Daily Mayor Cubbard leads delegation to US sister cities

Mayor of Galway Mike Cubbard is currently leading a delegation from Galway to our sister cities in the US, Chicago and Milwaukee.

On Tuesday the mayor attended a reception hosted by the Chicago Galway Sister Cities Committee at which the late Bill Gainer, for many years Chairman of the Chicago Committee, was remembered.

Mayor Cubbard presented gifts to Bill’s wife, Geri, and daughter, Nora, who led the delegation on a whirlwind tour of the Art Institute of Chicago.

While there he also met with other local luminaries including Dr. Scott Stewart, Executive Director of Millennium Park; Senator Billy Lawless; Michael Amiridis, Chancellor of the University of Illinois and members of the Galway/Chicago Sister City Committee.

The delegation will go on to represent Galway and the European Capital of Culture project at the Milwaukee Irish Fest getting underway tomorrow.

It’s hoped that the visit will strengthen ties and develop connections between Galway and its Sister Cities going forward.

Over 125 entries received so far for Summer Rally

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August 14, 2019

lady gregory summer rally sean canney galway daily

More than 125 entries have been received so far for the Lady Gregory Hotel Galway Summer Rally, which will be held later this month.

The event is the seventh round of the Triton Showers National Rally Championship, the fifth round of the Sligo Pallets Border Championship and the fifth round of the Top Part West Coast Rally Championship.

The Lady Gregory Hotel is the headquarters for the rally, while Gort Mart will be the location for the service area and scrutiny will take place at Top Form on the Tubber road.

Among the entries received to date are Josh Moffett, Hugh Hunter, James Stafford, Frank Kelly and Gary Kiernan.
Josh Moffett is in a commanding position and only needs a top eight finish in Galway to be crowned national champion for 2019.

Clerk of the Course Aiden Connolly has laid out a 3×3 format, which includes some classic roads not used in a number of years.

Minister Sean Canney launched the rally in Gort at the weekend and said that he hopes everyone will turn out to support the event.

Two charged with robbery and three failed attempts all in one day

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August 14, 2019

Galway Daily court Man gets jail sentence for stealing handbags

A young man and woman have been sent to trial in connection with three attempted robberies and one successful robbery committed on the same day last year.

It is alleged Rosanna Cawley (21), of The Bog, Poolboy, Ballinasloe and William Touhey (20) committed robbery and attempted robbery at multiple spots around the city on November 5 of last year.

In one charge it is alleged that the two stole a brown handbag from a woman on St. Nicholas Street which contained an iPhone 5s valued at €500 and an iPad with a value of €735.

The two are also accused of attempting to rob three other women on Castle street, Eyre Square, and Bothar Brendan Uí Uithir on the same day.

Touhey, of Dysart Beach, Mounthrath in Co. Laois has also been charged with assaulting the woman they tried to rob in Eyre Square.

Both Touhey and Cawley face charges of failing to appear before Galway District Court on March 13 of this year while they were on bail.

Gardaí served the book of evidence to the District Court this week and the two were sent forward to trial at the next sitting of Galway Circuit Court starting on October 14.

Legal aid was awarded to the two for this case.

Tenants and landlords need to know their rights under new legislation

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August 14, 2019

Galway Daily business Galway house prices increase 2.1%

RTB has called on tenants and landlords to know their rights following the designation of 19 new Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs) in 11 counties.

Among these new RPZs are the Local Electoral Areas (LEAs) of Athenry-Oranmore and Gort-Kinvara.

Co Galway now has five areas designated as RPZs: Galway City Central LEA, Galway City East LEA, Galway City West LEA, Athenry-Oranmore LEA and Gort-Kinvara LEA.

What does this mean for landlords and tenants?

Following their designation as an RPZ, rent in these areas cannot be increased by more than 4% each year.

This applies whether it is an existing tenancy or a new let. There are some exceptions to this.

Properties exempt include; those that are new to the market and have not been let at any time in the previous two years, protected structures and properties that have undergone a substantial change in the nature of the accommodation.

A substantial change has been defined in the new legislation and will only be deemed to have taken place where specific criteria have been met.

How are RPZs designated?

On the 4th of June 2019, the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2019 introduced changes to the qualifying criteria to designate an RPZ.

These changes mean that a designation is now linked to more regionally appropriate average rents rather than a standard national average. For an area to be designated as an RPZ, it must meet the following criteria:

Criteria 1: The annual rate of rent inflation in the area must have been 7% or more in four of the last six quarters.

Criteria 2: The rent is above standardised average rent appropriate for that area.

