A driver caught doing 111km/h in a 50km/h on the N6 Bothar na dTreabh was one of the worst speeding drivers caught over the June Bank Holiday.
Gardaí carried out a roads policing operation over the June Bank Holiday weekend, which was in place from the morning of Thursday, June 1 through to Tuesday, June 6.
There was one fatal crash on Irish roads during this time, and another 12 serious and life-threatening injuries from 12 serious collisions.
There were 160 people arrested for drink and drug driving over this period, and 930 on the spot fines issued after Gardaí caught drivers speeding.
Another 2,623 drivers around the country were caught speeding over the weekend after being clocked by Go Safe vans.
Assistant Garda Commissioner Paula Hilman said, “Working together with our partners to raise public awareness of the importance of road safety strengthens the capacity of Gardaí nationwide in keeping all road users safe.”
“The Bank Holiday weekend was a very busy period on Irish roads and as our data shows, Gardaí were out enforcing the law through regular checkpoints, road side testing for alcohol and or drugs, checking for speed.”
“While there were some alarming detections, we want to acknowledge the largely positive support of road users in keeping people safe, particularly the most vulnerable such as cyclists and pedestrians.”
During the course of the traffic operation Gardaí issued 255 fines for using a mobile while driving, 100 unaccompanied learner drivers, and 75 drivers who were caught not wearing seatbelts.
In addition, 328 vehicles were detained for offences of driving without a licence or insurance, or for being an unaccompanied learner driver.
“One more death is simply one too many, and can be avoided if we all work together,” Assistant Commissioner Hilman said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with every family who suffers a loss of a loved one on our roads.”
Inland Fisheries Ireland has suspended salmon fishing in the Galway Fishery area effective immediately due to the effects of the weather.
Salmon angling at both the Galway Fishery in the city, and the Moy Fishery in Ballina, have been suspended by the IFI.
This has been due to the prolonged period of warm dry weather, with water temperatures exceeding 20C, which could lead to fish kills.
Freshwater fish species such as salmon and trout can suffer ‘thermal stress’ arising from the impact of adverse warm weather on them.
Barry Fox Head of Operations at IFI commented, “Salmon need cold and clean water to survive and thrive. Low water volumes and high water temperatures can lead to fish kills, as there is less oxygen in the water to allow them to breathe.
“We must now implement our cessation of angling protocols at the Moy and Galway fisheries to protect salmon.”
“It will take some time before water conditions at both locations will revert to normal for the month of June. We will continue to monitor the situation on a daily basis before reopening the facilities.”
Both the Moy and Galway fisheries are owned by the State, and operated by IFI.
The prolonged period of warm and dry weather has also led to water restrictions being imposed on numerous areas around the county.
A warning from the Department of Agriculture for a high risk of forest and gorse fires will last until next week.
Fire Fighters from Galway City and multiple surrounding areas battled a large gorse fire on the outskirts of the city on Wednesday evening.
Road diversions were put in place as fire service units battled the blaze in the townlands of Tonabrocky and Boleybeg yesterday.
The Department of Agriculture issued a Condition Orange warning for a high fire risk on Wednesday.
The warning will remain in place until midday on Monday, June 12.
It has been issued as Ireland has been dealing with a period of hot and dry weather in the past week and more, which puts vegetation at fires.
People visiting forests and other recreational sites are reminded to adhere to regulations regarding fire use.
The Department has warned those visiting forests not to use barbeques or open fires at any stage, and vehicles must not be parked at site entrances or impede emergency service access to forest roads.
All forest owners and managers are again advised to prepare for likely outbreaks of fire.
Farmers and rural dwellers are also being asked to be extremely vigilant regarding fire activity, to report any suspicious or illegal activity to the Gardai and to report all fires immediately to the Fire and Emergency Services via 112/999.
Further nightly water restrictions have been imposed in multiple areas in Galway due to the ongoing dry spell.
Continued high demand for water has resulted in significant reduction in water pressure and intermittent outages to some customers with restrictions required to manage the supply.
The areas affected by these nightly water restrictions are Tully, Letterfrack, Carna, Kilkieran, Carraroe, Inis Oirr, Rosmuc, Ballinasloe, Mid Galway and surrounding areas.
