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Galway medtech start-up EnteraSense secures €3.5 million funding

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news No Monkeypox cases reported in Galway to date

The Galway based medtech start-up company EnterSense has secured €3.5 million in funding from private investments and EU grant aid.

Founded in 2015, EnteraSense is working on a diagnostic tool to easily detect bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.

It consists of a capsule the patient ingests, and an external receiver and has shown promise in initial tests.

They first licensed the technology from Harvard University, and will use this funding to further develop and commercialise the product.

According to the Irish Times, the funding they have secured consists of €2.5 million grant from the EU’s Horizon 2020 programme, and €1 million from varied investors.

EnteraSense was founded by veteran medtech investor Donal Devery, who has previously set up biomedical company Vysera Biomedical and was CEO of Galway medtech test lab Anecto.

Other founding members include Dr Chris Thompson of Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, and Dr Marvin Ryou of Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

The private investors they have brought in so far include physicians from the United States, an Irish equity fund, Dubai investors, and local Galway business people.

It has also been supported by Enterprise Ireland.

Donal Devery said the fact that physicians are among their investors shows just how much promise their product has from a medical standpoint.

They hope to go looking for regulatory approval for the device’s use by mid-2020.

“We want to improve patient outcomes and drive cost down for the health system,” said Mr Devery.

“Each process and function within the deliverables associated with the grant will help us achieve this goal.”

Where to get rid of that Christmas tree

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Free Christmas Tree recycling in Galway County

Now that the season is past and it’s dropped a layer of needles that’ll take weeks to get all of, it’s time to start thinking about getting rid of the Christmas tree.

Assuming you’re not going to use it for firewood, or going through the bother of getting a woodchipper, there are plenty of spots in Galway where you can dispose of your Christmas tree free of charge.

In Galway city, the city council is has two depots where people can drop off their tree for recycling.

Hunters Depot at Lough Rusheen on the Barna Road, and Merlin Woods Depot off the Doughiska road.

They are open from 9am to 3pm until Saturday, January 12.

Or if you’re still riding high on some of that season’s charity you can bring your Christmas tree by NUI Galway in aid of Galway Hospice.

The hospice are recycling trees to raise funds at a temporary facility set up beside the engineering building on the campus.

This is open from 5-7pm Monday to Friday, and 10am-5pm on Saturdays until Saturday, January 19.

Outside the city Galway County Council is providing free Christmas tree recycling at multiple spot around the county.

  • Athenry: Public Car Park beside Kenny Park
  • Ballinasloe: Canal Drive, Ballinasloe
  • Clifden: Ball Alley, Beach Road 
  • An Cheathrú Rua: Halla Éinne 
  • Gort: Council Yard, Georges St.
  • Loughrea: Fairgreen, Courthouse Road 
  • Mountbellew: Black Quarry, Mountbellew – Ballinasloe Road (Near 50km speed limit sign)
  • Milltown: Council Yard, Milltown 
  • Oughterard: Car Park, Oughterard 
  • Maigh Cuilinn: Behind the bringbanks on Mountain Road
  • Portumna: Beside bringbanks, Castle Avenue
  • Tuam: Recycling Centre, Athenry Road
  • Headford: Council Yard beside Mart
  • Oranmore: Oranmore Community Centre beside GAA Pitch

These are open until Friday, January 11.

Both services by Galway city and county councils are for domestic householders only.

Ballybane second worst urban area in Ireland in litter survey

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Galway fails to crack 'Clean' list in latest litter survey

Ballybane is the second most heavily littered urban area in Ireland according to the latest IBAL Litter Survey, as Ballinasloe dropped off the clean list.

Irish Businesses Against Litter commissions An Taisce to carry out litter surveys across 40 towns and urban areas around Ireland.

Though it remains near the bottom of the table, Ballybane has slightly improved in condition from the last survey in October where it came last.

It and Dublin North Inner City remain the only urban areas to be considered ‘seriously littered’.

Though IBAL said that progress is being made at tackling littering in the majority of towns, Ballinasloe had a bad run towards the end of the year, dropping ten places on the list, going from being ‘clean’ to ‘moderately littered’.

But there’s good news for Galway as well as Galway city centre recorded it’s best result in years, climbing seventeen places from ‘moderately’ littered to ‘clean to European norms’.

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Richard Bruton said “Combating litter is part of a much wider challenge – how we use our resources effectively and adapt to recognise environmental damage more generally.”

“Litter is a very tangible, visible example of the kind of damage that is being done. It is vital that communities, businesses and local authorities in towns all across Ireland, work together to manage waste properly and reduce litter.”

Fermoy was crowned the cleanest town in Ireland, and An Taisce praised the Cork town for having “exceeded its usual high standards of cleanliness” .

They added, “Great care has been taken not just with regard to litter but also overall presentation.”

While over 90% of towns surveyed were deemed clean, IBAL warns that certain city areas are stubbornly refusing to see an improvement.

