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Calls for exclusion zone after anti-abortion protest at Galway clinic

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Calls for exclusion zones after anti-abortion protest at Galway clinic

Pro-choice activists have issued calls for a ban on protests outside medical practices offering abortion services after a protest outside a Galway clinic.

Galway Pro-Choice said women need “safe zones” to “combat this harassment” and warned people about a number of fake websites that are mimicking the official MyOptions site to give false information.

It comes after a small group of people protested outside Galvia West Medical Centre on Thursday with signs carrying anti-abortion messages.

The group picketed the clinic for several hours on Thursday morning and left in the afternoon.

Ailbhe Smyth from the Together for Yes Campaign said these protesters are deliberately trying to prevent women from accessing abortion services.

Minister for Health Simon Harris has pledged to introduce legislation which would create exclusion zones around medical practices offering

Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast Ms Smyth said Minister Harris and his Department need to get to work on this as soon as the Dáil returns “so that women are safe and their rights are respected.”

In a statement posted online a member of the group of protesters said that they had chosen the Galvia West clinic for their protest as it is on the HSE list of GPs offering the abortion pill.

The protestors held signs with messages such as “Real doctors don’t terminate their patients” outside the clinic, and left peacefully that afternoon.

Meanwhile the HSE warned that a number of websites have cropped up with very similar names and appearances to the official website of the MyOptions helpline claiming to offer support for people support for unplanned prengancies.

The HSE cautioned people to be wary of such sites as many unplanned pregnancy agencies may have a “hidden agenda”.

Minister says living conditions at some Galway Traveller sites “disgraceful”

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Minister says conditions at some Galway Traveller sites "disgraceful"

Living conditions at some Traveller sites in Galway and elsewhere are “disgraceful” and not fit for families to live in according to Minister of State for Traveller Housing Damien English

The Minister has threatened to impose sanctions on local authorities for poor living conditions at Traveller sites.

A report by the Housing Agency published in late 2017 found that targets on traveller accommodation have never been met in the 20 years they’ve been mandatory.

Of the budget provided for Traveller accommodation, €55 million has gone unspent and less than 70 percent of planned housing units have been provided.

According to the Irish Times Minister English has pledged to act on all the recommendations of an expert group led by solicitor, Traveller, and housing expert David Joyce which is due to report in March.

The group has looked at options such as withholding part of the full annual budget of councils which fail to spend their Traveller accommodation budget.

Minister English said he wanted to see more activity to combat people with “nowhere, on a temporary site or on an unauthorised site who are waiting for a house”.

The number of Travellers living by the side of the road or in overcrowded conditions has increased by two thirds in recent years according to figures published by the Department in July 2018.

In 2013 there were 1,024 households living overcrowded conditions, but by 2017 that was up to 1,700 families.

The Minister has been touring sites in Galway, Cork and around the country over the past year and asked what he thought of them said “Some of them are very poor . . . not conditions for families to be living in.”

He said that part of the issue appears to lie in the way Traveller accommodation is advanced through the planning process, but has no intention of changing.

All social housing, including that meant for Travellers, goes through Part 8 of the planning process, which lets local residents, businesses, and councillors to object.

Rather than changing these rules Minister English said he thought the best option is to work with communities and give assurances that sites will be well maintained and managed.

Comedy gold at NUI Galway with Neil Delamare and David O’Doherty for just €5

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily life & style Comedy gold at NUI Galway with David O'Doherty and Neil Delamare gigs for just €5

TheSudent’s Union at NUI Galway is kicking off 2019’s comedy offerings in great form with gigs by Neil Delamara and David O’Doherty for just €5 each.

Award-winning comedian, author and musician David O’Doherty will be the first to take the stage as he returns to NUI Galway in January.

First nominated for best newcomer in 2000 for his show The Story of the Boy Who Saved Comedy, David went on to win the main Edinburgh Comedy Award in 2008 for Let’s Comedy.

