Exciting peer-led Orchestra returns to Galway next week

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August 3, 2019

Galway Daily news craughwell national school

St. Joseph’s N.S have been granted planning approval for the construction of a new primary school building at Carrabane, Athenry.

The Board of Management submitted plans to county council for a new two storey primary school building with ten classrooms and an outdoor play and sports area next to Kilconieron GAA Club.

The new school building will be accessed off the L3114 Kiltuallagh road connecting to the R349.

A new footpath will be installed next to the R349 connecting the school to the village along lands owned by the GAA club and private landowner, both of which have given their consent.

The school will be served by 27 car parking spaces and a set-down/drop-off area at the front of the Carrabane Community Development Centre.

According to the planning application the new facilities are needed because the current St. Joseph’s primary school is confined to “old and temporary buildings on small site of approximately 0.5 hectares”.

The population in the area served by St. Joseph’s has also increase din recent years, putting more pressure on services.

“The school has received new teachers in accordance with recent growth in pupil numbers and there is a reliance on prefabricated classrooms”.

“However the restricted site cannot satisfactorily accommodate more prefabs due to its small size and the need to retain open play areas”.

In March the county council made a request for further information, asking the school to submit details of the proposed pedestrian crossing on the R349, as well as the footpath specifications linking it to the local road.

The council also asked the school to redesign the pedestrian access to the GAA grounds so the it is accessed directly from the L3114 Kiltullagh road.

A revised Road Safety Audit incorporating those revisions was then to be submitted to the council.

The council also noted that the ringfort located to the southwest of the site may contain an underground chamber which could potentially be used as a roost for bats.

A revised design, RSA, and bat survey were submitted by Hayes Higgins Chartered Engineers on behalf of the primary school on July 9.

The survey found no evidence of roosting bats and determined that the site was unsuitable for the mammals.

Ultimately the county council gave its blessing to the new primary school with a total of 15 conditions attached.

New TV licence fee to cover all devices such as laptops and tablets

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August 3, 2019

The TV licence fee will soon apply to all devices such as laptops and tablets, under new government plans.

The Broadcasting Bill announced by Minister Bruton yesterday includes measures to crack down on people avoiding paying the licence.

The Government will put the collection of the TV licence fee out to public tender later this year.

This will allow a 5-year contract for the service to be put in place, giving the successful bidder the opportunity to invest in the system of collection.

At the end of the 5-year contract period, the Government believes the licence fee should be replaced by an independent broadcasting charge.

This charge would apply to laptops, phones, tablets and any other devices on which people can access content.

Galway East TD Sean Canney said it is estimated that 10% of homes access content on alternative devices which do not require a television licence.

The new Bill is also designed to support local community radio stations and journalists.

It includes measures to support local community radio by reducing the levies placed on independent broadcasters.

Galway East TD Sean Canney welcomed the Broadcasting Bill, saying: “Public service broadcasting is more important now than ever.”

He added that the independent, objective reporting of domestic and international affairs is ‘crucial’.

“However, we must recognise that the landscape in which broadcasters operate is undergoing a transformation and that this gives rise to new challenges.

“Audiences are transitioning away from traditional platforms and are increasingly accessing content online through digital mediums,” said the Independent Minister.

Minister Ciaran Cannon commented: “Here in Galway we know the importance of local radio journalism, keeping us up to date on local issues and delving into the matters that are crucial to our community. The value added by local journalism cannot be underestimated and I am delighted to welcome this initiative.”

This Bill will enable the broadcasting levy to be reduced for all broadcasters and for some community broadcasters to be exempted entirely.

State takes ownership of historic Gate Lodge at Portumna Castle

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August 3, 2019

Galway Daily news Portumna Castle Gate Lodge taken over by state

The state has taken ownership of the Gate Lodge at Portumna Castle to ensure this historic local attraction stays together.

While Portumna Castle itself has been in the care of the Office of Public works for years after being abandoned in the 19th century, the Gate Lodge was privately owned.

