COPE welcomes new postal service for the homeless

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April 5, 2019

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

Two Mental Health units connected to Merlin Park Hospital were found to have critical risk breaches of regulations according to a recent report.

The Child and Adolescent Mental Health unit at Merlin Park was found to be in breach of regulations governing risk management for patients and staff according to a report from the Mental Health Commission.

The report stated that the in-patient centre was “unable to ensure the safety of residents or staff” due to its layout.

It centred on the design of the seclusion unit, which put staff in danger in the event of an assault due to its confined space.

Also noted in the report was that the seclusion unit lacked adequate toilet and washing facilities, adding that they “were not furnished, maintained, and cleaned to ensure respect for resident dignity and privacy.”

However commenting on this unit Dr Susan Finnerty, Inspector of Mental Health Services for the Mental Health Commission said that while many of these types of units struggle with regulations, Merlin Park had the highest compliance rating of 88%.

She also noted that CAMHS (Galway) had the first national pilot advocacy group in the HSE for the young person.

“This enables the young person to voice their views and concerns, and explore their options and rights to enable them to make informed decisions.”

“These new initiatives are heartening as the patient is placed front and centre of the care they receive.”

Further breaches were noted at Woodview, a 21 bed unit on the hospital campus where the Commission found two areas of concern for its premises and storage and administration of medication.

It found that hygiene was not adequately maintained to support food safety requirements, with a deep clean needed in the kitchen facility.

The facility was also generally found to be in a poor state of repair with numerous broken light, rotting wood, non-functional fixtures and peeling paint.

Dr Finnerty said in relation to Woodview “There had been no significant improvement in compliance with regulations, rules and codes of practice over the past three years.”

She said that in 2016 the unit was 61% compliant, which climbed to 73% in 2017, before falling to 68% in 2018.

Action Notices were issued by the Commission in connection with both mental health units and worked with them closely to see their plans were implemented.

Proposed ban on microbeads will help to protect oceans

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April 5, 2019

A new Bill designed to ban microbeads has been added to the Government’s priority legislation programme, a Galway West TD has said.

The priority list, published this week by Government focuses on areas including housing, climate action and the environment, healthcare, social welfare and gender equality.

Speaking after the Government announced its priority legislation programme for the summer session, Hildegarde Naughton TD said that it is great to see the Microbeads Bill included.

“Coming from a coastal county I know all too well the importance of clean oceans. Fishing is a huge part of the Galway economy and it sustains communities right around Ireland. We have a responsibility to do everything we can to protect and promote this integral Irish industry.

“As Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action, I have spent recent months working with my colleagues to produce on an all-party report which will feed into the Government’s plan on climate action. It is an ambitious report with a range of actions.

“This Bill banning microbeads complements these actions in our report. The legislation is integral to ensuring the protection of our oceans, by cleaning up the very serious plastic pollution we are currently experiencing,” she said.

Heads of the Microbeads Bill were approved by Government on 16 October last year.

Deputy Naughton added: “I am delighted the Bill has now been added to the Government priority list and will be published and introduced in this Oireachtas session between now and the summer.

“I look forward to working on the Bill when it comes to the Dáil.”

UHG is the second most overcrowded hospital in Ireland today

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April 5, 2019

Galway Daily news Cardiac care investment in Galway

UHG is the second most overcrowded hospital in Ireland today with 56 people on trolleys.

Trolley Watch figures from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation for today show that only Limerick is more overcrowded than UHG with 60 people on trolleys.

Trolley and Ward Watch from the INMO keep track of the number of patients on trolleys or stuck without a proper bed in overcrowded wards each day.

There are an additional 16 people without a bed at Portiuncula Hospital.

Last month UHG was the third most overcrowded hospital in the country, with 722 patients on trolleys.

INMO general secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha has said that overcrowding remains endemic in Irish hospitals due to a lack of investment.

“If our health service doesn’t see staffing and capacity increases, conditions will only worsen for patients and staff alike,” she warned.

A new Emergency Department for UHG which has been in the works for some time is not expected to be completed until 2023.

Craughwell GAA club building astroturf playing area

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April 5, 2019

Galway Daily sport Loughrea school adding all weather playing pitch

Sean McDermot GAA club in Craughwell is upgrading its facilities with a new astroturf playing area and parking facilities.

