President Higgins condemns rioting in Dublin

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November 23, 2023

Scoil Chaitríona Junior wins Explorers national Ocean Champion Award

Scoil Chaitríona Junior, Renmore has been crowned the national winner of the Explorers Ocean Champion School Awards 2023.

The Galway City primary school took home the crown for their Healthy Ocean project, ‘Caring for our Ocean’.

Scoil Chaitríona Junior applied themes of environmental care, cleaning up litter, and looking after the animals in the ocean across many different subjects throughout the year, from the sciences through to music and the arts.

They shared stories about the ocean with a primary school in France, performed at the Marino Institute of Further Education and at the Féile Scoildrámaíochta inter-school drama competition.

On behalf of the teachers, school principal Caitríona Daly said the award recognised their school’s commitment to learning about local areas – particularly their own seashore at Ballyloughane Beach.

“We’re also delighted to have received an EU Blue Schools Award. This award recognises the school’s effort to become ocean literate and for being an ocean champion!”

Mick Gillooly, Interim CEO of the Marine Institute said he was extremely impressed with the efforts of everyone involved.

“We were also extremely impressed with the school’s collaboration and engagement where the teachers and children worked with marine scientists from ATU to learn about seaweed and birdlife, and with artists through the Teacher Artist Partnership, as well as meeting with other marine educators.”

“These children stood out for their eagerness to learn about the animals in the ocean, and for sharing what they learnt with their community about protecting and caring for the ocean.”

“Bringing the topic of marine conservation to local, national and international platforms shows an incredible amount of commitment from the staff, children and their parents,” he added.

Scoil Bhride in Galway also won the Best Marine Outdoor School Project Award.

Twenty-eight coastal schools participated in this year’s competition, creating healthy ocean school projects based on themes including Marine STEAM, Ocean literacy, SDGs and Ocean and Marine Outdoor Education.

The Healthy Ocean School project and Ocean Champion Awards are organised through the Explorers Education Programme and are the only ocean-themed awards for primary schools in Ireland.

It recognises the effort, commitment and collaboration of school management boards, teachers, children, and the Explorer outreach officers who have engaged in the all-school, marine-themed project.

Planning permission for new Galway City Centre hotel

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November 23, 2023

Galway Daily news Planning permission for new Galway City Centre hotel

Planning permission has been granted again for a new Boutique Hotel on Nun’s Island in Galway City Centre.

An Bord Pleanála has upheld the approval for Hanoview Ltd to demolish two buildings on Nun’s Island; No. 26, a commercial building, and No. 34, a dwelling to its rear.

In their place, the developer plans to build a three-storey over part-basement boutique hotel, with 34 guest bedrooms.

Of the 34 bedrooms, the developer has said that 17 will be “pod” style compact rooms, to make more economic use of the site.

The hotel will contain a compact lounge and breakfast room for residents, neither of which will be open to the public.

Planning permission for the new hotel was granted by the city council back in March of 2022.

This decision was appealed to An Bord Pleanála by the owners of a property neighbouring those to be demolished.

The appeal raised concerns that the basement level could endanger the structural integrity of their property owing to its minimal foundations.

Other issues raised in the appeal concerned increased traffic on Nun’s Island, the lack of any car parking in the plans, and the scale of the design compared with the surrounding area.

An Bord Pleanála upheld the city council’s original decision to grant planning permission, attaching 21 revised conditions.

One condition of the board’s approval was that a construction methodology report must be prepared and agreed on with the city council before work commences.

This must indicate the means proposed to ensure the protection of the structural stability of the neighbouring property associated with the appeal.

Information Day for Older People’s Services in Galway City

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November 23, 2023

A public meeting will take place in Galway City on Friday to provide information about the range of services available for older people.

The Information Day is being hosted by the Galway Age Friendly Alliance and the Older Persons Councils for the City and County.

The event will run from 9:30am – 2pm on Friday, November 24 at The Hardiman Hotel in Eyre Square.

At the event, there will be a series of talks and information stands on a range of services including:

HSE Older Persons Services
A Directory of Services for Older People in Galway City & County
Living and Ageing Well
Safety & Security

This event is free, and everyone is welcome, however, to manage numbers, it is essential to book your place at the event as follows:

If you live in Galway City, please contact the Community Section of Galway City Council on 091 536 461 or e-mail agefriendly@galwaycity.ie

€1,000 reduction in college fees comes into effect

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November 23, 2023

Galway Daily news €1,000 reduction in college fees comes into effect

A €1,000 reduction in undergraduate college fees has come into effect from today, with the money being returned to students’ accounts.

