Plans are in the works for a major facelift for an iconic pub in Galway City Centre, reopening under new management.
Vibrant Ark Limited has made a planning application to Galway City Council for the refurbishment of what was Richardsons on Eyre Square.
The proposed works will include replacing the existing shopfront of the pub and relocating its front door. Alterations will also be to the door facing onto Prospect Hill.
The existing stone cladding will also be removed and replaced with a painted nap render finish to the front façade and gable end of No. 1 Eyre Square.
Existing windows and doors will also be replaced with new timber windows and doors across all levels of both buildings.
A decision on this planning application is due from Galway City Council by January 28, 2024.
Richardson’s had been a family-owned business for more than 60 years when owner Tom Richardson announced the family’s retirement in July.
The pub went up for sale with O’Donnellan & Joyce with a list price of €3 million, and a sale was confirmed later that month.
It’s understood that the sale was made to a Dublin publican.
Aaron O’Reilly (left) and James Corballis (right) after completing and passing the last of their assessments afloat which means that they can become fully-fledged crew, with assessor trainer Sean Ginnelly (centre). Photo Credit: RNLI/Aoife Morrissy
Two new recruits have completed their training and joined the team of volunteers performing lifesaving work with the Galway RNLI.
James Corballis and Aaron O’Reilly, two trainee crew with the Galway Lifeboat Station, have this week completed their training programme and passed their final assessments which means that they can progress to fully-fledged crew.
James Corballis is originally from Kilkenny and has been living in Galway for the past 15 years. He said, “The RNLI has been a big part of my family growing up and from where I live in Galway I could see the lifeboat launching at all hours day and night.”
What James saw was something he always hoped he could one day be a part of, and in 2020 he was able to join the RNLI.
“I’m delighted to have now completed my trainee plan, completed and passed the final assessments which means I can now move on to be ‘substantive’ crew and take on more responsibilities when we head out to sea when the pager goes off.”
Aaron O’Reilly grew up on the water and has always been involved in sailing and powerboating, teaching him plenty about the dangers of the water.
“I’ve been involved in water-based sports all my life and I know how important it is to have assistance if you need it if there is an accident or medical emergency out on Galway Bay.”
“I joined the RNLI so I could give back to the community and now that I have passed all my assessments, I’ll be able to play a greater part in providing a 24-hour rescue service for the people who need our assistance.”
Lifeboat training covers a range of skill sets such as seamanship and boat handling, navigation and search and rescue.
Trainee crew must complete 15 training modules and 49 different assessments of activities in the lifeboat station and on the water to ensure that the lifeboat and crew aboard are ready to handle a wide range of situations when saving lives at sea.
Frankie Leonard, Lifeboat Training Coordinator with Galway RNLI said, “It is a real credit to both of them that they were able to complete the training modules, put the skills learned into practice on shore and on the boat and prepare for and pass their assessments while also dealing with the challenges we all faced during the pandemic.”
“We are delighted to have two crew with their expertise and enthusiasm on board. Crew training is a continuous process and the learning never stops.”
A public consultation is underway on the new Loughrea Local Area Plan which will guide the development of the town for the next six years.
Galway County Council has published the Draft Loughrea Local Area Plan 2024 – 2030 and is seeking public feedback over the next month and a half.
The LAP, and all associated reports, can be viewed at Áras an Chontae in Galway City, as well as at Loughrea Library on Church Street and the council’s Loughrea Area Office on Barrack Street.
In addition, all the documents can be downloaded from the Galway County Council website, https://consult.galway.ie/
A drop-in information session on the Local Area Plan will be held at Loughrea Hotel & Spa on Tuesday, December 5 from 2:30pm to 7:30pm.
Galway TD Denis Naughten has expressed his disappointment at people with Long Covid being denied the occupational injury support they “rightfully deserve”.
The Department of Social Protection has ruled allowing Long Covid as an illness for which people could claim occupational injury benefits following the publication of a new report.
The report said that COVID-19 does not meet the criteria for designation as an occupational illness under the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005.
“Specifically, the presumptions about workplace transmission would not be sustainable on a general basis in the current environment when infection rates are low.”
The report also said that the Occupational Injuries Benefit would be of “limited value or no value” to people who already contracted COVID-19 in the past.
“As outlined in this paper, only Class A contributors would get full access to the Occupational Injuries Benefit scheme and the scheme would not apply retrospectively.”
