Gardaí are seeking the public’s assistance in finding 47-year-old Jason Williams, who has been missing from his home in Castlrea, Co. Roscommon since 16 April.
Jason is described as approximately 5’5″ in height, of slim build and has short sandy hair.
When last seen he was wearing a blue/white striped polo shirt, navy jeans and runners. He has access to a white 131D registered Peugeot Partner van.
Gardaí and Jason’s family are concerned for his welfare and are appealing for assistance in locating him.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Castlerea Garda Station on 094 962 1630, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
Gardaí carried out a search of a house in the West of Ireland this week in a crackdown on human trafficking, organised prostitution and money laundering.
A number of people were identified and spoken to during two searches in the west and south of the country on Wednesday, and material was recovered which will serve as evidence.
This material will be provided to the Romanian authorities, who are the lead authority in the investigation.
The searches were carried out during a joint day of action between gardaí and their colleagues in Romania and the UK, targeting the activities of an organised crime group involved in human trafficking, organised prostitution and money laundering.
EUROJUST provided support to set up and fund a joint investigation team into the case and facilitated judicial cross-border cooperation.
The operation was also supported by assistance and collaboration with EUROPOL. Gardaí were accompanied by colleagues from Romania who were present in Ireland.
Speaking about the operation, Detective Chief Superintendent, Colm Noonan, said that gardaí continue to proactively engage with International Law Enforcement partners to protect the most vulnerable persons in our societies.
“Human Trafficking for sexual exploitation is a heinous crime, exploiting another human being for the commercial benefit of the trafficker,” he said.
“An Garda Síochána is determined to ensure that this type of crime is identified and investigated at every opportunity.”
Detective Chief Superintendent Colm Noonan appealed to anyone who may be the victim of Human Trafficking and is in a position to reach out for help, to please contact An Garda Síochána on 999/112.
“I am conscious that not every victim may be in a position to do so, I would appeal to any persons who know of a possible victim of Human Trafficking or suspects human trafficking to contact An Garda Síochána, provide us with the information, let us investigate the suspicions.”
Spanish travel agents during their visit to Ireland, with Cristina Espejo, Tourism Ireland (left).
Pic – Melissa Mannion
A group of Spanish travel agents has been visiting Galway and Ireland this week, as guests of Tourism Ireland, Fáilte Ireland and major Spanish tour operator Icárion.
The aim of the trip is to showcase some of the many sustainable tourism experiences available in Ireland to the Spanish travel professionals, as well as to highlight our rich culture and heritage, spectacular scenery and fantastic food and drink offering.
Their action-packed itinerary included a tour of Galway with Galway Food Tours, which also visited Galway City Distillery.
The group stayed overnight at the Salthill Hotel before visiting Slow Cabins Ireland in the Burren Lowlands.
Susan Bolger, Tourism Ireland’s Manager Spain, said they were delighted to welcome the group of Spanish travel agents to Galway and Ireland.
She said that it is an excellent opportunity to showcase some of our sustainable tourism experiences, as well as our superb visitor attractions, food and scenery.
“Our aim is that the travel agents will be more enthusiastic than ever about the destination when they return home – helping to secure a greater share of their business for Ireland in 2023 and beyond.”
“Sustainability will be at the heart of Tourism Ireland’s work over the coming years. As well as focusing on the economic sustainability of the tourism industry (the contribution overseas tourism makes to economic prosperity and, in particular, to jobs and livelihoods), Tourism Ireland’s strategy also has social sustainability (the benefit that communities across the island experience from overseas tourism) and environmental sustainability at its core.”
Spain is the fifth-largest market for overseas tourism to the island of Ireland.
In 2019, we welcomed 431,000 visitors from Spain to the island of Ireland, who spent €218 million during their time here.
Salah Hammouri speaking in Dublin on Wednesday night (April 19), courtesy of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign.
An acclaimed Palestinian lawyer and human rights defender whose deportation from his homeland last December caused shock waves across the globe is coming to Galway to deliver a talk on Tuesday evening.
Salah Hammouri was interned without trial for seven months before Israel deported him from Jerusalem, the city of his birth, in what Amnesty International described as a “war crime” and a clear breach of international law.
The son of a French mother and a Palestinian father, Hammouri was expelled to France on December 18 last. Since then, he has found that the French Government has tried to silence him by enforcing the banning or cancellation of speaking events involving Hammouri in his adopted country.
