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Mayoral Reception honours work of Gaillimh le Gaeilge

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Mayoral Reception honours work of Gaillimh le Gaeilge

Gaillimh le Gaeilge was honoured with a Mayoral Reception recently for the work their team do to keep the Irish Language alive in Galway.

Mayor of Galway City Cllr Clodagh Higgins hosted Bríd Ní Chonghóile, CEO of Gaillimh le Gaelige, and her team at city hall last week.

Galway City is designated as ‘Gaeltacht Service Town’, meaning that it works closely with nearby Gaeltacht communities, and also takes pride in its status as a bilingual city.

Speaking at the reception, Mayor Higgins said that designations like that happed due to the “dedicated, energetic people” who love the Irish language, and are deeply committed to their heritage.

“The Irish language has so many words and expressions that describe the unique landscape, people, animals and nature, and ways of thinking and living that make us who we are”.

“This Mayoral Reception is to honour a group of people who have played a hugely important role in keeping Gaeilge i nGaillimh.”

“Your work to develop an Irish Language Plan for Galway City, among many other projects, are instrumental in keeping Gaeilge in our consciousness and in our lives.”

The Mayor thanked Bríd and her team for their work, and wished them the best for the various projects they are involved in.

These include Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh, An Coiste Logainmneacha, Gaeilge sa Ghnó service, An tEolaire – Seirbhís i nGaeilge, Irish on the Menus and the Pioc Suas Mé! – Give Irish a Go booklet.

Bríd expressed her gratitude for the honour, saying, “Is cúis mhór áthais agus bróid dom an onóir seo ó Mhéara Chathair na Gaillimhe an Comhairleoir Clodagh Higgins.”

“This is an incredibly special and wonderful way to celebrate the Irish language and all the bilingual work that has been done in the city. Tá mé thar a bheith buíoch don Mhéara as an onóir seo a bhronnadh orm agus ar Ghaillimh le Gaeilge ar aon.”

“In addition, this honour pays tribute to everyone who has worked or supported Gaillimh le Gaeilge for the past 30 years.”

“I want to especially say ‘buíochas ó chroí’ to Gearóidn Hynes, Projects Manager, who has worked with me for over fifteen years. In addition, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all Bord Stiúrtha members, past and present. Ní neart go cur le chéile.”

Road closures for two weeks of motorway roadworks

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Galway Daily news Traffic delays from N59 roadworks in Galway City

Road closures will be in place for two weeks of roadworks on the M18 motorway getting underway this week.

The PPP operator of the M18 is carrying out resurfacing works along the R458 / M18 Jct 17 junction which are beginning on Monday.

These works will take place each night from 8pm until 6am the following morning.

A full road closure will be in place along the R458 between L4506 (Kiltiernan West, Kilcolgan) & L85664 (Tonroe, Ardrahan), plus M18 Northbound & Southbound Jct 17 on & off ramps.

A full diversion route will be in place, signed & checked for the duration of the closure nightly.

The Ultimate Guide to Bathroom Renovation: Planning and Execution

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Renovating a bathroom can greatly improve its functionality, aesthetics and overall value of your home; a worthwhile endeavor. However, to ensure a successful outcome, careful planning and execution must be prioritized. In this in-depth guide, you will be taken step-by-step on the processes of planning and executing a bathroom renovation. 

From conceptualizing your goals to choosing materials and hiring professionals, every detail of your bathroom renovation project will be covered thoroughly. 

Set Your Goals

Starting a bathroom renovation project is exciting, but it’s important to determine your goals before commencing work. Consider asking yourself the following questions beforehand: 

Firstly, what are the primary reasons for the renovation? Does it aim to improve functionality, enhance aesthetics, or address any specific issues? Knowing your reasons will help align your renovation objectives.

Secondly, what is your budget for the redesign? Knowing what you’re willing to spend will allow you to make sound decisions throughout the entire process.

Lastly, do you have any specific design preferences or style inspiration in mind? The web is a great source of inspiration where you can collect ideas, create a vision board, or do both.

Assess Your Space 

Before you begin remodeling your bathroom, there are key considerations you should make:

  • Look at your bathroom’s existing space carefully and try to ascertain whether the current layout suits your needs or if modifications are required.  
  • Assess the plumbing and electrical systems that are currently in place and make a note of any upgrades that may be beneficial. 
  • From the toiletries to towels, it’s essential to evaluate needs and make conscious efforts to implement better space-saving solutions. As part of the remodel, consider what storage and organization changes are necessary for the best bathroom experience.

