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Fears of invasive species spreading to River Corrib system

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Galway City Council has issued a warning about the invasive Quagga Mussel, and the need to prevent it spreading to the Corrib.

The invasive species has been discovered in the River Shannon catchment, including Lough Derg, and the council has warned about the importance of trying to block it from spreading to the River Corrib system.

Angling and water sports have been identified as key risk activities for potentially spreading the mussel.

The city council summarised the potential impacts of allowing the Quagga Mussel to spread:

Quagga mussel is a filter feeder removing planktonic organisms from the water column. It has a high filtration rate likely to result in further changes to water quality and nutrient dynamics of, in particular, lakes.

The quagga mussel is likely to compete with native mussel species and with the alien invasive zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha).

The presence of the quagga mussel is likely to lead to a further surge in fouling, including of man-made structures in the water, of boats and water craft.

It may have additional impacts on water quality and the ecological integrity of Irish aquatic ecosystems. In invaded areas, it can significantly reduce native plant, invertebrate and fish populations.

Having a wide ecological tolerance and suited to Irish climatic conditions, it is expected to become widely distributed in time.

It appears to have a preference for cooler water and can settle on finer sediments than the zebra mussel explaining its greater abundance at depth in some colonised lakes elsewhere. It can produce up to 1 million eggs per year.

Indigenous to the Dnieper River in Ukraine, the Quagga Mussel has been steadily progressing across Europe since the early 2000s.

In Ireland it was first discovered in Lough Derg and Lough Ree in the early summer of 2021, and is assess as having a potential high impact as an invasive species.

National Biodiversity Data Centre advice on the species is available at: biodiversityireland.ie/quagga-mussel-alert/.

Further advice for anglers, boaters, and other water users on how to minimise the risk of spreading an invasive species is available at: invasives.ie/check-clean-dry-resources.

Man’s body recovered from the water near Oranmore

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Galway Daily news girl injured by firework

A man’s body was recovered from the water near Oranmore following a search operation this weekend.

Multiple agencies were involved in the search operation on Saturday morning.

The body of a man in his 30s was recovered from the water in the Renville area this morning, Gardaí said in a statement to Galway Daily.

The man’s body has since been taken to University Hospital Galway.

Gardaí and emergency services were involved in the search, along with Rescue 115 helicopter, Galway Civil Defence, the Costello Bay Coast Guard Unit, Oranmore-Maree Coastal Search Unit, SARDA Ireland & the Galway RNLI Lifeboat.

Hot school meals coming to all primary schools in Ireland

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Galway Daily news Hot school meals coming to all primary schools in Ireland

Pupils at primary schools in Ireland will be getting at least one free hot meal a day with the expansion of the Hot School Meals Programme.

All DEIS schools in the country will be included in the programme from next September onwards, it was announced this week.

The programme will be rolled out in phased basis to all non-DEIS schools starting from 2024, with expressions of interest to be published shortly.

Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys made the announcement this week with the publication of an independent evaluation of the School Meals Programme.

“Providing nutritious meals to our children at school is about so much more than food. It helps a child make the most of their education and their childhood,” Minister Humphreys said.

“It does wonders for our children’s wellbeing, their concentration and their physical and mental health. We know this because we have gone out to schools and asked the children about the difference it makes.”

“We also know from talking to parents and teachers that a hot meal in the middle of the day holds its weight in gold.”

The report recommended that a universal school meals programme should be in place by 2030, but Minister Humphreys said that “my ambition is to move faster”.

“My ambition is that a child born in Ireland today will be guaranteed access to a Hot Meal by the time they start school.”

Minister Humphreys also today announced an increase in School Meal Rates, which will be backdated to the start of the year.

  • Breakfast – increase from €0.60 to €0.75 (15c increase).
  • Cold Lunch – increase from €1.40 to €1.70 (30c increase).
  • Dinner – increase from €1.90 to €2.50 (60c increase).
  • Hot School Meal – increase from €2.90 to €3.20 (30c increase).

Gardaí arrest two in raid on cannabis grow house

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Galway Daily news Gardaí arrest two in raid on cannabis grow house

Two people have been arrested following a raid on a cannabis grow house in the west of Ireland this week.

Gardaí seized cannabis plants with an estimated value of €432,800 during the search of a grow house in the Killala area of Co.Mayo.