Deputy Naughten had said before the production of the report that he intended to reintroduce an amendment to the Social Welfare Bill 2023 to have Long Covid designated as an occupational illness.
“As the Minister will be aware, the Department of Health and the HSE have agreed to extend special payments for a period exceeding 28 months to 143 healthcare staff afflicted with long Covid symptoms.”
“The State has, therefore, acknowledged that these 143 healthcare staff have an occupational illness of long Covid after contracting it, in all probability, within their place of employment.”
“However, they are still being denied access to an occupational illness scheme because the State is still refusing to publicly acknowledge that staff are chronically ill as a result of Covid infection.”
Deputy Naughten asked what would happen to those staff next April when the benefits expire and they are still unfit to work, or to all of the others who have been excluded from this support.
“Every other front-line worker outside of the health service who is out with a chronic illness as a result of long Covid is getting no additional occupational support.”
“We asked these individuals who run our hospitals and supermarkets and who support people with disabilities to go out and roll up their sleeves in the interests of the country at the height of the pandemic.”
“These dedicated individuals, who contracted long Covid as a direct result of their heroic efforts during the pandemic, are now being denied the support they rightfully deserve.”
FRESH Street 2019 which brought hundreds of delegates from around the world to Galway has won the Fáilte Ireland CARA award for 2023.
The event took place from 22 – 24th May 2019 in Galway City and Inis Oírr and brought together over 280 delegates from 21 different countries and from 4 different continents.
In advance of the seminar, a 2-day private meeting was hosted by the Arts Council of Ireland for policymakers across the world.
Over 12 policymakers arrived from the UK, Belgium, Ireland, Sweden, Latvia and France to share and discuss topics of mutual interest.
Making it a local event on a global level which examined the incredible power of making artistic work for public spaces.
The award was presented to the Director of ISACS (Irish Street Art, Circus and Spectacle) Network Lucy Medlycott at a ceremony honouring the contributions of 104 Conference Ambassadors to the Irish economy.
“ISACS are beyond thrilled to receive this award out of the blue for the wonderful FRESH Street event which we held in partnership with Circostrada and Galway 2020 back in May 2019,” said Lucy Medlycott.
“It feels particularly special to get this kind of recognition for an event whose significance was slightly eclipsed by the ensuing pandemic.”
“We are super grateful for the acknowledgement of the value of these art forms in our cultural landscape by Minister Martin and Failte Ireland and especially the Meet in Galway team.”
The ambassadors were acknowledged for their expertise, industry knowledge and unwavering commitment to successfully hosting an international conference in Ireland between 2018 and 2022.
Collectively these conferences have contributed €125 million to the Irish economy and have made a positive impact on our nation.
Fáilte Ireland’s Conference Ambassador Programme was developed to support individuals who want to host an international conference in Ireland.
The programme provides assistance and financial support at every stage of the event, from the initial bidding, through to the marketing and promotion of the event.
Ambassadors are sector leaders or influencers in their field and since the programme was established in 2009, Fáilte Ireland has supported almost 3,000 ambassadors in their bids to host conferences and events worth more than €2 billion.
Riverbank fencing and instream structures in the Kilroe River, Co. Galway, creating a habitat with varied depth and velocity of flow, favoured by invertebrates and salmonids.
A €1 million grant funding is available to support river conservation projects in Galway and around the country.
Inland Fisheries Ireland is providing grant support under the Habitats and Conservation Funding Call 2024 to support fish, and their habitats, in rivers nationwide.
Barry Fox Head of Operations at Inland Fisheries Ireland said, “The conservation and protection of Atlantic salmon and sea trout is an integral part of IFI’s progressive and sustainable fisheries management operations.”
“This funding will improve fish habitats and increase juvenile abundance of salmon and trout. A total of €1,050,000 is being allocated in 2024.”
“We are investing in transformative conservation projects that have a strong focus on outcomes”.
“Priority will be given to proposals that rehabilitate damaged river habitats, improve water quality, and help fish traverse physical in-stream barriers, like weirs.”
There are two main funding streams under the IFI’s Habitats and Conservation Fund – the Salmon and Sea Trout Rehabilitation, Conservation and Protection Fund, and the Midlands Fisheries Fund.
The money for these schemes comes from the revenue created by salmon and sea trout angling and commercial fishing licences, and the sale of fishing permits.