Create a Realistic Budget 

To avoid any overspending during renovations, it is crucial to have a realistic budget. Here are some factors to consider: 

Begin your planning by researching all the costs that are involved. Get quotes from various contractors, suppliers, and manufacturers. This way, you’ll get a better idea of and stay in line with the overall expenses and make a wiser budgetary plan.

When preparing your budget for a renovation project, you should also set aside an additional contingency fund for any surprises or unplanned events that may come up in the process.

Prioritization is key. Determine which parts of the renovation are more critical to you, and could be potentially more expensive, and allocate more funds for these elements. This way, you can enjoy quality work on the features most important to you whilst keeping expenses under control.

Hiring Professionals

Hiring professionals like tiler dublin is always a good idea for people who lack expertise in renovation projects. Just make sure you do your research on various contractors, plumbers, electricians, and other professionals. Get multiple quotes and compare their expertise, experience, and charges.

You can also request references from former clients or check online reviews to confirm the reliability of the hired professionals.

Keep in mind that you need to have the necessary permits in place. Draft a detailed contract that includes all aspects of the project, e.g. timeline, requirements, and payment terms.

Design and Layout 

Focus on designing your brand new bathroom layout. It is important to create a space that works optimally, making it both functional and efficient. Create an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere in line with your preferences and budget by picking the sort of fixtures (sink, toilet, shower, bathtub), arrangement, and necessary features (lighting, mirrors, storage) for the bathroom. Also, don’t forget that every detail matters; from the type of flooring, countertops, and tiles to cabinets. Ensure that there is an organic connection between your preferred aesthetics and practical application.

Execution

The planning phase for your bathroom renovation project is complete – now it’s time to execute. To make it a success, meticulously remove all existing fixtures, tiles, and cabinets without any damage to the surrounding structures.

After that, you need to update or repair any electrical and plumbing systems needing it.

Install everything according to the approved design and layout – new fixtures, cabinetry, tiles, and flooring. Then you can apply the finishing touches to the bathroom – coordinated accessories, bathroom linens and a fresh coat of paint. Don’t forget that everything about the renovation must be up to par with all current building codes and regulations.

Conclusion

A bathroom renovation can seem like a daunting task, but it’s a rewarding process when done right. It’s easy to stay on track with this guide as long as you remember to do a few things right. Remember to set clear goals, create a realistic budget, hire reliable professionals, and pay attention to detail throughout the renovation journey. If done successfully, a refreshed bathroom has the potential to be more than just a functional space: it has the power to contribute value to your home and delight you every morning.

Minister Donnelly leaving Galway pharmacies in the dark

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galway daily news pharmacy galway

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has been accused of ignoring pharmacies in Galway by leaving them in the dark over their future funding.

The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU), which represents community based pharmacies nationwide, has said the sector is rapidly losing faith in the Minister and his department’s ability to use pharmacies appropriately.

Pharmacists are now campaigning for meaningful engagement to begin without delay. 

Outlining the issues, Derek Reilly, interim Secretary General of the Irish Pharmacy Union said that pharmacies have endured a 14-year-long pay freeze at the hand of the government.

“They provide vital healthcare services on behalf of the state and while costs increase dramatically the fees received for doing this work are lower now than in 2009,” he said.

“We are reaching the point where the future viability of many pharmacies is coming into question.”

There are 106 pharmacies across Co Galway supporting over 750 jobs in the city and county.

“Minister Donnelly is legally obliged to review pharmacy services and funding by the end of June 2023. Despite this deadline there has been zero engagement from the Minister.

“The majority of pharmacies are small and family-owned businesses, they rely on state income.

“It is incredulous that less than a month before the Minister must decide on their future he has not engaged with the sector in any way.”

The IPU also accused the Minister of discriminating against the pharmacy profession.

“Community Pharmacy is now the only healthcare sector that has had no pay restoration since the financial crisis. There is no reason for this blatant discrimination, and it needs to change.”

Which Casino Games Are The Most Profitable?

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roulette

The Most Profitable Casino Games to Play at an Online Casino in Ireland

If you’re rather new to online gambling in Ireland, the first thing you’ll want to be aware of is the fact that different games will give you different odds of winning. Several types of casino games exist at online casinos, but the potential to earn money varies greatly from one game to another.

Online casino games are there for fun and entertainment but ultimately, everyone wants the chance to win. If you’re wondering which casino games you should be trying your luck on, keep reading to learn more about the most profitable casino games you can play at your favourite Irish online casino today. 

What is the House Edge in Casino Games?

