How to Shift that Christmas Fat

First published on Studenty.me on 27 Dec 2011.

So, Christmas is over now, and once you’ve scoffed that last mince pie, finished off the pudding, devoured the Christmas cake, polished off that remaining box of chocolates, and filled yourself to bursting point with various alcoholic beverages, its time to make the usual New Year’s Resolution - to be Healthy.

Yes, I know you made the same decision to be healthy this time last year. You took to the water. You exercised. You did anything you could to shift that Christmas podge! Its hard, but there are ways to improve your health.

image: fugly.com

The old proverb tells us: “Your health is your wealth”, but can this proverb be taken literally? After all, healthy food can cost quite a bit more than the unhealthy alternative - especially for us students? Its cheaper to bulk buy the Tesco instant noodles, and that delicious pasta to which you just add water.

But can we really put a price on our health? I spoke to nutritional therapist, acupuncturist, and bio-resonance practitioner, Laura Thompson, from Healthy Options, Longford, on the subject, and she gave me quite a bit of useful information, which I shall pass on to you presently!

Good nutrition is the foundation of good health. “The body is like a network of tiny engines,” Laura tells me, “with some working in unison and some independently. All are on call for 24 hours a day. If these engines are to function correctly, they must have the right fuel. The wrong fuel will cause the engine to sputter and lose power. No fuel at all and the engine will stop. Likewise, if we want to be healthy with an abundance of energy, we must be selective of the type of fuel we feed our bodies.”

Every year, obesity becomes worse and worse. Ill health and weight problems are linked to the amount of junk and toxic-laden foods we consume. To stay healthy, we need to discipline ourselves to eat a varied diet - pizza, beans on toast, fry-ups, none of these foods, no matter how quick, cheap and easy, will do our bodies any favours. Self respect is vital. If you respect your body, you will want to nourish it.

So what about vitamin supplements? When I asked Laura what the best supplements to take would be, she recommended a good multi B complex. “Your B vitamins are very important for your energy levels, but they’re also very important for your mental energy as well, and obviously being a student, you’re going to need to be able to concentrate. They’re also very important for the conversion of fat into energy, so they play a role also in your metabolism, and they also help you to absorb iron. The problem with B vitamins is they tend to be water soluble, so the body doesn‘t store it, so you need to get it into your system on a regular basis.” So, if you want to take a supplement, and only one supplement, go for a multi B complex.

Winter is here in full force, and the immune systems of many have been attacked by the stress of exams, cold weather, and poor health. I asked Laura her advice on getting our immune systems boosted and ready to fight off further colds and flus that are sure to be waiting on the sidelines. “Your vitamin C is probably the most popular vitamin,” says Laura. “you can actually buy a mega B complex which also has 1000mg of vitamin C as well.” So, this has not only the B vitamins our bodies crave, but vitamin C too, which will help us fight off bugs in the winter months, and this is also quite affordable for students.

image: datenokuni.com

“Obviously your diet is very important, and its important to eat hot foods,” Laura continues, “try to have lots of soups and casseroles and stews. I know students generally don’t like cooking, but you could always make a really big pot of soup, or casserole, and have it over a period of a few days.”

Exams may be over for many colleges but there are some, unfortunately, who are studying throughout the Christmas, their holidays ruined by the piles of notes that restricts their activity. I asked Laura for her advice on combating stress, and her advice is not only useful for those who are still awaiting the dreaded exams, but also for those of us who would like a boost in concentration. Again, the magical B vitamin is advised, as it helps your mental health, but if you want a little extra coming up to exam time, try some fish oils, such as omega 3. “We’ve all heard of the salmon of knowledge,” Laura tells me, “and there’s a lot of truth to the story. Fish oils are very important for your memory and concentration, and they also help your recall. People have a lot of knowledge in their heads, but trying to recall it when you’re under pressure can often be difficult. So taking your fish oils is very important. Omega 3 is also a feel good fish oil. They make you feel happier in yourself, and help prevent depression. That would be my favourite one for students.”

There are some vitamin supplements designed specifically for exams, and one of these is called Balance for Nerves. But what is it? “Balance for Nerves,” Laura informs me, “is made up of amino acids and B vitamins, and its really to help your concentration levels when you’re stressed. You can have great concentration and great recall, but add a bit of stress to that and it becomes difficult to get that information from your head and onto the paper.” And some extremely important advice when taking these: “Don’t wait until the day before your exam to take it. Now is the time to really start looking for these things and get a build up of them in your system.”