The Galway talk at Richardson’s, Eyre Square, on Tuesday, April 25, is Hammouri’s final engagement on a whistle-stop tour of Ireland which has included public meetings in Dublin, Navan, Omagh, Belfast, and Ennis over the course of a week.
Hammouri is a lawyer and researcher at Addameer Prisoner Support and Human Rights Association, an NGO which provides support to Palestinian prisoners. Addameer is one of seven human rights organisations which were designated as “terrorist entities” by the state of Israel in October 2021.
The following August, Israeli forces raided and closed down the offices of Addameer. Hammouri was in administrative detention, being held without charge or trial, at the time. He was held without charge from March to December, when he was deported, under a system of detention which has been compared to internment in Northern Ireland in the 1970s.
Salah has spent nine years, about half of his adult life, in Israeli prisons. The revocation of Salah’s residency status in East Jerusalem, the city of his birth, has been described as a war crime by Amnesty International.
“The deportation of Salah Hammouri demonstrates the Israeli authorities’ utter disdain for international law, and illustrates the discriminatory laws and policies which form the heart of the apartheid system,” said Diana Eltahawy, Amnesty’s Deputy Director for the Middle East and North Africa.
“Salah Hammouri’s plight over the past year is one that no Jewish Israeli will ever be subjected to: he was deported and stripped of his residency status under a law which was tailor-made to enable the expulsion of Palestinians.”
A 2018 amendment to the Entry Into Israel Law gives the Israeli Minister of the Interior the power to revoke the status of “permanent residents” of Jerusalem who are considered to have “breached allegiance” to the State of Israel.
Only Palestinians are classified as permanent residents. This power is used in neighbourhoods of East Jerusalem such as Sheikh Jarrah, where Palestinian residents are expelled (and have their homes demolished) in order to make way for illegal Israeli settlements.
Protest at the Spanish arch on New Year’s Eve. Photo: Ciaran Tierney
Addameer, established in 1991, supports political prisoners held in both Israeli and Palestinian prisons. The centre monitors the number of prisoners being held, offers free legal aid, and advocats for their rights at both national and international levels, as well as working to end torture and violations of human rights.
The organisation estimates there are currently 4,900 political prisoners from Palestine, including more than 1,000 administrative detainees who are being held without any charge or trial.
Israel’s declaration that Addameer is a “terrorist entity” has been rejected by the Irish Government and other governments across the European Union.
Hammouri’s life has been defined by the occupation of his country. He was first shot and jailed by Israeli forces at the age of just 16 and, at 37 years of age, had spent nine years of his life in Israeli prisons before his deportation to his mother’s native country.
The talk at Richardson’s will alllow a Galway audience to hear first-hand about the difficulties faced by a human rights lawyer in Palestine, his work on behalf of political prisoners, and the role the Israeli system plays in Israel’s system of Apartheid. It is estimated that 800,000 Palestinians have been detained by the Israeli military since the occupation of Palestinian territories began in 1967.
Since his forced exile to Paris, Hammouri has found that public talks he was invited to give were cancelled or banned in the cities of Nancy and Lyon. The Israeli Embassy in Paris wrote to the Mayor of Lyon to call on the city to pull out of an event because of his involvement.
In another case in February, the organiser of a pro-Palestine event in Versailles was told by a French intelligence agent that it would be banned if Hammouri was to take part. The event was due to discuss Amnesty International’s classification of Israel as an Apartheid state in a comprehensive 2022 report and, as it happened, Hammouri was not among the guest speakers.
Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention prohibits an occupying power from deporting protected persons from the occupied territory or forcibly transferring them within the territory.
It also prohibits the occupying power from transferring its own civilian population into an occupied territory – which Israel constantly through its policy of illegal settlements in East Jerusalem and the West Bank.
“Aspects of Salah Hammouri’s experience will be familiar to all Palestinians who live under Israeli control – whether it’s harassment, family separation, or the trauma of being forced from their homes. Salah Hammouri’s case is a reminder that Israel’s justice system is purpose-built to oppress and dominate Palestinians,” said Amnesty’s Diana Eltahawy.
She said that his high profile as a human rights lawyer, campaigining on behalf of political prisoners, put him at “particular risk” of being targeted by the Israeli authorities.
The talk at Richardson’s next Tuesday is being organised by the Galway Palestinian Solidarity Campaign and Salah will be joined by Rania Muhareb, an Irish Research Council and Hardiman PhD scholar at the Irish Centre for Human Rights here in Galway. Rania is also originally from Palestine.