Along with Ballybane and Dublin Inner City North, three areas were deemed ‘littered’: Ballymun, Cork City – Mahon, and Cork City – Northside, the same as the last survey.

Conor Horgon of IBAL commented “Three years ago we deliberately shone a spotlight on specific city areas in the hope that the attention would spur councils and communities into action.”

“It is fair to say we have seen no noticeable improvement in any of these areas – nor have we seen much by way of substantial measures to them turn around.”

He said that unequal economic and housing development has created a gap that leaves certain parts of the city behind.

“The historic development of large areas of social housing has shaped a ‘them and us’ society and the gap is widening.”

“Litter is a symptom of a greater malaise and keeping these areas as clean and well presented as the rest of a city would over time have significant benefits. We need local authorities to take the lead.”

“At a minimum these repeatedly littered sites, often subject to dumping, need to be targeted and cleaned up,” said Conor Horgan.

“This would be the quickest and most efficient way to make inroads in these areas, but in many cases it is not happening.”

Crowds gather at vigil for CervicalCheck victims on Nollaig na mBan

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Memorial service Portiuncula Hospital

Victims of the CervicalCheck scandal which has already claimed too many lives were on people’s minds at a candlelit vigil in Eyre Square on Sunday evening.

The Galway Council of Trade Unions organised the vigil as it called on the government to implement the 50 recommendations of the Scally Report into CervicalCheck.

The candlelit rally was called to commemorate Emma Mhic Mhathúna, one of the victims of this scandal who has lost her life, and all the other women affected on the holiday that traditionally celebrates women.

https://twitter.com/Jester1968/status/1082012904403148806

The Galway CoTU has said the government must implement all the recommendations in the Scally report and ensure that women have access to quality smear testing to ensure this doesn’t happen again.

Speaking to RTÉ, Marian Spelman President of the Galway CoTU said that “All we want to do today is light a candle, and remember all those who have been affected by it, and also to encourage all public representatives here in Ireland to implement the Scally Report.”

“It is wonderful that a report has been done, but reports are no good if they gather dust on shelves.”

There was a strong turnout from the people of Galway on Sunday evening, with public representatives like Mayor of Galway Niall McNelis in attendance.

Man safe after rescue operation on the Corrib

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Claddagh Watch extending patrol efforts for Rag Week

A man is alive and safe this afternoon after an extensive rescue operation in the city today.

At roughly half three this afternoon a man was seen entering the water near O’Brien’s bridge on the Corrib.

Gardaí, fire and ambulance services began a rescue operation on the bridge and river.

The Galway Lifeboat and Coast Guard Rescue 115 helicopter were also called to the scene to help.

The man left the river not long after and is reportedly unharmed.

 

Billionaire Galway brothers make €77 million profit on recession bought office block

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Galway developers make €77 million profit selling office block

Luke and Brian Comer, property developers from Glenamaddy, have turned a €77 million profit selling a Dublin office block they bough in the recession.

The Comer Group, the brothers’ property development company, acquired the Beckett building on East Wall Road for just €5 million in 2013.

The office block had belonged to developer Liam Carroll, and was in receivership with the Bank of Scotland (Ireland).

According to the Sunday Times, last year the Comer Brothers sold it to Kookmin Bank of South Korea for €101 million after substantially investing in it.

The six-storey office block is currently under a 15 year lease to Facebook.

Corporate filings show that the company the Comers used to purchase it, Favonius Property Company, is being voluntarily liquidated.

It reports assets of €76.7 million and liabilities of just €68,000. These assets will be distributed to the company’s shareholders.

Originally from Glenamaddy, Luke Comer Sr and Brian Comer are both residents of Monaco for tax reasons.

The Comer Group owns multiple commercial and residential properties in Galway including Snoozles hostel, An Púcán bar, Kingston Hall and more.

It’s estimated that their property portfolio in Ireland alone is worth €2 billion, while they also own much more property in the UK and Europe.

Luke Comer has said they plan to build 10,000 homes in Galway, Cork, and Dublin over the next five years.

Sportsground collection raises over €2,000 for Galway Hospice

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Sportsground collection raises over €2,000 for Galway Hospice

A collection on the way into the Connacht versus Ulster game a last week raised over €2,000 for Galway Hospice.

Volunteers with Galway Hospice were down at the Sportsground that Friday evening along with thousands of others.

And the people of Galway, Connacht, and beyond showed their generosity, donating a total of €2,133.56 by the evening’s end.

The hospice thanked Connacht Rugby, their official charity partner, for facilitating the collection, and everyone who gave generously on the night.

Separately, a Coffee Morning organised by Lisk Manufacturing in Gort towards the end of the year raised €1,000 for the hospice.

Lisk recently presented Galway hospice with a cheque for €1,000 which represents the combined donations from staff, Lisk Sports and Social Club and Lisk Ireland Limited.

