UHG launches Sponsor a Christmas Tree Light

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November 17, 2023

Galway Daily rugby Finlay Bealham 200th appearance — Finlay Bealham. Photo Credit: Connacht Rugby/INPHO

Irish international Finlay Bealham will be back in action for Connacht this weekend as they take on the Hollywoodbet Sharks in the first of two games in their South Africa trip.

Connacht will play the Sharks this Saturday at Kings Park in Durban, with kick-off at 3pm Irish time.

Eight changes have been made to the Connacht lineup, including Bealham in the front row, who is set to play for the first time with the province since his return from the World Cup.

Commenting ahead of the game, head coach Pete Wilkins said, “The return of Finlay Bealham is timely, and he has brought great energy as well as international quality to the group.”

“Elsewhere our team selection represents a blend of those that have delivered significant performances for us across the first four games of the URC season.”

“The quality of our bench will be a crucial element in what we expect to be a physical and fast-paced game in hot conditions.”

Oisin Dowling and Joe Joyce are named in the second row, while the back row is the only unchanged line from last week’s game away to Edinburgh with Cian Prendergast, captain Conor Oliver and Sean O’Brien all set to start again.

It’s a new half-back pairing starting with Colm Reilly and JJ Hanrahan. For the fourth game this season Cathal Forde and Tom Farrell are paired up in the centre.

Byron Ralston moves to the wing from centre where he’s joined by Andrew Smith and Tiernan O’Halloran in the back three.

“Any game away in South Africa is a massive challenge, and we will be coming up against a highly motivated Sharks team who will relish playing in front of their home crowd for the first time this season.”

“That said, we have travelled and prepared really well for this encounter, and the whole squad is excited by the opportunity in front of us on Saturday,” Pete Wilkins said.

CONNACHT RUGBY MATCHDAY 23 VS HOLLYWOODBETS SHARKS
15:00 Irish time, Saturday 18^th November 2023 @ Hollywoodbets Kings Park

15. Tiernan O’Halloran (224)
14. Byron Ralston (19)
13. Tom Farrell (102)
12. Cathal Forde (16)
11. Andrew Smith (3)
10. JJ Hanrahan (4)
9. Colm Reilly (21)
1. Denis Buckley (231)
2. Tadgh McElroy (4)
3. Finlay Bealham (189)
4. Oisín Dowling (47)
5. Joe Joyce (4)
6. Cian Prendergast (51)
7. Conor Oliver (65) (C)
8. Sean O’Brien (2)

16. Dave Heffernan (183)
17. Peter Dooley (21)
18. Dominic Robertson-McCoy (82)
19. Darragh Murray (11)
20. Shamus Hurley-Langton (23)
21. Caolin Blade (174)
22. David Hawkshaw (16)
23. John Porch (81)

Almost €7 million lost to account takeover fraud so far this year

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November 17, 2023

Galway Daily crime investment fraud soaring

Almost €7 million has been stolen from fraud victims in account takeover scams so far this year.

An Garda Síochána have said that there have been more than 1,000 reports of account takeover fraud to date in 2023.

People aged between 40 and 60 years old are the most likely to be the victims of this type of fraud, with Gardaí reporting a 20% increase in scam calls and texts this year.

An Garda Síochána is asking members of the public to always be suspicious of texts and calls asking for any personal data or money.

Sophisticated fraudsters use texts, calls and emails to trick members of the public into giving away their personal data, enabling the fraudsters to take over their bank account or devices, or to steal debit/credit card details.

Account takeover fraud occurs when someone receives a text, call, or email from a fraudster that appears to be from a bank, service provider, delivery company or government agency and aims to take over their accounts, devices, or cards.

“Practically everyone in the country has got a text that looks like it’s from a reliable source and yet it’s not – anyone can be a victim, regardless of age or where they live,” said Detective Superintendent Michael Cryan of the GNEBC.

“And, remember Revenue will never call you to tell you that you are under investigation either. Our advice is always to be wary of any concerning texts or calls – just stop and think before you click on anything or show it to someone you trust for a second opinion.”

“Never give away your personal data and if you have been a victim of account takeover fraud make sure you change your passwords and contact your bank as soon as possible and report it to Gardaí.”

Text based fraud will usually try and get the victim to click on a link, and then insert their pin. This might be followed up by a call from the scammers pretending to be from their bank.