To understand what makes a casino game potentially profitable or not, you first need to know a little bit about the house edge. This is a term that you’re going to encounter often when you visit any Irish casino online and it simply refers to the advantage that the casino has over you in any given game. Therefore, the lower the house edge, the lower the casino’s advantage, and the higher your chances of winning the game and generating revenue.

  1. Online Blackjack

First on our list is online blackjack, a game that’s popular at both land-based and casinos all over the world. And when you understand exactly how blackjack works, it’s easy to see that one of the main reasons for its popularity is the fact that it has a very low house edge.

Unlike many casino games, blackjack isn’t just about luck. It’s a game that combines both luck and strategy, which means that the higher your skill level, the better you’ll fare in the game. 

Blackjack has a very low house edge of 2% but if you play with basic strategy and follow it without any deviations, the house edge can go as low as 0.5%, making blackjack the most potentially profitable game you can play at an online casino.

1. Online Roulette

Online roulette is a close second in terms of the chances of profit from the game. However, this game is all about luck, which means that there’s nothing you can do on your part to improve your odds except choose your bets wisely and weighing the odds with the payout for each bet before you place it.

Online live roulette might give you even better chances of making a profit just because you get a much bigger choice of roulette variants to try your luck on. Several of these variants are not only a lot more exciting to play than your standard game of roulette but they also offer payouts and multipliers that you won’t find in regular online roulette. 

2. Video Poker

Next up is video poker, another popular casino game that can be found at nearly every online casino in Ireland. Like blackjack, both luck and skill play a part in this classic card game, but we would definitely say that skill is a lot more important in this game. 

You can’t predict what cards you will be dealt but knowing which ones to fold, which to keep, and how to play your hand optimally will be the biggest determining factor in the outcome. If you’re not familiar with the rules of the game and the best poker strategies, video poker can quickly become a game that will lead to significant losses.

3. Online Slot Machines

We’ve put online slot machines at the bottom of this list but as you may know, these games tend to be hugely popular at online casinos. If you look at online gambling statistics in Ireland, you’ll see that online slots are one of the top picks for Irish punters, preceded by online lottery games and live casino games.

Online slots might be the most fun online casino games to play, but they’re certainly not the most profitable in the long run. In fact, you could almost say that online slots are the most profitable games for online casinos more than the players. 

The revenue that can be potentially generated from these games can be life-changing, with some slots awarding millions in jackpots, but the problem is that these wins are triggered extremely rarely. So, in the long run, you’ll have better odds of generating revenue by playing any of the games mentioned above, even if those wins won’t be huge.

Conclusion

Ultimately, you can never really know how a game will turn out; even if you’re an expert blackjack or poker player, the possibility of losing will always be there. Having said that, if you want to give yourself the best odds of winning money rather than spending your funds on randomly chosen games, you’ll definitely want to stick to the casino games which offer the highest chance of generating revenue.

Second rescue for Galway lifeboat in 24 hours after man gets stranded by rising tide

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The Galway RNLI came to the rescue of a man who became trapped after being cut off by by the rising tide yesterday.

Late on Saturday night, a man found himself stranded on Grey Rock off Silverstrand beach, near Barna after being cut off by the incoming tide.

On Saturday evening, the lifeboat was helmed by David Oliver with crew members Stefanie Carr, Lisa McDonagh and David McGrath onboard.

They were supported by shore crew David Badger, Mike Cummins, Aaron Connolly, James Rattigan, Ian Claxton, Olivia Byrne and Sean McLoughlin.

Conditions were good with a calm sea and due to the current spell of good weather, it was still warm when the lifeboat arrived on the scene at around 9.50pm.

Once there, the crew brought the casualty who was safe and well onboard the lifeboat and returned with the casualty to the lifeboat station at the New Docks.

Saturday was a busy day for the Galway RNLI Station, as this was the second rescue by the lifeboat yesterday following a launch in the early hours to a casualty who had fallen off a pier in the city. 

Mike Swan, Galway RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said, “It was a busy day, particularly for members of the crew who either went out on the lifeboat on both rescues or provided support on the shore by launching the lifeboat and afterwards washing it down, refuelling and getting it ready for the next call out.”

“We faced two very different scenarios in the past 24 hours and it is a credit to the dedication of our volunteer crew and their commitment to ongoing training that both rescues went so smoothly.”

“Walking around coasts is a very safe activity most of the time. Our advice is to always take a means of calling for help and to check the weather and tides.”

“Tide times and heights vary throughout the month and can easily catch you out if you haven’t checked them. If you get into difficulty or see someone in difficulty, please dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”

Project: ONE – local artist creating immersive sculpture installation engaging all senses

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Photo: © darachphotography

Galway based wire sculpture artist Glenn Gibson is working on a very special project which will be held here next year.