The Garda operation took place on the evening of Friday, March 31.

All of the drugs seized will now undergo further analysis with Forensic Science Ireland.

Two men, one aged in his 30s and the other in his 20s, were arrested during the course of the raid.

They are currently detained at a Garda station in the west of the country under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996.

Galway v Mayo Football Final: Team news and Where to Watch

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Galway Daily sports Public consultation on adding 14 new sporting events to free-to-air TV

Galway GAA have confirmed the team lineup for the Allianz Football League Final on this weekend in Croke Park.

Galway will face off against Mayo in the Division 1 final this Sunday in Croke Park, with throw-in at 4pm.

The game will be broadcast live on TG4 for those who haven’t got tickets to go see it in person.

The full Galway lineup for the coming football final is:

  1. Connor Gleeson (Dunmore McHales)
  2. johnny McGrath (Caherlistrane)
  3. Seán Kelly [C] (Moycullen)
  4. Seán Fitzgerald (CLG Barna)
  5. Dylan McHugh (Corofin)
  6. John Daly (Mountbellew Moylough)
  7. Cian Hernon (CLG Barna)
  8. Paul Conroy (St James’)
  9. John Maher (Salthill Knocknacarra)
  10. Mathew Tierney (Oughterard)
  11. Johnny Heaney (Killannin)
  12. Peter Cooke (Moycullen)
  13. Robert Finnerty (Salthill Knocknacarra)
  14. Shane Walsh (Kilmacud Crokes)
  15. Cathal Sweeney (Salthill Knocknacarra)
  16. Bernie Power (Corofin)
  17. Jack Glynn (Claregalway)
  18. Daniel O’Flaherty (Salthill Knocknacarra)
  19. Paul Kelly (Moycullen)
  20. Ryan Monaghan (Oughterard)
  21. Patrick Kelly (Mountbellew Moylough)
  22. Owen Gallagher (Moycullen)
  23. Tomo Culhane (Salthill Knocknacarra)
  24. Dessie Conneely (Moycullen)
  25. Damien Comer (Annaghdown)
  26. Ian Burke (Corofin)

Boil Water Notice lifted for parts of Loughrea town

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Galway Daily news Kinvara Boil Water Notice

A Boil Water Notice issued for approximately 1,000 homes and businesses in Loughrea this week has been lifted in some areas of the town.

Irish Water has confirmed that the notice has been lifted for areas covering approximately 350 premises after water testing found them to be compliant.

The areas no loner subject to the Boil Water Notice include: Old Galway Road (Westbridge Junction to Coys Boreen Junction), Woodford Road (Barrack Street/Cross Street Junction southwards to St. Brendan’s Day Care Centre, Bride Street and The Hill (Main Street/Station Road Junction to Garrybreedia), Abbey Street, Gallows Hill and Cosmona (Junction of Dolphin Street).

For those areas still affected, water must be boiled for drinking, drinks made with water, preparation of food not cooked prior to eating, brushing teeth, or making ice.

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

Please note, the BWN remains in place for customers in the following areas including Castle Street, Church Street, King Street, Kelly Street, Piggott Street, Moore Street, Dolphin Street, Mount Carmel Crescent, Athenry Road, Liam Mellows Terrace, Cross Street, St. Brendans Day Care Centre, Caheronaun (Junction of Caheronaun Road/Bride Street to Caheronaun Park), Abbey Street to Old Cosmona via Gallows Hill).

An updated map of the affected area is attached and available to view on the Supply and Service Section of Irish Water’s website.

Top 5 Sports Betting Tips For Beginners

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Galway Daily news

So you’ve decided to join the thrilling world of sports betting? Welcome, fellow punter! It’s an adrenaline-pumping ride that combines your love for sports with a chance to make some extra cash. In this article brought to you by the professionals at https://legalbet.uk/bookmakers/, we’ll share our top 5 tips that’ll help beginners like yourself navigate through the exciting yet potentially overwhelming world of sports wagering.

Because let’s face it – stepping into the arena can be intimidating, especially if you’re new to the game. Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. We’ve all heard stories of punters who struck gold on their first bet or those who have made a career out of predicting winners successfully. And while there might be an element of luck involved in such cases, more often than not, they’ve honed their skills and knowledge over time.