The end result will be the scammers taking over a bank account, or linking it to money mules who can make online transfers or withdrawls.

Or, they may get the person to pay a small amount, such as a customs charge, with their card details and use these to make other purchases online.

If it’s a call, the fraudster may phone the person to tell them that they are ‘under investigation’ for tax fraud and that they can resolve the matter by paying their bill immediately.

An Garda Síochána is advising members of the public who believe they are a victim of fraud or think their account has been compromised, to contact any Garda Station.

Multiple Galway companies shortlisted for Irish Medtech Awards

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November 17, 2023

The annual Irish Medtech Awards are being held in Galway next month, and multiple local companies have made the shortlist.

There are seven Galway companies competing for awards in four categories in the awards, which are organised by the Irish Medtech Association

Nua Surgical and Xtremefy Medical are two of the three finalists in the Emerging Medtech Company of the Year category.

Atlantic Technological University and Symphysis Medical are both shortlisted for the Collaboration in Medtech award.

Aerogen and Boston Scientific Galway are in the running for the Best Talent Strategy in Medtech award.

And lastly Medtronic Vascular Galway is shortlisted in the Sustainable Medtech Company of the Year category.

Dr Eoghan Ó Faoláin, Irish Medtech Association, Director, said, “The Irish Medtech Award mark an annual celebration of our global hub and I am proud to reveal this year’s finalists today.”

The winners will be announced at the Medtech Rising conference in the Galmont Hotel, Galway on December 7.

“This year’s event will explore: worldclass innovation, global economic outlook, sustainability, fostering talent, generative AI, the future of EU regulations, and more.”

“Bringing senior business leaders together with key opinion leaders, and policymakers is vital to ensure that the industry here has the foresight needed to achieve its ambition of transforming lives with innovative patient-centred medtech.”

Garrett Murray, Enterprise Ireland Head of Lifesciences noted, “Medtech companies in Ireland stand out international for their culture of collaboration both nationally and internationally that fuels the motivation to innovate and scale.”

“The Medtech Rising awards is an opportunity to highlight the success of so many companies creating solutions for global challenges, delivering sustainable prosperity throughout Ireland.”

The full shortlist of nominees is:

Medtech Company of the Year Award: Arrotek Medical Ltd, Diagnexia, and TriMedika
Emerging Medtech Company of the Year Award: Capri Medical, Nua Surgical Limited, and Xtremedy Medical
Collaboration in Medtech Award: Atlantic Technological University, Symphysis Medical, and West Pharmaceutical Services
Medtech Partner/Supplier of the Year Award: Croom Medical, and Lawrence Engineering
Digital Health Innovation of the Year Award: Deciphex, TriMedika, and Vitalograph
Best Diversity and Representation Company Initiative Award: 3M Healthcare, and Stryker
Best Talent Strategy in Medtech Award: Aerogen, Boston Scientific Galway, and DePuy Synthes
Best Process-Product Innovation in Medtech Award: Alcon Ireland, Boston Scientific Cork, and Merck
Sustainable Medtech Company of the Year Award: 3M Healthcare, APL a Comar Company, and Medtronic Vascular Galway

Ciara Finlay, Irish Medtech Association, Senior Executive, concluded, “The Irish Medtech Awards have been a measure of the industry’s success for the best part of two decades.”

“Not only has the size and scale of the sector dramatically risen, but its increased sophistication can be seen with recent award categories including strategic areas such as innovation, digital health, diversity and representation, collaboration, and sustainability.”

“More recently we’ve seen over €1,000 million in investments and an additional 3,430 jobs publicly announced in the sector in less than two years.”

“While we can’t wait to see how the medtech sector will look in another two or even 20 years, now is the time to celebrate those who are transforming the industry today.”

Plans submitted for new Galway City Primary Care Centre

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November 17, 2023

Galway Daily news Plans submitted for new Galway City Primary Care Centre

The HSE is seeking approval for a new community care hub and primary care centre for the west side of Galway City.

A planning application has been made to the city council for the conversion of Block A in Galway West Business Park in Knocknacarra.

The building, which is currently vacant, was formerly occupied by Aviva Insurance, and is located next to an existing HSE Psychiatry service.

The planned Enhanced Community Care Hub would provide specialist care for older people and those with chronic conditions.

The Primary Care Centre will provide a base for services in the Salthill and Knocknacarra areas.

