Connacht Hospitality Group renews partnership with Galway Races

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March 23, 2023

Galway Daily news Miss Galway rolls up her sleeves for beach cleanup — Miss Galway Ava Mathews, pictured with Rita O'Malley and Marty Nix of the Loghrea Tidy Towns Committee at Lough Rea at the nationwide beach and waterways clean-up last year. Pic: Miss Ireland Org

Minister Heather Humphreys and Managing Director of SuperValu Ian Allen have launched the 2023 TidyTowns competition today.

The competition, sponsored by SuperValu, has been bringing communities together and addressing some of the environmental challenges of modern society since 1958.

This year marks the 65^th anniversary of the TidyTowns competition, and it is expected that it will attract one of the highest number of entries ever.

The official launch took place in Trim, County Meath – the winners of the 2022 Supervalu Tidy Towns Competition.

Minister for Community Development Heather Humphreys said that the competition has become part of the fabric of Irish society.

“The saying ‘ní neart go cur le chéile’, which means unity is our strength, really sums up what SuperValu TidyTowns is all about.

“Once again the focus this year will be on bringing communities and TidyTowns volunteers of all ages together as we effect real change and make our towns and villages better places to live, work, visit and raise a family.”

The number of entries is steadily increasing and many new groups are entering the competition for the first time or returning with new enthusiasm and drive to improve their local areas.

The Special Awards also continue to bring an added dimension to the completion and again this year we have an impressive array of special awards with some fantastic prizes.

The closing date for receipt of entries for this year’s competition is Wednesday, 10 May 2023.

Entry forms for the SuperValu TidyTowns competition are available at www.tidytowns.ie and will be emailed to all registered groups. Entry to the competition will only be accepted by email to the tidytowns@drcd.gov.ie address.

Rory Best to travel West in mammoth challenge for children’s cancer charity

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March 23, 2023

galway daily news rory best walking from aviva stadium to west of ireland for charity

Former Ireland and Ulster Rugby captain Rory Best will embark on an epic 300 km walking challenge in May to help Cancer Fund for Children build a therapeutic short break centre in the West for children impacted by cancer and their families.

Rory’s Miles 2 Mayo will see the rugby legend walk from the Aviva Stadium in Dublin to the site of the short break centre at Daisy Lodge in Cong, on the shores of Lough Corrib.

Between 16 and 25 May, Rory will walk through Dublin, Kildare, Laois, Tipperary, Limerick, Clare and Galway, before arriving in Cong on the Mayo-Galway border.

He hopes to raise €2 million to make this much-needed centre a reality and help ensure no child has to face cancer alone.

“A childhood cancer diagnosis can impact on the whole family. Hospital appointments, treatment and the pressures of navigating this experience can leave a family feeling disconnected and exhausted,” said Rory as he prepares for the challenge.

“Short breaks at Daisy Lodge provide children with cancer a space to rest, time with their families and build connections with others their own age going through the same thing.

“They get to be treated like the stars they are and that’s why I’m delighted to be doing my bit to help bring another therapeutic facility like this to Co. Mayo.”

Rory gave a special thanks to The Ardonagh Group, Arachas and Kingsbridge Private Hospital for sponsoring the walk.

The announcement of Rory’s Miles 2 Mayo follows a town hall meeting in Cong where the charity gave an update on the building of Daisy Lodge and the expansion of the their services across the island of Ireland.

The meeting was attended by local volunteers and community groups as well as public figures including Councillor Damien Ryan and President of Connacht Rugby, Gerry O’Donnell.

In the past year, Cancer Fund for Children has recruited a new Cancer Support Specialist based on St. John’s Ward in Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin.

They have also recently recruited their first community-based Cancer Support Specialist based in the West to provide informal emotional and social support to families navigating a childhood cancer diagnosis in their homes, community and shared care centres.

These roles have been developed in partnership with The Katie Nugent Fund and Children’s Health Foundation and three more community-based roles are due to be filled in the coming months.

Find out more about this organisation by visiting www.cancerfundforchildren.com.

You can also get behind Rory’s challenge and help him go the distance this May by visiting www.rorysmiles2mayo.com.

Serious concerns about GP shortage in Headford area

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March 23, 2023

Galway Daily news Menopause clinic to open in Galway next year

County Councillor Andrew Reddington has said that the current doctor shortage in the Headford area is of “serious concern for many” in the area.

