Latest news with #UniversityofGalway
Irish Independent
11 hours ago
- Science
- Irish Independent
Revealed: the worst offenders for light pollution as new research highlights common sources
A study assisted by the University of Galway found that, while most efforts focused on street lighting, other sources of night light were more widespread than street lamps. Private windows were the biggest source of light, meaning a policy as simple as encouraging householders to use curtains after dark could have a major impact. Street lamps were the second most common source of light, followed by commercial premises. But sources of light are numerous, and include traffic lights; information signs; advertisements; footlights and floodlights on monuments; screens on ATMs; illuminated house numbers; and doorbells, security lights, garden lights and decorative lights. The problem is that many of these sources remain on well after midnight, creating unnecessary 'light spill' and 'skyglow' that are disruptive to urban dwellers and wildlife. Animals, birds, insects and even plants have their natural patterns upset when night skies are brighter than they evolved to cope with, while residents report difficulty relaxing and sleeping in the constant brightness. There is currently no national legislation or policy on the issue in Ireland The study, published in Nature Cities, collected data from citizen scientists in Germany, Ireland, Italy, Croatia, Turkey, England and the US. They used the specially developed Nachtlichter (NightLights) app to record all the light sources in assigned areas over a specific period. University of Galway researcher Georgia MacMillan coordinated surveys in multiple locations around counties Mayo and Galway. She said the insights from the study could be very helpful. The EU requires member states to address light pollution in nature restoration plans, but there is currently no national legislation or policy on the issue in Ireland. 'Using the NightLights application to conduct pilot surveys for this project helped us to consider the different sources of light pollution,' she said. 'This is something we need to do on a larger scale in Ireland, and we hope to use the application for future studies in collaboration with other Irish university campuses and community groups.' The study found that motion-activated lights, light-dimming policies and 'shielding' of lights so that they illuminated vital spaces for people while preventing light escaping upwards could all help reduce the impact of light at night.
Irish Post
a day ago
- Science
- Irish Post
Archaeologists discover ‘remarkable' ancient ringfort overlooking Irish beauty spot
ARCHAEOLOGISTS have discovered an ancient ringfort which is believed to have been a settlement for rulers and nobles in Ireland's early medieval period. Rathgurreen Ringfort, in the Maree area of Co. Galway, has been described as an 'impressive high-status settlement that could date anywhere from the 5th to 12th century AD. The site, which overlooks Galway Bay, was the focus of an eight-week archaeological excavation, directed by Dr Michelle Comber and Dr Noel McCarthy of the Discipline of Archaeology at University of Galway. 'What we can say with some certainty is that Maree is an ancient territory,' Dr Comber, who is a lecturer in Archaeology at the University of Galway, said. 'There are up to 40 ringforts in the area, most of which are only a third the size of Rathgurreen, not to mention a number of earlier prehistoric sites,' she added. The ringfort was first investigated and proposed as a high-status settlement – meaning it was home to a local ruler such as a king or lord - by Professor Michael Duignan, then Chair of Archaeology at the University, in the late 1940s. Dr Michelle Comber holding a turquoise and red glass bead found at the Rathgurreen Ringfort and believed to date from Early Medieval Ireland. (Pic: Aengus McMahon) Excavations now suggest that parts of the site are potentially 1,000 years older than previously thought, with evidence of contact with Rome, Scotland, France, and Scandinavia, possibly including the trade of valuable purple dye made at Rathgurreen. 'The name Mearaí (Maree) appears in several early legends, often associated with warriors or other figures bearing that name,' Dr Comber said. 'Our research confirms that Rathgurreen was the home of a noble family - hence the description as high-status. 'But the story is much deeper and richer. 'We have evidence of continuity and change at this site – a settlement that possibly dates back to the Iron Age, that was later developed into a very fine ringfort. 'A new home with links to ancestors would certainly have been very attractive to early medieval nobility.' A team of professionals, students and volunteers took part in the archaeological dig this summer on a section of the 100m-diameter ringfort. They found a number of glass beads, some coloured blue and another turquoise and red. These have parallels in other parts of Ireland and Scotland in the Iron Age - the era that immediately precedes the early medieval period. The dig has also confirmed the presence of early medieval pottery from northern France and amber beads likely connected with Scandinavian trade routes used by the Vikings. Evidence suggesting the manufacture of purple dye at Rathgurreen comprises the remnants of dog-whelk shellfish that were processed at the settlement to produce the rare, and therefore, valuable colouring. 