Athenry-Oranmore LEA and Gort-Kinvara LEA have a standardised average rent of €975.21 and 975.20 per month respectively. This places their rent above the average rent for the ‘Rest of the Country (Outside Greater Dublin Area)’ which is €841.49.

The information on RPZs is published each quarter in the RTB’s Rent Index, which is compiled in conjunction with the ESRI, and is the authoritative guide to the Irish rental market.

The latest Rent Index was published on 2nd July 2019.

All RPZs are in effect until 31 December 2021.

Welcoming the latest designations, Rosalind Carroll, Director of the Residential Tenancies Board said: “The Rent Index is an important tool in helping understand and inform the sector, and it is clear that rising rents continue to put pressure on the market.

“However, following the release of our recent research study conducted by the ESRI, evidence shows that RPZ’s are having a moderating effect on the sector of 2.5%-3%.

“Therefore, I believe we should be able to see the same effects taking place within the next 12-18 months across these newly designated zones, and that is why it is so important both landlords and tenants know their rights and responsibilities, including setting the correct rent amounts in RPZs.

We’re currently running a general awareness campaign about the new legislation across radio, outdoor, digital and social media, so we’re encouraging people to visit www.rtb.ie and get informed!”

The RTB has also been given new powers to address improper conduct by landlords under the Residential Tenancies Act.

The RTB can now directly investigate and sanction in cases where there are specific breaches of Residential Tenancy Law in relation to: Rent Pressure Zones; false or misleading notices of termination; and the non-registration of a tenancy.

Anyone found in breach of the legislation could face sanctions that range from a warning to a fine of up to €15,000.

The new legislation also requires that all notices of termination are copied to the RTB within 28 days of the tenancy ending.

Commenting on the RTB’s new powers, the RTB Director added: “We welcome these enhanced new powers that will help us more effectively regulate the rental sector.

“However, the ultimate goal of these new powers is not about the sanction, but to get compliance and ultimately have a more effective and well-functioning rental sector for all.”

Galway 2020 spreads the word in the US at the Milwaukee Irish Festival

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August 14, 2019

Galway Daily life & style Galway 2020 spreasing the word at the Milwaukee Irish Fest

The celebration of Irish culture and heritage in Galway 2020 is taking on an international dimension this month at the Milwaukee Irish Festival in the United States.

An annual celebration of Irish culture and heritage on the banks of Lake Michigan, this year Galway 2020 is sending a delegation to build on the festival’s 25-year-strong relationship with Galway City and County Councils.

While they’re over there, they hope to spread the word about the European Capital of Culture and the year’s worth of events it will contain to an audience of over 100,000 people.

A spokesperson for Galway 2020 said they were “thrilled to cultivate these rewarding relationships, and present our own unique county on the other side of the Atlantic.”

The Milwaukee Irish Fetival will take place from August 15 – 18 with a wide array of art, music, and cultural exhibits.

Galway 2020’s dedicated festival stage will welcome an impressive roster of musicians and artists from home to show people the attractions of Galway.

Among them, bluegrass-infused The Whileaways, traditional “supergroup” Back West, Connemara fiddle players The Kanes and Leo Moran & Padraic Stevens, two of the musical talents behind The Saw Doctors.

We Banjo 3, another Galway act and Galway 2020 ambassador, will headline this year – their 8th year performing for loyal Milwaukee fans. On the visual arts end, Irish painter Joan Finnegan will brighten up the Cultural Pavilion with colourful, tactile artworks.

Migration is one of the key concepts for Galway 2020, so it comes as no surprise then that each of the Cultural Pavilion’s exhibitions focuses on mapping and navigation of some kind.

Visitors can get acquainted with Galway roads, estuaries and landmarks at the Galway Historic Maps Exhibition, while archaeologists Paul Walsh and Jennifer Moore from the Royal Irish Academy will showcase their Irish Historic Towns Atlas series.

From NUI Galway’s collection, there will be an exhibition of hand-drawn maps and Connemara folklore from award-winning author and cartographer Tim Robinson.

Galway Hooker sailors are another group who know a thing or two about navigation. MIF visitors will stumble upon an impressive 3D model of the Hooker in the Meehan Boat house, thanks to the Milwaukee Currach Club.

The curious are also invited to the Hedge School, where Paul Walsh is set to give a talk on Galway’s 7th century “Renaissance” period – when markets flourished, and an array of goods passed through the mouth of Lough Corrib.

MIF has proved itself more than just a festival in recent years, with the introduction of satellite projects including a Milwaukee Irish Fest choir and a Summer School providing lessons in Irish dance and music, crafts and Gaeilge.

Organisers have taken a particular interest in Galway, developing a close relationship with Galway artists and elected officials over the course of 25 years.

