Galway musicians Return to London Town for annual music festival

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October 6, 2023

Galway Daily news Homelessness in Galway spiked in late 2023

COPE Galway supported almost 3,000 people across the city and county last year, as demand for their services continued to grow.

The charity launched their 2022 annual report this week, showing 2,961 local men, women and children sought support across their services for Homelessness, Domestic Abuse and Senior Support last year.

COPE worked with 843 women, children and young people impacted by domestic abuse last year – a 21% increase on the previous year. Significantly, staff dealt with a staggering 10 crisis calls per day relating to domestic abuse.

COPE Galway also worked with 1,217 people, including 303 children, who were homeless or at risk of homelessness; and they supported 901 older people with healthy, independent ageing at home.

CEO Michael Smyth said, “These figures give a sense of the extensive reach, range and widely felt impact of the work we achieved in the Galway Community.”

“As the people we work with navigated a difficult period in their lives with dignity and strength, our professional, caring and persevering employees supported each person along their journey, often under extremely challenging circumstances.”

Mr Smyth called on the government to address a deficit in statutory funding for such essential services.

Currently COPE Galway receives 74% of their funding for essential services from state bodies, but requires charity to bridge the remaining gap to cover a quarter of their costs.

Mr Smyth noted that the community and voluntary sector is operating in an increasingly unsustainable environment and challenged the State to rectify this.

“It is unacceptable that we must depend on charity or philanthropy to cover 26% of our costs in delivering essential services to the people of Galway,” he said.

Smyth cited precarious year-to-year statutory funding and a legacy – since 2009 – of unrestored and wide-sweeping funding cuts.

This in an environment where NGO staff continue to be asked to work more for pay levels that are between 10 and 19 per cent below their public sector counterparts.

He concluded, “While the commitment of our employees makes it possible for us to continue to deliver essential services and support those in our community who need it most, we are struggling to retain and recruit staff due to pay deficits that threaten our sector’s ability to maintain and expand service delivery.”

“It’s time for Government to step up and address the unacceptable and unsustainable deficit in statutory funding to deliver services in support of basic human needs.”

New electric car registrations in Galway up by 35% this year

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October 6, 2023

Galway Daily news New electric car registrations in Galway up by 35% this year

The number of new electric cars registered in Galway this year is up more than a third compared with 2022.

There were 792 new electric cars registered in Galway between January and September 2023, an increase of 35% on the same period last year.

There were a total of 4,679 new car registrations of all kinds in Galway in the first nine months of this year, an 8% increase on 2022.

Nationwide, new car registrations in the year to date are up 16.5% (118,369) on the same period last year (101,587). However, they fell by just over 10% in September compared with the same month last year.

Imported Used Cars have seen a 0.1% (4,328) decrease in September 2023, when compared to September 2022 (4,333). Year to date imports are up 2.5% (38,339) on 2022 (37,417).

Battery Electric Vehicles, Plug-in Hybrids and Hybrids have now see their combined market share in the year to date increase to 45.19%.

Brian Cooke, Director of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry, said that while the market has shown strong growth so far this year, declining figures in September are of concern.

“New electric vehicle registrations declined by nearly a fifth when compared to September 2022, and while some of this is due to changing supply chain dynamics, there is a fear that there could be a softening in EV growth.”

“As the demand curve for EVs is moving out of the early adopter phase, the next cohort of EV buyers will inevitably be more price conscious. With Budget 2024 only a week way, SIMI again calls on the Government to maintain EV incentives at current levels.”

SIMI is calling on the government to retain all EV incentives at their current level. These incentives include the 0% Benefit-In-Kind (BIK) thresholds, extending VRT relief, and maintaining the SEAI purchase grant relief.

“In addition, with the new car market still in recovery mode, there should be no taxation increases that would dampen new car demand, and at the same time more funding should be allocated to support the roll out of a reliable charging infrastructure.”

“Now more than ever is the time to invest in the electric vehicle project to ensure that the right measures are implemented to encourage behavioural change as quickly as possible.”

Planning extension grant for Craughwell National School expansion

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October 6, 2023

Galway Daily news Planning extension grant for Craughwell National School expansion

An extension to Craughwell National School under construction is now expected to be completed by the end of next year.