'We are working in an ancient high-status settlement located roughly mid-way along the Atlantic seaboard,' Dr Comber added. 'In no sense, though, would it have been viewed as 'wild' or isolated - on the contrary it was part of a wider community and had links with other parts of Ireland, Scotland and mainland Europe. 'The adjacent coast provided relatively easy access to the outside world - seaways were the motorways of their day. 'The big takeaway from this site is that a place like Galway had a wider significance in the past, and that significance translates into the present,' she added. 'This one site has many tales to tell, and roles to play. 'People come to the west of Ireland and they think it's isolated and remote, but Maree's ancient remains tell us that western Ireland was not cut off from the wider world, geographically or culturally.' The excavation marks the launch of a new research project exploring land use through time on the Maree peninsula in Galway with the University team hoping to continue digs at the site in 2026 and to pursue other locations in the area in future years. See More: Archaeologists, Galway, Maree, Rathgurreen Ringfort
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
LIfT BioSciences announces grant of €12 million from Ireland's Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund to support the first-in-human clinical trial of LIfT's IMAN therapy
Galway, London, 29 July 2025– LIfT BioSciences, ('LIfT' or 'the Company'), a rapidly emerging biotech and the global leader in neutrophil immunotherapies, today announces a grant of €12 million has been awarded from Ireland's Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund (DTIF) to advance its Immuno-Modulatory Alpha Neutrophils (IMANs), designed to overcome treatment resistance in solid tumours, through first-in-human clinical trials expected to start in Q4 2026. The €12 million grant, the largest grant awarded by the DTIF to date, was awarded to a consortium LIfT formed with the University of Galway, renowned for their expertise in cell therapy development, innovation, and clinical trials and Hooke Bio, pioneers of a novel immuno-analytics platform designed to enhance therapy response rates, as part of the Company's grant application process. The funding will be used to conduct an investigator initiated clinical trial designed to test the feasibility and safety of IMAN therapy administered to patients with metastatic cervical cancer or head and neck cancer who have exhausted all standard treatment options, including checkpoint inhibitors. Alex Blyth, Chief Executive Officer of LIfT Biosciences, said: 'The grant awarded from DTIF is a significant milestone for LIfT as we expand our presence in Ireland and advance toward closing the second round of our Series A financing. By combining LIfT's innovative immunotherapy platform with the University of Galway's deep expertise in oncology, patient care, and advanced manufacturing, and Hooke Bio's analytical expertise, we are enhancing our clinical-stage research and accelerating the path to delivering IMANs to patients. The majority of this grant will support CMC manufacturing and the clinical trial itself, positioning LIfT at the forefront of next-generation cancer immunotherapies.' Commenting on the award, Peter Burke, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, said that 'The Government established the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund to invest in technologies that demonstrate true innovation and with the potential to address critical national and societal challenges. We want to fund projects that will make a real difference to people's lives. The N-LIfT project has come through a rigorous evaluation process and the level of funding awarded reflects its potential to be a game-changer in cancer therapy. I'm excited to see the impact it will deliver.' The trial will test progressively higher IMAN doses in sequential patient cohorts to determine the biologically active dose. It will then be expanded to additional patients who will be infused with IMANs at the previously determined recommended dose in combination with checkpoint inhibitor therapy. The results of this evaluation will help bring this promising technology to cancer patients faster and enable LIfT to attract additional investment into Ireland for its ongoing clinical and manufacturing programme in Galway. Dr Michael McCarthy, Consultant Medical Oncologist and Principal Investigator at University Hospital Galway added: 'Cancer remains one of the most complex and dynamic diseases. IMANs have the potential to overcome key limitations of current cancer treatments by activating both the innate and adaptive branches of the immune system. This dual stimulation enables a comprehensive anti-tumour response, representing a transformative advancement in cancer therapy. We are pleased to receive this grant in collaboration with LIfT and Hooke Bio, and we look forward to accelerating the clinical development of this groundbreaking immunotherapy.' Professor Sean Hynes, Consultant Histopathologist and Translational Cancer Researcher from the School of Medicine and Lead Academic on the award