The restrictions will be in place each night from 11pm until 7am the following morning for the coming days.
It can take two to three hours following low pressure for normal supply to be fully restored to all areas as water refills the network.
Uisce Eireann and Galway County Council have not indicated how long these restrictions are expected to last, but have said that more may be required as the situation is monitored.
Communities across Galway are urged to be mindful of their water usage as increased domestic and commercial demand is being exacerbated by warm weather conditions.
“We are appealing to communities across Galway to conserve water in order to give the reservoirs time to replenish,” Eoin Hughes with Uisce Eireann said.
“We have had a very dry period and with the warmer weather currently being experienced and more forecasted, supplies will come under further pressure.”
“Any reduction that customers can make in their usage can collectively result in significant supply improvements for all customers. I would ask that everyone in Galway play their part to help conserve water this summer.”
Eoin added, “While we enjoy the sunshine, it is important that we all consider our water usage and look at simple yet impactful ways to conserve water, even small changes can make a significant difference.”
“By turning off the hose and avoiding power washing we can all help ensure there is enough water for everyone as we go through the summer.”
There are tips on how to conserve water in your home on Uisce Éireann’s conservation page.
Aoife Raftery and Claire Williams in Poland. Photo Credit: Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy
Galway’s Aoife Raftery will make their second Junior European Rally Championship appearance of the year at Rally Liepāja in Latvia this month.
The Craughwell native and her Welsh co-driver Claire Williams had a successful maiden outing in the European Rally Championship in Poland last month driving a PCRS Rallysport-prepared Peugeot 208 Rally 4.
Aoife is a member of the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy which helps promote young Irish rally talent on an international stage.
She is following in the wheel tracks of one of her motorsport heroes, Rosemary Smith. The Galwegian is the first Irish woman to enter the European Rally Championship since Smith’s exploits in the 1960s and 1970s.
Josh McErlean FIA ERC – FIA European Rally Championship 2023 at Mikolajki, Poland. Photo: Red Bull Content Pool
“We are really looking forward to Latvia and building on the experience from Poland. It is exciting to get a chance to compete in the Junior-ERC with help and with support from the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy,” Aoife said.
“They are tough events, and it is a tough class, we just want to build on our pace and keep improving, same as Poland we will be taking each stage and each day one at a time.”
“Our focus is to get to the finish and improve and get the experience. Poland was an eye opener, it was an experience, long days but we know now what to expect.”
Rally Liepāja, now a decade old, will see four Irish drivers including Raftery when it takes place on June 17 – 18 in Latvia.
Correction: This article has been updated with the correct spelling of Aoife Raftery’s surname.
Local TD Claire Kerrane has raised concerns around the possibility of further delays to adequate supports for farmers and landowners affected by ash dieback – an ash tree disease caused by fungi.
The Roscommon-Galway TD raised concerns following the announcement of a review of the current supports available.
Minister Pippa Hackett announced the establishment of an independent group to review her Department’s ash dieback support scheme.
The group will review supports available to landowners with affected ash plantations and will make recommendations on these supports to the Minister by September 15.
Deputy Kerrane said that while it is positive that Minister Hackett has committed to reviewing existing supports to address ash dieback, she said it was “disappointing” that she will only review the report and recommendations from September.
“The Minister’s announcement raises concerns that affected farmers and landowners will have to wait even longer for adequate supports to address this longstanding issue,” said the Sinn Féin TD.
“We don’t need a review to tell us the issues outstanding in the current scheme and where it is falling short. Any forester can tell you what the gaps are and more importantly, what is needed.”
Deputy Kerrane said that it is clear from engagement with farmers, forestry owners and representative organisations, that the existing ash dieback support scheme does not go far enough to address the extent of the issue.
She said there are also issues with roadside ash dieback which is “a real safety issue” and called for the Minister to address this.
University of Galway researchers have developed a modular approach to vaccine synthesis, potentially enabling production of a new cancer vaccine prototype.
The study, published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, is a collaboration involving a number of laboratories in Ireland, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, Spain and the US.
The research paper, available here, describes a novel approach and has implications for vaccine design.
The vaccine contains three different components which can be assembled like lego blocks.
The first is a targeting component, a glycocluster, to selectively deliver and increase uptake of the vaccine into the relevant cells of the immune system. The second component is a T-helper epitope in order to to generate long-term immunity.
