Bray to Galway cycle raises funds for Purple House Cancer Centre

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July 14, 2019

Galway daily news National Day of Commemoration celebrations

The men and women who fought for Ireland and have lost their lives in past conflicts or on UN missions are being honoured today in the National Day of Commemoration.

A ceremony in Galway city to mark the Day of Commemoration is being held at NUI Galway at 11am this morning.

The ceremony will take place at the famous Quadrangle in the Aula Maxima building followed by a reception afterwards.

The main National Day of Commemoration ceremony is being held at Collins Barracks in Dublin.

President Micheal D Higgins will lead the event by laying a wreath on behalf of the people, and the ceremony will also be attended by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and many other members of the Dáil and Seanad.

Representatives from across the community including relatives of 1916 leaders and family members of those who have lost their lives in UN conflicts have been invited.

The Council of State, diplomatic corps, judiciary and veterans groups will also be represented at the ceremony.

Yesterday a public event commemorating all those who lost their lives fighting in both World Wars was held at the War Memorial Gardens at Islandbridge in Dublin.

This annual event is organised by the Royal British Legion, while Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan represented the government and ambassadors from 13 nations were also in attendance.

photo credit: Galway City Council

Plans for 58 homes in Tuam rejected

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July 14, 2019

The county council has rejected plans for a housing developments in Tuam due to a lack of information from the developer.

Evolution Ltd sought planning permission to demolish a derelict building at Killaloonty, Tuam and build 58 new homes on the site.

The initial design was for seven duplex blocks with 28 two-bed apartments, five blocks of terraced houses with 22 four-bed units, and four blocks of semi-detached houses with 8 three-bed homes.

The site would have been accessed off a new entrance built off the Weir Road in Tuam.

Three objections were made to the county council from local residents, whose primary concern was the boundary treatments and the potential for privacy infringement due to the height of these buildings.

Last September the council made a request for further information asking the developer to submit a Road Safety Audit, an Archaeological Assessment, and a bat survey.

An Archaeological Assessment report and a short, 12 page Stage 1 Road Safety Audit were submitted to the council by the developer on June 6.

The Archaeological Assessment did not turn up anything of interest, and an Appropriate Assessment Screening was also submitted with the further information.

The bat survey claimed that the highest level of activity were close to the derelict house and orchard to the west of the site, and that the impact of the development would be low.

In refusing permission the county council said that in the absence of a “comprehensive” Road Safety Audit it was not satisfied that “if permitted, the development would not endanger public safety by reason of traffic hazard or obstruction of road users”.

The council also cited the lack of documentary evidence of compliance with Part V planning requirements, a lack of shared spaces and appropriate pedestrian routes within the development, and the potential loss of habitat for a number of species of bat.

The final reason given by the county council was that the scale of the duplex blocks “render these building typologies discordant with their suburban setting”.

The county council said that these large apartment blocks would “fail to complement the town in terms of character and provide the required standard of urban placemaking, urban assimilation, and amenity called for in the County Development Plan”.

Galway United forward returns to America for family reasons

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July 13, 2019

Galway United’s Shane Doherty has returned to his native America for family reasons.

The attacker from Delran in New Jersey was a hugely popular member of the squad, and scored three goals for Galway United in his first season in SSE Airtricity League football.

In a statement, Doherty said that while football will always be a priority, family comes first.

The player said that his father’s health had declined to the point where he and his family felt he needed to be there to spend time with him.

Doherty thanked Galway United and the supporters, saying: “I cannot speak highly enough about everyone at this club and all of the fans who have been unreal this season.”

He said that although it has been a challenging year, ‘we are heading in the right direction’.

“I cannot thank the manager and coaching staff enough for taking a chance on me as well as the players who have accepted me.”

Galway United sent its best wishes to Shane and his family, and thanked him for his service to the club this season.

They take on Wexford at Ferrycarrig Park this evening at 7.45pm, where they will be hoping to bounce back from a 3-0 defeat to league leaders Shelbourne.

Galway Hospice and Irish Wheelchair Association to receive funding for new vehicles

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Paul Kelly

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July 13, 2019

Galway Daily news Funding for new toilets with greater disability access in Salthill

Galway Hospice and the Irish Wheelchair Association in Tuam are set to benefit from over €100,000 in funding for new vehicles.