The county council awarded planning permission for an astroturf playing are 40m wide and 80m long which will be lit by six 10m high floodlights at the GAA club in Crinnage, Craughwell.

The GAA club also to install a 1.2m high security fence surrounding an area near the existing playground to create an exclusive parking area for the playground, and to install separate entrances to the GAA facility and playground.

One submission to the council expressed concerns about the lack of any clearly defined boundary around the carpark, which is currently a grassy area, in the initial plans.

In November the county council requested further information from the club seeking clarity on the boundary wall which will be in place and drainage plans which were answered last month.

Galway county council granted planning permission for the astroturf area with a total of nine conditions attached.

Childcare Centres forced to close down due to high insurance

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April 5, 2019

The government has been criticised for its ‘lack of action’ regarding business insurance premiums which are leading to the closure of many creches, play centres and childcare businesses closing.

Galway East TD Anne Rabbitte said the government cannot stand off this issue, claiming parents, children and businesses are at a disadvantage because of its ‘hands-off apporach’.

“We are all familiar with the staggering cost of childcare and the negative impacts this has, particularly on working mothers.

“Too many women are being frozen out of the workforce because they cannot afford childcare, but at the same time, staff in the childcare sector are leaving in their droves because the pay and conditions are so poor,” said Deputy Rabbitte.

The Galway TD, who will run in the European Elections, said she is aware of one creche owner who was recently quoted €250,000 for public liability and staff insurance.

The quote she received represents about an eighth of her annual turnover which does not cover her premises, which would require additional insurance cover.

“There is only one firm that is willing to offer insurance cover to creches and play centres, and they are based in the UK. There are child care services across the western region closing as they simply cannot afford the rising insurance costs plaguing their industry,” added Deputy Rabbitte.

Will drones be used to combat illegal dumping?

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April 5, 2019

Galway Daily news City Councillor calls for drones to combat illegal dumping

Surveillance drones could be used to combat illegal dumping at litter blackspots in Galway according to Galway TD Hildegarde Naughton.

The Galway TD said that a €3 million Anti-Dumping initiative announced this week supports the use of innovative measures such as drones to tackle fly-tipping.

“Nearly half of the funding will be used to target established dumping blackspots. Some 5,000 tonnes of illegal waste has been removed from these locations since 2017,” she explained.

Other measures such as cctv have long been used to monitor dumping blackspots, but while this can make a difference, it has limitations Hildegarde Naughton said, in that dumpers can simply avoid the area being monitored.

“Surveillance drones have no such limitations and can catch offenders at litter blackspots without them even knowing that they’ve been seen. The prospect of this is also an effective deterrent.”

The Climate Action Committee chairperson said that the initiative will put an emphasis on working with local authorities and communities in a collective effort, especially in rural and remote areas.

“The Anti-Dumping Initiative is intended to help communities to prevent illegal waste disposal and beautify their localities. It also aims to educate young people and increase awareness of the issue.”

This new initiative is on top of the annual enforcement grant of €7.4 million, which supports the recruitment and retention of 150 waste enforcement personnel nationally.

TThe funding will be made available under four categories: prevention, education and awareness, abatement, and enforcement.

Within these categories, deterrents are included like barriers, signage, beautification projects, bulky waste collection and awareness campaigns.

“A dumping database will also be developed, and innovative solutions such as the deployment of surveillance drones will also be supported under the fund,” added Deputy Naughton.

Merit Medical CEO appointed Adjunct Professor of Engineering at NUI Galway

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April 5, 2019

The CEO of Merit Medical Systems, Fred Lampropoulos, has been appointed as an Adjunct Professor of Engineering at NUI Galway.

He will mentor NUI Galway staff and students as part of his new honorary role at the university.

Fred, who is the founder and Chairman of the company, holds more than 240 patents on devices used in the diagnostic and therapeutic treatment of cardiovascular disease.

President of NUI Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, said: “NUI Galway is honoured to appoint Fred Lampropoulos as an Adjunct Professor in Engineering in recognition of his distinguished career as a medical device industry leader and a healthcare visionary.

“As an innovator and a pioneer of the medtech sector, Fred has a lifetime of experience and industry knowledge which we are delighted that he will share with our students and colleagues at NUI Galway.

“Lampropoulos and Merit Medical Systems, the company he founded are a vital part of the medtech cluster in Galway; employing 1,000 people in our city which is home to Merit’s European headquarters.