The third component is a cancer T-antigen containing molecule (MUC-1), in order to stimulate the immune system to generate immunity against cancer associated antigens found on breast tumour cell surfaces.
The incorporation of the glycocluster has led to a much-improved immune response to the vaccine. The glycocluster molecule is comprised of multiple sugars and has a high stickiness or affinity for a receptor (macrophage galactose C-type lectin) on certain immune cells (dendritic cells).
The vaccine is about 10 times stickier when it has the glycocluster than when it is absent, which explains its greater uptake into the immune cells and increased efficacy observed for the vaccine prototype.
The modular or lego-block approach means that other types of glycoclusters targeting other immune cell lectins or T-helper epitopes or tumour antigens could be built and studied in a systematic manner and thus contributes to the field of vaccine design.
The study was primarily carried out by Dr Adele Gabba while she was a PhD student at University of Galway, under the supervision of Professor Paul Murphy, and subsequently as a postdoctoral fellow in the laboratory of Professor Pol Besenius at the Johannes Gutenburg University of Mainz, Germany.
During the PhD study, Adele obtained an EMBO travel award which enable travel to the laboratory of Professor Ulrika Westerlind at Umea University in Sweden where vaccine constructs used in the study were prepared.
Professor Paul Murphy, Established Professor of Chemistry at University of Galway and SFI Investigator said: “I am hugely in debt to all the collaborators for all their contributions, and especially grateful to Dr Adele Gabba, for the persistence she showed throughout, which was the key to the success of this research, spanning her PhD study and a subsequent period as a postdoctoral researcher in Mainz.
“Glycoclusters, after many years of study, are beginning to show applications that benefit health and industry.
“It may even be possible to use the modular approach incorporating glycoclusters to design vaccines for infectious diseases caused by bacteria or viruses or for the targeted delivery of biopharmaceuticals or small molecule drugs to where they are needed.
“Importantly, no adverse effects were observed of the prototype during the study, while the efficacy was improved.”
The research was supported by the Irish Research Council, European Molecular Biology Organisation, Science Foundation Ireland, the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, the Kempe Foundation, as well as the various institutions supporting the researchers who contributed to the paper.
Gardaí are seeking the public’s assistance in tracing the whereabouts of 38-year-old Bernie Muldoon, who is missing from her home in Ballina, Co. Mayo since Friday 2 June.
Bernie left Ballina on Friday to travel to Dublin and stayed overnight in Dundrum. She left Dundrum on Saturday morning to go into the city centre and has not been seen since.
Bernie is described as being approximately 5 foot 3 inches in height with a slim figure, has dark hair and blue eyes.
It is unknown what Bernie was wearing when last seen and Gardaí and Bernie’s family are concerned for her wellbeing.
Anyone with any information on Bernie’s whereabouts are asked to contact Ballina Garda station on 096 20560, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
Playing at an online Bitcoin casino has its upside. For starters, it lets you enjoy super-fast transactions, top-notch security, and optimum privacy. But to play at any crypto gambling site, you need digital coins, which cost money.
But there’s a way out to getting started without spending much. If you don’t have enough to buy digital coins, you can take advantage of free cryptocurrencies that you can use in your favorite casinos. Here are some of them in detail.
Faucets
Some casinos have faucets that allow players to earn free Bitcoin. But there’s a catch. You must complete specified tasks to get free BTC from a crypto casino faucet. These include signing up for an account, transferring BTC to your casino account, transferring money from your casino account to your wallet, selecting specific games, and placing bets.
While choosing a suitable crypto faucet, factor in aspects like how often you can withdraw your coins and the timeline between claims. Remember, although faucets offer free BTC, some sites regulate how and when to claim them.
Airdrops
Some online casino sites use crypto airdrop programs to market digital projects or assets. These programs send a predetermined number of crypto coins to people or wallet addresses that meet specific eligibility requirements.
Many types of crypto airdrops are available today. These include standard airdrop programs that are open to the public and allow interested individuals to perform some tasks and earn cryptocurrencies.
There are also holder airdrops, which award coins to people who hold a particular project’s token. Either way, you can exploit these options and earn BTC for your online casino gambling.
