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Gaeltacht schools launch online learning pilot project

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news

A new e-hub pilot project has been launched at Gaeltacht schools this week to improve access to Irish language education.

This new digital teaching project will connect post-primary gaeltacht schools around the country to allow students greater access to subjects taught through Irish.

This pilot scheme will see students supplement their existing curriculum with online courses when those subjects are not available through Irish in their own school.

Planning for this three year pilot project began last September Coláiste na Coiribe in Galway and Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne in Kerry.

Fifty Transition Year students participated in a five-week Physics Module through the medium of Irish where they gained first-hand experience of virtual learning.

Consultancy firm H2 Learning has been hired to assist the Gaeltacht Education Unit in the Department of Education and Skills in managing and co-ordinating this digital project.

Minister for Education and Skills, Joe McHugh launched the programme today at Gairmscoil Mhic Dhiarmada, Arranmore.

“This project demonstrates the important role which information and communications technology can play in extending the range of curriculum subjects through the medium of Irish for Gaeltacht post-primary students, including those who attend island schools.”

He added that it would “greatly enhance” the teaching of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics at Gaeltacht schools.

The online course will be taught by two Physics e-Teachers who have experience with teaching physics through Irish, teaching students at four participating schools.

Minister McHugh said “I wish all those who will participate in the online Leaving Certificate Physics Pilot Project from September 2019 every success and I trust that there will be a beneficial outcome for all students involved.”

Galway poet Susan Millar Du Mars gathers a quarter century of poems

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily life & style Susan Millar Du Mars launches collection of 25 years of poems

Galway based poet Susan Millar DuMars has gathered together a selection of her finest poems from the past 25 years, as well as a generous selection of new work, into a new collection launching this month.

Naked: New and Selected Poems by Susan Millar DuMars draws from each of her four  previous collections – Big Pink Umbrella (2008), Dreams for Breakfast (2010), The God Thing (2013), and Bone Fire (2016).

Susan is an Irish-American poet who first came to Galway for the International Arts Festival in 1997 and got enchanted here as so many do.

Here is demonstrated the development of a poet born in twentieth century America and now dwelling in twenty first century Ireland; a voice all the more valuable for its hybrid nature.

When she writes of bodies; her own, the bodies of women, and the body of the nation; Millar DuMars uses plain and direct speech, ideally suited to the Galway of Savita Halappanavar and “The Lost Children of Tuam”.

Naked: New and Selected has been described as “a book of fables, stories, and magical convergences where public and buried lives are brought out into the light”.

Aside from publishing poetry, Susan also teaches classes in creative writing, and she and her husband Kevin Higgins run the Over the Edge literary festival.

The new collection is being launched by Ailbhe Darcy at the House Hotel, Spanish Parade on Sunday, April 14 at 2pm and all are welcome.

Snow and ice weather warning issued for Galway

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Snow and Ice warning in effect for Galway this evening

A status yellow weather warning for snow and ice has been issued for Galway and the North-west of Ireland.

Met Eireann has issued a weather warning for falls of hail and sleet, with snow accumulations on higher ground.

Snow may also gather in some places below 250m according to Met Eireann, while also warning of icy patches.

The weather warning will be in effect all through Tuesday until midday on Wednesday in Galway, Sligo, Mayo, Roscommon, Leitrim, Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal, Longford and Louth.

Weather conditions are expected to deteriorate tonight after a run of sunny day, with heavy showers and hail forecast with the possibility of thunder.

Showers of snow and sleet will occur, particularly on the high ground, with temperatures reaching lows of 0-3°c.

Over 700 waited on trolleys at UHG in February

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news 67 people on trolleys at UHG

University Hospital Galway was the third most overcrowded hospital in Ireland last month with 722 patients stuck on trolleys.

There were 9,714 people on trolleys nationwide in March, including 117 children according to the latest figures from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, up 14 percent on February.

While the overall number of patients on trolleys is still down significantly from January where numbers passed 10,000, UHG has seen a significant increase in the same period.

In the first month of the year Galway didn’t even crack the top five most overcrowded hospitals with 534 patients without a bed.

INMO general secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha said “Overcrowding remains endemic in Ireland’s hospitals.”

Other countries are investing in their nurses and midwives – we need to do the same to recruit and retain more staff.”