Project: One  will centre around connection, disconnection, loneliness and will question many of the internal dialogues every single person has but perhaps never speak of.

Self taught, professional Irish artist and teacher of wire sculpture. Glenn Gibson’s work, spanning two decades, explores themes of mysticism, consciousness and the natural world.

For the last six years Glenn has been the Creative Director for Art in Mind, Galway’s artist led non-profit organisation that is dedicated to promoting mental wellbeing through creative practice.

Now Glenn is launching One, an immersive sculpture installation engaging all senses which will launch in September 2024.

Photo: Reg Gordon

What started as a hobby became a vital therapeutic tool to combat life’s more difficult times.

Combined with a meditation practice Glenn discovered that this focused activity began to untie all the knots in his mind, giving clear and calm periods where creativity poured from him.

“It was the only time in my day where the chatter of my brain would abate, my stress and anxiety would fade and time dilate. I had accidentally stepped into a flow state, and have been fascinated with it ever since,” said Glenn.

Introducing One The project:

This work explores the illusion of separation in three parts. “In an ever ‘connected’ world we find more and more people experiencing loneliness and feelings of isolation,” explained Glenn.

“The first part explores the sensation of being surrounded by people and still feeling alone, while at the same time offering a perspective shift to realise that everything is interconnected and that we all participate in the creation of our experience.”

Why 108? In many cultures 108 is a sacred number. According to the mathematician Leonardo Fibonacci, after whom the Fibonacci sequence is (nick)named, it is believed that the number 108 has a way of representing the wholeness of existence. This subject will be explored more throughout the installation.

“The reason I chose to use this number is an entire rabbit hole in itself but suffice to say, 108 is a sacred number,” Glenn said,

“According to Vedic cosmology, 108 is the basis of creation, represents the universe and all our existence. In yoga, the number 108 refers to spiritual completion.”

“That’s the reason why malas used for japa, silent repetition of a mantra, are composed of 108 beads.”

Perilous poitin and a missing Miss makes for a hot feud in Ros na Rún

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Perilous poitin and a missing Miss makes for a hot feud in Ros na Rún

Cóilí Jackie and Malachaí’s feud heats up, with suspicion on both sides, and Diana is fixing to frame Mack in Ros na Rún.

O’Shea questions if it may be time to retire from her job. Diana fearful of what her replacement might discover, does all she can to persuade O’Shea not to.

Cóilí Jackie fears Sadie may have come to harm while in Italy, with Malachaí surely to blame, and does all he can to locate her. But is there any cause for his concern?

Noreen, sick to the teeth of Tadhg’s antics, threatens to expose him as ‘Fear Feasa’, and also has to deal with her brother Stiofáin arriving in the village.

Malachaí is convinced that Cóilí Jackie’s poitín was to blame for his collapse and is intent on making him pay for it.

Diana goes even further in her efforts to keep blame for Frankie’s fall away from herself by planting evidence in Mack’s bedroom.

Catch all the lates developments in Ros na Rún this week in a double feature omnibus on TG4 at 7:30pm on Sunday evening.

Late night rescue of injured person who fell from pier in Galway City

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Galway Daily news Late night rescue of injured person who fell from pier in Galway City

An injured person was rescued after falling from a pier in Galway City in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The Galway RNLI Lifeboat was called out after a person fell from Nimmo’s Pier in the city around 4am on Saturday morning.

The inshore lifeboat was helmed by Brian Niland with crew members Dave Badger, Lisa McDonagh and James Rattigan onboard.

They were supported by shore crew Mike Cummins, Shane Austin, Aaron O’Reilly, Frank Leonard and Ian Claxton.

The lifeboat and crew reached the casualty, who landed on a sand bank and had suspected upper limb injuries, within minutes.

Two of the crew who are trained in first aid, got out of the lifeboat onto the sand bank and using a stretcher were able to safely bring the casualty onboard the lifeboat.

The lifeboat and crew arrived back to the lifeboat station just before 5am where an ambulance was waiting to bring the casualty to hospital.

Speaking after returning to the station, Galway RNLI Helm Brian Niland said: ‘Weather conditions were good this morning and even though it was dark, there was good visibility and the sea was calm.”

“With the help of our shore crew, we were able to launch the lifeboat and get to the scene within minutes. Low tide was at 4.30am and this worked in our favour as it meant that the casualty was not in any imminent danger of being swept out to sea.”

“However, time is of the essence in situations like this. If you see someone in difficulty please dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”

Search for missing man ends after body found in Galway

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Galway Daily news man dies in hospital following traffic collision

The search for a missing Offaly man has been stood down after a body was found in Galway this weekend.

