The European Investment Bank will provide €60 million towards development of the NUI Galway campus.

The first ever loan to the university from Europe’s long-term lending institution, agreed in Galway earlier today, will finance construction of campus developments including new student residences and a new building for the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences.

At the signing, Dr Jim Browne, President of NUI Galway said: “The University is nearing the conclusion of a ten year capital development plan, which has transformed our campus.

“While philanthropic and State funding have enabled much of this expansion, the support from EIB will assist in the completion of our new Human Biology Building, which will transform the learning environment for our health science students, as well as the development of new campus student accommodation.

“Construction of new residences for 430 students is well underway, and at a time when there are such significant issues nationally with supply of housing, we are looking forward to having this increased capacity during the next academic year.

Andrew McDowell, European Investment Bank Vice President said that future generations of students will benefit from the transformation of Galway’s already impressive campus made possible by the 60 million EIB financing agreed today.

“Irish universities are recognised around the world for both their academic and research renown, and enjoyable student experience.

“The European Investment Bank is committed to ensuring that world-class third level institutions across Ireland can build on these strengths in the years ahead.

“This follows successful cooperation between the EIB and all Irish universities and EUR 1.2 billion support for Irish education investment in recent years.” said Andrew McDowell.

Following agreement for the new financing for NUI Galway the EIB will have supported campus investment at all seven members of the Irish Universities Association. Over the last decade the EIB has provided EUR 1.2 billion for education investment across Ireland, including EUR 675 million for investment in third level education in the country.

Catherine Connolly TD has criticised Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, saying that he has presided over a budget which ignores the seriousness of domestic violence in Ireland.

The Independent TD made her points in the Dáil, however she pointed out that it was not the first time she has raised the issue.

“Almost four months ago to the day, I used my time durie  Leaders’ Questions to raise the very serious issue of domestic violence. More specifically, I raised the failure of the Government to provide funding of approximately €1 million to review the groundbreaking study that was carried out in 2002, indicating over 3,000 victims of violence generally,” she said.

This week, government ministers have reiterated their view that a new study is unnecessary.

“Since then, the Taoiseach has presided over a budget that utterly failed and fails to grasp the seriousness of the issue or make any provision to deal with the extent of domestic violence and its pervasive and detrimental effect not only on women and children but also on society at every level.

“Simultaneously, the Taoiseach has provided €5 million for a strategic communications unit. He did so notwithstanding the urgent representations from SAFE Ireland, which represents over 30 organisations on the ground that are more than familiar with the catastrophe owing to violence generally, particularly domestic violence. It pointed out that 4,831 requests for a safe place or refuge – a massive number – were refused last year.

“It pointed out that we are dealing with the tip of the iceberg, and that 79% of women do not report abuse. It pointed out that there is no such thing as a typical victim. Domestic violence affects those of every social class, age and level of education.

“It pointed out that domestic violence is rarely a once-off event. One in every three women experiences severe psychological violence, and over 12,500, comprising almost 10,000 women and approximately 3,000 plus children, attended for a safe refuge. The organisation also pointed out that there is a serious lack of safe havens,” Catherine Connolly added.

Met Eireann has issued a Status Orange wind warning for Storm Brian, which is expected to hit Mayo, Galway, Clare, Kerry, Cork, Waterford and Wexford on Saturday.

The second major storm in six days will bring west to southwest winds veering northwest will reach mean speeds 65-80 km/h with gusts 110-130 km/h.

There are concerns about structures that were already damaged or destabilised by Ophelia, especially in Munster and to a lesser extent in Galway, which did not experience the worst of the ex-hurricane.

The Status Orange warning was issued on Thursday 19 October at 21:00 and will be valid throughout Saturday 21 October, from 06:00 until 18:00.

Caution is advised; however it is unlikely, at least in Galway, that the storm will be as ferocious as Ophelia.

An Independent Galway senator has called for charges and jail time for ‘clowns’ who risk their lives and those of emergency services during extreme weather events.

Senator Gerard Craughwell made the remarks yesterday in the aftermath of ex-Hurricane Ophelia.