The reduction in fees was first announced as part of Budget 2024 as part of measures targeting the cost of education.

A reduction of up to €1,000 in undergraduate fees is now being applied to all free fees eligible students’ accounts.

This will see the fees of some 96,000 students across the country reduced by 33%, down to €2,000.

Students – or their families – who have paid the full student contribution of €3,000 are being refunded.

They have been asked to give their bank details to their higher education institution before the end of November to facilitate reimbursement of their €1,000 in December.

If bank details are not provided by the student, a credit will be applied to their account.

Speaking today, Minister Simon Harris said, “Budget 2024 introduced a series of measures to reduce the cost of education and put more money back in people’s pockets.

“The most significant measure was the reduction of college fees of €1,000 for the second year in a row.”

“Today, we set out how it will work. For the majority of students, there will be no action required. Fees will automatically reduce to €2,000 for all undergraduate students eligible for free fees.”

“If you are paying in instalments – as many families do- your second instalment will be reduced by up to €1,000 at the start of the second term in 2024.”

“If you paid in full, your college will refund you by the end of the year,” the Minister added.

Minister Harris also confirmed families earning under €100,000 may also be eligible for a €500 student contribution grant.

While applications have closed, students may be eligible to make a late application details are available on www.susi.ie.

University of Galway presents Honorary Degrees in Winter Conferring

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November 23, 2023

99 Conferring mary warde moriarty — The University of Galway has presented Irish Traveller, human rights activist and author Mary Warde Moriarty with an Honorary Doctor of Laws. Photo Credit: Andrew Downes, Xposure.

The University of Galway has awarded Honourary Degrees this week to luminaries working in civil rights, traditional Irish music, philanthropy and more.

The celebrations take place from Wednesday, November 22 to Wednesday, November 29, and the Honorary Degree awardees join more than 3,000 students graduating over the six days.

University of Galway President, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, said, “I am delighted to be in a position to recognise this group of extraordinary individuals and to recognise them at the same time as we celebrate the achievements of over 3,000 of our students.

“Each one has made an excellent and distinctive contribution to public life, the betterment of society and the interests of humanity, leaving the world in a better place than we found it, which is the responsibility of us all.”

“It is also great to be able to mark the achievements of our outstanding graduates and those being conferred with an honorary award for the first time under our new name and our new identity.”

He added that these awards celebrate everything Ollscoil na Gaillimhe – University of Galway stands for, its values, work for the public good, and pride of place.

Those being recognised by the University of Galway with Honorary Degrees at the 2023 Winter Conferring span the worlds of civil rights, human rights, media, music, the arts, medicine, philanthropy and academia.

Marie Reddan former librarian of the University of Galway Library who was conferred with Doctor of Education from University of Galway . Photo: Andrew Downes, xposure

Honourary Degree Recipients

Frankie Gavin (Doctor of Music (DMus)): Regarded as one of the world’s greatest fiddle players, Galway’s Frankie Gavin is a multi-instrumentalist and composer who has played nationally and internationally for over six decades. He was awarded the TG4 Gradam Ceoil Musician of the Year title in 2018.

Mary Warde Moriarty (Doctor of Laws (LLD)): Traveller, human rights activist and author, has worked tirelessly for nearly 50 years to advance Traveller human rights and build bridges between the settled and Traveller communities in Ireland. Co-founder of the first Tuam Traveller Support Group established in 1984. Mary was President of the European Centre for Irish Travellers and led the development of a library dedicated to the history and origins of Irish Travellers. Co-founder of the National Council for the Travelling People, the National Federation of Irish Travellers and the National Association of Travellers’ Centres, she was a co-founder of INVOLVE, the largest provider of Youth Services to young Travellers.

Hugh Logue (Doctor of Laws (LLD)): First came to prominence as a Civil rights leader in the late 60s, serving as a member of the executive of the Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association and as Vice-chair of the North Derry Civil Rights Association. A founder member of the SDLP, he was elected to the Stormont Assembly for that party in 1973, 1975 and 1981. He joined the European Commission and served in Brussels for the following 20 years as a senior Commission official. In this capacity he played a crucial role in the European Union’s contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process and to the Good Friday Agreement.