So, what I gathered from this interview is basically the following: take vitamin B!! It converts fat to energy, it helps concentration, it gives you energy for exercise, it helps your metabolism, and in turn your weight, it prevents depression, there’s one kind that has vitamin C which helps the immune system, its affordable, it combats stress, and the best part? Its not even a drug so its perfectly safe to take!

So let’s get cracking on the diets, guys, God knows we’ll need our health to get us through the coming semester!

Laura’s top tips for a healthier lifestyle:

image: healthyfoodsite.com

• Eat a wide variety of fresh fruit and vegetables. This is essential for a healthy body. Try to add fruit to your daily diet - even if its just a glass of fruit juice or a topping for your cereal.
• Try to cut out all highly processed foods, which contain a high amount of hidden salt and sugar.
• Look for foods that are high in essential fatty acids, such as fish, nuts, seeds and some grains. These are vital for healthy brain function, good metabolism and great skin.
• When looking for a good source of energy, turn to the wholegrain variety of carbohydrates, instead of energy drinks, chocolate or sugar.
• Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Try to have a wholegrain cereal such as oats or wheat. Avoid the over-processed sugary cereal such as the frosted or chocolate varieties.
• Stay away from the frying pan and stick to grilling and steaming. This will help prevent obesity or disease.
• Cut down on salt as it causes fluid retention and high blood pressure.
• Protein is vital for proper muscle and growth development, and should be consumed daily. Good quality sources of protein are met, eggs, nuts, beans and seeds.
• Another vital element to a healthy body is exercise. Try to be as active as you can and exercise daily. Try walking or cycling to college if you live nearby, rather than driving. Join a sports club, or go for a 30 minute walk in the evenings. Not only will exercise keep you in shape, it will also increase well-being, elevate moods and reduce anxiety and depression.

27 Dec 2011

by Jessica Thompson

Christmas in the East End

First published on Studenty.me on 27 Dec 2011

With higher ratings than Downton Abbey's Christmas Special, Eastenders has succeeded in being the most watched show on Christmas day. Clearly, people enjoy the mayhem and misery of Walford, as 9.9 million viewers tuned in to watch the episode.

The marriage of Zainab and Yusef proved to be more interesting then the long- and anxiously-awaited engagement of Lady Mary and Matthew. This marriage was a long time coming, but we all knew something was wrong the day Yusef knocked Zainab to the floor when she was having second thoughts about marrying him. Later, she had second thoughts about moving to Pakistan and taking everything from Masood.

And it turns out she feels more than pity towards her ex-husband. On Saturday, the two were caught kissing at the front door of Zainab's house, by Masood's girlfriend, Jane. Eastenders wouldn't be right without a bit of drama, however, and Jane provides this by getting drunk and spilling the beans to Yusef.

Yusef's anger at this information has the audience on the edge of their seats, expecting him to run inside and beat Zainab, leaving her body more bruised and battered than before, while she weeps in fear.

image: google

There is a very interesting turn of events, however, when Zainab hears that Masood has rescued Kamil. Knowing her baby is safe gives Zainab a new lease of life and she hits Yusef before he can hit her, and continues to do so until he is curled up against his car, crying like a baby.

The story is far from concluded however, as despite everything, Zainab still accepts tea from Yusef when they get back inside - Yusef who has been drugging her since long before they were married. Yusef who kidnapped her baby and brought him far away so she couldn't find him. Yusef who beat her and humiliated her, scared her and manipulated her.

Passed out from drugs, it looks like Zainab is going to be dragged to Pakistan - concsious or not. Afia, however, has reluctantly told Tamwar the whole story, so the rest of the family - Syed and Amira included - burst through the door to catch Yusef. Afia, with conflicting loyalties, lets her father out the back door rather than see him arrested.

This brings us to Monday's episode. After a long conversation with Masood in Kim's B&B, Yusef knocks Masood out, and sets fire to the room. I find the fact that Masood had such a long conversation with the man who should have been arrested hours earlier quite bizarre to say the least, but anything goes in Eastenders! Soon, however, disaster strikes - the type of disaster that can only be expected in a soap such as Eastenders - a fire!

After knocking Masood out, Yusef sets the room alight, resulting in a major panic. When the fire is put out, however, one cannot help but laugh at the reaction. There are people still in the house - Masood, Denise, Phil - yet everyone heads over to the Queen Vic, including Zainab, who was screaming with panic only minutes before, and can't even wait for the love of her life to get out of the house.