“We are delighted to welcome Fred as an Adjunct Professor and we look forward to the insights and experience which he will bring to the University and to the College of Engineering and Informatics.”

Dean of Engineering and Informatics at NUI Galway, Professor Peter McHugh said: “It is highly appropriate that NUI Galway honours Fred as an Adjunct Professor in Engineering, as it recognises the huge contribution Merit Medical, through his leadership, has made to engineering education and indeed our broader educational mission at NUI Galway, and we look forward to this developing even further into the future.”

Public lecture on the Siege of Jadotville from Commandant Leo Quinlan

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April 5, 2019

Galway Daily news Galway City Council siege of jadotville

Commandant Leo Quinlan will deliver a public lecture on the experiences of his father Pat Quinlan and 155 other members of the Irish Armry at the Siege of Jadotville.

The Siege of Jadotville, fought in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1961, was the largest battle involving Irish soldiers in the history of the State.

Irish soldiers from A Company, deployed to the Congo as part of UN peacekeeping operations, fought against a combined force of 3,500 Luba tribesmen and Belgian, French, and Rhodesian mercenaries in the province of Katanga.

They fought off a superior force for six days until, having run out of ammo and low on food and water, the Irish forces surrendered.

This has been commemorated in numerous books and documentaries, and the well received film on Netflix, The Siege of Jadotville.

Beyond just the battle itself, this lecture at NUIG will describe the actions of the men from A Company over the course of their six month deployment to the Congo.

It draws on information about this historic encounter not generally in the public domain, based on Commandant Pat Quinlan’s memoirs.

Leo Quinlan, was commissioned as a Lieutenant and served in the Irish Army for 25 years, and overseas with the United Nations.

During his army service he served with many veterans who served under his father at the Siege of Jadotville.

After leaving the army he has worked as a consultant/project leader for the European Commission in 47 countries.

He lives in Barna, Co. Galway, where he works as a professional landscape artist with his own Art Gallery.

Professor Daniel Carey, Director of the Moore Institute at NUIG said the Siege of Jadotville was “truly historic”.

He added that “It remains remembered as a remarkable demonstration of heroism. Leo Quinlan is in a unique position to tell the story of this episode through his father’s involvement and recollections.”

he lecture will take place on Tuesday April 9, at 5pm. For more information contact Daniel Carey, Moore Institute, NUI Galway, at Daniel.carey@nuigalway.ie or 091 493083.

Why this Independent Councillor ‘won’t tow a party line’

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Paul Kelly

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April 4, 2019

For the latest in our series of interviews with local election candidates, we caught up with the sitting Councillor Mike Cubbard to discuss the upcoming election campaign. Cllr Cubbard will be seeking re-election in the Galway City Central ward.

Sitting Councillor Mike Cubbard had a strong showing last time around, topping the poll as an Independent candidate.

Speaking to Galway Daily, Cllr Cubbard outlined his six pillars of priorities for the next five years if re-elected.

Pillar 1 – Housing

The sitting Councillor began by claiming the issue of housing is so prevalent, that it’s brought to his attention at every second door he visits. He said this is illustrated by the fact that there are over 3,000 people on the housing list.

Cubbard informed Galway Daily that he aims to reduce the pressure many tenants currently face on a day to day basis.

He also discussed his experience as a member of the Housing Strategic Policy group. During this time, the Westside native proposed a 12-week limit on rent arrears for cases delayed in assessment. This was subsequently passed by the city council.

Pillar 2 – Community Policing

Mike Cubbard vowed to pursue a greater Garda presence on the streets of Galway City.

He stressed that a member of the Gardaí merely driving through an estate is completely inadequate.

Cllr Cubbard explained the importance of Gardaí being ‘on the beat’ carrying out foot patrols in the community.

This, he said, is crucial to the Gardaí developing a relationship with people from the local area which can only be beneficial to everyone involved.

Pillar 3 – Local Community Issues

The Independent Councillor emphasized the importance of small community issues when it comes to his priorities. These include matters such as footpath and road repairs.

Cllr Cubbard talked about his success in working with various groups over the last five years to help solve issues such as the proposed amalgamation of 5^th and 6^th class in Menlo National School.

He was also particularly pleased with the €60,000 funding he helped secure for CCTV and the lighting of parks in Westside.