In February it was quietly put up for sale on the open market, and the National Monuments Service quickly snapped it up to prevent the possibility of it becoming separated from the main castle.

The transfer of ownership in that deal has now been completed said Galway East TD Seán Canney, welcoming the news.

This is excellent news for Portumna,” Seán Canney said, adding that “the Gate Lodge is an integral part of the Castle and it was vital that it should be secured to enhance the tourist offering there.”

Deputy Canney advocated for the government to purchase the lodge, arguing that the castle is an important local destination which has undergone much work.

The castle and the surrounding grounds have undergone numerous improvements in recent years to improve its offering as a tourist attraction.

A beautifully preserved stately home in east Galway, Portumna Castle was built in the 17th century by the 4th Earl of Clanricard, Richard Burke.

Recently the Office of Public Works added a café and exhibition space to make it into a better venue for community events.

The next project in the pipeline is the development of a bus park to allow the castle to better accommodate tour groups.

“Portumna is a key attraction within the tourism initiative around Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands,” Deputy Canney said.

“The town is blessed with the natural amenity provided by the River Shannon that is complemented by the attractions of a modern marina, the Irish Workhouse Centre and the Castle and walled gardens.”

Meet the Galway lads at the heart of Boston’s first professional rugby team

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August 3, 2019

Galway Daily sport New England Free Jacks Rugby Club

The greater Boston area in the US has just gotten its first ever profession rugby team in the New England Free Jacks, complete with two strapping Galway lads.

The 35 man squad was announced this week ahead of the team starting training in December in preparation for the Free Jack’s inaugural appearance in the Major League Rugby in the 2020 season.

Among the players from the US, New Zealand, France, Italy, Australia, Fiji, Britain, and Ireland are two young men from Galway.

Flyhalf Tadhg Leader (27) is a born a bred Galwegian who went to school at The Bish and Cistercian College.

In Rugby he came up through the Connacht Academy and played for the province in the U20 championship.

He’s also represented Ireland at the U19 and U20 level, before going on to play for Connacht A in the British and Irish Cup before moving to Italy to play for club Rugby Badia ASD.

Tadhg’s younger brother, Darragh, is a long-time contributor to the Connacht senior team in the Pro14.

Tadhg has long been a player and coach with the Boston Irish Wolfhounds while in the US, and in 2018 he graduated from Lindenwood University in St Louis, MO, with a degree in sports management while also competing and coaching with the St Louis Royals Rugby Club.

Captaining the San Diego Legion in the 2018 inaugural MLR season, he led the team as the top points scorer to a semi-final appearance.

Tadhg became a USA National Team Eagle after being capped in the 2019 Americas Rugby Championship for the US against Chile.

He’s joined on the squad by Lock Conor Kindregan (27) from Galway, who also went through the Connacht Academy.

Conor attended the University of Limerick from 2010-2015, earning a Bachelors of Science Degree in Wood Science & Technology.

After leaving Connacht Conor was Irish AIL Div 1A Player of the Year in 2016 while with Cork Constitution.

He made the All-Ireland Club 1st XV in the winter of 2019 before joining the Free Jacks.

“We are excited for the potential of this preliminary group for our Inaugural Season in MLR,” said Free Jacks coFounder and CEO Alex Magleby.

“Our coaches have worked long hours to find players from around the globe who have demonstrated they like to work, learn, put the team first, and really want to add and be a part of the NewEngland community.”

Following the finalization of the rest of the roster in the coming weeks, the players will report to preseason on
December 2nd, with the 2020 Major League Rugby regular season set to kickoff in February.

Head Coach Josh Smith said ““We are bringing together this group of incredibly talented and humble players from around the region, the country, and the world to ignite New England with professional rugby.”

“It will be very exciting to bring the new guys in to be embraced by the community and create a really dynamic
competitive team environment. We can’t wait to see what they can do in 2020.”

Major League Rugby (MLR) is a professional rugby league, launched in April 2018 as an initiative of the American rugby community, in partnership with private investors, who believe that American rugby can thrive at the highest levels.