He called on government to establish a scheme to entice doctors to small towns such as Headford, saying it is difficult for a doctor to set up a practice in rural areas.

The Fine Gael councillor said that one in seven working GPs were over 65, meaning many were retiring — while others were leaving rural general practice due to various challenges.

The situation is becoming “a self-perpetuating downward spiral”, he said, as working in particular areas is “unattractive” due to the expected workload.

Cllr Reddington has organised a meeting with Chief Officer for Community Healthcare West Breda Crehan Roche regarding the retirement of her GP position.

The HSE has confirmed that her position has been advertised and interviews will be held in the coming weeks, if eligible applications are received for the position.

While this may come as a relief for many patients, Cllr Reddington said we have to wait until the interview process is complete before we know where the new doctor will be based.

“I am hopeful that her position will be filled, but this cannot be guaranteed,” he said.

How Galway TDs voted in eviction ban vote

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March 23, 2023

galway daily news CAMHS crisis ireland says deputy naughten

Just three Galway TDs voted against the Government’s counter motion to Sinn Féin’s motion to extend the eviction ban until next year in the Dáil yesterday.

Galway West TDs Catherine Connolly and Mairéad Farrell, and Roscommon-Galway TD Claire Kerrane voted against the Coalition, which ultimately prevailed by 83 votes to 68.

The Government accommodated a range of demands made by Independent TDs before the vote, with local TDs Seán Canney, Denis Naughten and Michael Fitzgerald voting with the Coalition.

The vote ended with Government’s majority being reduced to a single vote after Green Party TD for Dublin Central Neasa Hourigan was suspended for 15 months for voting against the Government.

The Opposition is likely to maintain the pressure over the coming weeks over the controversial decision, with the eviction ban set to expire in nine days’ time.

Sinn Féin’s Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin said that 3,000 families, single people, couples, families with children and pensioners have eviction notices for April.

He said that every TD present yesterday had a clear choice to make.

“Shame on Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, the Green Party – every one of their backbenchers – and those independent TDs who knowingly chose to make ordinary people in their communities homeless,” he said.

“Many of these people will be forced to move in with family and friends, others will be forced to emigrate because they will be unable to find alternative accommodation.”

Special event to celebrate Gaeltacht women in business

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March 23, 2023

GALWAY daily news women in business event in furbo with businesswomen

A celebration of Gaeltacht women in Business will be held in the Connemara Coast Hotel in Furbo next Friday, 31 March, hosted by Údarás na Gaeltachta and Atlantic Technological University.

In the morning at a private event, 13 women who were selected onto the 12-week Cumasú start-up programme will pitch their start-up ideas to a panel of judges.

At 12.45pm there will be an event to celebrate all female entrepreneurs who have started businesses or are based or working in the Gaeltacht and a general event celebrating female entrepreneurship.

EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2017, Evelyn O Toole, who is a native of Clifden and founder and CEO of CLS, will be there to chat to Noreen D’Arcy about growing a business in the Gaeltacht area and the support she has received to-date.

Siobhán Ní Chofaigh CEO and founder of Mint-Tek, a prototype creator that services some of the largest multinationals in Ireland, will be talking to Noreen about her own journey and the opportunities and challenges that have come her way.

Minister for State at the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment, Dara Calleary, will be among the distinguished guests on the day, marking the end of what will be the first Gaeltacht enterprise programme with a specific focus on women entrepreneurs.

This is an invite-only event so anyone who wishes to attend should register their interest at www.eventbrite.ie/e/ag-ceiliuradh-cumasu-fiontraithe-mna-na-gaeltachta-tickets-539313771007

Free schoolbooks for all primary and special schools in new scheme

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March 22, 2023

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

All primary and special schools in Ireland will be able to avail of free schoolbooks under a new scheme to help ease costs for parents.

The scheme will provide free schoolbooks, but also workbooks and copybooks, for over 558,000 pupils enrolled in approximately 3,230 primary schools, including over 130 special schools.

The investment of more than €50 million in this programme expands on the free school book pilot, currently operating in over 100 primary schools in the DEIS programme.

Minister for Education Norma Foley said, “I am delighted to announce details of the funding package of over €50 million secured in Budget 2023 for the landmark new scheme to provide free schoolbooks in all primary schools and special schools.

“This ground-breaking, permanent measure will ease some of the financial burden facing families with the back-to- school costs.”