Professor Peter Piot (Doctor of Medicine (DMed)): In 1976 Professor Piot co-discovered the Ebola virus in Zaire while working at the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp, Belgium, and led research on HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases and women’s health, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa. He has worked in Europe, Africa and the US and was founding Executive Director of UNAIDS and Under Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1995 until 2008, and was an Associate Director of the Global Programme on AIDS of WHO. He is a recipient of numerous scientific and civic awards and humanitarian medals and has published over 600 scientific articles and 17 books.

Alan Esslemont (Doctor of Literature (DLitt)): Director General TG4, Alan was born in Scotland and has worked in France, Switzerland and the Isle of Skye. He worked here at our university, Telegael, Teilifís na Gaeilge, and TG4. He was a founding board member and treasurer of the Irish Film and Television Academy and is a key supporter of Irish-language planning and content for TG4.

Eva Bourke (Doctor of Literature (DLitt)): Highly-regarded poet and author of seven collections of poetry in English, editor of three volumes of poetry and prose in English, and translator of two volumes of Irish poetry into German; a major figure in contemporary Irish literature, member of Aosdána.

Patricia Forde (Doctor of Arts (DArts)): A graduate of our university, bilingual from an early age, she joined An Taibhdhearc at the age of ten as an actor and later directed plays there. Founder of Galway’s Babaró International Arts Festival for Children in 1996 and one of the early members of Macnas. She spent a period as Director of Galway International Arts Festival in the early 1990s. Former chair of Children’s Books Ireland.

Miriam Hand and Lourda McHugh (Doctor of Laws (LLD)): Recognised for their advocacy, leadership, and steadfast commitment to raising funds for breast cancer research through community partnerships and sporting organisations. Long-time board members of the National Breast Cancer Research Institute supporting the development of research facilities at University of Galway, established research and academic appointments, and graduate scholarships resulting in academic impact and cancer research advances.

Neil Johnson (Doctor of Laws (LLD)): CEO of Croí (Galway’s charity for cardiovascular health). Graduate of University of Galway, Honorary Clinical Fellow in the School of Medicine since 2015 and recipient of both Galway and Rehab ‘People of the Year’ awards. Neil has overseen foundation, growth and development of significant projects in cardiovascular health promotion, executed several multi-million euro fundraising initiatives and the construction of the Croí Heart and Stroke Centre Building in Newcastle.

Marie Reddan (Doctor of Education (DEd)): Retired Librarian of James Hardiman Library. Marie contributed much to the life, wealth and success of the Hardiman as a national and international centre of excellence. Marie played a leading role in the reimagining of the Library in its transition from print to the digital age, and in the archival activities of the library. Co-founder of IReL consortium of Irish Research Libraries.

Concerns about anti-social and criminal behaviour at Lough Atalia

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November 23, 2023

Concerns have been raised about public safety along the Lough Atalia Bridge, with issues surrounding anti-social behaviour.

The bridge is frequently used by people living in the Renmore area as a shortcut into Galway City.

Labour Party representative Helen Ogbu said that the bridge has become a significant focal point for concern from what she has heard speaking with local residents.

“Residents have expressed genuine worry about the unacceptable activities, particularly after dark. Reports of anti-social and criminal behaviour on the Lough Atalia Bridge have become increasingly prevalent, particularly during the night.”

“The safety of young people, women, men, and individuals traversing this area alone is a cause for serious concern. Despite improved lighting, the area remains a hotspot for unsettling activities including public drinking and other anti-social behaviours.”

“This raises safety concerns for those traversing the bridge, especially students and individuals walking alone at night,” Helen Ogbu added.

“These concerns evoke memories of tragic incidents such as the brutal murder of Manuela Riedo in October 2007, reigniting the urgent need for enhanced safety measures in public spaces along our walkways, pathways, parks, and neighbourhoods to prevent violence against women, young people, the elderly, and everyone in our community.”

Residents have suggested that the area could be improved by removing vegetation to improve visibility, CCTV surveillance to deter criminal activities, and intermittent Garda patrols in the area.

Public input sought on plans for large public park near Ballinasloe

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November 23, 2023

Galway Daily news Public input sought on plans for large public park near Ballinasloe

The deadline is approaching for people to make submissions on the county council’s plan to create a new public park at Pollboy, Ballinasloe.