Ciaran Tierney is a digital journalist, a language planning officer, and an award-winning current affairs blogger. Find him at http://ciarantierney.com/ and on Twitter @ciarantierney
Connacht have announced their squad for this weekend’s match against Glasgow, with four changes made to the squad that beat Cardiff.
This Saturday’s clash at the Sportsground will be Connacht’s final URC game before the playoffs.
John Porch returns from injury to take his place on the right wing, replacing Diarmuid Kilgallen who has picked up a hamstring strain.
With Jarrad Butler out due to an injury of his own, Oisín Dowling is taking his place in the second row, with Josh Murphy moving to blindside flanker and and Cian Prendergast to number 8.
Two big losses for Connacht are Mack Hansen and Bundee Aki, both of whom have been taken out of consideration by illness.
This means that stepping in for them are Byron Ralston, his first start since an ankle injury in January, and Cathal Forde.
Connacht head into the game knowing a win would guarantee at least a 6th place finish regardless of results elsewhere, which effectively ensures Heineken Champions Cup rugby next season.
A win would also be Connacht’s 7th straight in the United Rugby Championship, which would be an all-time record for the club in the 20+ year history of the competition.
Speaking following the team announcement, Director of Rugby Andy Friend said, “Enormous credit must go to the players, coaches and all of the backroom staff that we currently find ourselves in this position.”
“Our backs were against the wall after the start we had, so to produce six straight wins – with each game more important than the last – speaks volumes of the character of the group.”
“We can’t wait for the playoffs but for now it’s all about finishing as high as we can and bringing Champions Cup rugby back to The Sportsground next season.”
“There’ll be plenty of external noise as the results come in tomorrow, but for us the objective won’t change regardless of what happens elsewhere.”
“We know a win gives us at least 6th which would be enough for qualification, so that’s what we’re aiming for.”
CONNACHT RUGBY MATCHDAY 23 VS GLASGOW WARRIORS Saturday 22nd April, 19:35 @ The Sportsground
Some significant disruption is expected to regular scheduled train services between Galway and Dublin this Saturday due to works on the rail line.
Irish Rail is carrying out engineering works on the line between Hazelhatch and Sallins this Saturday, April 22.
Because of this, a number of scheduled train services going both ways have been cancelled tomorrow.
Several other trains have had additional stops added to the journey, while others will have bus transfers for the leg of the journey between Galway and Athlone.
Irish Rail has listed the following services which are being affected by the engineering works:
07:35 Heuston to Galway will call additionally at Hazelhatch and Sallins
09:25 Heuston to Galway is deferred to 10:00, will call additionally at Hazelhatch, Sallins, Newbridge, Kildare and Monasterevin
11:25 Heuston to Galway will call additionally at Hazelhatch, Sallins, Newbridge, Kildare, Monasterevin and Clara
13:25 Heuston to Galway is deferred to 14:10, will call additionally at Hazelhatch, Sallins, Newbridge, Kildare and Monasterevin
15:35 Heuston to Galway is deferred to 16:15, will call additionally at Hazelhatch, Sallins, Newbridge, Kildare and Monasterevin, bus transfers direct from Athlone to Galway, second bus transfer from Athlone to Athenry and Galway, third bus transfer from Athlone to Ballinasloe, Athenry and Galway
16:30 Heuston to Galway is cancelled
17:10 Heuston to Athlone is cancelled
17:30 Heuston to Galway is deferred to 18:15, will call additionally at Hazelhatch, Kildare and Monasterevin, bus transfers direct from Athlone to Galway, second bus transfer from Athlone to Athenry and Galway, third bus transfer from Athlone to Ballinasloe, Athenry, Oranmore and Galway
18:30 Heuston to Galway is cancelled
19:35 Heuston to Galway is deferred to 20:20, will call additionally at Hazelhatch, Sallins, Newbridge, Kildare and Monasterevin, bus transfers direct from Athlone to Galway, second bus transfer from Athlone to Athenry and Galway, third bus transfer from Athlone to Ballinasloe, Athenry, Oranmore and Galway
06:25 Galway to Heuston is cancelled
07:30 Galway to Heuston will call additionally at Clara, Monasterevin, Kildare, Newbridge and Hazelhatch
09:30 Galway to Heuston is deferred to 09:55, will call additionally at Monasterevin, Kildare, Newbridge, Sallins and Hazelhatch
