Two men appear in court over serious assault that left victim needing facial stitches

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July 4, 2019

Galway NUIG recruiting 100 households for air quality survey

NUI Galway is seeking 100 households to take part in an indoor environmental air quality survey.

Specifically the survey is looking to measure the air quality in homes that have been built recently to a higher energy efficiency standard in a bid to reduce our country’s climate change impact.

It aims to ensure these energy efficient measures are not adversely impacting upon the indoor air quality.

The research team, led by Dr Miriam Byrne and Dr James McGrath in NUI Galway’s School of Physics have initiated the project, which will investigate homes that have the highest energy efficiency standard, an ‘A’ Building Energy Rating (BER) certification.

The research team will use a remote sensor to continuously monitor air quality within the home for 18 months.

There are four main potential pollutants which they will be on the lookout for: Volatile Organic Compounds, Radon, Thermal comfort parameters (Temperature, Humidity and Pressure), and Carbon Dioxide.

Volatile organic compounds are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids such as paint, furniture polish, soap, varnishes, aerosol sprays and cleaning products.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas which has no taste, colour or smell and is regulated in Ireland by the Environmental Protection Agency.

The thermal comfort assessment measurements will evaluate people’s subjective comfort, how warm or how cold they feel within their homes.

While the carbon dioxide measurements are taken to assess ventilation systems effectiveness.

Principal Investigator, Dr Miriam Byrne said that they were delighted to have received funding fro the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland for this survey.

“There is a delicate balance to be struck between ensuring that a home is energy efficient, and also providing enough ventilation to guarantee acceptable indoor air quality.”

“The use of low cost sensors that wirelessly transmit data will allow us to collect detailed air quality and thermal data over a much longer period than has previously been possible.”

For people taking part in this survey, a researcher from NUIG will install a sensor about the size of a smoke alarm in four rooms of the house, the kitchen, living room, master bedroom and bathroom.

For the next 18 months these will relay information on the four pollutants to a remote monitoring team.

Participants will also be asked to fill in a sheet with questions on their home, such as heating and ventilation, as well as a thermal comfort survey and activity diary, activities such as cleaning and cooking, three times for the duration of this project.

The VALIDate project is funded by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).

For more information and to participate in the study contact, Dr James McGrath, School of Physics, NUI Galway at james.a.mcgrath@nuigalway.ie and 091 493437.

Galway medtech company signs multi year deal with NBA basketball team

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July 4, 2019

Galway daily business Galway medtech company signs multi-year deal with NBA basketball team

The Galway based medtech company Orreco, which specialises in sports performance bio-analytics, has signed a multi-year deal with the Atlanta Hawks NBA basketball team.

Orreco, which counts both NBA franchises and individual players, English Premier League side Newcastle United FC and elite sports organizations such as USA Swimming and Red Bull High Performance among its clients, will be providing the Hawks with their player bio-analytics services.

Using biomarkers, wearable technology and performance analytics Orreco help to cut down on player recovery time, optimize performance and help further reduce the number of training and games lost to illness/injury.

Ms Chelsea Lane, Atlanta Hawks Executive Director of Athletic Performance and Sports Medicine, said that they had selected Orreco for its reputation as a world leader in bio-analytics.

“They possess unrivalled expertise interpreting biomarker data and have critically peer-reviewed published science highlighting their work with elite athletes.”

“Our goal is to help our players understand how their recovery status impacts their performance and using this data to truly individualize their training.”

“We are very excited that Orreco has come on board as we at the Hawks enter a new chapter in our history.”

Orreco has extensive experience within the NBA having worked for the past seven seasons with both team franchises and individual athletes.

Through their long work with NBA players Orreco has learned how to manage the “Rookie Wall” and how to prolong veteran players careers’, while understanding the optimal workloads for a player’s body.

Dr Brian Moore, CEO of Orreco, said that their new partnership was an “exciting development” for the team.

“We look forward to working with Chelsea and her team supporting the Atlanta Hawks to make real-time data-driven decisions leveraging biomarkers and artificial intelligence.”

“The combination of the Hawk’s ambition, coaching and playing talent, alongside Orreco’s expertise and industry-changing technology is a tremendously exciting prospect.”

In Galway Orreco is based out of the NUI Galway Business Innovation Centre in Dangan, while also having offices in London and California.

Appeal lodged against rejection of Claregalway housing estate

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July 4, 2019

Galway Daily news Planning appeal over 91 houses & apartments in Athenry

An appeal has been lodged against a decision to refuse planning permission for a new housing estate at Lakeview, Claregalway.

DWK intended to demolish an existing single storey house on a large plot on the Lakeview Road and build a 30 unit housing estate in its place.

However the county council rejected their planning application last month, and DWK have now appealed that decision to An Bord Pleanála.

