New forestry stats highlight Government’s continued failure says local TD

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August 23, 2023

Galway News - Courts - Man assaulted for not changing TV channel

The collapse in TV licence revenue threatens the future of independent production companies and their associated jobs, a local senator has said.

Senator Sean Kyne called for urgent action to protect workers in local and community media and the film, TV and radio production sector whose roles are funded through the Sound and Vision Scheme, which received a ringfenced portion of the licence fee.

The Fine Gael senator said that the collapse in the TV Licence revenue is not just a problem for RTÉ.

“It threatens a vital source of funding for independent tv, radio and film production companies and all of the workers involved, including actors, writers, producers, directors and many more,” he said.

“Since the Broadcasting Act of 2009, the Sound and Vision Scheme has, through a ringfenced portion of the TV Licence Fee, supported the creation of content for TV, film and radio that otherwise would not have been made.”

“There have been 49 rounds of funding under the Sound and Vision Scheme to date with the most recent rounds supporting more than 100 projects produced by local and community radio stations, as well as for larger media companies, such as TG4 and Newstalk.”

Senator Kyne said the Scheme is directly linked to the TV Licence as the legislation provides that 7% of the money collected through the Licence Fee goes into the fund.

“Therefore, as the funding collected via the TV Licence Fee falls, so too does the amount of money available for the Sound and Vision Scheme.

“Minister Catherine Martin needs to take action now to avoid a collapse in funding and to protect jobs in local and community media and the film, TV and radio production sector that are now under serious threat.”

Free period product initiative launched at University of Galway

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August 23, 2023

galway daily news period products university of galway

A pilot programme distributing free period products has been launched at University of Galway to tackle the issue of period poverty among students and staff.

The pilot, launched by University of Galway and University of Galway Students’ Union, stems from a 2017 initiative by the students’ union to address the serious financial pressures and taboos faced by students who menstruate.

The University is now funding and supporting the programme to supply more free items in locations across campus for those who need them.

The high cost of period products and the societal stigma which can still be attached to menstruation can lead to exclusion, mental health impacts and the use of unsuitable alternatives.

This programme aims to combat these issues and foster an inclusive, open campus with access for all.

Students’ Union Vice President/Welfare Officer, Izzy Tiernan, said that period poverty and hygiene poverty are very real issues for University of Galway students.

“We are delighted that the University is supporting this pilot programme. We are calling on the Government to act now on the ‘Period Poverty in Ireland Report’ from February 2021,” said Izzy.

“Students have enough financial worries as it is with the cost of living crisis and spiralling rents, and we firmly believe the Government needs to mitigate the cost of these essential healthcare products for all.”

Josephine Walsh, Head of Student Engagement at University of Galway, said: “Student Services at the University are delighted to be able to support the Students’ Union on this important initiative and policy for students.

“It is symbolic recognition by the University of the very real issues that our students face and even more so we know it will make a very real difference in their lives.”

University of Galway Deputy President and Registrar, Professor Pól Ó Dochartaigh, said they are proud of the initiative that was taken by students and their representatives.

“As a University we are delighted that we are able to follow their lead and support efforts to alleviate cost and the effects of period poverty,” he said.

“Our new policy of free period products at University of Galway is a strong symbol of progress and how we can work together, with our students, to ensure better outcomes and respond to need.”

A list of free period product locations is available here.

Emergency street closure in Galway City for footpath repairs

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August 22, 2023

Galway City Council has advised road users that Mary Street in the city will be closed to traffic until Thursday morning to allow for footpath repairs.

The street will be closed from Abbeygate Street Upper to Eglinton Street until 7am on Thursday, 24 August.

A temporary diversion route will be in place via Newtownsmith, and all emergencies and deliveries will be accommodated.

Water outages in Kilbannon area

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August 22, 2023

Galway Daily news Water outages in Moycullen

There will be water outages and reduced pressure in Kilbannon and surrounding areas on higher ground until midnight on Tuesday night.

Residents and businesses will be without normal water supply due to production capacity at the water treatment plant.

Uisce Éireann and Galway County Council have apologised for the inconvenience caused by the emergency works.

Julia Morrissey Bridge petition surges past 1,500 signatures

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August 22, 2023

galway daily news julia morrissey bridge campaign

An online petition calling on Galway City Council to name the city’s new pedestrian bridge in honour of forgotten 1916 veteran Julia Morrissey has surged past its initial goal of 1,500 signatures.

