‘Use the time positively, you have time on your hands'

Thu, Apr 02, 2020

For many Galwegians, swimming in Blackrock is a way of life, a highlight of the week. During the early stages of the coronavirus restrictions, it was a vital means of exercise, while also being good for mental health during a stressful period.

COPE Galway issues urgent appeal for help

Thu, Apr 02, 2020

COPE Galway has issued an urgent appeal to the people of Galway to help the local organisation support the most vulnerable people in our community during the Corona Virus emergency. The local charity operates frontline services for families and individuals in Galway who are homeless; women who experience domestic abuse (and their children) and older people who now, more than ever, may experience social isolation while they protect themselves at home.

It is vital to see a meaning in self-isolation, say Poor Clares

Thu, Apr 02, 2020

As always, in a time of crisis, people look to the Poor Clares to help with their prayers. In addition, in the current situation, it has struck people that this is a community of women who are living in a sort of self isolation – by choice. How do they cope with this and how are they coping now?

Farrell condemns AIB for charging fees on customers made unemployed by Covid-19

Thu, Apr 02, 2020

For a bank that was bailed out by the public to now charge fees on customers made unemployed by the coronavirus pandemic is nothing short of "a disgrace" and those customers must be refunded immediately.

Dáil must continue to meet in a time of crisis, says Connolly

Thu, Apr 02, 2020

For the Labour Party to describe the Dáil meeting as "non-essential" is "deeply troubling", when holding the Government to account is "vital" given the "extraordinary emergency legislation" passed in the last two weeks.

Rabbitte demands gambling advertising stop during COVID-19 lockdown

Thu, Apr 02, 2020

The National Lottery, and all other companies involved in the gambling industry, must cease advertising amid the COVID-19 crisis, a Galway East TD has demanded.

Let us stay the course, says President Higgins

Thu, Apr 02, 2020

In this crucial week, when we are being asked to take yet more stringent measures to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus, may I to take the opportunity to congratulate you and thank you for your solidarity and vigilance.

How to help children and teenagers

Thu, Apr 02, 2020

Children and teenagers will often take a lead from adults in terms of how they respond to events, so it is important that adults are not overly worried or anxious in their presence.

Galway couple stranded in South African lockdown

Thu, Apr 02, 2020

A Galway couple have been left stranded in South Africa due to a government enforced lockdown of the country’s borders in an effort to contain the spread of Covid-19.

‘I have come away from this experience with more positives than negatives,’ says former COVID-19 patient

Thu, Apr 02, 2020

We are living in a time when the constant reminders of the threat of the coronavirus seem to be all encompassing; empty streets; closed signs decorating the front doors of restaurants and bars; and of course, the dreaded push notification to our phones in the evening when we are told of the number of new cases and sadly, new deaths. However, we rarely hear about the recovered cases. The Galway Advertiser spoke to Galway woman, Lynn Porter, about her experience of successfully overcoming Covid-19.

Higgins demands loan moratorium be extended to student loans

Thu, Apr 02, 2020

Banks must freeze payments and interest on all student loans for a three-month period, similar to the measures introduced by the retail banks for mortgages and business loans.

Additional accommodation announced for asylum seekers in Galway

Thu, Apr 02, 2020

Additional accommodation has been announced for asylum seekers in Galway, Dublin, and Cork, to assist with social distancing in direct provision centres.

Make an online donation for Organ Donor Week

Thu, Apr 02, 2020

Organ Donor Week, which was to run until Saturday, became another victim of the coronavirus lockdown, but Galwegisns wishing to donate can still do so online.

Fuel allowance scheme extended for four weeks

Thu, Apr 02, 2020

The fuel allowance, which was due to end on April 10, has now been extended to May 8 in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Children at greater risk of drowning during COVID 19 restrictions, warn Irish Water Safety

Thu, Apr 02, 2020

Despite the coronavirus lockdown confining people to within 2km of their home, children are still at greater risk of drowning during this period, according to Irish Water Safety.

New Covid-19 measures could 'decimate childcare sector', warns Rabbitte

Thu, Apr 02, 2020

Many childcare providers will be excluded under the Department of Children and Youth Affairs' new scheme to protect workers in the sector, while creches risk getting very little funding, or no funding at all.

This is the view of Fianna Fáil spokesperson for children and youth affairs, and Galway East TD, Anne Rabbitte. She was speaking following the Department's publication of its FAQ this week, detailing how it will operate its Temporary COVID-19 Wage Subsidy Childcare Scheme, which is being run in addition to Revenue’s COVID-19 Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme.

Defence Forces must receive available allowances during Covid-19 crisis, says Farrell

Thu, Apr 02, 2020

All members of the Defence Forces must receive the allowances they are entitled to, and receive due remuneration to "reward their vital efforts" during the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Students being denied refunds if leaving accommodation early due to Covid-19

Thu, Apr 02, 2020

Public and private student accommodation providers must adopt a "uniform approach" to refunding for students who have left student accommodation early due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

On the day when this is over

Thu, Apr 02, 2020

On the day when this is over, we will start to love again the things that seemed unloveable. Like traffic. We will see the beauty in being able to have work and to be able to travel to it.

New volunteer group set up to help vulnerable people in Knocknacarra and surrounds

Thu, Apr 02, 2020

A group of volunteers have come together in Knocknacarra to offer assistance to people vulnerable to Covid-19 in the Knocknacarra area and surrounds.

Knocknacarra Covid-19 Volunteers for the Vulnerable is offering assistance with shopping, pharmacy trips, dog walking, chatting on the phone or any other form of help needed by people who are currently cocooning or who need an extra hand during this time. A volunteer therapist is also available to help people who need to talk to someone.

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