Galway Bay fm - News

Lack of GPs a serious issue according to local councillor

The lack of GPs in North Galway is a serious issue, with residents unable to get doctor care in their local area.
This is according to Councillor Andrew Reddington, who told Galway Bay FM news that he had received numerous calls last week from concerned residents.
Councillor Reddington referred to a doctor in the Headford area who had recently retired and as a result, his patients were transferred to a new doctor.
A transfer process is in place to transfer patients to another practice but the number of transfers involved is taking some time leading to patients having to go elsewhere for GP services.
Speaking on Sunday’s lunchtime news, Councillor Reddington said that it was a serious issue that must be sorted out.

Peter Keaveney

Report on Farmers Protest

Demolition work has begun on the old Tourist Office in Salthill

Work has begun this morning on the demolition of the old tourist office in Salthill.
The long-defunct office, situated beside Galway Atlantaquaria, has had various plans over the past decade to repurpose the site, including a business hub.
It was noted in September that planning permission wasn't required to clear the site, and yesterday, fences were erected using specialised heavy equipment, with work commencing this morning.
Speaking earlier, City West Labour Councillor Niall McNeils welcomed the move, saying that it should be zoned sooner rather than later.

Councillor raises issue of lack of GP's in Headford at recent meeting of the HSE

Tuam Councillor Mary Hoade raised the issue of the lack of GPs in Headford at a recent meeting of the HSE calling on the executive to allocate an extra 2 GPs to the area.
Following a number of retirements over the years, there are only 3 GPs in an area that covers Shrule, Kilmaine, Glencorrib, Claran, Cloughanover, Kilcoona, Caherlistrane, Annaghdown and Corrandulla. As a result, many locals are finding it difficult to get a GP now.
At the meeting, Councillor Hoade paid tribute to the existing GPs in the area but said that there is a requirement on the HSE to address this situation urgently.
She also added that this issue is not unique to the Headford area.

Galway businesses and landmarks to light up in green for Samaritans' Longest Night Campaign

Galway businesses and landmarks are to light up in green tomorrow for the Samaritans' Longest Night Campaign.
It's to show solidarity with those who may be struggling and coincides with the shortest day, the Winter Solstice.
The campaign highlights that while the nights are long, Samaritans' volunteers are always there to listen.
Samaritans' Galway Deputy Director of publicity Kristen Fossum says the simple act of lighting up in green can have a profound impact.

Sinn Fein to hold public meeting in Athenry on controversial Mercosur trade deal

Sinn Fein is set to host a public meeting in Athenry tomorrow evening where the impacts of the controversial Mercosur trade on Irish agriculture and consumers will be discussed.
The trade deal is an agreement between the EU and the South American bloc which is aimed at boosting trade by reducing tariffs and opening markets.
The meeting will be held in the Raheen Woods Hotel in Athenry at 8 tomorrow night.
Galway East TD Louis O'Hara says now is the time for farmers to raise their voices and to oppose this trade deal.

Local MEP says Ireland missing out on EU funding for social enterprise

Ireland is falling behind other EU countries when it comes to accessing central funding for social enterprise developments.
That's according to local MEP Maria Walsh, who says Ireland consistently draws less funding per capita than other EU states.
Fine Gael MEP Walsh told the EU Parliament it's not due to a lack of demand.

Midlands North West MEP says EU Fishing Council Decision is a Body Blow to Irish Fishing Industry

Midlands North West MEP Ciaran Mullooly has described the outcome of the EU Fisheries Council in Brussels as a body blow to the Irish fishing industry, warning that the decision will devastate coastal communities and place thousands of jobs at risk.
Following a marathon Council meeting, Ireland has emerged with 57,000 tonnes less fishing quota for 2026, despite widespread recognition that the Irish fishing sector is already under severe pressure.
This pressure has been compounded by ongoing overfishing by non-EU countries and the continued access of other EU fleets to Irish waters.
Speaking this morning, MEP Mullooly said that emergency aid has to be sought for communities that will be devastated by this decision.

Galway Minister welcomes major EU investment in Galway digital infrastructure

The announcement of €35 million in EU Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) funding for digital infrastructure has been welcomed by Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports Seán Canney.
Of that, €31 million will go to projects in the West of Ireland.
The funding is €12,281,625 for Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and €18,932,210 for the PISCES subsea cable system.
Welcoming the announcement, Minister Canney explained where the funding will go, adding that these were very important projects not only for the west but for the country as a whole.