Pillar 4 – Mental Health

Cllr Cubbard stressed the absolute importance of promoting positive mental health to his re-election campaign.

He referred to the €3,000 funding he helped secure for a youth engagement program.

The engagement program consists of providing the youth a space to learn music, arts, sports and dancing. The aim of this, is to enable young people to sway away from alcohol consumption.

Cllr Cubbard claimed this will also help ensure young people keep off the streets at weekends which is when petty crime tends to be increase.

The Independent Councillor promised to push for the construction of physical barriers to restrict entry to sections of Galway’s waterways in line with the safety audit completed in 2017.

Cllr Cubbard also expressed his intention to support phones being installed along the Corrib which can be used by people who are in distress.

Pillar 5 – Transport

Cllr Cubbard listed several of his suggestions to alleviate the traffic issue in Galway City.

He stressed that free school transport should be an aspiration. He argued that this would allow for less of a reliance on cars and reduce the chronic traffic congestion.

He claimed this could be achieved through cooperation with the bus companies. The Councillor suggested opening bus lanes for parents who are carpooling at non-peak times such as 7.30am to 9am.

He suggested that free public transport should be available for large scale events around Galway City such as St. Patrick’s Day.

The purposes of this would be to alleviate gridlock.

Pillar 6 – Social Inclusion

Providing for increased social inclusion for people with disabilities was labelled as being an area of particular importance for the sitting Councillor.

He promised to campaign for greater access to all playgrounds, public parks and public places for people with disabilities.

An Independent Voice

Mike Cubbard rounded off his interview with Galway Daily underscoring the need to retain Independent voices in the council chamber.

The Councillor claimed that being an independent means he will never tow a party line and allows him to never be afraid to speak out on any issue he feels strongly about.

He stated there have been instances in the past where certain Councillors couldn’t speak out on certain issues due to the fact they would be going against their party.

When asked about who he would advise people transfer to, he replied that they should look to transfer to other Independents as a stronger representation of Independents made for a healthier council chamber.

Galway International Arts Festival crowned best in Ireland

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April 4, 2019

Galway International Arts Festival has been named as the Best Irish Festival at the 2019 Irish Hospitality Awards.

The annual Irish Hospitality Awards recognise excellence in the hospitality industry across a total of 28 categories, including restaurants and pubs, tourist attractions, and hotels.

The winners are chosen by members of the public.

Commenting on the award, John Crumlish, CEO Galway International Arts Festival said: “It’s an absolute honour to receive this recognition from The Irish Hospitality Awards as Best Irish Festival, and we’re very grateful to all who voted.

“In 2018 over 252,000 people attended over 200 events across 14 days. This award is shared with our wider festival team, all the great artists we work with, our wonderful volunteers and all the sponsors and funders without whom it would not be possible to put our festival on.

“Look forward to seeing everyone in Galway this July.”

A spokesperson for the Irish Hospitality Awards 2019 said: “The hospitality industry has grown significantly over the years and this has introduced new challenges to the professionals who work within the sector.

“The customer expectations have been increased but these winners are the experts in meeting their customers’ needs and demands in the best possible way.

“The awards aimed to thank those who make a huge contribution to enhancing the country’s tourism and reputation, whose work often remains overshadowed.

“We would like to congratulate all winners and finalists for their amazing achievements.”

This year’s Galway International Arts Festival will take place 15-28 July. First programme announcements include Burt Bacharach (Monday 22 July), Villagers and John Grant double bill (Thursday 18 July), The Academic (Saturday 20 July), Two Door Cinema Club (Friday 26 July), ORBITAL (Saturday 27 July) and Bell X1 (Friday 19 July).

Plans for 23 houses at Ardrahan rejected over wastewater concerns

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April 4, 2019

Galway Daily news Green light for new apartment complex in Rahoon

Plans for a residential development of 23 houses at Ardrahan have been rejected by the county council.

The project would have involved the demolition of an agricultural building on the site and the construction of 23 detached houses.

It was proposed that the site would be served by a shared wastewater disposal facility, which caused some concern among local parties.

The developer said that the wastewater disposal system would be designed and installed by Molloy Prescast, with whom the developer also intended to secure a 20 year maintenance plan.

Parkmore Environmental Services prepared a report on behalf of the Ardrahan Group Water Scheme which noted that the intended discharge point for treated wastewater from the development was close to several boreholes used by the GWS.