“The objective of the new scheme is about ensuring every child has the resources required to access education and also easing financial burdens surrounding the back to school costs which can be a cause of financial difficulty for many families each year.”

“By providing our primary school children with free school books, we are enhancing their educational experience, not just in the classroom but reaching out into the family home.”

Under this scheme schoolbooks will be the property of the school, to be returned at the end of the year.

Gala event celebrating iconic Galway businesswoman

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March 22, 2023

Galway Daily business Galway event celebrating iconic Galway businesswoman

Skal International Galway will honour Galway Business Woman and the first ever Female World President of Skal International, Mary Bennett at a special celebratory event this month.

Skal International is a professional association of tourism and hospitality leaders, and business operators in 86 countries around the world.

The association boasts more than 12,228 members spread across 308 clubs in different countries.

Mary Bennett has been an enthusiastic and inspiring leader of Skal International locally in Galway and across the world for over five decades.

Mary has motivated business women and been a visionary and champion for tourism, travel and retail in Galway, the West and across Ireland and internationally since she first worked in the former Great Southern Hotel on Eyre Square, Galway in the 60s.

Along with her late husband Eddie Bennett, she went on to open the beautiful fashion and gift retail outlet, the Treasure Chest at the heart of Galway City in 1966.

An iconic shop with its stunning wedge wood styled exterior Mary Bennet and her team at the Treasure Chest has welcomed and attracted an extraordinary number of domestic and international visitors to Galway City.

Along with her business and tourism achievements, Mary and her late husband Eddie, have three children and seven grandchildren, and of course a wealth of friends.

Serving as Galway and National President of Skal International, Mary Bennett’s infectious drive, energy and vision led her to the core of the organisation and to her election as the first Female World President of Skal, in October 2002 at Skal World Congress Australia.

Other accolades have included being elected the first female President of Galway Chamber of Commerce and later the President of Chambers Ireland.

She has also served on the Board of Aer Lingus, Bord Fáilte, the former Ireland West Tourism, Galway City and County Enterprise Board now the Galway Local Enterprise Office.

Mary’s heart has always been close to Galway and it’s development and along with Galway Chamber, she spent 21 years as Secretary of Salthill Tourism Development Association and has been at the heart of the Galway City Business Association since its foundation.

Also renowned for her charity fundraising Mary Bennett has been central to the organising of the annual Galway City Council’s Mayor’s Ball and many other events throughout her illustrious business career.

Skal International Galway will be honouring her with a celebratory Black Tie Dinner at the Ardilaun Hotel in Galway City on March 30.

Hate crimes reported in Galway increased last year

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March 22, 2023

Galway Daily news girl injured by firework

Hate crimes and other hate related incidents increased in Galway last year according to newly released Garda figures.

There were a total of 22 hate crime and non-criminal hate related incidents reported in the Galway Garda Division last year, up from 17 in 2021.

There were no serious assaults motivated by hate in Galway among these figures, but the statistics do include incidents of murder threats, minor assaults, criminal damage, menacing calls, and public order offences.

A specific breakdown of how many of each of these offences occurred in Galway was not made available.

Half of the offences in Galway motivated by racism, but hate crimes were also reported based on age, disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation, nationality, or ethnicity.

Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman, whose remit includes the Garda National Diversity and Integration Unit, welcomed the publication of the 2022 statistics.

“An Garda Síochána continues to have a strong focus on investigating crimes with a hate motive and supporting the victims of these crimes.”

“An Garda Síochána recognises that hate crimes have a huge impact on victims, specifically because they are targeted because of a characteristic of who they are. These crimes also have a significant impact on wider communities and society”.

Hate crimes and non-criminal hate related incidents rose by 29% as a whole nationwide last year.

There were 582 incidents recorded in 2022, comprising 510 hate crimes and 72 hate related non-criminal incidents. This is up from 448 hate crimes and 59 non-criminal incidents the previous year.

The most prevalent discriminatory motive was race (32%), followed by Sexual Orientation (22%) and Nationality (21%).

Hate motives were evident in a range of incidents in 2022, the largest percentage being Public Order (30%), Minor Assaults (20%), Assault causing Harm (9%) and Criminal Damage (8%).

The largest proportion of hate related incidents (47%) reported in 2022 occurred in the Dublin Metropolitan Region.