The school’s Board of Management is seeking an extension of the planning permission for the new school facilities, which were first approved in 2018.

The two storey extension to the main school building, with a total floor space of 1,628sqm, is being built to replace existing prefabs.

It includes eight new classrooms for the national school, along with a general-purpose sports hall, a multipurpose room, administration offices, and the principal’s office.

Other works on the site will include reconfiguration of the vehicular access to the school, set-down areas, and pedestrian gate, and the provision of 24 parking spaces.

Planning approval for the project was first granted in mid 2018, and work began on site in September of 2021.

The planning permission expired back in July, with the EOD application stating that supply chain issues arose because of Brexit, and later the invasion of Ukraine. The COVID pandemic also significantly held up the project.

Substantial works have already been carried out, with the school building raised and other site works carried out.

The county council granted a three year extension to the current planning permission, though the project is expected to be completed before that time.

County Council’s Galway Graveyards Project wins national award

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October 6, 2023

GalwayAward1 — Pictured receiving The Best Community Engagement Award at the Public Sector Digital Transformation Awards 2023 from Left to right: Brídín Feeney, GIS Support, Galway County Council; Bernie Doherty, Galway Community Archaeologist; Liam Hanrahan, Director of Services, Economic Development and Planning, Galway County Council; Marie Mannion, Heritage Officer, Galway County Council; Cllr. Liam Carroll, Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council; Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council; David Nolan, Digital Mapping Consultant; and Barry Doyle, GIS Project Leader, Galway County Council.

Galway County Council has won a national award for its innovative Galway Graveyards Project, which is preserving the county’s heritage.

The council was named overall winner of the ‘Best Community Engagement’ category of the Public Sector Digital Transformation Awards 2023 last night.

The Galway Graveyards Project has mapped over 40,000 graveyard memorial records across County Galway, and made them publicly available online.

Cllr. Liam Carroll, Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council said, “The success of the Digital Mapping of Graveyards Project has been years in the making and is the result of forensic research and cutting-edge surveying work by the Local Authority’s Heritage department and local communities across Galway.”

“This has resulted in a body of work that will be of benefit to the diaspora and academia at home and abroad for years to come.”

In the Graveyards Project, the county council worked together with Galway Rural Development, Forum Connemara, The Heritage Council, The National Monuments Service and Galway County Community Archaeology Service.

They provided funding for local groups to employs experts who could train communities to use mobile technology and to undertake drone mapping of graveyards.

This resulted in the public release of 40,000 records from across the county via the Local Authority’s Open Data Portal.

Marie Mannion, Heritage Officer for Galway County Council said, “The aim of the project is to support our diaspora and communities to connect with their past by unlocking valuable graveyard information and making it available as open-source data that is free to use.”

“We are delighted with the positive reaction we have received to making the records publicly available online and this national award will inspire us to further expand the project and develop similar heritage-based digital projects.”

The Galway County Digital Mapping of Graveyards Project may be viewed at galwaycoco.maps.arcgis.com and data.gov.ie.

Organised by The Sunday Business Post, the Public Sector Digital Transformation Awards recognise the achievements of public sector organisations that have made significant contributions to advancing digital transformation across Ireland.

Galway County Council beat off competition from a shortlist of organisations that included Dublin City Council in partnership with Trinity College Dublin, CAWT and Aurion Learning, Longford County Council and Tipperary County Council to win the top award.

Galway’s Aoife Raftery ready for Gravel Rally Challenge

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October 6, 2023

galway daily news aoife raftery rally driver — Aoife Raftery on her way to a class win in the Moonraker Forestry Rally in June. Photo: Cian Donnellan/ Motorsport Ireland Forestry Rally Championship

Aoife Raftery will return to the Sligo Pallets Irish Forestry Rally Championship for the first time since June at this weekend’s Carrick-on-Suir Forestry Rally.

Based in Slieverue, the rally will take place over a challenging route of approximately 70 stage kilometres and will consist of six special stages.

The Craughwell-based driver has spent most of the summer plying her trade in the FIA Junior European Rally Championship but as that campaign has now drawn to a close, she has decided to enter more Irish events in the international off-season.

