Galway Bay fm - News

Galway and Roscommon politicians meet with local young people to discuss Budget 2026

Young people from Galway discussed their experiences and priorities for Budget 2026 with local politicians at the recent launch of spunout’s pre-budget submission.
spunout is Ireland’s youth information and support platform.
The pre-budget submission was created in collaboration with its Youth Action Panel, a diverse group of over 200 young people from across Ireland, focusing on their lived experiences.
Topics highlighted by these young people and featured in the submission include mental health, youth work, a lack of third spaces, housing, climate action, transport, apprenticeships, and healthy relationships.
Galway-based Action Panel member Peter O’Neill met with local politicians Claire Kerrane TD, Senator Shane Curley, Albert Dolan TD and Senator PJ Murphy, who attended the lobby day in Buswells Hotel, to discuss these issues.
Sinn Fein Deputy Claire Kerrane told Galway Bay FM News that a good conversation was held on the issues highlighted.

Galway Public Representatives attend Oireachtas Information Clinic organised by Failte Ireland

Public representatives from across the political spectrum learned first-hand of the work done by Failte Ireland in driving sustainable tourism, grow visitor numbers, increase tourism revenue, and supporting jobs across the constituency and region.
An Oireachtas Information Clinic for TD’s and Senators was held in Buswells Hotel near Leinster House and was attended by Deputies Pete Roche, John Connolly and Louis O’Hara and by Senators Anne Rabbitte, Ollie Crowe and Sean Kyne.
All representatives were provided with county-specific details on The National Tourism Development Authority’s investment programmes, destination development work, digitalisation, business and skills supports, festival funding and its work promoting tourism as a career.
Deputy Pete Roche, who attended the clinic, said that it was very informative. 

Councillor issues update on Community Transport Study for Headford

Councillor Andrew Reddington has confirmed that Galway County Council are to move forward with the Community Transport Strategy for Headford.
Following approval of the Kinvara Community Study for publication and consultation, the Council will now concentrate on the Headford Strategy, which is a priority among the remaining five studies.
Speaking to Galway Bay FM News, Councillor Reddington said that site visits have already been completed, and the information needed has been provided to draft a community transport plan for Headford.

Galway Deputy tells Dail that Western Rail Corridor must be delivered within lifetime of this Government.

The Dail has been told by Sinn Féin TD for Galway East, Louis O'Hara, that the Western Rail Corridor is a shovel-ready project which must be delivered within the lifetime of this Government.
O'Hara was speaking in the Dáil during statements on the All-Island Strategic Rail Review recommendations and also called for double-tracking of the Athenry-Galway rail line to be made a priority.
Deputy O'Hara said that the Western Rail Corridor is critical to the region.

Local TD slams Government for failure to publish Wind Energy Guidelines

Galway East TD Louis O'Hara has slammed the Government for its failure to publish new long-awaited Wind Energy Guidelines.
The Sinn Féin TD is calling for modern guidelines which can regulate several proposed developments across the county.
He says people are often frustrated by a lack of consultation regarding developments, and new guidelines would help resolve this issue.
Deputy O'Hara told our reporter Sarah Slevin that the current guidelines are completely out-of-date:
 

Local TD accuses Taoiseach of "reality-defying" statements on housing

A local TD has accused the Taoiseach of making "reality-defying" statements on housing.
Speaking in the Dáil, Galway West TD Mairead Farrell referenced comments made by Micheal Martin at the National Economic Dialogue.
She said she couldn't believe it when she heard him say that fundamental reform was being delivered to create a sustainable housing system.
Then, taking aim at Housing Minister James Browne, Deputy Farrell claimed that his latest changes would not help anyone.

Galway Minister welcomes proposed pay rise for Early Years Educators and School-Age Childcare Practitioners

Galway East TD and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, Seán Canney, has welcomed the proposed 10% increase in the minimum rates of pay for Early Years Educators and School-Age Childcare Practitioners.
The proposals have been put forward by the Joint Labour Committee, which represents both employers and workers in the sector.
He also welcomed the Government's commitment to ring-fence €45 million in Core Funding to support providers with the proposed increases in pay and conditions.
If the proposals are accepted, they will be implemented through updated Employment Regulation Orders.
Speaking to Galway Bay FM News, Minister Canney noted that 35,000 staff members will benefit from the increase.

Gerry King is elected new Cathaoirleach of Connemara District

Fianna Fail Councillor Gerry King has been elected as the new Cathaoirleach of Connemara District.
The announcement was made yesterday evening and will see the Clifden Native take over from Tomas Welby.
It will be the second time he has held the position, having previously served as Cathaoirleach in 2019.
The newly elected Cathaoirleach outlined his plans for the coming year

Tanáiste tells Galway TD she does not "own" military neutrality

The Tanáiste has told a Galway TD that she does not "own" military neutrality.
It's after Catherine Connolly raised the planned reform of the triple lock system in the Dáil - and questioned the motive and reasoning behind that decision.
The system means that Government, Dáil and UN approval are all needed for Irish troops to be deployed overseas.
But it's argued that the system means the five permanent members of the security council have the ability to block our sovereign decision to deploy peacekeeping forces.
And Tanaiste Simon Harris said people have to stop conflating the triple lock system with military neutrality.

Minister welcomes ongoing review of planning permission exemptions

Leader of the Independent Team of Ministers and Minister for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rails and Ports anfd Galway East TD Seán Canney has welcomed the ongoing review of planning permission exemptions, describing it as an important opportunity to unlock more flexible and practical housing solutions.
The review, led by Minister for Housing James Browne TD, forms part of the wider implementation of the Planning and Development Act 2024 and will shortly go to public consultation.
Speaking to Galway Bay FM News, Minister Canney said that it was important to have a planning system that works.