The council plans to redevelop a 23ha plot of land just off the M6, roughly 1.5km south of Ballinasloe, half of which used to be a landfill.

Restored to its natural state for more than a decade, the area consists of woodlands, native hedgerows, grassland meadows, along with wetlands, streams, and ponds.

The goal is to create a park with multiple walking and cycling trails, a covered pavilion, and an all-ages playground.

The council is currently seeking public feedback on a draft masterplan for the park, details of which are available online here.

The deadline for public submissions on the proposed amenity park is 10pm on Thursday, November 30.

Man taken to hospital following collision in Co. Galway

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November 22, 2023

Galway Daily news Man dies after car goes into the water

A man was brought to hospital this afternoon as a precaution following a collision between a van and a car near Cloonboo.

Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of the two-vehicle crash at around 1pm.

A part of the road was closed for a time but it has since re-opened.

Garda investigations into the road traffic collision are ongoing.

Galway woman wins biggest ever cash prize on Irish radio!

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November 22, 2023

galway daily news salthill woman on irish radio winning biggest ever cash prize

Sinead Mullins from Salthill has won the biggest ever cash prize on Irish radio, taking home over €130,000.

Sinead answered Barry Mullins’ call on Today FM to claim the massive prize yesterday afternoon.

Sinead was shocked, saying “oh my god sorry before proceeding to read out the winning number.

Today FM tweeted that Sinead Mullins from Salthill has hit the absolute jackpot, winning “the biggest EVER cash amount on Irish radio AND having the most polite kids in the country!”

Watch the interaction below!

🤑 GALWAY CASH MACHINE WINNER WINS OVER €130,000 🤑

Sinead Mullins from Salthill has hit the absolute jackpot winning the biggest EVER cash amount on Irish radio AND having the most polite kids in the country 🥺💛 pic.twitter.com/iGT5TjYHPY

— Today FM 💛 (@TodayFM) November 21, 2023

Concerns raised about low afforestation licences

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November 22, 2023

Galway daily news Minister faces no confidence motion over forestry licencing backlog Canney says

Roscommon-Galway TD Claire Kerrane has raised concerns about low afforestation licensing figures following the recent rollout of the new Forestry Programme.

Recent figures show that just 42 afforestation licences have been issued this year so far, and just two applications have been referred to the Department’s Ecology unit for review to date in November.

Deputy Kerrane said she has have engaged with individuals and organisations representing farmers, forestry owners and the commercial forestry sector in recent weeks.

She said that the licence figures are “indicative of the wider concerns” raised by them regarding the management of forestry.

“Many have raised the same worries that the new afforestation scheme under the Forestry Programme 2023-2027 is too limited and restrictive, and at times, too administratively burdensome to allow for the levels of afforestation that we need,” the Sinn Féin TD said.

“While I understand that eligibility criteria for planting is required, it cannot be the case that rules are so rigid to prevent afforestation on scale.”

New poetry play focuses on challenges faced by young migrants

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November 22, 2023

galway daily news the perfect immigrant coming to town hall theatre galway — Nigerian poet and playwright Samuel Yakura photographed at Dublin’s Liberty Lane as he performs a scene from his new show 'The Perfect Immigrant'. Pic: Marc O’Sullivan

The story of the challenges faced by young migrants as they arrive in Ireland will be brought to life in a groundbreaking new poetry play coming to Galway next week.

Following an award-winning premiere at last year’s Dublin Fringe Festival, The Perfect Immigrant written and performed by poet and playwright Samuel Yakura is coming to Town Hall Theatre Galway on 27 November.

From the struggles of job hunting and navigating Ireland’s dating scene to searching for red chilli peppers in Lucan, the one-man show is a heartfelt and hilarious exploration of the challenges faced by those in search of a brighter future.

The show revolves around Levi, a courageous young Nigerian man who leaves his homeland with three worn suitcases, to fulfil his dream of studying engineering in a foreign land.

Samuel Yakura said that the story is about a young adult navigating manhood, loneliness, and self-discovery in a foreign place.

“The piece draws, in part, from my own experiences as a migrant. Similar to the show’s protagonist, I came to Ireland in 2018 to pursue a masters in civil engineering. The piece is quite different from a traditional theatre show,” he said.

