Galway Bay fm - News

City Councillor says it is shameful that over 1,000 people are waiting for driving tests in Galway City

A Labour City Councillor has said that it is shameful that over 1,000 people in Galway City are still waiting for driving tests.
In a response to Labour Leader Ivana Bacik, the RSA has revealed that 81,022 people are waiting for driving tests nationwide.
Of that figure, 1,025 are in Galway City.
Councillor Niall McNelis told Galway Bay FM News that this backlog is having a huge effect on people's lives.

Bishop Michael Duignan leads tributes following news of the death of Pope Francis

Bishop of Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora and Bishop of Clonfert, Michael Duignan, has paid tribute following news of the death of His Holiness Pope Francis.
The Vatican confirmed his death this morning at 6.35am Irish time.
The pope had appeared in public just yesterday, greeting crowds on Easter Sunday.
Speaking to Galway Bay FM news this morning, Bishop Duignan said he learned of the Pope’s passing with profound sadness.

Local TD demands immediate action on ED mental healthcare report

The Government must take immediate action on this week's report on mental healthcare in hospital emergency departments.
That's according to Galway East TD Louis O'Hara, who's reacting to the report released by the Mental Health Commission.
It expressed concern over the inconsistent level of services provided nationwide and identified issues at UHG and Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe.
Sinn Fein Deputy O'Hara says the report is a shocking indictment of the current system.
 

UHG makes breakthrough in GP correspondence research using Artificial intelligence

The University Hospital Galway's Emergency Department has made a breakthrough in research- using Artificial Intelligence to improve GP correspondence.
The study aims to enhance the efficiency and quality of GP discharge letters.
The 'MedWrite.ai' systems generates GP letters from voice notes recorded by clinicians, ensuring a human-in-the-loop approach.
Dr James Foley, a consultant in Emergency Medicine explains how this dictation method can enhance efficiency:
 

Local MEP claims Government has "demolished" local democracy

Fianna Fail and Fine Gael coalition Governments have effectively abolished local Government structures nationwide.
That's according to local MEP Ciaran Mullooly, who's raised the issue in the EU Parliament.
He claims the removal of urban district and town councils was a serious blow to local democracy, and to vital links with the people of rural Ireland.
In Galway, there was seperate town councils for Tuam, Loughrea, and Ballinasloe - but these were all abolished by 2014.
Independent Ireland MEP Mullooly says they should be returned.
 

Fears the problem of illegal dumping in Ballinasloe is getting worse

There are fears the problem of illegal dumping in Ballinasloe is getting worse
Illegal dumping particularly on rural roads has been an ongoing issue for over a decade with items such as sofas, beds and hard plastics being dumped
Fine Gael Councillor Peter Keaveney believes increasing fines and using CCTV will deter the growing problem of illegal dumping

Work to begin on extending cycle lane bollards in Doughiska South

Work is set to begin on extending cycle lane bollards in Doughiska South. 
At present, the bollards run from the Dublin Road down towards the Spar Shop. 
But they'll now be extended as far as the railway line near the Coast Road. 
Councillor Alan Cheevers says improved safety is important, but residents have some concerns the bollards will make it harder to get in and out of their homes. 
He also says it's vital that some provision is made for school buses. 

Salthill to host coastal counties Snámh don Phalaistín tomorrow

A group of people from the Irish-language community are set to dive into the Salthill Sea all together tomorrow morning
The group of 50 people are travelling around the country this weekend swimming in the sea in all 17 coastal counties in support of Palestine
'Snámh don Phalaistín' is a two-day challenge organised by Conradh na Gaeilge and aims to raise money for ACLAÍ Palestine
Conradh na Gaeilge's Director of Development Aodhán Ó Deá says everyone is welcome

Galway Rural Development approve €130k in LEADER support to Mountbellew Sheepfest

Galway Rural Development have announced that they will be providing a LEADER grant of almost €130,000 in support of the European Sheep Shearing and Wool-handling Championships at Mountbellew on the June bank holiday weekend.
The funding to the Mountbellew Social Development Co-op Society will focus on targeted efforts to promote and deliver the event, taking place from May 30th to June 1st, thereby attracting a broad audience to Mountbellew and its surrounding areas.
Building on the foundations of the 2024 All-Ireland Festival, it is hoped that this will increase attendance and create a significant draw for the region which will leave a positive economic and cultural impact.
Speaking to Galway Bay FM News, CEO Steve Dolan said they are delighted to support the event.

Independent Ireland TD says Government hasn't "a bulls clue" on water infrastructure for home building

The Government seemingly doesn't have "a bulls clue" when it comes to the importance and cost of water infrastructure to support home building.
That's according to local TD Michael Fitzmaurice, who says 85% of the towns in Ireland don't have the capacity for new homes.
Speaking to Taoiseach Micheal Martin in the Dáil, he was highly critical of the €10bn budget allocated to Uisce Eireann for the period 2025 - 2029.