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Navy patrol vessel the LÉ Niamh open for public tours

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Navy patrol ship the LÉ is docked in Galway for public tours

The Irish navy patrol vessel the LÉ Niamh is in Galway this week and is offering the public guided tours.

The LÉ Niamh will be alongside Galway this today and Friday, with the crew taking members of the public of the navy patrol ship between 1pm and 5pm.

The Niamh is the second Róisín class ship built for the naval service, built to the same long design as her older sister (78.8m) that optimises her performance in rough Irish waters.

While the name Niamh is not uncommon in Irish folklore, this ship is named for Niamh Chinn Oir from the story of Oisín in Tir na nÓg.

Patrol vessels in the Irish Naval Service take part in looking for illegal fishing ships and narcotics smuggling in Irish waters, along marine rescue missions and deployments to the Mediterranean to combat human trafficking.

The Irish navy is undertaking a recruitment drive to bolster its numbers, which stand at just under 1,100.

Full details of the careers available the requirements can be found at military.ie/careers/naval-service.

Planning permission granted for €200 million Crown Square development

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Briain Kelly
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Galway daily news Approval given for expansion of planned Mervue hotel

Planning approval has been granted for the first stage of a €200 million Crown Square office, hotel, and housing development in Mervue

A planning application was submitted to the city council for five office blocks ranging from three to six storeys above ground level and a 175 room hotel.

Crown Square Developments Ltd applied for a ten year grant of permission for Phase 1 of the project at the junction of Monivea Road and Joyce’s Road which has gone unused for years.

It’s expected that the offices could help deliver a significant level of employment, as a lack of office space has been highlighted as a challenge in getting companies to locate to Galway.

When completed the five office blocks will be able to accommodate 3,156 workers between them, while the hotel and other facilities would bring total employment capacity on site to roughly 3,500 people.

This commercial application was for Phase 1 of a larger development at the Crown Square site which will also include a large scale residential element in Phase 2.

Plans for Phase 2 include 286 apartments intended for renting, along with amenities like a gym, medical centre, a café and shops.

Approval for Phase 2 will be sought directly from An Bord Pleanála under legislation to fast track large scale housing projects.

As the two phases are an integrated development, Phase 1 plans include car parking facilities for the commercial and residential elements totaling 1,395 spaces at upper and lower basement levels.

In January the city council raised concerns with developer Padraic Rhatigan about a number of issues, in particular questions of fire safety.

The council said the development did not meet fire safety requirements for its “means of escape, atrium voids protection, car park fire protection, access for appliances”.

However the developer argued in its response that Henry J Lyons Architects are confident the design and site layout is compliant with regulations, and that this will be shown in the developed design when seeking a Fire Safety Certificate.

The council also instructed the developer to liaise with the city’s Transport Section to “enhance the potential for sustainable transport measures including public transport facilities”.

A number of submissions were made by members of the public, in particular with concerns about the effect this development could have on traffic along the Monivea road.

While current access to the site is off Joyce’s road, it is intended that when the development is complete vehicles will also be able to enter and leave Crown Square onto the Monivea Road.

The Crown Square project has had a troubled history. Abandoned in 2008, it fell under receivership with NAMA in 2012 until developers JJ Rhatigan signed a deal to take over the site again in June of this year.

Galway city council ultimately granted planning permission for the project with 27 conditions attached.

 

photo: artist’s impression by Henry J Lyons Architects

Galway welfare officer pleads guilty to stealing over €12,000

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

A Community welfare officer in Galway has pleaded guilty to the theft more than €12,000 from the Department of Social Protection over the course of nearly three years.

Ciaran McDonagh (59), from Cill Chiarán, Connemara pleaded guilty to 26 counts of theft at Galway Circuit Court this week, RTÉ reports.

The welfare officer was accused of stealing cheques from the Department from June 2009 to January 2012.

Sentencing was adjourned to November, when the defence will present evidence of medical issues, and the financial loss to the exchequer will also be addressed.

The court heard that Mr McDonagh had no previous convictions prior to this, according to RTÉ.

A co-accused, Mr Tim Gannon of the Headford Road, pleaded guilty to multiple theft charges for which he will be sentenced this week.

Kevin Rohan: Galway musician, radio host and living legend

By
Erin Breen
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Kevin Rohan, 70 years playing in Galway.