The Ford Fiesta R2 driver scored her best-ever Irish gravel result, by taking a class win on the Moonraker Forestry Rally in June.

This was her first class win on any Irish rally and came after less than two years of rallying. Her only other Irish gravel outing this year was the Killarney Forestry Rally in February.

Her return to the domestic forest championship will see her face some of Ireland’s top Class 2 exponents It is a challenge she is relishing given her preference for loose surface rallying.

“I am really looking forward to getting back to the Irish Forestry Rally Championship, it has been a long time since the Moonraker Rally in June,” said the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy driver.

“I have competed once before in Carrick-on-Suir and the roads there offer a great challenge.”

Ahascragh Distillery wins gold medal at Blas na hÉireann awards

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October 6, 2023

galway daily news gold medal for galway whiskey distillers — Cait Baxter receiving gold medal at recent awards. Photo: Don MacMonagle

Ahascragh Distillery has won a Gold Medal for its Clan Colla 11 Year Old Whiskey Blend at the prestigious Blas na hÉireann Awards.

The Blas na hÉireann Awards, also known as the Irish Food Awards, are one of Ireland’s most highly regarded food and drink events.

The awards recognise and celebrate the very best tasting Irish food and drink products, and the passionate, committed producers who produce them.

Winning a Gold Medal is a testament to the exceptional quality of Clan Colla 11 and Ahascragh Distillery’s spirits.

“We are absolutely thrilled to receive a Gold Medal at the Blas na hÉireann Awards,” said Michelle McAllister, Co-Founder and Managing Director at Ahascragh Distillery.

“This recognition is a testament to the dedication and passion of our team, who have poured their hearts and souls into producing exceptional Irish whiskeys, such as the Clan Colla 11 Year Blend.

We are proud to be a part of Ireland’s rich distilling tradition and to contribute to its continued legacy.”

The gold medal adds to Ahascragh Distillery’s growing list of accolades and underscores its position as a leading player in the Irish whiskey industry.

Although relatively new to the market, Ahascragh Distillery’s Clan Colla 11 Year Old Blend also won a gold medal and was named category winner for Best Limited Blend at the 2023 World Whiskey Awards; as well as gold medals at the Tokyo Whiskey & Spirits Awards and the Global Irish Whiskey Masters earlier this year.

Ahascragh Distillery’s award-winning spirits have garnered acclaim not only for their outstanding taste but also for their commitment to sustainability and responsible production.

The distillery employs environmentally friendly practices throughout its production process, demonstrating a commitment to preserving the environment for future generations.

Galway students triumph at WorldSkills Ireland 2023 competition

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October 5, 2023

Six Atlantic Technological University students were victorious in their categories at the recent WorldSkills Ireland 2023 competition.

The students from Galway, Sligo, Clare, Kildare and Roscommon triumphed in categories such as Electrical Installations, Carpentry, Joinery, Toolmaking, Digital Infrastructure and Cabinetmaking.

Keith Roberts from Ballyconneely, Connemara, who studies at the Connemara campus won the the Cabinetmaking category, while ATU Sligo student Joe Kelly from Ballinasloe won the Joinery category.

ATU Galway engineering student Sean Doyle from Coolaney, Co Sligo won the Digital Infrastructure Design award for his creation of a data rich linear infrastructure model, and Clare native Max Boland from Shannon was the winner of the Toolmaking category.

ATU Sligo apprentice Sean McLoughlin from Naas won the he Electrical Installations category and Roscommon native Daniel Connolly from Castlerea claimed victory in the Carpentry category.

The competed against over 160 finalists in the 2023 Worldskills Ireland competition which took place at the RDS in September.

ATU President Dr Orla Flynn congratulated the apprentices and students on their achievements in the finals.

“Atlantic TU has been doing significant work to evolve apprenticeship and skilled-based learning programmes with academic partners and enterprise and these awards are a testament to this.”

“I want to congratulate all the participants and acknowledge the commitment and dedication of our students and the supporting staff who have made this possible.”

“These students will progress to skills-based careers in their chosen field with expertise that has been enhanced by these learning environments, for industries with skills shortages. I would like to wish all the apprentices and students well on the next steps of their journey.”