Call for emergency beef summit amid growing protests

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August 3, 2019

Galway Daily news Galway farmers awarded €2.2 million under beef finisher scheme

Galway TD Denis Naughten has said that the government must call an emergency summit between all parties in the beef sector as tensions continue to grow.

In Galway beef farmers have been protesting outside Liffey Meats in Ballinasloe since Monday over falling prices in the sector.

They have said that are ready to dig in for the long haul as similar protests are taking place around the country.

Other issues of deep alarm in the beef sector are the Mercosur trade deal and he potentially devastating impact of Brexit on exports.

“From my discussions with many farmers this week, it is clear that they do not want to be protesting but there is huge fear as to the viability of beef farming patricularly over the coming weeks,” said Denis Naughten.

“Before this situation escalates, Minister Creed needs to bring all of the players together under an independent chair to assess the current situation and explore all potential options for the beef sector.

As a gesture of goodwill to farmers the Independent TD said that government should fast track a new EU law which will ban 16 unfair trading practices covering agricultural and food products traded in the food supply chain.

“All farmers want is a fair price for what they produce but clearly someone is making a huge margin at their expense.”

According to Deputy Naughten in the past 15 years the share of the price of beef going to farmers has dropped by 25%, threatening the suckler industry and many rural communities.

“The fact is our suckler beef industry is the lifeblood of towns and villages the length and breadth of the country and unless we get everybody around the table quickly then we risk condemning the Irish countryside to desolation”.

Briarhill housing plans rejected despite support of local school

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August 3, 2019

Galway daily news Knocknacarra social housing

Galway County Council has refused planning permission for a housing project in Briarhill despite the support of the local school.

Martin Coyne sought planning permission for a 43 unit housing estate with a mix of houses and apartments at Breanloughan, Briarhill.

The first stage of the development would have consisted of the demolition of an existing house and outbuildings on the site.

In their place it was proposed to build 3 four-bed, two storey, detached houses, 22 four-bed, two storey semi-detached units and 6 three-bed, two storey, semi-detached units.

A two storey apartment building was also in the plans, which would have contained 2 three-bed apartments, 6 two-bed apartments, and 4 one-bed apartments.

The new estate would have been accessed off the R339 Monivea road and included a total of 74 car parking spaces along with 12 bicycle spaces at the apartment building.

The Board of Management of Briarhill school wrote in support of the housing plans, noting that “we have a number of families in the school who are homeless at the moment and we strongly support the construction of new homes in and around Galway city”.

The BOM’s submission also praised the developer, Martin Coyne, for past work improving the side road to the school to allow children safe access after the school expanded in 2006/7.

One other submission supporting the project was made by a local landowner who owns property near to that which was to be developed in this project.

In refusing planning permission the county council cited seven main reasons.

Several concerns were raised about the design of the project including the general layout, car parking deficiencies, an unsatisfactory provision of public open space, and issues with the building typologies.

The council also noted that neither a Road Safety Audit nor a bat survey were included in this application.

And it was also said that these lands were not zoned for residential development, and that the current public sewage system in the Briarhill area was not equipped to handle the excess this estate would bring.

38 weeks pregnant woman wins Friday’s Most Stylish at Galway Races

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August 2, 2019

Galway Races Friday91 — 2/8/2019 NO REPRODUCTION FEE Galway Races. Friday's Most Stylish sponsored by Athlone Towncentre. Pic Shows Aine Malone from Edenderry, Co. Offaly who is pregnant with her second child and was chosen as Friday's Most Stylish, sponsored by the Athlone Towncenre, at the Galway Races yesterday (2/8/2019) pictured with judges Marietta Doran and James Patrice. Photo Brian Farrell

A secondary school teacher from Co. Offaly has been announced as winner of ‘Friday’s Most Stylish’ sponsored by Athlone Towncentre at this year’s Galway Races.

Áine Malone, who is 38 weeks pregnant, wore a maternity dress from Asos, shoes from Ted Baker and a handbag from Dune.

She completed her race going outfit with a colourful feather headpiece designed and made by local Edenderry Milliner Teresa Nugent.