“We tell Levi’s story through a powerful mix of poetry, prose, and with an Irish-Nigerian sense of humour that will entertain and resonate with audiences of all backgrounds.”

The Perfect Immigrant provides a unique insight into the cultural challenges of migration, which Yakura believes will also encourage more minority cultures to engage with Ireland’s theatre and arts scene.

“Ireland is undergoing a transformative journey towards becoming a thriving, multicultural society. However, there is a noticeable lack of representation in the arts and in audience attendance.

“By sharing stories like The Perfect Immigrant on stage, we hope to encourage minority cultures to explore the vibrant world of theatre and arts in Ireland. Personally, my journey as a poet has been enriched by coming here.

“I would encourage the general theatre community but also those outsiders to come and experience this inspiring show.”

The perfect Immigrant, written and performed by Samuel Yakura and directed by Katie O’Halloran opens in the Town Hall Theatre, Galway on November 27.

Taoiseach to officially open Moycullen Bypass in December

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November 22, 2023

2801220090 — The N59 Moycullen Bypass sod turning ceremony last year: Hildegarde Naughton TD, Cllr. Peter Keaveney (left) Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council and Peter Walsh, Transport Infrastructure Ireland. Photo:-Mike Shaughnessy

The Moycullen Bypass will be opened on 11 December by An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Galway County Council Cathaoirleach Liam Carroll.

Senator Seán Kyne confirmed the scheduled opening this week, saying the new bypass will remove hundreds of heavy vehicles from the Main Street in Moycullen and improve safety.

The bypass received planning permission in 2012 and started construction in January 2022 with Wills Brothers as the main contractor.

It will be accessed by roundabout at either side of the village at Clydagh and Drimcong.

Fine Gael senator Seán Kyne said that removing heavy traffic will make the village a safer and more comfortable place for locals who have had to put up with noise and traffic congestion for years.

He said that it will remove the tailbacks morning and evening, which had become an unwelcome feature of life in Moycullen.

“The bypass will also mean cars who don’t want to travel through Moycullen can avoid the village. It will make it easier for those who wish to do business, visit or socialise in Moycullen to access it.”

Senator Kyne added that as well as making Moycullen safer and less congested it will make a great difference to communities in Roscahill and Oughterard and beyond, particularly going home in the evenings as there will be less congestion.

He also welcomed the commitment of An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, who was Minister for Transport when the project received planning permission.

“He prioritised the first phase of the project with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, the N59 upgrade into Moycullen from Clydagh,” said Senator Kyne.

Three people arrested following €25,000 drugs seizure

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November 21, 2023

Galway Daily news Three people arrested following €25,000 drugs seizure

Three people have been arrested following a €25,000 drugs seizure in Galway on Monday evening.

Gardaí from Ballinasloe and Galway City conducted operations which saw the seizure of €16,000 worth of cocaine, €9,000 worth of cannabis and drug paraphernalia.

A file has been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions in relation to one of the men arrested, while the others remain in custody.

“Gardaí in Ballinasloe, with the support of colleagues from Galway City have been working hard as part of our ongoing covert operations to disrupt the sale and supply of illegal drugs in the area.

Yesterday evening, they seized €16,000 worth of cocaine, €9,000 in cannabis herb along with mixing agents, an industrial powder press and moulds.

Three males were arrested – one has been released pending a file to the Director of Public Prosecutions and two remain in custody this evening.”

Local activists legal celebrate victory over Gort Biogas Plant plans

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November 21, 2023

Galway Daily news Public meeting to discuss approval of Gort BioGas plant — Photo Credit: Vasyatka

Gort Biogas Concern Group has claimed victory in a legal battle against plans for a biogas plant in Gort.

The Gort Biogas Concern Group brought a High Court challenge against An Bord Pleanála’s decision to approve the plans back in August.

Today the group said in a statement that the case has come to an end, with An Bord Pleanála conceding “to our benefit”.

The organisation said that “common sense” has prevailed, and thanked the people of south Galway for their support in this campaign.

“This campaign is the culmination of five long years of hard work and dedication from the volunteer members of the Gort Biogas Concern Group with the full support of the Burren Lowlands Group.”

“The group has worked tirelessly and has scaled many mountains to reach this point. We have all learned a great deal from this campaign and made some great friends along the way.”