It raised concerns about the possible contamination of drinking water from runoff, noting that the karst landscape in the are makes it difficult to predict in what direction water will flow.

The report also noted that while the planning application stated that would be a 20 year agreement between the developer and Molloy Precast to maintain the system, at present only a three year contract existed.

In response to some of these issues Hydro-G, which surveyed the site on behalf of the developer, said that the development was fully compliant with EPA separation guidelines.

Their response also said that topographic references made by Parkmore in relation to the flow of groundwater were false.

In making its decision to refuse permission for these houses the county council said that not enough information was provided about the proposed communal wastewater system, its “adequate installation and operation” and a guarantee of “long term management and maintenance”.

Without that the council said that it could not be satisfied “that the development would not be prejudicial to public health”.

€10 million scheme launched to conserve freshwater pearl mussel habitats

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April 4, 2019

Galway Daily news €10 million scheme launched to conserve freshwater pearl mussel habitats

A €10 million scheme has been launched tofund the conservation of habitats of the freshwater pearl mussel including two Galway catchment areas.

The pearl mussel is an endangered species which is only found in near pristine freshwater habitats such as the Owenriff and Dawros in Galway which are included in this scheme.

They have the longest lifespans of any animals found in Ireland, capable of living for up to 140 years.

Pearl mussels play an important role in the waterways, as they are filter feeders and can help maintain the water quality.

However European populations of the pearl mussel have declined by 90% in the past century, and the species is facing extinction.

This programme brings together researchers with local farmers and policymakers to create targeted interventions which incorporated the input and feedback from farmers and landowners.

Launching the scheme, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Michael Creed said “Protecting our water quality is at the core of this project and improvements made to water quality will not only benefit the endangered freshwater pearl mussel, but will benefit the wider environment for generations to come.”

This programme targets eight Special Areas of Conservation at Blackwater, Caragh and Currane in Kerry, Ownagappul in Cork, Bundorragha in Mayo, Dawros and Owenriff in Galway and Glaskeelan in Donegal and the farmers with land in those SPAs.

Project Manager Patrick Crushell said that the proper management of farmland has a direct influence on water quality, and their team will deliver “high quality farmland habitats that work for the farmers and deliver real socio-economic benefits to the areas concerned.”

Minister Creed concluded by saying that farmers are the “primary custodians of our rural environment” and that the help of the farming community is central to this scheme’s success.

Man jailed for brutal assault on wife in front of the children in Galway

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April 4, 2019

A Galway whose brutal assault on his wife in front of their screaming children left her in fear for her life has been jailed.

The 39 year old man received a nine month sentence at Ennis District Court for a vicious domestic assault at Ballylennan, Gort on March 4, 2018.

According to the Irish Examiner the woman told the court that while he was beating her face she could see her children screaming, but couldn’t hear them.

In a victim impact statement she said that was far from the first time he attacked her, that this pattern of violent abuse went back to the beginning of their marriage.

She also said that he would take money they received for her five children and use it to pay for drugs.

Judge Patrick Durcan said that he had seen photos of the woman from after the assault, and that it had left her face black, blue and purple.

The judge added that the children will be scarred for life by what they witnessed that day according to the Irish Examiner.

Both of the couple are part of the Traveller community, and Judge Durcan said that better attitudes need to cultivated from within that community.

However the judge said that the maximum sentence he could impose by law was for 12 months, and that he had to take into consideration the guilty plea from the accused.

The assault was witnessed by three of the woman’s five children, her eldest daughter and the youngest two, aged just four and two years old.

Since the assault, she said that she and her children are living in a refuge and happy to be away from there.

GMIT sports students honoured at Ball and Awards night

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April 4, 2019

Students and teams at GMIT were honoured at the college’s annual Sports Ball and Awards night, which took place in the Clayton hotel last week.

The awards, sponsored by Supermac’s, recognise GMIT sports students that have excelled in GMIT clubs during the 2018/19 college year.

The most coveted awards presented on the night were the GMIT Sports Team of the Year and the GMIT Sports Personality of the Year.

GMIT Ladies Soccer won Team of the Year while senior hurler Declan Cronin won Sports Personality of the Year.

GMIT Sports Personality of the year, Declan Cronin pictured with special guest Marty Morrissey and
Supermac’s representatives Fearghal Murphy & Padraig Hughes.