Cloud Mining
Mining BTC is possible but not easy. The standard procedure requires you to solve a hash, which is an incredibly complicated mathematical puzzle. For success, you also need unique, specialized tools like an SSD for crypto mining, graphics processing units (GPUs), and the right Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) chips. And these cost a fortune.
The good news is, through cloud mining, you can still use mining to earn BTC without spending ungodly sums on hardware expenses. Cloud mining lets you mine crypto from data centers, which are maintained by the providers themselves.
Shopping
Forward-thinking companies often use innovative ways to attract Gen Z customers and encourage them to take advantage of loyalty programs. These include offering crypto rewards like free BTC.
Many organizations use this option because cryptocurrency technologies are incredibly popular, especially with the younger generations.
But to enjoy this perk, users must engage in activities like shopping to earn digital coins when shopping from listed online stores. Check them out today. You may win some Bitcoin.
Final Thoughts
Earning free Bitcoin is enticing because it has no significant financial risks. Plus, after getting your digital currencies, you can use them to play your favorite games in reputable Bitcoin casinos, win, and multiply your digital coins even further. And to achieve this, use the faucet, airdrops, and cloud mining strategies.
New applications for the SSE Renewables and Greencoat Renewables Galway Wind Park Community Fund can be submitted from Monday, 12 June until Friday, 7 July.
Applications will be accepted from community groups within 20 km of Galway Wind Park, with preference given to those within 5 km, through at www.sserenewables.com/GalwayFund.
The Galway Wind Park Community Fund launched in 2018 and is the largest annual fund of its kind in the country.
The overall fund, which totals over €400,000 per annum, is paid in annual contributions to local groups and individuals via its Local Fund, Major Projects Fund, and Scholarship Fund.
So far around €2.3 million has been provided to groups around the wind park, including schools, sports clubs and community centres.
Killannin GAA Club benefitted from SSE Renewables funding last year, receiving €2,500 towards funding for inclusion of special needs children in the club.
Cola Murphy, committee member of Killannin GAA for All, said: “Our club came about to address a necessity to include children who have additional needs within our community and allow them to participate in club activities in a safe, fun non-competitive environment.
“Our aim is to help our players develop their physical, intellectual, language, emotional and social skills. The funding towards additional equipment allows a variety of games and enables us to give them the best experience at every session.”
Anne Reynolds, Community Investment Manager for SSE Renewables, said: “We look forward to receiving new applications for the Galway Wind Park Community Fund from communities in vicinity of the Wind Park.
“We’re very proud to be making a difference in the local area in supporting groups like Killannin GAA club that sought to ensure the inclusion of all community members.
“As always, it’s great to see so much of the money going towards improvements for local groups and clubs that wish to provide an inclusive environment for their communities, which is a great way to bring everyone together.”
Patrick Maguire, Head of Asset Management for Greencoat Renewables, said: “We are delighted to provide support once again to local communities and groups through the Galway Wind Park Community Fund.
“The Local Community Fund opens up opportunities for communities to deliver sustainable projects which bring value and growth to rural areas, and which represent true community development. As long-term owners of wind farms in rural areas we are keen to support and build strong relationships with the local community through projects like this.”
Ciaran Maguire, Onshore Wind O&M General Manager Ireland for SSE Renewables, said: “SSE Renewables are proud to again be supporting local groups bringing about change to their communities.
“Through the contributions of SSE Renewables to these communities and the local economy we are able to provide funding to so many diverse groups. The successful groups have worked diligently to deliver transformational projects to their local area.
“We look forward to working with the community once again to help develop and deliver projects that can bring a transformational difference to communities.”
The 174MW Galway Wind Park, co-owned by SSE Renewables and Greencoat Renewables is Ireland’s largest onshore wind farm, generating enough renewable energy to power around 140,000 homes, while offsetting roughly 289,000 tonnes of harmful carbon emissions annually.
Castlehackett National School has announced that the eighth annual ‘Castlehackett 8K’ will take place this year on Sunday, 11 June at 10am.
The event has grown over the years, with over 200 participants completing the race last year, with most people running, some walking and others on bikes and buggies!
All money raised from previous Castlehackett 8K events were put towards the school’s own running track and astro playing surface which has already been developed, and has been a major success.