Aine Malone who is pregnant with her second child and was chosen as Friday’s Most Stylish, sponsored by the Athlone Towncenre, at the Galway Races. Photo Brian Farrell

The easy elegance of her outfit perfectly complemented Friday Summer evening racing in Ballybrit.

The 37-year-old takes home the biggest Prize Fund on offer for the competition yet, which is worth in excess of €3,000.

Aine Malone with judges Marietta Doran and James Patrice. Photo: Brian Farrell.

She has won a €1,500 Athlone Towncentre shopping spree, a two night luxury hotel & spa break at Sheraton Athlone Hotel, an Emporio Armani Watch courtesy of Fields The Jeweller and bespoke head piece created by Milliner Suzie Mahony plus racing hat hire for the year.

Speaking about her delight at being announced as winner of ‘Friday’s Most Stylish’ sponsored by Athlone Towncentre, Áine said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to have won Athlone Towncentre’s ‘Friday’s Most Stylish’! I decided to come for a day to enjoy the Galway Races with my friends.

“I only received my outfit on Wednesday from ASOS! I then went to Milliner Teresa Nugent yesterday to see if I could get a headpiece from her that matched the dress.

“I’m also wearing jewellery which belonged to my mother. She passed in February of this year and I know she was watching over me today.”

Food lovers will love this new Dukkah range now on sale in Galway

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August 2, 2019

Lovers of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine in Galway are in for a real treat as a brand new Dukkah range has been launched by Mitz’s Mezze.

The dry dry blend of roasted nuts and spices coarsely ground into a healthy condiment can now be found at McCambridges of Galway and Mortons of Galway.

Dukkah is arguably best served with bread and olive oil, however, it has a variety of uses – it can be used on meats, rice, vegetables, eggs, pasta, rice, cheese, tofu or salads as a seasoning or condiment.

It is dairy-free, egg-free, lactose-free and can be modified to be vegan and the Mitzi’s Mezze Dukkah ranges from vegan to gluten free depending on variety and is specified on each product.

In a departure from the traditional Dukkah, Mitzi’s Mezze sweet Dukkah pairs raspberry and white chocolate or cardamom and dark chocolate.

The vegan sweet range is a combination of raspberry and white cacao or cardamom and dark cacao.

These are the ideal topping of choice for dessert and breakfast dishes like yogurt, granola cereal, oatmeal and other porridge, smoothie bowls to fresh fruit.

Mitzi’s Mezze is the brain child of Tipperary woman Mary Toomey.

A graduate of Ballymaloe Cookery School with a strong interest in North-African and Middle Eastern food, Mary started Mitzi’s Mezze as a Supper Club in Galway during the recession.

Now based in the Galway countryside, over the years Mary has carved out a niche catering service.

“I think by any measure I am pretty well-travelled, but the Middle East and North Africa are my favourite regions to visit simply because the food is outstanding, unique and creative,” she said.

“I’ve visited Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Syria (before the civil war), Israel, Palestine and Morocco, but Lebanon is something special altogether” she explains, “the people are so friendly and warm, the countryside is beautiful, but the food is the reason I keep going back.”

Medtronic forms corporate partnership with Galway 2020

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August 2, 2019

Galway daily news Call for further transparency on Galway 2020 finances

Galway 2020 has announced a partnership with the medical devices manufacturer Medtronic, naming it the official Health Partner of the Capital of Culture.

As part of its partnership with Galway 2020, Medtronic will sponsor the ponsor of the Wave Maker volunteer programme and the Wave Maker Health Hub, the first of its kind for a European Capital of Culture.

Medtronic employs more than 4,000 people across five sites in Ireland, including a large campus and factory in Galway Technology Park in Parkmore.

Galway 2020 CEO Patricia Philbin said the partnership will provide invaluable support to Galway 2020.

“It’s fantastic to have a leading company such as Medtronic, which is such a major part of the fabric of Galway, on board supporting the ambitions of Galway 2020” she said.