The hospice thanked staff and management for their time and continued support.

“Special thanks to Monica Burke who has championed the Hospice cause over the last number of years through her work as a coffee morning host. You’re all simply wonderful!”

Galway Hospice is the main provider of palliative care in Galway and the continued support of the people of Galway is essential to keeping this important service running.

NUI Galway opens stem cell research lab in China

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily new NUI Galway opens stem cell research centre in China

NUI Galway is expanding its international collaboration on high end medical research with a stem cell research centre in China jointly run with Hebei Medical University.

The stem cell research centre in Shijiazhuang, in the Hebei Province is focusing on developing treatments using stem cells for diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders and neurological disorders.

Scientists from both universities are collaborating on stem cell manufacturing and clinical trials for medical conditions in China and here in Ireland.

The centre was launched in November 2017 and had its first international conference at the end of last year.

It’s co-directed by Professor Huixan Cui, President of Hebei Medical University and Professor Timothy O’Brien, Dean of the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at NUI Galway.

Professor O’Brien commented that it’s important that people understand that many of the areas that use stem cells are still experimental treatments, not proven therapies.

“We need to undertake rigorously conducted clinical trials with carefully manufactured stem cells to ensure these therapies are safe and effective,” he said.

“We have invested significant resources in Galway to this end with the construction of a Good Manufacturing Practice facility for stem cell manufacture and a HRB Clinical Research Facility, which has special expertise in conducting early stage clinical trials in stem cell therapy.”

President of Hebei Medical University Professor Huixan Cui said, “Hebei Province has a population of almost 80 million people and many conditions which are common in Ireland are also causing much suffering to our population.”

“We are excited about this joint venture which we believe will be mutually beneficial and ultimately will serve the needs of patients.”

Five researchers from NUI Galway and the lead investigators on the Chinese side recently presented their plans to a scientific advisory board from the USA, EU and China which endorsed the research programme at an international conference.

On top of the stem cell research the two universities will be taking part in an exchange of staff and students.

Fifteen medical students from NUI Galway spent one month in Hebei Medical University in June and six medical students from Hebei studied in Galway.

Professor O’Brien said these exchanges are an important part of giving their students a concept of global citizenship.

Public transport users must be given key voice in future development of Galway City

By
Michael Malone
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Galway daily news Bus Eireann rolling out new Galway Expressway services
Public transport users must have a key voice in any future development for the city.
That’s according to Social Democrats candidate for Galway City East Owen Hanley, following the publication of new figures from the National Transport Authority which showed a 13% increase in bus users in Galway in 2018 over the previous year.
“Local people are the ones leading the solutions to Galway’s traffic problems by using existing bus networks and creating great grassroots initiatives like the School Cycle Bus,” said Owen Hanley .
“The increasing demand in Galway for alternative transport routes is going unheard.”
The Social Democrats candidate said that the Galway Transport Strategy offers a strong foundation for the future but requires ‘full and earnest implementation that realises an integrated city bus network’.
“We need to imagine a future city where nobody is further than 10 minutes from their nearest bus stop, with reliable services, and dedicated bus lanes throughout the city. Until then Galway will continue to struggle with its disastrous traffic issues,” he added.

Candlelit vigil in memory of cervical cancer check victims

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Memorial service Portiuncula Hospital

A Candlelit vigil will be held in Galway city centre this evening in memory of all of the victims of the cervical cancer smear test scandal.

The Galway Council of Trade Unions is hosting this vigil on Nollaig na mban to commemorate Emma Mhic Mhathuna and all the other women who have lost time or their lives to cervical cancer needlessly because of this tragedy.

The smear test scandal affects over 220 women with cervical cancer who might have benefited from earlier treatment, many of whom have since died.

Dr Gabriel Scally led a review into CervicalCheck which delivered a damning report on the system, and made 50 recommendations.

The Council says the government must act on all of the recommendations contained within the Scally report to see that this doesn’t repeat itself.

Marian Spelman, President of the Galway Council of Trade Unions says it is imperative that the Government secure a licence for quality cervical smear testing in Ireland or at least in Europe and make it available to Irish women.

“It is not good enough for the women of Ireland that members of cabinet feel angry or saddened on our behalf.”

“This holds cold comfort for the families of the women who have died and for those who now have incurable cancer due to a late diagnosis,” she said.

Local representatives and councillors are also invited to the vigil to show their support and keep this issue on the agenda until the Scally report has been fully implemented.

The vigil will begin at 6pm in Eyre Square, and Marian wants make it plain that this isn’t to women, as men and women alike have been hurt by this.

“This isn’t gender based as partners, fathers, sons etc have been left grieving by the premature deaths of loved ones to cervical cancer.”

“Implementing the Scally recommendations now will not only save lives but hopefully prevent similar scandals in the future.”

City street closed until the end of February

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news road closure

Cross Street in Galway city is closed to traffic until the end of February to facilitate major works being done by Irish Water.