He’s had a successful career in television since then, delighting fans on shows like 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown, Would I Lie To You, QI and more.

David is also a successful author, when he’s not on stage or in front of a camera he’s known for alarming the hell out kids with his children’s’ books Danger is Everywhere, Danger is Still Everywhere which was nominated for the Scholastic Laugh Out Loud Book Award in 2016 and the finale Danger Really Is Everywhere: SCHOOL OF DANGER.

He’ll be performing in the O’Flaherty Theatre at NUI Galway on Monday, January 28 at 8pm.

Tickets will go on sale at 10am on Monday January 7 at the SU Office with all proceeds to go the SU Charities Galway RCC and COPE Galway.

Following on for the next €5 comedy gigs are the double act of Neil Delamare and Gearóid Farrelly in February.

Neil Delamare is one of the best Irish comics working having presented Neil Delamere’s Just For Laughs and Republic of Telly.

He’s also known for his appearances on Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow and RTÉ hit show The Panel.

He wrote and presented the series of documentaries Holding Out for A Hero for RTE, which garnered an Irish Film and Television Award.

Joining him is Gearóid Farrelly a regular at Irish festivals including Vodafone Comedy Festival, Kilkenny Cat Laughs, Electric Picnic, Halloween Howls, and Galway Comedy Festival.

Gearóid is probably best known for playing PJ Gallagher’s conjoined-twin in Meet Your Neighbours. On radio he has a weekly slot with Neil Delamere on Today FM.

Neil and Gearóid will be performing at the O’Flaherty Theatre on Monday, February 18 at 8pm.

Tickets for this also go on sale at the SU Office on Monday, January 7 at 10am.

Radical anti-abortion protesters target Galway city medical centre today

By
Michael Malone
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Galway Daily news Calls for exclusion zones after anti-abortion protest at Galway clinic

Anti-abortion protesters have targeted a medical centre in Galway, holding signs which read ‘real doctors don’t terminate their patients’.

The protesters stood outside the Galvia West Medical Centre throughout this morning, before leaving at around lunchtime.

The group’s actions come three days after abortion services became legal in the state for the first time.

Minister Simon Harris has been urged bring forward exclusion zone legislation, which would protect doctors their patients from anti-abortion protesters.

This legislation would prevent the ugly scenes often seen in the United States where women and families are targeted by extremists while entering and leaving medical centres.

The Health Minister described the legalisation of termination services in the state as ‘momentous’ this week, while Archbishop Eamon Martin said that abortion remains ‘gravely wrong’.

 

 

Galway sees rise in road deaths

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Briain Kelly
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Galway daily news

The number of people killed on Galway’s roads rose in 2018 as it dropped nationwide.

There were eight road deaths on Galway’s roads last year according to the RSA, up from five in 2017.

Overall road fatalities declined around the country, with 2018 being the safest year on the roads since 1959.

By years’ end 149 people had been killed on the roads in 141 fatal crashes, down from 156 lives lost in 2017.

Ms Liz O’Donnell, Chairperson of the RSA said, “2018 saw the introduction of very important road safety legislation.”

“If motorists comply with these new provisions it will translate into lives saved and injuries prevented.”

The number of gardaí dedicated to roads policing increased in 2018 and An Garda Síochána have pledged to increase them again this year.

The figures for 2018 show one area of tragedy as the number road deaths involving pedestrians went up dramatically this year.

There were 41 pedestrians killed in road traffic collissions, up from 31 the in 2017.
Shane Ross, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport said, “Although the figures are marginally improved, they are not good enough.

“Speed continues to kill, 130,000 drivers were detected committing speeding offences in 2018.”

“Drink driving persists and unaccompanied learner drivers continue to break the law.”

“Reckless road users cannot be allowed to ruin the lives of innocent others and their families.”

The RSA called for this year to see funding given for the rollout of new smartphone and in-vehicle technology for gardaí commonly called the Garda Mobility Project.