There's some divilment going on throughout the night, however, as Patrick and Anthony are dealing with fireworks, conveniently left in the house, and ready to explode at any moment. As it is Eastenders, that's exactly what happens, trapping Masood, Denise and Phil inside. Well, they should have gotten out, and waited for the firemen to declare the house safe to go into!

pic: google images

Funnily enough, after Yusef gloats to Zainab, and she so cruelly tells him Afia is in there, both he and Tamwar are able to get inside the house, even though nobody is able to get out. There is a touching moment where Masood does his best to rescue Yusef from the fire, despite him screaming like a madman and puting his own life in danger for his daughter.

Here's where the drama gets even thicker. Masood, Phil and Denise get out safely, though Phil takes a heart attack once he saves himself and Denise from the flames. Tamwar, eventually gets out, though not so safely as it seems he is very badly burnt. Yusef, after hearing Afia screaming to him from outside, realises that she is safe. The floor colapses beneath him, and it looks as though he's done for.

So the time draws near. We'll soon find out whether he lives or dies. Will he die and free Zainab from their marriage so she can be reunited witht he man she truly loves? Will he live and torture her again, ruining her life and manipulating her? Perhaps his body won't be found. Maybe he'll have freed himself and disappeared for a while, only to return in a month's time and cause more trouble. This would certainly provide some interesting drama in Walford.

Then there's the fact that whatever happens to him, and Tamwar, is on Zainab's conscience. She's the one who lied and said Afia was in the fire. If Tamwar dies, how will she live with herself? How will her family forgive her? How will Afia react? And if Yusef does come back, will his daughter's loyalties lie with him, or her husband's family, whether Tam is alive or not? I personally can't wait to see what happens.

27 Dec 2011

by Jessica Thompson

It'll Be Lonely This Christmas Without Galway

First published in Studenty Galway on 21 Dec 2011


President Michael D. Higgins has admitted that he feels a bit homesick in the Aras, saying that he found it "a bit tough" to leave his native county, Galway.

After the election, Higgins had to leave his home quite quickly and move into Aras an Uachtaran, as there was a very short period between election result and inaugration.

"I left Galway quite suddenly," Michael D. told Vincent Browne this morning, "because the election had been pushed out a week because of the referendums and that meant you had a shorter period between the result of the election and the inauguration than you’d normally have. So I just really hadn’t a chance to pack very quickly."

Image: Journal.ie

His wife Sabina, however, has settled into her new life in her new home quite quickly, saying she was eased into it by the staff: "We were eased into it by all the staff. The house has a life of its own, an activity and a rhythm all of its own, and it’s all geared towards the Presidency….Michael was missing Galway a lot because I had a bit more time. I didn’t realise it at first that there was a part of the house that was our house, private, you know. And that would be our home and Michael must think of coming home to there."

Michael D. Higgins has returned home since, to attend two matches. He found these occasions to be very valuable to him: "I was down in Galway since for a Galway United match, about which we won’t say much...and for the Connacht Toulouse Heineken cup match, and they were very valuable."

So Christmas at the Aras, with its large rooms, and impressive demeanor, may be slightly sad for our new President. He may be on the other side of the country, but that can feel like the other side of the world if its not home.

Lets hope he settles in soon, and enjoys his Christmas. But then again, who wouldn't miss Galway?

21 Dec 2011

by Jessica Thompson

Pickpockets Travel From Dublin to Target Galway Shoppers

First published on Studenty Galway on 20 Dec 2011.

TWO PICKPOCKETS were jailed for seven months yesterday, following a number of thefts on Galway Shoppers.

Stanka Deneva (21) and Mariyana Petrova (33), from Bulgaria, claimed to be staying in a hostel in Dublin city.

The two were caught on CCTV stealing women’s purses in discount stores in Galway city.

The first incident was on December 13 in the €2 shop, Englington Street. One of the women distracted a shopper, while the other stole her purse, which was worth €10 and contained €200.

The two women returned to Dublin that evening, travelling back to Galway the next day, where they reversed roles, and stole another purse worth €50 and containing €240. This incident occurred in the €2 at Mainguard Street.

The two women are professional pickpockets, and are part of a wider pick-pocketing organisation. Both women claim to have children in Bulgaria, and said that they came to Galway to find work.

Judge Mary Fahy sentenced the two women to a total of seven months in prison.

Shoppers should be aware of their belongings at all times. Do not keep purses in pockets or bags that you can’t see, and be cautious in large crowds of people.