“And as Limerick continues to be the most overcrowded hospital in Ireland, management there are closing beds and shutting down an entire ward.”

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

Government support needed for small beef farmers

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Farmers stabbed in the back with TB risk letters - Fitzmaurice

The Irish beef sector needs more support from the government to survive the challenges of Brexit, Eugene Murphy has said.

The Galway TD was speaking in the Dáil in support of a motion calling on the government to introduce 14 policy steps to support the beef sector.

He said that Ireland’s 1 million head suckler cow herds are “pivotal in supporting the local economy in rural Ireland”, and that every €1 invested in rural farms will return €4 in benefits to the local community.

The Fianna Fáil TD said that while beef exports contribute €2.4 billion to the economy, the farming families that create that earn less than €13,000 a year on average, and are fully dependent on CAP payments to survive.

“I do not need to tell the Minister about the cost of beef production, and he knows well that beef farmers feel the squeeze. ”

“The average beef price is hovering at €3.75 per kilogram or lower and the average cost of production is €4 per kilogram. This is not sustainable, as the Government has heard over and over again.”

He accused the government of having to be pulled “kicking and screaming” into introducing an allowance for the suckler cow at a rate of €40.

More than 90% of all beef produced in Ireland is exported according to figures presented in the Dáil, with half of all exports going to the UK.

According to the motion introduced by Fianna Fáil a no-deal Brexit would be “catastrophic” for cattle farmers, with WTO tariffs adding a cost of €780 million to imports to the UK.

It called on the government to immediately introduce Brexit mitigation funding for farmers, work with Bord Bia and French authorities with a view towards increasing the export of calves to the continent, and protect the beef sector in any future CAP or trade negotiations among other measures.

“I am passionate about the issue because I was reared on a small farm,” Eugene Murphy said.

“We will stand with the farming communities in attendance and fight for them in order that they might obtain a better deal. They cannot and will not survive on what is currently available.”

Plans submitted for 20 houses near Barna

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

Plans have been submitted for a residential development of 20 houses at Cnocán Carrach near Barna.

According to planning documents submitted to the county council, the developer seeks to build an estate with 4 three-bed, semi-detached houses and 16 five-bed, detached houses.

Other work involved in the residential development includes “the construction of a new road accessed via the existing Dreasla housing development, infrastructure, ESB substation and all associated external works”.

Access to the new estate will be through the Dreasla housing development.

Mr Michael Walsh is seeking permission to build on land he owns which is currently used for agriculture.

A Letter of Understanding included in the application states that two of the units in the estate will be reserved for social or affordable housing as required under Part V of the Planning and Development Act of 2000.

As this estate is within the gaeltacht, four of the houses will be reserved for native Irish speakers in line with the County Development Plan.

Public submissions on this development can be made to the county council until April 9, and a decision on whether to grant planning permission is due from the council by April 30.

40 foot sperm whale washes ashore in Connemara

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news 40ft sperm whale washes ashore in Connemara

One of the world’s largest predators, the sperm whale, washed ashore at in Connemara on Sunday.

The 40ft sperm whale was reportedly already dead when it beached at Mace Head, Moyrus near Carna.

The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group have said that it is most likely the same one that was spotted floating by commercial fisherman out of Ballyconneelly and filmed by Brendan Conneely.

The stranding at Mace Head was reported to the IWDG by Seamus MacDonnacha of Cill Chiaráin, and Rónán Ó Conghaile.

This is the third sperm whale to wash ashore so far this year, which a spokesperson for the IWDG said is “unusual but nothing sinister”.

This one was spotted floating off the coast of Galway on March 26, the same day another whale was washed up at Magheroarty in County Donegal.

It was measured at 43m in length and

Whale stranded at Magheroarty, Co Donegal. Photo: Gareth Doherty.

Sperm whales are widespread and relatively abundant in the deep waters to the west of Ireland, however they are deep diving creature rarely seen closer to the surface than 300m.

A recent study by the IWDG and GMIT estimated a population spread of 3.2 whales per 1000km2 based on deep sea acoustic surveys.

The largest predators of all time, the sperm whale hunts thousands of feet below the surface of the ocean and is known for tucking into giant squid.

 

Photo: Neasa ní Chualáin 

NUIG leading new €13 million genome research centre

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news NUIG launches €13 million genomics data science centre

NUI Galway is leading a €13 million project to train the next generation of researchers cracking the secrets of the genome.

