Galway Bay fm - News

Empathy classes to be rolled out for TY students, following University of Galway led pilot study

Locals claimed planned aquaculture farm in Galway Bay will "devastate" sensitive area

A planned aquaculture farm in Galway Bay will "devastate" the sensitive ecosystem in the area. 
That's according to local residents who are attempting to rally the community to prevent the development at Aughinish, on the Clare/Galway border, from going ahead. 
An aquaculture license was granted on appeal last year to city-registered Sliogeisc Siar Teoranta, and a foreshore license is now being sought. 
The Aughinish Bay Community Group held a meeting in Kinvara last week, asking people to object to the granting of the license by writing to the Agriculture Minister. 
Campaigner Eamon Coy claimed this specific plan is just not suitable. 

HSE commits to reopening of Seven Springs Day Centre in Loughrea

County Cathaoirleach opens Book of Condolence for Saoirse Ruane

Calls on County Council to make land available for car parking at Oranmore Station

Athenry-Oranmore area councillor Jim Cuddy, has called on the County Council to make land available for parking adjacent to the Railway Station in Oranmore.
The number of people using the station daily has increased over the past few months and motorists are now parking on the side of the road out to the Coast Road.
Independent Councillor Cuddy says that car parking facilities at the train station are now completely inadequate.

Local TD accuses the RSA and government of causing chaos in construction sector

Galway/Roscommon TD Michael Fitzmaurice has accused the RSA and the Government of causing chaos in the construction sector.
He says a recent change in licensing requirements for tractor drivers has sparked outrage among industry professionals.
The new regulations mean those driving tractors for construction work must have a lorry license and undergo CPC training.
Deputy Fitzmaurice, now an Indepedent Ireland TD, says its a daft move considering the shortage of housing.

Local MEP calls for special fund to address gender credit gap for female business owners

Midlands North West MEP Maria Walsh is calling for a special fund to address the gender credit gap facing for female-owned businesses
The Fine Gael MEP says the Female Founders’ Fund would be the first of its kind within the EU.
She says the gender credit gap for female-owned businesses worldwide is estimated at 1.5 trillion dollars.
MEP Walsh adds people are aware with the gender wage cap, but the credit is going somewhat under the radar:

SU petition to stop 30% rent hike by Galway city accommation provider gathers steam

A Students' Union petition to stop 'scandalous' rent hikes by a private accommodation provider in Galway city is gathering steam.
Last week, it was revealed that Hubble Living on Headford Road is raising next year's rents by €2,500 a year - a 30 percent increase on the previous year.
800 students have now signed a petition, calling for the private provider to reverse the rent hike which will affect over 500 students.
University of Galway SU President Dean Kenny spoke to our reporter Sarah Slevin

Gort-Kinvara councillor sends open letter accusing government of disrespect over non specific date for June elections

An open letter from Gort-Kinvara Councillor Geraldine Donohue has accused the government of showing disrespect regarding an exact date for the forthcoming European and local Elections.
Senator Victor Boylan had raised the matter in the Seanad earlier in the week asking the Minister for Local Government to make a statement confirming the official polling date for the June elections.
The reply from Minister Darragh O'Brien gave no exact date for either, other than they would take place between the 6th and 9th of June.
Councillor Donohue told John Mulligan the lack of information is shocking. 

Councillor sees red at Connemara roads meeting over lack of clarity on future of R336

A Connemara councillor has refused to endorse this year's local roads programme, in protest over a lack of clarity on the future of the R336.
A major realignment of the road - or a complete replacement - has been on the cards for years, but little has happened - partially due to uncertainty over the Galway Ring Road.
Pointing to a map at County Hall this week, Councillor Daithí O' Cualain described the 2024 Connemara Roads Programme as little more than "dribs and drabs".
He said putting his frustration over the lack of answers on the future of the R336 aside, the overall funding being provided is beyond inadequate.
While all 39 county councillors would agree fully with that statement, they tend to endorse their roads programmes while continuing to fight for more investment from central Government.
Councillor O Cualain has been speaking to David Nevin about his frustration over the R336.