Galway is known for pub sessions, and for more than 70 years Kevin Rohan has been an integral part of them after he began playing at the age of 10.

“My father played the accordion and my mother played the fiddle and I used to listen to the music sessions at house parties all through the winters. They wouldn’t let me play along because I was still doing so much scraping on the fiddle, but I picked it up, I did,” he tells me.

Yeah he did! He became a member pf Ciaran Kelly’s famous big band and traveled throughout Europe with the man he considered his idol at the time. And seven years later he formed his own band, called Rodney’s Glory.

He still plays every chance he gets in the pubs and he has a voice like velvet. I met him in Keane’s in Oranmore. But Sunday mornings you can invite him in to your own living room. Because he hosts a traditional music program on Galway Bay FM. It’s called The Half Door and it runs from 7-9 every Sunday morning.

“I was invited in to Galway Bay FM and I thought that I was here to play a tune on the fiddle, but then they told me I was here to present the show. What a surprise,” he says with a chuckle.

Kevin Rohan at home in the studios of Galway Bay FM

But of course its easier to understand his talent by listening to him play. To hear a sample of Kevin’s music just click on the link below.

Hear Kevin Rohan on Erin’s Isle

City workshop on funds open to local charities and non-profits

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Galway family syndicate "laughing, cheering and crying" after €250,000 Lotto win

Social Innovation Fund Ireland is coming to Galway with a lunchtime event to discuss funding opportunities for local charities and social enterprise groups.

Galway’s charities and other organisations that work on behalf of their community can hear about the different funds which are open to them at this roadshow event in the Institute for Lifecourse and Society at NUI Galway in early April.

Members of the team from Social Innovation Fund Ireland will be on hand to walk through the criteria and application process for different funds accepting applications right now over lunch.

The following open funds will be discussed at the lunchtime workshop:

Mná na hÉireann, Women of Ireland Fund (€1.8 Million Fund)

  • Youth & Children Education Fund
  • Youth & Children Mental Health Fund
  • Ignite Fund (Awards of between €55,000 and €75,000):
  • Empowering Families (2 Awards)
  • Music to Impact (2 Awards)
  • Harnessing Ability (1 Award)
  • Youth Resilience (1 Award)

This free event is at the ILAS Centre in Newcastle on April 3, from 12-2pm.

Anyone interested in attending can register for a place here.

Social Innovation Fund Ireland was established by the government in 2015 to promote innovation in the non-profit sector.

Their mission statement reads “Our purpose is to support the best non-profits, charities and social enterprises in Ireland so that they can grow and reach more people who will benefit from their crucial work.”

All money raised by SIFI is matched by government money from the Dormant Accounts Funds.

Na hAinmniúcháin do Ghradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh 2019

By
Sheila Ní Bheaglaoich
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Seoladh oifigiúl Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh

Tá 18 ngnó agus n-eagraíocht ó réimse leathan earnálacha agus atá lonnaithe taobh thiar agus taobh thoir mar aon le i lár chathair na Gaillimhe ainmnithe do Ghradam Gnó Dhátheangach na Gaillimhe – Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh 2019.

Is í Gaillimh le Gaeilge a eagraíonn an Gradam i gcomhar leis an Galway Advertiser agus le TG4agus le tacaíocht Chumann Tráchtála na Gaillimhe.

Tá 12 cheann de na 18 n-ainmniúcháin seo istigh ar an nGradam den chéad uair agus tá 6 cinn tar éis a bheith páirteach ann cheana. I measc ainmniúcháin na bliana seo tá gnónna ar-líne, eagraíochtaí deonacha, tithe tábhairne agus óstáin cháiliúla de chuid na Gaillimhe, agus iad lán le smaointe nua cruthaitheacha maidir le húsáid na Gaeilge ina ngnó laethúil. Tá iar-bhuaiteoirí catagóirí agus comhlachtaí móra idirnáisiúnta istigh ar Ghradam 2019 chomh maith.