A genome is the complete blueprints of any living organism, containing all of its DNA and the genetic information on what makes it tick.

Genomics is the branch of science that studies genomes to see how they direct the growth and function of cells and organisms.

The new SFI Centre for Research Training in Genomics Data Science at NUIG will train 100 PhD to take advantage of the power of genomics to change the fields of everything from human health to agriculture and food production.

Recently announced by Minister Heather Humphreys, the Centre will be led by NUI Galway and will involve partners from UCD, TCD, RCSI and UCC.

Professor Cathal Seoighe Director of the SFI Centre at NUIG said “Genomes are at the heart of all living things.”

“In combination with modern data science techniques, genomics has the capacity both to reveal deep biological insights and to transform applications of the life sciences from health to food and agriculture.”

In recent years the field of genomics has undergone a revolution, driven by new technologies that generate data on an enormous scale.

In order to make sense of the large and complex datasets arising from analysis of genomes we require highly trained data scientists, who can turn this data into useful information for new scientific understanding.

One are where genomics is already have a major impact is in studying how mutations and abnormalities in our genetics cause conditions such as cancer.

This is the main are of research of Dr Eva Szegezdi, biochemistry lecturer at NUIG and one of the six main leads on this project.

She said that here work is about trying to “understand how cancer cells can alter their genome to become resistant to chemotherapy and to find ways to exploit mutations in cancer cells to develop new therapies that only kill the cancer cells.”

In health, genomics is already beginning to be used to diagnose rare genetic disorders and  predict the risk of common, complex disorders where our lifestyle plays a role.

This raises possibility of interventions targeted towards at-risk individuals.

New cancer therapies now target specific genomic mutations found in cancer cells while genetic manipulation can also guide improvements in agricultural crops, enabling disease resistance and improving yields.

A Taste of the ‘Best in the West’ of Ireland

By
Erin Breen
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Fresh oysters are a staple of the Galway Food Tours.

Changing impressions takes time. And when it comes to Irish cuisine, there are some strong impressions to dispel.

“When people think of food in Ireland, too often they think of food that is boiled and boring. And we are changing that perception, says Gosia Letowska, who is part of the Galway Food Tours. She is proud to say they are changing impressions of Irish food, one set of taste buds at a time.

“I actually had someone on one of the tours that said that when her mother heard she was coming to Ireland, she gave this girl a packet of salt, and said you’ll be needin’ this,” Letowska says with a laugh. “But this girl then told me after the tour that we had definitely changed her mind.”

Wheat Ale for tasting on the Galway Food Tour

And that is how you fuel the local producers movement in Ireland

By promoting local producers Galway Food Tours is matching up tourists with the local pubs and restaurants and the freshest of local produce, seafood and fine cooking.

“While people are thinking boiled potatoes and turnips, we are showing them fresh seafood, vegetable sushi and spirits made right here. We are showcasing the best this area has to offer, prepared by great creative chefs and showing tourists where to find it all,” Letowska says.

The tour includes bakeries, cheesemongers, seafood, spirits, street food, pubs and restaurants. The stroll between the stops is peppered with tidbits of history of the buildings and businesses of Galway and each stop involves an explanation of where the food consumed came from, how it was prepared and what sets if apart.

From an oyster shooter to a shot of whiskey, from curry to fresh scones and from smoked mackerel to lamb jerky, the delights from around Galway come from a list of 50-plus local producers that make up an ever changing menu for Galway Food Tours.

“We are promoting local producers, local cuisine and local businesses. And we are changing how tourists view Irish cuisine, with every tour, every day. It’s a real win-win for everyone.”

You can find more information on The Galway Food Tours at www.GalwayFoodTours.com. And you can hear what tourists think of it all with this link: http://www.erinmeehanbreen.com/blog/2019/3/4/a-true-taste-of-galway

 

Mountbellew schools gets approval for new science building

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Briain Kelly
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Galway daily news Mountbellew vocational school gets approval for new science building

Coláiste an Chreagáin Vocational School in Mountbellew has been given the go ahead to construct a new science building on the school grounds.

The school’s board of management submitted plans for a new science building with a classroom and a preparation area at the the north west corner of the school grounds next to the existing building.

Coláiste an Chreagáin Vocational School has provided a practical education for people in the Mountbellew community for more than 80 years.

