Call for new pedestrian crossing for students on University Road

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July 12, 2023

Galway Daily news Water outages in Athenry on Tuesday

Road users have been advised today by Galway City Council and Uisce Éireann that Cappagh Road has reopened to traffic.

The road, from Barna Road to Western Distributor Road, had been closed since Monday 3 July to allow for essential works to take place related to a new development.

Uisce Éireann’s Peter O’Halloran thanked the community for their patience and co-operation.

“We understand that this type of work is inconvenient,” he said.

“Our crews carried out the connections as quickly as possible to minimise disruption to the local community.”

Remembrance ceremony held in Galway City

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July 12, 2023

galway daily news remembrance ceremony galway city — Scenes from the National Day of Commemoration Local Ceremony for Galway City. Photograph by Aengus McMahon

A remembrance ceremony for Irish soldiers who died in past wars or on service with the UN was held on Sunday at the Quadrangle in University of Galway.

This is the 13th year that Galway City Council has hosted the ceremony in conjunction with both the Defence Forces and University of Galway.

The event was attended by local representatives, members of the Defence Forces, religious leaders, community representatives, next-of-kin of those who died in past wars or on UN service, and a wide cross-section of the community including ex-servicemen’s organisations.

The ceremony commenced with the Lt. Col Edward McDonagh taking up position and the Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Eddie Hoare, members of Galway City Council, and the officiating representatives of the faith traditions, entering in procession.

The Interim Chief Executive of Galway City Council, Ms Patricia Philbin, opened the ceremony with an invitation to remember all those who died in past wars or on service with the United Nations.

Multi-faith prayers of Commemoration were then led by Monseigneur Peter Rabbitte, Parish Priest, Galway Cathedral; the Reverend Helen Freeburn, Minister, Presbyterian Church; Mr Imam Khalid, Galway Islamic Society; and PJ Connolly, Humanists West, Galway.

Mayor Hoare laid a wreath at a commemorative plaque to honour those who died in past wars or on service at home or abroad, which was followed by a minute’s silence.

The ceremony concluded with Mr Frank Naughton, Soloist, accompanied by St. Patrick’s Brass Band, and conducted by Mr Ken O’Connor, singing the Amhrán na bhFiann.

Similar ceremonies took place nationwide in Cork, Kilkenny, Waterford and Limerick.

ISPCA ‘shocked and angered’ at footage of mistreatment of calves

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July 12, 2023

Call for active farmland to be exempted from Residential Zoned Land Tax

The ISPCA Has said it is ‘shocked and angered’ by undercover footage of the treatment of vulnerable young calves captured by RTÉ Investigates and broadcast on ‘Milking It: Dairy’s Dirty Secret’.

The animal welfare organisation said that some of the cruel handling filmed in Irish and European marts and shown on the programme was ‘absolutely unacceptable, both morally and legally’.

They welcomed the condemnation of this behaviour by the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS), and the commitment by the Department of Agriculture to launch an investigation into breaches of animal welfare regulations.

“It is essential that any investigation is robust and thorough, and it is clearly shown that such ill-treatment of animals will not be tolerated,” the ISPCA said in a statement.

“We also call on the Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue and his officials to ensure that all companies authorised by DAFM to transport livestock to other countries are evaluated for compliance with transit regulations.

“Any transport company, as well as any individuals, found to be in breach of regulations should be penalised robustly.”

The ISPCA called for a complete reassessment of the dairy model in Ireland.

They said that the ‘rapid and unsustainable’ expansion of the Irish dairy herd over recent years has resulted in an increase in the industry’s waste product, i.e. male calves which are of no use to the industry, especially during certain months of the year.

“The resultant treatment of these animals, as shown in the programme, is beyond horrendous,” the statement read.

“In the first half of 2023, over 195,000 calves were exported from Ireland, up 20% from the same time period in 2022 and up 47% from the same time period in 2021.

“The ISPCA believes that the treatment of many Irish calves, both in Ireland and during transport abroad, is damaging to the reputation of the Irish dairy industry, and the reputation of the country generally.

“Based on the evidence in the RTÉ programme, a small, open, Island economy, such as Ireland, is far from being the exemplar that it should be.”

