University of Galway’s Student Union launch Refreshers Fair
by róisín kilroyUniversity of Galway Students’ Union have launched their annual Refreshers Fair which promises a day of fun activities, freebies and prizes. Taking place on campus on 11am to 4pm Tuesday, September 13, the event is set to welcome students back to campus. There will be food stalls from Galway Market traders and a vintage clothing pop up shop.
Speaking about the Festival, Students’ Union President, Saj Gujulla said, “We wanted to give returning University of Galway students a big welcome back to campus with a Refreshers Fair to make up for the two years of Freshers’ Fairs lost to Covid. We also have lots of events planned for our new First Year students later this month.”
Along with the outlined treats and activities, The SU will be distributing their “Rudaí Áille” reusable tote bags full of freebies and information for students and there will be inflatable games, offers, prizes and surprises from student friendly businesses from Galway and beyond. The SU will also be hosting the ever popular SU Outdoor Cinema on Monday September 12.
Student’s Union Vice President/Welfare and Equality Officer, Imogen O’Flaherty Falconer, said regarding the Festival, “This event is a great chance for our students to meet each other in person, make friends, have some fun and get to know campus again. We are again focusing on sustainability with our Rudaí Áille reusable tote bags and the vintage clothing pop up shop.”
Extension of Western Rail Corridor now a political decision, says TD
Seán Canney, Independent TD for Galway East, has stated that the decision to re-open the Western Rail Corridor north from Athenry to Tuam and on to Claremorris is now in the hands of government.
He said that Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD recently cited the Western Rail Corridor as a key component in the development of the Atlantic Economic Corridor (AEC ) in a statement to the Dáil; and that Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan TD has also stated his support for re-opening this rail line.
“The recent government decision to build a rail link from Limerick Junction to Foynes Port in the Shannon Estuary now paves the way for a direct rail link from Mayo, Galway and Clare to the deep seaport at Foynes to ship goods by freight.
“I note from the Government’s Mid-Year Expenditure Report that there is an €151 million underspend in the transport budget for this year. This €150 million would go a long way to completing Phase 2 and Phase 3 of the Western Rail Corridor.
“Currently, we have a very successful rail freight business from Ballina and this can be replicated along the Western Rail Corridor through Westport, Castlebar, Claremorris, Tuam and Ennis.
Dep Canney sadded that we are continuously hearing about saving on carbon emissions and transport is cited as a major contributor to our emissions.
“By having a commuter rail network connecting our cities and towns along the west and by having a rail freight service we will remove the need for hundreds of cars and trucks on our roads.
“The re-opening of the WRC will bring Tuam, our largest county town, back onto the national rail network and link us in a sustainable way to all of the towns and cities in the region.
“The time is here for clear direct government action to address the regional imbalance in our region. The government needs to act now to provide the necessary infrastructure for future development.
“The Western Rail Corridor (Phase 2 & 3 ) can be delivered in a short timeframe and no planning permission is required and works can be completed very quickly,” he added.