11:05 Galway to Heuston is deferred to 11:35, will call additionally at Monasterevin, Kildare, Newbridge, Sallins and Hazelhatch
13:05 Galway to Heuston is deferred to 13:15, will call additionally at Monasterevin, Kildare, Newbridge, Sallins and Hazelhatch
15:05 Galway to Heuston is deferred to 15:10, will call additionally at Monasterevin, Sallins and Hazelhatch
17:20 Galway to Heuston will be bus transfers departing at 17:00 direct from Galway to Athlone, second bus transfer departing at 17:00 from Galway to Oranmore, Athenry, Ballinasloe and Athlone, train departing at 18:52 from Athlone to Heuston calling additionally at Monasterevin, Sallins and Hazelhatch
18:10 Galway to Athlone will be substituted by bus transfers departing at 18:00 direct from Galway to Athlone, second bus transfer departing at 18:00 from Galway to Athenry, Ballinasloe and Athlone, third bus transfer departing at 18:00 from Galway to Oranmore, Athenry, Ballinasloe and Athlone
19:20 Galway to Heuston will be bus transfers departing at 19:00 direct from Galway to Athlone, second bus transfer departing at 19:00 from Galway to Oranmore, Athenry, Ballinasloe and Athlone, train departing at 20:52 from Athlone to Heuston calling additionally at Monasterevin, Kildare, Newbridge, Sallins and Hazelhatch
Roscommon-Galway TD Claire Kerrane has rubbished claims that farmers are concerned as to the tax implications of a Sinn Féin government.
She said that a front page story in this week’s Irish Farmers Journal misrepresents her party’s policy as well as comments from the reported meeting.
Deputy Kerrane said that those who want to maintain the status-quo are ‘clearly attempting to scare farmers.’
She said that Sinn Féin is “absolutely committed to maintaining existing tax reliefs available to farmers.”
“Farm organisations know this and any financial advisor worth their fees should know this.”
Deputy Kerrane said the primary concern regarding agricultural tax reliefs is the frustrating manner in which they are currently extended — often months after budget day.
“Under Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, many farmers have seen their incomes drop, CAP supports reduced while uncertainties for the future have increased. Sinn Féin will strive to reverse those trends,” she said.
“The front-page headline and story in today’s Irish Farmers Journal misrepresents Sinn Féin’s position and, we believe, the commentary at the reported meeting. We were not asked for comment prior to its publication.
“I have spoken to farmers who attended the meeting and they tell me that there was no reference to Sinn Féin at all at the meeting.”
Deputy Kerrane said that Sinn Féin will be engaging with the Irish Farmers Journal to seek clarification on these matters.
U13s Irish Squash Squad. L-R - Coach Andrew Gillespie, David Connell, Lucy Lynch, Laya Sabry, Rebecca Day, Eoin Mullery, Ben Lynch and Jack Clery
Young athletes from Galway are doing the country proud with a strong presence at the 5 Nations Squash tournament in Edinburgh this weekend.
The Irish Junior Squash teams have been selected after a highly competitive year of tournaments in every province.
After a showing of commitment throughout the season, many Galway players have risen to the top in order to represent Ireland.
The entire boys U13 Irish team is made up of four players from Galway Lawn Tennis Club (GLTC) Eoin Mullery, Ben Lynch, David Connell and Jack Clery.
L-R: David Connell, Eoin Mullery, Ben Lynch, Lucy Lynch and Jack Clery, U13s players from Galway Lawn Tennis Club
Ben’s twin sister Lucy Lynch is also representing Ireland girls U13 along with Laya Sabry (Sutton LTC) and Rebecca Day (Waterford).
These players are a credit to their super squash coach Dave Noone in GLTC who has harnessed their ability and competitive spirit and they are proud and excited to represent their club and country.
“I’m delighted for this group of talented athletes, they’ve worked hard over the years and playing for Ireland is as high an award you ask for.”
“Hopefully it’s just the start of great things to come,” David Noone said.
The 5 Nations Squash Tournament is an annual round robin style competition between Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales and France.
This young players tournament has athletes compete in the under 13s and under 15s categories.
The 2023 5 Nations will take place at Edinburgh Sports Club this weekend from Friday to Sunday, April 21 – 23.
A appeal has been lodged against the county council’s refusal to grant planning for a residential development of 70 homes in Oranmore.