Galway Hospice has been assigned €50,000 in CLÁR funding, which will go towards the purchase of an accessible vehicle for its patients.

In addition, the Irish Wheelchair Association in Tuam will receive €68,277 which will go towards purchasing an ‘accessible vehicle for people with disabilities’.

Independent TD Seán Canney expressed his delight that funding has been allocated to these vital services.

He also praised the ‘sterling service’ these organisations provide to people in need within the constituency.

The grants come under Measure 3B of the CLÁR funding, which concerns special transport needs.

Galway minor hurling side gearing up to face Kilkenny

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July 13, 2019

The lineup for the Galway minor hurling team facing Kilkenny this weekend has been named.

The Galway hurlers are getting ready to face Kilkenny this Sunday in their first match of the Electric Ireland All-Ireland Hurling Championship.

The match is starting at 12pm midday in Croke Park tomorrow.

Galway will be hoping to keep their winning streak going this year, with the having taken home the Irish Press Cup for the past two years in a row.

The full Galway side playing on Sunday is:

1. Michael Egan (Cappataggle)

2. Eanna Davern (Moycullen)

3. Eoin Lawless (Athenry)

4. Adam Nolan (Kilnadeema-Leitrim)

5. Enda Collins (Carnmore)

6. Ian McGlynn, Captain, (Kilconieron)

7. Christy Brennan (Clarinbridge)

8. Liam Leen (Clarinbridge)

9. Oisin Slevin (Ardrahan)

10. Colm Cunningham (Moycullen)

11. Sean McDonagh (Mountbellew Moylough)

12. Tiernan Killeen (Loughrea)

13. Gavin Lee (Clarinbridge)

14. Shane Morgan (Loughrea)

15. Greg Thomas (Ballygar)

Gort students win national award for anti-smoking video on cigarette butts

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July 13, 2019

galway students cigarettes smoking galway daily

The Foróige Gort youth service has been congratulated for winning the award for the Best Smoke Free Generation Message at the Irish Cancer Society’s X-HALE prizes.

The youth group’s anti-smoking message was described as ‘timely in view of this week`s report which shows that cigarette butts account for just over half of all litter in Ireland.’

Commenting on the youth service’s award, Minister Ciaran Cannon said: “I wish to commend all involved in the Foróige Gort youth service on receiving this accolade for a very well executed short film on the harmful effects of smoking.

“Completed as part of their participation in the Irish Cancer Society X-HALE Youth Smoking Prevention and Education Programme, their two-minute video entitled ‘It Comes Back to You’ brings home the fact that it takes just one discarded cigarette to contaminate 7.5 litres of water.

“It is also very timely in view of the publication of the 2018 National Litter Pollution Monitoring System Report which notes that cigarette-related litter accounts for almost 55% of all litter in Ireland which having already harmed the smoker`s health, then pollutes the environment.”

X-HALE is an Irish Cancer Society initiative that partners with youth organisations and young people to work towards a tobacco free generation.

This year over 56 youth groups across Ireland made short videos tackling a different area of smoking and how it can plague society.

Why this man is doing a heroic 111km triathlon through Galway today

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July 13, 2019

galway daily triathlon galway declan loy

Declan Loy from Newry in Co. Down is currently completing a 1km swim, a 100km cycle and a 10km run through Co. Galway, all for a worthy cause.

The triathlon through Galway is part of a gruelling challenge which will see Declan attempt to swim, cycle and run every county in Ireland over 32 days, completing a staggering 3,552km in total.

Declan has has already completed a 111km triathlon in 16 counties, including the 9 counties in Ulster.

When asked about how he feels the challenging is going, Declan, who now has the name ‘Irondad’ after breaking a Guinness World Record in 2018, said: “The challenge is going brilliantly. The legs and muscles are getting tired but the support I’ve received helps me to keep going.”

The Challenge is to raise funds for Super You, a not-for-profit organisation that focuses on supporting, empowering and inspiring young people.

The Super You workshops have reached nearly every county in Ireland – North and South – and the team have delivered talks to over 5,000 students promoting positive mental health and well-being.

Declan doesn’t class himself as an athlete but just a normal Dad with an interest in exercising and a drive to raise funds for an organisation that can really support our young people.