WorldSkills is a partnership between enterprise, industry, education, training, and government that raises the profile and recognition of skills and apprenticeships.

The Gallery Cafe in Gort unveils exciting new menus and an Autumn wine shop

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October 5, 2023

The long established and much loved Gallery Café in Gort is debuting their new Wine Shop this Autumn alongside new seasonal menus.

The Gallery Cafe, located in the historic market town of Gort, County Galway, is more than just a cafe; it is a restaurant and art gallery nestled within a beautifully restored building dating back to 1820.

Founded in 2005 by artist and designer Sarah Harty, The Gallery Cafe celebrates local flavours through thoughtfully created food and art.

They have recently welcomed a new Head Chef Hannah O’Donnell after nearly 7 years in Kai, and have launched a new look autumn wine shop and dinner and brunch menu to fit the season.

Start your autumn evening on a high note with baked Wicklow Blue cheese with roasted grapes and sourdough crisps, or succulent scallops paired with courgette, papadum, and a buttery sauce that is nothing short of divine.

For the main course, the menu boasts champions the land and sea, the humble cauliflower no more as it is served with black bean mole and beetroot pico, or savour the flavours of a striploin steak pappardelle accompanied by black kale and chestnut mushrooms for a hearty and satisfying dish.

Wrap up the evening on a sweet note with dessert options like a rich dark chocolate mousse, baked plum and walnuts, or a blackberry and hazelnut frangipane tart complemented by whiskey crème.

“We are thrilled to welcome autumn at The Gallery Cafe,” says owner Sarah Harty. “Our new menus reflect the essence of the season, highlighting the finest ingredients and flavours that autumn has to offer.”

!The addition of our wine shop allows our guests to enjoy the perfect wine pairings with their meals or to take home to enjoy.”

The Gallery Cafe Autumn wine shop is where wine enthusiasts can discover a curated collection of wines that pair exquisitely with the dishes created. From rich reds to crisp whites, expertly chosen by Argentina Sommelier Gabriel Perez Levitzky.

The wine list features mostly organic wines from some of Europe’s finest wine-producing regions, including France, Spain, Italy, Germany, and Austria.

Explore a diverse range of terroirs, climates, and altitudes, from sparkling Blanquette de Limoux to Austrian Pet Nat Roses, classical French Sauvignon blancs, and modern Gruner Veltliners.

Sip on oaky Riojas Reserva or elegant Spatburgunders (Pinot Noir) from Germany that only elevate the flavourful creations of Head Chef Hannah O’Donnell.

Do not miss their Sunday brunch experience, served from 10 am to 4pm, with a rotating menu that keeps things fresh and exciting every week.

Some of the brunch stars have included Eggs in Purgatory – poached eggs with roasted tomatoes, chili, local kale, crumbled feta, and toasted sourdough.

Or, if you are craving something richer, then it must be the Guinness-braised beef cheek McMuffin with smoked cheddar, a fried egg, spiced apple, and leafy greens.

And for those with a sweet tooth, the apple crumble French toast, tossed in cinnamon sugar and served with whipped cream and toasted almonds, is sweet perfection.

Hansen, Aki and Bealham named to Ireland Squad for Scotland clash

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October 5, 2023

Galway Daily sport Mack Hansen ruled out of Six Nations 2024 due to surgery — Mack Hansen. Photo: INPHO

Bundee Aki and Mack Hansen will both be starting against Scotland this weekend, with Finlay Bealham among the replacements for the matchday squad.

Head Coach Andy Farrell has named his Ireland squad to face Scotland in Saturday’s final Rugby World Cup Pool B clash in Paris.

Following wins over Romania, Tonga and South Africa, Ireland conclude their Pool campaign against Gregor Townsend‘s side at Stade de France on Saturday night.

There’s still everything to play for, with Ireland, South Africa, and Scotland all still vying for one of two places out of the group stages.

Peter O’Mahony is set to win his 100th cap for Ireland as he starts in the back row, with the 34-year-old in line to become just the 10th Irish player to reach the landmark.