Agus í ag caint ar Ghradam 2019, dúirt Cathaoirleach Ghaillimh le Gaeilge Bernadette Mullarkey:

“Tá muid thar a bheith sásta leis an éagsúlacht a bhaineann leis na hainmniúcháin don Ghradam i mbliana – ó thaobh chineál na ngnónna agus ó thaobh na tíreolaíochta de. Tá obair iontach déanta ag na hainmniúcháin uilig chun stádas dátheangach na Gaillimhe a chothú. Tá feiceálacht agus cur chun cinn na Gaeilge fíorthábhachtach dúinn mar chathair dhátheangach. Guím gach rath ar na gnónna ar fad atá ainmnithe. Comhghairdeas libh go léir as bhur dtiomantas chun Gaillimh a choinneáil dátheangach agus difriúil. Gach rath oraibh i mbliana.”

Beidh foireann Ghaillimh le Gaeilge gnóthach sna seachtainí amach romhainn ag cur tacaíochtaí praiticiúla agus seirbhís leanúnach aistriúcháin ar fáil do na 18 n-ainmniúchán. Cuirfidh na moltóirí ardluach ar sheirbhís trí Ghaeilge, ar fheiceálacht na Gaeilge agus ar inbhuanaitheacht na Gaeilge sa ghnó nuair a thiocfaidh siad le chéile den chéad uair chun Gearrliosta an Ghradaim a roghnú ag tús mhí Aibreáin. Fógróidh Méara Chathair na Gaillimhe, an Clr Níall McNelis, an Gearrliosta ag preasócáid a bheidh ar siúl Dé Máirt, 16 Aibreán 2019.

Ba mhaith le Gaillimh le Gaeilge buíochas ó chroí a ghabháil leis na hurraitheoirí ar fad, a chuirean go mór le rath an Ghadaim gach bliain, agus fáilte mhór a chur roimh ár n-urraitheoir nua, MOLSCÉAL!

Is é an Galway Advertiser príomhurraitheoir na meán, agus go deimhin tá an comhlacht sin ag tacú leis an nGradam ó cuireadh tús leis in 2002. Tháinig TG4 ar bord in 2016 agus tá an dá eagraíocht seo ag cur pacáiste iontach fógraíochta ar fáil don bhuaiteoir iomlán. 

Is iad seo a leanas urraitheoirí na gcatagóirí do Ghradam 2019: Galway Bay FM, Fáilte Éireann, Snap Galway agus Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh. Beidh Údarás na Gaeltachta ag déanamh urraíochta ar mhacasamhla Ghradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh, saindeartha ag an ealaíontóir cáiliúil Pádraic Reaney. Cuirfidh Cumann Tráchtála na Gaillimhe urraíocht ar fáil don bhuaiteoir iomlán chomh maith. Míle buíochas leo go léir!

Gheobhaidh gach gnó atá ainmnithe don Ghradam poiblíocht shuntasach sna meáin Ghaeilge agus Bhéarla le linn fheachtas an Ghradaim agus gheobhaidh an buaiteoir iomlán aitheantas iomráiteach mar an 15ú Treibh de chuid na Gaillimhe don bhliain atá amach romhainn. Go n-éirí go geal leo ar fad.

Catagóir Miondíola:

Ionad Siopadóireachta na Coiribe

Fiáin

KD Autoparts

Mary’s Fish Gaillimh

Catagóir Turasóireachta agus Fáilteachais:

Clayton Hotel, Gaillimh

Freshii

The Galmont Hotel & Spa

The Kings Head

The Skeff Late Night Bar & Kitchen

Catagóir Seirbhísí:

Magnet Networks

Murphy Catering and Laundry Equipment

Ó Tuairisg Associates Ltd.

Polishing Technologies Ireland

Sweeney Oil

 

Catagóir na gComhlachtaí Eile:

Big O Taxis

ClearBookings

Galway Volunteer Centre

Westside Community Organic Gardens

Connacht looking to keep up the momentum against Benetton this Friday

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway daily sport Connacht switching conferences in upcoming Guinness PRO14 season
Connacht Rugby Squad Training, Sportsground, Galway 19/3/2019 Matthew Burke Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

After a short break for the Six Nations to finish up, the Guinness PRO14 is back in full swing with Connacht looking to keep up their momentum when they meet Benetton at the Sportsground this Friday.

The team is in good form after a fantastic 46-5 win over the Ospreys in the last round of the PRO14 and wants to pick up that level of play right where they left off against Benetton.

There’s a solid track record here, with Connacht winning the last three times they’ve met the Italian side, and taking seven out of the last nine matches since 2013.