Declan stated: ̎’I have been blown away with triathlon clubs throughout Ireland that have come forward to lend a hand on the day the Challenge comes to their counties.

“It’s very humbling to see how people will help me for such a great cause.”

Declan has a busy month ahead of him with Kerry, Cork, Limerick, Clare and Wexford all coming up in the next month just to name a few.

The final day will be held in Dundalk Co. Louth.

He is encouraging supporters to come along to the Irondad Challenge and take part.

People can also register to complete the challenge on its finale day with Declan on the 28 th of July in Dundalk Co. Louth.

“I don’t know how we are considering this” – lone councillor votes against Dublin Road cemetery site

By

Paul Kelly

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July 13, 2019

Galway Daily news County Council seeks sites for Connemara cemeteries

Councillor Colette Connolly was the sole voice in the city council chamber this month who objected to a proposed cemetery on the Dublin Road.

Galway City Council approved the proposed development of a new cemetery on a site north of the Dublin Road with only Cllr. Connolly voting against it.

Councillor Connolly said that she didn’t know how it was being considered, arguing that a cemetery needs to be in a secluded place where mourners can concentrate on their loved ones.

She said that the 3.61 acre site adjacent to the Connacht Hotel should be used for affordable housing.

The city council in favour of adopting the Dublin Road site with 14 voting in favour, cllr Connolly objecting, and three councillors abstaining.

The proposed graveyard will have the capacity to accommodate approximately 1,000 grave spaces which can cater for a minimum of 3,000 burials.

It is predicted that the proposed cemetery will sufficiently meet the needs of Galway City for 20 years.

In a report and presentation given to the Council by Carmel Kilcoyne, the chamber was informed that the Dublin Road site was the most suitable area to construct a new grave yard.

The recommendation was made based on the assessment that the Dublin Road Site as one of only 2 out of 41 sites considered that “meets all of the criteria required”.

The report found that the site was ideally located, in close proximity to Bohermore cemetery and owned by the city council, on top of already being appropriately zoned.

In addition, it was noted that the Dublin Road site is on bus routes, has good access, footpaths and street lighting and it could be developed within a reasonably short period of time.

Fine Gael Councillor Frank Fahy welcomed the proposal, but pointed out that the land was adjacent to Fahys Field and hoped there would be no proposal to go onto the pitch.

Independent Councillor Donal Lyons maintained that there should be the provision of two new cemeteries for the east and west of the city respectively.

Some people raised concerns about the site with Mike Crowe remarking that it is “tight” and “landlocked”.

He also asked whether its location would make the traffic problem on the Old Dublin Road worse than it already is.

According to the 2016 census the population of Galway City stood at 79,504 which is an increase of 5.3% from 2011.

Burial records from Bohermore Cemetery and Rahoon Cemetery have revealed that from 2010 to 2015 there was an average of 302 burials per year with 50% of these burials in new plots.

Since Bohermore Cemetery stopped taking new grave plots this year, Rahoon cemetery is the only graveyard left accepting new burial plots in the city.

As a result of these recognised shortages there has been plans for the construction of a new cemetery in the city for a number of years.

The proposed site off the Dublin Road should go some way to alleviate the potential shortage of new plots in Galway City.

An Taisce objects to Connemara mining exploration licence

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July 13, 2019

Galway daily news People Before Profit joins opposition to Connemara mining plans

An Taisce has lodged an objection with the government against an exploratory mineral licence being granted to the Canadian mining company MOAG Copper Gold Resources.

The government has said that it intends to grant the Ontario based mining firm a licence to explore for gold and silver in an area west of Roundstone affecting the townlands of Boolagare, Callow, Dolan, Doohulla, Emlaghmore, Errisbeg West, Murvey, and Tullaghlumman Beg.

The granting of the exploratory licence only allows the MOAG to look for minerals in the area, and does not allow for any to be mined or processed.

However, Ian Lumley, An Taisce Advocacy Officer, said that “The granting of an Exploration License is a de facto acceptance by the State of the suitability of the area for mining extraction.”

“It clearly confers an expectation by the licensee investing in the exploration work that the State supports development in mining in the location identified, and that any mining license application will be treated favourably by the State and subject only to regulatory process.”

According to the public notice issued by the Department for Communications, Climate Action and Environment has said that the exploration process will be “non-invasive and of minimal environmental impact”.

