Galway Bay fm - News

Palestinian solidarity group in Gaeltacht to hold public information meeting on apartheid free zones

A Palestinian solidarity group based in the Gaeltacht is holding a public information meeting tomorrow evening to inform Connemara locals about the Apartheid Free Zones movement.
Cairdeas Falasteen Connemara will also discuss the 'Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions' movement and is encouraging local shops, businesses and clubs in Connemara to sign up to the movement. 
The meeting will take place at the POTA Cafe at 7 tomorrow evening in An Tullach. 
Andrew Butler of Carideas Falasteen Connemara explains the strong links with the Dunnes Stores stance regarding South Africa in the 1980s
 

St Enda's manager David Tierney following win over Dean Maguirc in All-Ireland Semi-Final

European Parliament funding allows first ever screening of film with Irish subtitles in Club Scannán Sailearna

The European Parliament has funded subtitles and free screenings in Connemara of films shortlisted for the LUX Audience Award
Internationally acclaimed Spanish drama 20,000 Species of Bees will be shown in Club Scannán Sailearna tomorrow (March 3rd).
The Club will also screen award contender Fallen Leaves, a Finnish comedy, on April 4th.
Club Scannán Sailearna secretary, Dan Dwyer says this is the first time the club is showing a film with Irish language subtitles

Abortion Access West holding public meeting on upcoming referendums

Abortion Access Campaign West is holding a public information evening in the city on the upcoming referendums
Two issues will be voted on on March 8th, one relating to the concept of family and the other around the recognising care provided by family members to each other.
The event next Monday March 4th will see speakers from both sides of the debate, it'll take place at the Harbour Hotel from 7PM
Spokesperson of AAC West, Imelda Brophy says their keen to show both sides of the debates:

Major step forward in plans for new "Eco Parkland" at Oranhill in Oranmore

There's been a major step forward in plans for a new "Natural Eco Parkland" at Oranhill in Oranmore. 
Galway County Council has reached agreement to buy 25 acres of land at Moneyduff, fronting onto the Maree Road. 
The development will be a recreational natural park, with minimal development other than a fully accessible boardwalk for walking and cycling. 
An information meeting for Oranhill residents will also take place at Keanes in Oranmore on Tuesday at 8pm. 
Councillor Martina Kinnane says it's a really exciting project. 

Minister Hildegarde Naughton accused of "kicking can down road" on children's mental health services

Minister Hildegarde Naughton has been accused of "kicking the can down the road" when it comes to improving mental health services for children. 
It comes as Sinn Fein introduced a bill into the Dáil, aiming to provide greater regulation of services and cut down waiting lists. 
However a Government amendment resolved that the bill be read again in 9 months time, to coincide with a Government bill that aims to address the situation. 
Cabinet Minister Hildegarde Naughton said the Government's Mental Health Bill will address the issue in a much more comprehensive manner than the Sinn Féin Bill.
But Sinn Fein Deputy Mairead Farrell found that unacceptable. 

Lack of staff forces closure of Clifden District Hospital this week

The Clifden District Hospital has been closed again this week due to a shortage of staff.
It shut its doors on Tuesday afternoon, and has not yet reopened - a similar situation occurred at Christmas time.
Máirtín Ó Catháin brings us this report from Connemara

Bus service resumes on Monday for Moycullen to Educate Together National School

The bus service to Galway’s Educate Together National School from the Moycullen area will resume from Monday next. 
The F5060 service has not been operational for a number of months due to difficulties getting drivers. 
It follows the resumption of a bus for students in Oughterard and Moycullen earlier this month, after four months without a service.
Senator Seán Kyne has confirmed a new operator and driver will now provide the service from Monday March 4th,

City policing meeting hears of soaring cocaine seizures, rising demand, and cartels eyeing up Ireland

Cocaine remains the top drug of choice in both Galway City and County, as drug seizures have soared over the past year. 
Cocaine is far from the only drug seized across Galway - but it is by far the most common, and it's becoming increasingly popular with every passing year. 
A Policing Committee meeting today heard that cannabis is also extremely common, as is esctacy - while heroin features in Galway City. 
Overall, €2m worth of drugs were seized across Galway last year - and there's been a big increase in the amount of people charged with having drugs for sale or supply. 
After today's meeting, David spoke to Gerry Roche, the Chief Superintendant of the Galway Garda Division.

€108K study of Oranmore-Kinvara coastline to take 18 months