In 2023, the Salmon and Sea Trout Rehabilitation, Conservation and Protection Fund provided a total of €99,273 to 24 projects in counties Cork, Offaly, Donegal, Galway, Clare, Kerry, Kildare, Sligo, Mayo, Meath, Wicklow and Westmeath.
Up to €50,000 is available through the Midlands Fisheries Fund to support angling and sustainable development works in the Midlands Fisheries Group permit area.
Eligible angling clubs, fishery owners and other stakeholders are invited to express their interest in applying for funding.
The closing date for expressions of interest is December 15, and full application details are available online here.
The annual Christmas Park and Ride Service will run from Galway Racecourse to the city centre from Friday 8 December until Christmas Eve, Galway City Council has announced.
Buses will run every 15 minutes in both directions Monday to Saturday from 9.30 am to 9.15 pm. On Sundays, the service will run every 15 minutes from 11.00am to 7.00pm and every 30 minutes from 7.00 pm to 9.15pm.
Fares are €1 per person each-way, and children and pensioners travel for free. All-day parking at the racecourse is included in the bus fare.
Senior Executive Engineer with Galway City Council, Brendan Gallagher, said that the Christmas Park and Ride aims to alleviate traffic congestion in Galway City in the run-up to the busy Christmas period.
He said it allows those shopping, eating out or visiting venues and events to enjoy a stress-free, reliable way to travel to and from the city.
“This is the 16th year of Galway City Council providing the service and I would encourage prospective visitors to Galway to avail of this easier alternative to bringing the car into the city centre this December,” said Mr Gallagher.
“A special thank you to the Galway Coach Station, Galway Racecourse and Callinan Coaches for partnering with Galway City Council to deliver the service.”
As in previous years, the Christmas Park and Ride service will operate in conjunction with other sustainable transport promotions, with Irish Rail offering free parking at Athenry, Oranmore, Craughwell, Ardrahan and Gort, including their current 20% reduction off all fares and a €6 Day Return fare from Oranmore to Galway, commencing on Friday 8 December.
More information on the Christmas Park and Ride service can be found on the Park and Ride webpage.
Patrick: A Young Traveller Lost will air tonight on RTÉ One at 9.35pm.
President Michael D. Higgins has said that a deeply moving documentary which will be broadcast on RTÉ One tonight should be seen in every household and school in Ireland.
The new documentary shines a light on the alarmingly high suicide rate among the Irish Traveller community, through the harrowing and deeply personal story of 12-year-old Patrick McDonagh from Finglas who died by suicide a year ago.
Patrick: A Young Traveller Lost, which will air tonight on RTÉ One at 9.35pm, only hears from Traveller voices, with the story told from their perspective and not through the lens of settled community.
Sensitively following his parents, Michelle and Pat, as they come to terms with their loss, the film explores wider challenges facing the community and highlights the devastating impact of suicide on those left behind.
In sharing their harrowing personal story, Patrick’s family’s hope is to inspire other people to speak up and ask for help when they need it.
President Michael D. Higgins said that it was an honour to attend an advance screening of Patrick: A Young Traveller Lost, saying that it should be seen in every household and school in Ireland.
President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins with Pat and Michelle McDonagh, at a screening of the RTÉ documentary Patrick: A Young Traveller Lost. The documentary tells the story of their 12-year-old son Patrick McDonagh who died by suicide, which is to be broadcast this Monday night on RTÉ One and RTE Player at 9.35pm.
“Even though I am familiar with the issues with which the Travelling Community struggle, the personal testimonies of Patrick McDonagh’s parents, and Bernie Power moved me in a way I find difficult to describe,” said President Higgins.
“It would be so valuable if all members of the public could see this film, which describes a life lost to bullying. An incredibly talented boy, interested in all aspects of life and full of curiosity, within one year had his life destroyed.
“RTÉ and Alleycat Films have in my mind placed all of us in their debt in what is a splendid, valuable exercise in public service broadcasting. There are so many reasons I could think of why this film should be seen in every household, and it would be just incredibly valuable if it were seen in every school.”
Research shows that more than 1 in 10 Irish Travellers die by suicide. The suicide rate for Irish Traveller women is six times higher than settled women.
Meanwhile, the suicide rate for Irish Traveller men is seven times higher than settled men.
In the documentary Patrick’s mother Michelle Ward shared some of her treasured memories of Patrick.