The design submitted was for 20 four bedroom semi-detached houses, 4 three bedroom semi-detached units, 3 four bedroom detached homes, 2 three bedroom terrace houses and 1 two bedroom terraced house.

These would be built around a cul de sac with vehicular access onto the Lakeview Road.

The plan attracted heavy local opposition with a total of 20 objections lodged by individuals and groups such as the Lakeview Residents Association, Claregalway Community Development Association, and county councillor Jim Cuddy.

Their concerns centred around traffic, road safety for pedestrians, and frequent local flooding.

It was also argued that this housing development would be poor planning policy, with both Claregalway Community Centre and Claregalway GAA working on plans to expand their facilities adjacent to the site.

The appeal was lodged with An Bord Pleanala against the decision to refuse planning permission on June 24.

It dealt with the two main areas which Galway County Council cited in rejecting the plans: the principle of the development, and traffic issues.

The county council said that the proposals would “materially contravene” elements of the Gaeltacht Plan which said that land designated Residential – Phase 2 should not be developed while there are Phase 1 lands available.

DWK is arguing that the Plan allows for development on Phase 2 lands “where it is apparent that ‘Residential – Phase 1’ lands cannot or will not be developed within the lifetime of the plan.

The developer went on to say that the current plan expires at the end of 2021 and of the five Phase 1 sites the found near Claregalway only one had a prior planning application which was rejected by the council and An Bord Pleanála; there are also no current live applications.

There is an “identified need for 100 new houses in Claregalway for the period 2015-2021” the appeal states, adding that “to date no units have been provided on Phase 1 Residential lands”.

The other reason the county council refused planning permission was that the “type and scale” of the proposed housing estate would be “premature pending the upgrade of the road network” in the area.

In response the developer said that the Lakeview road is a rural road in a “low speed environment”.

It was also argued that the design of the cul de sac and the junction where it meets the road took into account safety precautions recommended in a Road Safety Audit.

This appeal is due to be decided by An Bord Pleanála by October 29.

One man cycling the length of Great Britain for Galway Hospice

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July 3, 2019

Galway Daily news Galway Hospice charity cycle

One local volunteer will be cycling the length of Great Britain this summer in aid of Galway Hospice.

Pat O’Connell, who volunteers at Galway Hospice, will be making the cycle from Land’s End in southwest England to John O’Groats in northeast Scotland to raise money for the cause.

Land’s End to John O’Groats is a 1,349 km route from the extreme southern end of England in western Cornwall at the end of the Penwith peninsula, to it’s northern most point in mainland Scotland at northeastern Caithness.

The route is popular for walking, cycling, and more exotic methods of travel in modern times for people looking for a challenge or to support a worthy cause.

The fastest time set by a single cyclist on a regular bike is 43 hours, 25 minutes and 13 seconds, set by 40 year old Michael Broadwith last year.

Pat will begin his journey on July 25 and aims to reach his final destination on August 3.

He is raising money to support Galway Hospice and its #projectminibus online, with people able to make donations through a page on everydayhero.com.

Pat hopes to raise enough money to purchase a specially adapted minibus for Galway Hospice, which will assist with transport for patients with restricted mobility.

Hospice transport is used to bring patients to and from appointments, to and from the Inpatient Unit in Renmore, and on outings.

Last year alone, the Galway Hospice Community Palliative Care Team made over 7,000 visits to people in their own homes, while there were over 1,200 patient visits to the Hospice Day Care Unit in Renmore.

With an increase in demand for Hospice services, a new minibus is a much-needed resource.

You can follow Pat’s journey and support his efforts by visiting https://give.everydayhero.com/…/land-s-end-to-john-o-groats…

photo credit: Galway Hospice/Facebook

New music competiton is searching for Galway’s next star

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July 3, 2019

galway daily music competition four star — SLICE OF SUCCESS: (l-r) Christina Hamilton of Four Star Pizza joined Ronan OHagan of Molson Coors Ireland, John Paul Prior of MusicMaker music store and Niall McMonagle of Windmill Lane Recording Studios at the launch of Star Nation, a new all-Ireland music competition that gives aspiring songwriters and musicians a chance to win 3,000 of music gear, a recording session in one of Irelands most famous studios and a chance to play a showcase gig at top Irish venue Whelans in Dublin. Star Nation is the brainchild of Irish-owned pizza chain Four Star Pizza, which is calling on musicians across the four provinces to submit one original song for a unique opportunity to grab themselves a slice of success, increase their profile, and win some very tasty prizes. Full details on how to enter along with terms and conditions for entry, which must be read and agreed, can be found at www.fourstarpizza.ie/star-nation.

A new all-Ireland music competition has been launched to give aspiring songwriters and musicians a chance to win prizes such as €3,000 of music gear.

Star Nation is the brainchild of Irish-owned pizza chain Four Star Pizza, which is calling on musicians across the four provinces to submit one original song for a unique opportunity to grab themselves a slice of success, increase their profile, and win some great prizes.