There are a number of professional pickpockets on the prowl, especially at this time of year, when people are doing their Christmas shopping. They mainly target busy shops, and prey on unsuspecting people.

Similar incidents occurred in the first week of October, on the University Road. The targets were NUIG students, and predominantly female. A large number of purses were stolen, and on one day alone, the number of stolen purses came up to 14.

Earlier in the month, Gardai advised Galway shoppers to be extra vigilant with their belongings, and alerted the public that opportunistic thieves are on the move.

The public would do well to heed this warning while doing their last-minute Christmas shopping.

20 Dec 2011

by Jessica Thompson

Image: Google Images

Baby Jesus Found in People's Park

First published on Studenty Waterford on 20 Dec 2011

THE STATUE of the Baby Jesus which was stolen from an outdoor crib in Waterford City was recovered earlier today.

The statue was stolen in the early hours of yesterday morning from the crib outside the Cathedral on Barronstrand Street.

A similar statue to the one in question.
Image: Journal.ie

Local clergy appealed for its return earlier this afternoon, and a big search was carried out in the city.

The statue was found at the People’s Park, about 1km away from the crib from which is was stolen. It is said to have been badly damaged.

The Baby Jesus, which was found by a passer-by, was handed in to the police and was broken in a number of places.

Local priest, Fr. Gerry Langford  said that somebody may have stolen the statue in “a moment of madness”, and earlier appealed for its safe return, promising that “no questions would be asked”.

The open-air crib had been built by local FAS workers, and was opened two weeks ago. This was the city’s first time to display an outdoor crib.

Gardaí were earlier checking CCTV footage in an attempt to find out who had stolen the statue.

Attempts will be made tomorrow to but the statue back together and return it to it’s crib.

20 Dec 2011

by Jessica Thompson

Baby Jesus Missing in Waterford

First Published on Studenty Waterford on 20 Dec 2011

Gardaí have launched an investigation into the theft of a life-sized statue of the Baby Jesus from a public crib in Waterford City.

The Baby Jesus was stolen from his crib between Sunday night, and early Monday morning, in what the local priest calls a “moment of madness”.

Fr. Gerry Langford is appealing to the thief for the safe return of the statue, which was blessed on December 8 before being placed in it’s crib, following a ceremony.

Image: RTE

The crib, along with the figures in it, were made by local FAS workers.

It was decided that the Baby Jesus be put in the crib before 25 December, as there was such a great reception from the public.

This is the first time the city has ever had an outdoor crib. It was officially opened on 8 December, and was left unprotected.

It is possible that the theft was merely a prank, and that the statue was taken in good fun, and the church have a “plan B” if the statue is not found.

However, the Cathedral would like to have the original statue back by Christmas Eve.

Gardaí are examining CCTV footage from the area, in the hope of finding out who is behind the theft.

20 Dec 2011

by Jessica Thompson

Album Review: It’s Time by Oddsocks Revival

First published in Sin Newspaper on 14 Nov 2011

“Album reviewer urgently required! Due this evening,” said our editor. Soon enough, I found myself leaving her office with the album in my hand. And man, was I blown away when I plugged in my headphones and had a listen!

The album in question is none other than It’s Time by a band called Oddsocks Revival, based in Sligo. The band has been going since 2003, and combines a variety of music genres, making a deliciously original blend of humbucking blues, dirty funk grooves, and classic rock. The line up is Anthony Mannion (lead guitar/vocals), Luke Mercer (lead guitar/vocals), Michael Conefrey (bass/vocals) and Eoghan O’Kelly (drums/vocals). Oddsocks Revival have a unique sound that sets them apart from the rest of the music world – and in the best way possible. With twin lead guitars that emit the most amazing and complex riffs, powerful four part harmonies, funky bass lines, damn good drum beats and, of course, a truly amazing lead singer, this band is bound to keep you entertained.

Image: Google Images

It’s Time blew me away with its catchy melodies, funky bass lines, and epic choruses. What is really impressive about this album, and the band in general, are the huge four part harmonies that remind me of classic rock bands of the 70’s and 80’s – decades which were nothing short of spectacular in terms of rock. That spectacular element has been brought into the current decade with Oddsocks Revival. The song, ‘East of Jackson’ has an intro to rival the likes of Status Quo, vocal harmonies that recall Kansas in ‘Carry On My Wayward Son.’ This isn’t the only song on the album that made me thing of some of the world’s most loved rock bands and performers! ‘Stiletto Heels’ is quite redolent of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble, with its cool, laid-back, blues rhythm and the excellent rock voice of the lead singer. Though there is a feel for numerous amazing bands of the past, and a blend of fantastic music styles, this album shows Oddsocks Revival’s unique style and originality. Oddsocks Revival are definitely a band worth listening to, and will be playing here in NUIG on 29 November in the College Bar, all thanks to the lovely people at Rock Soc. Doors open at 8pm. Tickets are only €5 and are available from the Socsbox, or at the door on the night.