Before it opened at Bonivon, Mountbellew opened its door as St. Jarlath’s in 1932 the building used to be home to the local workhouse in the 19th century.

It was put on sale in 1931 and the Galway V.E.C. took out a 99 year lease, renovating it to make it fit for day and night classes in practical subjects like woodworking and dressmaking.

No submissions were made to the county council regarding this project, and a report by planning inspectors raised no reason why it shouldn’t be allowed to proceed.

However the inspectors did note that the building is on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage for its past as a workhouse.

The county council made a requirement that the school must hire a suitably qualified archaeologist to monitor construction.

Should any archaeological material be found they will have the power to stop work in order to assess the situation.

Planning permission was awarded to Coláiste an Chreagáin with a total of five conditions attached.

Community enhancement schemes in Galway awarded almost €300k

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Galway winner claims €50,000 in prize bonds draw

Galway has been awarded almost €300,000 under the community enhancement programme to improve facilities in disadvantaged areas.

The Community Enhancement Programme is funded through the Department of Rural and Community Development with a mandate for supporting local groups in disadvantaged communities.

Galway city has been awarded €132,455, and Galway county will receive €143,401 out of a pot of more than €4.5 million announced by Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring this week.

Minister Ring said that the purpose behind the programme is to support existing local groups, “to carry out the invaluable work they do on behalf of others in local areas throughout the country”.

The Community Enhancement Programme was launched last year, replacing the Communities Facilities Scheme and RAPID.

Over 3,000 projects around the country were funded under the streamlined approach in 2018, with a total funding pool of €13 million by the end of the year.

Galway TD Denis Naughten said that some of the funding announced this week has been ringfenced for small scale projects, “such as lawnmowers, IT equipment and minor building works”.

“Other enhancements under the programme could include the purchase of equipment or materials, improvements to town parks and common areas and spaces, CCTV equipment and energy efficiency type projects”.

The CEP is administered by Local Community Development Committees with the support of their local authority.

Applications for the programme will open shortly, and remain open for a period of six weeks.

Barna students get up close and personal with sharks

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Barna students get up close and personal with sharks aboard the Celtic Explorer

Pupils from Scoil Shéamais Naofa in Barna recently got to get a close up look at sharks about the RV Celtic Explorer.

The second class pupils completed a project on sharks in Irish waters as part of the Marine Institute’s education and out reach programme that came with a tour of the research vessel, the Celtic Explorer.

Padraic Creedon, outreach officer with the Institute’s Explorers Education said one of the unique things they can add to education is finding fun ways to bring marine science into the classroom.

“The students were inspired by the discovery of a rare shark nursery 200 miles off the west coast of Ireland in 2018, and we were delighted to create lessons, interactive experiments and discussion about the ocean, sharks and their environment for the class.”

While aboard the ship the students got to meet her captain and some of the scientists who go on expeditions on the Celtic Explorer, getting a good look at what it might be like to do research on the high seas.

Visiting the dry and wet labs, the students saw various fish species from recent surveys and shark species, such as dogfish and tope sharks.

Scientists from the Marine Institute spoke to them about seabed mapping, shipwrecks and learning more about marine life on expeditions that can last up to 35 days.

Their teacher Clár Ní Bhraonáin said it was an amazing experience where “the students have had a marine scientist in the classroom and also got the opportunity to visit the vessel.”

She added that “Students don’t forget days like this”.

Ronan Costello and Laura Sherlock with an Atlantic Thornyhead and Monkfish

The Explorers programme offers a range of materials to work with, including lesson plans to conduct experiments in class and watching film footage of the seas and under them captured by the Marine Institute.

“Because of the students’ enthusiasm to learn more about sharks, we have been able to incorporate marine themes across the curriculum,” said Clár Ní Bhraonáin.

The students have excelled at this she said, and produced work “from writing books about sharks to a series of posters and artwork. This project has really helped myself and the students learn more about the ocean”.

Dr Peter Heffernan CEO of the Marine Institute said the Explorers programme is about inspiring young people to become the next generation of marine scientists to help us understand out oceans better.

“The programme aims to build on Ireland’s marine and maritime heritage by increasing awareness of the value, opportunities and social benefits of our ocean wealth and identity.”