Prizes include €3,000 of musical equipment from leading music store MusicMaker in Dublin, a one-day recording session at the renowned Windmill Lane Recording Studios, and a chance to perform live at the final showcase gig in Whelan’s, one of Dublin’s best known live venues which has hosted the likes of Arctic Monkeys, Jeff Buckley, Hozier, and Christy Moore.

Commenting on the new competition, Four Star Pizza Communications Executive Christina Hamilton said: “Ireland has always been a great breeding ground for original musical talent.

“For a relatively small population, we have produced some of the biggest musicians in the world, from U2 and Thin Lizzy, to Van Morrison and Snow Patrol, to Westlife and Boyzone… to mention but a few.

“The music industry is a tough one to break into with a number of obstacles facing aspiring musicians.

“By teaming up with MusicMaker, Windmill Lane and Miller, we have created Star Nation, a nationwide search to find Ireland’s best undiscovered songwriters and performers, and give them the equipment, recognition and platform they deserve.”

The competition is open to all genres of music and offers local artists and bands an opportunity to have their music heard by lots of people, and to win some amazing prizes.

“So whether you’re a solo singer or play in a band, a rapper, a potential rock star or country legend, we would encourage you to get writing and send us your songs. We can’t wait to hear them,” added Christina.

How to enter ‘Star Nation’ is free to enter and musicians can submit their track to Four Star Pizza online before the closing date of Wednesday July 31, 2019.

All entries must be completely original compositions and only one song per artist can be submitted. Entrants must be over 18, resident in the Republic or North of Ireland and willing to participate in promotional activity if selected.

A judging panel including representatives from Four Star Pizza, MusicMaker and Windmill Lane will select a winner from each province, with all four provincial winners receiving a day’s recording at Windmill Lane and a chance to play at the grand final showcase event in Whelan’s – where the overall winner will be revealed and pick up a further voucher for €3,000 of musical equipment.

Full details on how to enter along with terms and conditions for entry, which must be read and agreed, can be found at www.fourstarpizza.ie/star-nation.

Hundreds expected to descend on Loughrea for Triathlon Festival next month

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July 3, 2019

Approximately 700 competitors are expected to descend on Loughrea next month for the Loughrea Triathlon Festival

The festival, which is set to return on Sunday, 4 August, has announced that Aon will be this year’s headline sponsor.

A new feature this year is The Aon Corporate Challenge, a three-person corporate team relay.

Organisations for around the country will compete against each other in the challenge, which involves one person from the team completing each element of the triathlon.

With a 750m swim, a 20km cycle and a 5km run the relay is not just for seasoned athletes, but also for those interested in competing for the first time.

In addition to The Aon Corporate Challenge the festival will also hold a sprint race from the BMW Triathlon National Series and youth national championship races.

The festival raises much needed funds for the local Predator Tri Club which runs senior and junior triathlon events and squads.

David Barrett, Aon’s Assessment Solutions CCO said: “We are thrilled to announce our partnership with the Loughrea Triathlon Festival.

“It’s a very exciting to be involved with the festival as it’s a key event in the Loughrea summer calendar and we’re delighted to give employees from organisations the opportunity to participate and experience a triathlon and add to the sense of sport with the Aon Corporate Challenge’’.

Calls for investigation into preventable deaths at Galway University Hospital

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Paul Kelly

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July 3, 2019

The number of preventable deaths at University Hospital Galway caused by ‘severe’ overcrowding must be investigated.

That’s according to Sinn Féin’s General Election candidate Mairéad Farrell, who this morning called for an investigation following the publication of new figures by the HSE.

These figures revealed that emergency full capacity protocol was invoked 135 times in Galway University Hospital in the first 5 months of the year.

Farrell raised grave concerns over this declaring that ‘full capacity protocol is a hospital’s highest measure for dealing with emergency department overcrowding’.

The Sinn Féin activist maintained that ‘in a properly functioning health service, it should be implemented only in exceptional circumstances’.

Despite this, she claims that hospitals are implementing the protocol nearly every single day due to ‘chronic overcrowding and understaffing’.

She expressed her dismay that the emergency measure has been invoked so frequently within only the first 5 months of the year.

This was used as evidence that the health service was ‘beyond crisis point, for patients and staff’ and that this was detrimental to patients.

She referred to the remarks made by Dr. Fergal Hickey, former president of the Irish Association for Emergency Medicine, who claimed that 350 patients are dying each year as a result of overcrowding in Irish hospitals.

“When full capacity protocol is invoked, much of the normal activity of the hospital is suspended, additional patients are moved onto wards and hallways outside of emergency units and oftentimes elective surgeries at the hospital can be cancelled,” she said.

Mairéad Farrell praised the fantastic work of HSE staff despite being overworked and working under extreme pressures.

She noted that without them the overcrowding situation would be further exacerbated.