The last time the two sides met was in February 2018 when Connacht claimed a close victory of 22-19 with tries from Finlay Bealham, Jarrad Butler and Eoin Griffin.

But with that said Benetton have been on a solid run themselves, sitting in 2nd place in Conference A after an unbeaten run since the end of November.

With just four games left in the league campaign Connacht are in the final playoff spot with a narrow points margin with the Cardiff Blues, who will be coming to Galway themselves on April 13.

Connacht Rugby have said that Andy Friend will be giving a squad update ahead of the match on Thursday at 12pm when the lineup will be announced.

In  a slight change from the normal schedule this game will kick off on Friday, March 22 at 7:35pm at the Sportground, and there’s still a few tickets left going at the Main Terrace and Bohermore Terrace.

 

photo: Connacht Rugby

Emergency Department at Portiuncula Hospital “extremely busy” today

By
Michael Malone
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Galway Daily news Emergency Department at Portiuncula Hospital highly overcrowded

The Emergency Department at Portiuncula University Hospital is extremely busy today and people are being asked to attend the A&E only in the case of real emergencies.

The hospital has seen a significant increase in the numbers of patients presenting with respiratory and flu like illness.

Patients with flu require isolation to prevent the spread of infection and this has presented a significant challenge.

The hospital is taking actions to alleviate the waiting times for patients requiring hospital admission, including additional reviews, early discharges and deferral of elective non urgent procedures.

A statement from Portiuncula Hospital said that it regrets the delays experienced by our patients.

A spokesperson said: “We would like to remind the public that we encourage them to attend the Emergency Department only in the case of real emergencies and they should contact their GP or GP Out-of-Hours service in the first instance.

“Also, the Minor Injuries Unit at Roscommon University Hospital can treat a wide range of minor injuries in adults and children over the age of 5, including broken bones, dislocations, sprains, strains, wounds, scalds and minor burns that will not need admission to hospital. The Minor Injuries Unit is open from 8am to 8pm, seven days per week.

“We would like to thank our staff who are working extremely hard during this busy and difficult time.”

Surgeons, journalists, and cancer scientists among the winners of the 2019 NUIG alumni awards

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news NUI Galway reveals winners of 2019 alumni awards

NUI Galway has announced the list of winners of the 2019 alumni awards which will be presented next month, and the list includes exceptional individual from the fields of medicine, science, law, journalism, and more.

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

Now in their 20th year, past recipients of the awards include President of Ireland Michael D Higgins, broadcasters, Seán O’Rourke and Gráinne Seoige, public figures such as Pat Rabbitte, Eamon Gilmore and Máire Whelan, and sports figures such as rugby international, Ciarán FitzGerald and Olympic medalist Olive Loughnane.

President of NUIG Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh praised the recipients of the the 2019 awards for the “positive impact” they’ve had in the world, adding that he looks forward to seeing them back at their alma mater to receive their award.

“It is the mission of universities to make the world a better place through our teaching, research and impact,” he said.

“Our Alumni Awards programme recognises alumni who make a positive difference in the world and who are leaders in their chosen fields. Through their endeavours our mission is made manifest.”

“I’m particularly pleased this year that we can honour a diverse group of alumni who have made a positive impact in the world, and for the world, both nationally and internationally.”

The 20th annual NUI Galway Alumni Awards will be presented at a Gala Banquet on Saturday, April 13.

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

McDonald’s appeals ‘Big mac’ trademark victory for Supermac’s

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Supermac's top chart for best Customer Experience among Irish restaurant sector

McDonald’s has appealed a recent victory for Supermac’s in their long running trademark battle that saw the US giant’s ‘Big Mac’ trademark cancelled in Europe.

The European Union Intellectual Property Office recently sided with Supermac’s in voiding the trademark, stating that McDonald’s did not show substantive “proof of use” of the trademark in Europe.

According to the Irish Times, McDonald’s has lodged its notice of appeal with the EUIPO, but has yet to submit grounds for the appeal.

Pat McDonagh has been fighting it out with McDonald’s over his plans to expand the Supermac’s chain into the UK and Europe, which have been blocked on trademark grounds in the past.

This latest twist will likely delay those plans further as Supermac’s will be unable to register their own trademark in Europe while the dispute is ongoing.

