Galway Bay fm - News

Local TD urges Government to fight back against the "heavy hand" of the EU over turf cutting

A local TD is urging Irish officials to fight back against the so-called "heavy hand" of the European Commission when it comes to cutting turf.
A case is being sent forward to the European Courts of Justice after the commission claimed not enough is being done here to protect raised and blanket bogs.
Ireland has signed up to habitat directives which require us to stop the destruction of special areas of conservation.
Galway East TD Sean Canney says a lot of people rely on turf to heat their homes and have no viable alternative:

Farmland prices are falling across Connacht

Land prices are falling across Connacht, with Galway prices among the lowest in the country.
The annual land price report from the Irish Farmers Journal has found a price gap is widening in Ireland's farmland market
The average land price is 11 thousand 925 euro per acre - which is down 3 per cent on last year. 
While the lowest prices were found in counties across the West, including Mayo, Leitrim, Sligo, Roscommon, Clare and Galway.
The report's author, Paul Mooney, says concern over nitrate rules is fuelling farmer's demand for extra dairy land, to avoid cutting herd numbers:

Loughrea councillors slate update on Athlone to Galway Greenway as 'waffle'

An update given to councillors in relation to the Athlone to Galway Greenway has been described as 'pure waffle'.
A replacement tender company for the project has yet to be appointed after RPS stepped away from it last September.
Councillors at this week's Loughrea area meeting heard an update on its progress, which provided confusion rather than clarity.
It stated the process is currently looking to create framework which will help choose the new company to take over.
Councillor Ivan Canning has been speaking to our reporter Sarah Slevin:
 

Step forward for South Galway Flood Relief Scheme as environmental reports complete

There has finally been a step forward for the South Galway Flood Relief Scheme, as the environmental reports are now complete.
They will now be submitted to the OPW, which will be in charge of putting funding in place and pushing the project onwards from there.
The scheme seeks to alleviate flooding which has impacted homes, businesses and roads in the Gort Lowlands area. 
Councillor Gerry Finnerty says this update will come as a relief to people who have suffered for a long time:

Bostin Scientific hand over retrofitted former HSE ambulance to Galway Simon Community

Bostin Scientific hand over retrofitted former HSE ambulance to Galway Simon Community

Bostin Scientific hand over retrofitted former HSE ambulance to Galway Simon Community

Work completed on new outdoor gym in Castlepark

Work has been completed on a new outdoor public gym in Castlepark. 
The Calisthenics gym is located at a site near East United FC, that’s set to become known as "Castlepark Fitness Area".
Calisthenics is a form of exercise that involves running, standing, pushing and pulling using bodyweight.
The outdoor gym is the first of its kind built by Galway City Council.
Councillor Alan Cheevers says it's great to see this kind on investment on the east side of Galway City. 

Galway based theatre to represent Ireland at renowned film festival

Blue Teapot Theatre Company is set to represent Ireland at a renowned film festival in the UK. 
Its documentary is nominated  in the Best Story of a Life category at the Oska Bright Film Festival, the world's leading festival for films featuring people with intellectual disabilities or autism.
'Enquire Within' explores employment from the perspective of young people, seniors, and those with disabilities living in Connemara. 
Jason Scott, Ensemble Coordinator at Blue Teapot, says it's great the documentary was so well recieved across the pond.

Renewed call for Park and Ride at Galway Airport as city network turning into "carpark"

There's a renewed call for serious consideration to be given for a Park and Ride site at Galway Airport.
At a meeting at County Hall this week, Councillor David Collins said areas like Briarhill are turning into a "carpark" at peak times.
The NTA is currently looking at establishing Park and Ride at three sites - near Claregalway, Oranmore, and where the M6 Motorway joins the N6.
But the process is still at a very early stage and it'll likely be years before the plans are completed.
Councillor Collins said a small part of the Galway Airport site - which is owned by the city and county council - could easily be used in the meantime.