Farrell outlined her solutions to the overcrowding crisis which included expanding primary care, increasing the capacity of hospitals, and hiring more staff.

Huge increase in farm plastic recycling welcomed

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July 3, 2019

Galway Daily news Farmers getting €13.4 million basic payment scheme refunds

An increase of almost 90% since last year in the amount of farm plastic packaging being brought for recycling has been welcomed.

Minister Ciaran Cannon said that this increase shows increasing awareness among the farming community of the importance of recycling to the local environment.

The Fine Gael TD said: “I’m delighted to see the ongoing commitment of our agricultural sector to care for the environment with farm plastic bring centres available in recent weeks in Ballinasloe and Mountbellew in addition to other venues about the country.

“I also commend the work being done by the Irish Farm Films Producers Group in facilitating the amount of farm plastics packaging waste, – comprised of the likes of fertiliser bags, plastic drums and feed bags – being collected, which has seen the huge increase since last year of 88%.

“I also agree with the observation from the IFFPG that this indicates an increase in numbers using the facility afforded by the various bring centres particularly in light of the milder winter and the consequently reduced amounts of fodder tapped into.”

Minister Cannon added: “While this increase is a mark of the convenience of facilities like this, it is also a sign of the recognition of its crucial importance to the local environment and I wish to acknowledge the work being done by our farming community in ensuring that farm plastic packaging waste is correctly collected and recycled.”

Vacant Westside pub to be converted into tourist accommodation

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July 3, 2019

Galway daily news Plans to convert vacant westside pub to tourist accommodation

Plans have been submitted to the city council to convert a vacant pub at Westside Shopping Centre in tourist accommodation.

Planning permission is being sought to convert the former Westside Tavern into tourist accommodation with 20 en suite bedrooms.

This would create a total of 43 bed spaces, and the project would also include a restaurant and dining area, as well as associated site works.

The restaurant will serve the guests staying here, but is also intended to be open to the local public.

Westside Tavern closed around 18 months ago after many years serving as a pub in the area.

In the time since then “no sustainable model has been put forward to reopen it as a public house” according to a design report from William O’Connor Measured Building Surveys.

The developer notes that while externally the building is an “eyesore”, it is in good structural condition and “would benefit greatly from a makeover”.

“Our clients are experienced Tourist Accommodation providers and see a clear and definite need to provide such accommodation at this location”.

The application notes that westside is a “gateway to a much greater expanse of residential areas leading all the way to Barna Road and Salthill”.

“With the addition of commercial activities around Westside, Knocknacarra, and Salthill out clients see a need for accommodation to cater for the needs of short term visitors in both the tourism and business sectors”.

Currently, the developer says “people overnighting for business or visiting relations in the area have little choice but to look for accommodation in the city centre or Salthill”.

The planning documents note that there are 13 car parking spaces directly adjacent to the premises on the northern end, one of which is a disabled space.

The developer also points to the large car park to the front of Westside Shopping Centre, adding that “demand generated by this proposal will generally be for the night time, evenings, and early morning.”

Submissions concerning this development can be made to the city council until June 27.

A final decision is due on this planning application by July 18.

Galway Simon finds zero city rental properties within HAP limits

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July 3, 2019

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

There are zero rental properties in Galway city available within HAP limits according to the latest study by the Galway Simon Community.

The Locked Out of the Market XIV report released this week by Galway Simon found an average of just 24 properties to rent in Galway city during the three day snapshot in April 2 – 4.

Of those, not a single once was available for a price within Rent Supplement/HAP limits across the four categories according to the housing charity.

The study found that rent for one-bed properties available in Galway City was between €920 and €1600 monthly, and between €960 and €1,950 for two-bedroom properties.

Karen Feeney, Head of Client Services at Galway Simon Community said the private rental market is not adequate to deliver the level of social and affordable housing required locally, and that other approaches, as well as preventative measures, are vital going forward.

“We support many people through our services who rely on Housing Assistance Payments (HAP), and there are thousands more in the community who also rely on this to survive.”

“However, the latest Simon Communities study shows that affordability of rent is a huge issue as there is very clearly a significant gap between the HAP limits and market rents.”

“We know too well that people who pay these top ups in rent, can end up having to choose between essential bills like heat, light or food and paying their rent.”

“It’s a vicious cycle and unfortunately people end up paying the ultimate price through involuntarily becoming homeless”, Karen said.

Galway TDs call for opposition to EU-Mercosur beef trade deal

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July 3, 2019

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

Multiple Galway TDs are calling on all of Ireland’s representatives to oppose a beef trade deal negotiated by the EU with a bloc of South American countries.

The Mercosur trade deal between the EU and Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay covers a wide array of goods and services including the beef sector.

One of the measures in the proposed deal would allow 99,000 tonnes of beef from those South American countries to enter the EU at a preferential tariff rate.