“We can all bask briefly in the sunshine of this achievement, but we will remain vigilant to this and other such developments that threaten our local environment, our amazing community and the future viability of Gort Inse Guaire as a great place to live, work and visit.”

The proposed Biogas plant would have been built on a 10ha site in the townlands of Ballynamantan, Kinincha and Glenbrack just a few hundred metres outside Gort, producing fertiliser and energy through the treatment of farm waste.

An Bord Pleanála gave it the green light in late 2022, overturning two rejections by the county council based on road traffic and environmental concerns.

Galway businesses at risk of penalties if websites are not made accessible

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November 21, 2023

Launch of IA Labs’ Digital Accessibility Index Report 2023 at NCBI, Drumcondra.

A new report has found that 73% of Ireland’s top 100 companies have websites which are inaccessible for people with disabilities.

The report commissioned by the National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI) found that many sites are completely inaccessible for the estimated 600,000 people in Ireland with disabilities.

While accessibility adoption has been sluggish across a number of sectors, notably education, healthcare and housing, there has been some positive movement.

Some 27% of the top 100 Irish companies have taken steps to improve their website accessibility, despite not yet being legally obligated to do so.

Three schools in Galway were named in the top 10 and commended for their work in making their websites more accessible: Salerno Jesus and Mary Secondary School in Salthill, Colaiste na Coiribe in Knicknacarra, and Colaiste Iognaid SJ on Sea Road.

The Galway Clinic was also listed among the top private hospitals in the country.

The current legislative position means that under EU Web Accessibility Directive 2020, public sector websites are mandated to meet the requirements of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, and ensure that they can be accessed by all users, regardless of ability.

More recently, however, this legislative mandate has been extended, under the European Accessibility Act, to businesses in the private sector so all websites, digital assets and applications of private sector bodies must be fully digitally accessible by June 2025.

Businesses based in Ireland have just eighteen months to ensure that their content is digitally accessible – or risk facing legal penalties.

Chief Executive Officer at IA Labs and Chief Technology Officer at the National Council for the Blind of Ireland, Kyran O’Mahoney said that while tangible progress has been made, there is still a long way to go to make a fully inclusive society.

“With the forthcoming European Accessibility Act, the clock is ticking for many businesses across Ireland, who must now work to ensure that their websites and mobile applications can be accessed by all users.”

Technology is the single greatest enabler for any person living with a disability; and for businesses, having a fully accessible website ensures that you can reach every single customer. Digital accessibility is a win-win.”

The report, created by Inclusion and Accessibility Labs, was launched by Minister for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Dara Calleary.

“I welcome the publication of the Disability Accessibility Index as a means to help enterprise and the public sector alike identify where they can improve to make their information more accessible to people with a disability and help move us closer to achieving a more equal and inclusive society.”

Other key findings of the report include that 95% of education institutions have inaccessible websites, along with 17 of Ireland’s top 20 public and private hospital, and just three of eight political parties have accessible websites.

Three Galway outdoor recreation projects receive funding

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November 21, 2023

The government has announced funding of almost €2.3 million to support the development of 50 outdoor adventure projects across Ireland.

Three projects in Galway are set to benefit from the funding – Renville Forest Park, Ballinasloe Outdoor Recreation Park, and Linn Taoide Arainn.

These projects, when ultimately delivered, will give a major boost to local economies by attracting visitors.

Once at a shovel ready stage, they will be in a position to secure further government funding.

Galway County Council will receive almost €50,000 for the Renville Forest Park Masterplan, which aims to develop a major tourist attraction.

Nearly €50,000 will go to the council for a feasibility study on the options for a public park in Ballinasloe, and over €35,000 for another study on providing a tidal pool on Arainn along the sea shore.

Announcing the funding, Minister Heather Humphreys said: “We’re now heading into the darker days of winter and it’s more important than ever to make the most of those precious daylight hours by getting out and about when you can.

“The funding I’m announcing today will support the further development of our hiking trails, water based activities and other amenities making them even more enjoyable places for families to visit nationwide.

“These amenities are here for us all to enjoy. I would encourage everyone who can to get out and about, and make the most of what our countryside has to offer.”

‘Emergency’ must be redefined to progress flood and housing works

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November 21, 2023

galway daily news Ballinasloe flood relief scheme

Independent local TD Seán Canney has called on the Government to redefine the meaning of ‘an emergency’ to allow certain works to proceed without undue delay during the planning stage.