The ground floor of the building will contain the clinical assessment, examination, and treatment facilities for the ECC hub, along with diagnostic facilities and the reception / waiting areas.

The first floor will contain the assessment, examination, and treatment facilities for the PCC, including clinical facilities for two teams along with ancillary rooms.

Administrative facilities along with staff changing and rest areas, and conference rooms, will be located on the second floor of the building.

The main entrance the building is to be relocated, and a new single storey entrance lobby built.

Other work on the site will include reconfiguration of the access roads and parking areas to accommodate the greater needs.

The plans include a total of 142 car parking spaces, 80 public spaces and 62 staff spaces, along with 20 public bicycle stands and a staff bicycle shed with 60 spaces.

A Planning Cover Report submitted with the application states that the site is within walking distance of multiple residential areas, and is also serviced by several frequent bus services.

It also states the providing healthcare services in the community will ease pressure on UHG and Merlin Park Hospital.

A decision on this planning application is due from Galway City Council by January 12 of 2024.

Volunteers sought for Grattan Beach clean up after Storm Debi

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November 17, 2023

Volunteers sought for Grattan Beach clean up after Storm Debi

Volunteers are being sought to help clean up the damage from Storm Debi on Grattan Beach this weekend.

I Like Beaches Galway is asking people to come help them clean up the mess left by the storm on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning.

The storm threw a lot of seaweed up the beach, which has become entangled with the sand dune fences installed there.

The volunteers will be helping to pick the fences clean of seaweed, and rolling them up for the city council to come collect on Saturday.

The two clean ups will take place from 4:30pm – 5:30pm on Friday, and 8am – 9am on Saturday.

The sand fences were installed over the summer as part of a pilot project to combat coastal erosion from flooding and wind during storms.

Part of the project will now involve removing them for the winter to observe the differences with and without them in place.

Traffic delays expected from N65 roadworks today

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November 17, 2023

Galway Daily traffic Traffic delays expected from N65 roadworks today

Traffic delays are expected for motorists travelling on the N65 today due to roadworks taking place.

Galway County Council is carrying out roadworks on the N65 in the Killimor area, between the village and Ramore Cross.

In order to facilitate these works a traffic management system will be in place from 8am to 5pm on Friday.

The traffic management will consist of temporary traffic lights, with lane closures, for the duration of the works.

As a consequence, users of this road are advised to expect delays and to allow themselves additional time to make journeys.

Water disruptions possible as water mains replaced in Ballybrit

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November 16, 2023

Galway Daily news Water outages in Athenry on Tuesday

Works to replace water mains in Galway will give residents in the Ballybrit area an improved water supply with less disruption due to bursts and leakage.

Working with Galway City Council, Uisce Éireann is carrying out works to deliver key water infrastructure for essential housing in Ardaun.

The works, which will likely lead to some short-term water outages, are being carried out in two phases, with the first phase of works currently taking place.

This involves the replacement of around 320m of water mains in lands along the Old Ballybrit Road.

The second phases of works will involve the replacement of approximately 330m of water mains along Monivea Road. These works are scheduled to begin before the end of this year.

Customers will be given a minimum of 48 hours’ notice prior to any planned water interruptions.

Uisce Éireann said that they understand that this type of work can be inconvenient, and that crews will make every effort to minimise any disruption caused by the works. Local and emergency traffic will always be maintained.

When completed, Uisce Éireann said the project will significantly increase the capacity of the water network and provide for the delivery of future housing developments in the local area.

The works are being carried out on behalf of Uisce Éireann by Farrans Construction and are on schedule to be completed early next year.

Solution for forgotten farmers “even further away” says local TD

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November 16, 2023

galway daily news claire kerrane at dáil child maintenance

A Roscommon-Galway TD has said that Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue’s latest reply on where the solution is for ‘forgotten farmers’ shows it is “even further away”.

Deputy Claire Kerrane has repeatedly urged Minister McConalogue to set out the details of his Department’s proposed scheme for forgotten farmers, with details of a proposed scheme expected to be announced in the first quarter of this year.

However, she said that the Minister’s recent reply to a Parliamentary Question suggests that the Minister has no intention of announcing details anytime soon.

Speaking this week the Sinn Féin TD said that the response was ‘deeply disappointing’, given that he had previously indicated that he would follow up with his Department on the matter when she queried him in the Dáil in May.

