Numbers needing St VDP show no sign of decreasing

Thu, Nov 27, 2014

The numbers of Irish families depending on the Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) every year has remained high and show no sign of decreasing in any significant way, according to SVP Galway as it launched its annual appeal.

Speaking at the launch Michael McCann, Galway Area President of SVP said “Most of those who seek the support of St Vincent de Paul are struggling week in and week out on a basic minimum income, either from state payments or from low-paid employment. It is when they encounter an unexpected cost or a period when additional expenditure occurs, such as Christmas, that is when they critically need support.

Minister launches Coca-Cola Zero Bikes in Galway

Thu, Nov 27, 2014

The Minister for Transport, Tourism, and Sport, Paschal Donohoe, was this week joined by Gerry Murphy, CEO of the National Transport Authority, Frank O’Donnell, general manager of Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland, and Hector Ó hEochagáin, TV and radio personality, at Eyre Square to officially launch the Coca-Cola Zero Bikes in the city.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help this Christmas

Thu, Nov 27, 2014

In all of our communities right now, there are husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, who are wondering how they are going to make it through the winter and out the far side. They know that there are just a few weeks until Christmas; that their children are looking enviously at the Smyths catalogue and making a wishlist — yet they feel they have never been as badly prepared as they are this year.

For all of them, this new situation is coming as a shock. Their bodies go into shutdown, their minds try to come to terms with the new reality that money is not as plentiful and every decision will have to be calculated. The comfort of the Tiger years left them ill-prepared for it and now, although they know that it is a common situation, they do not know where to turn to for help. Factors such as pride prevent them from turning to others, letting people know the truth. And so many will sit in their nice negative-equitied homes, with their children going cold and hungry, rather than asking for help and sharing their situation.

The King’s Head - twenty five years at the hub of all things Galway

Thu, Nov 27, 2014

When PJ and Maura Grealish and their family bought the Kings Head a quarter of a century ago, one of the first things they did was light a fire in the famous 1612 fireplace. Unaware that the chimney needed cleaning the place soon filled up with thick smoke from the turfy fire.

Galway anti-water tax groups unite for major protest on Saturday

Mon, Nov 24, 2014

Anti-water tax groups from across Galway city and county have united into a new association, Galway Unites Against Water Charges, which will hold a major protest in the city this weekend.

Councillors brand Irish Water price concessions as a ‘confidence trick'

Thu, Nov 20, 2014

Fixed rate water charges announced last nighty are only “‘a confidence trick” to “bribe hard-pressed families into paying, while Government pledges that Irish Water will not be privatised have met with scepticism from Galway councillors.

Ó Clochartaigh or Connolly for the Dáil? Or both?

Thu, Nov 20, 2014

Protest works. This is the message of the last number of weeks. Although Insider is uncomfortable with some of the more intimidating displays seen recently, there is no denying that the scale of the anti-water charges protests, the palpable public anger, and the unprecedented display of hostility shown to both the Taoiseach and Tánaiste has chastened the Government.

James Charity to contest next General Election

Thu, Nov 20, 2014

James Charity, the Independent politician first elected to the Galway County Council at last May’s local elections, has declared he will stand for the Dáil at the 2016 General Election.

Galway small and medium sized business at risk of being lost to Britain

Thu, Nov 20, 2014

Unless the Government starts offering more attractive incentives to small and medium-sized enterprises in Galway, and elsewhere throughout the State, such SMEs are at risk of leaving Ireland to set up in Britain.

Justice Minister and Garda Commissioner have ‘no intention’ of closing Salthill Garda Station

Thu, Nov 20, 2014

The future of Salthill Garda Station is secure as there is “no intention” on the part of either the Garda Commissioner or the Minister for Justice to close the station.

Councillors ban horses from Kilcolgan weir

Thu, Nov 20, 2014

Horses will be banned from Kilcolgan weir under new bye-laws which will be finally approved early in the New Year by the Galway County Council.

Under the new draft laws, it will be illegal to bring horses down to the weir or to walk horses in the water. According to Independent councillor Jim Cuddy, this had been a problem for a number of years.

Pioneering Kate to kickstart Galway’s Christmas

Thu, Nov 20, 2014

Katie O’Halloran, the only Irish person and first woman to receive two above-elbow prosthetic arms, will be the guest of honour at the official opening of the Galway Continental Christmas Market and will turn on the city’s festive lights tomorrow evening (Friday).

A place to call home

Thu, Nov 20, 2014

The services provided by the Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) in Galway cover a range of activities that fall into the realm of social justice. One such service that is very important but not well known, is the provision of accommodation – both in sheltered form (where full supports are in place) and independent living single units where additional services such as visitation ensure that loneliness and isolation does not become an issue for the vulnerable person residing there.

Light up UHG’s Christmas tree and remember a loved one

Thu, Nov 20, 2014

A unique way of remembering a loved one who has emigrated or passed away was launched at University Hospital Galway earlier this week.

Members of the public are invited to sponsor a light on a Christmas tree - which is displayed at the entrance of the facility - and dedicate it to a loved one who is absent over Christmas.

Second suicide crisis nurse apppointed — will meet clients at GP’s surgery within days of referral

Thu, Nov 20, 2014

A second suicide crisis assessment nurse has been appointed to the Galway and Roscommon Mental Health Services.

Lynn Monaghan, who took up the position last week, says it will reach out to people in crisis and help them resolve the issues which led to them feeling overwhelmed.

Twenty thousand visitors expected at Galway Science and Technology Festival Exhibition

Thu, Nov 20, 2014

This weekend will see the 17th Galway Science and Technology Festival host its free final day exhibition at NUI Galway. The event, which features shows, workshops, and more than 80 interactive stands showcasing the work and research of Galway’s leading science and technology organisations, is expected to attract in the region of 20,000 visitors.

Contracts signed for N59 improvements at Moycullen to begin

Thu, Nov 20, 2014

The contract for the N59 improvement scheme at Moycullen was signed yesterday (Wednesday) in Galway County Council buildings in the presence of the Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, Cllr Mary Hoade, and representatives from Wills Bros. Ltd, the company awarded the contract, and the National Roads Authority.

Jes remembrance Mass to take place later this month

Thu, Nov 20, 2014

The annual Mass in memory of deceased members of the Jes school community will take place on Sunday November 30.

Expert to give public talk on coastal environments

Thu, Nov 20, 2014

An expert on coastal environments will visit NUI Galway on Thursday, 27 November, to deliver a free public talk on coastal climate change. Andrew Cooper is Professor of Coastal Studies at the University of Ulster and co?founder of the Centre for Coastal and Marine Research and Centre for Maritime Archaeology. His latest book The Last Beach, which was published this month, is a call to action to prevent global beach destruction.

Public meeting on Brian Boru and the Battle of Clontarf

Thu, Nov 20, 2014

The most famous Irish High King, and one of the most significant battles in Irish history will be examined at the next meeting of the Renmore History Society.

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