“Our Wave Maker volunteers will be an integral part of the delivery and success of Galway 2020 and this support from Medtronic will further consolidate that ambition. We look forward to delivering an ambitious and genuine partnership that benefits Galway for years to come.”

The Wave Maker volunteer programme will give people the chance to get significantly involved in the Capital of Culture project throughout the year.

Volunteers will help connect communities across Galway city and county with each other as well as welcoming visitors from the wider world.

Patricia Philbin said that she expects Medtronic’s sponsorship of the programme will “encourage others to come forward to ensure a lasting legacy that will benefit Galway for many years to come”.

Tony Neary, Vice President of EMEA Operations and General Manager of Medtronic Parkmore said “Medtronic has had a presence in Galway since 1982 and over the years, our employees have made a huge contribution to community and charitable causes in the county.

“I am delighted that our partnership will enable Galway 2020 to deepen the culture of volunteerism across Galway,” He added.

“The Health Hub aligns to the Medtronic Mission to alleviate pain, restore health and extend life and I hope the programmes launched here will have a long-lasting positive impact on the health of people in our community.”

3,000 homes without water in Athenry in ongoing outage

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August 2, 2019

Galway city news Water outages in Salthill due to burst mains today

An ongoing water outage caused by a burst pipe has left roughly 3,000 homes and businesses in Athenry town without water today.

While it was earlier estimated that emergency repairs in Athenry would be completed by 4pm, Irish water is now saying that the outage won’t be fixed until 9pm tonight.

Water supply to Clarenbridge and Kilcolgan may also be affected by this burst pipe, as well as group water schemes between Athenry and Clarenbridge.

The main involved is a 350mm pipe which is surrounded by concrete and work is underway to break away the concrete before the pipe can be repaired.

Tim O’Connor, Asset Operations Lead for Galway said: “We acknowledge the impact on the customers who are affected by this burst and who are without water as a result.

“We are working with Galway County Council to carry out the repair as quickly as possible. We thank customers in advance for their patience while these repairs are taking place.”

It is expected that the repair will be completed by 9pm tonight when water will begin to be restored though full water service may take some time to return as water refills the network.

Further updates on the situation will be available through Irish Water’s Supply and Service page, or people affected can call 1850 278278.

Irish rope grown mussels achieve MSC certification

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August 2, 2019

mussels fish galway daily — 02/08/19. NO FEE. NO REPRO FEE. JULIEN BEHAL PHOTOGRAPHY. Picture shows, l-r, Mussel farmer, Michael Mulloy, Blackshell Farm Ltd who is also Chair of IFA Aquaculture; Jim O’Toole, CEO BIM and Jo Pollett, MSC UK and Ireland. Irish rope grown mussels achieve blue label from Marine Stewardship Council The Irish rope grown mussel fishery has today (August 2nd ) achieved Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification. Bord Iascaigh Mhara(BIM), Ireland’s seafood development agency, is the holder of this latest MSC certificate. The state agency also holds the certificate for the Irish bottom grown mussel fishery, which achieved certification in 2013. This latest certification means the entire Irish mussel fishery under BIM management is certified. MSC is a non-profit international organisation set up to recognise and reward sustainable fishing practices through its globally recognised ecolabel and fishery certification programme. JULIEN BEHAL PHOTOGRAPHY. NO FEE.

The entire Irish mussel fishery under Bord Iascaigh Mhara management is now certified after the Irish rope grown mussel fishery achieved MSC certification today.

BIM now holds both this Marine Stewardship Council certificate and the certificate for the Irish bottom grown mussel fishery, which achieved certification in 2013.

MSC is a non-profit international organisation set up to recognise and reward sustainable fishing practices through its globally recognised ecolabel and certification programme.

JULIEN BEHAL PHOTOGRAPHY.
Picture shows, l-r, Jim O’Toole, CEO BIM; Jo Pollett, MSC UK and Ireland; Louis Mulloy (son of Micheal Mulloy) and mussel farmer, Michael Mulloy, Blackshell Farm Ltd who is also Chair of IFA Aquaculture.