The storm battered Galway on Monday afternoon, and as many stayed inside for the duration of the storm, some decided to take to Blackrock for a dip.

The Independent senator said: “I sat and watched the television yesterday and I saw what I would call a clown in Blackrock, Galway, walking along the diving tower to go in for a swim.

“It might interest the House to know that the tower is there as a direct result of my father saving a woman’s life during a riptide in Blackrock in 1947.

“It was dangerous then when there was no tower, but it is twice as dangerous now.

“We should look at legislation that would provide for people to be charged with reckless endangerment and, if necessary, put in jail. Somebody suggested last night that there should be a fine for this type of behaviour. How much of a fine would pay for the loss of a rescuer’s life in a situation like that?” he added.

The senator also extended his deepest sympathies to the families of those who were tragically killed by the storm and praised the government’s preperation and reaction, on the most part.

“I congratulate the Government on an excellent job of preparedness, and for the excellent co-ordination of services throughout the storm.

“The Taoiseach and his Minister have been a credit to this country. However, there is always a downside. This morning I listened to the Minister of State with responsibility for Defence, Deputy Paul Kehoe, and was absolutely horrified that he would mislead the country in the way he did.

He spoke about engineering units being available in every barracks in the country to assist the local authorities.

There are no engineering units in counties Donegal, Galway, Limerick or Kilkenny. A third of an engineering unit is available in Dublin, two thirds of an engineering unit is available in Athlone,” said Senator Craughwell .

NUI Galway celebrated the success of a select group of first-year students with a special ceremony last week, in recognition of the high points they achieved in the recent Leaving Certificate Examination.

As part of the University’s annual Excellence Scholarships, 56 students received €1,500 each.

Each year the Excellence Scholarships are given to new entrants at NUI Galway who reached a minimum of 560 points in their Leaving Certificate examination, except in Medicine.

For first-year Medical students 10 Scholarships were awarded certificates, based on the combined results in the Leaving Certificate and the new Admissions Test (H-PAT Ireland).

NUI  say the Excellence Scholarships are designed to recognise and reward Leaving Cert success for the highest-achieving students, and encourage their ongoing commitment to academic excellence during their time at NUI Galway.

The awards may be held with any other scholarships or grants, including the University’s Postgraduate Scholarships, Mature Student Scholarships, Sports Scholarship Scheme and schemes specific to individual colleges for those who excel in their University exams.

Speaking in advance of the Awards presentation, NUI Galway President Dr Jim Browne, said: “I am delighted to present the scholarships to these outstanding individuals in recognition of their academic talent.

The purpose of these Awards is to encourage each student to develop his/her academic potential to the fullest, by setting a realistic threshold of excellence and rewarding every student who attains that level.

It is also a chance to give due credit to their parents and teachers for their important contribution to such success.”

This year Excellence Scholarships were awarded to students from 37 individual schools throughout Ireland.

The winners represented 12 counties including Clare, Cork, Donegal, Galway, Kerry, Limerick, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Offaly, Tyrone, and Westmeath.

Galway County Council is updating the map below showing all road closures across County Galway.

Storm Ophelia has moved north of the county and will hit the north and north-west in the coming hours, while conditions are still hazardous across the county.

Galway is now in the firing line of Ophelia, as she travels up the west coast past Co. Clare. Galway Bay will likely experience the worst of the storm over the next few hours.

Dock Street in the city, Claddagh, Salthill and other areas along the coast have seen flooding, trees have been falling across the county.

Met Éireann has advised people to stay indoors until the storm has passed and Gardaí have had to respond to people attempting to swim in Salthill.

Leo Varadkar reminded people that this is a state of emergency and has urged people to stay indoors, check on any elderly neighbours, and stressed that although in some areas it is not yet too bad, it is coming your way.

COPE Galway have provided shelters for homeless people, according to the County Council.