“His reply also referenced that a number of issues still require work, including ‘the funding required and consistency with public expenditure’, before eligibility requirements and scheme details can be finalised,” said Deputy Kerrane.

“I find it incredible that these details have not yet been ironed out, given the delay to introducing a solution and the fact that details of the scheme were supposed to be announced in the early months of this year.”

The local TD said that during that time we have had a Budget announcement, and the Minister ‘has had ample opportunity to secure funding’ with regards to public expenditure as part of this annual process.

“In our Alternative Budget 2024, Sinn Féin included a proposal to provide compensation for the forgotten farmers, and we have included it in our previous Budget proposals too.

“The clear lack of urgency from this government in addressing the issue does not inspire hope that a scheme will be announced anytime soon and it seems likely this will now go into 2024.

“This can only be a further source of frustration for these farmers, who have already waited far too long for a solution.”

Influential travel journalists enjoy luxurious stay in Galway

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November 16, 2023

galway daily news travel journalists in galway — Australian and New Zealand journalists pictured at Kylemore Abbey with Sofia Hansson, Tourism Ireland (third right). Pic – Tourism Ireland

Seven travel journalists from Australia and New Zealand have been exploring Galway as guests of Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland.

The trip is designed to showcase some of the many luxury and sustainable tourism experiences available to the visiting journalists, as well as to highlight our rich culture and heritage, spectacular scenery and fantastic food and drink.

The group has been following an action-packed itinerary, which includes a visit to Kylemore Abbey. The journalists had lunch in Lough Inagh Lodge Hotel and dinner in Éan, and they also stayed overnight at Ballynahinch Castle and The Hardiman Hotel.

Sofia Hansson, Tourism Ireland’s Manager for Australia and New Zealand, said they were delighted to invite the group of influential travel journalists to visit Ireland.

“Through their articles, the journalists will inspire their readers to come and experience our beautiful scenery and activities for themselves,” said Sofia

“Tourism Ireland undertakes a busy publicity programme around the world each year to raise the profile of Ireland – and visits by influential travel writers like these are a key element of that programme.”

Gardaí clamp down on anti-social behaviour on Galway trains

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November 16, 2023

Gardaí are clamping down on anti-social behaviour on trains in Galway today in a nationwide day-of-action as part of Operation Twin Tracks.

Gardaí will be conducting patrols of intercity rail services across Ireland, which in Galway includes Oranmore, Athenry, Attymon, Woodlawn, Ballinasloe, Athenry, Craughwell, Ardrahan and Gort.

Local Crime Prevention Officers and Community Policing Gardaí will also be present at train stations across Ireland to engage with commuters and give guidance on crime prevention.

LUAS Red and Green Line and DART services in Dublin will also be patrolled, as well as the intercity Irish Rail routes.

The objectives of today’s day of action are to ensure public safety by addressing anti-social behaviour, to protect life and property, and to engage with the public and provide crime prevention advice.

Search underway to find Ireland’s Fittest School

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November 16, 2023

galway daily news irelands fittest school launch

Schools in Galway have been invited to participate in a search for Ireland’s fittest school and which was launched this week by three of Ireland’s best-known athletes, World Para Rowing champion Katie O’Brien and Olympians Phil Healy and David Gillick.

Working in cooperation with banana distributors Fyffes, their aim is to find a school whose focus on fitness will replicate the success of previous ‘Ireland’s Fittest School’ winners – Scoil Na Croise Naofa, Dunfanaghy in 2022 and Gilson National School, Oldcastle in 2023.

The search was launched alongside the resumption of this year’s Fyffes Fit Squad programme, with 10,000 pupils from primary schools across Ireland expected to participate in live, in-school fitness visits.

All three athletes have recorded a series of workouts for viewing online, which they hope schools will adopt as part of their PE course.

Running from January to March, the top four schools will then progress to a live grand final hosted by patrons O’Brien, Healy and Gillick at which the prize package will include €8,000 worth of sports equipment.

Registration is now open and further details can be found online at www.fyffesfitsquad.ie

Palestine solidarity vigil in Galway this Friday

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November 16, 2023

galway daily news palestine vigil in galway city

People in Galway city will gather again this Friday evening to express solidarity with the people of Palestine as Israel’s bombardment of Gaza continues.