Noel Guilfoyle was reported missing from his home in Tullamore, Co. Offaly this week.

The 45 year old man had been last seen on Tuesday, June 6.

Gardaí have now stood down the missing person appeal for Noel following the discovery of a man’s body in Galway on Saturday.

Best New Online Casinos in Ireland 2023

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The Online Casino Industry in Ireland

Ireland is one of the biggest online gambling markets in Europe. It’s estimated that around 59% of Ireland’s population gamble online regularly, and the country currently accounts for a total of 2.6% of Europe’s entire gambling market.

With those statistics in mind, it’s no surprise that hundreds of Irish casinos are available today and foreign gambling sites operate in the country as well. And despite such a densely populated online casino market, new online casinos are launched regularly. It’s easy to find a brand-new online casino to check out in Ireland because although there are already hundreds of fantastic casinos, many players also want something new.

In this quick guide to new online casinos launched in Ireland, we’ll explain the key factors to look for if you want to find a new online casino to play your favourite games at. Whatever your reasons for wanting to play at a new site, this guide will help you get started safely.

What are the Pros of a New Irish Online Casino?

There are different reasons for players wanting to try out a brand-new gambling site rather than sticking to a casino they might already have an account with or a casino that’s been around for several years.

Perhaps you’re looking for casino bonuses and offers that offer fairer terms and conditions, or you’re bored with the usual games that can be found at your regular online casino. Or perhaps you’re tired of new casinos offering more of the same and you want an online casino that does things differently.

Whatever the reason for looking for a new online casino, there are a few pros to choosing a brand-new site over an older online casino. Let’s take a look at these below:

  • New online casinos like Bang On Casino often offer better bonuses and promotions to attract new players.
  • You won’t find outdated types of promotions or games at new online casinos.
  • New casinos often have a much better design with a user-friendly interface and the latest technology.
  • New casinos are always compatible with mobile devices or offer a fantastic app to play on the go.

How Should You Choose a New Online Casino in Ireland?

Any time you sign up and gamble online in Ireland, you’ll want to be extra sure that the site is legal and safe to play at. Not every online casino is reliable, but if you remember the following criteria when considering a new gambling site, it’s unlikely that you’ll be disappointed.

  1. Casino game portfolio – What’s the number one reason for joining an online casino? To play your favourite casino games, of course! An excellent online casino should offer not only a large number of games but also different game genres and categories.
  2. Welcome Bonus – Probably the second most significant reason for joining an online casino is to claim an incredible Welcome Offer, which usually consists of a match deposit, a number of Free Spins, or a combination of both. We recommend comparing different bonuses from different casinos to find the best offers.
  3. Fair terms and conditions – A new casino might try to pique players’ interest by offering huge bonus amounts and a number of Free Spins that are over the top, which is where the terms and conditions come in. In some cases, you might be disappointed to find that although you can get your hands on 300 Free Spins, the wagering requirements will be extremely high, making any profit virtually impossible.
  4. Mobile compatibility – One of the latest trends in the Irish gambling industry is mobile gaming, so any new gambling site that wants to thrive nowadays should be fully compatible with any mobile device, including tablets. Alternatively, casinos might offer a mobile app, especially casino sites with a sports betting platform.
  5. Customer Support – Brand new casinos need to work harder than established online casinos to prove their worth, which is why they’ll often put extra effort into their Customer Support service. We recommend choosing a casino that offers 24/7 support so you can be covered whenever you’re playing.
  6. Website Design – The look and feel of the website itself aren’t always related to how safe or legitimate an online casino is. Still, it definitely has a significant impact on your overall experience. A good quality online casino should have an attractive and clean design that makes browsing the website easy and intuitive. Casinos with a busy design often feel chaotic, and finding what you’re looking for can be difficult.

Final Thoughts

The list above describes the most essential features of a new online casino, but there are still other factors that you can look out for, depending on what you’re looking for in a casino. For example, if you’re interested in sports betting, you might look for a gambling site that offers both casino games and sports betting options.

 

The UK’s Tech Sector Continues Building Its Relationship With The US 

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In 2022, the United Kingdom’s technology industry was valued at one trillion dollars, making it a strong ally for the technology sector in the United States. As of April 2023, there are over 160 private technology start-ups in the UK, which is more than the number of private start-ups in combined European countries such as Germany, Sweden, and France.

Experts believe that the UK’s growth in its technology industry presents US investors with an excellent investment opportunity. To encourage this, the government flagship programme GREAT launched a paid media campaign in April 2023 in San Francisco to encourage US investors to invest across the pond. 

