Fewer than 5 Covid-19 patients in ICU departments in the West

Thu, May 21, 2020

The chief executive of the Saolta University Health Care Group, which runs the local public hospitals, acknowledged this week that the threat from Covid-19 would remain with us for the forseeable future but stressed there were many reasons for optimism.

Galway Chamber calls on Government to 'expand scope of commercial rates waiver'

Thu, May 21, 2020

The commercial rates waiver must include businesses which continued to trade through the COVID-19 crisis, despite enduring significant trading impacts.

Road safety ramped up in Tynagh

Thu, May 21, 2020

A number of road safety measures are currently being installed in Tynagh thanks to funding from a Galway County Councillor.

Higgins calls for bike scheme to be extended to Salthill and Knocknacarra

Thu, May 21, 2020

As social distancing will remain in place for some time, extending the Coca Cola bike scheme is "vital", given that, as restrictions are lifted, people will need alternative means to "get around and get back to work".

Corrib river Foot/Cycling Bridge could be a gamechanger for a new ‘green’ and ‘blue’ Galway

Thu, May 21, 2020

Galway City Council is considering funding for the bridge under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund. This decision is enthusiastically welcomed by community and environmental groups that have been advocating for this development for many years," said Mr Smith.

Light rail must be part of transport solutions for a post Covid-19 Galway

Thu, May 21, 2020

The implications of the Covid-19 pandemic have "focused a spotlight" on the need for transport solutions that are green, sustainable, and conducive to social distancing, and "Galway has a golden opportunity to show what is possible".

Grealish calls for flexibility in operation of broadband contracts 'at this unprecedented time'

Thu, May 21, 2020

With many people now working from home and reliant on good broadband connectivity, and with the rollout of the National Broadband Plan stalled, the Government needs to show flexibility in implementing and enforcing broadband contracts.

HSE to provide PPE for Cuan Mhuire addiction treatment centre

Thu, May 21, 2020

The HSE has confirmed it will provide PPE to Cuan Mhuire, Ireland’s largest voluntary provider of addiction treatment services and residential rehabilitation, based in Coolarne, Athenry.

NUIG postgraduates launch petition for 'fair working environment'

Thu, May 21, 2020

NUI Galway’s Postgraduate Workers Alliance launched a petition this week calling for "a fair working environment and Covid-19 response" for PhD and post-doctoral researchers at the university.

Government must 'not row back' on delivering new Inis Oírr pier, says Farrell

Thu, May 21, 2020

The Government must not be allowed "row back on delivery of the pier development" for InisOírr as promised under the Capital Investment Plan 2016-2020.

Network of mental health professionals to support frontline workers

Thu, May 21, 2020

A voluntary network of mental health professionals has been created to support frontline workers in Ireland during the Covid-19 crisis. Covid Cara was established by Linda Bhreathnach, the award-winning writer and director who recently graduated with a M.A. in Psychology.

Contracts issued for design team for new school building for Moycullen

Thu, May 21, 2020

Contracts to appoint a design team for a proposed new, larger school building, with upgraded facilities, to accommodate Moycullen's growing population, have been appointed.

If you need help or want to help exiting lockdown

Thu, May 21, 2020

Before Ireland ever entered into lockdown on March 27, Dr Conor Hogan saw the warning signs to people’s mental health, for businesses and normal life, as we knew it then back then, in general.

Biodiversity Week goes virtual

Thu, May 21, 2020

Biodiversity Week takes place from May 22 to 29, and many Galway events will take place online during this year’s celebration of nature.

I fought the lawn — Petition urges Say No to the Mow

Thu, May 21, 2020

A petition requesting that Galway City Council leave the green areas unmowed has been launched by Green Party Chairperson, Claire Hillery. The petition points out that during the pandemic, most council parks and grass verges have been allowed to grow wild and that, contrary to the belief that ‘neat and green is nice’, these wild parks and verges are far more beautiful with pinks, blues, yellows, whites and purples. The petition was launched last week and within 48 hours, more than 300 people had signed it, with names continuing to be added.

Re-opening Galway gets bike boost as businesses support campaign

Thu, May 21, 2020

Galway Cycling Campaign has said that it backing local businesses as the city knuckles down to kick-start the economy again.

SmallWall helps local School with Inclusion and Social Distancing

Wed, May 20, 2020

Sean Dunleavy CEO of SmallWall from Kilconly, Tuam Co. Galway and Sarah McGinley principal of St. Josephs Special School, Newcastle Galway, have teamed up together to come up with a solution to Inclusion and social distancing once children and staff return to school. “I cried when I saw them, I have been looking for something like this to bring into the schoolyard long before covid19. In a busy playground, it’s important to respect that some children need a safe, quiet and cosy space where they can relax and have time out. Some will use the space to engage in self-regulation and practice their calming techniques if they are finding the playground overwhelming.” said Sarah

Calls for re-opened Galway to be conducive to social distancing

Thu, May 14, 2020

Calls have been made this week to change the streetscape of the city to make it more conducive to social distancing over the duration of the Covid-19 crisis.

Condemnation for protest on N84 which blocked ambulance and hindered frontline healthcare workers

Thu, May 14, 2020

A protest on the N84 Headford Road, against Garda checkpoints in the area, which disrupted traffic and delayed frontline medical workers from travelling into the city, has been condemned by a local councillor.

Survey shows most want to continue working from home

Thu, May 14, 2020

A recent survey by researchers from the Whitaker Institute at NUI Galway and the Western Development Commission (WDC) has shown that 83 per cent expressed interest in continuing to work remotely. Over half of those surveyed (51 per cent) had never worked remotely before the Covid-19 pandemic. Of those who had never worked remotely, 78 per cent would like to work remotely for some or all of the time after the crisis is over.

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