Ireland’s leading on-street parking services provider UTS Technologies, has announced a five-year charitable funding partnership with the Galway-City-based volunteer group Claddagh Watch Patrol.
The initial funding will support the provision of protective clothing and equipment to the 80+ strong volunteers who carry out nightly patrols on the River Corrib in Galway City. The partnership reflects UTS Technologies’ commitment as part of their corporate social responsibility program to a proactive approach in supporting Community based Volunteers who give their time so generously to support those in need.
Niall McNeilis, Chairman Claddagh Watch said this is a fantastic sponsorship from UTS Technologies, and that he cannot overstate the difference that it will make to the service that they can offer.
“We are constantly looking to professionalise and make incremental changes to our service to ensure we constantly improve our standards.
“This generous sponsorship from UTS Technologies will allow us to ensure our volunteers are correctly kitted out and provided with the lifesaving equipment required for them to continue making a huge difference in providing safe waterways in Galway City.,” he said.
Sean Brogan, CEO, UTS Technologies said they were inspired by the Claddagh Watch Group and its volunteers who turn out in all weathers with the sole aim of protecting those in need.
“The visible presence throughout the city of the group’s volunteers on the bridges at nighttime is a stark reminder of both the dangers that the River Corrib presents as it flows through the City and of the vulnerability of people in their times of trouble.
“We have been so impressed listening to the stories of how the group has helped in guiding and supporting the emergency services to those who need them. We look forward to supporting Claddagh Watch over the next five years as they continue their work throughout Galway City,” he said.
Arthur Carr, Founder, Claddagh Watch said this is a ground-breaking sponsorship from UTS Technologies and we would like to commend them on their generosity.
“Claddagh Watch has been able to grow over the past five years as a result of generous acts such as this. Their commitment to our cause empowers us to continue making a difference in the lives of those we serve. With their partnership, we can amplify our impact, and continue to create positive change along the waterways in Galway,” he said.
Claddagh Watch Patrol is a registered charity that was founded in 2019, following four tragic water-related deaths in Galway within the space of a single week. Their mission is to create a safer environment around Galway City’s waterways through volunteer patrols and raising awareness. Their team of over 80 volunteers is dedicated to their work and is committed to improving the level of water safety across the city.
They carry out approximately 8-10 patrols each month with extra patrols when there are a large crowds in the city. They aim to provide a presence along the canals, bridges, and more so that people who are distressed, disoriented, or suicidal can receive some support from them.
UTS Technologies are Ireland’s largest privately owned provider of parking payment solutions to local authorities and private parking operators. Since fitting the very first single space meters on the streets of Dublin in the late 60’s, UTS Technologies has grown to represent the world’s leading providers for on-street SMART technology. Serving the 32 counties we also provide solutions for traffic and road condition monitoring, Smart early warning systems for flooding, APP based disabled parking solutions as well as the payment terminals for on and off-street parking and waste management.