That’s where these handy pointers come in – whether you’re looking to become a seasoned pro or just want a few quick wins under your belt, these insights will give you a head start as you begin your journey towards becoming a savvy sports bettor. So grab your favorite beverage, sit back and let us guide you through the essentials every beginner should know before placing their bets!

Researching The Teams

One of the essential skills in sports betting is researching and analyzing teams. This involves:

  • Assessing form
  • Evaluating stats
  • Tracking history
  • Factoring injuries
  • Analyzing trends

All of these steps are necessary to make informed decisions on where to place your bets.

A successful bettor knows that past performance can be a strong indicator of future outcomes; however, it’s crucial not to overlook each team’s current status. As you delve deeper into your research, take note of any significant changes or patterns that could affect their performance.

Now that you have a better understanding of how vital research is in sports betting let us move on to our next topic – understanding the odds.

Understanding The Odds

Understanding the odds is a crucial aspect of sports betting, as they provide insight into how much money you can potentially win and help in evaluating your bets.

To excel at this, start by tracking trends and analyzing matchups between teams based on their past performances. This involves evaluating statistics such as team records, player performance data, and recent game outcomes.

Always remember that managing your bankrolls wisely by setting limits on your bets will prevent financial disasters when things don’t go as planned.

Once you’ve mastered these skills, you’ll be better positioned to make informed decisions during live games.

Knowing When To Bet

Another extremely important skill you need to develop if you want to make it in this world is knowing when to bet. Analyzing trends, tracking performance, and identifying patterns can significantly improve your decision-making skills and increase the chances of placing successful bets.

By following news updates on teams and players, you’ll be more informed about their current form and potential injuries that could affect outcomes.

As you begin building confidence in your ability to make smart wagers, it’s essential not to get overconfident or let emotions dictate your decisions. Always remember that even seasoned bettors experience losses; what sets them apart is their discipline in knowing when to place a wager or sit out a game.

With this knowledge under your belt, we now move onto the next topic: utilizing money management strategies to maximize profits while minimizing risks.

Utilizing Money Management Strategies

You’ve heard the saying ‘money can’t buy happiness,’ but when it comes to sports betting, proper money management strategies are like winning the lottery for beginners.

Even if you’re a statistical genius with an uncanny ability to predict outcomes, without sound financial planning, your bankroll will evaporate faster than ice in a desert.

One key aspect of mastering these techniques is tracking win loss records and using statistics as a guidepost to help control risk.

Handicapping matchups, analyzing trends, and understanding variance in performance all play critical roles in helping bettors make informed decisions about where to allocate their funds.

Leveraging Professional Advice

One cannot overemphasize the importance of seeking counsel from seasoned bettors and industry experts when you’re just starting out in sports betting.

Reading reviews on various tipsters, tracking trends in the market, and analyzing performance data can help you make more informed decisions, while also managing your expectations.

Leveraging professional advice is a smart way to avoid common pitfalls that beginners often face.

With experience comes wisdom – and by tapping into this knowledge base, you’ll be setting yourself up for success as you venture into the exciting world of sports betting.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, entering the world of sports betting can be both exhilarating and overwhelming for beginners. By following these tips – researching teams, understanding odds, knowing when to bet, utilizing money management strategies, and leveraging professional advice – you’ll significantly increase your chances of success in this thrilling endeavor.

Imagine yourself as a rookie stepping onto the field with seasoned players all around you. You might feel intimidated at first, but remember that every successful bettor started right where you are now. The key is to stay focused on your goal while continually learning from experience and improving your skills.

With dedication and persistence, before long, you could find yourself climbing up the ranks within the competitive landscape of sports betting.

So step confidently into this exciting arena armed with knowledge and determination. As they say in sports: ‘You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.’ Embrace the challenge ahead and let it fuel your passion for winning bets in a strategic manner.

Be prepared for some setbacks along the way but never forget why you entered this game in the first place – not just for financial gains but also for the thrill, camaraderie, and pure joy that comes from engaging with fellow sports enthusiasts who share your appetite for success.

Brutal murder of Josie Joyce focus of new true crime documentary

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galway daily news josie joyce murder documentary

The third episode in a true-crime series on TG4 on 5 April will recall the brutal murder of 69-year-old bachelor Josie Joyce in Co. Mayo.

MARÚ INÁR MEASC will look back at the events of 3 September 1983, when Josie was stabbed to death close to 40 times in a frenzied attack as he walked home from the pub in Westport.

