Galway Bay fm - News

New OPW office in Headford described as impressive, efficient building

The newly opened OPW office in Headford has been described as a really efficient and impressive building.
The €6 million project, officially opened by OPW Minister Patrick O'Donovan, involved the renovation and extension of the building into an A-rated ultra-modern workplace.
The new base in the centre of Headford is highly energy efficient, and accomodates several flood risk management sections.
Speaking to Galway Talks, Councillor Andrew Reddington says there are more improvements to come for the building:

Plans moving forward for new elective hospital at Merlin Park

Plans are moving forward for a new elective hospital planned at Merlin Park. 
The long sought project has been touted as a crucial development for years, that’ll relieve some of the pressure on UHG.
A meeting of the Health Forum West has heard that a design team will be sought for the hospital in the near future. 
It's expected that all going well, it'll be completed in 2028. 
It comes as seperately, a new surgical hub is also being built at Merlin Park, to further take pressure off UHG by carrying out low and medium complexity surgeries. 
Councillor Donagh Killilea says he's pleased to see both projects making good progress. 

Local Councillor claims out-of-control dogs wreaking havoc on farms

A local councillor is claiming out of control dogs are wreaking havoc on farms right across the country.
Independent councillor Geraldine Donohue says the problem is having a major impact on farm animals and farmers' incomes
The Loughrea area councillor says the main worry is that loose dogs are endangering the lives of young farm animals this spring:

Almost €6m funding announced to support Irish language at An Taibhdhearc

Funding of almost €6m has been announced today for An Taibhdearc in Galway City. 
Junior Minister Patrick O'Donovan made the announcement at the theatre this afternoon as part of a €20m funding package for the Irish language and the Gaeltacht. 
A further €15m will support various Irish language schemes nationwide - including €2m to support the use of Irish in Gaeltacht businesses. 
Dr Siobhán Nic Fhlannchadha, Chairperson of the Board at An Taibhdearc, told Josh Byrne this is great news for our bilingual city. 

Councillor contests claim Galway Ring Road doomed to fail and will never be built

A city councillor is contesting claims that the Galway City Ring Road project is doomed to failure and will never be built. . 
The matter was discussed at a meeting of city councillors this week - where John Connolly expressed concerns about lack of information on the status of the project. 
A grant of permission was overturned last year, because An Bord Pleanala failed to take into account the Government's latest Climate Action Plan. 
It now has to reassess the plan and is awaiting a detailed and revised submission from the lead authority - Galway County Council. 
But at a meeting of Connemara councillors this week, Councillor Alastair McKinstry said we have to be realistic about the likely outcome, and instead put our resources into other solutions. 
But Councillor John Connolly disagrees with that opinion - and he's been speaking to me about the situation. 

President Michael D. Higgins sends deepest condolences to family of Saoírse Ruane

President Michael D. Higgins has sent his deepest condolences to the family of Saoírse Ruane from Kiltullagh, following her passing at the age of 12. 
President Higgins says Saoírse's strength and warmth was an inspiration to all. 
Saoirse - who inspired many fundraising efforts for children's charities - from passed away on Tuesday after a long and brave battle with cancer. 
Her funeral will take place tomorrow and Sunday - full details are available on the Galway Bay fm website. 
Earlier this afternoon, Tánaiste Michael Martin paid tribute to Saoirse in the Dáil. 

Playground to be made top priority under new Renmore masterplan

A playground is be made a top priority under a new masterplan for the Renmore area. 
It's after Councillor Terry O' Flaherty passed a motion at City Hall this week with the backing of her colleagues. 
She expressed frustration that funding has been secured for a playground since 2015 - but it could still be some time yet before one is built. 
It's because the masterplan is in the very early stages and will take some time to develop and approve. 
It sets out how community facilities - like playgrounds and sports amenities - will be developed. 
Councillor O' Flaherty says she's upset by how long the playground project is taking - but the masterplan is incredibly important. 

Accusations fly during heated scenes at City Hall amid bid to halt controversial housing plans in Ballinfoile

There were heated scenes at a meeting of Galway City Council this week, as the local authority was accused of treating people "like fools" over controversial infill housing plans in Ballinfoile. 
The plans, which were recently revealed at a public meeting at extremely short notice, came completely out of the blue for local councillors and residents alike. 
They'll use green space at Ballinfoile Park for up to 10 new homes, which city council describes as essential to enable older people and those with disabilities continue to live in the community. 
At this week's meeting, a vote led by Councillor Mike Cubbard to drop the plans was approved by a majority of 10 to 5 councillors. 
The vote is symbolic as the plans are being advanced under special legislation, but Councillor Cubbard is hoping it will be respected. 

Pressure put on HSE to recruit extra staff for Clifden District Hospital

Pressure is being put on the HSE to recruit extra staff for Clifden District Hospital.
Admissions to the hospital were paused last week due to staffing shortages, with agency staff used to help keep several respite beds open.
Minister for Older People Mary Butler has confirmed that despite a HSE recruitment freeze, a special derogation has been given for recruitment for Clifden. Speaking to Galway Talks, Galway West TD Eamon Ó Cúiv says he believes the onus is now on the HSE to address the staffing issues:

County council to look at upgrading road blocking major sports development in Oughterard

Galway County Council has pledged to look at upgrading a road in Oughterard that's blocking a major sports development. 
Earlier this year, An Bord Pleanala turned down plans for lighting at the existing rugby pitch, as well as the creation of a brand new multi-sports pitch.
Planners took issue with the access road, which was deemed too narrow and a potential traffic hazard.
At a meeting this week, Councillor Seamus Walsh was extremely unhappy that there's no money for upgrade works in the 2024 local roads programme. 
But he was assured that the matter will be "looked at" to see what might be done. 
Councillor Walsh says this is a vital project for Oughterard - and the work needed is not a major project.