Jim O’Toole, CEO BIM spoke of the collaborative, cross-industry approach taken by BIM to achieve this result.

He said: “BIM’s strategy is to enable sustainable growth of the seafood sector in Ireland.”

“The prestigious certification achieved allows for a unique national approach where all mussel growers operating in licensed harvest locations in Ireland can now label their mussels with the MSC ecolabel, showing that they are MSC certified as sustainable and from a well-managed fishery.

“Ireland’s mussel industry is export focussed and MSC certification of Irish rope grown mussels provides valuable evidence to the marketplace of the sustainable environment in which our seafood is produced.

“This recognition by the MSC means our seafood is produced to the highest standard and protects our aquaculture for future generations.”

Jim O’Toole celebrated the announcement during a visit to Blackshell farm in Westport, Co Mayo. He was joined by Jo Pollett, MSC UK and Ireland, and mussel farmer, Michael Mulloy, Blackshell Farm Ltd who is also Chair of IFA Aquaculture.

Jo Pollett, MSC Senior Fisheries Outreach Officer, UK and Ireland, said: “This is a significant achievement and great news for Irish mussels.

“BIM has shown ambition and leadership in pushing for the sustainability of Irish fisheries. We’re really excited to have this fishery as part of the MSC programme and look forward to a healthy future for Irish mussels.”

Knocknacarra primary school building new extension

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August 2, 2019

Galway Daily news Planning extension grant for Craughwell National School expansion

St. John the Apostle primary school in Knocknacarra has been granted planning permission to build a new school wing.

The Board of Management at the primary school on the Western Distributor Road plans to build a new two storey extension to the existing school building.

The extension will contain four Special Education Teacher rooms at the ground floor, and a multipurpose room on the first floor.

Internal modifications will also be made to the existing school to rearrange SET rooms and admin spaces, as well as adding external doors to ground floor classrooms.

No public submissions were made to Galway city council about this project, and planning permission was granted with three conditions attached.

Picture special: Ladies’ Day at the Galway Races with COPE Galway

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August 2, 2019

cope galway ladies day galway races galway daily

Style and fashion are synonymous with Ladies’ Day at the Galway Races and yesterday, COPE Galway showed off its extensive collection of beautiful, high-quality dresses, hats and accessories, suitable for any glamorous occasion.

Lorraine Brennan and Dulce Mattoso were styled with dresses and accessories from the wide variety of vintage clothes at the COPE Galway Charity Shop on St. Augustine Street.

Lorraine Brennan. Photo – Allison Brennan

Lorraine Brennan and Dulce Mattosso. Photo – Allison Brennan

Midfielder Stephen Christopher signs for Galway United

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August 2, 2019

Galway daily sport Stephen Christopher signs for Galway United

Galway United has announced that 23 year old midfielder Stephen Christopher has become the latest player to sign for the team this season.

Christopher is joining Galway United from the Cobh Ramblers, where he made over 100 appearances in five seasons.

At the Ramblers he helped the club reach the EA SPORTS Cup Final in 2018 and a second place league finish in the First Division in 2017.

The Cork native has agreed a deal at Eamonn Deacy Park until the end of the 2019 season and will wear the number 22 jersey.

The versatile midfielder goes straight into United’s squad for the Drogheda game at Eamonn Deacy Park on Friday night.

Speaking about his latest signing, Alan Murphy said: “When you look at Stephen Christopher, you’re getting a really experienced player, that’s still very young.

“He’s probably Cobh Ramblers most experienced player,” Murphy said, adding “He was a regular in the team that reached the EA SPORTS Cup final and played a lot of league games for Cobh.”

“He’s a very versatile and driven player, that is shown by his ambition to come up here and join us. He really wants to push on in his career and become the best player he can.”

“Stephen is a player that I’ve been keeping a close eye on for a while. He’s performed well against us over the last few years and I’m delighted to add him to our group.”

Galway United are playing Drogheda United tonight in Eamon Deacy Park with kick off at 7:45pm.

The club is running a Ladies Day special this week, with women of all ages entering for free.