The search for his killer brought the town of Westport to a standstill and his brutal murder left a long-lasting impact on this idyllic rural seaside town.

It was the eve of the All Ireland Hurling final and Josie Joyce, described by all who knew him as a true expert in all things GAA, was enjoying the evening in the local pubs, listening to music and predicting the outcome of the game.

Josie left a pub called Sally O’Briens and walked his usual route towards home. He never made it home that night as not long into his journey he was stabbed to death ferociously and his body was put over a wall by the Holy Trinity church.

He didn’t know his killer and the local people of Westport lived in fear until they were tracked down by the Gardaí.

The documentary features John Joyce who remembers his uncle fondly and recounts that fatal night that changed his life forever and the innocence of their beloved town.

Christy Hyland, a former detective who was a young member of the Gardaí in 1983, recalls the forward-thinking of the force of the time to secure a conviction of Josie’s killer and tells the audience how this case will forever haunt him.

The series, by Midas Productions for TG4, shines a light on the effect that fatal crimes have on society, local communities and on the victim’s families as they are left without answers.

This series could not have been made without the cooperation of each family and loved ones who shared their story and allowed them the privilege of filming with them.

Man (30) reported missing from Roscommon found

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galway daily news Man (30) reported missing from Roscommon found

A 30 year old man reported missing from Roscommon just over a week ago has been found safe and well.

Richard Nwachukwu was reported missing from his home in Strokestown, Co. Roscommon since March 23.

Gardaí have reported today that Richard has now been located safe and well.

An Garda Síochána thanked the public for their assistance in this matter.

In other good news today, 25 year old Shane Walsh from Loughrea has also been located safe and well.

More than 1,000 patients on trolleys at UHG in worst March on record

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Galway Daily news

There were over 1,000 patients on trolleys at UHG this month, making it the third most overcrowded hospital in Ireland, and its worst March on record.

INMO figures for the month show that 1,048 patients were admitted to University Hospital Galway, with no bed available for them.

At Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe there were a further 207 people on trolleys this month, the third worst March on record for the hospital.

INMO General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha said, “This has been the worst March for overcrowding since the INMO began counting trolleys in 2006.”

“In some hospitals the level of overcrowding we have seen has been out of control and cannot be allowed to continue into the spring and summer months.”

There have been a total of 12,943 patients treated on trolleys or chairs in Irish hospitals this month, including 447 children.

Analysis by the INMO shows that over 69,417 people have been without a bed in the period covered by the HSE’s Winter Plan.

“It is time for the HSE and Department of Health to devise a multi-annual plan as to how we tackle overcrowding.”

“It is clear that it is no longer just a winter overcrowding crisis but a year-long one,” Phil Ní Sheaghdha said.

“The State cannot expect nurses to bear the brunt of the crisis and work at full tilt in constantly overcrowded and understaffed wards year-round.”

“Nurses want to be able to carry out the high quality care that they have been trained to do but cannot provide in these circumstances.”

A change in mindset is needed, she said, from the decision makers in hospital management, up to senior levels of the HSE.

Missing Galway man Shane Walsh found safe

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Galway Daily news Missing Galway man Shane Walsh found safe

Young Galway man Shane Walsh who had been reported missing from Loughrea this week has been found.

The 25 year old man was reported missing after last being seen in the Portumna area on Wednesday, April 29.

Shane’s mother Assumpta Shannon made a heartfelt plea for information that would let the family know that he is safe.

An Garda Síochána have now said that the young man has been located safe and well.

Gardaí thanked the public for their assistance in this matter.

City Council approves plans for new Wetherspoons pub and restaurant

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Galway Daily news City Council approves plans for new Wetherspoons pub and restaurant

Galway City Council has given the green light for a Wetherspoons pub in the city centre at the site of the former Carbon Nightclub.

JD Wetherspoon PLC intends to open a pub and restaurant by the name of The Three Red Sails at the Eglinton Street site.

The UK pub chain submitted plans in July 2022 for works including demolition and refurbishment works at ground floor level including the front elevation at Eglinton Street.

The plans also include an extension to first floor level to include a roof terrace, customer toilets and staff facilities.

Modifications will be made to the existing beer garden on the ground floor, and a second one will be added on the roof terrace upstairs.

The planning application came three years after the former nightclub was bought by Wetherspoons.