The next stage of the plan is the covering of the running track with an astro surface.
Those who wish to participate can register on www.castlehackett8k.com – or on the day of the event.
There will be a free technical shirt up to 300 participants, cash prizes for the first three male and female runners, fantastic raffle prizes and refreshments provided.
Thomas O’Connor in training as he takes on the Badwater135 Ultramarathon this July in memory of his sister Dorothy and in support of the National Breast Cancer Research Institute. Photo: Sean Lydon
Accomplished marathon runner Thomas O’Connor will compete in ‘the world’s toughest foot race’ in California next month to help raise funds for the National Breast Cancer Research Institute.
The Badwater135 Ultramarathon is 135 miles long, and begins at Death Valley, 282 feet below sea level.
The runners will cross two mountain ranges and finish with a climb toward Mount Whitney at 8,000 feet.
And if that wasn’t hard enough, Thomas will also have to withstand sweltering average daytime temperatures of 54 degrees.
Having recently completed his 100th marathon, he had to successfully complete a minimum of three 100 miles races before he could even apply to take part in this event.
Hailing from Caherush, Co. Clare, but now working and living in Galway, Thomas knows only too well the impact cancer can have on a family, having lost his eldest sister, Dorothy to cancer 17 years ago.
By coincidence, Dorothy’s anniversary falls on the start of the event, July 4, so Thomas is also honouring her memory while helping to support the work of National Breast Cancer Research Institute, based at the Lambe Institute, University of Galway.
The institute-funded researchers are currently working on major national and international projects to improve the diagnosis and treatment for those diagnosed with breast cancer, where current statistics show that one in seven Irish women will develop breast cancer before they reach the age of 75.
As a radiographer at Blackrock Health Galway Clinic, Thomas understands the importance of research in improving the outcomes for patients.
“The National Breast Cancer Research Institute is a world class facility, based locally but with a far wider impact,” he said.
“It goes about the challenge of understanding cancer as a disease, how it affects us individually and how we respond differently to treatments so that treatments can be tailored specifically for our needs.”
Thomas said that it is truly amazing the wonderful work that goes on there quietly in the background that makes a difference when we need it.
“And the reality is that like my family, and most families I know, we need the knowledge and outcomes of cancer research more than ever.”
Along with his running buddy Ray O’Connar, who was Thomas’ inspiration for taking part, a strong, dedicated support team is also important to help overcome any challenges on the way and achieve success.
Thomas’ crew is led by his sister Miriam, who is rapidly heading toward her 100th marathon herself, his partner Jordan, also a successful marathoner, and his late sister Dorothy’s son, Kevin – who when invited to join his crew, immediately said ‘yes’ and that ‘it sounds like fun’.
“And that is exactly what I need in a crew member; someone to remind me to enjoy myself when the going gets tough and to take in this unique experience that I’m privileged to be a part of,” said Thomas.
Galway County Council has been allocated just over €760,000 in funding for improvements to the roads network on Inis Mór.
The road resurfacing works are part of the first tranche of funding under Minor Capital Works Programme 2023 announced today.
This was announced alongside the new Our Living Islands strategy, meant to guide the development of the islands over the next decade.
“Under Our Living Islands, we are committed to ensuring our islands have proper infrastructure such as piers, roads and playgrounds,” Minister Heather Humphreys said.
“I am therefore delighted to approve this funding of €1.9 million to support improvements to vital infrastructure such on islands in Donegal, Sligo, Mayo, Galway and Cork.”
The funding for roads infrastructure on Inis Mór includes:
The county council has also been allocated €35,100 for works at Cé Chill Mhuirbhigh on Inis Mór.
Other minor works which will improve the Aran Islands for visitors include €6,300 for coin operated telescopes on Inis Meáin, and €4,500 for Railings for Lifeguard Safety & Hut improvements on Inis Oírr.
The Connacht Hotel has recently opened the latest in its stylish dining location with the ultra-modern outdoor space, The Aviary.
This green new space allows for dozens of visitors to enjoy drinks in the open air or savour casual al fresco dining.
The Aviary is the dedicated space for visitors to enjoy an amazing outdoor experience while still having the option of a comfortable enclosed space that lets in ample natural light.
Glass windows can be slid open to allow in a gentle breeze, while the roof can be retracted to welcome in rays of sunshine on fine days.