Take extreme care.
A swathe of severe southwest winds already over parts of Clare, will propagate northwards through Connacht and… 1/2 pic.twitter.com/zDbVF9aqBS

— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) 16 October 2017

Tree down on Shannon Road, Portumna @GalwayCoCo @aaroadwatch pic.twitter.com/SvBoojN6SF

— Anne Rabbitte TD (@AnneRabbitte) 16 October 2017

Coastal defences completely breached at Salthill, Galway. The Atlantic now extends to the promenade. #Ophelia pic.twitter.com/qF9B47Ty3i

— David Blevins (@skydavidblevins) 16 October 2017

“This is going to get worse” – Police are asking people to heed their warnings about Storm #Ophelia. @skydavidblevins has the latest pic.twitter.com/XkxBe6szMP

— Sky News (@SkyNews) 16 October 2017

Galway County Council advises people not to attempt to clear fallen trees while #StormOphelia is ongoing

— GalwayCountyCouncil (@GalwayCoCo) 16 October 2017

All schools in Galway tomorrow will be closed tomorrow following advice from the Department of Education.

Storm Ophelia is set to be the worst storm to hit the west in fifty years.

The hurricane, which will likely downgrade by the time it reaches the west coast, will still have hurricane force winds of a Category 2 strength.

There is also a high risk of flying debris.

GMIT will also be closed tomorrow while NUI Galway are still undecided about the best action to take despite the warnings from Met Éireann. The university said a decision will be made at 7pm.

Schools across the other seven counties which have a status red warning will also be closed tomorrow.

In 1961, Hurricane Debbie killed eighteen people in Ireland, and people are being advised to take all necessary precautions in order to remain safe throughout the day.

Evelyn Cusack @MetEireann briefing the National Emergency Coordination Group meeting on weather developments this am pic.twitter.com/5msYQkhULU

— OEP (@emergencyIE) 15 October 2017

The Defence Forces are on standby in the eight counties, and they will be deployed if their assistance is needed by the local authorities.

Latest discussion from the National Hurricane Centre regarding #Opheliahttps://t.co/fYHReDhD6k
We are currently updating Ireland’s warnings pic.twitter.com/V7VR3A61AR

— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) 15 October 2017

Met Éireann issued this updated warning today: ” Mean wind speeds in excess of 80 km/h and gusts in excess of 130km/h are expected, potentially causing structural damage and disruption, with dangerous marine conditions due to high seas and potential flooding.”

Met Éireann has today issued a Status Red weather warning for Galway, meaning forecasters believe Ophelia will bring strong winds to the west and south-west coast.

Hurricane Ophelia is expected to transition to a post tropical storm as it approaches our shores on Monday bringing severe winds and stormy conditions.

Mean wind speeds in excess of 80 km/h and gusts in excess of 130km/h are expected, potentially causing structural damage and disruption, with dangerous marine conditions due to high seas and potential flooding.

The warning is valid from Monday 16 October at 09:00 until Tuesday 17 October 2017 03:00.

Mayo, Clare, Cork and Kerry are also affected by the Status Red warning.

The rest of the country has been given a Status Orange warning, with mean wind speeds between 65 and 80 km/h with gusts between 110 and 130km/h are expected, however some inland areas may not be quite as severe.

The winds have potential to cause structural damage and disruption, with dangerous marine conditions due to high seas and potential flooding

Met Éireann forecasters say they will be keeping a close eye on the possibility of hurricane Ophelia hitting Ireland in the coming days.

Early next week, we could see heavy rain, strong winds and high sea levels if the hurricane continues on its current path.

Met Éireann say that at this stage, there is strong evidence from the weather forecast models that its remnants will track close to or even over parts of Ireland, but at present, there are still a wide spread of possible outcomes.

They are treating the situation with with caution and are in contact with thier counterparts in other countries.

But they say that given the lead time and the uncertainties that come with a tropical system, it won’t be possible to predict the exact time, nor the strength or intensity of the wind and rain, in any great detail until later in the weekend.

“Ophelia won’t be a hurricane in meteorological terms when it reaches us, as she will have moved over the cooler waters of the mid-Atlantic and undergone what is known as extra-tropical transition.

“While there could be the threat of wind gusts reaching hurricane force or indeed heavy rainfall with this system, it means the traditional attributes of a hurricane – such as an eye or an eye-wall containing a core of hurricane force winds – are very unlikely to be present,” Met Éireann explained.