Speaking from Galway, chairperson of the Julia Morrissey Bridge campaign, Ian Ó Dálaigh thanked everyone who has signed and shared it so far.

“The support we have gained is absolutely fantastic to see, and has ensured that the Julia Morrissey Bridge proposal is the clear frontrunner,” he said.

“In addition to these 1,500+ supporters, we’ve gained the support of local branches and councils of Unite, Fórsa and Mandate trade unions, and of the Galway Council of Trade Unions.

“And we have the support of several well-respected historians and authors, who recently signed an open letter in favour of our proposal.”

Senator Frances Black also spoke in the Seanad in support of the proposal during a Seanad debate on a motion in favour of naming the new national maternity hospital after Dr Kathleen Lynn who was also a 1916 veteran.

Senator Black said there is a real lack of commemoration of women from that period.

The petition now stands at almost 1,600 signatures, and people across Galway are being urged to sign it if they haven’t already done so.

“With your support, we can make the Julia Morrissey Bridge a reality,” said Ian Ó Dálaigh.

You can view the petition HERE.

Daíthí Ó Sé ‘delighted’ to take part in this year’s Croí Night Run

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August 22, 2023

galway daily news croí night run 2023 dathi o se

People across the West are being encouraged to register for the 9th annual Croí Night Run which will take place on Friday, 13 October.

Daíthí Ó Sé, who is a strong advocate for heart health, will be in Salthill to participate in the 5k event which raises funds and shine a light on heart health each year.

Media partner iRadio will also have the iTeam at the start line to get participants pumped and ready for another great night run.

Registration is open to people of all abilities and everyone is encouraged to get involved, young and old, family, friends, and work colleagues to run, jog or walk 5km in aid of Croí!

With thanks to Benecol, 100% of the proceeds will go directly to supporting Croí services.

This includes sustaining health and support initiatives and community programmes including a free community helpline, Croí Connects, and the Croí Courtyard Apartments, available to families in need of accommodation while their loved ones receive heart or stroke care in University Hospital Galway.

Christine Flanagan, Director of Fundraising at Croí, said: “Following a hugely successful event last year with over 2,000 participants, we continue to encourage people to take their heart health seriously for 2023 and sign up early for this year’s event to run, jog or walk 5km in aid of Croí.”

“We expect this year to be a sell out event, so we would advise early registration. We would like to thank heart health advocate Daíthí Ó’Sé, Benecol and media partner iRadio for their support.”

Heart health advocate Daíthí Ó Sé said he is delighted to participate in Croí’s 5k Night Run, where he will be taking part on team Benecol, the sponsor of this year’s run.

“Benecol wants to spread cholesterol awareness and encourage everyone to get their cholesterol levels tested,” he said.

“Lots of people are unaware that their levels are high even though it affects 60% of the Irish population.

“Take me for example, I didn’t know my cholesterol was high until I went to my annual check-up with the doctor. To get it down, I’ve been taking Benecol shots in the morning with my breakfast. It’s a simple change that’s making a big difference to my health.”

Participants will receive a special Croí Night Run Goodie Bag which will include a NEW limited-edition Croí Night Run long-sleeve running jacket and Benecol® goodies. To learn more visit: croi.ie/events and croi.ie/event/9th-annual-croi-night-run/

Over 50 patients without a bed at UHG today

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August 22, 2023

There are more than 50 patients admitted at University Hospital Galway who are without a bed today.

UHG is the third most overcrowded hospital in the country today, with 44 patients on trolleys in the emergency department, and a further nine in the wards.

At Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe there are a further 11 patients admitted for whom no bed was available this morning.

Five patients are on trolleys in the ED at Portiuncula, and another six are in the wards with no beds.

Figures from the INMO Trolley/Ward Watch show a total of 501 patients admitted in Irish hospitals with no beds this morning.

University Hospital Limerick is the worst affected, with 97 patients on trolleys, followed by Cork University Hospital with 63, and UHG with 53 total.

Gardaí investigating alleged carjacking in Barna area

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August 22, 2023

Galway Daily news Just 11 new Gardaí assigned to North-Western Region for newly sworn group

Gardaí are investigating reports of a carjacking in the Barna area which occurred over the weekend.

The alleged carjacking occurred in the Ballard area of Barna at approximately 8:20pm on Saturday night.

One male aged in his 40s received non-life threatening injuries as a result of this incident. He did not seek medical attention at the scene.