Hugo Keenan, Mack Hansen and James Lowe start in an unchanged Ireland back three, with Garry Ringrose and Bundee Aki continuing in the midfield. Captain Johnny Sexton partners Jamison Gibson-Park once again in the half-backs.

Up front, Andrew Porter and Tadhg Furlong pack down either side of Dan Sheehan, with Tadhg Beirne and Iain Henderson named in the second row. O’Mahony, Josh van der Flier and Caelan Doris complete the starting XV.

The fit-again Jack Conan is in line for his first appearance of Rugby World Cup 2023 as he’s named on the replacements bench, joining forwards Ronan Kelleher, David Kilcoyne, Finlay Bealham and James Ryan, while Conor Murray, Jack Crowley and Stuart McCloskey provide the backline reinforcements.

Saturday’s match is live on Virgin Media One in the Republic of Ireland and ITV1 in the United Kingdom, with kick-off at 8pm Irish Time.

Ireland (v Scotland):

15. Hugo Keenan (Leinster/UCD)(34)
14. Mack Hansen (Connacht/Corinthians)(19)
13. Garry Ringrose (Leinster/UCD)(55)
12. Bundee Aki (Connacht/Galwegians)(50)
11. James Lowe (Leinster)(24)
10. Johnny Sexton (Leinster/St Mary’s College)(captain)(116)
9. Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster)(28)

1. Andrew Porter (Leinster/UCD)(57)
2. Dan Sheehan (Leinster/Lansdowne)(19)
3. Tadhg Furlong (Leinster/Clontarf)(70)
4. Tadhg Beirne (Munster/Lansdowne)(44)
5. Iain Henderson (Ulster/Academy)(77)
6. Peter O’Mahony (Munster/Cork Constitution)(99)
7. Josh van der Flier (Leinster/UCD)(55)
8. Caelan Doris (Leinster/St Mary’s College)(34)

Replacements:

16. Ronan Kelleher (Leinster/Lansdowne)(24)
17. David Kilcoyne (Munster/UL Bohemians)(54)
18. Finlay Bealham (Connacht/Buccaneers)(34)
19. James Ryan (Leinster/UCD)(58)
20. Jack Conan (Leinster/Old Belvedere)(39)
21. Conor Murray Munster/Garryowen)(110)
22. Jack Crowley (Munster/Cork Constitution)(8)
23. Stuart McCloskey (Ulster/Bangor)(14).

Galway company Joulica creating 40 new jobs

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October 5, 2023

6-people-at-Joulica — Anne Lanigan, Divisional Manager, Technology and Services at Enterprise Ireland; Diarmuid Leonard, Principal Engineer at Joulica; Joe Smyth, CTO at Joulica; Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Simon Coveney, TD; Tony McCormack, CEO at Joulica; Niall McEvoy, Venture Partner at Elkstone. Photo: Fennell Photography

Galway based analytics company Joulica will be creating 40 new jobs over the next three years following a funding round.

The company, which provides analytics solutions for the customer experience market, announced the new jobs for Galway today.

This follows a funding round to drive expansion of the company, which was led by Elkstone Partners and backed by Enterprise Ireland.

Tony McCormack, CEO of Joulica said, “We are delighted to announce this expansion, with the support of both Elkstone and Enterprise Ireland, as we strive to become the leading real time analytics solution provider.”

“This growth will accelerate our product development roadmap, facilitate customer base and partner expansion, attract top-tier talent, and allow us to continue our mission of allowing organisations to deliver superior customer experiences fueled by real time analytics.”

Jobs will be added across all functions including product development, sales and marketing and customer success.

The new roles will bring the total of people employed by the Galway based company to 70.

Minister for Enterprise, Trade, and Employment Simon Coveney said, “There are exciting times ahead for the talented team at Joulica as they continue with their exciting expansion plans.”

“The Galway-based company, who plan to employ 40 additional people locally, has a well-earned reputation for service and delivery for their customers.”

“I also want to commend the team on its recent successful funding round, which will support the company’s significant growth plans and global ambition.”

Anne Lanigan of Enterprise Ireland added that they were, “very impressed by the Joulica team and the progress it has made to develop a market ready and proven platform and achieve significant market traction.”