McDonagh’s has described McDonald’s actions as a “delaying tactic” and said that he is confident that the final decision will go their way.

McDonald’s opposition to McDonagh’s plans have centred on the use of the ‘Mac’ in their respective names.

The US chain said that it would cause confusion to customers for the two to operate alongside one another, adding that years of co-existence in Ireland was irrelevant to the argument.

But these grounds are baseless according to Supermac’s, and instead the chain is simply engaging in “trademark bullying” with Pat McDonagh at one point saying that McDonald’s have “literally registered the McWorld”.

Many of those trademarks have little connection to their existing products. McDonald’s hold a trademark for the SbackBox, a product which it does not offer but is popular at Supermac’s.

In this dispute over the ‘Big Mac’ trademark McDonald’s submitted sales data of big mac sandwiches from 2011 to 2016, along with advertising materials in English, French, and German.

However the EUIPO said that this material did not rise to the level of evidence required for a trademark.

McDonald’s have said that they are confident this decision will be overturned on the basis of the “substantive evidence” provided.

It’s expected that a ruling on this appeal may take a year or more to be decided, adding on to four years of this dispute.

Plans submitted for Ardrahan housing estate

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Planning permission extended to build 113 houses in Moycullen

Plans are in the works for a new residential development at Ardrahan South which will involve demolishing an agricultural building on site and constructing a 23 unit housing estate.

According to a report prepared by Brendan Slevin & Associates Chartered Engineers, this planing application is for phase one of a housing development which ultimately consist of 36 homes.

The greenfield site at Ardrahan village fronts directly onto R458 Gort to Kilcolgan regional road, which will be used to access the estate.

The proposed plans are for detached houses consisting of three main design variants which have been laid out to be in keeping with “a low density village environment”.

Its intended that the estate will be served by a communal wastewater disposal facility and a shared utility building.

The Ardrahan Group Water Scheme wrote in concerning the plans to say they were not opposed to the development in principle, but had concerns about possible water contamination.

The GWS noted that the proposed wastewater disposal site for the housing estate is close by several of their boreholes in the area, while a report compiled on the group’s behalf by the Geological Survey of Ireland said the karst landscape in the area makes it difficult to predict where groundwater will flow.

It’s intended that the wastewater disposal system for the development will be designed and maintained by the Wexford based Molloy Engineering, with proposals to seek a 20 year contract.

There are a significant number of ringforts/cashels and souterrains in the surrounding countryside, with more than 20 recorded monuments within 1km of the development according to an initial archaeological assessment by Dominic Delaney & Associates for the developer.

They said that there is “no known archaeology located on the development site and no previously unrecorded archaeological material or potential archaeological material was observed during site inspection”.

They did however recommend that a geophysical survey of the site should be carried out before any work begins.

The Department of Arts, Heritage, and the Gaeltacht was more stringent and said that the development is an area of “high archaeological potential” and may contain “extensive and significant archaeological deposits”.

The department has recommended that further investigations of the site should be carried out to allow for an Archaeological Impact Assessment to be carried out before a decision is made.

Galway county council is due to make a decision on this planning application by April 3.

Sheep has her second set of sextuplets in Athenry

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Sheep in Athenry gives birth to second set of sextuplets

One exhausted mother sheep has given birth to sextuplets in Athenry for the second time.

The sheep at the Teagasc centre in Athenry gave birth to six lambs last year, and Teagasc have said she’s repeated the feat this year.

Three of the newborn lambs are males and three are females.

Each of the babies weighs between 2.7 and 4.7 kg, and they and their mum are reported to be doing well.

Teagasc have said that while the Belclare breed are known to be prolific, this is highly unusual.

This latest birth means the in the past four years this ewe has given birth to 20 lambs.

 

photo: Teagasc/twitter

Public opinion sought on Irish Language Plan for Galway city

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news €2 million being invested in upgrading antiquated city sewer network

A public survey has been launched to gather people’s opinions on a proposed Irish Language Plan for Galway city.

NUI Galway has been chosen by the city council and Gaillimh le Gaeilge to carry out this research on people’s opinions of the Irish language in the city, and what they think could be done to encourage its uptake.