However, An Taisce has that the exploration will be taking place in protected areas, including Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and proposed Natural Heritage Areas (pNHA) including Murvey Machair, Connemara Bog Complex, and Dogs Bay.

The environmental and heritage advocacy group has also said that there is simply not enough information available to back up the department’s claim that the work will be minimally invasive.

Their submission notes that are “significant legal questions to be raised on the lack of a Strategic Environmental Assessment of the current mineral exploration licencing regime in Ireland in screening mining exploration areas of location suitability”.

It added that the suitability of West Connemara and including the Roundstone Bog Special Area of Conservation for this exploration has not been properly considered.

“It is noted that the claim has been made by DCCAE that the area of the adjacent Connenara National Park to the north east of the redlined exploration application area will not be affected.

“It has been the longstanding concern of An Taisce that the extent of National Park boundary designations in Ireland is inadequate and that the Connemara National Park should be extended to include the full area of the 12 Bens as well as Roundstone Bog.”

“This would cover a significant part of the exploration license area,” the submission read.

A petition calling on the government to reverse its decision on the grounds of “threats to the health and wellbeing of the natural environment and that of the local community” has achieved over 5,200 signatures as of the time of writing.

“Mining is a process that is hugely destructive to land, water and air and to all who require these for their continued healthy existence,” the petition states.

“In this era of Climate Emergency and rapid species loss the granting of licenses to prospect is very much a step in the wrong direction.”

“It is at odds with the responsibilities of this government at this crucial time for the planet and all that live in it.”

photo credit: Gerd Eichmann

Paving new Pathways in Tuam with Galway 2020

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July 13, 2019

Galway Daily life & style Paving new paths in Tuam with Galway 2020

Paving New Pathways is a new festival exploring Tuam’s complex past and diverse present with Galway 2020.

This forward-thinking Galway 2020 Small Towns Big Ideas project emerged from discussions among the 3 Rings Festival Committee, the Irish Wheelchair Association and local artists of various cultural backgrounds.

According to 3 Rings Coordinator Marian Williams, “a common thread, of giving everyone in Tuam’s community a platform to celebrate their differences and connect in one place, became clear,” during their discussions.

The weekend festival starting on July 20 will include a roster of activities including a “human library”, an audio-visual exhibition, a heritage trail and a musical street spectacle.

As new cultures migrate to Tuam, there is a growing desire among residents to share and listen to one another’s stories. In collaboration with The Human Library, ’Unjudge Me’ will deliver the opportunity to do just that.

The Human Library is an international organisation founded in 2000 with the aim of addressing prejudice through communication, particularly among people who rarely get the chance to meet in everyday life.

This library answers patrons’ questions in loaning out people, rather than books. Those with an interest can visit Tuam Library at 3pm on Saturday to get their spot.

Taking place on the same day, ‘Echoes of Voices’ will present an audiovisual exhibition of stories, memories and interviews from members of Tuam’s Irish Wheelchair Association branch.

Recordings of four well-known Tuam folk songs will accompany the stories, in Spanish, French and Irish, thanks to the translation skills of local school children.

The exhibition will open upstairs in the Town Hall building, which also marks the final stop on the festival’s ‘Walk in their Footsteps’ trail on Saturday.

‘Walk in Their Footsteps’ traces a historic route through the town centre, inviting participants to leap back in time, exploring the lives of those who settled in Tuam long before them.

The trail is unique in that it focuses on commercial buildings such as Books ’n’ More, Fallons for Men and Geraghty’s, as well as heritage sites like The Old Barracks.

No festival is complete without a musical finale, and Sunday’s outdoor spectacle at the Shambles will not disappoint.

Katie O’Connnor of Citóg Records (another fantastic collective linked with Small Towns Big Ideas), will warm up the crowd at 8pm, making way for traditional musicians Tuam Comhaltas, along with singer-songwriter & Junior Eurovision contestant Ellen Keane.

Padraig Stevens and Leo Moran of the Saw Doctors will perform the famous Tuam Beat alongside 30 Drumadore drumming students, in a flash mob style never seen before.

A nod to Tuam’s European population, the flash mob will also partake in a choral rendition of the European theme song, Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy”.

Dance lovers can look forward to a variety of talent from Allstar cheerleading to competitive hip hop, as SL Dance Technic and Ace High Cheerleading & Gymnastics take to the streets.