Investing In The UK’s Tech Sector

The campaign combined various paid media channels, such as billboards in San Francisco, digital display advertisements, and targeted advertisements on LinkedIn. Following the campaign’s launch, investors and technology leaders from Silicon Valley were also invited to the 2023 London Tech Week, where they learnt about the UK tech industry’s scale, talent, reputation, and regulation.

Of course, US tech companies setting up shop in the UK is not new. Some of the biggest technology companies in the world have offices in the UK, such as Facebook, Google, and Amazon, which opened a new corporate office in Manchester in 2020. 

While London is typically the hot spot for US tech companies, Northern cities such as Manchester and Leeds are starting to attract more attention due to their strong digital infrastructure, start-up scene, and emerging talent. Leeds, in particular, is growing in the digital advertising space.

There have also been more government initiatives trying to grow the North of England’s technology industry, like Tech North. Tech North focuses on developing the digital business sector in Northern England, hosting programs and events like the Digital Jobs Summit. 

With that said, UK technology companies should be watching the US space just as much. Despite the growth of the technology industry in the UK, the United States is still the world’s leading tech hub. The US is responsible for various market dynamics and technology trends, so paying attention to financial tools like the US economic calendar will give UK companies insight into the US economy and investor sentiment.

The economic calendar looks at everything from trading news and tracking forecasts like stock changes and interest rate projections. Companies in the UK can also filter economic calendars to the UK, which will give even more insight into where the UK stands compared to the US.

Globalisation

Globalisation has increased significantly over the years, and the blooming mutually beneficial relationship between the technology industry in the United States and the United Kingdom is one example of this.

The United Kingdom is climbing up the ranks in dominance in the global technology space, and campaigns such as GREAT’s US initiative in San Francisco will likely cause the industry to continue climbing. However, the UK needs to watch the US just as closely since the country’s economic success plays a large part in technology trends that enter other markets and countries.  

“This is a crisis” – Animal cruelty cases reach all time high

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galway daily news ispca campaign
Pictured are Erica Cody, Andrea Hayes, PJ Gallagher and Rosanna Davison with ISPCA rescue dogs. Pic. Robbie Reynolds

The Irish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) has launched Stop the Pain – an urgent national emergency appeal – in response to a sharp increase in the number of animal cruelty cases in Ireland.

The ISPCA says more innocent animals are being abandoned, abused or neglected than ever before, and that the surge in cases has placed a significant financial burden and demand for space on the charity.

To accommodate the growing number of animals rescued, the ISPCA’s facilities are at full capacity and has been forced to install temporary facilities and utilise private kennels, leading to substantial, unforeseen costs.

The charity is appealing to the public for support in this time of crisis and to help save animals that have suffered. Donations can be made through www.ispca.ie/dwonate or by contacting their offices directly on 043 332 5035.  

During the first quarter of 2023 alone, the ISPCA have rescued almost 700 animals and has witnessed an 80% rise in animals under care. Consequently, their four centres in Donegal, Longford, Mallow and Wicklow have reached maximum occupancy levels.

To meet the demand, the ISPCA has seen estimated annual costs  rise to over €500,000 solely to house dogs in private kennels or temporary facilities. Dogs, in particular have been at the forefront of cases of abandonment or cruelty since the pandemic.

With more animals expected to be rescued, the financial strain on the ISPCA is expected to escalate further.

Dr Cyril Sullivan, CEO of the ISPCA addressed the situation during the appeal launch stating that “this is a crisis”.

“We urgently need your support and help. The ISPCA has witnessed an unprecedented number of animals rescued from cruel situations. Several factors have contributed to the surge in cruelty cases encountered by the ISPCA inspectorate since late 2022, continuing into 2023. Key among these factors is the significant slowdown in the response to rehoming healthy dogs.

“When animals are found to be suffering, the Irish public and ISPCA supporters understand that the charity will take immediate action to ensure their safety.

“But the financial burden of providing secure housing and care for these animals has become overwhelming. Your support can make all the difference, animals need our help now, there is no time to waste. We need your support.”

Event in Galway City to celebrate Men’s Health Week

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galway daily news men's health week

Men’s Health Week will take place from 12 to 18 June, with an overall aim of raising awareness of preventable health problems for men of all ages.

Healthy Galway City and Galway City Council Housing Social Services will be hosting an event to celebrate the week on Thursday, 15 June from 1pm to 4.30pm in Áras na nGael on Dominick Street.

This multi-agency event will promote holistic health and wellbeing for men and will include careers advice, heart health checks, information and advice on health and wellbeing, mental health resources, CV and training workshops and much more.