Gardaí have said that investigations into the incident are ongoing.

No arrests have yet been made as part of this invesitgation.

New map shows Galway Bay in unprecedented stunning detail

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August 22, 2023

New map shows Galway Bay in unprecedented stunning detail

An incredible new map displays Galway Bay in never before seen levels of detail, including a clear picture of the land beneath the waves.

This is the first of the new Blue Scale map series of Ireland’s coastal waters, which contain unprecedented detail of the local topography, including the seabed.

This map has its origins in the INFOMAR seabed mapping programme which has been running since 2006.

They have been produced as a joint venture between the Marine Institute in Oranmore, and Geological Survey Ireland.

INFOMAR aims to map Ireland’s seabed and deliver a comprehensive baseline bathymetry dataset to underpin the future management of Ireland’s marine resource.

Galway Bay stretches for roughly 50km from Galway City at the mount of the River Corrib, out to the Aran Islands at the entrance to the bay in the west.

There are numerous small islands within the bay, of glacial origin in the inner bay, and low lying granite in Connemara to the northwest. The karst limestone hills of the Burren form the southern boundary of the bay.

The coastal parts of Galway Bay have been designated a Special Area of Conservation due to their wide range of important habitat types which include intertidal mud and sandflats, other littoral habitats, coastal lagoons, saltmarshes, turloughs, vegetated cliffs, calcareous grassland and limestone pavements.

Galway Bay offers habitat to common seals and otters, and is an important ornithological site for seabirds, waders and waterfowl.

INFOMAR is making all 18 maps available for free to the public to download in high resolution.

Follow the journey each week as a new map is released on the INFOMAR website, and join the conversation on Twitter, Instagram & Facebook.

Volunteers sought for Galway City air pollution study

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August 22, 2023

Galway Daily news Volunteers sought for Galway City air pollution study

Hundreds of volunteers from homes and businesses in Galway City are being sought for a study to measure air pollution in the city.

The Environmental Protection Agency and City Council are seeking the help of 500 citizen scientists to help measure the level of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) in their local area.

NO2 is air pollutant which can cause serious harm to your heart and lungs, which is mainly emitted by cars, vans and trucks.

The study will be carried out over the course of October, with all volunteers to be fully supplied with the kit they need.

Deputy Mayor of Galway City, Cllr Donal Lyons said “I am delighted to represent Galway City Council at the launch of the amazing Clean Air Together initiative, which highlights the importance of air quality in our city.”

“This initiative offers those of us who live in the city an opportunity to directly engage in the collection of air quality information and to learn what our local air quality is.”

“These results can help inform Galway City Council of NO2 levels within the city and will be combined with existing EPA air quality results to give a better picture of NO2 levels in the city.”

The volunteers who have registered for the study will be sent a kit including the measurement tube, and simple instructions on how to install it.

You will be asked to install the tube on Monday, October 2 and leave it in place for approximately four weeks. The tube will measure the levels of nitrogen dioxide – without you even knowing that it is there.

After approximately four weeks of measuring NO2 levels, the tube is posted back to the EPA, free of charge. The tube will be analysed, and results should be available early 2024.

EPA Director Micheál Lehane said, “The EPA is delighted to be bringing this exciting project to Galway city to measure nitrogen dioxide (NO2) – a major traffic pollutant which is known to be harmful to our health, and the environment.”

“By taking part in this Clean Air Together project, you will measure NO2 in your area and your measurement – together with all of the other data collected – will give us a detailed picture of air pollution from traffic in the city.”

Anyone who is resident in Galway City can get more information, and register to take part, at www.CleanAirTogether.ie.

One woman killed and two men seriously injured in car crash

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August 22, 2023

Galway daily news two injured in Galway car crash

One woman was killed and two men were seriously injured in a car crash in Co. Mayo on Monday afternoon.

The two vehicle collision occurred on the N5 at Swinford at approximately 4:30pm yesterday afternoon.

A woman in her 70s, a passenger in one car, was killed during the collision. The man driving the car was seriously injured, and taken to Mayo University Hospital.

The man driving the second vehicle also received serious injuries in the crash, and was taken to University Hospital Galway.

Gardaí issued a statement appealing for any witnesses, or any drivers who may have camera footage, to come forward.

“The N5 is currently closed between Swinford and Charlestown as Garda Forensic Collision Investigators conduct a technical examination of the scene. Local diversions are in place.”

“Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to contact them.”

“Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling on the N5 between Swinford and Charlestown this afternoon between 4pm and 4.45pm, is asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.”

“Anyone with any information is asked to contact Swinford Garda Station on 094 925 2990, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.”

Ten Galway businesses receive grants to boost online presence

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August 21, 2023

Ten Galway businesses receive grants to boost online presence — Minister Neale Richmond announcing funding under the Online Retail Scheme with Bhagyesh Shingwekar of Gino Gelato (l) and Teri Smith of Enterprise Ireland (r)

Ten Galway businesses have been awarded grant funding to help them boost their online presence.

The government has approved €2.3 million in funding for 98 retailers around the country under the Online Retail Scheme, which is administered by Enterprise Ireland.

In Galway successful retailers include Born Clothing, Cunniffe Electric, Healthplus Ltd (Walsh’s Pharmacy), Hanley & Co menswear, Kenny’s Bookshop & Art Galleries, Maddens of Lerhin hardware, Beattys of Loughrea hardware, Nioclas O Conchubhair Teo hardware, Standun menswears, and Fallers Jewellers.

The Scheme was open to retailers who already have an online presence and a physical store, to help enhance their online capability and attract new customers.

The businesses will receive grants ranging from a minimum of €10,000 to a maximum of €25,000.

Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail Neale Richmond said, “Retailers are at the heart of our communities across the country and the Government is delighted to support them in their transition to online retail.”

“An online presence allows retailers to improve their service for existing customers, attract new customers at home and abroad, as well as future-proof their operations. Moving online is a complement, rather than a replacement to physical stores.”

“Through the Online Retail Scheme, we are enabling established retailers with a store to expand their market presence beyond their community, and even the country, with an increased online presence.

The Minister also celebrated the fact that 79% of the successful applicants were located outside of Dublin.

“It is great to see a geographical spread of successful retail companies from around the country under this round of the Scheme.”

To date, the Online Retail Scheme has supported more than 850 projects around the country.

Teri Smith of Enterprise Ireland said, “Innovative Irish retailers are increasingly looking for ways to adapt their traditional retail model to reflect the growing demand for online shopping from consumers and this latest funding round will help 98 retailers in that ambition.”

“In this funding call we specifically sought applications from businesses which hadn’t previously benefitted from the Scheme, and we’re delighted that a large number of first-time applicants engaged with the Scheme this year.”

Gaeltacht areas to benefit from Údarás support for NBI’s fibre broadband rollout

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August 21, 2023

Galway Daily news Two Galway women appointed to Board of Údarás na Gaeltachta

Údarás na Gaeltachta is partnering with National Broadband Ireland to help bring high-speed fibre broadband to gaeltacht areas, starting in Galway.

Údarás, the State’s key authority for the development of the Gaeltacht area, is providing parcels of land at key locations for the installation of the core fibre optic equipment to facilitate the delivery of high-speed broadband.

This is allowing NBI to build Equipment Accommodation Modules (EAMs) in key locations from which they can build out the network to the surrounding community with minimum disruption.

Údarás is currently facilitating National Broadband Ireland equipment on their premises at Salerno Business Park in Aille West, Co. Galway and plans are in place for further deployments at other sites.

Peter Hendrick, Chief Executive Officer of NBI said, “We want to thank Údarás for their support on our rollout of the National Broadband Plan.”

“The sites they are providing will be a great benefit to us in managing and accelerating our construction work in the west and north west of Ireland.”

“The rollout of the NBI network is showing real momentum and over half the network is now either built or under construction.”

“The take-up of high-speed broadband on our network has been fantastic and we’re keen to continue to accelerate our rollout and bring the benefit of high-speed fibre broadband to more and more homes, businesses and farms.”

Recently NBI completed a €12 million investment which made high-speed fibre available for more than 3,300 homes, farms, and businesses in the rural Ballinasloe area.

Boil Water Notice issued for over 2,000 Galway homes

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August 21, 2023

Boil Water Notice for more than 2,000 Connemara homes lifted

A Boil Water Notice has been issued for 2,294 customers supplied by the Carna Kilkieran Regional Public Water Supply Scheme.

The notice has been issued by Uisce Eireann in response to elevated levels of turbidity and reduced chlorine residuals.

This is being caused by a deterioration in raw water quality, which has compromised the treatment process.

Areas impacted include all customers on the Carna Kilkieran Regional Public Water Supply Scheme, including people living in Roundstone.