Ideal for corporate barbeques, day two wedding celebrations, pizza takeaway dining, hen parties, stag dos, business lunches, and various other events, it has a truly multifaceted appeal.
The Aviary is open from 9 am daily, serving food from 5 pm in the midweek and 12 noon during the weekends. When the weather is fine, delicious lunch options can be served in this space and the roof can be rolled back to let in a refreshing breeze as you sip on a beverage.
With three televisions, The Aviary at The Connacht Hotel would also be a fantastic place to gather a group of mates and watch the important game on the big screen.
The Aviary at The Connacht Hotel complements the pre-existing Rueben’s Restaurant and Bar Solo which is where guests and visitors alike can enjoy a variety of delicious courses made with skill and flair by talented chefs.
“It’s fantastic to have this space finally open and I’m looking forward to welcoming lots of people into The Aviary over the coming days, weeks, and months,” said David O’ Connor, General Manager at The Connacht Hotel.
“When the roof slides back on sunny days, I can see lots of people getting great enjoyment out of this elegant space, especially if they’re also enjoying the food made by our wonderful culinary team here.
“The Connacht Hotel is always seeking ways to expand and improve its offerings for our guests and customers, and we’re confident that The Aviary will do just that,” he added.
Serious concerns have been raised about the allocation of school transport bus tickets ahead of the next school year.
Galway East TD Seán Canney said in the Dáil that he had recently attended a public meeting in Abbeyknockmoy concerned with school transport.
Dozens of families who had gotten school bus tickets in previous years were “pushed out” of the system this year by a “late, ill-thought-out” cost of living measure.
The allocation of school bus tickets is leaving many families forced to rent private buses at a cost of €850 per child.
“The meeting was held because the school bus application process is coming to an end and payments have to be made by 9 June, after which ticket allocations will be made to parents.”
“The fear is that there will be many more people on the road trying to get to school even while school buses are not full because the people allocated tickets have not taken them up.”
“People will be driving in cars after these buses to bring their children to school. This is an ill-thought-out way of providing school transport.”
Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe said that reducing the cost of school transport was an “important intervention” in the cost of living crisis.
“The measures from last year that the Deputy referred to resulted from a decision to reduce the charge to €50 per student at primary level and €75 per student at post-primary level, with a cap per family of €125.”
“First, that was an important intervention from the Government to try to help with the cost of living, and with what we know is one of the biggest daily costs in people’s lives, which is the cost of transport.”
The Minister said that a review of school transport scheme is currently underway, but that until it is completed, the government can only ensure that those eligible under the current scheme have their needs met.
Deputy Canney acknowledged that the scheme works to a “certain extent”, but added that every TD has received queries in recent months, “from people who previously were getting concessionary tickets and who were refused them last year.”
“The bus was passing them by, where people had not taken up their allocation of tickets and there were seats on the bus.”
“The school transport team on the ground was taking the brunt of the anger from parents about this, which was totally unfair as well.”
He also noted that Newtown National School in Abbeyknockmoy, where the public meeting aired these concerns, feeds into Holy Rosary College, Mountbellew, where all 6th class students are due to attend next year.
“Will the Department of Education provide the necessary buses to make sure that our children can get to school without their parents having to pay for it?”
People in Galway are being urged to be mindful of how much water they use amidst the recent dry spell and warm weather.
The current weather has seen demand for water across the county increase significantly leading to production issues at water treatment plants.
Eoin Hughes with Uisce Eireann said that extended periods of dry weather place strain on water supplies.
“Any reduction that customers can make in their usage can collectively result in significant supply improvements for all customers.”
“I would ask that consumers in Galway play their part to help conserve water during this dry period and throughout the summer.”
“Several of our water treatment plants are operating at almost full capacity, so we are appealing to our customers to be mindful of their water usage and avoid non-essential use of the drinking water supply during this most recent period of dry weather.”
This will ensure that there is a sufficient water supply for everyone, he added, including for tourists.
Overnight water restrictions have already been imposed on Inis Oírr in order to maintain reservoir levels.
Restrictions are in place on the Aran Island from 11pm each night to 7am in the morning.
There are tips on how to conserve water in your home on Uisce Éireann’s conservation page.