The €2 million project is about upgrades to the sewer services on the street with the construction of main chamber manholes and the realigning of existing sewer culverts.

Works on Cross Street begin today and will continue until Friday, February 22.

The road will be closed between Middle and Bridge Streets, the city council says.

Irish Water met with businesses in the Latin Quarter last December to discuss the works amid concerns about a lack of communication.

A spokesperson for Irish Water said that the meeting was productive with businesses reassured about the timeline and communication plan for the works.

Alternative routes will be signposted for traffic while works are taking place.

 

Over €600,000 funding for Galway community services

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Galway community groups to share in over €600,000 funding

Community organisations of every shape and size across Galway city and county will benefit from more than €600,000 in funding announced this week.

Galway West TD Seán Kyne has confirmed that €606,816 in grants will be allocated to 122 groups in Galway under the Community Enhancement Programme.

The funding will be used by community and not-for-profit groups for purchasing equipment, improving infrastructure, and procuring resources essential to their work.

In Galway county 78 projects will receive €378,937  while 44 groups in Galway city have been allocated €227,879.

The Community Enhancement Programme gives backing to groups of every kind, from sports clubs, and community centres to art galleries and disability support groups.

It is administered by a Local Community Development Committee in each council area.

Equipment and resources obtained through the funding include equipment for IT , first-aid and health and safety, facilities such as kitchens, workshops, grounds, and offices.

The full list of groups and projects that have been given backing in Galway under the programme is as follows:

Galway City Ability West €1,000 Sensory equipment
Galway City An Mheitheal Rothar €7,770 Purchase of bicycle workshop tools & training equipment
Galway City Ard Alainn Clean up Group €1,930 Lawnmowers, blower and road sweeper
Galway City Ballinfoile Castlegar NC €3,977 Sports Equipment
Galway City Ballybane Community Resource Centre €999 Repair of autodialler on lift
Galway City Ballybane Community Resource Centre €999 Upgrade seating area in meeting room
Galway City Ballybane Community Resource Centre €282 Repair of autodialler in lift in the community centre to facilitate wheelchair users
Galway City Ballybane Community Resource Centre €369 Upgrade of meeting room facilities in the community centre
Galway City Ballybane Men’s Shed €1,900 Defibrillator
Galway City Ballybane Sports and Community Development €750 Safety Equipment
Galway City Blue Teapot Theatre Company €3,167 Upgrade kitchen facilities, new appliances
Galway City Blue Teapot Theatre Company €500 Upgrade of building to include energy efficiency equipment & disability access
Galway City Cairde Othair na Gaillimhe €8,364 Purchase of software system to develop and support fundraising activity
Galway City DRA Community Development €14,997 Purchase and installation of a number and range of outdoor gym equipment items
Galway City Galway Arts Centre €4,994 Repair / restoration works to the original Georgian front door on building
Galway City Galway Autism Partnership €2,870 Upgrade playground and improve safety of Club premises
Galway City Galway Centre for Independent Living €29,000 Disability accessible transport vehicle
Galway City Galway Centre for Independent Living €7,000 Purchase of new replacement disability accessible vehicle
Galway City Galway City Community Network €1,550 Purchase of IT and other equipment (laptop computer, screen and office equipment)
Galway City Galway City Partnership €11,820 To renovate the board room / training room, purchase of ICT equipment
Galway City Galway Community Circus €1,000 IT Equipment
Galway City Galway Community Circus €350 Purchase of IT equipment
Galway City Galway Film Centre €8,784 Purchase of film making and animation equipment
Galway City Galway Hibernians FC €11,548 Development of Community Facility
Galway City Galway Simon €14,950 Vehicle
Galway City Galway Simon Community €8,050 Purchase of vehicle for use of Community Support Service
Galway City Helplink Support Services CLG €6,502 IT/Training Equipment and furniture
Galway City Horses Connect €5,000 Wheelchair ramp
Galway City Merlinne Estates €2,270 Purchase and installation of 5 no. granite signs for estate entrance
Galway City Mervue Active Retirement Association Bowls Club €1,345 Sports equipment
Galway City Our Lady’s Boys Club [OLBC} €6,299 Upgrade of building at Galway Youth Federation and replacement of fire doors
Galway City Renmore Active Retirement Group €720 Sports Equipment
Galway City Shantalla Men’s Shed €7,500 Building materials for extension of the workshop
Galway City Shantalla Men’s Shed €9,059 Extension of workshop to support community workshop and disability access toilet
Galway City Teach Áthais Childcare Centre Ltd €2,500 Upgrade of building/playground interior and playground facilities
Galway City That’s Life Brother’s of Charity Service Galway €9,495 Provide music making workshops
Galway City Westside Age Inclusion €2,000 IT Equipment
Galway City Westside Arts Festival €770 Outdoor signage to promote the Westside Arts Festival
Galway City Westside Resource Centre CLG €5,200 Safety Equipment
Galway City Westside Resource Centre CLG €2,845 Replacement of flooring in canteen/kitchen area and meeting room equipment
Galway City Westside Resource Centre CLG €998 Enhancement of Wi-Fi and reception area in Centre
Galway City Whitehall Close Residents Group €10,804 Sports Equipment
Galway City Woodquay Residents Association (in partnership with Galway City Council) €4,651 Support the Woodquay Park/create a space for whole community
Galway City Youth Work Ireland – Westside Youth Project €1,000 Composter, letterbox, non-slip mats, painting and repairs to building
Galway County Abbey Community Development Association €12,810 Development of recreation facilities at Foroige Club
Galway County Abbeyknockmoy Community Playground Committee €12,810 Equipment
Galway County Abbeyknockmoy Parish Society CLG €3,836 Chairs
Galway County Alley Oop Basketball Skills €800 Sports equipment
Galway County Annaghdown Heritage Society €849 Television
Galway County ASD Parents Group Scoil Mhuire €8,930 iPads and an iPad carrier
Galway County Ballinakill New Hall €7,082 Fit new kitchen, cooker hob, extractor hood, retile floor and walls
Galway County Ballinasloe Cancer Support Centre Ltd €15,000 Refurbishment of ground floor building and make wheelchair accessible
Galway County Ballinasloe Rugby Football Club €10,675 Funding for Astro turf all weather training and playing facility
Galway County Ballinasloe Social Services Ltd €14,602 Development of Community Centre
Galway County Ballinasloe Tidy Towns €1,000 Photography Equipment
Galway County Ballinasloe Town Hall CLG €12,810 Once off Maintenance
Galway County Bearna na Forbacha Aontaithe €465 Pop-up goals for academy (U7-U9’s)
Galway County Brigit’s Garden €12,810 Ride on mower, poly tunnel and outdoor awning
Galway County Brothers of Charity Galway – SUAS Services €1,000 IT Equipment
Galway County Burrenbeo Trust €1,000 Projector, speakers, flipchart easel for education and training programmes
Galway County Cairde Mor €12,810 Enhance 1km of walkway and complete low level lighting, develop an off road walking trail
Galway County Caltra Community Centre €1,000 Stone facing boundary wall onto main road
Galway County Castleblakeney Church Restoration Association Ltd €1,000 IT Equipment – Laptop and Printer
Galway County Club Óige an Spidéil €1,000 Treallamh –  Scooter boards, Mataí and pillúir, Folús Glantóir
Galway County Club Óige Leitir Mór €1,000 Boscaí storáil agus treallamh spóirt le haghaidh an club óige
Galway County Cois na Móna Residents Association €1,000 Work on rockery at entrance of estate and shrub area at end of estate
Galway County Coiste Páirce na bPiarsaigh Rosmuc €10,580 Develop an RV serviced station with 2 bays in Rosmuc
Galway County Comhairle Muintir an Chaiseal Centre €3,118 IT Equipment – iPad and Epson Perfection V550
Galway County Comhar Caomhán Teo €12,414 Giomnasiúm taobh amuigh a fhobairt (Develop outdoor gym)
Galway County Connemara Therapeutic Riding CLG €500 Equipment
Galway County Corrib Mask Search and Rescue €1,000 Laptop and projector
Galway County Cúl an Tí €988 Treallamh teicniúil agus uirlisí a cheannacht chun go mbeidh muid in ann sraith taispeántais
Galway County Cumann na bhfear An Cheathrú Rua €1,251 Glass kiln for training courses
Galway County Dun an Oir Residents Association €2,115 Once off maintenance
Galway County East Galway Youth Project – Youth Work Ireland €1,000 IT equipment – Smart TV and Laptop
Galway County Eyrecourt and District Cardiac First Responders €850 Manikins for CPR training and how to use defibrillator
Galway County Fohenagh Killure Kilgerrill Community Council €4,500 Banquet style chairs
Galway County Forbairt Chonamara Láir Teo €10,580 Develop RV serviced station with 2 bays
Galway County Forbairt Phobail Maigh Cuilinn Teo €6,950 Upgrade facilities
Galway County Fr Sammon Community Centre Management Committee €12,810 Redevelopment of community centre
Galway County Galway Mountain Rescue Association €1,000 Mini crag rescue kit
Galway County Garrafrauns Community Council €1,000 Tables
Galway County Glenamaddy Tidy Towns €12,810 Enhancement to local turlough amenity area
Galway County Glinsk Community Childcare Centre – Caisleán Óir €8,687 Extension of CCTV system
Galway County Gort Community Council Ltd €5,043 Industrial floor scrubber dryer
Galway County Gort Resource Centre €10,000 Maintenance to building, furnish it and make it suitable for a new Community Hub
Galway County Involve Youth Project Ballinasloe €1,000 Sports Equipment
Galway County Irish Wheelchair Association Tuam Resource Centre €1,000 Accessible adjustable tables
Galway County Keelogues Cross Heritage Comm €1,000 Repair and replace stone wall around grotto and repair fence
Galway County Kilconnell Tidy Towns €10,000 Improve common areas/spaces within the community and enhance community amenities
Galway County Kinvara Area Visual Arts €8,000 Remove/upgrade deteriorated toilet facility
Galway County Lackagh Museum and Community Development Association €598 Sandblasting Equipment for Men’s Shed
Galway County Laurencetown Community Development Group €12,810 Redevelop green area in centre of the village
Galway County Monivea Community Alert Active Age €1,000 Purchase of seating with tables
Galway County Mountbellew District Development Association €1,000 Replace lighting with energy efficient LED lighting
Galway County Moycullen Youth Club €981 Provide safe fire proofed foam for seating
Galway County Muintearas Teo €15,000 Athchóiriú ar ionaid an tsean tSiopa Tí Mhaoláin i gCaladh Gholaim
Galway County Naíolann na nOileáin €1,000 Treallamh a chuir ar fáil do Seirbhís Cúram Iar Scoile a bhíonn á reachtáil i Naíolann na nOileán
Galway County New Inn Community Centre €6,696 Install gas instant hot shower pump/heaters to existing dressing rooms
Galway County North Connemara Voluntary Housing Association €1,000 All-weather garden seating
Galway County Oughterard Amateur Boxing Club €1,000 Sports equipment
Galway County Oughterard Youth Club €1,000 Gaming consoles for youth club
Galway County Pairc na hAbhainn Residents Association €1,000 Benches and paint front wall at entrance
Galway County Portumna Chamber of Commerce €950 Welcome signage to enhance the access to Irish and international tourists
Galway County Sarsfield GAA €8,617 Construction of walkway and resurfacing works at GAA grounds
Galway County Shannonside Community Group €1,000 Upgrade of Shragh Community Centre
Galway County Sportlann Naomh Anna CTR €9,375 Spin bikes
Galway County St Jarlath’s Court Residents Association €1,000 Outdoor furniture
Galway County St Joseph’s Court Residents Association €1,839 Laptops
Galway County St. Gabriel’s GAA €11,593 Renovate existing showers and disabled toilet
Galway County Sylane Camogie Mothers and Others €1,000 Sports equipment and first aid supplies
Galway County The Artfarm Collective €1,000 IT equipment – Laptop
Galway County The Irish Workhouse Centre €1,000 Glass cabinets and display unit for Tourist Information Centre
Galway County Tommy Larkins GAA Club €6,500 Dug outs at pitch
Galway County Tuam Community Childcare Centre c/o WTID €1,000 Camera’s to enhance current CCTV system
Galway County Tuam Community Training Centre €1,870 Once-off maintenance – repair flat roof, re-felt and paint
Galway County Tuam Youth Services €1,000 Yoga mats and bean bags
Galway County Vision Arch Club €1,000 Construct a community/sensory garden
Galway County West Coast United €1,000 Sports Equipment
Galway County Western Traveller and Intercultural Development €13,243 Improvement works at Harmony Hall Youth/Community Centre
Galway County Western Traveller and Intercultural Development – Men’s Shed €879 Bandsaw
Galway County Williamstown Development Committee €9,500 Finish path surface from top of Bog Walk trail to the green area