“As the Explorers Programme now reaches over 13,000 primary school students per year and provides training and support for teachers, it is imperative that we continue to cultivate an interest in our ocean from a young age.”

For more information on the Explorers Education outreach centres visit the Explorers Contacts page at www.explorers.ie.

photo credit: Andrew Downes, Xposure

Memorial card drive raises thousands for Galway Hospice

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Memorial event for Michael Sweeney raises €2,700 for Galway Hospice

A recent card drive in memory of the late Michael Sweeney raised €2,700 for Galway Hospice.

Friends and family of Michael organised a card drive at Kilconly Community Centre in aid of Galway Hospice.

In a post on its facebook page, the hospice reached out to say “Thank you to everyone who supported the memorial fundraising event.”

Michael Sweeney passed away last October, and is survived by his wife Nellie, sons Martin, Stephen, Michael and Pat, as well as a wealth of brothers, sisters, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren.

Pictured presenting hospice staff nurse Bernie Galvin with the proceeds raised are (l-r): Paddy Byrne, Mary Treacy; Toddy Cunningham and Nellie Sweeney.

Galway Hospice is the primary source of palliative care in Galway, operating an 18 bed facility in Renmore with residential and day care services.

It heavily relies on the donations of generous souls to keep providing this essential service to look after the most vulnerable people in our society.

Canning out for 16 weeks after injury

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily sport The iconic Canning Hurleys announces closure after 11 years

Galway Senior Hurling forward Joe Canning is expected to miss 14 to 16 weeks due to a groin injury that will need surgery.

Canning suffered a groin injury in the League semi-final against Waterford last Sunday after a collision with Kevin Moran.

Galway GAA released a statement today saying that he will need surgery, with an expected recovery time of 14 to 16 weeks afterwards.

It was confirmed that Galway will also have to go without Fintan Burke for the rest out the season after he damaged his cruciate knee ligaments playing for St. Thomas at the All-Ireland club final against Ballyhale Shamrocks.

Senior Manager Micheál Donoghue said “I, and all the team wish Joe and Fintan a speedy recovery from their injuries. They were both very unlucky to pick up injuries at this stage in the season.”

“Even by his own high standards, Joe Canning’s performances this year have been exceptional. He is in good spirits and has a positive mindset facing surgery and rehab period.”

“Fintan Burke is an exceptional young talent and his injury is a difficult blow in what was shaping up to be a great season for him.

“He was outstanding in St.Thomas’ run to the All-Ireland Hurling Club Final and is determined to get back playing for his club and Galway.”

“I,  our medical and support team will be working with Joe and Fintan closely to help with their recoveries and return to the squad”,

Approval for Spiddal wastewater plant upheld

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Briain Kelly
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Galway daily news Knocknacarra social housing

An Bord Pleanála has upheld a decision to grant planning permission for a new wastewater treatment plant in Spiddal over local objections.

Galway city council granted planning permission last October for the controversial project that will see the existing wastewater treatment plant in Spiddal decommissioned a modern one built to replace it.

The site is on land operated by Údarás na  Gaeltachta to the north east of Scoil Éinne, and adjacent to Spiddal Craft Village and Cuan Studio.

The plant will include new inlet works, one primary settlement tank, four rotating biological collectors, a final settlement tank and sludge storage tank and associated pipework connecting them.

The treated wastewater will discharge into Galway Bay, while the sludge removed from the water will be kept in a storage tank for 14 days before being removed and reused as fertiliser.

The stated reason for the construction of the new plant is to end the dumping of untreated sewage into Galway Bay.

Irish Water has said that 600 wheelie bins worth of sewage is discharged into the bay every day, something which has attracted the condemnation of the Environmental Protection Agency.

However this project hasn’t been without contention. While submissions to the county council were broadly supportive of the project, the were serious concerns about the plant’s proximity to Scoil Éinne and people’s homes.

Two appeals were made to An Bord Pleanála against the county council’s decision on the grounds that, going by EPA guidelines, the wastewater treatment plant was located too close to homes.

According to the appellants this could have negative health and environmental impacts for people living in the area. It was also added that this could block any attempts to expand Scoil Éinne in the future.

An inspectors report noted that while the sludge storage tank is located within the 50m buffer zone required with Scoil Éinne, with proper coverage and other odour controls it would not prove a nuisance.