Tomorrow Galway wil see a mainly cloudy and misty start to the day with patches of light rain or drizzle.

It should brighten up later but it will stay mostly cloudy near the coast with highest temperatures of 16 to 18 degrees.

Tuam is the town with the highest population of Travellers, according to census figures released yesterday.

Co. Galway had the highest number outside of Co. Dublin and Galway City has more members of the Travelling Community (1,598) than cities other than Dublin.

In April 2016, Tuam had 737 Travellers, which was more than any other town of more than 1,500 people in the country.

2,647 members of the Travelling Community lived in Co. Galway at the time of the census, which was an increase of almost 7% since 2011.

Nationally, the number of Irish Travellers is up 5.1% to just over 30,000, making them the fourth largest ethnic group in the country, just ahead of Romanians.

Almost 60% of Travellers were aged under 25, compared with just 33.4% of the general population.  There were just 451 Traveller men aged 65 and over and 481 Traveller females.

They were more urbanised than the general population with almost 8 in 10 (78.6%) living in cities or towns (of 1,500 or more), compared with 62.4% of the total population.

After Tuam, the town with the most Travellers was Longford with 730 persons.

Navan, Mullingar, Dundalk and Ballinasloe all had 500 or more Irish Travellers.

In April 2016 almost 1 in 3 Travellers aged 15 to 29 were married.

This was high compared with the general population, of which just over 1 in 20 were married.

The divorce rate was less than half that of the general population, 2.2% compared to 4.7%.

Educational attainment among Travellers continues to lag significantly behind that of the general population.

Among Traveller females, just 13.3% were educated to upper secondary level or above, compared with almost 7 in10 (69.1%) of the general population.

Nearly 6 in 10 male Travellers (57.2%) were educated to primary level at most, compared with just 13.6% of the general population.  The 167 Travellers with a third-level qualification was almost double the 2011 figure of 89.

Food growers and garden-enthusiasts, this one’s for you.

Next Friday, 20 October, the Harbour Hotel will host the Community Gardens Harvest Celebration Seminar, organised by three major groups.

The free event will see speakers including; Charles Dowding, proponent of ‘No Dig’ gardening and a regular guest on BBC radio & television; Dr Colin Sage, University College Cork & Cork Food Policy Council; Dee Sewell, Greenside Up & Community Gardens Ireland and representatives from Galway Community Gardens.

European Green Leaf, European Region of Gastronomy and Galway City Partnership have teamed up to create this special seminar.

The event will take place from from 2 pm to 5pm.

The celebration will continue into the weekend, with the Community Harvest and Halloween Vegan Pot Luck by Galway Vegan Community and Third Space Galway, in Arus Na Gael on Sunday 22nd October, 1-3pm.

This event will include a talk on Food Democracy, sustainable and community food growing from Eimhin David Callahan, co-founder of the Food Commons, Birr Community Growery.

As it’s coming up to Halloween, all are invited to dress up and play traditional Irish Halloween games. Why not bring your favourite vegan snack, dish, dessert or beverage – homemade or shop-bought.

(As long as it’s vegan.)

Arlene Finn, European Green Leaf Coordinator said: “Community Gardens are welcoming, vibrant spaces for volunteers to learn about growing fruit, vegetables – and themselves!

“They are fantastic spaces to meet like-minded people and to share in the enjoyment of being involved in a community project.

“More importantly, they contribute to our knowledge of local, organic, food production – as we become a more urban society, we have lost our knowledge and abilities to produce food. Community Gardens play an essential role in restoring this knowledge.

“These events give people an opportunity to find out more about growing their own food, and about the Community Garden Network in Galway – all are welcome to come along.”

This is a free event, but due to space limitations, registration is required through https://galwayharvestseminar2017.eventbrite.ie or by contacting Arlene Finn, European Green Leaf Coordinator Arlene.finn@galwaycity.ie or 091 536 840.

Catherine Connolly today slammed yesterday’s budget, saying that the government should be ‘absolutely ashamed’.

The Galway West TD made the comments in the Dáil this afternoon during budget statements.