“In addition to this equity investment, Enterprise Ireland looks forward to supporting the company to globalise its business model, with support through our unique network of 39 international offices, growing highly skilled jobs from the company’s Galway-based headquarters”.

WYLDE Café launch convenient Click & Collect service

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October 5, 2023

WYLDE Café launch convenient Click & Collect service

WYLDE café and delicatessen have launched their very own Click & Collect service, making it easier for customers to browse on the go, choose what they like best, and collect it from the Forster Street location.

WYLDE is a high-end café and delicatessen that offers eco-friendly bites, nourishing treats, wholesome meals, and more.

Customers will be able to devour the WYLDE side of Galway’s culinary scene by exploring the various menu options through WYLDE’s Click & Collect website.

The website offers a user-friendly experience for anyone to easily find what they like best before collecting from WYLDE in no time at all.

Freshly made pastries and delicious overnight oats ideal for breakfasts on-the-go; delectable signature sandwiches crafted with fresh, local ingredients make for enjoyable lunches; and zesty salad bowls seasoned to perfection are tantalising treats worth savouring.

Through WYLDE’s Click & Collect service, customers can also grab refreshing beverages like a HYDE still water to accompany their choice of food.

Or, while collecting their order from WYLDE, they can let The Dock’s amazing baristas magic-up a brew that’s just perfect.

“We are delighted to welcome WYLDE’s Click & Collect service,” said Roisín McGee, HYDE & WYLDE General Manager.

“It’s the ideal way to discover all WYLDE has to offer on the go, ordering and collecting couldn’t be easier.”

“Using it is a breeze, simply place your order online, call in, and collect. Perfect for all, especially if you are in a hurry or in between meetings,” she added.

Located on Forster Street, right beside HYDE Hotel, WYLDE café and delicatessen is a fabulous place for almost any meal of the day.

Woman (70s) in critical condition after house fire

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October 5, 2023

Galway daily news Three people hospitalised after Galway City house fire

Two people have been hospitalised, one in critical condition, after a house fire ravaged a home in the Barna area last night.

Gardai and fire services remain at the scene of the fire in the Boleybeg area of Barna.

The house fire occurred at approximately 10:40pm on Wednesday night.

Two people, a man and a woman both aged in their 70s, were conveyed to Galway University Hospital for treatment.

The woman is understood to be in critical condition at this time.

An Garda Síochána have said that the scene of the fire has been preserved for technical examination.

No further information is available at this time.

Burst mains affecting water supply on west side of Galway City

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October 5, 2023

Galway Daily news https://www.water.ie/?map=supply-and-service-updates

A burst water mains may water outages and supply disruptions to homes on the west side of Galway City this morning.

The burst mains on the Letteragh Road is causing supply disruptions to homes and businesses in the surrounding areas.

Repair works are currently underway and are scheduled to be completed by 4pm on Thursday afternoon.

It may take 2 – 3 hours after these repairs are completed before people see their full water supply restored.

Updates can be found on Irish Water’s supply and service website page.

Mobile Water Treatment Plant built in Galway headed to war-torn Ukraine

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October 5, 2023

A self-contained water treatment plant capable of supplying 6,200 people has been built in Galway to help out in war-torn Ukraine.

Coffey Construction in Athenry have built the fully containerised water treatment plant (WTP) on behalf of Uisce Éireann, and its due to make its way to Ukraine shortly.

In response to urgent calls for support, Uisce Éireann donated two containerised WTP systems in 2022 with a third now ready for shipping.

The self-contained unit is capable of treating up to 40,000 litres per hour which will supply 6,200 people, or the equivalent of 1.6million one-litre bottles of clean water, per day.

Minister of State and Galway TD Anne Rabbitte commended Uisce Éireann for providing continuing support for Ukraine.

“This exemplifies the many ways Ireland, through its people and its state agencies, is showing its solidarity with the people of Ukraine in their time of need.”

“This donation demonstrates collaborative approaches to providing practical and important solutions to support the Ukrainian people. These water units will benefit thousands who are struggling to source fresh, safe drinking water.”