Paving New Pathways is a gem on the Small Towns Big Ideas programme. Be pleasantly surprised this summer, and see for yourself what Tuam has to offer.

Eyre Square building being converted to boutique hotel

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July 13, 2019

Galway Daily news Eyre Square building being converted to hotel

A building on Eyre Square could be converted into a downtown boutique hotel under new development plans with the city council.

Planning permission is being sought to change the use of no. 23 Eyre Square, next door to St. Columba’s Credit Union, from Office and Residential to a 23 bedroom hotel

The full project would involve the demolition of sub standard additions at the rear of the terraced building and the construction of a new extension in its place.

Upgrading the existing three storey terraced building will provide eight en-suite bedrooms, a kitchen, dining room, and associated facilities according to the plans.

While the new extension will include another fifteen en-suite bedrooms for the hotel over four levels.

According to the plans there is no room on site for parking, but it is “more than adequately served by parking facilities within walking distance”.

An Architectural Heritage Assessment was submitted with this planning application.

The building in question is late Georgian, dating back to the 1820s, and is a Protected Structure.

“The building is of simple appearance, as is the rest of the terrace, but its strengths line in the fine classical proportions, the dominance of the regular fenestration, and the height of the building,” the AHA states.

However the extension to the rear was built in the late 20th century, and this application says is of poor quality and no architectural interest.

“The proposal will have an overall limited impact on the rest of the protected structure and Architectural Conservation Area,” other than the minimum alterations needed to allow the building to function according to the AHA.

“The front facade will not be altered in any way the new extension and other alterations to the

Galway City Council is due to make a ruling on this planning application by August 1.

Search for local champions to bring an international conference home to Galway

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July 13, 2019

Galway Daily business Champions sought to bring an international conference to Galway — members of the Board of Directors for Galway Convention Bureau. Photo:-Mike Shaughnessy / No Fee . Issued on behalf of GCB

The Galway Convention Bureau, which promotes Galway as a destination for international meetings, incentives, conferences and events, is looking for champions for Galway to help bring an international conference home.

In the last 18 months the bureau has secured just over €13 million of new conference and event business for Galway.

Together they will deliver over 8,125 international delegates to Galway in events to take place up to 2022.

A business visitor is worth up to three times more than a leisure tourist and meetings tend to take place outside the main summer months.

This benefits the local economy by extending the tourism season and making sure hospitality jobs don’t drift away from the west.

Galway Convention Bureau is looking for local champions who can help bring international events in to the city or county.

People who might be thinking of hosting an international conference can work with GCB on bringing that event west where it’s sure to go down well.

These champions are people who love Galway and have membership of international professional, corporate and industry association, along with the influence to bring in an international conference.

People like Anne Kinsella from Teagasc Galway who brought in the Agri Benchmark International Workshops and Global Forum Conference for Beef and Sheep 2018, with delegates representing over 30 different countries.

Or Frances Fahy and Kathy Reilly from NUI Galway who co-hosted EUGEO Congress on the Geographies of Europe May 2019 with over 450 delegates from 37 countries.

“I would encourage anyone who has international association or organisational links abroad and would like to bring an International conference to Galway, to contact the convention bureau,” said Rose Finn GCB General Manager.

“Galway Convention Bureau can support and work with you to win the conference business. We have a fantastic business tourism product in Galway, and winning this type of business is highly competitive, so we need our local champions to help make this happen”.

Galway has now been ranked as one of the top cities on the latest Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index, after an application led by GCB and supported by Fáilte Ireland

The GDS is a rating system designed to recognise responsible practices in the business tourism and events industry.

Galway is the only Irish destination that ranked in the top 20 for 2018, with other Irish cities and regions also being recognised for their green credentials.

This coupled with the European Green Leaf award and NUI Galway who was recently awarded the internationally recognised Green Flag accreditation for promoting sustainability and reducing its environmental impact, makes Galway the most sustainable destination in Ireland to host a conference.

Fáilte Ireland’s Meet in Ireland Manager, Ciara Gallagher, said: “Over 75 per cent of all international conferences that come to Ireland do so at the direct invitation of a local Irish member or host”.

This is encouraged by Fáilte Ireland through its Conference Ambassador Programme, which recruits influential people to help attract high profile events.

