Galway Bay fm - News

Galway based online learning platform Alison graduates it’s one millionth learner in the United States

A Galway-based online learning platform for workplace skills has announced the graduation of its one millionth learner in the United States.
The Galway-based Alison was founded in 2007 and has grown into a global education pioneer offering over 5,500 free online courses across a range of industries - from IT and business to healthcare, education, and more.
With over 45 million registered learners worldwide, the U.S. represents one of its largest and fastest-growing learner bases, and this announcement marks a significant moment in its mission to provide accessible, CPD-accredited, skills-based learning for all, and highlights its expanding footprint across the U.S.A.
VP for Global Affairs Ciaran Cannon told Galway Bay FM News that this milestone is a powerful validation of the work they do every day. 
 

Frustration over delay to the Clifden Public Realm Scheme

Frustration is being expressed over the delays to the Clifden Public Realm Scheme.
There are three parts to the scheme: the upgrade of the town centre and pier, and the development of an amenity park.
Funding was sought by Galway County Council several years ago, and An Bord Pleanála are now seeking more information on the planning application.
Connemara North Fine Gael Councillor Eileen Mannion says we need to see quicker movement on this vital project.

Salthill to host fire fighting technology exhibition and national conference

The Irish Chief Fire Officers Association is set to host its annual conference in Salthill later this week
The conference and fire technology exhibition will host hundreds of fire officers, industry experts and government officials
Topics that will be discussed include the risks associated with Lithium-Ion batteries which were at the core of a major incident at Claregalway Corporate Park in January
Other items on the agenda for Wednesday and Thursday at the Salthill Hotel include climate change and improving communication techniques
Galway's Chief Fire Officer Gerry O'Malley outlines the various equipment pieces that will be showcased at the trade exhibition

Concern expressed that additional rail infrastructure has not been included for the development of Galway City in the National Planning Framework.

Concern has been expressed that additional rail infrastructure has not been included among the key enablers for the development of Galway City in the National Planning Framework.
That is according to Fianna Fail Deputy John Connolly who says that the absence of rail infrastructure to facilitate the City's development contrasts with Waterford, Cork and Limerick, where the NPF details enhanced use of rail infrastructure in all three cities.
In a Dáil contribution on the National Planning Framework, Deputy Connolly said this was a "puzzling and disappointing omission" given Galway City Council's NPF submission which highlighted the "potential for transport-orientated development along the rail track between Galway and Athenry".
Speaking this morning, Deputy Connolly said that it was is important that those projects are specifically mentioned in the review of the National Development Plan.

Galway RNLI encourages the mile a day in May fundraising initiative

The Galway RNLI is encouraging everyone to run a mile everyday in May
It's part of its national fundraising initiative, 'Mayday Mile'
It will aid the volunteers to keep the public safe at sea
Clifden RNLI's Lifeboat operations manager, Tony Casey, explains the importance of the fundraising.

Deputy Catherine Connolly slams Government for its 'failure' to recognise carers

Galway West TD Catherine Connolly has slammed the Government for its 'failure to recognise' the work of carers.
Speaking in the Dáil, Deputy Connolly said we need to put an economic value on carers, along with societal value.
The Independent TD also put pressure on the Government to abolish the means testing for carers.
Deputy Connolly called on Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary to recognise the work of carers in a meaningful way.

Outburst from TDs in Dáil after Deputy refers to Albert Dolan as 'young man'

An outburst echoed in the Dáil this week after a TD labelled Local Deputy Albert Dolan 'young man.'
The situation came about after Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn took issue with changes to Standing Orders, which he claimed were not passed.
As Deputy Mac Lochlainn argued with Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy over the issue, Galway East TD Albert Dolan interrupted to tell him 'the Ceann Comhairle is speaking'.
To that, Deputy Mac Lochlainn responded with the 'young man' retort, which caused a flare-up among TDs in the Dáil.

Midlands North West MEP rejects deal on new tariffs and import restrictions on fertilisers from Russia, warning it offers no protection to Irish farmers

A compromise deal endorsed by the European Parliament on new tariffs and import restrictions on fertilisers from Russia has been rejected by Midlands North West MEP Ciaran Mullooly.
The agreement, reached between major political groups in the Parliament, will see tariffs phased in from July beginning at €40 per tonne, rising to €325 per tonne by July 2028.
Import volumes will also be sharply curtailed, down from 5 million tonnes in 2024 to just 900,000 tonnes by 2028.
A vote on this will take place in Strasbourg on Monday at an extraordinary meeting of the European Parliament's Agricultural Committee and the Midlands North West MEP had tabled amendments to delay the vote so that fertilisers could be sourced elsewhere. Amendments that were not taken on board by the EU.
Speaking this morning, Ciaran Mullooly said that while he understands why the EU is trying to penalise Russia, without alternative sources, Irish farmers will be punished.

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.