Across the other three operational regions there are quite similar proportions of incidents evident – Southern Region (15%), North-Western Region (20%) Eastern Region (18%).

Assistant Commissioner Hilman added ”These statistics of incidents reported to An Garda Síochána in 2022 with a hate motive build on the baseline figures published for 2021.”

“The level of reporting has increased overall. While it is disappointing that any incidents occur which have a hate related motive, it is positive to see more victims coming forward to An Garda Síochána and reporting their experiences.”

During 2022 An Garda Síochána implemented a Hate Crime ELearning Programme developed in conjunction with NGOs. This programme has been completed by 83.2% of all Garda members.

University of Galway and Grant Thornton celebrate 5 years of mentoring programme

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March 22, 2023

galway daily news access centre mentoring programme 5 years — From left: Paul Dodd, Vice President for Engagement, Dr Mary Surlis, Senior Academic Manager Access Centre; University of Galway students Mario Mereuta, Linda Mhelembe, Mamadou Saliou Bah, Shannon Lydon, Alan Welby and Nathan Martin, and Aengus Burns, Advisory Partner at Grant Thornton. Photo: Aengus McMahon

University of Galway’s Access Centre and Grant Thornton have celebrated five years of their joint Professional Engagement Module — an experience-based module of learning for Access students.

Over an eight-week period, Access students are assigned a mentor from Grant Thornton Galway and take part in a specifically designed module of structured, interactive learning.

As a result of taking part in the programme, students gain exposure to the professional environment, develop career skills, and increase their career readiness.

The mentoring, time spent in the Grant Thornton offices and workshops run as part of the module combine to give the students self-belief around progression in education and in planning for their careers.

Aengus Burns, Advisory Partner with Grant Thornton, said: “We believe it is very important to show students through the Access Programme what opportunities there are in this industry, how Grant Thornton interacts with its own staff and clients, and present opportunities to these students.”

Vice President for Engagement at University of Galway, Dr Paul Dodd, said that the programme speaks to the “importance of diverse learning experiences and collaborations” with the wider community and industry.

“The benefits of this relationship between the Access Centre and Grant Thornton are very apparent in the way that the students speak about their mentors and the motivation it has given them to persist and strive for success within their chosen courses,” said Dr Dodd.

The Access Programmes are for those with the ability to benefit from and succeed in higher education but who, for a variety of socio-economic reasons, are under-represented at third level.

Dr Mary Surlis, Senior Academic Manager in University of Galway’s Access Centre, said the programme offers a very exciting opportunity to our students to engage in a professional setting, and to experience the support and encouragement of dedicated committed professionals, this will benefit our students enormously.”

University of Galway Access student Nathan Martin said: “To visit the Grant Thornton offices and see how things operate in a real business setting, not just theorizing it, actually getting to see it in action, is hugely beneficial to us.

“It keeps our drive going. That for me fermented it in my own head that I really do want to do the course that I have chosen, and I believe for my fellow students it has given them the same passion and drive to keep going as well.”

Anti-Far Right public meeting in Galway City this evening

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March 22, 2023

Galway Daily news Anti-Far Right public meeting in Galway City this evening

An Anti-Far Right public meeting will be held in Galway City this evening organised by the Socialist Party.

Former Socialist Party TD Ruth Coppinger will be addressing the “Unite and Fight The Fascist Far Right – No To Racism, Transphobia and Misogyny” event.

Ahead of the meeting Ruth Coppinger said, “The far right promote the politics of hatred and division. They are exploiting alienation in communities and anger at the housing crisis which FG\FF governments have created for over a decade.”

“Disgustingly, far right agitators tap into fears about violence against women, spreading lies about migrant men being the danger, when their own macho behaviour adds to misogyny.”

“Everywhere they organise in Europe there is an increased risk to the safety of immigrants, the LGBTQ community and people who are active on the political Left.”

“Now that they are emerging as a small force in Ireland, it is important that antifascism is organised as a force throughout the country.”

The meeting will be held in Richardson’s Bar, Eyre Square at 7:30pm, with other speakers sharing their experiences as activists against racism and discrimination.

Belgian antifascist organiser, Geert Cool, who will bring lessons from the Blokbusters in Belgium who opposed the far right Vlaams Blok and he has worked with Youth Against Racism in Europe.