The water treatment unit contains the filters, backwash pump and UV reactors required to fully treat drinking water, along with all the other necessary pipework and equipment to quickly make it operational.

In addition, contact details are provided in English and Ukrainian for any queries which will be provided at no cost by Coffey in Galway.

A fourth containerised WTP system, with an even greater treatment capacity of 120,000 litres per hour, will be donated in the coming months.

With an estimated 1.4 million people have no access to safe running water across Eastern Ukraine alone, according to a recent report from UNICEF, Uisce Éireann is proud to offer assistance.

Niall Gleeson, Uisce Éireann’s Chief Executive Officer said, “Access to safe water is a fundamental human need, and we can often take for granted given our access to fresh and safe water here in Ireland.”

“We know that the situation in Ukraine has resulted in water supply being disrupted entirely or severely polluted, meaning it is unsafe for drinking. We hope our donation of these units will play a role to help some of the people suffering in Ukraine access safe water.”

Planning appeal against rejection of Athenry residential development

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October 5, 2023

Galway Daily news Green light for new apartment complex in Rahoon

A planning appeal has been lodged against the county council’s rejection of a residential development of 72 houses and apartments in Athenry.

Bellerin 3A Limited is seeking approval for the construction of 30 houses and 42 apartments on a 2.66ha site at Prospect, Athenry.

The proposed mix of housing in the plans is for 20 one-bed and 22 two-bed apartments spread across nine two-storey blocks, along with 8 two-bed houses, 21 three-bed houses, and 1 four-bed house.

The county council refused planning at the end of August, noting that the site on the south-western edge of Athenry is not currently zoned for development.

The decision also stated that the proposed estate lacked sufficient pedestrian and cycling connectivity to the wider urban area, and would therefore pose a risk to pedestrians and other road users.

The council also stated that the proposed density and configuration of the estate would not relate to the surrounding area, and had insufficient central and usable public and communal spaces.

The decision has now been appealed to An Bord Pleanála, which is due to make a decision on the case by February 2 of 2024.

The appeal states that the draft 2023 – 2029 Local Area Plan for Athenry had not yet been adopted at the time the decision was made, and that the land was zoned residential in the previous plan.

It also argues that a proposed realignment to the Prospect Road to create an entrance would include the addition of a footpath where there currently is none.

The developer also argues that the proposed density of 30.1 units per hectare is consistent with national guidelines.

Answers still neeeded on new forestry programme says TD

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October 4, 2023

Local TD Claire Kerrane has called on Minister Pippa Hackett to provide clarity on outstanding matters relating to the new Forestry programme.

The new programme received Cabinet approval on 6 September and applications can now be made to the new €308 million Afforestation Scheme under the 2023-2027 programme.

However, Deputy Kerrane said that outstanding queries remain about aspects of the programme and that representatives from the forestry sector have stated that greater communication is needed with farmers and foresters.

“Representatives from the forestry sector have raised concerns with me around ongoing issues with licensing,” said the Sinn Féin TD.

“There appears to be no licence plan in place yet for the remainder of 2023, or for 2024. In addition, there is little sign of clear timelines around licensing improving and no commitments on this matter from the Minister.”

Deputy Kerrane said that as those representing the sector have noted, the new programme runs the risk of being plagued by the same issues as the previous programme if licences are still preventing uptake in the scheme.

“This is really disappointing, and the Minister should prioritise addressing licensing processes, given the impact of significant backlogs on the forestry sector in recent years,” she said.

“I understand that the Department has held a series of information sessions, but confusion remains around the programme and new rules. A lack of clarity will not encourage uptake amongst farmers and forestry landowners, or help us meet the afforestation target of 8,000ha per year.”

Galway students bring creative thinking skills home from Denmark

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October 4, 2023

galway daily news galway students taking part in eu creative thinking project — Coláiste Muire Máthair students (l-r) Chelsea Mashasi, Oliwia Miczal, Daehan Coll and Samuel Shomefun, who attended the EU Bang project in Denmark.

A team of students and teachers from a Galway school have returned home from a trip to Denmark, where they were the only Irish students to take part in a five-day creative thinking workshop.