No food or drink shall be allowed in the beer garden area after 10pm in order to reduce noise disturbance.

Planning permission for the development has been granted by Galway City Council subject to 23 conditions.

Wetherspoon already runs seven pubs and two hotels in Ireland: the Three Tun Tavern (Blackrock), The Forty Foot (Dun Laoghaire), The Great Wood (Blanchardstown), The Linen Weaver (Cork), The Old Borough (Swords) including hotel, Keaven’s Port Hotel (Dublin), The Tullow Gate (Carlow) and The Silver Penny (Dublin).

Grand Slam winners return for Connacht v Benetton

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Galway Daily rugby Aki and Fryday named Guinness Rugby Writers Players Of The Year

Six changes have been made to the Connacht side that will face off against Benetton this weekend, with Grand Slam winners Mack Hansen and Bundee Aki returning to the fold.

This will be Hansen’s first time back playing for Connacht since starting in every Irish game in the Six Nations, and Aki’s first time back in the starting XV with the province since Christmas.

Their respective returns are among the six changes made from the side that beat Edinburgh last week, with fellow internationals Dave Heffernan, Leva Fifita, Paul Boyle and Tiernan O’Halloran also coming into the starting team.

Connacht will be headed to Treviso to face the Italian side this Saturday, with kick-off at 3pm Irish time.

Speaking following the team announcement, Director of Rugby Andy Friend said that this was yet another bit of good news after last week’s win against Edinburgh.

“There was lots to like about last weekend’s win, so it’s a brilliant situation we find ourselves in where we can bring six experienced internationals into the team for this game.”

“That experience will be very important in knockout rugby, particularly away against a Benetton side who will also welcome back some important players.”

Heffernan is joined by props Peter Dooley and Jack Aungier while Niall Murray partners Fifita in the second row. The back row sees flankers Cian Prendergast and Conor Oliver join number 8 Boyle.

The 9-10 combo of captain Caolin Blade and David Hawkshaw is unchanged, while Tom Farrell partners Aki at outside centre. The inclusion of Hansen and O’Halloran means John Porch moves to the right wing.

Andy Friend has a very positive outlook on the strength of the Connacht squad, and what it means for their chances in the URC.

“I’m very confident that we have the sufficient squad depth to challenge on both fronts in this final block of games.”

“What’s important now is to build on our recent performances as we attempt to progress through to the next stage of this competition.”

CONNACHT RUGBY MATCHDAY 23 VS BENETTON RUGBY

Saturday 1st April, 15:00 Irish time @ Stadio Comunale di Monigo

Number/Name/Caps

15. Tiernan O’Halloran (217)
14. John Porch (76)
13. Tom Farrell (94)
12. Bundee Aki (123)
11. Mack Hansen (24)
10. David Hawkshaw (13)
9. Caolin Blade (165)
1. Peter Dooley (15)
2. Dave Heffernan (179)
3. Jack Aungier (47)
4. Leva Fifita (23)
5. Niall Murray (51)
6. Cian Prendergast (42)
7. Conor Oliver (58)
8. Paul Boyle (84)

16. Dylan Tierney-Martin (19)
17. Jordan Duggan (37)
18. Sam Illo (9)
19. Oisin Dowling (39)
20. Shamus Hurley-Langton (15)
21. Kieran Marmion (225)
22. Cathal Forde (11)
23. Shane Jennings (2)

€5 million funding for Knock Airport includes state of the art screening system

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Galway Daily news €5 million funding for Knock Airport includes state of the art screening system

Ireland West Airport at Knock has been awarded €5 million in funding which will be used for major upgrade projects this year.

The funding under the Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025 will be used to upgrade electrical infrastructure, runway safety works, and a new fire engine tender.

It will also be used to improve the airport’s security through new baggage x-ray and security screening systems, and the installation of new central search security equipment.

The announcement was made this week by Minister for State with special responsibility for aviation Jack Chambers as part of a €17m investment in capital projects for regional airports in Ireland.

In addition to the exchequer funding announced today, the airport will invest over €1 million to support the completion of these projects.

Arthur French, Chairman, Ireland West Airport said this this funding, “Will assist the airport in undertaking critically important safety and security related projects this year.”

“This funding will support the latest phase of our airport transformation programme aimed at both futureproofing the airport and ensuring our facilities meet the needs of our customers as we prepare for a record summer flight schedule.”

