Park and playground wardens motion carried
The Galway City Council has agreed on the need for full time wardens in the main parks and playgrounds to ensure that they are safe for the benefit of the public and biodiversity.
Cllr Imelda Byrne’s initial motion, with an amendment from Cllr Declan McDonnell, who added playgrounds, was carried at last Monday’s online city council meeting.
Before the vote took place, director of services for Galway City Council Dermot Mahon anticipated costs in the region of €250,000 to employ and train a team of staff.
Galway City Council chief executive Brendan McGrath stated that they would try to source funding from the Government in the future.
“We are very supportive of this motion, it is beneficial,” Mr McGrath said.
“I think tremendous progress has been made in upgrading our city parks. Yes we have incidents of encampments and sleeping rough, but they have been in the minority.”
Forster Park water main to be upgraded
Cllr Donal Lyons has welcomed the works which commenced on Monday upgrading the water mains in the Forster Park estate.
“I had been receiving ongoing representations from Forster Park residents regarding the number of times Irish Water had to be contacted regarding the poor infrastructure of the water pipe network in the estate,” Cllr Lyons says.
“On numerous occasions residents have had to endure periods of having no water because of water outages.”
Last year Cllr Lyons proposed a motion that the Galway City Council ask Irish Water to bring forward the necessary plans and finance in 2021 to upgrade the public water supply in Forster Park and end the ongoing water outages being encountered by the residents of Forster Park.
Lyons is delighted that the problem is now being sorted. “The notice of motion was unanimously agreed by the council and I thank officials both at Irish Water and the Galway City Council for the works now under way to upgrade the water mains.
He concluded: “This will be welcome news for the residents of Forster Park.” — Cian O’Connell
Hydrological survey for Moycullen received by county council
A hydrological survey has been received by the Galway County Council for the Moycullen area, and will be examined with regard to seeking funding for flood prevention works in the village.
A separate application to the Office of Public Works for a minor works grant required a more in-depth study of the underground channels and the old storm water network which has resulted in flooding in the area.
Fine Gael senator Seán Kyne has said Moycullen had endured flood risk for a number of years and that it was “important to agree the best option” to solve the issue. — Kernan Andrews
Crowe demands ‘immediate’ return of Click and Collect retailers
Click and Collect retailers in Galway should “return immediately” now Covid-19 cases are “relatively stable”, with less than three per cent positivity.
This is the view of Fianna Fáil senator Ollie Crowe, who was speaking this week at the Oireachtas Committee on Enterprise, Trade, and Employment meeting. At the meeting, Government officials confirmed to Senator Crowe that preparations for the service to return were underway.
Click and Collect is currently scheduled to be considered at the end of this month, which may allow for a resumption of the service in early May. However Sen Crowe believes it should resume earlier.
“Click and Collect can provide an important lifeline for SMEs who are the backbone of the Irish economy and have been severely impacted by Covid-19,” he said. “Click and collect allows businesses to make sales without the expense or difficulty associated with arranging delivery, which particularly for small independent traders can be prohibitive.”
Sen Crowe said barring a “drastic and unexpected change in public health conditions”, Click and Collect should be considered for early resumption, “given the minimal level of risk involved and the importance it has for businesses”.
Forster Park water main to be upgraded
Cllr Donal Lyons has welcomed the works which commenced on Monday upgrading the water mains in the Forster Park estate.
“I had been receiving ongoing representations from Forster Park residents regarding the number of times Irish Water had to be contacted regarding the poor infrastructure of the water pipe network in the estate,” Cllr Lyons says.
“On numerous occasions residents have had to endure periods of having no water because of water outages.”
Last year Cllr Lyons proposed a motion that the Galway City Council ask Irish Water to bring forward the necessary plans and finance in 2021 to upgrade the public water supply in Forster Park and end the ongoing water outages being encountered by the residents of Forster Park.
Lyons is delighted that the problem is now being sorted. “The notice of motion was unanimously agreed by the council and I thank officials both at Irish Water and the Galway City Council for the works now under way to upgrade the water mains.
He concluded: “This will be welcome news for the residents of Forster Park.” — Cian O’Connell
County council to seek tenders for improvement works for Inis Oírr Pier
Crucial improvement works for the Inis Oírr pier took a step closer this week following Government approval of the business case for the renovations.
The business case was approved on Tuesday by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, allowing the Galway County Council to seek tenders for the work.
The project, which is listed as one of the Government’s infrastructure commitments in Project Ireland 2040, will seek to address a number of issues, such as the danger from waves breaking over the pier, and challenges arising from the numbers of tourist and ferry vessels visiting the island.
The news has been welcomed by Fine Gael Galway senator, Seán Kyne, who said redevelopment of the pier is “absolutely vital for the future of the island and the safety of harbour users”.
Donohue welcomes Kilchreest Group Water Scheme connections
Councillor Geraldine Donohue has welcomed the news that Kilchreest Group Water Scheme has extended its network to supply unserviced households who have been waiting for years for a water connection. Councillor Donohue said she would like to take this opportunity to thank the work of the voluntary scheme members, Pat Morrissey, Keith McPhilbin, Bernie Forde and to contractor Willie Gloster who has honoured the quotation he provided years ago.
“Acknowledgements also to Mike Sheil Galway County Council, John Diskin and Deputy Sean Canney for their assistance over the years in making this connection happen. Back in December 2020, I tabled a Motion that the Long Term Impact Charge would be grant aided by the Department.
“Inreceived an update saying that the Department which is aware of issues in relation to inconsistent and in cases very high (in particular those of Galway County Council ) Long Term Impact (LTI ) charges imposed on group water schemes (GWS ) nationally arising from pipe laying works in public roads and margins.
The Department is engaging with the Road Management Office (RMO ) and the National Federation of Group Water Schemes to seek a consistent approach nationally to the application of LTI charges.”
Councillor Donohue states that the grant aiding of the Long Term Impact charge is vital in order to avoid the huge financial burden to Group Water Schemes that are providing a vital service to homes.
“The long term impact charge which is now a component of the road opening licence charge, is driving the cost of laying water mains through the roof,” she said.
NUI Galway Irish Traveller student to take part in the 2021 Washington Ireland Programme
Jason Sherlock, a native of Galway City, is the first generation of his family to attend higher education. He participated in the NUI Galway School Leavers Access Programme and is currently in the final year of a degree in Economics, Sociology and Political Science at NUI Galway and is due to begin studying for a Masters in International Finance in September 2021.
The Washington Ireland Programme is a flagship programme funded by both the Irish and US governments. The prestigious international initiative brings together emerging leaders from diverse backgrounds for a transformative programme of public service and leadership development and it encourages values of respect, perseverance, teamwork, and critical thinking.
It provides a unique opportunity for selected students to engage with leaders at the highest levels of American political, business, and cultural life and it also equips participants with the skills and knowledge required to make a meaningful contribution to shaping Ireland’s future and prosperity.
“I am going to make the most of the opportunity. I am looking forward to immersing myself within the Washington Ireland Programme community and engaging in discussions for the betterment of our country and Ireland-US relations,” said Jason Sherlock.
Owen Ward, programme coordinator at NUI Galway’s Access Centre, said: “Since progressing into third level through the School Leavers Access Programme, Jason has overcome many barriers by availing of the many supports to succeed in education. As Jason’s mentor, I am very proud to have been part of his journey and all his achievements. I believe that he will make an excellent contribution to the Washington Ireland Programme and all his future endeavours.”