“We already have great Conference Ambassadors in Galway, who have secured excellent conferences in their area of expertise,” Ciara Gallagher added.

“Conferences like these are not only lucrative in terms of generating significant revenue for the region, they also leave a lasting legacy with regard to being recognised as a centre of innovation and excellence in these fields.”

“We are always looking to recruit expert Conference Ambassadors to help bring future business like this to Ireland and are on hand to help every step of the way.”

photo credit: Mike Shaughnessy

Galway’s heavy traffic prompts air pollution fears

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July 13, 2019

Galway Daily news Defiant car enthusiasts plan to go ahead with Salthill car meet

As a city packed with cars and other vehicles every day, any measuring of the air quality in Galway is sure to find unsafe levels of air pollution.

That’s the view of Galway East TD Anne Rabbitte who said that any air quality strategy to combat air pollution should include Galway City to ensure it meets EPA standards.

This comes as the EPA has issued a warning this week that the Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) levels in parts of Dublin have exceeded EU limits for the airborne pollutant.

NO2 emissions are is strongly connected to traffic levels, as one of the main sources of the pollutant is engines burning fossil fuels.

“Thanks to the EPA’s immediate alert, we have an insight into the damaging levels of air pollution in Dublin,” Anne Rabbitte said.

“Traffic volumes are only going one way and these disturbing findings are likely to be replicated in other cities.”

“In Galway, a city full of cars and other vehicles, I am certain we will have similar levels of air pollution.”

When issuing its warning in Dublin, the EPA said that if these levels stay above EU limits then the local councils will have to prepare air quality plans.

Ciara McMahon, the EPA’s Programme Manager said that a coordinated approach involving the government, local authorities, transport authorities, the EPA itself and the HSE is needed to tackle this problem and health issues that might arise from it.

Deputy Rabbitte said that the government should act to enable other local authorities to better monitor any potential air pollution.

“The government needs to immediately equip local authorities with the necessary equipment to monitor air quality so that people are aware of the pollution levels in their areas.”

“In a city so dependent on tourism it is vital we are not destroyed by air pollution and risk that industry’s viability.”

The Fianna Fáil TD said that the government must act immediately to publish a Clean Air Strategy.

Minister for Transport, Sport and Tourism Shane Ross, and Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment Richard Bruton said that many transport related actions recommended by the EPA are contained in the Climate Action Plan.

Photo Credit: Rufa A-Zade

Minister visits national school in urgent need of upgrade

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July 12, 2019

A government minister has visited Craughwell National School, which urgently needs upgraded according to one East Galway TD.

Minster Ciaran Cannon welcomed the visit of Minister Kevin Boxer Moran to the school today, and said that he has committed to working to ensure the school’s upgrade all the way to “the handing over of the keys”.

The Galway East TD invited Minister Moran to visit Craughwell NS “so that he could see for himself why the school urgently needs to be upgraded”.

Speaking after the visit, Minister Cannon said: “Mr Cormac O’Brien, Chairman of the Board of Management, gave the Minister a tour of the school and I’m very pleased to say that following his visit and inspection of the school premises, Minister Moran has convened a meeting of OPW architects for the 22 July so that they can provide a definitive timeline for the project, all the way through to completion.

“The Minister has also committed to giving me and the Board of Management regular updates so that the project cannot fall behind again with the very encouraging statement from Minister Moran that he will work with us all the way to “the handing over of the keys.”

Current tax relief on pensions just not working study says

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July 12, 2019

Galway Daily business How much will I need to save for my pension

A new report released from NUI Galway is saying that that the pension system in Ireland has failed and calls for revisiting the tax relief provisions on pensions.

The pensions study was taken against the backdrop of an ageing population, a problem that isn’t just confined to Ireland.

This poses a great challenge to the Irish government in maintaining the current level of pension provision when claims are going to keep on rising against the amount of people contributing to the system.

Like most countries, Ireland provides tax advantages and financial incentives to advance a policy goal of promoting savings in private pensions as a means to improve coverage and the overall adequacy of the incomes of older people.

In Ireland the tax reliefs are generous by international standards and include tax relief at the marginal rate of tax on pension contributions, and exempting the gross build-up of private pension funds.