The two cities have enjoyed the fruits of those efforts in forming a 20-year Sister City partnership, celebrated each year at Milwaukee City Hall. Indeed, it was this partnership that saw former president, Mary McAleese, pass through the festival gates in 2005.

More time given to complete Corofin community sports centre

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August 14, 2019

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

More time has been granted to complete a community sports centre in Corofin which has been in the works since 2012.

Galway County Council granted Corofin Community Development Association an unconditional extension of duration to planning permission for the community sports centre.

Plans for the community sports centre and playground were first unveiled by the Development Association in June 2012.

In 2014 the county council granted permission for alterations to the original plans to relocate the playground within the site, as well as reduce the size and floor area of the community centre.

Added to the plans were a new gym, changing rooms, and toilets at sub-basement level under community playground, while the GAA training pitch was changed to a community playing field with surrounding walk.

That planning permission was expiring, and an application was made to the county council to extend it by another five years.

Work that has taken place on the project thus far includes landscaping works to the entrance and the laying of a new car park.

The playground has been built and is fully operational, as is the sports field and walkway.

The work the remains is the construction of the sports centre and associated gym and changing rooms.

Galway county council granted the extension of planning permission until 2024 without condition.

Galway Steiner NS becomes GRETB community school

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August 14, 2019

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

The Galway Steiner National School in Knocknacarra will come under the patronage of the GRETB as a Community School from this year on.

The school will continue to deliver the national curriculum using Steiner methodologies, while the ethos will be that of a Community School.

Community National Schools are co-educational, multidenominational schools underpinned by the core values of excellence in education, care, respect, equality and community.

In developing this ethos the school staff will work closely with the GRETB in the coming days.

The decision to transfer patronage of the Knocknacarra school was made after a review by the Board of Lifeways Ireland on its future role.

The Board of Management of the school, as well as the parents and staff, supported the decision following a consultation process that involved the school community.

Welcoming the announcement, David Leahy, Chief Executive of the GRETB said that this was a “historic day”.

“GRETB very much looks forward to working closely with the management of the school and with Lifeways Ireland to support the school in its transition to a Community National School and in the delivery of quality education using Steiner methodologies for which they have become justly renowned.”

Under the new patronage arrangement, the Steiner pedagogy in the school will be maintained, with Lifeways Ireland continuing to provide advice on it.

The Steiner method promotes creative and active learning with a strong emphasis on movement, music, art, handwork, drama, and outdoor learning.

Pearse O’Shiel, Chairperson of Lifeways Ireland, said “In the current climate it is not possible for a voluntary body such as Lifeways to provide the broad range of necessary supports to the growing number of schools that wish to teach using Steiner methodology.”

He added that under the patronage of the GRETB the school will be provided with all the supports it needs to develop and progress.

“The ethos of the Community National School model is very similar to the current ethos of the Steiner schools and we feel that the school will transition easily to the CNS model,” Pearse O’Shiel added.

“Lifeways Ireland looks forward to working with GRETB in advising and supporting the school in the further development of their Steiner pedagogy.”

Fantastic one-day health and wellness event to take place in Claregalway

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August 13, 2019

A fantastic one-day Health and Wellness event will take place at Claregalway Castle in Galway this September.

The event, taking place on 15 September, will be an immersive one-day experience that will gather the biggest and best-known names in health and wellness, professional sport and high-level business to share their insights and journeys.

Founded by performance and health couple Gerry Hussey and Miriam Kerins Hussey, Soul Space aims to bring to life their vibrant, passionate and innovative approach to physical, mental, psychological and emotional wellbeing.

The impressive panel of speakers include mental health and sports advocate Brent Pope, Dr. Terry Lynch, Dr. Malie Coyne, Gerry Hussey, Alison canavan, Síle Seoige, Miriam Kerins Hussey, Maev Creaven and many more.

Speaking about this year’s event, co-founder Miriam Kerins Hussey said: “We are very excited to host such an important conversation around the real issues that are impacting health in our everyday lives.

“For too long I have witnessed the rising scale in lifestyle related diseases – it’s now time we address our health from a preventive and proactive approach and use lifestyle as a means of medicine.”

There will also be a chance to participate in experiential classes in yoga, meditation, sound healing and other wellness practices, as well as to sample delicious and healthy food from a variety of independent Irish producers.

Discussing why the west was selected to host this event, co-founder Gerry Hussey added: “As a west of Ireland person I am more than aware that so many of these important events are held in Dublin which sometimes makes it difficult for people outside of Dublin to attend.

“This is a really important message and will address many of the important health and wellness challenges that we have here in the west of Ireland.”

Engineering maths exam gives Leaving Cert students second chance

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August 13, 2019