The Galway Palestine Solidarity Campaign is calling on people to join a candlelight vigil at Courthouse Square, in front of Galway Courthouse, from 6.30pm on Friday, November 17.

People are being urged to bring a Palestinian flag, a candle, and a friend, and to share in the grief at such horrendous loss of life in Palestine, where hospitals and being bombed and entire neighbourhoods razed to the ground.

The IDF has killed over 10,000 people since the war on Gaza began in October.

Two Galway academics among most influential in the world

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November 16, 2023

galway daily news Professor Afshin Samali. — Professor Afshin Samali, Univeristy of Galway

Two University of Galway academic researchers have been named on the annual Highly Cited Researchers 2023 list from Clarivate.

Professors Afshin Samali and Patrick W. Serruys are included in the prestigious list of almost 7,000 researchers from more than 1,300 institutions who have demonstrated significant influence in their fields with multiple highly cited papers over the last decade.

Professor Afshin Samali, listed in the Cross-Field category, is Professor and Chair of Cancer Biology at the College of Science and Engineering at University of Galway and Director of the Apoptosis Research Centre.

He is a leading cancer biologist with expertise in the field of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and cell death/survival signalling in cancer, with a successful research career spanning over 30 years.

One of Professor Samali’s areas of research relates to cell behaviour of triple negative breast cancer.

He is a researcher with CÚRAM, the Science Foundation Ireland research centre for medical devices, based at University of Galway and with Precision Oncology Ireland.

Afshin Samali fled Iran and came to Ireland as a refugee aged 17 due to persecution of members of the Bahai’i Faith.

He is on the University of Galway’s Universities of Sanctuary Programme committee and has been supporting Afghan refugees in their efforts to access third level education in Ireland.

Professor Patrick W. Serruys, listed in the Clinical Medicine category, is Established Professor of Interventional Medicine and Innovation, Director of the CORRIB Research Centre for Advanced Imaging and Core Laboratory at the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences.

Professor Serruys is a world-renowned expert in interventional cardiology and imaging with more than four decades experience in clinical trials and innovation in medicine. He has pioneered several interventional procedures and devices as well as imaging techniques.

Bar Veinstein, President of Academia and Government at Clarivate, said that they celebrate the Highly Cited Researchers whose contributions transform the world by helping to make it healthier, more sustainable and more secure.

“Recognition of Highly Cited Researchers not only validates research excellence but also enhances reputation, fosters collaboration, and informs resource allocation, acting as a beacon for academic institutions and commercial organisations,” he said.

Aoife Raftery to fly the flag for Ireland in Andalucía this weekend

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November 16, 2023

galway daily news aoife raftery ahead of kent challenge — Craughwell’s Aoife Raftery has been announced as the Women in Motorsport Ambassador for the Corrib Oil Galway International Rally. Photo: Sean Moriarty

Galway rally driver Aoife Raftery will fly the flag for Irish motorsport once again this weekend at a rally in the province of Córdoba in southern Spain.

The Craughwell native is keen to expand her international experience and will do so at Rally Ciudad de Pozoblanco in northern Andalucía on Saturday.

The first and only female driver to be selected for the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy will drive the same Peugeot 208 Rally 4 that she used on five rounds of the FIA Junior European Rally Championship this year.

The car is prepared by Irish rally team PCRS Rallysport which is headquartered at Aragón racing circuit near Alcañiz in Spain and an opportunity arose to enter Raftery in the 93-kilometre gravel rally.

“One of the first international opportunities I got with the Academy was to complete the recce for the Spanish round of the World Rally Championship in October last year,” Aoife said.

“I really like the country; they are motorsports mad out there and with the car based in Spain it is a great opportunity to get seat time during the Irish off-season in an international setting.”

The eight-stage rally in Pozoblanco, Córdoba gets underway at 8am on Saturday morning.

Raftery is the only Irish competitor on the entry list that includes drivers from Andora, Finland and a host of Spanish drivers like Spanish Super Championship leader and champion elect José Antonio Suárez.

Green light for new café at vacant shopping centre unit

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November 15, 2023

Galway Daily news Green light for new café at vacant shopping centre unit

Galway City Council has given the green light for the opening of a new café in a vacant retail unit at Westside Shopping Centre.

Westside Shopping Centre Ltd has received planning permission for the change of use and associated renovation of Unit 5 out front.