It has also been confirmed that James Tierney and Jeff McGowan have both left Galway United. The club thanked both players and wished them well in their future.

Burst main causing water outage in Athenry

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August 2, 2019

Galway daily news Water outages in multiple areas of Galway due to burst mains

A burst water main is causing a water outage to multiple areas in and around Athenry town this afternoon.

Irish Water reported that a burst main was causing a water outage to residents of New Line, Ballydavid, Tuam Road, Athenry and surrounding areas at around 11:30am this morning.

Repairs are underway and are currently expected to be complete by 4pm this afternoon.

A traffic management system will be in place in the affected part of Athenry while work is underway.

People affected by this are advised that it may take 2 – 3 hours after repairs are completed for their water supply to return.

Further updates on the situation will be available through Irish Water’s Supply and Service page, or people affected can call 1850 278278.

City Council defends lane closures in month long Bohermore roadworks

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August 2, 2019

Galway Daily news Traffic disruption expected from Galway City centre roadworks

Galway City Council has defended the decision to carry out extensive roadworks between Bohermore and Eyre Square throughout August.

Roadworks taking place in the Bohermore/Prospect Hill from next week into early September will involve rolling lane closures to facilitate the works.

Lanes will be closed in 100m stretches between 10am and 4pm daily to allow Irish Water to lay new watermains in the area.

The works in this area are scheduled to commence on the August 6 with a week of trial holing followed by open cut excavations commencing on August 12 at St. Anthony’s Terrace.

Over the following weeks the work will progress towards Eyre Square until September 6, when the project is currently scheduled to finish.

Concerns were expressed by a number of elected councillors including Mayor Mike Cubbard about the impact this could have on traffic in tourist season, but the council executive has defended its choice as the right one.

The city council said that a number of other options for the roadworks were considered, but ultimately deemed unfeasible.

Working at night between 7pm and 1am was ruled out due to the noise disruption to people trying to sleep.

Another potential option was weekend work, but that would have required work beyond the timeframe allowed by the contract, and taken considerably longer to complete.

The city council acknowledged that these roadworks will cause traffic disruptions, but added that “this window after Race Week and before the schools and colleges return is the least disruptive time to carry out the works.”

The council said that the first week of lane closures will be to carry out trial holes and the council will be monitoring their impact on traffic and will consider other options if it proves necessary.

“The traffic on the open lane will be managed by means of a manually operated stop\go system to ensure priority is given on the busiest approach,” a council spokesperson said.

“A designated public liaison person has been appointed by the contractor for the duration of the project to deal with any customer queries and concerns.”

“Some works may also take place at weekends particularly at junctions to minimise disruption due to the requirements of An Gardaí Siochana or the City Council’s Transport department.”

“Night works were considered as an alternative to the day time rolling lane closures but due to the presence of the rock in the area and the disruption this would cause in a residential part of the city, was ruled out as an option.”

Shareridge Ltd, working on behalf of Irish Water, may also have to carry out temporary water shut offs to homes and businesses in the area during these works to enable the laying of new connections.

In total over 2,000 existing service connections will be replaced as the new water mains are being laid.

According to the council, these new mains are necessary to cut down on a massive amount of water being lost through leaks in the Bohermore area.

Almost 750,000 litres of water is being lost to leaks every day in the Bohermore/Prospect Hill area it’s claimed, the equivalent of two Leisureland swimming pools every day.

The dedicated Public Liaison Contact person for the work programme is Ethan Kane from Shareridge Ltd who can be contacted at (086) 7787888

Clifden lifeboat crews rescue injured man from rising tides

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August 2, 2019

Galway Daily news Clifden lifeboat crews rescue man trapped by rising tide

Two Clifden lifeboat crews rescued a man in danger of drowning yesterday after he injured himself and became trapped by the rising tide.

The lifeboat crews were dispatched to a couple who were out walking at Slackport, a remote place on Slyne Head close to Ballyconneely, when the man fell on the shoreline, trapping his leg badly in some rocks.