“I remember when he was born,” she said. “He was the most beautiful little boy that was ever brought into this world. He was always clever. He loved English. He loved Irish. He knew everything about science.”
“He loved fixing bikes. He’d take a bike apart and put it together in seconds. I just can’t believe he left the world the way he did. I just thought he was so happy. He showed no signs…”
Patrick’s father Pat McDonagh reflects on the bullying his son experienced which the family were unaware of until after Patrick’s death.
“My little boy didn’t tell us nothing. I mean, secrets he took it to the grave. God rest him. We never expected Patrick to do what he done. I’m no good with phones – that’s the reason why we didn’t pass any notice of the phones.
“But when he passed away, we started taking notice of the phones, started realising it was the phone. It was a poxy phone. He was hiding stuff where he was being bullied. He never told us deep down inside, the mental torture. God knows what he was going through.”
Michelle explained that he deleted everything off his phone before he passed away.
“Deleted his Snapchat. His Tiktok. I couldn’t figure out why he deleted all of them, you know? We didn’t know what he was going through until the end, until people came and told us, little friends of Patrick’s came up and told us bits and pieces like we didn’t know.”
Sitting in Patrick’s bedroom, his mother Michelle describes her heartbreak.
“I feel very heartbroken when I’m looking at all this stuff. I didn’t just want him for 12 years; I wanted him forever. I was meant to go first. Not him. Suicide is the most hurtful thing to me as a mother. To lose a child. I feel like I have no answers. You know, why would he feel so hurt? That he thought he wouldn’t be happy in life you know? Why? I don’t get it.”
Leading Traveller voices from around the country, including Senator Eileen Flynn and Director of the Traveller Counselling Service Thomas McCann, contribute to the documentary and delve into the complexities facing this marginalised and often discriminated against community.
The documentary details research by DCU which states that 1 in 10 Irish Traveller children experience bullying more than several times a week. Meanwhile, 85% of the Irish public wouldn’t have a Traveller as a friend.
The deeply moving, unprecedented film, created in close collaboration with the Irish Traveller community, hopes to provide an opportunity to ignite conversations, dismantle stigmas, and encourage proactive measures to address the underlying factors contributing to this devastating crisis.
Patrick, A Young Traveller Lost airs tonight, Monday 27th, at 9.35pm on RTÉ One and the RTÉ Player.
Pieta provides 24/7 support – if you are suicidal, self-harming or bereaved you can contact Pieta 24/7 via the Freephone crisis helpline on 1800 247 247, you can also text HELP to 51444
A man in his 30s has been arrested in Galway city after Gardaí seized €56,000 of suspected cocaine in a search on Sunday evening.
The search was carried out at a residence in the Castlepark area of the city at approximately 8.20pm.
Around €56,000 of suspected cocaine and €1,800 of suspected cannabis were seized during the search.
The seized drugs will be sent to Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) for analysis.
The man who was arrested is currently being detained at a Garda station in Galway under the provisions of Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996.
Freezing conditions could be accompanied by wintry showers later this week as temperatures plummet across the country.
This morning and early afternoon will be mostly cloudy with patchy light rain, drizzle and mist in the West, but it will become drier and brighter through the afternoon.
Tonight will become cold, and frost and icy patches are possible as temperatures fall below zero. Driving conditions could be hazardous, with patches of mist and fog forming.
Tuesday will see a mix of sunny spells and scattered showers, mainly near north facing coasts. Highest afternoon temperatures of 6 to 9 degrees are forecast for Tuesday afternoon.
Tuesday night will be cold, with low temperatures of below 0 degrees possible. Frost and ice are likely to form in some areas, as well as mist and fog as winds stay light and variable.
The mist and fog will clear slowly on Wednesday and it will be a generally cloudy day over most of the country.
Thursday will be cold again, with temperatures not surpassing 5 degrees.
Wintry showers are possible over higher ground in Connacht and Ulster, and more wintry showers are possible as temperatures remain cold throughout Friday and over the weekend.
People living in Galway City are being invited to attend a series of information evenings on how they reduce their energy costs this winter.
The three events will see multiple groups provide expert advice on how to reduce your home energy costs and your carbon footprint at the same time.
They will discuss grants and finances available; retrofits, solar panels, and heat pumps; a green home heating oil alternative with HVO; an electric car demonstration, active travel and the new draft Galway City climate action plan and community climate action funds.