Galway City’s most romantic spots

By

Darragh Clifford

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July 12, 2023

Galway Daily news Budget 2022: Greenway and pedestrian projects in Galway

Despite the occasional bad weather in the area, Galway is still a wonderful city to live in and visit. From the local businesses to the people who make the city what it is, there is plenty to be proud of. Galway even caters for a day of romance, too. In fact, there are plenty of romantic locations dotted around the city that are capable of providing lasting memories for couples.

People generally want to spoil their loved ones. It’s a healthy thing to do. Romance and products that champion love appeal to many members of society anyway, with people supplementing their romantic weekends away with romantic movies like The Notebook, romantic poetry from Byron, and games that have symbols associated with love and romance, such as the red rose and jewelled ring that are featured in titles like the True Love casino slot. Essentially, love is everywhere, Galway included.

If you’re keen to spend some time in a romantic spot with a special person, then let’s assess some of the best options throughout the city. Make no mistake about it, Galway has you covered.

Galway Market is a lovely spot

Particularly around Christmas time and other big occasions on the calendar, Galway Market is a lovely location to go for a stroll and to soak up the atmosphere as you sample any tasty treats for a picnic or shower your special person with handmade gifts. Also offering music and a warm all-round vibe, Galway Market is a popular location for couples in need of a daytime activity.

Palas offers a delightful cinema experience

If you’re tired of frequenting generic cinemas that don’t really cater for a special occasion, then ditch them for the memorable experience on offer at Palas Cinema. Before or after your chosen movie, you can sample delicious food and drink, including some refreshing cocktails. Additionally, there is a welcoming outdoor area to enjoy, eye-catching artwork on show, and an all-round welcoming atmosphere that makes movie-watching a pleasurable experience.

The g Hotel & Spa is the place to stay

If you’re keen to stay in a nice hotel for your romantic weekend, then The g Hotel & Spa is a fantastic option. Alongside the Salthill Hotel, this immaculate designer hotel offers rooms that ooze luxury and spa services you and your special person can well and truly make the most of. Also offering a glamorous bar that serves up delicious beverages, alongside a wonderful thermal suite that offers an even more relaxing experience, this top location is easily one of the best hotels Galway has to offer.

Sangria Tapas Restaurante is a delicious place

While you can also frequent one of the city’s excellent pubs or take a stroll in a rural area, sampling some delicious Spanish cuisine also deserves to be up for consideration. At Sangria Tapas Restaurante, you can try an authentic taste of Spain in this stunningly beautiful location that is perfect for a romantic evening. Also serving up vegetarian and vegan food, this highly-rated Spanish restaurant is one of the best around and is capable of providing you and your loved one with the special evening you deserve.

Take a stroll in Coole Park

If you’re in need of a daytime activity to enjoy or you want to walk off a heavy lunch, then taking a stroll in Coole Park is a great option. You might even fancy having a romantic picnic there, too. A beautiful 1,000 acre natural reserve, this pristine park is filled with history as you make the most of the lush scenery and potentially even go for a drink and a bite to eat in the park’s on-site restaurant.

Ten finalists for Galway Film Fleadh pitching competition

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July 11, 2023

Ten finalists for Galway Film Fleadh pitching competition

A lineup of ten finalists has been announced for the Galway Film Fleadh Pitching Competition taking place this weekend.

The annual Pitching Competition, now known as the Wild Atlantic Pitching Competition, gives budding screenwriters a chance to get their foot in the door.

Ten finalists have been selected to pitch their idea as an ‘Elevator Pitch’ of 90 seconds, in front of an audience and a panel of industry judges on the closing day of the Fleadh.

2022 Winner, Mo O’Connell said, “Winning the Pitching Competition gave me huge confidence in developing my project “Haven” that is now a multi-award-wining short film”.

This in turn helped her to create a bible for pitching your film that she is now bringing to the Fleadh marketplace, after already showcasing it at Berlin EFM. “My pitch launched me from zero to here. It’s unbelievable,” Mo said.

The ten finalists this year are:

Eimear Morgan – Billy Rubin + the Shunts
Jacqueline Walsh – Dullahan

Diarmaid Shortall – Hand of God
Geraldine McAlinden – Slippery Slopes
Sophia Tamaro – The First Orgasm
Conor Curran – The Forest
Keelan Gallagher – The Light

Janet Hawkins – The Luckiest Village in Ireland
Michael Mallie – The Sperm King
Isabelle Blanche – The Squad

Galway Film Fleadh is kicking off with a bang today, and will run throughout the week with a wide range of film screenings, workshops, and more.