This has gone down extremely badly across Ireland as political and farming representatives feel that the agricultural sector has been let down to protect industrial interests.

Galway TDs Michael Fitzmaurice, Seán Canney, and Denis Naughten have all called for Ireland’s representative on the EU stage to work towards getting the proposals in their current form changed.

Galway East TD Seán Canney said that “these are not good proposals for the Irish beef industry.”

He added that while international trade deals are important, it is “regrettable” that preferential tariffs are being offered for beef imports from outside the bloc “particularly in light of the challenges presented by Brexit”.

Michael Fitzmaurice went further and said that this deal would “send the beef price in Ireland into a further downward spiral” in a massive threat to farmers already struggling.

He added that the €1 billion support package that has been proposed to keep Irish beef farmers afloat after Brexit “wouldn’t come close to counter acting the fall out that will result if this deal goes through.”

“This deal flies in the face of what the old EU stood for; community. This deal will devastate rural communities, particularly in the west of Ireland where suckler and beef farming are prevalent.”

Galway-Roscommon TD Denis Naughten added that the agreement “not only undermines the livelihoods of farmers but is also damaging to our climate”.

“The EU already produces enough beef to meet its needs and beef production in the EU is four times more carbon efficient than Brazilian beef imports,” stated Deputy Naughten.

He added that 11% of the emissions from food production are directly linked to transportation, and with that in mind it makes more sense from a climate perspective to source food from within the bloc where possible.

“The EU & its Member States cannot accept a situation where trade agreements lead to an overall increase in global emissions, by shutting down production in Europe and pushing up emissions in other parts of the world.”

Deputy Fitzmaurice called on the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Phil Hogan; the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar; and all of Ireland’s MEPs to reject this agreement.

“Commissioner Hogan tried to downplay the impact this agreement would have on farmers here, but in reality the deal is mutton dressed as lamb.”

“It is time for Varadkar and Hogan, along with our MEPs, to fight the corner for Irish farmers. I am also calling on Varadkar to hold a vote on the topic in the Dail chambers as soon as possible so that there can be no confusion surrounding our stance on this matter,” he concluded.

The 150th Galway Races are officially launched

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July 3, 2019

Galway Daily sport Black Corton and Bryony Frost out to give Paul Nicholls second thetote.com Galway Plate

The Galway Races have officially launched this week, starting the countdown for the 150th festival extravaganza later this month.

On Monday, July 29 Galway Racecourse will kick off its 150th summer festival with thousands of people expected in town for the seven day Galway Races.

Prizemoney has been boosted to a record-breaking level in Galway to over €2.3 million this year, more than quarter of million higher than in 2018.

With 52 races taking place over the seven days, each feature race offer a minimum prize value of €130,000 while the rest of the races will have a purse of at least €17,000.

The hotly contested thetote.com Galway Plate on Wednesday July 31, a race synonymous with Galway and key to the history of the Festival, now has a prize of €300,000, an increase of €50k on last year.

President Michael D. Higgins is once again expected to present the Galway Plate to winning connections in a race that has produced some incredible winners such as Carlingford Lough, Road To Riches and the 2017 winner Balko Des Flos to mention a few.

The Galway Races are one of the major summer events for drawing visitors to Galway, contributing over €54 Million to the local economy.

To celebrate their 150^th birthday and to thank their customers for all their support over the years, Galway Races have a special offer on general admission tickets with €5 off each ticket until July 5.

Corporate hospitality is once again proving very popular at the Ballybrit venue, with the first five days now sold out with active waiting lists and limited availability for the weekend.

Guinness has announced that it is renewing its sponsorship with the races for another five years, continuing a partnership that has lasted more then five decades.

Paddy Carberry, Sponsorship Manager at Diageo, said they were delighted to continue with their “longstanding commitment to the Galway Races”.

“We’re looking forward to another brilliant racing festival this summer and seeing who comes in at the Guinness Galway Hurdle”

Of course any summer event in Galway has to come with a lively dose of music and the arts, and the Galway Races are no different.

Irish artist John Behan, a sculptor of international appeal, was commissioned last year by the Races to create a piece of life size art entitled “Leading in the Winner” to celebrate the 150^th anniversary at Ballybrit.

His sculpture will be revealed on the opening day and adorn the winners rung throughout the week of the summer festival.

The Galway Tenors, Frank Naughton, Sean Costello and Alan Greaney, will kick off the week with a rousing performance as the horses cross the first post on the opening race.

They’re just the first in a wide musical lineup with 47 live acts performing over the seven days including the Galway Girl Dancers, Havana Club, The Conquerors, Bongo Steve, The Gamblers, DJ’ Ronan Lardner plus lots more.

Then on Wednesday get your dancing shoes ready and join professional dancer Niall Doorhy and friends for a country music day.