Westside Community Centre: Tuesday, November 28 – 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Knocknacarra Community Centre: Tuesday, December 5 – 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Renmore Community Centre: Tuesday, December12 – 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Speaking about the evenings, Brian Barrett, Acting Director of Services for Climate Action said, “Each evening will offer a valuable insight into the various options of energy efficiency and reduction available to residents, businesses, and the wider community of Galway City.”
“Each evening at 7.30 pm there will be a talk from the SEAI on home energy grants and Galway City Council on the Draft Climate Action plan and the Community Climate Action Fund.”
“These free information evenings will answer any questions you may have on reducing your home and car energy costs and having a greener and healthier lifestyle. I hope as many as possible will attend.”
The expert organisations at the evenings will be Galway City Council, SEAI, Galway Energy Coop, Claddagh Credit Union, Galway LEO, Electric Ireland Superhomes, SSE Airtricity, JFW Renewables, Firebird, Sweeney Oil and Windsor Motormall Galway.
Galway City Council recently unveiled its Draft Climate Action Plan, which aims for a 51% reduction in greenhouse gases by 2030, and for the city to become carbon neutral by 2050.
The draft plan is now in a public consultation phase, with submission open until 4pm on December 29.
Craft beer and cuisine enthusiasts are invited to indulge in a unique sensory experience at 1520 Bar on Quay Street next month.
This amazing event, in collaboration with Connemara Brewery, promises an evening of exquisite craft beers, delectable tapas, and insights into the art of brewing on Wednesday, December 6.
Guests will delve into the brewing process with none other than Aine O’Hora, one of Ireland’s most accomplished brewers.
Aine’s wealth of expertise and passion for craft beer will offer a rare glimpse into the world of brewing excellence.
The event kicks off at 7 pm, promising an immersive experience for everyone. The intimate setting of the Penny Bar in 1520 provides a unique backdrop for this evening of discovery and enjoyment.
Limited spaces are available, so everyone is encouraged to secure their tickets soon to avoid missing out.
As part of the Craft Beer and Tapas Tasting Night at 1520, guests will savour the unique and flavorful offerings from Connemara Brewery as well as a tastefully curated sharing platter from 1520’s renowned tapas menu. The combination of exceptional craft beers and delightful tapas promises an unforgettable night.
“We are thrilled to host this Craft Beer and Tapas Tasting Night in collaboration with Connemara Brewery,” said Johnny Casey at 1520 Bar.
“It’s an opportunity for beer enthusiasts to not only enjoy some of the finest craft beers but also gain insights into the brewing process from the talented Aine O’Hora. Paired with our popular tapas menu, this promises to be a memorable evening for all attendees.”
Tickets for the Craft Beer and Tapas Tasting Night can be purchased on Eventbrite. So, don’t miss this exciting evening of exceptional craft beers, delicious tapas, and a fascinating look at the art of brewing.
Planning permission has been refused for a large-scale residential development consisting of 227 apartments in Galway City.
Glenveagh Living Ltd sought approval for the construction of seven apartment blocks ranging from three to five storeys in height.
The new apartment complex was to be built on lands at Gort na Bró, Rahoon, next to Gateway Retail Park.
The development plans also included 1,009.5m² of commercial space at the ground floor level of the blocks, a community facility and a childcare facility with an external play area.
Other works involved in the project would involve the realignment of the road between Gort na Bró and Gateway Retail Park as well as the provision of private and communal open spaces.
A major element of the plans was the creation of a Civic Square on the western edge of the site to cater for the wider Knocknacarra District Centre.
Planning permission was refused by Galway City Council due to concerns about overshadowing, and the development’s relationship with the planning N6 Galway City Ring Road.
The council said that two of the apartment blocks would significantly overshadow the communal space between them and that another would do so to lands zoned for development right next to the site.
The overabundance of one and two-bedroom apartments and the lack of three-bedroom units was also cited as a reason for refusal.
Finally, the council said that the proposed development is at variance with the policy regarding developments on or affecting national roads due to its proximity to the proposed N6 Galway City Ring Road route.
Allowing it to go ahead would therefore “adversely affect the operation and safety of the national road network”, either by itself or by the precedent it would set.
Sonia is hanging on for dear life, Malachaí crosses a line trying to control Sadie, and romantic wires get crossed with Manus in Ros na Rún.