“In particular the introduction of the new state of the art security screening system later this year will make the experience for passengers using the airport an even quicker and more seamless one and we expect this will be received with great enthusiasm and delight by passengers.”

The new screening system will allow to keep their liquids and electronic devices in their baggage when going through security, making the process far more efficient.

This will also allow the 100ml restriction on liquids passing through security to be lifted, a change that it sure to be welcomed by holidaymakers.

In addition, upgrade and essential maintenance works are almost complete for the airports upstairs Sláinte Restaurant which plans to reopen before June.

Boil Water Notice issued for 1,000 Loughrea properties

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Galway Daily news Boil Water Notice issued for 1,000 Loughrea properties

A Boil Water Notice has been issued for approximately 1,000 homes and businesses in parts of Loughrea town.

Irish Water issued the notice for localised areas in Loughrea following the detection of low chlorine residuals, and elevated iron levels, in the public water supply.

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

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

Uisce Éireann’s Eoin Hughes acknowledges the impact of this notice on the community and regrets the inconvenience to impacted customers.

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

The Boil Water Notice affects properties on: Castle Street, Church Street, King Street, Kelly Street, Piggott Street, Moore Street, Dolphin Street, Mount Carmel Crescent, Athenry Road, Liam Mellows Terrace, Cross Street, Old Galway Road (Westbridge Junction to Coys Boreen Junction), Woodford Road (Barrack Street/Cross Street Junction southwards to St. Brendan’s Day Care Centre, Bride Street and The Hill (Main Street/Station Road Junction to Garrybreedia), Caheronaun (Junction of Caheronaun Road/Bride Street to Caheronaun Park), Abbey Street, Gallows Hill, Cosmona (Junction of Dolphin Street/Abbey Street to Old Cosmona via Gallows Hill).

Eoin added, “Some of this pipework is constructed from cast iron and, depending on the area, can be up to 100 years old.”

“Old cast iron mains typically suffer from sediment being dislodged during repair or maintenance works, causing temporary discolouration of the water or the water appearing brown before it reaches customers’ taps.”

Customers can check if their property is included by visiting the Water Quality section of our website and entering the property’s Eircode or by calling the Uisce Éireann’s customer care helpline, open 24/7, on 1800 278 278.

Over 8,000 waiting for Orthopaedic appointments at Galway University Hospitals

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galway daily news new x-ray service in tuam galway

There are more than 8,000 people waiting for an Orthopaedic outpatient appointment at Galway University Hospitals.

As of March 16, there were a total of 8,044 patients waiting for such an appointment, with just 434 having an appointment date set.

These figures were provided by the Saolta Hospital Group in response to a question from City Councillor John Connolly ahead of a meeting of the Regional Health Forum.

Of those waiting for an Orthopaedic appointment in Galway, 2,503 have been waiting for more than the National Service Plan target of 15 months.

The average waiting time for appointments is 434 days, but there are 152 people on that list who have been on a waiting list for more than two years.

Beyond just getting an appointment to be seen, there are 1,158 people on a waiting list for Orthopaedic surgery at Galway University Hospitals.

Just 74 of those patients have been given a date for there surgery. There are 41 people who have been waiting longer than two years, none of whom have been given a date.

Developer appeals rejection of Athenry housing and commercial development

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Galway daily news Knocknacarra social housing

A developer has appealed the county council’s decision to refuse planning permission for a mixed use development of 32 apartments, and offices in Athenry.

RHOC Athenry had submitted plans for the demolition of three buildings off the Caheroyn Road, and to build four blocks on the 1.34ha site, along with a new access road to get to the site.

The county council ultimately refused planning for the development, which has now been appealed to An Bord Pleanála.

Building 1 will be a three storey duplex building, with 2 home office/start-up incubators and 4 one-bed apartments on the ground floor, and 6 two-bedroom apartments on the upper floors.

The second will also be three storeys in height, with 2 home office/start-up incubators and 6 one-bedroom apartments on the ground floor, and 8 two-bedroom units on the 1st and 2nd floors.

Building 3 will comprise a single storey building dedicated solely to office spaces for start-ups.

The largest building is to be the fourth, to the rearmost area of the site, with the ground floor dedicated to an enterprise centre, and 8 two-bedroom apartments on the top two floors.

