Latest news with #Conneally
Agriland
5 days ago
- General
- Agriland
Galway County Council launches new biodiversity plan
Galway County Council has launched a strategy for preserving and enhancing the county's natural and cultural heritage over the next six years. The council unveiled the new Galway County Heritage and Biodiversity Plan 2024-2030 at the Marine Institute, Rinville, Co. Galway, today, June 3, 2025. It aims to set out a detailed roadmap to address challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and the need for community-driven heritage preservation. The plan has been developed in collaboration with the Galway County Heritage and Biodiversity Forum, and the Heritage Council. According to the county council, the key priorities for the plan includes conducting a comprehensive biodiversity audit of council-owned lands, updating Galway's invasive alien species strategy, and developing a countywide tree and hedgerow management plan. The plan also commits to protecting sensitive habitats, such as peatlands and marine ecosystems, and delivering biodiversity education through training in collaboration with the Public Participation Network (PPN). The chief executive of Galway County Council, Liam Conneally said: 'The plan sets out a clear, action-driven vision to protect and celebrate our county's rich natural, built, and cultural heritage. 'It will guide our efforts in addressing climate and environmental challenges, promoting sustainability, and enhancing awareness and stewardship,' Conneally added. Galway County Council The biodiversity officer for Galway County Council, Rosina Joyce said that climate change and biodiversity loss are central to the plan. She said: 'Our heritage is a cornerstone of community pride and identity. This plan not only celebrates these unique assets but also addresses pressing challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and the evolving needs of our society. 'We are committed to integrating climate resilience into all actions, ensuring that Galway's heritage and biodiversity contribute to mitigating and adapting to the impacts of climate change.' 'By promoting sustainable practices and innovative solutions, we aim to create a legacy of resilience for future generations.' Galway County Council claims that the plan is the only one of its kind in Ireland to fully integrate biodiversity and heritage in a combined action plan.
Irish Independent
30-04-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
‘We had no option' – Galway County Council defends decision to shut down popular food truck
Misunderstood Heron has been operating since 2017 Today at 03:00 Galway County Council has defended its decision to issue a closure notice to the Misunderstood Heron food truck as they say they were 'left with no choice'. During a county council meeting on Monday, April 28, Chief Executive Liam Conneally said that there had never been any planning applications made by the Misunderstood Heron to develop and operate in the Leenane area. In recent weeks, the council were contacted by a member of the public regarding 'unauthorised activity and development' on the site which prompted them to take action. Mr. Conneally said: 'The first proposal for Killary leisure centre was in 1997. Since then a total of 28 planning applications have been made for this area. None of them had ever been made by the Misunderstood Heron and it was on that basis, on the basis of a complaint made by a member of the public, we had no option but to continue on with the planning proposal process.' Operated by husband-and-wife Kim Young and Reinaldo Seco since 2017, the café had become a staple of journeys to Connemara for its blend of Chilean and Irish cuisine but in a shock announcement last week, promptly shut following the close of business on Sunday, April 27. In a post shared on social media, the Leenane-based food truck announced their last weekend of trading would take place on Saturday, April 26, having been 'shut down' by planners at Galway County Council. Since the announcement, an outpouring of messages in support of the award-winning café have followed in response. Over 1,000 comments have been left on the initial post. Well-known Irish figures have also paid tribute to the café on Instagram and called for a resolution to be found. In one comment, Rozanna Purcell urged Galway County Council to find a solution, calling the café a 'destination stop' and an example of a 'great thriving Irish business', with broadcaster Louise McSherry also expressing her disappointment at the decision. A host of popular chefs from across Ireland such as JP McMahon and Neven Maguire also paid tribute to the popular eatery, with the latter expressing dismay of 'an amazing place with incredible food and people'. TV chef Donal Skehan also shared his condolences with the owners of Misunderstood Heron, as well as slamming the council for a decision he described as 'ridiculous'. "So disappointed to hear that – without a doubt a shining example of just how interesting food business can be done. I hope for the sake of locals and the many tourists who have this on their list @galwaycountycouncil turn this ridiculous decision on its head,' he said. Despite the enforced closure, the Misunderstood Heron say that they will persist with other ventures, such as catering and pop-ups, saying that more information will be revealed next week.
Irish Independent
30-04-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Galway County Council says it was ‘left with no choice' but to shut down popular food truck
During a county council meeting on Monday, April 28, Chief Executive Liam Conneally said that there had never been any planning applications made by the Misunderstood Heron to develop and operate in the Leenane area. In recent weeks, the council were contacted by a member of the public regarding 'unauthorised activity and development' on the site which prompted them to take action. Mr. Conneally said: 'The first proposal for Killary leisure centre was in 1997. Since then a total of 28 planning applications have been made for this area. None of them had ever been made by the Misunderstood Heron and it was on that basis, on the basis of a complaint made by a member of the public, we had no option but to continue on with the planning proposal process.' Operated by husband-and-wife Kim Young and Reinaldo Seco since 2017, the café had become a staple of journeys to Connemara for its blend of Chilean and Irish cuisine but in a shock announcement last week, promptly shut following the close of business on Sunday, April 27. In a post shared on social media, the Leenane-based food truck announced their last weekend of trading would take place on Saturday, April 26, having been 'shut down' by planners at Galway County Council. Since the announcement, an outpouring of messages in support of the award-winning café have followed in response. Over 1,000 comments have been left on the initial post. Well-known Irish figures have also paid tribute to the café on Instagram and called for a resolution to be found. In one comment, Rozanna Purcell urged Galway County Council to find a solution, calling the café a 'destination stop' and an example of a 'great thriving Irish business', with broadcaster Louise McSherry also expressing her disappointment at the decision. A host of popular chefs from across Ireland such as JP McMahon and Neven Maguire also paid tribute to the popular eatery, with the latter expressing dismay of 'an amazing place with incredible food and people'. TV chef Donal Skehan also shared his condolences with the owners of Misunderstood Heron, as well as slamming the council for a decision he described as 'ridiculous'. "So disappointed to hear that – without a doubt a shining example of just how interesting food business can be done. I hope for the sake of locals and the many tourists who have this on their list @galwaycountycouncil turn this ridiculous decision on its head,' he said. ADVERTISEMENT Despite the enforced closure, the Misunderstood Heron say that they will persist with other ventures, such as catering and pop-ups, saying that more information will be revealed next week.