The day of Sadie’s art exhibition is here, and she’s not doing well at all. People become more concerned for Sadie’s well-being as she unveils her art.
Malachaí gets Sadie back under control, but Tadhg has seen something and even he thinks Malachaí has gone too far. Just what did he do?
Things aren’t looking good for Sonia. Meanwhile, Mack is left in the dark and desperate to know if she is alive.
O’Shea arrives in with news from the hospital that startles Diana. What is after happening?
Réailtín wants to know where she stands with Manus and gets Che to act as her wingman. Che has a conversation with Manus.
However, Manus gets the wrong end of the stick. Where will this comedy of errors of who fancies who go next?
Catch up on all the latest from Ros an Rún this Sunday on TG4 at 7:30pm with a double-feature omnibus.
JP McMahon has been honoured as the top Businessman of the Year by the Galway Chamber of Commerce.
Restauranteur and event organiser McMahon was chosen for the President’s Award of the 2023 Galway Chamber Business Awards by the new President Eveanna Ryan.
She said, “JP has been a cornerstone of business in Galway city, a visionary who has woven an intricate tapestry of success through his various ventures and events.”
“He has played a pivotal role in propelling Galway onto the global food map, establishing it as a world-renowned culinary destination”.
JP McMahon is the owner of the Michelin-starred Aniar Restaurant and the award-winning Cava Bodega, which celebrated its 15th anniversary earlier this year.
McMahon is also the founder and organiser of the Food on the Edge symposium, which draws top chefs, restauranteurs, and more from around the world each year.
A boil water notice for the Kinvara Public Water Supply has been lifted with immediate effect, Uisce Éireann has said.
Following consultation with the HSE customers can now resume normal use of the public water supply.
Issued in October, the notice was put in place to protect the health of customers following a mechanical issue at the water treatment plant which compromised the disinfection of the water supply.
Drinking water experts from Uisce Éireann worked to lift the notice as quickly and safely as possible and following satisfactory water samples the Boil Water Notice has been lifted.
Uisce Eireann’s Justin Doran acknowledged the impact of the notice on customers and thanked the community for their support while we worked to lift the notice.
“Uisce Éireann’s primary focus remains the protection of public health and we worked with our stakeholders to lift the notice as quickly as possible. We are grateful to customers, elected representatives and the media for their assistance in sharing information on the boil water notice in recent weeks,” he said.
TFI Local Link Galway has announced changes to its bus services from Portumna to Ballinasloe, which will come into effect on Monday, 4 December.
Route 547 will now operate five daily return services Monday to Saturday, as well as three daily return services on Sunday.
The improved route is designed to make it easier for people to travel to Portumna, Eyrecourt, Laurencetown, Ballinasloe and Ballinasloe Train Station.
TFI Local Link Galway General Manger, Joe Greally, said that the improved route is a much-needed, and will provide a morning service from Ballinasloe Train Station and improved connectivity to regional bus and rail services.
“We believe this will be welcomed by our existing and new customers alike, as it offers them more flexibility.
“In partnership with the NTA, we are committed to continually improving and expanding our services to meet the needs of our customers.
“We understand that every journey matters, and with these enhancements, we hope to make those journeys even better.”
From left, Professor Aidan Flynn, Consultant Cardiologist; Andrea Cooke, Cardiac Physiologist; Carol Glynn, Healthcare Assistant; Caroline Hanniffy, Cardiac Physiologist; Claire Mc Dermott, Chief II Cardiac Physiologist; Ann Donohue, Cardiac Physiologist; Dr Núria Farre, Consultant Cardiologist; Niamh Corrigan, Cardiac Physiologist and James Keane, Hospital Manager.
Portiuncula University Hospital has received European accreditation for the echocardiography department by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) following a process of quality standards and improvements.
The European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) established a European echocardiogram standard in laboratory practices and patient care.
The aim of laboratory accreditation is to raise quality standards of practice and equipment across Europe in a uniform manner.
It is also designed to be used as an educational tool to improve the overall quality of cardiac investigation departments.
Portiuncula University Hospital is the third hospital in the country to be accredited by the EACVI.
Claire McDermott, Chief II Cardiac Physiologist said: “I am delighted and extremely proud of our team here in the Cardiac Investigations Department for having achieved such a highly regarded world recognised accreditation.
“We now have certification for five years, which would not have been possible without the commitment and dedication of such a fantastic team.