Galway developers to build over 100 homes outside city

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

The Galway based developers Burkeway Homes have purchased a seven acre plot outside the city where they plan to build more than 100 homes.

A planning application is expected to be lodged later this year for the major development on the Letteragh road northwest of the city.

The Irish Times reports that a spokesperson for Burkeway confirmed they will build between 100 and 105 houses and apartments on the site.

The development will be made up of a mix of one, two, and three bed apartments, and three and four bed houses.

The company spokesperson did not disclose how much was paid for the site.

This is one of two major housing developments planned for this year by the family owned company.

Outside of Barna at Truskey East, the company expects to break ground this month on 197 fresh homes.

Originally plans were rejected for the Barna development as it was considered to small for the 18 acre site at 113 homes.

A fresh application for 197 homes was fast tracked through An Bord Pleanála under the Strategic Housing Development process.

It contains four acres of open space with play areas and a path along the Truskey river which runs through the site.

Work on the €60 million project is expected to create 150 jobs in the area.

On top of these two projects Burkeway also recently completed the Maoilín housing development in Knocknacarra which has 102 homes..

Burkeway also owns housing at multiple other sites around Galway in Oranmore and the Centrepoint building in Liosbain Business Park.

Galway city bus service sees 13 percent passenger jump

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Multiple Galway bus services cancelled this Bank Holiday

The number of passengers on Bus Éireann’s city service in Galway grew by 13 percent last year.