A planning application was made by BRTW Oranmore 2 Ltd for 40 houses and 30 apartments on a 1.94ha site next to the N67, at Oranhill, Oranmore.
The site is bordered by the existing Cill Clocha housing estate to the north, and the N67 to the east.
A new north-south distributor road connecting the lands to the N67 is currently under construction, and access to the estate would be off this road.
A three storey apartment block, with a landscaped central courtyard, was be located at the entrance to the estate next to the N67.
This would contain 10 one-bedroom units, 15 two-bed apartments, and 5 three-bedroom apartments.
The county council refused planning permission citing the density of the proposal, and concerns about its design on a prominent approach to the town.
The council also said that the development plans had “poor quality and insufficient” landscaping and open space, which would affect future residents, and was dominated by roads.
The decision also said that sufficient information had not been provided to show that the local road network could accommodate additional traffic at the N67 junction.
Three public submissions objecting to the project were also received by the county council
That decision has been appealed to An Bord Pleanála, which is due to make a decision on this planning appeal by August 14 of this year.
Megaslam Wrestling match in Grimsby. Photo: Brightflame Media & Megaslam
Wrestling mania is coming to Galway this week with the a titanic clash of a show in Tuam on Saturday evening.Wrestling mania is coming to Galway this week with the a titanic clash of a show in Tuam on Saturday evening.
The Megaslam Wrestling tour is following up on the success of its first Irish tour last November, and the entertainment extravaganza is coming to Galway this week.
The tour’s next stop is in Tuam this Saturday, April 22 with an evening of family entertainment at the Mall Theatre.
Organisers who brought the renowned touring event to Ireland for the very first time in November said it was a ’smash hit’ and urged them to book in more dates spanning the country in 2023.
“The first 5 date tour in November was an incredible success,” said spokesperson for Megaslam Brad Taylor.
“There was a huge hunger from fans in Ireland to bring Megaslam to the country and we are glad we did, all dates were sold out in advance.”
“We are scheduled to present more than 30 dates in Ireland for 2023 and the team are excited to be heading back with some incredible line ups”
“You do not necessarily need to be a Wrestling fan to enjoy our events, the show appeals to all the family who are just looking for a spectacular family experience, we guarantee that you will want to come back”.
Two teams will battle it out during the evening with fans being urged to cheer on their favourites.
“For Team Megaslam we have the Megaslam Machine, Massimo – a muscle bound giant of the ring from Italy, Ireland’s own Alexander Dean and popular star Prince Ali”.
“Opposing them will be Team Nasty, Megaslam Champion Ricky Regan, ‘Wrestling Royalty’ Jason Moore plus many more stars from across the globe, making this a truly international spectacular”.
“We are bringing the full Megaslam experience to Ireland. The vast majority of our events post-covid have sold out and we fully expect the Ireland Tour to do the same”.
Tickets for the 7:30pm show this Saturday start from just €5, and are still available to book online at https://www.megaslam.co.uk.
Two sean-nós singers from Connemara will headline the latest episode of TG4’s new music series Bláth na hÓige.
The series follow these young singers at this early stage of their musical careers, where they collaborate under the musical direction of renowned sean-nós singer Síle Denvir, herself also from Connemara, and the illustrious fiddle player Colm Mac Con Iomaire.
Working from Stiúideo Cuan in An Spidéal, they will explore and work together to make their own sound from our unique sean-nós tradition.
The series began last week, and this Thursday’s episode features sibling duo Séamus and Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta from An Áird Mhóir, Carna.
Born into a village at the heart of the Gaeltacht region, they were fortunate enough to have been immersed in the traditions of Irish music, song and dance from a very young age.
Keen vocalists, multi-instrumentalists and dancers, their mother tongue, Gaeilge, is often at the heart of their musical performances and other endeavours.
Caoimhe began playing music and singing at the age of four. Broadening her musical abilities in later years, she developed into a multi-instrumentalist.
Developing the sean-nós singing style native to her area, she also began experimenting with other styles and genres.
She has received many accolades at numerous music competitions across the country, including county and provincial titles as well as two All-Ireland titles at the tender age of 14.
Caoimhe has been privileged to share the stage with renowned performers and has amassed a vast repertoire of songs, ballads and tunes over the years.
Since the age of 16, Séamus has been making waves on stages around the world; performing in Asia, North America and throughout mainland Europe.