If you want to get in on the music gig yourself then you’re in luck as this year also features a singer songwriter competition where one lucky person will take home €1,000 and get the chance to perform live for the crowds.

“Galway and the West of Ireland is bursting with musical talent,” said Michael Moloney General Manager of Galway Racecourse.

“All you have to do is walk down Shop Street in the heart of Galway City on any given day and you’re met with an array of fantastic musicians.”

“We want to reward that talent and what better time than our 150^th birthday. We are now inviting all musicians and singer songwriters to take part. We can’t wait to hear what you have in store for us”.

For more information about everything that’s coming up and to book tickets to this Summer’s 150^th Galway Races visit www.galwayraces.com.

Two in five septic tanks in Galway county are faulty according to the EPA

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July 3, 2019

Galway daily news Almost half of septic tanks failed inspections in Galway in 2022

Two out of every five septic tanks in Galway county are faulty according to a new report published by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Ireland’s local authorities are required to inspect domestic waste water treatment systems, of which 90% are septic tanks, under the EPA’s National Inspection Plan.

Galway County Council carried out inspections on 192 DWWTS in the period of 2017 – 2018, finding that 39% failed to meet standards.

Galway city reported the lowest failure rate of any council in Ireland in the latest inspections, with 0% of inspected DWWTS failing.

But the city council only carried out inspections on two systems in 2017 – 2018, also the lowest required amount in the country.

Urban areas in general only inspected a small number of systems with South Dublin carrying out four inspections and Dún Laoghaire Rathdown also carrying out two, though the council was required to inspect seven.

Galway city also had the lowest rate of repairs done to septic tanks which failed between 2013 – 2018 with just 20% of broken systems fixed.

The repair rate in Galway county for systems that were found faulty in the same period was 49%, the fifth lowest in the country.

Faulty septic tanks can lead to untreated waste water leaching into the surrounding soil or potentially contaminating groundwater.

A serious concern about septic tank pollution is that there are roughly 165,000 households in Ireland that have both a domestic waste water treatment system and a well.

This can expose household water supplies to contamination from bacteria and waste water that poses a particular risk to infants and elderly people.

Poorly treated sewage may also contain excessive amounts of phosphorus and nitrogen which can pollute rivers, lakes and coastal waters.

Commenting on the report, Dr. Tom Ryan, Director of the EPA’s Office of Environmental Enforcement said, “If you do not maintain your septic tank, it can contaminate your own or your neighbour’s well or your local stream, putting your health at risk and that of your family and neighbours.”

He added that “You can take simple steps to maintain your septic tank by making sure it is not leaking, ponding or discharging to ditches and by cleaning it out regularly.”

In total the EPA reviewed over 2,000 inspections carried out by local authorities on water water treatment systems and found that nearly half failed to meet standards.

The high rate of failures was mainly due to construction defects and householders not cleaning/maintaining their system.

Overall nearly one third of systems which were found to be defective between 2013 – 2018 still have not been fixed according to the EPA.

Noel Byrne, Senior Scientist in the EPA’s Office of Environmental Enforcement, said that it is important that householders fix issues once they have been detected.

“To improve water quality, the government’s proposed expanded septic tank grant scheme, due to be launched later this year, will increase the maximum grant aid available to €5000 and remove the means test requirements.”

The current National Inspection Plan for domestic waste water treatment systems covers the period from 2018-2021.

Under the plan, local authorities are required to undertake a minimum of 1,000 inspections each year, distributed by risk across the country.

Galway teachers celebrated at unique training event

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July 2, 2019

Teachers from Galway have been celebrated for completing unique project management training held by Junior Achievement Ireland (JAI).

The teachers who took part were Tara Whyte from Merlin College, Orla Casby from Mercy College Tuam, Aisling Collins from Gort Community School, Bríd Dunne of Portumna Community School and Rose Conway from Presentation College, Headford.

They joined other educators from around the country at a celebratory event on completion of the Teacher PM & PBL Training Initiative which is run with the grant support of the Project Management Institute Educational Foundation (PMIEF).

The initiative, which is now in its second year, is run in conjunction with Junior Cycle for Teachers (JCT) and delivers project management and project-based learning training and mentoring to teachers.

Thirty-six second level teachers participated nationwide this year, aiding their pedagogy and assisting in providing high-quality instruction for students.

The Teacher PM & PBL Training Initiative is fully aligned with Key Skills, which help learners develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes to face the many challenges in today’s world and are at the heart of the new junior cycle specification.

Project management training for educators enables innovative and effective project based learning and allows teachers to use Project Based Learning (PBL) to bring key skills to life in classrooms.

The initiative began with an intensive week-long training in project management fundamentals followed by participation in PMIEF’s ‘Managing the Learning Project’ micro-credential programme.

Earning the micro-credential allowed teachers to provide easily verifiable evidence of their knowledge and experience in integrating project management into their instruction for enhanced student learning and outcomes.