New figures from the National Transport Authority show that more than a quarter of a billion journeys were made on Irish public transport in 2018 across the different services.

That’s a growth of 7.5 percent on 2017.

Bus Eireann showed the largest increase with four million more journeys in 2018 than the year before at 35.1 million.

Intercity bus services also showed promising growth of growth of 8.4 percent in 2018 with an additional one million journeys.

Anne Graham, CEO of the National Transport Authority said, “These numbers are very positive and are a testament to the range and quality of services provided by our public transport operators.”

“It is clear that when there is a reliable, high quality, value-for-money public transport offering that customers will respond positively to it.”

She said that for 2019 the NTA’s priority will be buying more buses and making the move towards buying low emissions vehicles from July.

“We are also looking to increase capacity on our rail service by acquiring additional fleet that will be introduced in the coming years.”

Under the Public Transport for Ireland 2040 plan an €8.6 billion investment programme for public transport has been pledged.

Minister for Transport Shane Ross welcomed the growing numbers making use of public transport.

“While there are undoubtedly pinch points and areas of congestion in the system, there is no doubt that by and large, our public transport is very good.”

“These figures are evidence that customers are voting with their feet and using the services more and more, year after year.”

“Project Ireland 2040 is an ambitious plan,” the Minister said, “and €8.6bn is a significant sum, but I believe that it will be money well spent.”

“This investment will improve transport systems and thereby make Ireland a better place to live, and make it a more attractive place to visit and to do business.”

RIP Nora Collins – A true Galway character

By
Kate Robinson
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Galway News - Deaths - RIP Nora Collins

Well-known Galway icon Nora Collins (née Ward) of Rahoon passed away on Friday, January 4.

A famous figure known for wandering the city streets with her trademark cigarette dangling from her lips, Nora will be sorely missed by the Galway community.

She is remembered by residents as a ‘funny’ and ‘chatty’ character and a fixture of the city.

Nearly every Galwegian has a story about Nora – and many posted on Facebook with their memories.

Dee Linnane commented, “One day when I was very sad outside UHG about my Dad being so sick she gave me a relic and said she would pray for me. It meant so much to me.”

Michael Regan said, “Great memories ‘How ya? Are ya workin – have you any money ha! Ha!’ With humor and dignity and a smile on her face with the cigarette at the side of her lips.

“May she Rest In Peace a great soul.”

Laura O’Brien commented: “Sleep well Nora. The whole of Galway has memories of you and not too many people can say that.”

Ruth Howard remembered when she was a student and Nora asked her for a smoke.

After giving her a few cigarettes, they got to chatting and Nora gave her €2 for a cup of coffee.

“What a character,” Ruth said.

“Galway just won’t be the same without her,” commented Sarah O’Toole.

Joe Loughnane said: “A Galway legend, she was someone I’d seen around town ever since I could walk.

“She was quintessentially Galway, in every way.”

Nora Collins is survived by her daughter Mary, son-in-law Michael, and brother Denis, as well as by her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many other family members and friends.

She is reposing this Sunday January 6th from 4pm in Conneely’s Funeral Home on Flood Street.

Removal at 6pm to the Sacred Heart Church on Seamus Quirke Road.

Mass will be held on Monday January 7th at 10am, and funeral afterwards to Rahoon Cemetery.

Rest in Peace Nora.

Nora Collins - Photo by Tracy Morris Photography
Nora Collins – Photo by Tracy Morris Photography

Fire brigade called to city house fire

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway daily news Three people hospitalised after Galway City house fire

Fire crews were called out to a house fire in the city overnight.

Two units of the fire brigade were called to a fire off Abbeygate street around 1am last night.

The fire was brought under control by the fire fighters after several difficult hours.

It’s understood that no-one was seriously injured in the blaze.

N67 roadworks to cause over two months delays

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Roadworks to disrupt traffic near Portumna on Tuesday

Roadworks on the N67 in Kinvara village starting next week will disrupt traffic for over two months.

The roadworks are being carried out on 1km of road in Kinvara between Gort Road junction and the GAA Field Cross.k

The contract has been awarded to Lagan Limited, a Europe wide civil engineering company.

Work will begin on Monday January 7 and continue for roughly two and a months.

The road improvement works that are being carried out include planing out the existing road, laying overlay and applying overlay course, a full excavation of certain sections, road markings and drainage works.

A traffic management plan be in place for the duration of the roadworks.

Is there a link between a difficult childhood and poor sleep quality?

By
Briain Kelly
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A new study at NUI Galway is looking to see if there is any link between difficult events in your childhood and poor sleep quality as an adult.

Adults over 18 are being invited to join the study, the results of which it’s hoped will help researchers understand how people manage childhood stress and poor sleep as adults.

While it has been shown that there is a link between difficult events in childhood and adult sleep patterns, less is known about the factors involved in this or why some may not be affected.

Part of the study will look at how “mindful people are of the present” and how this affects their mindset.

