Galway Bay fm - News

Tuam's Annie O Dea on why she has chosen to campaign and raise awareness for sexual violence

Two finalists from Tuam and Loughrea will be competing at the Miss Universe Ireland final this Friday.
22 year old makeup artist and marketeer, Annie O Dea from Tuam, and 24 year old Kameryn Counihan, who works in HR, from Loughrea, are representing Galway.
They're two of 27 finalists from all over Ireland to compete to represent Ireland at the 73rd Miss Universe final in Mexico City in November.
Speaking to John Morley, Annie explained why she has chosen to campaign and raise awareness for sexual violence:

Councillor Alan Cheevers claims Fianna Fail overlooked him as general election candidate due to "whispers" over his health

City Councillor Alan Cheevers has claimed that Fianna Fail overlooked him as a general election candidate - due to "whispers" about his health. 
Councillor Cheevers topped the poll in the recent local elections, taking the first seat in the City East ward. 
He's been extremely vocal about his battle with bowel cancer, and an advocate for increased awareness and health services. 
At a convention in Oughterard earlier this month, Councillor John Connolly and Gráinne Seoige were selected to contest the Galway West constituency. 
Councillor Cheevers told John Morley that he believes them to be excellent candidates who will run very strong campaigns. 
But he claimed that the party did not even consider him due to "whispers" about his health. 

University of Galway SU president backs calls to waive third-level fees for Palestinians

The president of the student's union at University of Galway is backing calls for third-level fees for Palestinians to be waived. 
Faye Ní Dhomhnaill says it's not fair that those fleeing war in Ukraine have their international fees waived - but those fleeing war in Gaza do not. 
The fees typically amount to between €10 thousand and €30 thousand per year. 
Faye told John Morley people genuinely fleeing war - whether from Ukraine or Palestine - should be given opportunities. 

Calls for Ballinasloe to pilot CCTV to aid prosecution against littering and illegal dumping

Ballinasloe is the perfect place to pilot CCTV prosecution in the war against littering, illegal dumping and antisocial behavior. 
Thats according to Independent Councillor Evelyn Parsons, who says so much time, effort and money is being spent on trying to tackle littering.
Local representatives have been told that progress is being made, but extensive data protection assessments are needed.
Councillor Parsons says the project could have a huge impact in the area - both environmentally and socially.

Government expected to approve new vet course for ATU Mountbellew today

It's expected Government will give approval for the establishment of a new veterinary medicine course to be delivered at ATU Mountbellew.
It would be on a partnership basis with ATU Letterkenny, and Taoiseach Simon Harris has confirmed a memo will be brought to cabinet today.
Higher Education Minister Patrick O'Donovan's memo provides for the creation of 80 new places, 40 in the Atlantic Technological University, and 40 in the South East Technological University.
It will also include a capital allocation of €50m to develop facilities, with the aim of beginnning the first student intake in September 2025.
Deputy Cannon says it's a testament to the ambition of local educators:

Plaque unveiled in Tuam in memory of Community Warden Christy Corcoran

A plaque has been unveiled in Tuam in memory of Christy Corcoran, the town's Community Warden who passed away in May of last year. 
The plaque is situated on the new Christy Corcoran Garden Walk linking Tullinadaly Road to the Palace Grounds. 
There was a large turnout of family, friends and local councillors this afternoon in Tuam at the unveiling of the plaque which organiser Michael Waldron says is a fitting tribute.

City council making progress for plans to develop solar power project for Galway

The City Council is making steady progress on plans to develop a solar power project for Galway.
Six companies have submitted tenders to plan for the project, which would be a solar power plant using PhotoVoltaic technology.
A number of options for land are being considered, including a site on the Headford Road and another near the Claregalway Road in Oranmore.
Speaking to John Morley, Fianna Fáil City Councillor John Connolly says these pockets of land have potential:

Galway Simon supported almost 1 thousand families last year amid deepening housing crisis

Galway Simon Community supported almost 1 thousand families last year amid the deepening housing crisis. 
The non-profit launched it's 2023 Community Impact report in the city this afternoon. 
It warned that Galway City has the highest unmet housing need in the country - and it's more than double the national average. 
It outlined how, at the current rate of social housing delivery, it will take 20 years to meet today's demand. 
CEO Karen Golden says the impact of the ongoing housing crisis is enormous. 

Cathaoirleach claims Active Transport scheme not providing for rural villages

The Government's Active Transport Scheme is not providing for rural communities across Galway. 
That’s according to Cathaoirleach of the County Albert Dolan following a presentation at a meeting of the Athenry/Oranmore area. 
The Fianna Fáil councillor is concerned a €2.5 million fund allocated to Galway won’t be spent - because too many projects are in the planning stage. 
Councilor Dolan says the scheme has become less effective in recent years and it's not serving rural communities. 

Connemara Hill Lamb recommended for protected EU quality marks

The European Commission wants authentic food and drinks producers here to seek protected EU quality marks known as Geographical Indications.
Ireland has only 13 traditional food and drink products covered by various EU quality mark programmes. 
These include Connemara Hill Lamb, the Waterford Blaa, Sneem Black Pudding and Irish Grass Fed Beef.
Helen Kearns, head of Communications at the EC's Representation in Ireland, says getting a GI can be hugely beneficial.