People are invited to go along and avail of a variety of free resources and information to support health and wellbeing available in the community.

Men’s Health Week is funded by HSE Health & Wellbeing and the Public Health Agency and coordinated by the Men’s Health Forum Ireland (MHFI). 

UHG first to introduce revolutionary nerve blocking probe

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galway daily news nerve blocking at university hospital galway

University Hospital Galway has become the first centre in Ireland to introduce a nerve blocking probe which uses liquid nitrogen to freeze nerves and remove pain post surgery.

The CryoNerve blocking probe delivers liquid nitrogen at a temperature of around -190 degrees from the tip of the device during invasive surgery.

This device is applied to the nerve underneath each rib, freezing it and temporarily stopping its conduction.

These nerves are one of the main sources of pain after chest surgery, and cryo nerve block helps by temporarily shutting off the nerve.

Once frozen, it thaws over a period of months, reducing pain for patients recovering from major surgery.

Dr Alan Soo, Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon at University Hospital Galway, introduced the technology to Ireland for thoracic surgery.

He said that the device also has the potential to be rolled out to cardiac surgery.

“Evidence has shown that this is effective in reducing pain and does not cause permanent damage to the nerves and surrounding structures,” said Dr Soo.

“This device had been used in thoracic surgery to freeze the intercostal nerve which is the Achilles heel of thoracotomy pain. Emerging evidence has also shown that it is effective in cardiac surgery following sternotomy.”

“In UHG, we have been designated as the first centre to introduce this device. We have since employed this device in around 8 patients.

“All patients who received this treatment on top of their usual analgesic strategy had dramatic improvement on their post-operative pain and reduction in length of stay. We aim to introduce this strategy on to patients receiving cardiac surgery soon.”

Sligo woman Imelda Ryan-Jones was the first person to avail of the device in Ireland. Imelda underwent surgery in February during which the device was used on the nerve endings in her back.

“I can honestly say that I have had zero pain since my surgery in this area on my back, which I affectionately call my Shark Bite,” said Imelda.

“I have had severe pain around my front ribs, as they were moved so much during surgery, but much to my relief my Shark Bite has definitely been pain free.

“I practically forgot it was there and it has healed tremendously well too. I highly recommend this new innovative procedure and it was my pleasure to participate.”

Chris Kane, Hospital Manager of Galway University Hospitals praised the team who introduced the innovative technique.

“This device is making a real difference to the patient experience and we are delighted to have introduced it here in Galway. It is another example of the ground-breaking innovation taking place at the hospital.”

Met Éireann issues blight warning for this weekend

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Galway Daily news blight warning for galway

Met Éireann has issued a potato blight advisory which came into effect this afternoon.

All counties in the State are affected by the blight warning, which will be lifted on Monday at 7pm.

Met Éireann said that from Saturday afternoon until Tuesday evening, weather conditions conductive to the spread of potato blight will affect many parts of the south, southwest and west, with some potential for these conditions in the midlands and east.

There will be opportunities for spraying today, Friday, and there will be further limited opportunities in the morning hours of Saturday away from southern coastal counties.

The Department of Agriculture also issued a condition orange high fire risk valid until midday on Monday.

Special pandemic payment approved for cleaning contractors

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galway daily news half of hospital cleaners waiting for special covid payment

The Pandemic Special Recognition Payment has been approved for a group of cleaning contractors, a local senator has said.

Senator Aisling Dolan, who recently highlighted that cleaners and caterers in hospitals were left waiting a year and a half for their payment, said she was delighted to confirm the long-awaited payments are now being issued.

“I received confirmation from Kosi Corporation that payments have been approved for over 1,100 Noonan contract cleaners last week,” said the Fine Gael senator.

“I understand that payments for other contract agencies such as Aramark will soon also be processed and that a bulk of payments should be approved within the next week.”

She said that it may take agency contractors a week or so to issue payments through their own accounts sections, and that she would hope to see this payment in people’s bank accounts within the next couple of weeks.

“This is so overdue for people working as contractors in our hospitals. The Government made a decision in January 2022 to acknowledge the incredible work by healthcare staff during the Covid pandemic and the service given in a crisis to help keep people safe.

“These employees went to work every day with patients who were very ill with Covid-19 and faced more risk for themselves and especially vulnerable family members when they came home.”

Údarás na Gaeltachta to pursue 2nd planning application for Páirc na Mara

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galway daily news páirc na mara conamara planning

Capital allocation has been granted to provide for a second planning application for the Páirc na Mara project to Galway County Council.