The final of the Wild Atlantic Pitching Competition will take place on the final day of the Fleadh, Sunday July 16 at 12pm in the Galmont Hotel.

The winner will be announced at the Film Fleadh Awards Ceremony and will receive a cash prize of €3000.

This is a free event, and anyone wanting to attend can register for a place online here.

Green light for expansion of GRETB training centre in Mervue

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July 11, 2023

Green light for expansion of GRETB training centre in Mervue

The Galway & Roscommon Education and Training Board has been given the green light for the expansion of its training centre in Galway City.

Planning permission has been granted for the conversion of Unit 1/2 at Mervue Business Park from Industrial to Education use.

The southern portion of this building is already occupied by the GRETB, and the application states that this would provide them with an additional nine workshops for training courses.

Alterations to be made to the building include adding new doors and windows to the northwestern side of the building, and a new gate on the rear enclosed yard.

Other works involved in the project will involve providing additional parking spaces, and a covered bicycle stand.

The application was to provide 37 additional parking spaces, bringing the total to 51. However, the council made it a condition of approval that the car park shall have a maximum of 20 spaces.

Planning permission for the development was granted by Galway City Council with a total of 11 conditions attached,

Almost 1,000 Ukrainian pupils enrolled in Galway schools

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July 11, 2023

Galway Daily news Almost 1,000 Ukrainian pupils enrolled in Galway schools

Almost 1,000 Ukrainian pupils were enrolled in Galway schools at the end of the 2022/23 school year.

There are 628 children in primary schools in Galway, along with 325 Ukrainian teenagers in secondary schools here.

Nationwide 15,625 Ukrainian pupils had been enrolled in schools in Ireland by the end of the school year.

Of those, 10,141 pupils had been accommodated in primary schools while 5,484 pupils had enrolled in post-primary schools.

Among Ukrainian children aged from 8 to 15 years old in Ireland, 88% have been enrolled in school.

To assist with the transition of Ukrainian students and their families into Irish schools, Regional Education and Language Teams (REALT) continued to operate.

These were hosted by the 16 regional education and training boards around Ireland and staffed by regionally-based education support personnel.

These teams ensured that clear, accessible information flows were in place between schools, local education support services and national support structures in relation to people arriving from Ukraine.

Renewed appeal for help locating missing Sligo man

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July 11, 2023

Galway Daily news Missing person appeal for 22-year-old Sligo man

Gardaí are renewing their appeal for help locating a 22-year-old man missing from his home in Sligo since last Saturday.

David Slanina was last seen leaving his home in Grange, Co. Sligo at approximately 4:30pm on Saturday, July 8.

He had gone out for a run in the area, and the alarm was raised when he failed to return.

David’s family are concerned for his welfare and have asked An Garda Síochána for assistance in locating him.

Gardaí are appealing for motorists who were travelling on the N15 between Drumcliffe and Grange from 4pm to 11pm on Saturday, and who may have dashcam footage to make this available to Gardaí.

Anyone with information on David’s whereabouts is asked to contact Sligo Garda Station on 071 915 7000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station

Galway RNLI tribute to retiring Aran Islands Coxswain John O’Donnell

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July 11, 2023

Galway Daily news Galway RNLI tribute to retiring Aran Islands Coxswain John O’Donnell

The Galway RNLI celebrated the two decade long career of Coxswain John O’Donnell to mark his retirement recently.

In recognition of the long career of John O’Donnell, and their close relationship with the Aran Island station, the Galway RNLI crew presented a framed picture of the lifeboats from both stations to him last week.

Mike Swan, Galway RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, who made the presentation said, “The ties between the Galway and Aran Islands lifeboat stations go right back to the late 90s when the Galway station was first operational.”

“At that time some of the Aran RNLI crew were studying in Galway and living in the city during the week and as it wasn’t always possible for them to get back to Aran for their training exercises, they joined our crew for training.”

He added that he has known John O’Donnell since he first joined the RNLI in 2003, and that when John took up the post of Aran Islands Coxswain their respective roles have seen working with each other and other emergency services.