Last year, Dr John Walsh of NUIG’s Department of Irish and Dr Dorothy Ní Uigín of Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge were chosen to head up the creation of an Irish Language Plan for the city for 2019 to 2026.

A new steering Group, Coiste Stiúrtha Pleanála Teanga Gaillimh was established to support, guide and oversee the progress and the delivery of the language plan, with members drawn from across the community.

Dr Walsh and Dr Ní Uigín said that this online survey being launched is part of a broad spectrum of public consultations including interviews and focus groups.

They added that they will be working with “a broad range of people including Irish speakers and those who are interested in becoming more active in their use of the language.”

Chief Executive of the city council Brendan McGrath said that there is a strong commitment to fulfilling Galway’s potential as a bilingual city.

He added that there is great local expertise available to help achieve this goal from Gaillimh le Gaeilge and NUIG’s dedicated Irish school Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge.

The survey is available for at: nuigalway.ie/gaeilgebheo/.

It’s important for the plan’s success that people voice their opinions on it, and Irish, according to Cathaoirleach of Gaillimh le Gaeilge, Bernadette Mullarkey.

Public input is necessary in order for the plan to “achieve its objectives to further promote, support and increase the communicative use of the Irish language in everyday life,” she said.

This project is co-funded by Foras na Gaeilge through the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and Galway City Council.

It is intended that the city’s Irish Language Plan will be launched in the autumn.

Using games and shark footage to get kids into engineering

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Using games to get young people interested in engineering

The Marine Institute, Galway Atlantaquaria and the City Museum recently tried a new tack at getting young people interested in engineering at their ‘Pasta Pressure’ workshop.

The workshop, which involved making models out of pasta and other presentations showing the world beneath the waves of Galway Bay, was to encourage young people to consider a career in engineering.

As part of Engineers week kids engaged in the Pasta Pressure Tower Building Challenge, with kids letting their imaginations off the hooks to build different structures out of marshmallows and dried pasta.

Getting hands on with games like this taught kids some basic engineering principles like the effects of forces like tension and compression on a structure and the importance of a solid base.

Garry Kendellen of Galway Atlantaquaria said the Pasta Tower was a “gem of an activity” with the young people cranking out some “particularly exceptional pasta builds”.

“It was also very satisfying to see so many young budding female engineers participate in the activity this year, especially given that the workshop coincided with the global celebrations marking International Women’s Day,” Garry added.

Gráinne Cronin O’Reilly of Galway City Museum said that making a game out it got the young people far more interested than a lecture might have.

“The children were having great fun and laughing out loud while learning about engineering and the incredible research that is going into Ireland’s oceans.”

This event was part of Engineers Week, and also included Alan Berry from the Marine Institute talking about life under the water in Galway Bay.

Galway Daily news Using games to get young people interested in engineering

He gave a detailed overview of the SmartBay observatory in Galway Bay, letting kids see real time footage of marine life in the bay.

Alan said that showing off the great variety of ocean life right at our doorstep went down a treat with the kids.

“The children really enjoyed seeing the fish, sharks, seals and octopus and it further highlighted how engineering is opening up opportunities to see parts of the ocean many people have never seen before.”

This marked the first time the Atlantaquaria, Marine Institute, and Galway City Museum collaborated for Engineers Week, and after the success of this workshop the three are planning more events together to show off the STEM fields.

Major Pride March through NUI Galway a ‘huge success’

By
Michael Malone
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nui galway pride march

The first Pride March through NUI Galway campus has been a huge success.

Held by GigSoc, the LGBT+ student society, the march was part of a plethora of events for Rainbow Week.

Rainbow Week is an annual event organised by GigSoc and this year’s celebration of the LGBT+ community on campus included several new events, such as the launch of GigSoc’s first book which features contributions from NUI Galway students.

GigSoc has also recently launched the ‘T fund’, with support from the Office of the Vice-President for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

This project recognises the extra financial burden faced by transgender and non-binary students by providing funding to students of NUI Galway for financial costs related to social transition.

Maeve Arnup, Co-auditor of GigSoc and student in the College of Arts, said: “Rainbow week is the biggest week of the year for GiGSoc. This year we had two huge successes.

“The first being the launch of our first small publication ‘The Queer Book’ which is a collection of LGBTQIA+ writings, artwork and photography made by the community and for the community, with all proceeds from the sale of the book going to support Teach Solais, Galway’s LGBT+ Resource Centre.