“It is an exciting time for our department as we continue to focus on quality improvement, embrace new methods of working, new technology, and more integration to ensure we continue to provide our patients with the utmost care.”
The cardiac Investigations Department provides a variety of non-invasive tests such as ECG, blood pressure, cardiac rhythm monitoring, exercise stress tests and echocardiography.
Last year, the department carried out 3,200 echocardiograms – a type of ultrasound for the heart used to aid in the diagnosis of a variety of cardiac disorders and to assess treatments for heart conditions.
Professor Aidan Flynn, Consultant Cardiologist, said that the accreditation gives great confidence to patients knowing they are attending a department that is performing their echocardiograms to the highest standards.
“It also demonstrates our commitment to lifelong learning and knowledge expansion. The team’s dedication to improving our service delivery has been incredible, and we are now lucky enough to be using the most advanced state-of-the-art echocardiography technology in our department,” he said.
Dr Núria Farre, Consultant Cardiologist, said: “I would like to acknowledge the work and commitment of the echocardiogram team.
“This honour recognises their skills while also reflecting the hospital’s and the Cardiac Investigation Department’s dedication to provide the best possible care to patients.”
Schools in Galway are being invited to apply for the first phase of the Solar for Schools Programme which opens this month.
The programme will provide eligible schools with 6 kilowatts of roof-mounted solar PV, which equates to approximately 16 solar panels.
The solar PV panels in schools will also be connected to the electricity grid so that the schools can generate income by selling excess electricity back to the grid.
This will be especially beneficial to schools as they can expect to generate electricity while using almost none on weekends and during holidays.
Schools can expect to save in the region of €1,200 to €1,600 per year after selling any surplus solar power.
Minister for Education Norma Foley said, “I am delighted to launch the Solar for Schools scheme today. It will allow up to 4,000 schools nationwide to get solar PV panels to reduce their energy bills and their carbon emissions”.
“This ties in with the strong ethos of environmental awareness and climate sustainability among our students and the wonderful work they do in this area, most notably with the Green Flag initiative.”
The first phase of the scheme, covering 11 areas, will open for application on November 30, with all eligible schools to be contacted by the Department.
The intention is to include a further eight counties in phase two in Q2 2024 and the remaining eight counties in Q4 2024.
The phasing of the programme will ensure a managed and steady flow of work for solar PV contractors.
Schools will be provided with funding from the Department to have solar panels installed by an SEAI-registered contractor.
The exact budget for the scheme is not being released for commercial reasons. The government has said that this is to ensure that contractors deliver competitive quotes.
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications Ossian Smyth said, “It’s great that schools around the country will now see their electricity bills drop while doing their bit for the climate.”
“Even when the school is closed for the holidays, they will earn money by selling the power they generate back to the grid.”
“Each school will have a display screen to let staff and students know how much power is being generated. I am also delighted that teaching materials will be offered to schools so that students can learn about solar power.”
Areas included in the first phase of the programme are: Co. Clare, Co. Donegal, Dublin City Council area, Co. Galway, Co. Kerry, Co. Kilkenny, Co. Leitrim, Co. Limerick, Co. Offaly, Co. Waterford and Co. Wicklow.
A planning appeal has been lodged against the refusal of permission for 148 homes on the outskirts of Galway City.
Cairn Homes Ltd this month saw plans for a large-scale residential development on land south of the Letteragh Road shot down by the city council.
The plans were for 93 houses, 20 duplex units, and 35 apartments in a housing estate next to the existing Sliabh Ríoga development.
The proposed four-storey apartment building would be the most prominent element of the estate, located at the entrance facing onto the Letteragh Road.
In refusing planning permission the City Council said that the development would “adversely affect the operation and safety of the national road network”, either by itself or by virtue of the precedent it would set.
The rejection also cited the lack of provision for any childcare facility in the plans and criticised the design of the communal open space.
The site is located next to the planned N59 Link Road, which would make the boundary of the western edge of the estate when built.
The developer has now appealed that decision to An Bord Pleanála, which is due to make a ruling on the case by March 14, 2024.
Thousands of homes in Connemara are without power this morning after Storm Bert brought heavy wind and rain overnight.
Power outages are continuing to affect...
Uisce Eireann has issued a Boil Water Notice for more than 2,000 properties in Connemara resulting from issues cause Storm Bert.
The notice has been...