commented: 'In partnership with LIfT Biosciences and Hooke Bio, we are very excited about the University of Galway and Galway University Hospital being at the forefront of delivering on new oncological cellular therapies by using neutrophils, the body's own first responders, in the fight against cancer and ensuring patients in the West of Ireland have access to such cutting edge treatments.' Mark Lyons, Ph.D., CEO at Hooke Bio added: 'We're very excited to be able to employ our Mera body on a plate platform to support the development of LIfT's immuno-oncology therapeutic. This project highlights the strength of the Irish clinical research eco system and the power of collaboration.' DTIF is a €500 million challenge-based fund established under Project Ireland 2040. It is one of four funds set up under the National Development Plan (NDP) 2018-2027. It is managed by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and administered by Enterprise Ireland. The DTIF fund is for clients of Enterprise Ireland, Údarás na Gaeltachta, IDA Ireland and research performing organisations in Ireland that are collaborating on industrial research and / or experimental development in highly innovative projects. LIfT, registered as Eolaíocht Bhitheach LIfT Teoranta, has a base in An Spidéal, Co. Galway at (gteic@An Spidéal) and, as an Údarás na Gaeltachta client, has been supported by them to create employment in the Gaeltacht. About LIfT BioSciencesLIfT BioSciences is a UK and Ireland-based biotech pioneering a first-in-class allogeneic alpha neutrophil immunotherapy that overcomes treatment resistance in solid tumours by restoring immune competence. Its Immuno-Modulatory Alpha Neutrophils (IMANs) recognise and destroy cancer cells through advanced threat pattern recognition in a non-antigen-specific manner. Clinical studies show that this class of neutrophils can prevent tumour escape—responsible for over 90% of cancer-related deaths—by delivering a durable, total immune response and lasting immunity. LIfT's patented N-LIfT platform is derived from exceptional donor stem cells cultured in a proprietary enhancement media, enabling scalable and potent cell production. The company is also advancing iPSC technology and genetic engineering to create next-generation IMAN therapies with pharma partners to achieve cost-effective, long-term remission for cancer patients and beyond. LIfT is currently completing its 2nd close on its Series A Further informationInvestors:Alex Blyth ablyth@ Media:ICR Healthcare Lindsey Neville, Namrata Taak, Evi Useh liftbiosciences@
RTÉ News
2 days ago
- Business
- RTÉ News
The pros and cons of the local property tax
Analysis: With most house owners facing higher property tax bills, a look at the advantages and disadvantages of the tax introduced in 2013 By , University of Galway The local property tax (LPT) is in the news again. Councillors in Dublin City Council (DCC) recently voted to raise the rate of tax next year, which will mean higher LPT bills for capital city residents. In November, a nationwide revaluation of residential properties will also lead to higher LPT payments. Over a decade since the LPT was introduced, it is time to reflect on the pros and cons of Ireland's residential property tax, viewed from the perspective of taxpayers, users of public services, government (both central and local), and wider society. Pros (1) As a tax on property, the LPT widens the tax base. As a desired feature of a country's overall tax system, a broad tax base means that there is less need for higher taxes on household incomes, business profits, or consumer spending. From RTÉ News, Dublin City Council votes to increase local property tax (2) It is a tax on wealth. As the majority of household wealth in Ireland is in the form of real estate property (primarily housing assets), an annual tax on the value of residential properties is a fair and equitable way to redistribute wealth. (3) Property taxes distort economic activity and harm economic growth less than other taxes. According to the OECD, on a ' tax and growth ' ranking, recurrent taxes on immovable property appear to have the least impact on economic growth, compared to, for example, personal income taxes, corporate taxes, or consumption taxes (e.g. VAT or excise duties). (4) Property taxes are an ideal way to fund local government and the provision of local public services as properties are relatively immobile preventing taxpayers from relocating elsewhere. In Ireland, local authorities can vary the LPT rate. These rate-setting powers increase fiscal autonomy and improve local accountability. (5) As currently designed, the LPT is relatively straightforward to understand and comply with. The tax rate is low (currently at 0.1029% and to be lowered to 0.0906% from next year), progressive (with higher rates, of 0.25% and 0.3%, for higher-valued properties), exemptions are few, deferrals are allowed, revaluations are regular (keeping it up-to-date), with multiple payment options available. From RTÉ Radio 1's Morning Ireland, majority of Dubliners to see property tax rise next year Cons (1) Worldwide, property taxes are unpopular, with opposition from property owners and tenants, public representatives, lobby groups, etc. Often described as the most hated tax of all, the unpopularity of property