'I'm a bit of a sponge for visual stimulus'

Thu, Nov 12, 2015

Until a year ago, the artist David Hill did not know how to send an email, and the internet was something of a mystery to him. Fast forward 12 months and he is now successfully operating both a website and Facebook page, that has seen his art bought by collectors, galleries, and retailers across Britain, Ireland, and the USA.

How will Brian Walsh’s departure affect Galway West?

Thu, Nov 12, 2015

Dep Brian Walsh’s departure from politics this week, and consequent withdrawal from Election 2016 is both a curse and a blessing for Galway West Fine Gael, and will be seen as an opportunity, perhaps even a salvation, by Labour and Fianna Fáil.

Galway rates hike will fund 2020 bid

Thu, Nov 12, 2015

The Galway City Council has agreed a three per cent rise in commercial rates in the city next year, following agreement with local businesses, in order to fund the city’s European Capital of Culture 2020 bid.

Madra to get €20,000 as Flannery proposal sees city council commit to improving dog welfare in Galway

Thu, Nov 12, 2015

funding of up to €20,000 to local animal charity Madra to help it cope with the influx of stray and abandoned dogs in the city.

Madra had sought €10,000 in funding from the city council earlier this year following the closure of the city’s dog pound for several weeks for renovation and upgrading, putting additional pressure on the charity.

Galway food and craft fair features 50 local producers

Thu, Nov 12, 2015

Fifty local producers join forces for the annual unmissable free Local Food, Craft and Gift Fair at the Black Box on Saturday and Sunday, November 14 and 15.This event is a fun, full day out for all the family. It’s also a mecca for foodies, a one-stop-shop for Christmas gift ideas and a showcase for some of the best local craftspeople.

County councillors gobsmacked as rates write down leaves €750,000 hole in their finances

Thu, Nov 12, 2015

It has been labelled the worst news that Galway County Councill has received in a long time. Local representatives have expressed their disgust following an announcement by Council CEO Kevin Kelly that there will be a €750,000 reduction in the council’s rates income for 2016, which will adversely affect the local authority’s upcoming budget. The reduction is due to The Valuation Office reducing the value of a number of properties in the county used by utility companies, therefore reducing the rates bill of these companies. 

Rates are calculated by multiplying the Annual Rate on Valuation [as determined by Galway County Council], by the valuation on the property, as determined by The Valuation Office. Therefore if the value of a property decreases, this lowers the rates bill.

Rates write down for utility companies but none for small businessed suffering due to local works

Thu, Nov 12, 2015

The CEO of Galway County Council may have dropped the bombshell to councillors that a number of utility companies in the county are getting a rates write down, due to the value of their properties dropping, but it has been made cystal clear that there will be no rates reduction for any other struggling business in the county.

Connolly identifies Rahoon landbank for permanent park and ride facility

Thu, Nov 12, 2015

lection candidate in Galway West John Connolly has called on Galway City Council to seriously consider a permanent Park and Ride facility to ease traffic congestion in the city. 

Mr Connolly has identified a landbank, adjacent to Galway West Retail Park, Rahoon for the development of a permanent Park and Ride facility in the West of the city.

Gluten free roadshow to take place in Galway this Saturday

Thu, Nov 12, 2015

A food fair with a difference will take place in Galway this weekend. As the name suggests, all foods showcased at the 'Ballynogluten' event at The Ardilaun Hotel will be gluten free.

Grealish urges Galway companies to cash in on Apple opportunities

Thu, Nov 12, 2015

Galway companies have been urged to make the most of an opportunity offered by Apple to get involved in the construction and operation of the technology giant’s planned date centre near Athenry.

Independent TD Noel Grealish said that a forum for potential suppliers to be held next week presented great potential for companies in the city and county to benefit from the development.

Galway footballers take to the ring for MS Ireland

Thu, Nov 12, 2015

The Galway footballers, in association with the Galway Football Supporters Club, will hold a fundraising Big Fight Night on Saturday November 28 to raise funds to go towards the squad's costs for the forthcoming season and for MS Ireland Galway

Iconic African freedom fighter travels west to champion gender equality

Thu, Nov 12, 2015

Graça Machel, a one-time freedom fighter in Mozambique turned human rights and equality activist will this month visit the West of Ireland.  Together with her husband, civil liberties icon Nelson Mandela, Machel was instrumental in founding The Elders and has made women’s rights a lifelong cause. 

Evening of style for mums and daughters at Anthony Ryans

Thu, Nov 12, 2015

Anthony Ryan’s Galway are hosting an evening of style and glamour for mums and their daughters this November.

Andrew Drysdale appointed General Manager of the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Galway

Thu, Nov 12, 2015

The Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Galway has announced the appointment of Andrew Drysdale as General Manager. The Shannon native, joins from Farnham Estate Golf & Spa Resort, Co Cavan where he worked as General Manager since 2012. 

Health Minister urged to reverse ‘ridiculous’ decision penalising hospitals for not meeting waiting list targets

Thu, Nov 12, 2015

A local TD is demanding that the Minister for Health reverses a “ridiculous” decision whereby hospitals are fined for failing to meet waiting list targets.

Deputy Noel Grealish slammed the imposition of what he described as a “massive” fine of €1.2 million on University Hospital Galway for not meeting its target.

Grateful Ailbhe wants to give something back with masquerade ball in aid of Temple Street

Thu, Nov 12, 2015

The summer of 2013 will be forever ingrained in the memory of Ailbhe Connolly, and that of her family and friends. She was a carefree 18-year-old enjoying the summer before she went into Leaving Cert like many others. However, for Ailbhe, her life was turned upside down all too quickly when she was diagnosed with a brain tumour  on July 12 that year.  

NUI Galway continues its journey to becoming a mindful university

Thu, Nov 12, 2015

NUI Galway will host two mindfulness-based events this November following the very successful Mindful Way Conference hosted on campus on the 9-10 October 2015. These events are the next steps towards integrating mindfulness into the University’s culture.

Forced sales by banks adding to housing crisis, says Canney

Thu, Nov 12, 2015

Under pressure landlords in Galway whose properties are being repossessed by the banks are being forced to evict tenants, as banks are insisting on vacant possession for sales to go ahead. This is according to Tuam based councillor Sean Canney who says he knows of five or six incidences of this occurring in his local area.

Councillor Canney is blaming the banks for adding more pressure to an already overburdened rental system. “There are a lot of families out there worried about where they will end up this Christmas. They may be on the housing waiting list and have been renting of a landlord who is now being forced to evict them against his will. This is very hard on people who may hhave made their home in a certain area. It is not like the landlord wants them to leave the property but he has no say as its in the bank’s hands.”

Let’s shine a light on Galway’s greatness

Thu, Nov 12, 2015

NUI Galway Senior Lecturer, boards.ie/adverts.ie Co-Founder, Startup Advisor, ACE Fitness/WestBIC Boards

New lifeline for families dealing with drug and alcohol use

Thu, Nov 12, 2015

A new support group aims to give a lifeline to local families dealing with the impact of drug and alcohol use.

The organisation, which has no political or religious affiliations, will hold its first meeting at the Pastoral Centre, Newtownsmith on Thursday November 19 at 7.30pm. 

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