This would make it easy for individual gardaí to check drivers’ license and insurance status at the roadside which would help detect offences like disqualified or uninsured drivers.

Assistant Commissioner Dave Sheehan, Garda National Roads Policing Unit, An Garda Síochána said, “I want to take this opportunity to thank the majority of law abiding road users who acted responsibly in 2018.”

Unmissable ‘Evening with Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh’ planned for Galway

By
Michael Malone
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michael o GAA Galway

An evening with legendary GAA Commentator Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh and some of the country’s most decorated GAA Stars will take place in Galway to raise funds for Renville Sports Grounds.

Mícheál will regale guests at the black tie event in The Galmont on Saturday, 9 March, with stories gathered throughout his 61-year broadcasting career.

Master of Ceremonies for ‘An Evening with Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh’ is Darragh Maloney, Senior Presenter and commentator with RTE Sport.

National GAA Stars in attendance on the evening will share tales from their sporting careers and experiences with Mícheál as he conveyed highlights from the games they played to the nation.

Aiden Tierney, one of the top impersonators in the country, will entertain guests as will award winning comedian Barry Murphy of Aprés Match. ‘The Folk Footballers’ Leo Moran and Padraig Stevens, also of ‘The Sawdoctors’, will join in entertaining attending guests.

An auction with exceptional lots on offer will top off an outstanding evening in Galway.

Speaking at the launch of the event, Mícheál said Oranmore Maree is a wonderful GAA Club with hugely exciting plans for the future. I’m really looking forward to spending an evening with them in March.

Chairperson of Renville Sportsgrounds Management Committee Sean Kinsella said: “this fundraiser is set to be a truly special evening, one which has not yet been seen in Galway and most likely will not be seen again.

“It is rare to be in the company of a living legend and I believe sharing a room with Mícheál to be just that.

“We are working tirelessly to make this event a great success as we continue to make further progress with the development of Renville Sports Grounds.

“The facility cannot come to fruition quickly enough to service the gaping needs within Oranmore-Maree and the West of Ireland.”

Galway Bay Hotel owner sees rise in profits

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Galway Bay Hotel owner records increased profits

The Galway Bay Hotel had a profitable year as the company which owns it, the Hodson Bay hotel group, saw its profits rise to €3.1 million.

The company, owned by the O’Sullivan family, controls the four-star Galway Bay Hotel, as well as the Hodson Bay hotel outside Athlone, and the Sheraton Hotel in Athlone town centre.

The Irish Independent reports that the group saw a fiver percent increase in profits last year as revenue rose to €30.98 million.

This year the group plans to expand with the opening of the 234-bedroom Hyatt hotel at the Coombe in Dublin in May.

The group has invested €40 million in the new hotel which will bring the total number of people it employs to nearly 700.

More than €3 million for Galway hospital infrastructure in HSE 2019 plan

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Donegal couple donate €3,325 to patient fund at UHG

The HSE’s Service Plan for 2019 has been released and includes funding for investment in multiple improvements to Galway’s hospitals.

Two new cardiac Cath labs at University Hospital Galway have been allocated €2.3 million in the service plan.

Cath labs diagnose problems with the heart and circulatory system and are an essential part of timely cardiac care.

In addition €700,000 is being provided for the creation of a new IT room at UHG.

A proper IT infrastructure is essential for as complex a system as an acute hospital where prompt and proper records are needed to save lives.

Construction is also due to begin on a new radiotherapy treatment centre at UHG this year to improve the quality of cancer care across the West of Ireland.

But this is one of a number of projects which has faced speculation of further delays due to a funding shortfall in the HSE and the rising costs of the new national Maternity and Children’s hospitals.

Galway West TD Seán Kyne said the plan will also see improvements to Primary Care and Ambulance Services at UGH and Merlin Park hospitals.

One of the biggest threats facing healthcare in Galway is the serious overcrowding in the emergency department that left over 7,000 people on trolleys this year.

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation has said the HSE’s plan for 2019 doesn’t include funding for a proposed framework for improving nursing services.