He was trapped on the high water mark and unable to free himself and the rising spring tide gave cause for alarm as it was possible that it could have reached his location.

The couple quickly called for help and Clifden RNLI’s Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat was launched with Joe Acton at the helm, followed by the Mersey class all-weather lifeboat under the command of Coxswain James Mullen.

The Atlantic 85 was first on the scene and crew member Alan Pryce went ashore to assess the situation and administer first aid.

Alan was quickly joined by two more crew members from Clifden RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat Fisherman’s Friend.

Members of Cleggan Coast Guard Unit and the winch man from the Irish Coast Guard’s Sligo based Rescue 118 helicopter then arrived on scene.

With their help the rescue crews were able to safely manoeuvre the man into a position where he could be freed.

Clifden lifeboat rescue — photo credit: RNLI/Catherine Pryce

Once freed and thoroughly examined, his injuries were found to be minor and Rescue 118 airlifted him back to safety.

Clifden RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager John Brittain said: ‘This was an urgent and serious call out and the crew located and assisted the casualty very quickly.”

“It has been a very busy week for our station with the arrival of our new Shannon class lifeboat yesterday and the crew once again demonstrated that they are always there to respond when needed, working closely and effectively with our Coast Guard colleagues”.

photo credit: RNLI/Clifden

Clifden RNLI gets state of the art €2.4 million lifeboat

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August 2, 2019

Galway Daily news Two lifeboats and a helicopter launched after emergency beacon accident — Clifden RNLI have become the first lifeboat station on the west coast of Ireland to receive the Shannon class lifeboat. The new 25-knot lifeboat significantly reduces response times for the Galway lifeboat crew and reaches casualties faster. The first planned outing for the new lifeboat is to visit the nearby island communities where the lifeboat can be called out for medical evacuations. Pic: Michael Mc Laughlin

Clifden RNLI have become the first station on the west coast of Ireland to receive the latest in lifeboat technology, the Shannon class lifeboat.

This is the first modern all-weather lifeboat to be propelled by waterjets instead of traditional propellers, making it the most agile and maneuverable all-weather vessel in the search and rescue charity’s fleet.

The new 25-knot lifeboat replaces the station’s 15-knot Mersey class boat, significantly cutting response times for the volunteer crew and reaching casualties faster.

The twenty-four-person strong Connemara based volunteer RNLI crew are a close-knit community.

Two of the station’s four Coxswains are brothers, there is a husband and wife serving on the crew as well as a father and son.

There are currently two Shannon class vessels at Lough Swilly in Donegal and Clogherhead in Louth with a relief boat in Wicklow.

The introduction of the Shannon class boat into Clifden represents a major investment by the charity, €2.4 million, into search and rescue on the west coast.

Commenting on the arrival, Clifden RNLI Coxswain James Mullen said, ‘Three years ago we received our first all-weather lifeboat on a two-year trial, and we were thrilled with it.

It meant we could launch in all-weathers and cover greater distances. However, with the arrival of the Shannon we have 21^st century lifeboat design and technology.

He added that “Bringing her home to Clifden from Poole was one of my proudest moments. As we rounded Loop Head, we hit a bit of weather and we really made her dance.”

“The ergonomic seats bear the force of the impact of the lifeboat hitting the waves and the improved communications technology means the crew can talk to each other by linked headsets and can hear each other above the noise and receive information directly from the Coast Guard.”

The crew have been undergoing intensive training since May and will receive consolidation training on station in Clifden before the lifeboat is declared on service and fully operational and the Mersey class lifeboat is retired.

Clifden’s new Shannon class lifeboat is named Brianne Aldington and comes from the RNLI’s relief fleet having been built two years ago.

The station’s former lifeboat will be sold on as the charity has upgraded its entire fleet to a 25-knot capability.

The first planned outing for the new lifeboat is to visit the nearby island communities where it can be called on to respond to urgent requests for medical evacuations.

Both Inishbofin and Inishturk are first in line to receive a visit and have a tour of the new vessel that will serve the west coast.

photo credit: RNLI/Michael McLaughlin

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