Approval was upheld with eight conditions attached, including a stipulation that trees must be planted around the perimeter of the plant, and that odour levels must be kept within a level that will not “give rise to any odour nuisance to sensitive receptors”.

An Bord Pleanála said that so long as the development complies with those conditions it would “not give rise to any material impact on the amenities of the area or property in the vicinity and would be acceptable in terms of pedestrian and traffic safety”.

Housing crisis rally will Raise the Roof in Galway

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Raise the Roof rally calling for radical action on housing crisis

Trade unions, political parties, women’s groups, student unions, housing agencies and
community groups are coming together for a rally in Galway against or housing crisis.

Raise the Roof is planning a rally in Eyre Square on Monday, April 8 with speakers from a range of civil societies to demand radical action to tackle our housing crisis.

Homelessness figures for February released this week show that the crisis has reached even higher levels as the number of people living in emergency accommodation passed 10,000 for the first time.

Combating this requires increased investment in affordable housing, action on evictions and rent certainty and a legally defined right to housing according to Raise the Roof.

Raise the Roof coordinator in Galway Clem Shevlin said: “We are urging everyone affected and concerned about the housing emergency in Galway to come out and show their support.”

“The fact that national homeless figures have now risen above 10,000 for the first time highlights the gravity of the situation.”

He added that that these figures show an underlying problem with the “absence of decent, affordable housing for young workers and families and the huge insecurity faced by people in the rental sector.”

This rally in Galway has been called for the same date as a meeting of Galway city council, where the group said Mayor Niall McNelis is expected to bring forward a motion containing many of the measures advocated for by Raise the Roof to tackle the housing crisis.

Raise the Roof is a nationwide movement that includes the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and affiliated trade unions, the ONE Galway movement, the Union of Students in Ireland, the National Women’s Council, the National Homeless & Housing Coalition and a range of housing and community groups.

Last October a massive rally in Dublin saw crowds of 15,000 gather to call for action.

This rally will take place in Eyre Square at 1pm on Monday, April 8.

Emergency calls diverted as Garda headquarters in Renmore damaged by flooding

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Just 12 Gardaí allocated to Northwestern region from class of 165

The new regional Garda headquarters in Renmore has been damaged by flooding from a burst pipe.

Emergency calls and other communications have been diverted to other stations after flooding damaged the equipment at the Garda headquarters communications room yesterday.

The issue was detected shortly after 4pm Friday afternoon.

Personnel from the Office of Public Works are assessing the extent of the damage to the headquarters and its equipment this weekend.

The new Regional Headquarters in Renmore was opened by Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan last summer with modern custody facilities and a firing range.

It serves as the hub for local and regional garda activity, one of three regional headquarters opened since 2017.

Be part of Galway’s youth music scene with Livefeed

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily arts Over the Edge returns after summer break

Music and Galway are inseparable in the minds of people who think of cultural life here, and one group wants to help young people help get their start in music.

Livefeed aims to grow a culture of youth music in Galway City and County by helping young people find the skills and confidence to pursue their interest in music, from performance, event production, audio and video production to music promotion, journalism and photography.

A Galway 2020 project, Livefeed encourages people between the ages of 13 and 18 who have any interest in music to come to any of a series of workshops and events taking place throughout Galway.

The project will give young people the chance to enjoy live music in a friendly and welcoming environment with people of a similar age and interest, while being guided by a team with experience in the field.

At each event the Livefeed team will meet with local young people interested in music, run a workshop based on the feedback they receive, and help these budding artists organise a youth music event in the area.

The next event will take Saturday March 30 at 2pm in The Zone Youth Cafe, Gort.

Livefeed will be delivered by the core team of Tracy Bruen, Eoin Dolan and David Boland.

Together they bring to the table skills in in various aspects of music and event production, digital strategy and engaging with young people.

In the past they have worked together on Sos, an all-ages series of music events in Nun’s Island Theatre and Citóg Records, an artist-led record label and collective.

In between travelling workshops, Livefeed will be holding regular workshops and open mic nights in Galway city to connect young musicians from different communities.

Bubbles & Brunch at the Connacht Hotel supporting ACT for Meningitis

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily life & style Bubbles and Brunch and The Connacht Hotel in support of ACT for Meningitis

The Connacht Hotel will be kicking off race week this Summer with their 2nd annual gourmet Bubbles & Brunch event in aid of local charity ACT for Meningitis.