He has had the privilege of performing with Ireland’s finest performers at prestigious festivals across the globe – most recently as a guest musician on the 25th Anniversary Tour of Riverdance at Radio City Music Hall, NYC.
Accumulating a total of 23 All Ireland Titles from the age of 7, Séamus has performed alongside the finest ambassadors of Irish Music and has contributed to numerous albums to date.
The duo received great attention for their unique take on a Sean-nós song, “Eleanór na Rún”, on TG4’s “Fleadh 2020”.
Congestion charges in Galway City should not be considered until the Ring Road is in development, and public transport has been sorted out.
City Councillor Alan Cheevers said as much in response to proposals by Green Party leader and Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan this week.
Minister Ryan brought a memo to Cabinet this week seeking approval for measures to reduce car usage.
The National Demand Management Strategy may well examine creating car free zones and introducing congestion charges in urban areas.
However, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said in the Dail this week that there were no plans to introduce charges in the foreseeable future.
Cllr Alan Cheevers has asked the Taoiseach and Tanaiste to insist on the Outer Ring Road in Galway, and the Limerick-Cork motorway to be included in the strategy for car free zones
“If you look at the current situation with Galway City, we have gridlock with traffic which is seriously affecting our commuters and our residents, and long term, our economic growth and businesses.”
“I believe what we need to see is a collective suite of measures including the outer ring Road to take cars away from the City as well as proper bus services and a commuter rail link.”
He added that three to four years for the introduction of park and ride or commuter rail in Galway is not soon enough, as is the 2028 expected delivery date of the Dublin Road Bus Connects project.
The award-winning Galway Food Tours is taking visitors behind the curtain this summer to meet the people responsible for the city’s mouth watering delights.
The Meet the Maker tour will combine food and the unique characters in Galway who bring the best of what is on offer to life.
Kicking it all off is Mike Browne on Thursday, April 20, the charming oyster guy, who you will instantly fall for.
An artist and gaeilgeoir, Mike has had a stall selling oysters on Galway’s famous market for over 17 years.
He will talk you through what is involved in getting the oysters from these shores to our plates…while serving you the freshest local oysters!
After meeting Mike, you will take a short walk to one of Galway’s award-winning restaurants for a delicious meal and wine pairing…finishing the evening off with a nightcap in our favourite local bar!
The second event in the series of tours will see people meet Teresa Roche of the award-winning Kylemore Farmhouse Cheese.
Teresa is a qualified nurse who returned from overseas to start her business on the family farm, using only cattle born and reared on the farm.
A fourth generation dairy farmer, Teresa’s family have been farming their land for over 200 years.
Galway West TD Éamon Ó Cuív’s bill which would see the opening of safe deposit boxes held by banks for more than 80 years will be debated in the Dáil tomorrow, Thursday.
Deputy Ó Cuív proposes to open the safe deposit boxes in banks starting with the old deposits and examining them before creating a property register.
Ahead of the debate, Ó Cuív said that the first Irish banks opened in Ireland at the end of the eighteenth century and since then many banks have held safe deposit boxes.
It is believed these boxes, many of which are unclaimed, could hold items of historical interest.
“In the event of no owner being identified, my Bill proposes that those of historical interest should be transferred to the National Museum of Ireland while any cash not claimed should be lodged into the Dormant Accounts Fund,” said the Fianna Fáil TD.
“This bill set out the legal framework under which this can be done safeguarding property rights but also acting in the interests of the common good.”
Galway City Council has awarded grants totalling €400,000 to 58 arts organisations in the city for 2023.
The grants to the arts organisations will help keep them in business, reward them for the great work achieved on and offline, and assist them in developing programmes in the future.
The Council agreed to make the full arts budget available to arts organisations, artists and arts workers in the city.
Galway City Council said that it values the powerful projects and programmes delivered right throughout the city in participation, access and diversity.
Applicants and awards
IARRATASÓIR / APPLICANT
DUAIS 2023 AWARD
126 Artist Run Gallery
€ 11,000
An Taibhdhearc
€ 4,250
Architecture at the Edge
€ 4,000
Artspace Studios
€ 10,500
Baboró International Arts Festival for Children
€ 20,000
Blue Teapot Theatre Co
€ 5,000
Branar
€ 8,000
Brothers of Charity Galway – Programmes: That’s Life and Arts Alive
Applications have opened for SUSI grants for the 2023 – 2024 academic year this week, with some changes to the grant scheme for the upcoming academic year.