He said that we have witnessed the damage caused by flooding over the last number of weeks and the devastation that it causes to properties, farms, roads, and the environment.

He also referenced the housing emergency, but said that we are still battling with the multitude of rules regulations and EU directives whilst people are homeless and young people cannot access affordable housing.

“Projects are being delayed but if we redefine flooding and housing as emergencies then we can get on with the works in the interest of the common good,” said Deputy Canney.

“We see first hand the damages that have been foisted on the Shannon callows because of ongoing summer flooding and the disappearance of so much wildlife, yet we seem to be handcuffed to rules and the Habitats Directives which are counterproductive and are destroying nature instead of protecting it.”

The Independent TD said that there is no action to rectify the problems even though the solutions are staring us in the face.

“I see first hand the inability of State Agencies, Government Departments and Local Authorities to progress flood relief measures and housing projects and millions of taxpayer’s money is spent years trying to overcome the many challenges put in place as a direct result of the EU Directives and Climate Action Plans,” he said.

“The Government have an opportunity to define an emergency to include flooding, housing and health facilities in the new planning legislation being introduced to ensure that we can effectively and speedily protect our people, property, and our environment.”

Digital Nomad Lifestyle: Why more Americans are choosing Europe as their remote workspace

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Angela Mc Bride

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November 21, 2023

In recent years, there has been a significant shift in the work culture globally, with more individuals embracing the digital nomad lifestyle. This trend is particularly noticeable among Americans who are increasingly choosing Europe as their base for long-term travel and remote work. This lifestyle change not only offers a blend of adventure and professional development but also necessitates a new approach to travel planning, including the crucial aspect of obtaining insurance for long term travel.

Europe, with its rich history, diverse cultures, and modern amenities, has become a hotspot for digital nomads from the United States. The concept of being a digital nomad in Europe is appealing for several reasons. Firstly, the continent’s well-established infrastructure for remote work, including high-speed internet and co-working spaces, makes it an ideal destination for professionals who rely on digital connectivity. Additionally, the varied landscapes, from the sun-kissed Mediterranean coasts to the historic cities of Central Europe, provide an ever-changing backdrop for those seeking inspiration and a change of pace from the traditional office environment.

One of the key considerations for Americans embracing this lifestyle is understanding the importance of insurance for long-term travel. Traveling for extended periods brings its own set of challenges and uncertainties. From health emergencies to travel disruptions, having a robust insurance plan is essential for peace of mind. Companies like HeyMondo offer specialized insurance plans tailored for long-term travelers and digital nomads, ensuring that they are covered for a wide range of eventualities.

For those considering the digital nomad lifestyle in Europe, choosing the right destination is crucial. Berlin, Barcelona, and Lisbon stand out as top picks for digital nomad Europe, attracting them with their lively cultural atmospheres, reasonable living expenses, and communities that are notably supportive of the digital nomad lifestyle. Each city offers a unique experience, from Berlin’s dynamic art scene to Lisbon’s historic charm and Barcelona’s beachside cafes.

The allure of the digital nomad lifestyle lies in the balance between work and exploration. Living in Europe allows individuals to immerse themselves in different cultures, learn new languages, and experience a lifestyle vastly different from the American way of life. However, it’s important to maintain a disciplined work routine to ensure productivity is not compromised. Many digital nomads find that setting a structured schedule and utilizing co-working spaces helps in maintaining this balance.

An often-overlooked aspect of the digital nomad lifestyle is the importance of community and networking. Europe’s digital nomad scene is thriving, with numerous events, meetups, and online forums where individuals can connect, share experiences, and collaborate on projects. This sense of community is invaluable for those seeking to expand their professional network and social circle while living abroad.

The growing trend of Americans opting to embrace the digital nomad life in Europe transcends a mere temporary shift; it reflects a profound transformation in work and lifestyle paradigms characteristic of the 21st century. With the right preparation, including securing comprehensive insurance for long-term travel, and an open mind, the digital nomad lifestyle offers an enriching and fulfilling experience. Europe, with its blend of history, culture, and modern amenities, continues to be a beacon for those seeking to redefine the boundaries between work and travel.

Navigating the Markets: A Comprehensive Guide to Trading and Investing

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Angela Mc Bride

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November 21, 2023