To conclude the initiative a number of teachers have been selected to study at the Buck Institute for Education’s annual PBL World conference in Napa, California to further build their capacity to integrate project management into their classrooms.

All participants will now go on to promulgate PBL within their own classrooms and schools with the support of their colleagues.

Teachers from twelve different counties (Carlow, Cork, Donegal, Dublin, Galway, Laois, Limerick, Louth, Monaghan, Sligo, Waterford, Wexford), a wide range of both subject areas (including Science, Maths, Business and English) and schools (Community Colleges, Community Schools & Volunteer Community Schools) are represented which allows for shared learning and collaborative practises which otherwise may not be possible.

The initiative is part of a wider collaboration between JAI and PMIEF to develop project management skills in classrooms nationwide. 2,000 students have completed the PM Skills for Life programme since its inception in the 2015/16 school year.

The programme facilitated by industry volunteers brought TY students through the core principles of project management after which they actioned their own projects demonstrating the skills they acquired through participation.

The event attendees experienced first-hand the learning impacts of the PM Skills for Life programme as transition year students from St Munchin’s College, Corbally, Limerick demonstrated how they developed project management skills.

Tara Whyte a participating teacher in Merlin College, Galway said: “I am delighted to have participated in this wonderful initiative which has empowered me to utilise project management in my classroom, enhancing my instructional abilities as well as ultimately improving my students’ outcomes by helping them to also acquire and apply project management knowledge to their learning, especially those that are project-based.”

Jeannette Barr, Executive Director of PMIEF said: “The 21st century demands a skilled workforce that drives organizational success and meaningfully contributes to the global economy.

“This requires the abilities to think critically, communicate effectively, and collaborate thoughtfully, competencies inherent to project management.

“PMIEF is delighted our partnership with Junior Achievement Ireland professionally develops teachers to integrate project management into their curricula so they can more deeply engage students and help them strengthen these capabilities.”

Helen Raftery, CEO of Junior Achievement Ireland, said: “We are proud to partner with PMIEF to
develop teachers’ project management competencies, both to enhance their pedagogy and build
confidence in deploying project based learning, which will ensure that second level school students
gain an even better understanding of project management fundamentals, which are ultimately skills
for life.”

Mayor of Galway to open Creative Makers pop-up shop

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July 2, 2019

Galway daily life & style Mayor of Galway to open Creative Makers pop up shop

Mayor of Galway Mike Cubbard will officially open the 3^rd annual Creative Makers Galway summer pop-up shop at the Cornstore in the coming weeks.

The Creative Makers pop-up shop runs throughout the Galway International Arts Festival from July 16 – 28 at the Middle Street venue.

This is the third summer that the pop-up shop has been part of the activity that takes place during the Galway International Arts Festival.

Galway Creative Makers is a group of creatives who produce premium quality, Irish made products and showcase them for the people of Galway at the pop up show run with the support of the Local Enterprise Office Galway.

This year the group has increased in number to 35, with 25 of these exhibiting at this summer during the arts festival.

The pop up shop will feature a wide selection of locally produced craft including jewellery, candles, soaps, ceramics, original art, greeting cards, notebooks, calendars, children’s books, wood crafted pieces and pottery.

Mayor of Galway, Councillor Mike Cubbard, will formally open the pop-up shop at 2pm on Tuesday, July 16.

We are very excited about this year’s pop-up during the Arts Festival” says Joanna Cronin, of Peppermint Jewellery.

“And with their Box Office changing location to the Cornstore this year, we are even more excited, and can’t wait to share the Cornstore with the Festival Box Office staff, volunteers & customers.”

The 25 craft makers and designers taking part in this popup are Scents of Galway, Fiona Concannon Artist, Peppermint, Marlene Dahl, Dobos Ceramics, Saileen D Arts, Catherine Dunne, Studio C, Pat Flannery Artwork, Lorraine Fletcher Art Studio, Claire Guinan Art, The Owl Tree, Berina Kelly Jewellery, Carol Kelly Artwork, Black River Silver, Airmid Skincare, Burren Flower Fairies, Mannifacture, Ambrose and Brid, David Bog O’Malley, Ciara O’Neill Art, Free to Create, The Soap Room, Glassix and Rachel Webb Ceramics.

photo credit: Martina Regan

Galway U20 footballe side named to face Roscommon

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July 2, 2019

Galway daily sport Galway U20 side named to face Roscommon

Galway U20 football manager Padraig Joyce and his selectors have named their starting team for tomorrow night’s game against Roscommon.

Wednesday’s match between Galway and Roscommon is for the Connacht U20 football championship.

The two sides will meet at Kiltoom, Co. Roscommon, with throw in a 7:30pm.