The team from Coláiste Muire Máthair took part in EU Bang’s Innovation Week, an initiative led by the creative leadership school Kaospilot in Denmark and supported in Ireland by The B!G Idea, Ireland’s nationwide free creative thinking initiative for students aged 15 to 19 years.

EU Bang aims to support the development of creative thinking skills in the classroom. Creative thinking is one of the world’s most in-demand skills according to the World Economic Forum’s ‘Future of Jobs Report 2023′.

The students went to the Educational Innovation Festival in Aarhus, Denmark to workshop with learners and teachers from Italy, Denmark, Croatia and Greece during the country’s Innovation Week.

They also worked on testing a new, open-source digital learning resource for teachers called The Learning Framework, designed to support teachers to bring creativity into the classroom.

Their teacher Sinéad Phillips said the entire experience has boosted the students’ confidence, communication skills and independence.

“The skills they have taken from the different activities and challenges will benefit them not only in future school projects but well into their adult lives,” she said.

Ms Phillips says the initiative taught her that there was no wrong way to approach a project when teaching creative thinking skills.

“We have to work to not shut down all different approaches immediately because they don’t fit the exam model. As teachers…we have to improve on scaffolding students in the approaches so they can eventually follow their own thinking to the answer.”

Student Daehan Coll, who took part in the EU Bang Innovation Week, said it is vital that young people learn creative thinking skills.

“There are many challenges in life. If young people can think creatively, this will help them to come up with solutions to their problems they might not see initially.”

He said creative thinking is about using different ways to make sure you see a challenge from all sides and perspectives.

“I have learned not to give up if I can’t find the answer on the first go. I try a different way and try to see it from another perspective so I can find a solution. I now find challenges less intimidating.”

Kaospilot worked with The B!G Idea in Ireland and three other educational institutions across Europe to develop the free, open-source digital learning framework for an EU community of educators and learners.

The framework, found at banglearningframework.eu, offers teachers a guide to bring creative thinking into their classrooms.

Creative thinking is a vital tool for students, said Siobhan Blaney, Head of Education with The B!G Idea.

“It boosts motivation, builds confidence and resilience, enhances problem-solving skills and improves academic outcomes. The B!G Idea, with its focus on equitable access to creative-thinking education, was delighted to contribute our expertise and experience to the EU Bang project.”

The Galway students and teachers will share their insights into the project at an event called ‘Exploring The Future of Youth Education with BANG’ on 10 October, which is also part of Erasmus Days, a European celebration of learning.

To register to attend the event, email siobhan@thebigidea.ie.

Great opportunity for Galway primary school students with bright ideas

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October 4, 2023

galway daily news primary science fair applications open — Pictured are primary school students Olivia Leonord (age 9); Conor O'Toole (age 12), and May Hanrahan (age 9) announcing that applications are now open for the Primary Science Fair. Pic:Naoise Culhane

BT Ireland is searching for the next generation of young scientists in Ireland, with applications now officially open for the Primary Science Fair.

The Primary Science fair will run alongside the 60^th BTYSTE and takes place in early January 2024 in Dublin.

Third to sixth class students are encouraged to come together and turn their curiosity into projects for the opportunity to represent their school at the 2024 Primary Science Fair.

Class sizes of up to 30 students are eligible to enter and schools must submit their entries by Monday, October 23 at 5pm.

The projects can explore a wide range of interesting scientific areas from living things, environmental awareness and care, energy forces to the make-up of materials.

If more than one of these areas interest students, the good news is schools can enter multiple times.

Participating schools will find out in November if they will be showcasing their projects at the Primary Science Fair in January 2023.

Speaking ahead of the BTYSTE 2024 deadline, Mari Cahalane, head of the BTYSTE, said that the Primary Science Fair is an opportunity for curious young minds to explore and participate in the world of science in a fun way.

“At BT Ireland, it is our mission to give young people the opportunity to explore the wonders of science, and welcome some of the brightest young minds of tomorrow to the Primary Science Fair in Dublin this January,” said Mari.

For more information on the Primary Science Fair at BTYSTE 2024, visit https://btyoungscientist.com/the-primary-science-fair-at-btyste/

Killary Fjord Boat Tours attends largest French travel exhibition

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October 4, 2023