However this report says that the tax sacrificed in the majority of cases as a result of the tax relief granted on pension savings raises questions of fairness and efficiency in relation to tax expenditure.

“Based on our findings, there is now a clear need to investigate the true cost to the taxpayer of the arguably overly generous provisions in the tax system for pensions,” said Dr Emer Mulligan, lead author of the study.

“Any investigation should cover the differential effects by gender and the relevance for those on low incomes, and consideration should be given to abolishing generous tax reliefs for a private pension.”

“The tax relief for pensions may well represent a good return on investment for individuals availing of it, but it does not appear to be achieving its objective of increasing pension coverage.”

According to the study some citizens see the tax relief on pension contributions as nothing more than an important way of reducing their tax liability, and accumulating wealth.

Many citizens were not aware that they could receive favourable tax treatment on any pension contributions they had made.

For others, in particular those on low incomes and in precarious jobs, the idea of tax subsidised retirement savings made little difference, as they did not have the capacity to either save or increase their savings for retirement.

This is highlighted as a major factor contributing to the gender gap in pensions in Ireland.

In addition, many people who took part seemed troubled by wealthy people receiving a subsidy they probably did not need according to the NUIG research team.

Mulligan also highlights the need to address the important issue of trust in the system: “I was particularly struck by the low level of trust interviewees who participated in the study have in the current pension system.

“They are concerned about how the Government is addressing the challenges we are facing with respect to pensions, and many interviewees spoke of their lack of trust in the ‘pensions industry’”.

She said that this is particularly troubling in light recent proposals on Automatic Enrolment where employers would introduce a workplace pension scheme and employees would be automatically enrolled in it.

“There is a real and urgent need now to build trust between citizens and government, pension fund managers, and financial intermediaries,” Dr Mulligan concluded.

Go ahead given for €5 million Renville sports ground

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July 12, 2019

Galway Daily news Letteragh housing estate gets planning approval

Galway county council has given the go ahead for a €5 million sports ground at Renville Park.

The modern sports ground will contain a wide range of sports facilities including three natural playing pitches, a synthetic all-weather pitch, and a looped walkway connecting it to existing recreational facilities at Renville West.

The pitches will have a retractable netting system 30m long and 15m high behind each goal and a covered terrace is included in the plans for one of the natural surface pitches.

To go with the main sports facilities, the plans also include public playground.

The multi-million euro sports facility will be served by 248 car parking space, 8 coach spaces and provision for internal access roads.

Plans for the sports ground were first submitted by the Renville Sports Project Committee, on behalf of Oranmore Maree GAA Club, last October after the club purchased the 34 acre site.

The chosen site is at Rinville West townland to the south west of Oranmore town and the north east of Maree.

It is meant to “provide for open and fully inclusive sporting participation to patrons of all ages and genders, at a centrally local venue (between Oranmore & Maree), equipped with all the necessary modern sporting an amenity facilities”.

The application said that the current club facilities being used by teams in the high population area are not enough to meet their needs.

Local opposition has been expressed to placing a sports ground of this scale in what has been characterised as a quiet rural area.

A total of ten objections to this project have been received by the county council saying that, among other things, the noise and light pollution from the facility would negatively impact on people living nearby.

Particular concern was expressed about the ability of the narrow local roads to handle the volume of traffic that match days would generate.

And An Taisce said that not enough information was included in the NIS about the potential impacts of this development on the Galway Bay conservation area and what mitigation efforts could be made in that area.

Multiple people also objected to the characterisation of the project as an expansion of existing facilities, saying that there are currently no sports facilities on the site and that this is a stand alone development.

Last December 5, when the county council was due to make a decision at the time, further information was requested on any features of archaeological interest and requesting revised drawing implementing the recommendations of the initial Road Safety Audit.

An Archaeological Impact Assessment with a test excavation was carried out and a report submitted to the council

The county council awarded planning permission with a total of 15 conditions attached.

None of the all weather pitches or the facility’s floodlights will be allowed to operate any later than 10pm at night.

The flood lighting itself must be designed to “shine on the ground plane only and ensure minimum light spillage onto neighbouring properties”.

Before any work begins on site the developer must submit a stage 2 Road Safety Audit and a Traffic Management Plan for the duration of construction.

A 15m buffer zone must also be created between the sports grounds and the recorded ringfort in the area, and an archaeologist must be hired to monitor all ground works during construction.