“The second success was hosting the first Pride March to ever take place on a university campus in Ireland.”

Oissíne Moore, Co-auditor of GigSoc and student in the College of Arts added: “It’s amazing to see staff getting involved in the Pride March as it makes people feel that little bit safer knowing that staff are willing to march with us and support us.”

Rainbow Week also provided the NUI Galway LGBT+ Staff Network with an opportunity to launch the LGBT+ Ally Programme.

The LGBT+ Ally Programme at NUI Galway is a member-based initiative working towards increasing the knowledge, awareness, and support of LGBT+ colleagues and students.

Staff who sign up to be allies are provided with resources and visible symbols of their support for the LGBT+ community.

Dr Chris Noone, lecturer at the School of Psychology and Chair of the NUI Galway LGBT+ Staff Network, said: “The LGBT+ Ally Programme makes visible the support that exists at NUI Galway for students and staff who are members of the LGBT+ community.

“It shows that this is a welcoming place for people of all sexual and gender identities and that there is a community to connect with on our campus.”

Book of Condolence at city hall for New Zealand attack victims

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Book of Condolence for New Zealand attack victims at city hall

A Book of Condolence has been opened at City Hall in memory of the victims of a terrorist attack in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Deputy Mayor Donal Lyons opened the book of condolence this morning  “in solidarity with the people of New Zealand, in memory of the victims of the attacks in Christchurch”.

The death toll from the far right terror attack on two mosques in Christchurch last week has risen to 50 people.

The book of condolence will be available for members of the public to sign in city hall during opening hours until Friday March 29.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Association in Galway is planning to host a vigil at the Maryam Mosque on the Old Monivea road this Thursday at 7:30pm.

Kinvara housing estate of 24 homes granted planning permission

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway daily news Knocknacarra social housing

A housing development in Kinvara consisting of 28 homes has been granted approval to move ahead.

A planning application was made to the county council for a residential development of 28 homes on the Ballyvaughan road in Kinvara.

The housing estate will consist of 4 detached houses and 24 semi-detached houses

A number of objections were lodged against the application, with some local residents concerned that the development would overshadow existing homes and affect privacy.

Concerns were also expressed that the nature of the development was unsuitable to the rural character of the area.

A report compiled on behalf of developer Martin Corless by the Moore Group Environmental Services said that the closest areas of environmental conservation to this project were in the designated Galway Bay area.

It declared that as this development would connect to existing municipal sewerage services, it was unlikely to impact on any designated sites and did not require any further Appropriate Assessment.

However one submission made by a local warned that there is little capacity left in the municipal sewerage plant.

Access to the estate was initially intended to be from the N67, but revised plans changed the access point to the Green Road.

Galway county council granted planning permission for this housing development with 19 conditions attached.

European Commission to stand behind Irish farmers ahead of Brexit

By
Michael Malone
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GALWAY DAILY FARMERS galway EU

The European Commission has launched a useful new online portal for farmers and agri-food operators who want to find out more about the European Union supports available to them.

The portal will highlight in detail all the work that has gone into preparing for Brexit, according to East Galway TD Ciaran Cannon, and it can be located here.

Minister Cannon said that the Government is particularly aware of the potential impact a Hard-Brexit could have on the Agri-Food Sector in Galway where it is such an important industry.

“Both the Departments of Agriculture and Business are working closely with officials in the European Commission in respect of flexibilities under both State aid rules and the common agricultural policy,” said the Minister.

He added that any tariff regime would be extremely serious for Irish exporters, particularly for agri-food exports.

“That is why we have worked so hard to secure the Withdrawal Agreement that would enable both sides to negotiate a future relationship agreement with the aim of avoiding tariffs and quotas.

“Minister Creed has been working on this issue for some time, and the EU are well aware of the potential impact of a disorderly Brexit on Ireland’s economy. This has been part of the discussions from the very start of the Brexit process.

“The EU’s Agriculture Commissioner, Phil Hogan, has reiterated the EU’s readiness to respond and support Ireland, and we will remain in contact on these issues as the situation evolves. Indeed, the UK‘s announcement coincides with further discussions taking place at official level between the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Commission in this regard.