The county council refused planning permission for the development last February raising concerns about increased traffic and deficient sightlines at the main road, along with surface water drainage.

The council’s decision also said that the development was overly dense, lacked sufficient communal open space, and failed to reinforce the existing urban form of the area.

RHOC Athenry has appealed this decision to An Bord Pleanála, stating that they were not given an opportunity to address the county council’s concerns.

The appeal disputes all of these reasons, with a report from Tobin Consulting Engineers stating that the necessary sightlines onto the Caherroyn Road can be achieved with no loss of street parking, and that traffic at the access junction with be well within the road’s capacity.

It also argues that the plot density is within the guidelines of the National Planning Framework, and that Athenry is a not a small town, with a population of more than 5,000 people.

The appeal states that the 1,498m² of communal open space makes up 15.92% of the development area, and that the design provides a “high quality architecturally designed” mixed use development.

A decision on this appeal is due from An Bord Pleanála by July 25 of this year.

Garda appeal for young man missing in Galway

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Galway Daily news Missing Galway man Shane Walsh found safe

Gardaí are appealing for the public’s help in locating a young Galway man missing since the middle of the week.

25 year old Shane Walsh has been missing since Wednesday, March 29, and was last seen in Portumna.

Shane is described as approximately 6ft tall, with brown shaved hair and blue eyes. When last seen he was wearing dark denim jeans, a black hoody and a navy gilet.

Shane is believed to be travelling in an 11-G registered black Ford Focus.

Gardaí and Shane’s family concerned for his well-being and are anxious to locate him.

Anyone with information on Shane’s whereabouts is asked to contact Loughrea Garda Station 091-842870, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Alcohol consumption down by over 30% in past two decades

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galway daily news Expansion plans for popular city centre pub

Provisional data released today shows that alcohol consumption in 2022 was down on pre-Covid levels, as Ireland continues to move ever closer to European consumption norms.

The pandemic saw hospitality venues close and consumption decline, but the new Revenue figures show that alcohol consumption was down by 5% last year on 2019, and by over 30% since its peak in 2001.

The data shows that beer consumption was down by 3% on 2019, wine was down by just under 3%, and cider consumption was down by 12%, while spirits sales saw an increase.

Cormac Healy, Director of Drinks Ireland, said that the latest data shows that Ireland’s consumption patterns continue to change for the better.

He said that the Government’s approach to policymaking needs to be evidence-based, and reflect the fact we are moving in the right direction when it comes to our relationship with alcohol.

“The wider trends we’re seeing in the market are that people are finding more balance in how they drink,” he said.

“This is also being driven by the growth of 0.0 products, as well as premiumisation.”

While some organisations have suggested this decline is a result of Minimum Unit Pricing, Mr Healy said that it is important to note that it is still very early days to make those conclusions.

He said that what the new data really illustrates is that the long-term trend of consumption declining has continued post-pandemic.

“It’s important to note that Ireland has some of the strictest laws and guidelines in the world when it comes to alcohol marketing and advertising, and the industry proudly has a high compliance rate to these rules.

“While some are calling for additional draconian legislation, despite the positive trends, our view is that we need continued strict adherence to existing marketing codes, targeted education and awareness and overall recognition of the trends.”

Weekend weather: Sunshine and showers forecast over coming days

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Galway Daily weather Falling temperatures and weekend rain mark weather for rest of the week

There will be a mix of sunshine and clouds with some showers across the West over the coming days, with the weather to vary from hour to hour over the weekend.

Friday will start dull and damp with outbreaks of rain and drizzle but it will brighten up in western parts of the county later in the afternoon with some sunshine.

It will remain cloudy further east, with rain and drizzle forecast.

Top temperatures tomorrow will be between 10 and 13 degrees in moderate to fresh west to northwest winds.

Saturday will see brighter and drier intervals across the West with just some scattered showers and high temperatures of 8 to 11 degrees.

Met Éireann has said that it will be breezy on Saturday though, with moderate to fresh winds across Connacht, and Saturday night will be dry with clear intervals.

Sunday looks set to be more cloudy, although some sunny breaks will occur.

Most areas will have a dry day with just isolated light showers.

Highs of 10 to 13 degrees in light variable breezes are forecast. It will be mostly cloudy on Sunday night with patchy rain and drizzle developing in Galway.

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