Special guest and MC on the night was RTE Sports Commentator Marty Morrissey.

Martin Hickey Fresher’s Hurling, Lucy Spellman Cheerleading, Amy Wharton Ladies Football, Emil;y
Doyle Ladies Soccer, Declan Cronin Senior Hurling

Gráinne Seoige to host 2019 NUIG Alumni Awards

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April 4, 2019

Galway daily news Gráinne Seoige to host 2019 NUIG Alumni Awards

Renowned Irish broadcaster, journalist and founder of Grace Diamonds, Gráinne Seoige will be hosting the 2019 Gala Ball and Alumni Awards at NUI Galway.

Born in Spiddal and a graduate of NUIG herself, Gráinne Seoige has had a prestigious career as an Irish journalist, news anchor, and presenter for documentary and entertainment television.

In her time on the air Gráinne has worked with all four major Irish television networks, RTÉ One, RTÉ2, TV3, and TG4.

A long time advocate of the Irish language, Gráinne Seoige was awarded the Duais Don Gaeilge in 2006 for her work on behalf of it.

She will now be presenting the 20th annual Alumni Awards at the Gala Ball in the university on Saturday, April 13.

The NUI Galway Alumni Awards recognise individual excellence and achievements among the University’s more than 100,000 graduates worldwide.

After two decades the awards boast an impressive honour roll of more than 100 individual such as President of Ireland Michael D Higgins, public figures like Pat Rabbitte, Eamon Gilmore and Máire Whelan, international sports stars such as Ciarán FitzGerald and Olive Loughnane, and other like Gráinne herself.

Seven awards will be presented at the Gala Ball this month, the recipients of which have already been announced.

The full list of winners for 2019 is:

Alumni Award for Arts, Literature and Celtic Studies – Sponsored by Deloitte

Journalist & RTÉ London correspondent, Fiona Mitchell – BA 1993

Alumni Award for Business and Commerce – Sponsored by Bank of Ireland

Aviation entrepreneur, Dómhnal Slattery – BComm 1988

Alumni Award for Law, Public Policy and Government – Sponsored by Ronan Daly Jermyn

Senior counsel and jurist, Grainne McMorrow – BA 1980, LLB 1983

Alumni Award for Engineering, Science and Technology – Sponsored by Merc Partners

Cancer scientist, Dr John Lyons – BSc 1979

Alumni Award for Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences – Sponsored by Medtronic

Surgeon and clinical educator, Dr Ronan Waldron – MB BCh BAO 1976, MMedSc 1984

Gradam Alumni don Gaeilge – Urraithe ag OÉ Gaillimh

Journalist and broadcaster, Póilín Ní Chiaráin – BA 1965

Alumni Award for Contribution to Sport – Sponsored by Bank of Ireland

Sports medicine pioneer, Dr Mick Molloy – MB BCh BAO 1968

Disposable income in Galway more than 7 percent below national average

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April 4, 2019

Galway Daily news Galway allocated €9 million for LEADER programme 2023-2027

People living in Galway have an average of €19,046 in disposable income per person, 7.7 percent lower than the national average of €20,638.

That is according to the latest figures on disposable income by county from the Central Statistics Office for 2016, the latest year for which figures are available.

The figures also revealed that people in Galway paid a combined total of €513 million in rent in 2016, though that figure has likely increased in the years since.

The highest level of disposable income recorded was in Dublin at €24,431, more than 18 percent higher than the national average.

While the border region was the lowest in the state at €17,370, 15.8% below that national average, though three percent higher than in 2015.

Other than Dublin the Mid West and Mid East are the only other regions that are in line with the national average.

While the average disposable income throughout the western region of Galway, Mayo and Roscommon sat €18,363, 11 percent below the national average.

Ó Cuív slams disuse of Cleggan and Inishbofin airstrips

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April 4, 2019

Galway daily news lack of plan for Inishbofin and Cleggan airstrips criticised

The government has been criticised for not having a plan to make use of Cleggan and Inishbofin airstrips the way they were intended.

Galway West TD Eamon Ó Cuív said that when the new contract for an Aran Islands air service is issued in the autumn Inishbofin should be included in the service 3 or 4 times a week.

“This would include a service linking Connemara Airport to Cleggan and to Bofin, giving the people and visitors to Inisbofin, a choice of leaving from or arriving at either Connemara Airport or Cleggan coming and going to and from the Island.”