She accused the government of failing to direct funding towards dealing with domestic violence and climate change.

“In relation to disability, 13.5% of the population have a disablity of one sort or another. That’s 643,131. It’s a finite number.

“We asked for a finite figure of a disability allowance every week in addition to what they’re getting, to allow them to live independently, with dignity,” she said.

The Independent TD also criticised Ireland’s corporate tax rate.

“The biggest mistruth in this Dáil is in relation to corporate taxation. I’d like to quote the controller and atorney general. Straight from his report: thirteen of the one hundered companies with the highest taxable income had an effective rate of less than 1 percent. Now what spin is going on in this chamber in relation to  an open and accountable corporation tax?”

On climate change, she asked: “how many times do we have to say this is the last Dáil that has any chance of taking effective action?”

“Besides that,” she continued, “on an economic level, it makes absolute sense to deal with climate change.”

Catherine Connolly TD was part of a long list of critical statements from the opposition benches today.

“I really regret to use emotional words, but you should be absolutely ashamed of yourselves to put thi budget in the guise of fairness and long-term investment,” she concluded.

Yesterday’s budget saw an increase in social welfare payments and a reduction in USC.

The price of cigarettes rose by 50c, meaning 20 will cost €12, while the minimum wage will increase to €9.55 from January 2018.

Ireland’s extortionate alcohol prices will not see a rise in the next twelve months, as there was no increase on the duty on alcohol.

The young man who died in a car crash at Carrowmhuineagh, Dunmore, Co. Galway has been named locally as Bernard Mongan.

The two car fatal road traffic collision occurred last night Monday 9th October, 2017 at 8.30pm at Carrowmhuineagh.

He was fatally injured when the car he was driving was in collision with another car.

A 21year old male passenger received minor injuries.

The male driver (74yrs) and two female passengers (70yrs and a 2yr old child) in the second car also sustained injuries however these were minor.

The road was closed earlier today to facilitate an examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators.

Gardaí wish to appeal for any witnesses to contact Tuam Garda Station on 093-70840 The Garda Confidential Telephone Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.

Solidarity from Galway to Catalonia.

At yesterday evening’s council meeting, the city council passed a motion of solidarity with the people of Catalonia following their recent referendum for independence.

Sinn Fein councillor Mairead Farrell proposed the motion of solidarity, and it was backed up by a majority of councillors.

Cllr Mairead Farrell’s party colleague Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh who represents the Galway West – South Mayo constituency travelled to the Catalan capital last wek to oversee the referendum which was violently supressed by the national police force.

Meanwhile, in the last few minutes the President of Catalonia said that Catalonia has won the right to be an independent republic following the ‘yes’ vote, but that they will attempt dialogue with Madrid before a delaration of independence.

He said that it is a “historical moment” and slammed the Spanish government and even the King of Spain for not mediating between the two nations.

In recent days, many politicians around the world have expressed their solidarity with the peope of Catalonia and the peaceful struggle for independence by separitists there.

Today, Nicola Sturgeon said that the European Union did not live up to its founding values, adding that EU citizens were violently attacked by police just for attempting to vote.

EU should have condemned police action in Catalonia, Nicola Sturgeon sayshttps://t.co/QjaB2hDk7r #SNP17 pic.twitter.com/n6VzTBF6J4

— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) October 10, 2017

The prospect of direct rule from Madrid is looking like a real possibility, with Spanish Prime Minister saying that he will do what is necessary to keep the situation under control.

Gardaí in Galway are still appealing for any information the public might have in relation to the attack on Saturday morning.

Gardaí were alerted to the discovery of an unconscious and injured man in his 20s at St. Bridget’s Place, Prospect Place, Galway at approximately 3am on Saturday 7th October 2017.

The man was taken to University Hospital Galway with serious injuries.

The scene was preserved for a technical examination following the incident.

Gardaí appealed for witnesses on Sunday and they are are continue to ask people to come forward with any information, in particular anyone who was in the vicinity of  St. Bridget’s Place, Prospect Place or to taxi drivers with dash cameras.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Gardaí at Galway on 091-538000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.