“Although there is an imaginary line from Spiddal in Galway to Black Head in County Clare that divides the area of Galway Bay that each station is responsible for, in reality, when there is a long rescue that requires all available resources or a search for a missing boat that has no last known location, the boundary becomes irrelevant and we work together as one crew.”

“There have been many difficult nights on the water and challenging situations but when we look back on the 21 years that John was involved in the Aran Islands lifeboat, it is the friendships and camaraderie that we will remember.”

The picture which was presented to John to mark his retirement shows the Aran Islands all-weather lifeboat David Kirkaldy with the Galway inshore lifeboat, Binny.

“‘We wish John every happiness on his retirement from the RNLI and even though he will be as busy as ever, he won’t have to think about the pager going off at all hours any more.”

Concrete levy adds millions to cost of building homes says Canney

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July 11, 2023

Galway Daily news House prices in Galway City fell in first three months of 2023

There have been calls for the Government to reflect on its decision to introduce a concrete levy at a time of super inflation in the construction industry.

Local Independent TD Seán Canney said that the levy will add €1,285 to the cost of a 3-bed semi-detached house.

It will also add €297 million to the delivery targets in the Government’s own Housing for All targets for 2030 according to a recent report from KPMG.

Deputy Canney said that Ireland produces 5 million cubic metres of concrete and 150 million concrete blocks every year.

“Concrete is a core building material that is vital to the delivery of roads, footpaths, schools, houses, apartments, offices, factories, flood relief schemes and farm buildings,” he said.

“At a time of already high inflation where concrete has risen in price by 43% over the last 2 years this levy will bring inflation up to 50% and block inflation will rise from 30 to 36%.”

Deputy Canney said that this is ‘unsustainable’ and that the Government needs to reflect on the consequences of introducing this levy at this time.

“The levy will add cost to every building and will have a negative effect on the cost of building houses which will deter young people from building or buying their first home.

“The decision by Government to introduce the levy to help meet the cost of the redress scheme for defective concrete will cover only 15% of the cost of the scheme and will but an unfair burden of future generation trying to buy or build a home.”

What Online Casinos Slots are Popular to Play With Minimum Risk

By

Angela Mc Bride

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July 11, 2023

Many online casino gamblers are actually beginner-level players. Or rather, there are more beginner-level players than more experienced players, let’s put it that way.

Beginners often seek lower risks when they gamble because they feel they lack the needed background knowledge and experience, and they do not want to risk big funds until they feel more confident.

One of the ways to minimize the financial risks when gambling is to choose a low deposit casino that allows you to get up to 100 free spins for $1. However, there is another option which is choosing slot games that suggest smaller risks. In this post, we discuss types of slot games that allow real-money gambling with lower financial risks.

Why Slots Are the Best For Low-Risk Gambling?

Slots are games of chance which means they do not require any specific skills, experience, or background knowledge. The main skill necessary for playing slots successfully is the skill to choose a slot game according to your needs and preferences. For this, it is important to check the game’s tech specs and in-game features. And also you need to tune the settings of the game.

To play with lower risk, the players should choose the minimum bet size, in cash or in coins, set limits for autoplay, and of course, try the game out for free in Demo mode before they start making bets with real money.

High RTP Rate Slots

RTP rate is Return To Player rate which is measured in percentages and indicates how much money spent in the game the player can return in wins in the long term. RTP rates usually vary from 75-85% for jackpot games and from 89 to 97% for regular slots with different mechanics.

The RTP rate doesn’t actually provide lower risks but a high RTP rate means that the player can return more of what they spend, so in the long term, a higher RTP rate suggests fewer losses.

Low Volatility Level Slots

Volatility levels, also called variance, show the correlation between the frequency of hitting any win and the size of the win. In simple words, more frequent wins usually mean smaller sums but less frequent wins mean bigger sums.

This is not a rule of thumb, but overall this is how volatility levels work. Now, lower volatility levels mean that the wins are more frequent, and as a result, even with a smaller budget, the player has more chances to hit a win and replenish their budget. The more they bet the more small wins they can hit, therefore facing fewer losses, or losing less money eventually.

Slots With Many Paylines

More often than not, more paylines mean lower volatility, but this is not always the case because some slots with fewer paylines also have a low level of volatility. So it makes sense to check the number of paylines separately.