Budget 2023 increased the income limit from €55,240 to €62,000 for the 50% student contribution grant.
There is also a new student contribution grant of €500 for incomes between €62,000 and €100,000.
The postgraduate fee contribution grant was increased by €500 from €3,500 to €4,000, and the eligibility for second chance mature students will be reduced from five to three years.
The updated grant scheme also excludes rental income earned under Rent-a Room Relief Scheme from reckonable income, as well as an increase in the amount of holiday earnings which may be deducted from the total household income from €4,500 to €6,552.
The priority closing date for renewal applications is 8 June 2023 and Priority closing date for new applications is the 6 July 2023.
Local TD Seán Canney urged families to apply before these closing dates that, saying that it is important the applications are submitted on time to avoid late decisions.
Housing charity Threshold supported 1,262 households to stay in their homes or secure alternative housingin the first quarter of this year, the highest number on record since the charity began publishing its quarterly impact reports in Q2 2021.
A total of 1,727 adults and 1,310 children were saved from homelessness between January and the end of March.
In Q1 2023, Threshold supported 9,256 households, including 12,181 adults and 8,036 children.
Advisors answered over 11,500 calls and responded to over 2,000 webchats from private renters facing challenges in their tenancy.
Of new clients who contacted Threshold in the first three months of the year, 2,041 were at risk of homelessness with a majority facing this prospect as a result of their landlord selling their home.
Commenting on the report, Threshold’s National Advocacy Manager Ann-Marie O’Reilly said it is “extremely worrying” to see record levels of households requiring immense levels of support in their tenancies in the first quarter of this year – particularly while an eviction ban was in place.
She said that the figures truly indicate the level of the crisis we are facing in Ireland.
“Threshold advisors are working tirelessly to support thousands of private renters. In the first quarter of the year, our advisors answered over 11,500 phone calls and responded to over 2,000 webchats, supporting renters with their tenancy,” said Ms O’Reilly.
“Threshold’s work is vital as thousands of renters face uncertainty in the coming months.”
Notices of Termination
Tenancy termination remains the largest concern for private renters in Q1 2023, with 37% of new clients having received a Notice of Termination from their landlord.
Over half of private renters who contacted Threshold in Q1 2023 reported issues related to the security of their tenancy.
Sale of property remains the most common reason landlords end a tenancy, however 41% of such notices were found to be invalid by Threshold advisors in Q1 2023.
Two in three notices citing the requirement of the home for use by the landlord or relatives were found invalid by advisors, while 75% of notices citing renovation as the reason for the notice were deemed invalid.
Threshold advisors assess each Notice of Termination in line with the Residential Tenancies Acts and when a notice is invalid, Threshold can help the renter stay in their home.
Eviction Ban
Threshold, alongside other housing and homelessness organisations, previously engaged with the Government on the need for an extension to the eviction ban, proposing a number of measures as key actions to ease the pressure on the rental market and resolve aspects of the housing crisis.
An acceleration of the ‘purchase with tenant in situ’ scheme and an expansion of the scheme to include those in the cost rental income limits, which has been undertaken by Government.
Allocation of a balanced proportion of newly available social housing units, by Local Authorities, to long-term homeless households.
Setting of ambitious quarterly targets for Local Authorities to bring vacant homes back to the rental market.
Allocation of resources to the RTB to proactively engage with landlords who have issued notices of termination and to use data collated by the RTB to inform a strategy for the retention of landlords in the private rental sector.
Enact the Simon Bill, which has been proposed by the Simon Communities of Ireland aimed at increasing protection for those facing eviction and at risk of homelessness.
Ann-Marie O’Reilly added: “Following the Government’s decision to lift the eviction ban, we called for key recommendations to ease pressures in the private rental market.
“It is positive to see that the Government has put measures in place, such as expanding the “purchase with tenant in situ” scheme to those eligible for cost-rental housing.
“Cost-rental is an important tenure in bringing affordability to the housing sector and must be delivered at scale to be truly effective. Retaining small landlords in the private rental sector is one of many critical elements in addressing the housing crisis.
“While we welcome the Government’s consideration of tax breaks for small landlords in the upcoming Budget, it is essential that any tax breaks provided are in exchange for increased security of tenure. This is something that we have argued for previously.”
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...
Visiting restrictions have been imposed at University Hospital Galway due to an outbreak of the vomiting bug (norovirus) in two wards.
Norovirus outbreaks in St...