“The European Commission also announced that it has given State Aid approval for national investment in an Irish cheese producing company, Carbery Food Ingredients Ltd,” said Minister Cannon.

Same day voting on the islands could be in place by the May elections

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway daily news

Islanders in Galway could get to vote on the same day as everyone else by the time local and European elections come around in May.

Galway West TD Eamon Ó Cúiv said that a bill to provide for same day voting will be moved by the end of this month.

Deputy Ó Cúiv proposed the bill to end the practice of early voting on the islands which is currently before the Dáil.

Before it can advance any further the Minister of State for Local Government and Electoral Reform must decide whether to issue a Money Message

According to the Fianna Fáil TD the bill is expected to be moved by March 29, with the hope that it will become law before the May elections.

“Having raised this matter with the Minister I understand it is hoped a memorandum to Government will be moved by Friday March 29th in relation to the money message, which provides for same day voting on the islands,” he said.

Eamon Ó Cúiv added that he has been in discussions with the department about including amendments to the bill which were raised by Simon Coveney, then Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government and which were also recommended by the Oireachtas Committee, which scrutinised the Bill.

“I look forward to the Government’s consideration of the Bill. I would hope that they would take a favourable attitude towards it and see that same day voting is not only possible, but a basic right for islanders in the area in which we are living.”

6 Things to do after a road traffic accident

By
Desmond Fitzgerald
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1. First steps

  • If the accident is serious , the cars should not be moved. If the accident is minor and the cars are blocking the road or are a danger to other road users,  the cars should be moved and marked. Take care when moving damaged cars. Make sure the car engines are turned off and that there is no dangerous debris left on the road.
  • Try to warn oncoming traffic of the accident , so as not to cause another accident. The minimum step is to warn others is to turn on your hazard lights. If the accident happens near a bend in the road, make sure you give warning to traffic on both sides of the bend. If you need to ask for another road users help to warn traffic, do so right away.
  • If someone is injured you must contact the Gardai as well as the ambulance services.

2. Wait for the emergency services to arrive

You must stop your car and remain at the scene of the accident for a reasonable time. If a Garda is present at the scene of the accident you must give, when requested, personal, vehicle and insurance details.

If there is no Garda present you must, when requested, give this information to:

  • The injured person where a person has been injured
  • To the owner where property has been damaged 
  • If none of these are present the information should be given to some independent person who was present when the accident occurred.

Photograph the Car Accident. It’s a good idea to photograph, using your mobile phone the scene of the car crash the damage to, and position of the vehicles concerned.  

3. Stay at the scene of the accident

It is critical that you do not leave the scene of the accident for any reason. “Hit and run”  Section 106 of the Road Traffic Act 1961, (as amended) covers everything from leaving the scene of a minor scrape in a car park up to driving away from the scene of a fatal accident. Note that section 106 requires reporting “where injury is caused to a person or property”. The law looks upon a person leaving the scene of an accident with severity and in general the penalty for not being at the scene of an accident is the same as the most severe penalty that the hit-and-run driver is trying to avoid.

4. Get medical assistance

Get medical assistance if you are injured. If an ambulance arrives at the scene you will be taken to the nearest A & E unit for treatment . If you have an injury but not taken to hospital it is important to attend your GP as soon as possible to allow them to take note of the injury

5. Know about the MIBI

The Motor Insurer’s Bureau of Ireland (MIBI) protects all drivers where the other driver is uninsured, leaves the scene or is a foreign driver. Any driver suffering injury or property damage can make a claim to the  MIBI,  even if the make, colour or registration number of the other car is unclear . Even if you have a collision with an uninsured and disqualified driver you will still be covered by the MIBI as if the other party were fully insured. The MIBI will generally interview all claimants to establish the veracity of their claim .

6. Talk to your insurer 

You should report the accident to your own insurance company while at the scene of the accident . Your insurer will explain all the steps that may be required to take, and, importantly, you have put them on notice of the incident and ensure that you will be fully covered whatever the circumstances. Note that many insurance policies require that you do not admit liability for the accident.

Disclaimer: this article is intended for general information only and is not intended to be exhaustive or a legal interpretation of Road Traffic Law.

If you have any questions in relation to and accident you have had, or in relation to any area of the law, you can get in touch with Desmond Fitzgerald & Co. on (091) 503823 or via desfitz@iol.ie

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