Galway Bay fm - News

Local MEP says new EU law will combat misinformation in media

MEP for this area, Maria Walsh says a new EU Act will help combat misinformation and protect journalists.
The European Media Freedom Act, which will also promote media diversity, has passed by the European Parliament.
The law will set the first ever EU-level rules on media freedom, transparency, and the protection of journalists. 
Fine Gael MEP for Midlands North West Maria Walsh explains some of the other parts of the Act:

Increase in planning permission grants in Galway city but County figure drops

Galway city has enjoyed a boost in the number of homes granted planning permission, while the country saw a drop.
In 2023, 526 homes were granted permission in the city - twice as many approvals compared to the year before, and the majority of those were apartments.
Meanwhile in the county, there were 400 less homes granted permission - with 589 houses and 17 apartments given permission.
CSO figures reveal there was a 21 percent jump in grants of permission nationwide, which Sinn Féin has welcomed.
However, Housing Spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin says the government need to put pressure on developers sitting on land with planning permission:

Loughrea councillor slams SEAI grant system for its 'bureaucratic hurdles'

Loughrea Councillor Declan Kelly has slammed the SEAI grant application system, saying there are too many bureaucratic hurdles to overcome. 
The Independent Councillor has made a formal complaint to the Oireachtas Committee on Environment about the Sustainable Authority of Ireland.
Councillor Kelly says older constituents are giving up on applying after having their applications returned to them over minor errors.
He adds that if the Government is serious about climate change, the system has to be simplified:

Over 90% of properties inspected by Galway City Council not up to standard

Over 90 percent of properies inspected by Galway City Council are not up to standard.
Figures obtained by Galway West TD Mairéad Farrell show that just 25 properties out of 337 inspected in Galway City met the standard required.
While in the County, over 800 properties out of almost the 2,000 inspected did not meet the minimum standards.
Sinn Féin Deputy Farrell says the effects of poor housing maintenance are too big too ignore:

East Galway Councillors angry at Aircoach decision to cease services to Dublin

First gathering of county councillors in Williamstown in 35 years

Works begin on €2m refurbishment of Portumna Court House

Works have begun on a two million euro refurbishment of the Portumna Court House building.
The milestone was marked by the signing of the contract between Galway County Council and the Building Contractor.
The building will be transformed into an exhibition and event space over the next 12 to 14 months.
Galway East TD Sean Canney says it will offer an important new amenity for both locals and visitors:

Cabinet Minister to be asked to intervene in stalled N59 upgrade works

Cabinet Minister to be asked to intervene in stalled N59 upgrade works

Demand for Gardai to seize and impound vehicles responsible for illegal dumping on city outskirts

There's a demand for Gardaí to hit illegal dumpers "where it hurts" - by seizing and impounding their vehicles. 
Galway West TD Noel Grealish has used to the Dáil to highlight "horrendous" illegal dumping on the outskirts of Galway City. 
He said not only is rubbish being dumped at Brocklagh, Castlegar - but it's also being burned in many cases. 
Deputy Grealish argues the most effective way of tackling those responsible might be to take away their vehicles.