NUI Galway and GMIT co-hosting ecology conference

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news NUI Galway and GMIT to co-host ecology conference

NUI Galway and GMIT will co-host 170 ecologists from around the world this month at a conference to tackle the issues around protecting our world’s wildlife.

The second ‘Ecology and Evolution’ conference of the Irish Ecological Association will provide a space for people to meet, collaborate and solve ecological problems.

Ecology, namely the study of how organisms interact with each other and the environment, applies acroos a wide range of scientific fields.

It draws in studies of climate change, sustainable water, biodiversity conservation, soil health and many other global problems.

Dr Gesche Kindermann of Applied Ecology Unit at NUI Galway said, “Understanding the environment and processes within it is vital if we want to address current environmental problems.”

“There is a lot of exciting research going on in relation to ecology and evolution, and this conference is an opportunity to showcase this.”

The work of the Irish Ecological Association looks at Irish issues in particular, but many of the themes are relevant to ecosystems around the world.

This conference, sponsored by the Marine Institute, Environmental Protection Agency and British Ecological Society, will take place over three days.

At it delegates from academic backgrounds and professional fields, along with the students representing the future, will attend talks, workshops and other events covering topics from microbes to arctic breeding birds, marine predators and woodlands.

Four speakers have been invited to deliver keynote addresses on microplastics in the oceans, the evolution of ageing in bats, conservation of biodiversity on farmland, and tagging and tracking birds and fish.

Dr Heather Lally from GMIT, said, “The IEA conference is an opportunity for local Galwegians, national and international researchers, NGOs, consultants and industry to come together to share their passion for Irish ecology.”

NUI Galway will host two full days of events on the 11-12 January in the Human Biology Building while GMIT will host a series of talks and presentations on January 10.

The hub of the GMIT events will be a talk by Dr Richard Thompson from Plymouth University entitled ‘Marine Litter: Are there solutions to this global environmental challenge’.

It will take place pm on Thursday, 10 January at GMIT Galway Campus. No registration is required.

Dr Dara Stanley, Lecturer at NUI Galway, said, “Ecology is such an important discipline in our current world, and can be part of the solution to many of our major environmental and climate related issues.”

“And Galway, situated in the beautiful west of Ireland, is a hotspot for Irish ecology.”

Galway’s library users get amnesty as overdue fines abolished

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Briain Kelly
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Galway daily news Funding awarded for 11 library support projects in Galway

If you’ve been keeping away from your local library out of shame about your book that’s somehow a year overdue, there’s never been a better time to get back reading as fines have been abolished at all libraries.

From the start of this year, library users in Galway and nationwide will no longer be fined for overdue items, and any existing fines have been cancelled.

Ending library fines is part of the Our Public Libraries 2022 strategy which aims to increase the amount of the population making use of public libraries from 16 percent to 30 percent by 2022.

This isn’t to say that there won’t be any consequences for holding on to books past their return date, as library users can still have their membership suspended for overdue books.

If someone currently has suspended membership because of any unpaid fine, they can apply to have that reinstated with this amnesty, provided the book has been returned of course.

Libraries in Galway, including the city library, are managed by Galway County Council as one of the areas where the two local authorities cooperate on services.

This plan was jointly developed by the Department of Rural and Community Development, the County and City Management Association and the Local Government Management Agency.

This move has been welcomed by libraries as a way to not only encourage new members, but to get old library members to return.

Despite the move towards all things digital in recent years, the public library is still a great place to find new things to read that you might never have stumbled across otherwise.

It’s also a great option for parents who want to get their kids into the habit of reading.

Ballinasloe public library posted that “If it’s been a while since you have been in then now is the time to reconnect.”

“We have missed you and are looking forward to seeing you, so please pop in to say hi.”

Five Galway food businesses and events get the nod in prestigious guide

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Five Galway food business and events get the nod in prestigious food guide awards

Five businesses and events that show of the best of Galway’s food culture were included as some of the best places to eat in Ireland.