Uisce Eireann’s Eoin Hughes acknowledged the impact of this notice on the community.

“Public health is Uisce Éireann’s number one priority, and we are working closely with Galway County Council to restore drinking water quality for all impacted customers and to lift the Boil Water Notice as quickly as it is safe to do so, and in consultation with the HSE.”

Water must be boiled for drinking, drinks made with water, preparation of food not cooked prior to eating, infant formula, brushing teeth, or making ice.

However, the water supply is still suitable for hygiene purposes, such as showering and hand-washing.

Creggs And Gort showcase their Pride of Place

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August 21, 2023

Creggs And Gort Showcase Their Pride of Place — Pride of Place judges and officials from Galway County Council visit Gort. Back L-R - Peter Hynes, Pride of Place Judge; Kieran Reynolds, Gort River Walk Group; Tom Dowling, Pride of Place Judge; Leas Cathaoirleach Dr Evelyn Parsons; David Murray, Gort Riverwalk Group; Rosina Joyce, Galway County Council; Andrew McBride, Galway County Council; Dympna Lawless, Gort River Walk Group; Marie Mannion, Galway County Council. Front L-R Shona MacGillivray, Gort Riverwalk Group, Denise Feeney Galway County Council, Helen Melia, Galway County Council; Mary McGann Galway County Council.

The people of Creggs and Gort got the chance to showcase the work they have put into their communities to judges from the IPB Pride of Place awards visiting recently.

Pride of Place is an all-island competition run by Co-operation Ireland to recognise and celebrate the vital contributions that communities make to society.

Nominated by Galway County Council, Creggs Rural Development Group is participating in the Climate Action & Biodiversity category of the annual competition for their commitment to promote, educate, raise awareness, and enhance biodiversity within the north Galway village.

The Gort River Walk Group, which has also been nominated by the council, has been included in the Community Wellbeing category in recognition of their continued development of a 3km looped walk that encompasses biodiversity, rest areas, and a new footbridge in the south Galway town.

Representatives of both groups made a formal presentation to the Pride of Place adjudicators, before hosting tours that highlighted the elements of the community and volunteer efforts of which they are most proud.

They will be hoping to secure a place on the winner’s podium at the overall IPB Pride of Place Gala Dinner & Award Ceremony in Armagh City Hotel on Friday 10th November.

Pride of Place judges and officials from Galway County Council meet with members of the Creggs Rural Development Group. L-R Andrew Mc Bride, Galway County Council; Tom Dowling, Pride of Place Judge; Carmel ORourke, Mary Kelly, Seán Beirne, Pauline Gavin, Teresa Brown, Declan Maloney (Creggs Rural Development); Mary McGann, Galway County Council; Peter Hynes, Pride of Place Judge.

“Elected Members are aware of the high level of community and voluntary activity throughout the county and competitions such as Pride of Place give great encouragement at parish and community level,” commented Councillor Dr Evelyn Parsons, Leas Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council.

“I am sure that the judges were highly impressed by the work achieved by the communities of Gort and Creggs to whom I wish every success in the competition, which is the ‘Oscars’ of the community sector.”

Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council, said that the Pride of Place awards are a chance for the council to recognise the unique value and contributions that people make in their own communities.

These have a profound impact on “community wellbeing, quality of life, and the pride of place instilled by the work that is carried out in their communities,” he added.

“To showcase this at a national level is great acknowledgement and reward for our communities and the often-unseen work that is carried by wonderful communities such as those in Gort and Creggs.”

Galway housing project shortlisted for Community Housing Awards

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August 21, 2023

Galway daily news Anonymous €1.5 million charity bequest to deliver social housing in Galway

The Irish Council for Social Housing (ICSH) has announced that the Claregalway & District Day Care Centre has been shortlisted for the prestigious ICSH Allianz Community Housing Awards.

The biennial awards recognise excellence across various different categories of public housing delivery by both local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies.

Speaking today, CEO of the ICSH Donal McManus, said the quality of entries for the 2023 Community Housing Awards is of the highest standard yet.

“I was particularly impressed by the innovation showed across the supported housing category,” he said.

“Choosing which projects to shortlist was a difficult task and speaks to the dedication of all those working across housing associations and local authorities as they deliver much needed homes across the country.”

Projects shortlisted for the ICSH Allianz Community Housing Awards are also competing in the ICSH Public Choice Award. This category gives members of the public an opportunity to support a shortlisted project.  