If this review hasn’t convinced you, check out their official website:
http://www.oddsocksrevival.com/

14 Nov 2011

by Jessica Thompson

Christmas Movie Review: Home Alone

First published in Sin Newspaper on 14 Nov 2011


Home Alone is a film we all remember from our childhood. Watching Macaulay Culkin play the role of Kevin, and outsmart a couple of nasty burglars made us all, at some stage in our childhood, feel like we could beat up adults.

The film tells the far-fetched story of Kevin, an eight-year-old kid, who is left behind when his very large family go on a Christmas holiday to France. Once she realises she’s left her baby behind, Kevin’s mother tries desperately to get back to him as soon as possible.

Image: Google Images

Meanwhile, Kevin has adventures of his own. He eats whatever he wants, watches whatever he wants on television, and just generally has a ball. As well as all of this, he has two burglars to contend with. The “wet bandits,” Harry and Marv are breaking into as many houses as possible in this rich neighbourhood, but when they reach Kevin’s house, they’re in for a surprise. Still, they don’t give up, and go through quite a lot just to rob that one house.

Any ordinary kid would call the police, but there’s no fun in that, and Kevin certainly comes up with better ideas. He outwit’s the burglars in numerous ways, which is the real draw for children - an eight-year-old who can conquer the adults.

Fun as the film is, it contains quite a lot of violence, and to be quite honest, I’m surprised the two burglars were alive at the end of it. They trip down stairs, get burnt, hit with very heavy objects, step on sharp things (strategically placed by Kevin), and go through many other forms of pain while navigating a large obstacle course of traps.

Naturally, Kevin is reunited with his family, but don’t worry, there are two sequels of Kevin’s adventures. This is definitely a “don’t-try-this-at-home” kind of film, but I’m sure we can all see the appeal for children.

“Keep the change… You filthy animal!”

14 Nov 2011

by Jessica Thompson

The Saw Doctors Go 'Downtown' For a Christmas Number One

Published on Campus.ie on 6 Dec 2011.

After filming the video for their new single, Downtown, the Saw Doctors had a new destination to aim for - the Christmas number one.

The campaign to make The Saw Doctors ft. Petula Clark’s ‘Downtown’ a Christmas Number One was started by Ray Foley who championed the single on his lunchtime show on Today FM.

Last year, we almost had an Irish song for the Christmas number one, when the Rubberbandits had the whole country insulting each other’s cars, and bragging about the ‘horse outside’.

This year Ireland is back with a bang, now that the popular Irish group have teamed up with renowned artist, Petula Clark, to do a take on her 1965 hit, Downtown.

Pic: Google Images

The video for this song was filmed in our very own Galway city. If anyone was around on the 9 and 10 November, you may have seen the Saw Doctors running around Shop Street, High Street and Quay Street.

The video is produced and directed by Eugene O’ Connor, who also directed Irish classics, Father Ted, and Kilnascully. The video can currently be seen on The Saw Doctors’ Youtube channel, and after a week on the internet, it has already clocked up over 35,000 views.

The song has been a favourite of the band’s for a long time now, and has received such a great response from their audiences that they decided to record it.

On approaching Petula Clark, they found that she would be more than delighted to record a duet with them, and she has also recently filmed her own part of the video in the city of Paris.

The Saw Doctors’ will have a difficult journey to the top, with contenders such as Nirvana’s ‘Teen Spirit’ to compete with, not to mention the X-Factor winner, but if more people join the campaign, Ireland may stand a chance of getting the most coveted number one spot of the year.

The X-Factor winners have been ruling the Christmas charts in Ireland and Britain since 2005 - with the exception of 2009 when Rage Against the Machine beat Joe McEldery to the top with ‘Killing in the Name’. Perhaps its time for a change.

The song will be available for download on 9 December, so get behind The Saw Doctors and let’s get Ireland a Christmas number one.

6 Dec 2011

by Jessica Thompson

NUI Galway Home to Exclusive Northern Ireland Archive

Published in Sin newspaper on 21 November 2011.



NUI Galway are to launch the Brendan Duddy Archive on Tuesday 22 November, following a half-day symposium ‘Negotiating Peace’.