The airstrips on Inishbofin and Cleggan have been sitting unused for years despite costing more than €10 million to develop in the first place.

It was announced in 2013 by Joe McHugh, who at the time was the Minister responsible for the islands, that the government planned to sell off both airstrips due to the recession.

However those plans went nowhere, and in the years since then private company Bainistíocht Aerfort Teoranta has been paid more than €3 million to manage them.

Minister of State for the Islands Seán Kyne said earlier this year that he would like to licence them for private use, but the Cleggan airstrip has a Public Service Obligation on flights from it attached to its planning conditions.

This poses as challenge as a PSO would require government subsidies Minister Kyne said, though talks with the county council were expected to take place this year with a view to resolving this issue.

Deputy O Cuív said, “The Minister indicated that he intends to sell a small section of the site of the airstrip in Inisbofin to the HSE, with a view to locating a Health Care Centre there.”

“While I welcome the progression of the Health Care Centre on Inisbofin and appreciate that it will be developed in such a way as not to prejudice the potential future use of the airstrip, this is incidental to the original purpose for which the airstrip was provided.”

According to Deputy Ó Cuív with airplanes and other parts of the air service already in place at Inverin Airport there would only be a minimal increase in cost to provide a service to Inishbofin.

He added that Inishbofin and the other islands need 21st century services to stop them from decaying and losing out on their potential.

“Our Islands provide for Ireland, a shop window that many people associate with the core of our natural heritage, our culture and a way of life that has disappeared in many other places,” concluded Deputy Ó Cuív.

The Connemara Chamber of Commerce has also voiced its opinion that both airstrips should remain in public ownership, adding that on top of their transport and tourism potential, they could be of great support to the Coast Guard and Rescue helicopter services.

SocDems candidate outlines her vision ahead of local elections

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Paul Kelly

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April 4, 2019

Sharon Nolan Social Democrats Galway City Central Local Elections

We caught up with Sharon Nolan of the Social Democrats this week where she outlined the main issues she is concerned with ahead of the Local Elections due to take place on 24 May.

In October, Sharon Nolan was selected as the Social Democrat’s Galway City Central candidate for the upcoming Local Elections.

Housing:

Speaking to Galway Daily, Nolan described housing as being a specific priority for her not only in Galway, but right across the Country.

The activist highlighted her frustration with the inaction on the part of the government to effectively deal with the ongoing housing crisis.

The City Central candidate expressed her dismay at the rampant levels of homelessness, rising rent costs and soaring housing price produced by the ongoing crisis.

When it comes to the housing crisis, the Social Democrats candidate stated that she hoped to be instrumental in the Council taking a more proactive approach to the issue.

City Planning:

Nolan spoke about her desire for having greater accessible city planning beyond car users.

She said that there’s no real decent alternative for those who don’t drive.

Nolan went on to describe Galway as being an old city riddled with narrow footpaths and limited public transport which has resulted in chronic traffic congestion issues.

Environment:

The Social Democrats activist stated that the climate is in crisis and is alarmed by the lack of action on climate change. She declared that the clock is winding down.

Despite Ireland being a small country, Nolan explained how Ireland could be still an amazing leader when it comes to climate change.

She doubled down on this by expressing the ‘need to think beyond profitable ways’ of taking action on climate change.

Young People

If elected, the Galway City based activist conveyed her wish to be a voice for younger people on Galway City Council.

She explained how 18-24-year olds make up around 40% of the population in Galway City yet the make up of Galway City Council in no way reflects this.

She stated that this results in issues which effect younger people being vastly underrepresented at council level.

In describing her background, Nolan stated that she joined the Social Democrats right after they were founded and was involved with Niall Ó Tuathail’s general election campaign in 2016.

She spoke of the welcoming nature of the party which extends to woman, the youth and LGBT people as being instrumental in her decision to run for the Social Democrats.

When asked about who she would advise voters to transfer to, she said that if people want a more progressive council they should look to give their transfers to other progressive candidates whether these candidates are currently sitting as Councillors or hoping to be elected Councillors.

She concluded by declaring her excitement at the opportunity for Galway to obtain a truly progressive City Council after the 24^th of May.

Ben & Jerry’s giving out free ice-cream next week

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April 4, 2019