Also speaking will be young anti racist campaigner, Myriam Poizat, and organiser with YARI (Youth Against Racism & Inequality) who will talk about how minorities have been attacked and how organising is critical.

Upgrade works on Shop Street & High Street commencing next week

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March 22, 2023

Galway Daily news Upgrade works on Shop Street & High Street commencing next week

Ongoing upgrade works to Shop Street and High Street in Galway City Centre will get underway next week.

These are part of a programme of street rehabilitation and drainage works in the pedestrian area of the city.

These works are aimed at removing uneven surfaces, which sees water pooling, in the more heavily trafficked areas of the city.

Speaking about the works, Patrick Greene, Director of Services with the City Council said, “Works in the pedestrian area began in 2019, and have been progressed in discrete sections, as we are very conscious of avoiding works on the street during the peak summer and Christmas trading periods.”

“This approach has worked well to date, with the cooperation of all stakeholders – and I wish to thank them for their cooperation and collaboration.”

A contractor has now been appointed for the next phase of these upgrade works to the city centre high street, he added, and they are expected to be completed by early June.

Works will be completed in four phases, cordoned off from the public by fences, in approximately 30metre long sections at a time.

Trader traffic will be facilitated on a daily basis, with some rerouting arrangements at times, including diversions from High Street for 2-3 weeks.

“The team in Transport have been liaising with local businesses and stakeholders in the immediate vicinity of the works area, and engagement will continue throughout the project, with a dedicated point of contact available 24 hours a day.”

“Some of the works will be underground – such as drainage and underground services upgrades, and removal of soft ground, and the finished works will bring a real improvement to the street”.

Teenage pedestrian killed in collision involving truck

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March 22, 2023

A teenager was killed after being hit by a truck in the west of Ireland on Tuesday evening.

Gardaí attended the scene of a fatal road traffic collision on the R345 at The Neale, Co. Mayo yesterday.

The collision, which involved a truck and a pedestrian, occurred shortly before 5pm.

The pedestrian, a male juvenile teenager, was fatally injured in the collision.

His body has been removed to Mayo University Hospital where a post-mortem examination will take place in due course.

The R345 (The Neale to Cong) road remained closed overnight, and local diversions are currently in place.

The scene of the crash is subject to a forensic examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who witnessed this collision to contact them.

Anyone who was travelling on the R345, The Neale to Cong road, between 4pm and 5pm this evening and who may have camera footage (including dash cam) is asked to make this available to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to contact Claremorris Garda Station 094 937 2080, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Prime Time focuses on vile abuse & harassment faced by retail staff

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March 21, 2023

galway daily news prime time rté retail staff abuse march 2023

Tonight’s Prime Time on RTÉ One will report on the wave of vile abuse, harassment and shoplifting that has hit shops and supermarkets across Ireland.

In tonight’s programme, shop workers across the country tell the programme that they are experiencing a surge in harassment, physical attacks, shoplifting and anti-social behaviour.

Shane Gleeson, who runs five Spar shops in Limerick city, told Prime Time that he has had a bottle of wine broken and threatened with the broken glass.

“I’ve had guys with needles… My son was threatened with a knife,” he said.

Shane estimates that petty crime is costing him €70,000 to €80,000 per year in just one of his five shops.

He told Prime Time: “We’ve noticed since Covid a very small element of society has gotten far more aggressive, and it is difficult to deal with.”

“Routinely, they’ll say, ‘I will wait for you outside’, ‘We’ll get you when you go home’, ‘I will kill you… I’ll burn you out’.”

Tara Buckley, Director General of RGDATA, which represents over 4,000 independent grocery stores, told Prime Time: “The amount of crime, day in, day out, shoplifting, theft, assault, harassment, racist attacks, sexual harassment…our members are really concerned.”

“Young staff are being harassed; the racism staff, who are from other countries, have to deal with; spitting, kicking, punching, shouting and making a scene in the store, throwing things at them. It’s actually out of control.”

Sisters Sheila and Catherine Clarke run Clarke’s XL shop in Ballina, Co Mayo. Sheila told Prime Time: “At the moment, we’re almost going through a pandemic of petty crime.”

A recent RGDATA survey of the owners of 400 convenience shops, forecourt stores and supermarkets found that 95% of them have been victims of crime in last twelve months.

The survey found that 93% have been victims of shoplifting and a quarter have been the victims of robberies or burglaries.