Údarás na Gaeltachta board approved a sum of €500,000 which will allow specialist consultants to update the masterplan and apply for all relevant licences.

An Bord Pleanála recently rejected the appeal brought by Údarás na Gaeltachta regarding the decision of Galway County Council to refuse planning permission for the project at Cill Chiaráin in the Conamara Gaeltacht.

The board stated that, although the Bord Pleanála decision was a blow, it was not their intention to abandon this strategic project.

They pointed to Páirc na Mara’s importance to the local economy and its significant potential as a national research and industry hub.

Mary Uí Chadhain, temporary chair of the Údarás na Gaeltachta board, said: “This is an immensely important project for Údarás na Gaeltachta, both locally and nationally.

“The development of the marine sector on the west coast has great potential; Páirc na Mara will facilitate research and it will enable the development of new products and cutting-edge processes for the sector.

“It will also provide much-needed employment in a Gaeltacht community which has long had a particular affinity with the sea and the maritime economy.

“The proposed site is eminently suited to such a development in a number of ways, and it is also clear to us that the private sector remains committed to Páirc na Mara.”

It is expected that a new planning application will be brought to Galway County Council by the end of 2024.

Clifden RNLI called to urgent night-time medical evacuation of sick child

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Clifden RNLI called to urgent night-time medical evacuation of sick child

The Clifden RNLI lifeboat was called out to a late night medical evacuation of a sick child from the islands this week.

At approximately 9pm on Wednesday night, the lifeboat was called out by Malin Coast Guard to a medical evacuation from Inishturk off the Mayo coast.

They were asked to immediately make their way to Inishturk North, as a sick child needed to be evacuated.

Clifden’s Shannon class all weather lifeboat, St Christopher was launched under Coxswain James Mullen, with Joe Acton, Dan Whelan, Kenneth Flaherty and Shane Conneely as crew, John B Mannion assisted the launch from the shore.

The Irish Coast Guard’s Sligo based helicopter Rescue 118 was also dispatched.

The lifeboat crew made it to the island in 40 minutes, just as Rescue 118 arrived on the scene.

They crew stood by as the young casualty was air-lifted to Mayo University Hospital. They then returned to base, a full five hours after leaving.

Speaking about the shout Coxswain James Mullen said, “We are sending our best wishes to the young casualty and sincerely hope they have a speedy recovery.”

“I would like to thank our volunteer crew for continuing to go the extra mile and putting their own lives on hold every time the pager goes.”

“This has been a really busy period for Clifden RNLI between exercises, assessments and call-outs and I appreciate the commitment of every one of our volunteers.”

Extension of planning sought to complete Deep Water Quay at Ros a Mhíl

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Galway Daily news Extension of planning sought to complete Deep Water Quay at Ros a Mhíl

More time is being sought for the completion a new deep water quay at Ros a Mhíl Fishery Harbour Centre.

The Department Agriculture, Food & The Marine is seeking an extension of planning permission for the 200m quay, which was first approved in 2018.

The project involves the creation of 200m of new berthing space to accommodate larger fishing vessels, as well as the reclamation of a significant area directly behind the quay to provide a direct link to land.

Other construction work involved in the project will include low concrete sea walls, a rock armour revetment, an access road, lighting, drainage, and ancillary site works.

Planning permission for the project will cease to have effect in July, five years and 101 days after being granted.

The Extension of Duration application states that work began in January of this year, and that the land reclamation works have since been 90% completed.

So far an area of 26,000m² of land has been reclaimed via the infilling of 190,000m³ of rock. Rock armour is also being prepared for the norther and southern revetments.

More than half of the required seabed drilling and blasting in preparation for building the quay wall caisson units has also been completed.

It is now expected that the deep water quay will be completed in December of 2024, and the Department is seeking a five year extension of the planning permission.

The full five years is being sought just in case of the “remote possibility of contractual problems or commercial failure by the contractor”, which would require the project to go back to tender.

The department had already sought an extension of planning permission for the deep water quay back in 2022, but this was denied as no works had taken place at the time.

The government announced in February of 2022 that €25 million would be invested in the expansion and redevelopment of the state owned Fishery Harbour Centre at Ros a Mhíl.

It was hoped that the project, which centred around the new deep water quay, would allow larger fishing vessels to dock at the Connemara harbour.

This would bring Ros a Mhíl more in line with the facilities available at Killybegs and Castletownbere, making it more commercially viable for the region.

A report by Údarás na Gaeltachta also highlighted that Ros a Mhíl is well placed to serve as a support hub for offshore wind power developments.

The redevelopment and expansion of the harbour will be funded under the Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme.

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