The John and Sally McKennas’ Guides show the best places to eat, shop, and stay in Ireland.

Their Megabites awards pick the very finest from all the best choices in the country, and Galway took many spots on this year’s list.

There were three Galway locales to be named in the category of Cafes, Bars and Destinations:

John Keogh’s – The Lock Keeper on Dominick Street, already a multi-award winning gastropub, was named Pub of the Year.

The guide cited Chef Joe Flaherty’s work as “real, West Coast, modern Irish cooking, and it is so much better than your expectations that its impact is enormous.

Leenane’s Misunderstood Heron overlooking Killary Harbour is the Food Cart of the Year.

Kim and Reynaldo have taken simple street food that culls the best seafood right from the fjord and local lamb and made it into an incredible experience.

“You sit outside at a picnic table, staring down the mouth of the fjord, and you thank your lucky stars that you are in Connemara, eating cooking of such excellence.”

The guide adds “You could call it Fjord Food but, really, what you get at Misunderstood Heron is simply Fantastic Food.”

Breakfast of the Year goes to the French experience of “restaurants with rooms” at Armorica in Oranmore.

The guide compliments them for their dedication to the perfect delivery of classic French food.

“If you love a classic French rolled omelette more than anything in the world, then this is where you find it: nothing quite like perfection first thing in the morning.”

Shops and Foods:

Gannet Fishmongers is a staple of Galway’s seafood scene, starting out as a pop up fish market stall and becoming one of Ireland’s leading seafood retailers.

But Stefan Griesbach makes this list for the best Online Store of the Year with Eat More Fish that doesn’t just bring you the best catch, but educates customers on how to cook their catch and sustainable fishing practices.

“Once you are familiar with the pristine quality of EMF seafood, and its variety and its potential, then your cooking quickly changes to a seafood-first venture.”

“Mr Griesbach makes your life better, and he also does awesomely cool t-shirts.”

And one Galway Event also made the list with The Wild Atlantic Way Bay Food Festival Fualacht Fia.

Ronnie Counihan and Tim O’Sullivan of Renvyle House are no strangers to hospitality.

But the Fualacht Fia they organised for the Wild Atlantic Way Bay Food Festival with the help of expert Christy Lawless was a feat.

“It’s no small matter to create a Bronze Age cook-in, but it’s the sort of thing the team at Renvyle do.”

“Of course, you’re all wondering how did the lamb taste when it came out of the water bath. People, it was pure georgeous.”

 

Photos: John & Sally McKennas’ Guides/ Facebook

Three percent fall in new car sales in Galway

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Briain Kelly
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The number of new cars sold in Galway dropped by more than three percent in 2018 according to new figures.

Statistics released today by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry show that there were 4,759 new cars registered in Galway last year.

That’s 163 less cars than were registered in 2017, a decline of 3.3 percent.

People weren’t buying new cars in Ireland across the board as over sales dropped by were down 4.4 percent on 2017, from 131,332 to 125,557 last year.

Commenting on the figures SIMI Director General Designate, Brian Cooke said, “Despite the strong economic performance of Ireland last year, 2018 proved very challenging for new car sales.”

He attributed the decline to the ongoing effects of Brexit and the weakness of the Sterling which has made it more economical to import cars from Britain.

Used car imports surpassed 100,000 units in 2018 for the first time.

“The Motor Industry is however as always forward looking, and with the new 191 sales period now commencing, January and the first quarter will be the key focus for dealers,” said Brian Cooke.

“In this context, the new car market is hugely competitive, with a wide choice of models and creative incentives, as well as the availability of a variety of financing options driving real value for new car customers.”

While several counties had a small jump in sales of less than one percent, Wexford was the only county to stand out from the pack with a 3.4 percent increase in the sale of new cars.

The sharpest decline in new car sales were felt in Cavan (15.81%), Roscommon (12.57%), Leitrim (12.16%), and Donegal (11.69%).