The full report, ‘Retail Torment’, will air on Prime Time, RTÉ One and RTÉ Player at 9.35pm tonight.

First Nelson Mandela Anti-Racism Week at University of Galway

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March 21, 2023

galway daily news nelson mandela anti-racism week

University of Galway has launched its inaugural Nelson Mandela Anti-Racism Week which will be taking place until Friday 24 March.

The events coincide with International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, observed each year on March 21.

The week-long programme also commemorates the 20th anniversary of Nelson Mandela being awarded an honorary doctorate by University of Galway in 2003.

On that occasion, Mandela said it was a source of great pride to be honoured by an Irish university.

“To stand here at the University and receive an honorary doctorate makes one feel part of that proud lineage of scholarship, learning and wisdom that had been passed down the centuries of Irish history,” he said.

The extensive range of initiatives outlined in the programme of events includes both student and staff led activities such as workshops, a diversity café, exhibitions, virtual reality experience, race equality training, Traveller and Roma film festival, society events, and cultural events. Guest speakers include Emer O’Neill, Rosemarie Maughan, Dr Amanullah De Sondy, Ikenna Anyabuike, Ashwin Chacko, Mary Watson and Sharmilla Beezmohun.

Highlights during the week include:

Photo Exhibition: Celebrating Racial Diversity at University of Galway
Experiencing Direct Provision through the eyes of University of Galway Students (Virtual Reality Experience),
Remembering Nelson Mandela’s Conferring Ceremony at the University of Galway, (Thursday, March 23 at 11.30am in the Aula Maxima, Quadrangle) where South African Ambassador to Ireland, Yolisa Maya, will deliver the keynote address
Panel discussion: The Intersection between Racism and Public Spaces by Emer O’Neill, Rosemarie Maughan and Amanullah De Sondy (Friday March 24 at 11am, The Cube, Áras na Mac Léinn)

Dr Helen Maher, Vice-President for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion said: “The week aims to empower the University community to act on Nelson Mandela’s Anti-Racism vision and the University’s values of respect, openness, excellence and sustainability, through the advancement of race equality and anti-racism which aligns with the University’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategy.

“I very much look forward to continuing to engage with everyone in progressing a transformative equality, diversity and inclusion agenda at University of Galway.”

To mark the inaugural Nelson Mandela Anti-Racism Week, the Office of the Vice President for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion has awarded funding to 11 projects as part of the annual Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Project Fund.

The funding is available to staff and students on a competitive basis for a variety of Anti-Racism projects within the University.

In addition, the University is hosting the first national HEA conference on Race Equality in Higher Education on March 20 to highlight the structural, institutional, and historical dimensions of racism which have informed past and current practices in HEIs and the societies in which they are situated.

Owen Ward, EDI Programme Manager for Race Equality at University of Galway, said: “The diverse programme of events during Nelson Mandela Anti-Racism week is based on a collaborative approach throughout the university, supported by the Office of the Vice-President for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

“The events are designed to be deliberative and interactive, facilitating discussion, learning and engagement on a wide range of issues relevant to race, ethnicity and anti-racism.”

For further information and to register for events, visit here.

Flooding likely as Galway City Council closes car parks

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March 21, 2023

Galway Daily news Met Eireann warns of "phenomenal waves" and possible flooding today

Galway City Council has warned of high spring tides in the coming days which will likely lead to some wave overtopping in Salthill.

As a precaution, Toft Park and Silverstrand carparks closed at 5pm on Tuesday and the main car park in Salthill will be closed from 10pm.

Localised flooding is also possible around the Docks and Spanish Arch during high tide periods from tomorrow morning Wednesday through to high tide on Thursday morning.

Road users in these areas are advised to proceed with caution.

Galway City Council crews will be on standby and will be monitoring during both this evening’s high tide and tomorrow morning’s high tide.

The Public are advised not to park in either of these car parks after those times until further notice.

High tide times of note

Wednesday 22 March at 5.15am

Wednesday 22 March at 5.45pm

Thursday 23 March at 5.30am

Thursday 23 March at 5.45pm

As forecasted weather and tidal conditions are variable at this time, Galway City Council is continuing to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates.

Local fisherman’s quick actions praised after rescue operation

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March 21, 2023

Galway Daily news Coast Guard and RNLI remind people to stay safe around the water over Christmas — RNLI/Galway

A local fisherman has been praised for his swift actions and quick thinking which helped rescue three people on Sunday off the Galway coast.