Should any more features of archaeological interest turn up during construction work on site must stop pending a decision on how best to handle them.

Process to install safety barriers on N65 takes major step forward

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July 12, 2019

The designs and tender documents are underway for safety barriers on the N65 near Kilmeen Cross, it has been confirmed.

The documents will be submitted to Galway County Council in mid-July.

Minister Ciaran Cannon confirmed that progress was being made and said that this is a huge step forward on the issue.

The Galway TD said he has been engaging with Transport Infrastructure Ireland for a number of months to ensure that safety barriers are installed ‘as a matter of urgency’.

“This route sees heavy traffic each day and while the works to resurface the section of the route known locally as the Bog Road have enhanced it considerably, the barriers are vital as the road is bounded on each side by a drop into drains and foliage”.

“I am delighted therefore to have received confirmation from TII that the risk assessments regarding the provision of safety barriers at this location are now complete,” said Ciaran Cannon.

Once the documents are submitted in mid-July, the Council will then procure a contractor for the works from TII’s framework and the works will be undertaken.

“This is a major step forward on the issue which will ensure that the correct safety infrastructure is in place for local communities and for motorists who use this route travelling between Portumna and Loughrea,” added Minister Cannon.

Galway students represent Ireland in European business competition

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July 12, 2019

Three Galway students have proudly represented their country at the Junior Achievement (JA) Europe Company of the Year Competition 2019 in France.

Stephen Connolly, Feidhlim Folan and Eanna Curran from Coláiste Cholmcille, Indreabhán, travelled to Lille in France with their business ‘SavetheSeas’.

Savetheseas is an online retail business which raises money for charities working to remove plastics from the ocean.

As winners of the Údarás na Gaeltachta Clár na gComhlachtaí in March this year, ‘SavetheSeas’ had the honour of representing Ireland in the prestigious pan-European stage of the competition.

The JA Europe Company of the Year Competition in Lille featured 200+ young entrepreneurs who had qualified at a national-level and were competing for the title of JA Europe Company of the Year.

A high-level panel of ten judges interviewed the contestants and evaluated their approach to communication, teamwork, problem-solving, objective- setting, planning and review, administration and financial systems, personnel management, product development, customer focus, marketing and sales, as well as financial results.

Last year, more than 345,000 students took part in the JA Company Programme across 40 countries.

Since its launch in 1919, the JA Company Programme offers students aged 15-18 the opportunity to learn how to move a business idea from concept to reality.

Throughout the school year, students produced a product or developed a service, creating their own company and managing their business from start to finish.

The winner of the JA Company of the Year Competition was Turkey, with their company ‘Entellacompany’ Entella Company created Mareen, a cylindrical filter that aids in waste capture and removal in the ocean and other bodies of water.

Following the competition the ‘SavetheSeas’ said: “Representing Ireland at the JA Europe Company of the Year Competition was amazing and a huge learning curve.

We have gone from being 3 ordinary teenagers in Connemara with an interest in technology and ocean and marine welfare to representing our school at national and European level.

During this experience we have interacted with experts in entrepreneurship in local companies and universities to being judged by a jury of international business leaders.

We have developed a multitude of skills throughout this project and are very grateful to Udaras na Gaeltachta and
Junior Achievement Ireland for this opportunity, which has further inspired and motivated us to continue with our company ‘SavetheSeas’.

Earlier in the school year ‘SavetheSeas’ had competed against more than 750 Transition Year students in seven Gaeltacht regions in Cork, Galway, Donegal, Kerry, Mayo, Meath and Waterford during the Údarás na Gaeltachta Clár na gComhlachtaí which is run in partnership with Junior Achievement Ireland (JAI).

SavetheSeas was mentored by their business studies teacher Máirín Ní Mhainnín and local business volunteer Kathleen McDonagh from GoWest.

The students also received workshops on entrepreneurship from John Breslin and Jonathan Levie of the National
University of Galway.

JAI is a part of JA Europe, the largest non-profit in Europe dedicated to preparing young people for employment and entrepreneurship.

This is the first time that winners of the Údarás na Gaeltachta Clár na gComhlachtaí had the opportunity to take part at the European level of the competition.

Applications open for stands at Food and Craft Gift Fair

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July 12, 2019