An action packed pre-races event on Wednesday, July 31. This year’s Bubbles and Brunch promises to be another wonderful day of fashion, food, racing and a few surprises, with the funds going to the Ballybane based ACT for Meningitis.

The day will kick off at 12:30pm with a drinks reception at the Connacht Hotel followed by a gourmet three-course brunch with Prosecco and live entertainment.

Guest will also get to enjoy a best dressed competition and be in with a chance at raffle prizes, and of course it wouldn’t be a Galway Races event without a Millinery showcase.

When all that’s done, guests will have the option to be chauffeured out to the Racecourse to arrive in style at Ireland’s most famous racing festival.

ACT for Meningitis was founded up in 2011 by Siobhan and Noel Carroll following the tragic loss of their daughter Aoibhe to meningitis when she was just four years old.

In the months afterwards they felt the need to do something to raise awareness of this disease, so that hopefully other families wouldn’t have to go through the same heartbreak they did.

In July 2011 they set up ACT for Meningitis to raise awareness, promote education, and provide support to those affected by meningitis in Ireland.

Dawn McGoldrick, Head of Fundraising with ACT, said they were thrilled to be working the Connacht Hotel to raise awareness and funds for their cause.

Though based in Galway, ACT helps people wherever they can, working with patients and families in 21 counties.

Dawn said a lot of the work they do goes into countering confusion and a lack of understanding surrounding meningitis and its symptoms.

Meningitis comes in two main forms, bacterial and viral, but it has a great many different strains and a wide range of possible symptoms.

According to Dawn, a lot of people people will often wait for the tell tale rash before getting themselves checked out for meningitis, but it would be a mistake to wait that long she said.

In fact there’s no guarantee that someone who has contracted meningitis will develop a rash at all.

According to the HSE early warning signs include muscle and joint pain, cold hands and feet, or pale and blotchy skin.

Dawn said people should get themselves immediately seen by a doctor if they suspect they may have come down with the disease.

The funds raised at the Bubbles & Brunch event will be used to support ACT’s Community Care Programme which provides a broad range of supports for people suffering from meningitis and their families.

Emer McDonagh, ACT’s Community Support Officer works with patients and families to help connect them to the help they need, whether it’s providing advice on recovery, linking in with local services, or helping a family cope with a bereavement.

If anyone wants to learn more about the symptoms of meningitis, and the work the ACT promoting awareness and supporting patients and families in their community they can find it at ww.actformeningitis.ie

Tickets are available from €45 for this Bubbles & Brunch event and can be booked by e-mailing conferencing@theconnacht.ie  or calling 091 381200, For more information stay tuned to The Connacht Hotel Facebook page.

 

 

sponsored by the Connacht Hospitality Group

Calls for transparency on changes to rural housing restrictions

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Galway City Council has announced plans for a social housing development of 84 apartments and houses in Knocknacarra.

The Minister for Housing should clearly outline any changes that he intends to make to rural housing guidelines ahead of the upcoming local elections one Galway TD is insisting.

One-off rural housing developments in Ireland often carry very stringent requirements that a person have a strong connection to a local area in order to be granted planning permission.

That is expected to change following on from a ruling by the European Court of Justice in 2013 pm the ‘Flemish Decree’, which restricted housing to Flemish speakers in many cases to preserve culture, declaring it to be against EU law.

Galway West TD Eamon Ó Cuív has accused the Minister of holding off on publishing upcoming revisions to the 2005 rural housing guidelines until after the elections because of the “detrimental effect” they will have on rural Ireland.

A specialist group was established in 2017 to examine the decision of the ECJ and any changes that would need to be made to guidelines issued to planning authorities on the back of it.

“The Minister said that he expects to be in a position to shortly finalise and issue to planning authority revisions to the 2005 rural housing guidelines that take account of the relevant ECJ judgement,” said Deputy Ó Cuív.

“It is my suspicion that the Minister is holding off issuing these guidelines, because of the detrimental effect they will have on rural Ireland, until after the forthcoming local elections.”

He added that the government should be upfront about the proposed changes to the National Housing Guidelines and the effect they will have on housing policy for local authorities.

The Fianna Fáil TD finished by saying this should take place before the local elections in May “so that the electorate get a democratic choice to vote on the policies of the Government in this regard.”

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