Betting has been an integral part of Irish culture for centuries. This is traceable from traditional horse racing to modern-day casinos and online platforms. The Irish gambling industry has undergone significant changes in recent years. As a result, it has been massively adopted across the country. The rise in the sector can be attributed to various factors. This includes legislative changes, advancements in technology, and evolving societal attitudes. However, there are also challenges and potential risks that put them in check. This article explores the changing gambling landscape in Ireland. It also unveils the key elements that contributed to the country’s rise in the wagering industry.
Overview of Irish Gambling History
The betting’s background in Ireland can be dated back to Conaire Mór, who reigned centuries ago. The people strongly believed in luck and fate, and gambling was seen as a way to connect with the supernatural forces that governed their lives. During the 17th and 18th centuries, horse racing was prevalent among upper-class Irish gamblers. Meanwhile, at the time, the country was under British rule. Not long after, in the 19th century, the land-based counterpart of casinos with 1 euro deposit began to spring up in Ireland. The first traditional game provider, Monte-Carlo Casino, started operation in 1863. This created a platform for people to try their luck playing various games of chance like roulette, blackjack, and poker.
In the 20th century, bookmakers became a prominent part of Irish gambling. They offer betting services on horse racing, greyhound racing, and other sporting events. Between 1920 and 1931, gambling shops expanded across the country. As a result, the Betting Act was introduced to regulate their activities and ensure they were conducted fairly and honestly.
In 1986, the Irish government introduced the National Lottery. But, it began operations on March 27, 1987, when it issued its first scratchcards. It was used to generate funds for various charitable causes and projects. Since the lottery was established, it has generated over 4.9 million euros while offering players the chance to win huge prizes. However, the internet’s introduction in the late 20th century transformed the Irish gambling industry. It led to the emergence of online casinos, offering various betting options to players. This includes sports betting, slot machines, and table games. Its convenience and accessibility appeal to a wide demographic of players today.
The Emergence of Online Gambling in Ireland
Before the rise of remote operators, the industry’s state was not enticing. There were few betting shops and a relatively small range of gambling options. Players had to visit casinos or bookmakers to place their bets physically. This posed geographical and logistical constraints, which discouraged several people. Moreover, the land-based operators often had restricted operating hours. A major factor that limits players’ flexibility and accessibility.
Online gambling’s introduction changed this landscape dramatically. It paved the way for players to gamble from anywhere using internet-enabled devices. The platforms offered various options, including casino games and sports betting. This provides an unprecedented level of choice and convenience for players. It allowed operators to reach a larger audience, including those from different locations. Thus, it results in increased revenue potential. The following are some attributes of the Irish online gambling industry.
Wide selection of games.
Enhanced user experience.
Promotions and bonuses.
Irish currency and language support.
Payment methods that are friendly to players in Ireland.
Mobile gaming.
Regulation and Taxation of Remote Gambling Operators
Game providers that offer online wagering services to Irish customers are subject to the Betting Act 2015. It requires remote operators to get a license from the Irish Revenue Commissioners. But the game providers need to meet specific criteria before getting licensed. These include demonstrating financial stability and implementing reliable gambling measures. The remote operators in Ireland are subject to taxation on their gross gaming revenue. The current tax regime, introduced in 2015, imposes a 1% tax on the total number of bets placed on remote gaming services by customers in Ireland.
Recent Trends in Irish Gambling Laws
There have been new twists in the regulations governing betting activities in Ireland. These result from the government’s commitment to creating a safe and transparent gambling environment. This creates a better way of adapting to the industry’s evolution. Here are the latest trends to stay updated and effectively navigate the Irish betting legal landscape.
Gambling Control Bill
The comprehensive law aims to replace the outdated laws governing the industry. It proposes launching an independent regulatory authority instead of the Irish Revenue Commissioners. The new regulators will be responsible for licensing and overseeing all gambling activities in Ireland. The bill also introduces provisions to safeguard gamblers’ interests with stricter enforcement.
Online Gambling Regulation
The rise of digital wagering has prompted the Irish government to focus on regulating the industry. Currently, online game providers have to get licenses and pay taxes in Ireland. However, the proposed Gambling Control Bill will strengthen these regulations. It provides a clearer online betting licensing, taxation, and player protection framework.