These are the 11th Biennial National Community Housing Awards which were first established in 2003.

The public can vote for their favourite project at www.icsh.ie from early October. The winners will be announced at the ICSH Conference in Wexford on the 18-19 of October.

PBP Galway welcomes cancellation of plans for Tynagh gas plant

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August 21, 2023

galway daily news tynagh power station protest

People Before Profit Galway has welcomed news that the development of a gas plant in Galway-East is no longer going ahead.

Local Election Candidate for Galway City Central Adrian Curran reacted positively to the news which was detailed in the Business Post over the weekend.

He said that People Before Profit campaigned for a long time against the development of new fossil fuelled infrastructure, such as gas, peat, and coal plants.

“We are pleased to hear the Tynagh gas plant is no longer going ahead. The news announced by EP Energy shows that plans put in place are not fixed, and that people can come together and oppose these developments,” he said.

“We must continue to organise and resist fossil fuel developments anywhere in Ireland.”

Denman Rooke, candidate for Galway City East, said the science behind addressing future climate change shows us that we have to leave a majority of known fossil fuel reserves in the ground.

“We urgently need to switch to renewables to reduce our carbon emissions, meet our legally binding EU carbon targets, reduce local air pollution, and facilitate the just transition of workers in the fossil fuel industry.”

Maisie McMaster, Galway City West candidate outlined People Before Profit’s alternative solutions.

“Ireland needs to continue our roll-out of onshore and offshore wind energy, but at a much quicker rate. In the interim, we should be increasing our expansion of photovoltaic solar power by offering improved grants for farms and households.

“Solar, and other renewables have never been cheaper to purchase and are far cheaper than using fossil fuels. It makes great economic sense to invest in solar not just for meeting our carbon targets but improving Ireland’s energy security.”

Students’ Union urges caution booking student accommodation

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August 21, 2023

University of Galway students looking for accommodation for the upcoming academic year have been urged to exercise caution before committing to a private residence.

Before rushing into signing a lease or contract, it is extremely important to make sure the property fits the needs of all tenants and to look out for rental scams.

There are still some properties available so don’t panic and make sure you keep a close eye on all the accommodation websites especially www.uniofgalwaystudentpad.ie

University of Galway Students’ Union gave 12 handy tips for those searching for accommodation.

Be aware of the following rental scams: Scammer claims to be out of the country so can’t show you the property but requests a deposit. Scammer is living at the property, and shows a number of people around. They get a deposit from several people and then flee with the cash. The transaction appears to have gone smoothly until the renter finds that the keys don’t work and the landlord has disappeared.
Take your time when viewing a property. Ensure all the necessities are there e.g. washing machine, furnishings etc. Check that all gas and electrical appliances are in good working order.
Take photos of the property and make sure to highlight any damages already there e.g. Cigarette burns, carpet stains, etc.
If there are any repairs to be made in the property, be sure to get it in writing from the landlord or agency that these problems will be rectified before handing over your deposit.
Avoid paying the deposit in cash and ensure you get a receipt for any moneys exchanged. You are legally entitled to a receipt so make sure to insist on one.
Request a viewing prior to the move in date to ensure that all outstanding issues have been rectified.
Ensure the house is well ventilated and that heating sources are identified prior to signing a contract/lease.
Insist that a building energy rating (BER) certificate is provided prior to signing the contract. This will help you know how cold the house is likely to get and will give you an idea of the cost for heating.
Ensure you are clear on the duration of the tenancy. If you sign a lease and leave early you may be liable to pay outstanding rent even though you are no longer living there. Check what the situation is in the event of a lockdown.
Make sure it’s clearly outlined in your lease which utility bills you must pay.
Take out contents insurance as the landlord’s policy will not cover your personal possessions.
For online learning check what the broadband speeds and deals are in the neighbourhood to make sure you will be well connected.

Students’ Union President Dean Kenny said that finding accommodation can be extremely stressful and people tend to rush into it.

“It is paramount that you follow these guidelines to avoid scams and ensure that the house you live in will be sustainable for you and your friends. Never rush into getting accommodation, be cautious and insist on receipts and any repairs where necessary.

“This will be where you stay for at least nine months so make sure you have all the necessities before making any commitments. Students still seeking accommodation should check www.uniofgalwaystudentpad.ie.”

Search ends for missing Roscommon man after body discovered

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August 21, 2023