The bigger number of paylines – combinations on reels that together trigger a win or at least a bonus – means that the player has more chances of hitting a win or increasing their chances for hitting a win. This way, slots with more paylines suggest fewer financial risks because the wins may be bigger than the sum spent on gambling.

Slots With Free Spins & Respins

Speaking of the in-game bonus features, it is important to highlight Free Spins and Respins. Free Spins are spins when the cost of the bet is paid for by the casino site or software provider but whatever the player wins belongs to them. This is why players love Free Spins so much.

Many slot games have Free Spins that are triggered by a certain combination of symbols. Free Spins are usually granted in portions, from 3 to whatever number, depending on the rules of the game. But Respins are even better because this feature means that the player can trigger a new portion of Spins in the middle of the current portion.

Few slot games have Respins so this is a rare feature, but if you find one you should definitely give it a try.

Both Free Spins and Respins increase the chances of winning and therefore decrease the risks.

Vile scenes of abuse of calves must lead to concequences

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July 11, 2023

There must be consequences for those engaged in the vile scenes of abuse of calves highlighted by Prime Time Investigates last night, Deputy Claire Kerrane has said.

Monday’s programme showed bull calves being kicked, beaten with sticks, thrown on and off trailers and dragged by ears, tails and legs.

It also showed horrible scenes of abuse in marts as well as the treatment of calves being transported for live export.

Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane said that the programme, which aired on RTÉ last night, was hard to watch.

“It highlighted cruel practices by some in some marts which do not reflect how the vast majority of handlers, mart staff and indeed, farmers treat animals,” she said.

“In fact, the abuse displayed tonight flies in the face of basic common decency.”

The Roscommon-Galway TD said that animal welfare standards exist for a reason, but they are ‘useless if not monitored and enforced’.

“A number of laws were blatantly disregarded in what was aired tonight – animal welfare and the treatment of young calves as well as the failure to adhere to laws in place for live exports as regards rest times and feeding. This is unacceptable.”

Deputy Kerrane added that one mart, in response to the cruelty displayed on the footage, suggested animal welfare training for staff.

“Anyone working in a mart who engages in throwing calves or physically abusing them shouldn’t work in such an environment, far from training, these individuals need to be identified and sacked,” said Deputy Kerrane.

New Luke McMullan exhibition at The Kenny Gallery in Galway

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July 10, 2023

galway daily news Rotation IV by Luke McMullan — Rotation IV by Luke McMullan - 47x47in

An exhibition of over thirty new paintings by artist Luke McMullan will launch at The Kenny Gallery in Liosbán this Friday, July 14.

Part of this year’s Galway International Arts Festival, the exhibition, titled ‘Monarch’, features over thirty original artworks for sale in a diverse range of mediums and techniques.

The exhibition will run until August 8and will be launched at Kennys on Friday, July 14 at 6pm by poet Gerry Hanberry. All are welcome to attend.

Heavy is the Crown by Luke McMullan – 27x35in

Luke McMullan’s introduction to art came through writing graffiti in the 90s, when he adopted the pseudonym ‘Stix’.

He has been honing his craft ever since, and although he no longer paints on walls, the organic and adaptive nature of graffiti is at the foundation of the art he produces today.

‘Monarch’ is a collection of new paintings that celebrates the transformative power of renewal and invites the viewer to reflect on their own potential for growth and transformation.

The exhibition runs from July 14 to August 8 both in-store and online at The Kenny Gallery, Liosbán Retail Park, Tuam Road, Galway and at www.thekennygallery.ie.

Galway Breastfeeding Clinic wins at Irish Healthcare Centre Awards

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July 10, 2023

galway daily news breastfeeding clinic galway — ‘The Well Baby Breastfeeding Clinic’ Team, from left, Helen Martin, Director of Public Health Nursing, Community Healthcare West; Maureen O’Connell, Public Health Nurse, Community Healthcare West; Dr Ethel Ryan, Neonatologist and Paediatrician, University Hospital Galway; Dr Sinead Gavin, GP and Clinical Lead for the ‘Well Baby Breastfeeding Clinic’; Ailish Killilea, Assistant Director of Public Health Nursing, Community Healthcare West; Maggie Coyne, Public Health Nurse, Community Healthcare West; Mary Boyle, Administration, Shantalla Clinic and Frances Burke, Lactation Consultant, Community Healthcare West.