The papers of Brendan Duddy, which were deposited at NUI Galway in 2009, provide a unique insight into the resolution of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. The Duddy archive includes coded diaries of contact and messages exchanged between the British Government and the leaders of the IRA, who were secretly in contact through Duddy at various points between 1973 and 1993.

The Duddy papers are directly related to the papers of Ruairí Brádaigh, former president of Sinn Féin, which are also held in the James Hardiman Library. Together, these archives constitute one of the most important sources for understanding the attempts to resolve conflict in Ireland that culminated in the Good Friday Agreement of 1998.

Dr. Niall Ó Dochartaigh said of the papers “They show the remarkable persistence and consistency of Brendan Duddy’s conviction that the conflict could only be ended through a negotiated settlement that included the Provisionals. From the early 1970s Brendan Duddy worked determinedly and in complete secrecy to try to draw the two sides closer together, a lifetime’s work that eventually came to fruition in the negotiated settlement of the late 1990s.”

Also included in the archives are several hours of filmed interviews with Brendan Duddy by Dr. Niall Ó Dochartaigh. These interviews cover key historical events in which Brendan Duddy was involved.

NUI Galway’s School of Political Science and Sociology and the University of Ulster’s International Conflict Research Centre (INCORE) have collaborated to make a selection of primary documents available freely online through CAIN (University of Ulster’s Conflict Archive) and NUI Galway’s library website.

University Librarian at NUI Galway, John Cox commented “The deposit of the papers at NUI Galway is thanks to the generosity and kindness of Brendan Duddy and his family who placed a great deal of trust in the University and its archive services to take care of the papers. This is a very significant addition to our archival collection.”

The Negotiating Peace symposium is to include speakers such as BBC investigative reporter Peter Taylor; former senior Irish diplomat Seán Ó hUiginn; former senior British government official Mechael Oatley; and Professor Paul Arthur, Honorary Associate at INCORE.

The symposium will be held on Tuesday 22 November at 2.30pm in The View, Bailey Allen Hall, followed by the launch of the Brendan Duddy Archive at 4.30pm in Aula Maxima, with a reception at 6.00pm. Numbers at the symposium are limited, so register at www.conference.ie to ensure a place.

21 Nov 2011

by Jessica Thompson

Galway in line for Public Bike Scheme

Published in Sin newspaper on 21 November 2011. I also wrote a separate article for The Galway City Tribune which can be found here.


A public bike symposium was held in NUI Galway on Tuesday 15 November last, to gauge the appetite locally for a public bike scheme.


The event was opened by Minister for Public Transport, Alan Kelly TD, and attended by a number of business interests, elected representatives, members of the public and civic society, and some of Galway’s key stakeholders.

This was the last of four symposiums that have taken place following the announcement by Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Minister Alan Kelly of the Government’s commitment to exploring the rollout of a public bike scheme to regional cities.

Speaking at the symposium on Tuesday morning, Minister Kelly said, “The government believe public bike schemes in Waterford, Limerick, Galway and Cork will enhance the city centres.”

The Dublin Bike Scheme has been a resounding success since its launch in September 2009, with over 63,000 members, and more than 2.5 million journeys taken, so the government hope to make it a success in regional cities too.

A recently published report carried out by the NTA revealed that a similar bike scheme in Galway would require between 200 and 250 bikes over 23 docking stations within a four kilometre square area around the city. 

“Such a scheme has been tentatively costed at €1.7m in capital,” said Anne Graham of the National Transport Authority (NTA), “and almost €4m in operating costs over 15 years plus the apportioned cost of a national control centre.”

There are a number of reasons why a bike scheme would benefit Galway city. This is a sustainable transport that is efficient and easy to use. It would allow users to avoid the heavy traffic congestion and high parking costs of Galway city.

The scheme, if introduced would benefit Galway’s large student population greatly, giving them a means of travel that is faster than walking, more eco-friendly than driving, and an excellent way to keep fit and healthy. It will also help to combat the rising obesity levels in Ireland’s young people.

Membership to the bike scheme is extremely cheap, with a three-day cost of €2 and an annual membership of €10. Rental without membership is also extremely cheap, with the first half hour of travel costing nothing.

Galway is a very cycle-friendly city, as it is so compact and is well suited to a bike-sharing scheme. This is an affordable, efficient means of travel, aiming to get as many cars as possible off the road, and people back on bikes and public transport.

21 Nov 2011

by Jessica Thompson