That’s not to say there wasn’t any good news, as the sale of electric cars more than doubled in 2018 with 1,233 registered in comparison to 622 in 2017.

For anyone considering buying a second hand car in 2019, Brian Cooke said people should consider buying locally.

“SIMI’s advice is to shop around and consider the real benefits of shopping in your local retailer, who not only provides value to the customer but also encourages economic activity locally.”

Sportsground sells out ahead of clash with Munster

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily sport Sportsground sells out ahead of clash with Munster

Anticipation is high ahead of Connacht’s upcoming clash with Munster this Saturday, enough that the Sportsground is already completely sold out.

Connacht and Munster are playing this Saturday, December 5 in Galway in their latest match in the Guinness PRO14.

Demand for tickets was great enough that Connacht Rugby had to put up additional terraces at the Bohermore and College Road ends for the Christmas fixtures against Ulster and Munster

With every ticket sold out a crowd of over 8,000 can be expected to fill the stands of the Sportsground on Saturday.

Connacht are hoping to carry on the momentum from last Saturday’s 21 – 12 victory over Ulster.

Defence Coach Pete Wilkins said this weekend’s game will be “defining” for this block.

“If we do a good job, hopefully when we do a good job, you can look back on this three game block with a lot of pride and satisfaction with what we’ve done for our standing in this competition,” he said.

That would be a great boost going for the team going into the next round of the PRO14 and on to Europe.

That massive crowd drawn from Galway and the rest of the province is a huge support for Connacht, and can be daunting to teams coming to Galway according to Pete Wilkins.

“The spirit and atmosphere generated by our supporters here is second to none,” he said, “and that’s something we’re very proud of.”

Heavy traffic for motorists approaching Galway city

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news New access roads needed at Roscam Estates to combat heavy traffic

Inbound routes to Galway city are clogged with heavy traffic today after a relatively clear New Year’s.

As of 2:45pm AA Roadwatch is reporting that there are long delays on the Tuam road inbound with traffic building from before Castlegar through to Bóthar na dTreabh.

It’s not clearing up further in towards the city centre as the Headford road is also jammed.

There are long delays reported from before the Kirwan roundabout right in to Woodquay.

Approaching the city from the east the Old Dublin road is jammed in both directions.

The roads are packed in the area of the Bon Secours Hospital for motorists coming in from the direction of GMIT and outbound from Moneegeisha.

Staff at Galway hospitals show their creative side with art exhibition

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily life & style Galway University Hospitals unveil staff art exhibition

The staff at Galway University Hospitals have turned in their medical instruments in favour of paintbrushes for the 15th annual Art@Work exhibition.

Art@Work has become an annual Christmas tradition featuring work from staff in every department, as well as volunteers and some retired staff.

The art exhibition was launched by Mayor of Galway Niall McNelis who said “I’m delighted to be here to open this exhibition having been a supporter of the work of Galway University Hospitals Arts Trust for many years.”

“The arts are so important in healthcare contexts; particularly in the areas of mental health and wellbeing. This area is full of bright, vibrant colours, often the only colour a person might see in a day.”

“Not only are staff doing a great job on the front line but also sharing their creativity with patients and the general public,” he concluded.

Galway University Hospitals Arts Trust run the west of Ireland’s leading Arts and Health programme as a means of improving the hospital experience for patients, staff and visitors.

The arts trust believes access to the arts promotes well-being and enhances the hospital environment.

This art exhibition will be on display in the Art Corridor of University Hospital Galway until January 31.

Arts Director Margeret Flannery thanked UHG and Merlin Park hospital, as well as everyone who took part in the 15th annual Art@Work exhibition.

“Each year we are excited as we curate the exhibition and see the development of our regular contributors; while being introduced to new work by emerging talent,” she said.

“Thank you for sharing your work with us and giving our hospital community an opportunity to appreciate and enjoy the creativity of our colleagues.”