A unique breastfeeding clinic in Galway designed to support mothers who are having difficulty breastfeeding has won two Irish Healthcare Centre Awards.

The ‘Well Baby Breastfeeding Clinic’ in Galway won Best Community Outpatient Initiative of the year and Clinical Team of the year at an awards ceremony in May.

The clinic, the first of its kind in Ireland, is a collaboration between the Maternity Department at UHG and the Department of Public Health Nursing, Community Healthcare West.

It is designed to support mothers who are having difficulty breastfeeding in the early weeks of their breastfeeding journey, whereas before they had to present to the emergency departent.

Dr Ethel Ryan, Consultant Neonatologist and Paediatrician at UHG, and one of the initiators of the Well Baby Breastfeeding Clinic, said: “Breastfeeding is a learned skill acquired through education, observation and experience.

“While it is the most natural way to feed babies, breastfeeding issues in the early weeks tend to be time sensitive.

“At our Shantalla clinic here in Galway, we currently see infants born at University Hospital Galway and all clinic referrals come through either the postnatal ward at UHG or your local Public Health Nurse.”

The first Well Baby Breastfeeding Clinic was held in December 2021 and saw 270 patients in the first year of service.

Dr Ryan said that this represented 10% of all infants born at University Hospital Galway in 2022.

“A second clinic per week was added in January 2023 as a result of increased demand for the service.”

Dr Sinéad Gavin, GP and Clinical Lead for the clinic, said: “By identifying and addressing feeding issues as early as possible, it facilitates improved breastfeeding outcomes and therefore we aim to see all mothers and their infants in the same week of referral where possible.”

The clinic identifies breastfeeding issues such as latching and positioning issues, low milk supply, tongue tie, poor or slow weight gain, excess wind, cracked nipples, mastitis and over supply of milk.

Each mother and baby receives a 45-minute appointment which includes a comprehensive history assessment, a breastfeeding evaluation, infant oral assessment and a personalised treatment plan. Tongue tie release procedure is also performed, if required.

An independent audit of the clinic reviewed 40 patient files which demonstrated 57% of mothers were exclusively breastfeeding at 3 months. This compares to a national average of just 23% for the same time period.

Post clinic reviews saw that 97.5% of mothers reported that their breastfeeding issues had been resolved and therefore did not require acute hospital care.

Speaking about the expansion of the clinic, Dr Ethel Ryan said they are looking to expand the service to all Galway mothers and their newborn infants with the goal of eventually extending the clinic to other maternity units within Saolta.

“We are delighted to be collaborating on this project with our colleagues from University Hospital Galway and look forward to the next step in developing and expanding the service further,” said Helen Martin, Director of Public Health Nursing, Community Healthcare West.

“This project supports the government’s Enhanced Community Care Programme (ECC) by improving and expanding community health services and reducing pressure on hospital services.”

Disappointment at repeated delays to new ambulance base in Recess

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July 10, 2023

galway daily news Planning application submitted for long awaited Ambulance Base in Recess — Pic: Gregory Clarke

Disappointment has been expressed at the length of time it is taking to deliver a proposed ambulance base at Recess in Connemara.

The Connemara Ambulance Crisis Group has said that it is very disappointed at the project taking far longer than anticipated.

The group was informed recently by Galway West TD Eamon Ó Cuív that planning permission for the project will be submitted by the HSE within the next two weeks.

A statement from the local group said that it would be an understatement to say they are “astounded” at the slow pace of the project.

“Initially we were advised that the base would be opened in the spring of 2022,” a spokesperson for the group said.

“At a meeting with NAS, HSE and local politicians in July 2022, it was pointed out by us that if the tender process was to start immediately, realistically, it would be 2024 before there would be any chance of the base being operational, we are now one year further on, and still NO progress.”

“Connemara Ambulance Crisis Group have lost all confidence in this process and feel it calls into question the credibility of HSE Capital Estates in providing the ambulance base, as promised.”

It was first announced in November of 2021 that the Community Health Centre building in Recess had been chosen as the site of the new ambulance base for the region.

The slow delivery of the project has since been criticised by multiple local TDs, with Minister of State Frank Feighan stating last year that it was expected that a planning application would be made in Q3 of 2022.