taxes is related to its visibility, the yearly one-off payment by means of the 'cheque in the post', and as it is a tax on the home. In Ireland, opposition is also related to the fact that it is a relatively new tax and was introduced during the austerity era when many households were experiencing financial difficulties. (2) As a tax source, it raises relatively little revenue. It accounts for less than one per cent of government's total tax revenue, and is diminishing over time. Despite the rise in property prices, the tax take from the LPT, at about €550m per year, is flat due to the persistent widening of the valuation bands and lowering of the basic rate as a means to placate homeowners and voters. (3) As it is self-assessed, there is the likelihood that some properties are undervalued, raising less revenue for local government, leading to inequities across properties, and ultimately undermining the LPT system. Ó RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta's Tús Áite, aréir do vótáil Comhairle Contae Dhún Laoghaire Ráth an Dúin ar son laghdú 15% a dhéanamh ar an gcáin mhaoin áitiúil sa chontae – an leibhéal is ísle go bhféadfaí. Labhair Oisín O'Connor, Comhairleoir leis an gComhaontas Glas i gComhairle Contae Dhún Laoghaire Ráth an Dúin linn faoin scéal seo (4) From the local authority perspective, the LPT is not a buoyant source of income, making it difficult to meet the extra demands on its services and the higher costs arising from recent inflationary pressures. In addition, for urban local authorities with a large property tax base, not all of the income from the LPT is discretionary, as a portion (known as self-funding) is decided by central government vis-à-vis the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. For example, in DCC, although the estimated LPT amount in 2025 was €101m, €57.6m was used for self-funding with only €43.3m left for own-use purposes. When the discount of 15% was applied (albeit by local councillors), it left only €28m for discretionary use. (5) Given the unpopular nature of the LPT (and especially from the main opposition political party which is committed to phasing out the tax) combined with the relatively small amount of revenue raised, there is the possibility that a future government might be tempted to abolish the LPT, leaving no annual residential property tax levied on homeowners. While many households might welcome such a decision, this would be a mistake similar to the decision almost 50 years ago to abolish domestic rates leaving our local authorities under-resourced and a system of public administration in Ireland that is very centralised with a weakened local democracy. As homeowners prepare to revalue their properties on November 1st for the purposes of the LPT, I am reminded of a quote attributed to James Madison, the fourth president of the United States and acclaimed father of the US Constitution: "the power to tax people and their property is essential to the very existence of government". We may not like tax and especially property taxes but as another famous American once said, taxes are what we pay for a civilised society.
Irish Independent
4 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Hulk Hogan hailed as Irish rowing duo Donagh Claffey and Martin O'Grady claim bronze medal at World U23 Championships
Claffey, a big man who sculpted his facial hair into a Hulk Hogan style, said the wrestling gods might have been looking kindly on them. The University of Galway men did the business early and late in the edgy contest. They led by over a length in the second quarter, but Portugal and Italy passed them in the second half of the race. As the other crews upped their pace, Ireland looked set to lose out completely on a podium place. But in an exciting finish, they performed brilliantly. Italy clung on to their lead and it was Portugal who got caught, with Germany pipping Ireland for silver by one hundredth of a second. 'It was a very quick race,' Claffey said. 'Before we knew it, it was over – and we had our nose in the right spot on the line!' O'Grady said he called a push in the third quarter, usually their weakest 500 metres. 'It stung a lot. But when you're in that position you can push yourself to further limits than you think you are capable of. Donagh's a strong guy and we left it all out there. We just held on.' Claffey's moustache and beard excited comment. 'I followed wrestling a lot growing up. It was probably the wrestling gods shining down. And Hulk Hogan passing the same time as the racing, it's probably just the way the world works,' he said. Meanwhile, Sophia Monahan took fifth in her A Final of the lightweight single. She was drawn in lane five, beside Italy's Melissa Schincariol, who blasted off the start. As the Italian built a lead which would bring her gold, Monahan struggled. The 20-year-old Irish woman came back into the race. In the third quarter she gained on Germany's Aysa Guenduez in lane six. The German then found form and accelerated on to take bronze. South Africa took silver. Ireland have another chance of a medal on Sunday, as Holly Davis competes in the women's single at 11.26 Irish time. Davis, a Cork woman who is a scholarship student at the University of Texas at Austin, has a strong chance of giving Ireland a second podium finish.
