Business
Magnificent period home boasts lots of character

This magnificent period residence with self-contained apartment is situated on a high profile mature corner site on the main Newcastle Road in Galway.
This imposing residence with its old world charm and character has been totally refurbished and modernised to the highest standard and oozes style and taste.
St Mary’s, 1 Lower Newcastle Road, comprises an entrance hall, kitchen, spacious lounge, downstairs bedroom/study and a downstairs toilet.
Upstairs the accommodation comprises four bedrooms, a main bathroom and hot press. In addition to the accommodation in the main house there is the added bonus of a self-contained apartment to the rear with a bathroom, double bedroom and living/kitchen and dining room.
Outside, the property is surrounded by mature hedging and manicured gardens with shrubbery. The property has dual access with an entrance off main Newcastle Road and the Mass path.
Additionally, there is parking for three cars and a patio which is south-facing and private.
This is a wonderful opportunity to acquire a special home in this central and convenient location. The property also features oil-fired central heating and an electric gate.
■ The asking price is €675,000. The BER Rating is D2. For further information or to arrange a viewing, contact O’Donnellan & Joyce Auctioneers on 091 564212.
Connacht Tribune
Mobility grants can’t keep pace

The rates for grants to make mobility adaptations that allow people to live independently in their own homes are not keeping pace with the rising cost of construction.
Roscommon Galway TD, Denis Naughten said it was ‘almost impossible’ for older people or people with disabilities to get contractors to quote prices for work.
That’s because of the bureaucracy involved in housing aid for older people scheme, the mobility grant aid scheme, and the housing adaptation grant for people with disability.
“The low rate of the grant also means many contractors are not interested in this work anymore,” the Independent TD said.
“The reality is that the grants rates have not increased in recent years. These rates today do not reflect current building costs. The income thresholds also need to be modernised and updated,” he added.
Deputy Naughten highlighted the plight of a constituent in East Galway to drive home his point.
This person, an amputee who resides in a two-storey house and whose sole income is social welfare, had applied for a housing adaptation grant.
Galway County Council awarded the maximum rate for the housing adaptation grant, which was €30,000.
For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.
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Connacht Tribune
Galway is Chamber of the Year

Galway Chamber of Commerce has been named as Chamber of the Year at the 2022 Chamber Awards. The awards recognise the outstanding work of chambers of commerce throughout the country in supporting local, regional and national business.
And Galway Chamber was recognised for its high level of activity throughout the year despite challenging operational conditions. Galway Chamber had earlier won the category for Supporting Enterprise and Social Enterprise
President of Chambers Ireland, Mags Brennan said that being named Chamber of the Year was testament to the scale of work being undertaken by Galway Chamber.
“It reflects the huge amount of talent and dedication within the Chamber and underlines how impressively they have managed and adapted their activity to meet the needs of their members,” she said.
“What truly impressed our judges was how much Galway Chamber engaged with its community. This is a group of strong communicators, relationship builders and people who care deeply about their city and county,” she added.
For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.
Connacht Tribune Digital Edition App
Download the Connacht Tribune Digital Edition App to access to Galway’s best-selling newspaper.
Click HERE to download it for iPhone and iPad from Apple’s App Store, or HERE to get the Android Version from Google Play.
Or purchase the Digital Edition for PC, Mac or Laptop from Pagesuite HERE.
Get the Connacht Tribune Live app
The Connacht Tribune Live app is the home of everything that is happening in Galway City and county. It’s completely FREE and features all the latest news, sport and information on what’s on in your area. Click HERE to download it for iPhone and iPad from Apple’s App Store, or HERE to get the Android Version from Google Play.
Connacht Tribune
Med-tech boost for Galway

Another multi-national medical devices company has chosen Galway for its European expansion – creating around 40 jobs over the next five years.
Biomerics, the vertically integrated medical device contract manufacturer serving the interventional device market, is opening of a 2,000 sq. ft. Balloons & Balloon Catheters Centre of Excellence at Liosban Business Park in Galway.
This is Biomerics’ first facility in Europe and the second facility outside the United States after Costa Rica.
It will become home to a growing team dedicated to the development and manufacturing of balloons and balloon catheters and act as an extension to the operations in Athens, Texas.
Galway-based Minister of State in the Department of Transport Hildegarde Naughton welcomed the announcement.
“This announcement is a great achievement for the West of Ireland and signals a bright future for businesses across the country,” she added.