Burst main causes water outages in Galway city

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Briain Kelly
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Galway city news Water outages in Salthill due to burst mains today

A burst main is disrupting the water supply to residents of Mervue in the city today.

According to Irish Water a mains burst around midday today in the area of the Michael Collins road.

Residents of Glenina Heights and the surrounding area maybe without water this afternoon due to the damage.

Repairs works are being carried out and Irish Water have given an estimated time for their completion as 2pm.

A traffic management plan is in place in the neighbourhood while works are taking place.

However it may take two to three hours for residents to see their water supply fully restored.

If anyone has any issue or question they can contact Irish Water at 1850 448 448 or through twitter @IWCare.

Airbnb rentals in Galway soar ahead of crackdown

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Airbnb worth €54 million to Galway economy report claims

The number of homes being used for short term stays on Airbnb has gone through the roof even as Galway faces a housing shortage.

There are 1,174 entire properties listed on Airbnb, up by 233, or more than 10 percent on this time last year.

During that time the average daily rates that people are being charged has also increased dramatically.

A report compiled by the Irish Independent found that the average price for an Airbnb rental in Galway is €116, an increase of 10 percent.

This is the second highest average nightly rate after €143 in Dublin.

There’s been a massive surge in the popularity of Airbnb in the private rental sector across Ireland that has seen the number of homes being used rise by more than 1,000.

The amount of properties that are being used for Airbnb on a long term basis is putting increasing pressure on the private rental sector.

The Society Saint Vincent de Paul said it had 1,500 referrals in Galway in the run up to Christmas, with rent eating away at families’ income.

“We are also increasingly receiving calls for help from people unable to meet growing costs of private rental accommodation and being forced to make choices about the use of scarce income,” said SVP National President Kieran Stafford.

SVP operates ten hostels, and provides roughly 1,000 of social housing, and the society says it doesn’t expect any slowdown in the number of calls for help in 2019.

Amid the housing crisis Airbnb has faced a backlash in public perception, including from other hospitality and rental providers, as it is not subjected to the same regulation.

New legislation is coming into effect in June which will limit the length of time that a property can be used for Airbnb.

Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy has proposed a new system where a homeowner can only let their property on Airbnb for 14 days at a time.

They will also be limited to letting it out for a total of 90 days in the year.

Any higher than that and the homeowner will have to get planning permission to register their property for commercial use.

Local authorities in areas with a high demand for housing like Galway will be allowed to refuse permission.

In addition anyone who is using their home for Airbnb will be required to register with their local authority and provide information on how many days it has been used for.

Breaching these rules will open a homeowner up to prosecution, but for these regulations to be effective they will require enforcement.

Difficulties in enforcing the four percent cap in rent pressure zones show that there are many challenges in properly regulating the rental market.

Over 7000 on trolleys at UHG in worst year on record

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Briain Kelly
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2018 was the worst year on record for hospital overcrowding with nearly 7,500 patients at University Hospital Galway going without a hospital bed.

End of year figures from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation show that 7,452 patients at UHG spent time on trolleys in the Emergency Department or in overcrowded wards this year.

In December alone some 575 patients at University Hospital Galway weren’t able to get a bed.

The damage at UHG is just part of the worst year the INMO has ever recorded for hospital overcrowding, with 108,227 patients going without a bed this year.

This is a nine percent increase on 2017, which was itself a record year for overcrowding.

University Hospital Limerick was the worst hit hospital in the country, with 11,437 patients without a proper bed, followed by Cork University Hospital with 9,135.

UHG was the third most overcrowded hospital nationwide.

The INMO blames the trolley crisis on understaffing and low capacity. The organisation says there is a difficulty in retaining trained nursing staff due to low pay.

A report commissioned by the government rejected claims that there is a generalised issue with pay and retention.

Earlier this month, members of the INMO overwhelmingly backed a strike action, with 95% voting in favour.

The Executive of the INMO will meet on January 7-8 to set a date for strikes which could see nurses withdraw all but essential, lifesaving care.