The application states that the unit in question, which was most recently a laundry and dry cleaners, has experience “prolonged periods of vacancy” in recent years.

It also claims that there is “limited market demand for retail units at this location” and that having a café would bring “much needed life and animation” to the Seamus Quirke Road.

The intended occupant of the unit is Insomnia café and coffee shop chain, which first opened in Galway back in 1997.

Planning permission for the development was granted by the city council with four conditions attached.

The ground floor must only be used as a café, and not as a takeaway for the consumption of hot food off site.

However, this does not preclude outside dining in any external seating area which may be approved by the council.

The developer must also ensure that the premises is properly insulated for sound, and that any plant services are not so loud as to cause annoyance for neighbouring premises.

One third of commuters in the West would use public transport if it was more affordable

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November 15, 2023

galway daily news Poll shows one third of commuters in the West would use public transport if it was more affordable

One in three people living in the west of Ireland would make greater use of public transport if it was more affordable polls have shown.

The Coach Tourism Transport Council of Ireland (CTTC) has this week released results of research commissioned by them through polling company Ireland Thinks.

Among these results, 32% of respondents in the Connacht-Ulster region said that they would make greater use of public transport if fare were lower.

That is compared with 59% of respondents in the Dublin region, 43% in Munster, and 37% of those living in Leinster.

This poll shows that more people would use public transport if the 20% fare reduction scheme applied to all mass passenger operators and their customers.

43% in the poll said they would be more inclined to use public transport if there was a 20% reduction in fares. That response was even stronger among young people, with 60% of those aged 18 – 34 answering positively.

The 20% reduction in fares currently only applies to Public Service Obligation (PSO) services including Dublin Bus, Luas, DART and Irish Rail.

A significant demographic comprising over 71% of the population, primarily residing outside the greater Dublin area, currently finds itself excluded from this scheme which was brought in by government as a cost-of-living measure in Budget 2023.

Chairperson of CTTC, Willie Martin said “Our research demonstrates a strong alignment between fare reductions, consumer usage of buses and environmental sustainability, presenting a viable avenue for government to expedite progress toward their net-zero goals.”

“A particularly encouraging aspect of the survey is the indication that young people, when introduced to affordable public transport options early on, are more likely to embrace and sustain this mode of commuting in the future.”

“This generational shift holds promise for fostering a culture of sustainable transportation practices across Ireland.”

“The many advantages of encouraging more and more people away from private vehicles are there to be seen and the commercial bus sector stands willing and able to play a part in ensuring we reach our sustainability targets in the future.”

He added that private bus operators now need support from the government to make that vision a reality.

“The results for the Connacht region bear this out, with one-third indicating that they would use more public transport if it was an affordable option, compared to 59% in the Dublin region where public transport options are more frequent, readily available and integrated.”

Public consultation events on draft Galway County Climate Action Plan

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November 15, 2023

Public consultation events on draft Galway County Climate Action Plan — Cllr Liam Carroll – Cathaoirleach Galway County Council with (l-r) Rebecca Mooney – Climate Action Officer, Galway County Council, Liam Conneally – Chief Executive Galway County Council, Tina Ryan – Climate Action Co-ordinator, Galway County Council and Denise Feeney – Community Climate Action Officer, Galway County Council at the launch of the Galway County Council Draft Climate Action Plan.

A series of public events will take place over the next two weeks to receive public feedback on the county council’s draft Climate Action Plan.

The council has now published its Draft Climate Action Plan 2024-2029, and is seeking

The Draft Plan sets out how Galway County Council will promote a range of mitigation, adaptation, and other climate action measures, to help deliver on the national climate obligations.

Public feedback is now being sought on the draft plan, with members of the public invited to meet the Climate Action Team to discuss the plan and the upcoming Climate Action Fund at the following locations:

Clifden Library – Thursday, November 16: 16:30 – 18:00
Tuam Library – Saturday, November 18: 14:00 – 15:30
Loughrea Library – Wednesday, November 22: 17:30 – 19:00
Claregalway Hotel – Tuesday, November 28: 18:00 – 18:30

Public submissions can be made online via https://consult.galway.ie/ or in writing and submitted by post.

Written submissions can be sent to Climate Action Unit, Áras an Chontae, Prospect Hill, Galway, H91 H6KX, and must be marked ‘Galway County Council Draft Local Authority Climate Action Plan’.