The HSE did, before selecting the site, allocate an additional ambulance, another emergency vehicle, and eleven staff to improve emergency services in Connemara.

While waiting for the new base, National Ambulance Service crews in the region have been operating out of a base in Clifden.

The Connemara Ambulance Crisis Group is seeking a meeting with the HSE Capital Estates to get an explanation for what has delayed the project.

Roadworks on two busy city junctions commencing today

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July 10, 2023

Galway Daily news Traffic disruption expected from Galway City centre roadworks

Roadworks on two busy junctions in Galway City Centre are getting underway today, with some traffic delays possible in the evening time.

The city council is carrying out overnight resurfacing works on both Fr Griffin Road and Dominick Street Lower over four days this week.

Resurfacing works will be carried out on Fr Griffin Road, at the junction with Claddagh Quay, on Monday & Tuesday, July 10 – 11.

Traffic management for these works will involve the closure of the junction from 7pm to 6am each night.

Diversion routes will be place via Priory Road and Fairhill Road Lower during these roadworks.

Later this week, resurfacing works will also be carried out on Dominick Street Lower, at the junction of Raven’s Terrace, from Wednesday to Friday, July 12 – 14.

The four-junction of Dominick Street Lower/Upper/Raven’s Terrace/Fairhill Road will be closed nightly from 7pm to 6am to facilitate these works.

South bound diversion route will be in place via Mill Street, New Road, St. Helens Street, St Marys Road, The Crescent, Fr. Griffin Avenue and Fr. Griffin Road.
North bound diversion route will be in place via Claddagh Quay, Priory Road, Fairhill Road Lower, Fr Griffin Rd, Fr. Griffin Avenue, St Marys Road, St. Helens St, New Road and Mill Street.

An Bord Pleanála green lights €300m Augustine Hill urban quarter

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July 10, 2023

An Bord Pleanála has given the green light for the massive new €300 million Augustine Hill urban quarter development led by Gerry Barrett.

The large scale residential and commercial development will be built on a 3.46ha site located to the rear of Ceannt Station.

The plans are for seven blocks, centred around a landmark 21-storey building, with hundreds of homes and other amenities.

The new urban quarter will have 229 apartments, scaled back from the original plans for 378 homes, as well as a 130 bed hotel.

The area will also features a six screen cinema, multiple retail and restaurant units, four public plazas, and 11 new pedestrianised streets.

Other community amenities will include a cycle hub, a childcare facility, and an open sky garden, and a 2,203m² multi-use cultural space.

The quarter will have a mulit-storey car park with a total of 572 parking spaces. Of these, 110 spaces will be reserved for residents and 130 for Ceannt Station. The plans also include a total of 1,157 bicycle parking spaces.

Planning approval for the project was first granted by the city council in 2021, subject to some restrictions.

The council approved most of the development, but instructed that two residential towers forming part of Block 9 must be omitted from the plans.

This was due to their excessive height, scale and massing in proximity to Forthill Cemetery being detrimental to the townscape.

Other conditions also instructed that several buildings be reduced in height. Importantly, the council made it a condition that these Build-to-Rent apartments cannot be used for short-term letting.

There were two third party appeals against the development, one by An Taisce Galway, and one by another individual.

Seagullpoint Limited, who are responsible for the planning application, also appealed against the city council’s conditions scaling back the size of the development.

An Bord Pleanála ultimately granted planning permission for the development, while upholding the city council’s original conditions reducing the scale of the plans, and omitting entirely two towers from Block 9.

Search for missing 18-year-old stood down after body found

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July 10, 2023

Galway Daily news man dies in hospital following traffic collision

Gardaí have stood down the search for a teenager missing on Achill, Co. Mayo following the discovery of a body on Sunday evening.

A missing person appeal had been issued for 18-year-old Sebastian Palma Sigmond, who had been missing since Friday evening.

He was last seen by his family when he left to go for a walk around 5pm on Friday evening.

A statement from Gardaí said, “Following the discovery of a body in the Dooagh area of Achill on the evening of Sunday 9th July 2023, the missing person appeal for Sebastian Palma Sigmond has been stood down.”

Gardaí thanked the public for their assistance in this matter.

How to discover the ideal perfume for every occasion

By

Thomas O'Brien

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July 10, 2023