Fisherman John O’Toole immediately called for assistance after spotting a boat which had lost power with three passengers on board.

Visibility was poor with heavy rainfall, and the small boat was drifting towards the rocks of Inishturk.

The volunteer crew from Clifden’s Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat launched at midday under the command of Helm James Mullen, with Joe Acton and Kenny Flaherty as crew, and Shane Conneely as Tractor Driver.

The crew made their way to the location in under five minutes, and by this time the fisherman had begun to tow the stricken vessel away from the rocks.

The lifeboat crew proceeded to escort both boats to safety.

Speaking about the shout, Clifden RNLI Helm James Mullen commended John O’Toole for his fast actions on Sunday.

“This could have been a very serious outcome for the three passengers involved but John called for assistance firstly, then located the boat and was in a position to safely assist them,” he said.

James also gave advice for anyone going afloat.

“When going to sea we would remind everyone to check their engine and fuel, always wear a life jacket or buoyancy aid, and carry a means of calling for help. If you see someone in difficulty on or near the water, dial 999 and ask for the Coast Guard.”

UHG Emergency Department under major pressures after long weekend

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March 21, 2023

The Emergency Department at University Hospital Galway is under extreme pressure today, with long waiting times and no beds available.

The Saolta Group issued a statement saying that the hospital is still extremely busy after the long bank holiday weekend, and advising people coming for non-urgent care to expect long waiting times.

On Monday alone 251 people attended the ED and University Hospital Galway throughout the day.

The INMO has also reported that there are 56 patients on trolleys at UHG this morning, of whom 44 are in the emergency department.

“The high number of people attending who need to be admitted for ongoing treatment means that there is pressure on bed availability,” the statement to Galway Daily said.

“This is resulting in significant delays being experienced by patients in the Emergency Department who are waiting for a bed to become available on a ward.”

“All available beds are in use. Every effort is being made to discharge patients who are ready to go home so that beds will become available for patients who need to be admitted, at the earliest opportunity.”

As a result of this overcrowding a number of elective day case and inpatient adult procedures at the hospital are being postponed to prioritise urgent care.

People whose procedures have been cancelled are being contacted directly, and outpatient appointments are continuing as normal.

“The hospital acknowledges that these delays are very difficult for patients and their families and apologises for the inconvenience and distress these delays cause.”

“We continue to request that people consider other options for non-emergency care such as the Roscommon Injury Unit, Out of Hours GP and pharmacies before attending an ED.”

Galway TDs call for changes to housing policy in rental crisis

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March 21, 2023

Galway Daily news Disappointment that no occupational injury benefits coming for Long Covid sufferers

Independent Galway TDs are calling for the government to make a number of changes to its housing policy to support rental accommodation.

The Regional Independents Group, which includes Denis Naughten, Seán Canney, and Noel Grealish, met on Monday night, and agreed on eight proposals that they believe will have a real effect on the current housing crisis.

Galway TD Denis Naughten said that his position on the vote on the government’s housing policy tomorrow will be dependent on the government’s response.

The Dáil is due to debate a motion by Sinn Féin to extend the eviction ban today, with the government arguing against it, and vote on the matter tomorrow.

“My Regional Independent colleagues and I met last night and put the following eight asks to Government on the housing issue that would make a real difference to the current crisis,” Denis Naughten said.

The independents group wants to make it easier for elderly people in nursing homes to lease out their homes, and extend the rent-a-room scheme to people receiving social welfare, and include tax relief for small landlords in the next budget.

The group also wants to increase grants for refurbishing vacant properties, and open the scheme to properties being rented out, and not just owner-occupied.

Other proposals include guaranteeing payments to landlords where HAP tenants default, and supporting construction of Strategic Infrastructure Developments where planning has been secured, but work hasn’t begun.

“The objective behind our eight proposals is to secure rental accommodation for those facing eviction, provide relief for small landlords to ensure they remain within the market and ensure affordable housing is made available to young couples and families.”

Deputy Naughten said that the government’s attitude towards these proposals will also influence his vote on the proposed no confidence motion in the government.

Labour Leader Ivana Bacik today told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland that it is likely that her party will table a vote of no confidence in the government by the end of the month.

Lidl appeals rejection of Claregalway supermarket plans

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March 21, 2023