The deadline for submissions on the Draft LA Climate Action Plan is Monday, December 11 at 4pm.

Submissions on the accompanying Environmental Reports can be made up to Friday, December 22 at 4pm.

Trócaire thanks people of Galway who helped 964 families last Christmas

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November 15, 2023

TROCAIRE81 — Sisters Kate (5 ) and Alice ( 7) Pierse and Ella McGrath (6) from Galway City who helped Trocaire volunteers (left to right) Blessing Usher Nyoni, Janisa Momodu and Joyce Mathias launch the Irish NGOÕs life-changing Christmas Gifts of Change. Photo: Andrew Downes

Last year the people of Galway helped 964 families living in some of the world’s most fragile countries last year thanks to their support for Trócaire’s Christmas Gifts.

The generous people across Galway spent over €28,000 on Trócaire’s Christmas gift range last year, allowing the Irish NGO to provide families in the developing world with clean water, essential tools, livestock and help with education.

Trócaire, who celebrate 50 years of giving on their milestone anniversary this year, have once again launched their life-changing Christmas Gifts of Change range, and are asking people to give a gift that really matters with Trócaire’s selection of sustainable and ethical gifts.

Trócaire CEO Caoimhe de Barra said, “Over one million life-changing gifts over 50 years of giving have been purchased by the Irish public since the annual Christmas gifts appeal was launched in 2000, supporting some of the world’s most vulnerable families.”

“Trócaire’s gifts include favourites like beehives for drought-stricken farmers in the Horn of Africa to school kits and lunches for children across the world.”

“Each gift matters and we are grateful for the continued support from the people of Galway,” Caoimhe de Barra added.

With 22 to choose from, ranging from €5 to €1,400, each Trócaire gift will support critical work across the developing world. The gifts can be purchased online at www.trocaire.org/gifts, or by calling 1800 408 408.

This Christmas, Trócaire has a range of new gifts that help families worldwide. This includes the Gift of Family Essentials (€35) that will bring vital comfort to children and families caught up in conflict in countries like Gaza, Ethiopia, South Sudan and Ukraine.

Your Gift of Family Essentials will provide families with survival kits, emergency dignity kits and food baskets. It will make all the difference to a family who have lost everything this Christmas.

The Mental Health Lifeline Gift (€50) also provides the people of Gaza access to vital mental health care.

If you’re looking for something that will help the planet this Christmas, Trócaire has a range of climate gifts. The Gift of Seeds and Tools (€15) provides families with everything they need to plant, tend and grow healthy, nutritious, fresh fruit and vegetables.

A new Protection from Climate Change Gift (€100) will help struggling families respond to the effects of extreme weather by providing drought-resistant seeds, equipment to store limited rainfall, and trees that help to reduce flooding and enrich the soil.

This is the ideal gift to help restore hope and justice for families and communities who have been devastated by climate change.

This Christmas, you can also support women and girls worldwide. Our gifts for women include the Gift of Menstrual Dignity (€10) to provide girls with supplies for a safe and hygienic period, and a Women’s Empowerment Gift (€100) which helps set up women-led savings and loans groups to support local women to set up their own businesses.

In 2022/2023, Trócaire improved the lives of 1.58 million people in 23 of the most fragile countries in the world, thanks to the generous support of the Irish public.

This included supporting over 1.1 million people in humanitarian crises, 88,646 people to fight for access to justice in Central America, Palestine and Zimbabwe and 232,139 women and girls through empowerment programmes in fifteen countries.

Last year, Trócaire’s climate and environmental justice work supported 278,082 people in nine countries: Malawi, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Sierra, Leone, DRC, Somalia, South Kordofan (Sudan) and South Sudan.

Trócaire Gifts 2023

Soap €5
Chicks €8
Menstrual Dignity €10
Seeds and Tools €15
Solar Lamp €15
Emergency Water €20
School Lunches €20
School Kit €30
Family Essentials €35
Mental Health Lifeline €50
Goats €50
Help for Grandparents €50
New Mother’s Care Kit €55
Honey Bees €65
Protection from Climate Change €100
Water Systems €100
Women’s Empowerment €100
A Just World €100
A Safe Home €150
Ox Plough and Farming Tools €200
Fix a Well €1,000
Solar Panel Water Pump €1,400

ESB still working to restore power to 1,000 Galway homes and businesses

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November 15, 2023