The study is being led by Dr Jonathan Egan and Professor Brian McGuire at the School of Psychology with lead investigator Andrea Grehan.

Andrea Grehan said, “Sleep difficulties are common in the general population, as are distressing childhood experiences.”

“We want to examine the relationship between childhood events and sleep in adulthood by looking at whether being mindful or accepting,” she said.

“And whether a personal coping style, change the impact of such childhood experiences on sleep quality in adulthood.”

Dr Jonathan Egan said, “We are very excited about exploring all aspects of how past events and current wellbeing collide in the architecture of a person’s sleep.

“Previously we have linked how sleep paralysis is affected by a person’s personality and life events, we are now looking at the whole sleep cycle and what a large group of hundreds if not thousands of peoples’ life experiences can tell us.”

Those who are over 18 and wish to participate in the survey can do so at bit.do/sleepandchildhoodadversity

New wave of Swine Flu causes up to four deaths

By
Michael Malone
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Galway daily news Public health alert for possible Measles exposure at UHG emergency department

The HSE has warned that Swine Flu is in Ireland and it could be potentially a serious public health issue.

At least one – and possibly up to four – people have died from the H1N1 flu strain.

Speaking on RTÉ News at One, Assistant National Director for Public Health for the HSE, Dr Kevin Kelleher, said that a number of people in their 20s, 30s and 40s have been admitted to intensive care units.

Swine Flu can cause chest problems that can then lead to pneumonia, which can be fatal.

Dr Kelleher said it wasn’t too late to get the flu vaccine and he urged vulnerable people to get it.

 

Former Sinn Féin Councillor announces intention to run as Independent

By
Paul Kelly
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Councillor Gabe Connelly has declared his intention to seek re-election in the upcoming Local Elections this May.

Gabe Connelly was elected to Galway County Council in 2014 running in the Athenry-Oranmore local election area.

The Athenry-based Councillor was originally elected as a Sinn Féin representative and describes himself as a “Galwegian with strong Republican values”.

He then left Sinn Féin, citing “ongoing unrest around the way the party was dealing with unethical behavior”.

At the time of his resignation from Sinn Féin, Connelly stated he would be open to rejoining the party in the future if certain changes were made.

It has now been confirmed that Gabe Connelly will be seeking re-election in Athenry-Oranmore as an Independent candidate.

If re-elected, Connelly declared his intention to be a voice for an area that has been increasingly “marginalized” over the years.

He blamed this marginalization on ‘successive centre-right governments’ accusing them of treating rural Ireland with disdain and contempt.

The Councillor listed his involvement in local GAA, soccer and boxing while also being a member of the Athenry Men’s Shed as evidence of his commitment to the area and the community.

He doubled down on this stating his involvement and dedication to these local organisations gives him unique insight into the daily issues which effect his community on a continuing basis.

He cataloged Mental health, Public transport, Rural connectivity, WiFi, Isolation and Crime as being the current day to day issues which effect Athenry-Oranmore.

Connelly pointed to his record on the Council over the past 5 years and described his various activities.

He proclaimed the issues of homelessness and affordable housing as being two crucial priorities for him both before and after election to the Council in 2014.

Connelly claimed homelessness and affordable housing are issues that go hand in hand.

He labelled housing a right instead of a privilege and praised the Apollo House campaign for exposing many of the systemic issues in society.

He expressed his delight to have offered both his presence and support to the protesters and campaigners in their efforts to “highlight, reduce, and offer solutions” to the homeless and housing crises crippling the Country.

He than referenced his campaigning for better road infrastructure and enhanced road safety measures (speed reduction in high casualty areas) when it comes to transport.

In relation to crime, he alluded to his support for restoring and increasing Garda numbers “to tackle rural crime”.

Connelly went on to discuss his concern for environmental matters drawing on his support for banning election posters “to protect our environment and enhance public safety”

When it comes to rural issues the Councilor drew on his prior efforts to campaign for access to additional resources to improve rural connectivity and combat rural isolation.

Finally, he spoke of his support to fund more mental health initiatives while on the Council and provide better facilities for people with disabilities.

“As someone who lives with a daily disability that will last a life-time, I understand the daily frustrations people have with long hospital waiting lists, the hoops you have to jump to get the care you need because of red-tape and excessive bureaucratic governance”.

Galway Daily reached out to Gabe Connelly to obtain his thoughts on fellow former Sinn Féin representative and TD Peadar Tóibin holding a talk in Galway this month and whether he would be interested on joining a new party set up by Tóibin.

Tóibin, who quit Sinn Féin this year as a result of his pro-life views, is due to speak at the Menlo Park Hotel on the 16th of January.

Over the last few months he expressed his desire to form a new pro-life party with a heavy emphasis on housing and health matters.

Speaking to Galway Daily, Gabe wished Peadar well but declared he had no intention of joining any party, including Peadar’s.

 

 

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