Advertising Restrictions
The Irish gambling laws emphasize the government’s efforts to combat money laundering. Game providers are required to put robust AML measures in place. These include customer due diligence, transaction monitoring, and reporting suspicious activities.
AML and Financial Regulation
The Irish gambling laws emphasize the government’s efforts to combat money laundering. Due to this, the operators are required to put robust AML measures in place. These include customer due diligence, transaction monitoring, and reporting suspicious activities.
Exploring the Future of Irish Gambling
The betting industry in Ireland has evolved from its historical roots to the modern era of online gaming. But there are still many untapped potentials that could shape the industry’s future. Some of these are listed below:
Online Gambling Dominance
Internet betting is expected to continue growing in Ireland. The future will likely see more online gambling operators entering the market. This will promote innovative games, enhanced user experiences, and personalized services.
Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, have revolutionized the betting industry. They offer increased security, privacy, and faster transactions. The Irish gambling sector may experience a surge in crypto-focused online casinos.
Virtual and Augmented Reality
VR provides immersive and interactive experiences. It allows players to enter virtual casinos and engage in realistic gameplay. Meanwhile, AR combines digital elements with the real world. As a result, it creates a unique and engaging gambling environment. As the industry advances, operators may explore these technologies. With this, they will be able to attract a new generation of tech-savvy gamblers.
Enhanced Responsible Gambling
There will be more emphasis on betting safely, with strict guidelines to enforce preventive measures. Hence, self-exclusion programs, deposit limits, and age verification will be easily implemented. As the industry grows, regulators can detect and prevent betting-related harm. So, several addiction cases may be addressed in time.
Conclusion
Irish gambling has experienced a remarkable boost in recent years. It is now more accessible to players than ever before. While the industry has made significant progress, it remains committed to continuous improvement. Hence, the gambling landscape has changed to create a safer and more secure gaming environment for players. This ensures customer protection, responsible gambling practices, and fair play. The developments in the industry will continue to shape the betting landscape. It’ll ensure Irish players have a diverse and enjoyable gaming experience.
University Hospital Galway is hosting a special mass for parents who have suffered the loss of a child next Sunday.
Parents and their families who have experienced the death of a child before birth, shortly after birth or at a later stage are invited to attend and remember their loved ones.
The Mass of Remembrance, which is organised by the UHG Children’s Remembrance Day Committee, will take place on Sunday, June 11 at 2.30pm in Church of Mary Immaculate Queen, Barna.
The theme for this year’s mass is “Remembered with love”. The guest speaker John Kelly, beavered father, will reflect on this theme.
During the Mass, Books of Remembrance with the names of those who have died will be presented to the Altar. The readings and reflections for the Mass are chosen specially with the congregation in mind.
The Chairperson of the Children’s Remembrance Day Committee, Maura Mannion, says, “There is a need for a special day for parents and families to share their grief in an understanding and empathetic environment.”
“I would encourage anybody who would like their loved one to be included in this special Mass to contact us in advance. Support lets the bereaved person know that there are people there that they can call on
“Following the Mass, light refreshments will be served in the Cillin attached to the church and the committee look forward to meeting with families to listen to their stories as they share their memories.”
The Children’s Remembrance Day Committee was formed 27 years ago. Every year a special Mass takes place for those who have died and the Books of Remembrance will be available for viewing after Mass.
If you would like further information on the Special Children’s Remembrance Day Mass, please contact Vivian Roche Fahy on 087 9684271 or Anne McKeown on 087 4418574.
Traffic disruption is expected in the Doughiska area of Galway City for three evenings this week due to roadworks taking place.
Galway City Council is carrying out resurfacing works on the Doughiska Road (South) between the junctions of the Old Dublin Rd and Ros Caoin.
To facilitate these works, JMS ltd will be implenting a one-way system commencing Tuesday, June 6 for three evenings between 6pm and Midnight each evening.
Access to the area will be from the Old Dublin Rd as seen below.
Thousands of homes in Connemara are without power this morning after Storm Bert brought heavy wind and rain overnight.
Power outages are continuing to affect...
Uisce Eireann has issued a Boil Water Notice for more than 2,000 properties in Connemara resulting from issues cause Storm Bert.
The notice has been...