The full Galway GAA side named is:

Oran Burke (Corofin)
Ross Mahon (Corofin)
Sean Mulkerrins (Capt – Oileáin Arann )
Eoin McFadden (Salthill/Knocknacarra)
Liam Boyle (Kilkerrin Clonberne)
Ciaran Potter (Annaghdown)
Jack Kirrane (Milltown)
Mathias Barrett (Leitir Mor)
Michael Collins (Tuam Stars)
Matthew Tierney (Oughterard)
Gavin Burke (Corofin)
Ben O’Connell (Tuam Stars)
Darragh Silke (Corofin)
Padraig Costello (Dunmore MacHales)
Rory Cunningham (St Brendan’s)

Inspection raises concerns about staffing and management at Kilcolgan Nursing Home

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July 2, 2019

Galway daily news Day services in Loughrea remain in limbo

The Health Information and Quality Authority raised concerns about the management and staffing levels of Kilcolgan Nursing Home in a report published this week.

An unannounced inspection of Kilcolgan Nursing Home owned by Mowlam Healthcare Unlimited Company was carried out by HIQA on March 5 and 6 of this year.

It has space for 48 residents in total, one regular unit which can accommodate 30 residents, and a dementia specific unit with room for 18 people.

The inspection found the nursing home to be Compliant or Substantially Compliant in 14 areas of regulation.

But the inspector also noted that the home was Not Compliant in a further eight areas concerning staffing, management, and the quality of the premises.

The inspection report notes that residents said that the staff at the home to be “kind and respectful” and that they felt safe there.

However it was added that “Residents told the inspector that they were not happy with how long they had to wait for the nurse call bells to be answered”.

Some residents reported having to wait ten minutes or longer for the bell to be answered. When it was they were often told that the would be assisted as soon as possible.

Multiple residents said that there were not enough staff on duty, and one mentioned a high turnover rate that made it difficult to get familiar staff.

The unannounced inspection was triggered by information received about inadequate management, and a lack of timely care and clinical direction.

A compliance plan had been issued after a previous inspection in August 2017, and two actions from that plan had to be restated after this inspection.

The inspector said that there were significant gaps in the staffing complement, noting that in one example in the week prior there was no staff rostered for the 10am-10pm shift created to address staffing concerns.

In the three weeks prior to this inspection a total of 14 times were noted where “the actual number of staff on duty was less than the planned number of staff required.”

The inspector spoke with several staff members who said they had “raised concerns about the level of staffing in the nursing home with the nurse management team.”

The level of training provided to staff was also deemed insufficient, with one staff member untrained in fire evacuation procedures after several weeks.

Records were also “not securely stored in the centre” with many resident files kept in a container in a communal area that was not securely locked.

Government and management was deemed insufficient for “inadequate resources” to ensure the “effective delivery of care” according to the HIQA inspector.

In addition the quality of the premises was deemed insufficient. On the day of the inspection there was only one person to clean the entire building as the second was off and had not been replaced.

One observations the inspector said that multiple areas of the premises were unclean and poorly maintained.

There were also issue with infection control protocols as the provider “failed to ensure that procedures, consistent with the standards for infection prevention and control published by the Authority were implemented by staff”.

In the areas of individualised care for patients the inspection noted that care plans were not consistently reviewed in consultation with residents and families and there were also issues with the management of challenging patient behaviour.

An urgent compliance plan for the nursing home was put together by HIQA after the inspection.

Man sentenced for shouting obscenities at wife in breach of barring order

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July 2, 2019

Galway Daily courts Man sent to trial charged with pulling knife on Garda

A man was sentenced to four months in prison for breaching a barring order against him when he shouted obscenities at his wife late last year.

Galway District Court dealt with the case concerning the breach of a barring order by a man against his wife during an in camera session this week.

The court heard that the women was staying at a refuge in the city with four of her children, while another daughter lived with her father.

The court heard that last December 12 the woman’s daughter had come to the refuge, having been dropped off by her father, to collect some items from her mother.

After the daughter collected the items that she came for she returned to her father’s car, and he began to drive away from the area.

The woman said that while she was still standing at the door of the refuge the man stopped the car while still near the refuge and began yelling obscenities at her, with insults such as “whore” and “prostitute” used.

She gave a statement to the gardaí about this in early January after reporting a second incident, which the court said did not meet the threshold of an offence.

Gardaí said that the camera at the entrance to the refuge did not capture the man in the December incident, but added that it only covers half of the entrance.

The man said in court that he has never used language like that in front of his children, or personally come near the refuge.

Judge Mary Fahy imposed a four month prison sentence for the breach of the barring order, saying that this language was “not acceptable to be used against anyone”, but was worse still “with a child present, and against her mother”.

The man in question is currently serving a nine month prison sentence for an assault on his wife.

The four month sentence handed down by Galway District Court will commence after the completion of that period.

Afterwards he is to have no contact with his wife except by arrangement or through a social worker.

Updated Athenry Wastewater Treatment Plant to open next week

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July 2, 2019