INMO General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha said, “Despite the government spin, 2018 was the worst year on record for overcrowding.”

“Negative records were set throughout the year, with over 100,000 admitted patients forced to wait on trolleys and chairs, without a proper bed. We know that this dramatically worsens outcomes for our patients.

“The health service does not have enough beds to support our population. More beds means more nurses, but the HSE simply can’t hire enough on these wages.”

“It’s beyond time for the government to engage proactively with the INMO to resolve the crisis in Irish nursing and midwifery.”

“Patients should be focused on recovering, but instead have to worry about waiting times, understaffing and a lack of beds. 2019 must see real changes in policy and funding to resolve this once and for all.”

One million people in Galway fly Dublin over Shannon Airport

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news flight cancellation cancelled Government backs credit note refund for Irish travel agent and tour operator holidays

It might be the closer airport by some margin, but when people in Galway are getting a flight they choose Dublin over Shannon airport the vast majority of the time.

The Clare Echo reports that Matthew Thomas, CEO of the Shannon Group which is responsible for the airport, told Clare County Council that a million people a year from Galway fly out of Dublin instead of Shannon Airport because that is their habit.

Mr Thomas was making a presentation to the December meeting of the county council, where he said that outside of Dublin, Shannon airport is the fastest growing in Ireland.

There was some skepticism from the council, with Independent councillor PJ Ryan asking why there isn’t more traffic from Galway through Shannon, mentioning the constant bus services running from Galway to Dublin Airport.

The councillor was critical of Transport Minister Shane Ross for not doing more to get airlines to fly into Shannon.

He said that this left the people there working “with one hand tied behind you back”.

Fianna Fáil councillor Pat Daly added that it was sad that people in Galway and Mayo are choosing Dublin Airport.

Mr Thomas said that passengers numbers at Shannon are going, but with 25 buses a day running from Galway to Dublin airport it will take time to change people’s habits.

He added that significant amounts have been invested in marketing Shannon Airport to travellers in Galway, Tipperary, and Kerry.

Diplomats and peacekeepers to visit Galway schools

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news UN peacekeepers and diplomats coming to Galway schools

Secondary schools in Galway will get first hand knowledge of Ireland’s global peacekeeping efforts from diplomats and members of the defence forces this year.

The Global Schools programme launching this year aims to teach school children about the role UN membership has played in Irish history.

Efforts like our contributions to peacekeeping, international development, human rights and disarmament.

Though Ireland has not declared war on another country in all of its independent history, members of the defence forces have been deployed around the world as peacekeepers continuously for the past 60 years.

These UN peacekeepers and Irish diplomats will be visiting schools throughout the year to talk about the work they do overseas.

Each school visited will receive a copy of the UN flag and a copy of the preamble of the UN Charter.

The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar revealed the Global Schools programme as part of Global Ireland, an initiative to double Ireland’s impact on the world stage by 2025.

“Through our diplomats, our peacekeepers, our culture and our agencies, Ireland has a huge impact internationally,” Taoiseach Varadkar said.

“We trade with countries around the globe, members of our Defence Forces help keep people safe in some of the world’s most war torn regions and through more than 80 embassies and consulates we represent Ireland overseas and help Irish people no matter where they are on the planet.”

The Taoiseach said that people need to learn about the importance of international cooperation because the world is facing challenges that no country can handle alone.

“Migration, climate change, armed conflict and hunger do not carry passports or recognise international borders.”

Through the Global Schools programme, Taoiseach Varadkar said he hoped the next generation of ambassadors, peacekeepers, and aid workers would find inspiration.

More than 700 schools around Ireland will get a visit throughout 2019 as part of this programme.

Vice Admiral Mark Mellett DSM, Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces added, “Ireland has a proud history of UN service and Global Schools is a valuable initiative in helping build understanding with our young people about Ireland’s international role.

 

Photo: Irish Defence Forces/Facebook

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