Galway Bay fm - News

Government questioned over lack of progress on harnassing wave energy in Galway Bay

The Government has been questioned over progress being made on harnessing wave energy in Galway Bay and along the west coast. 
Deputy Eamon O' Cuiv raised the issue in the Dáil with Environment Minister Eamon Ryan. 
He pointed out that ten years ago, testing was carried out in Galway Bay, but very little seems to have happened since. 
Speaking in response, Minister Ryan said Government still supports wave energy and a new testing site is being developed off Bellmullet. 
But he admitted that harnassing the power of the ocean is not easy. 

Works to get underway on new sections of Athenry Northern Ring Road this year

Works are to get underway on new sections of the Athenry Northern Ring Road later this year. 
€1.6m was allocated to sections three and five of the long-planned road in the county roads programme for this year. 
The Athenry Northern Ring Road was granted planning permission in 2006. 
The first section, from Raheen Road north to a roundabout junction with Ballydavid Cottages and the R347 was opened in mid 2013.
Councillor Shelly Herterich Quinn explains what'll be worked on this year. 

Plans for new cemetery in Claregalway going back to the drawing board

Plans for a new cemetery in Claregalway appear to be going back to the drawing board. 
A meeting at County Hall this week saw engineers admit that a previously chosen site at Rockwood is likely unsuitable due to access issues. 
That location - near Whiriskey Refrigeration - was extremely unpopular with locals due to its distance from the village and lack of parking spaces. 
And it was indicated to Councillor Albert Dolan this week that a new site will now be sought. 
David Nevin spoke to him after the meeting. 

Demand for action on "treacherous" stretch of road near Belclare

There's a demand for safety works on a "treacherous" stretch of road into Belclare to be made a top priority.
It's the road between Belclare and Claretuam - and the issue has been raised by Councillor Donagh Killilea at a meeting at County Hall.
He outlined a number of accidents, and asked if it'll take someone being killed on the road before action is taken.
Councillor Killilea says the evidence is clear.

City Councillor calls for Council to immediately clean up site on Doughiska Road

Renewed call for interim measures as coastal flooding warning issued for Galway city

There is a renewed call for interim measures for areas in Galway city which are most at risk of flooding.
It comes as Galway City Council has issued a warning for coastal flooding, and had closed Toft Car Park due to expected high tides.
It was recently revealed the planning application for the City Flood Relief Scheme will not be lodged until 2027 -  delaying the project by several years.
Speaking to Galway Talks, Councillor John Connolly says individual areas need specific support in the meantime:

NTA accused of discriminating against rural Ireland for lack of evening bus services in Loughrea

The NTA has been accused of discriminating against rural Ireland for its lack of an evening bus service between Loughrea and Galway city.
Councillors in the area have been voicing their frustration for months, calling for the NTA to attend a council meeting to address the issue - which has yet to happen.
A Local Link representative presented at a meeting this week in their place, saying an evening service for Loughrea was a priority, but it could be months away still.
Independent Councillor Declan Kelly says that isn't good enough, and people in rural areas deserve better:

Uisce Eireann under fire over "complete and utter botchery" of works done near city school

Councillor says call for mandatory hi-viz for cyclists "distraction tactic" from real safety issues

City media firm named best digital agency in Connacht for second year running