Galway Bay fm - News

UG SU President cites lack of mental health support as major reason drop-out rates are up

University of Galway's Students' Union President is citing a lack of mental health support as one of main reasons for an increase in drop out rates.
Almost 7 thousand third-level students did not progress to the second year of their course in the 2021/2022 academic year.
That's according to the latest figures from the Higher Education Authority, which shows the rate of drop-outs is up 9 per cent. 
Some of the most common reasons for dropping out include poor mental health, financial stress and long commutes to and from campus.
Dean Kenny, SU President at University of Galway, says there's a lack of funding to support students:

HSE under fire as report into newborn head injuries at UHG will not be made public

There are no plans to publish the review of the 9 cases of head injuries to newborn babies at UHG in 2022.
Experts have examined cases where babies were diagnosed with a subgaleal hemorrhage, which is lined to seizures, brain damage and developmental disabilities.
Tony Canavan, CEO of the Saolta University Health Care Group, told a meeting of the Health Forum West the families have been engaged with.
However, each family was only informed of the circumstances of their individual case, with the review finding all cases were in the mild or minor category.
Ballinasloe Councillor Evelyn Parsons is urging for the review to be made public for the sake of public confidence.

University of Galway launch Seachtain na Gaeilge programme

University of Galway Students Union are launching their Seachtain na Gaeilge programme of events today
Over the next two weeks until Saturday March 16th,staff and students of the university will be encouraged to speak Irish at events.
The programme includes several  pop-up Gaeltacht events, a Céili in the college bar Sult, and talks on career opportunties in Irish.
Faye Ní Dhomhaill, Students Union Vice President for the Irish Language says that the aim for the week is to show people can enjoy themselves while speaking Irish:

Funding for three walking trail schemes for Inis Meáin

Inis Meáin is to get funding for three walking trails, as part of the largest ever expansion of Ireland's National Walks Scheme.
62 new trails have been announced across 17 counties by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys.
The three trails benefitting in Inis Meáin will be at Lúb Dún Chonchúir, Lúb Cill Cheannannach and Lúb Dún Fearbhaí.
Minister Humphreys says the new trails will be a huge boost to all of the communities involved:

Mairead Farrell introduces bill in Dáil to tackle "wild west" digs accommodation

Gaeltacht campaign group calls on Government to appoint Údarás as a housing body

UG SU President slams accommodation provider for 'scandalous' price increases

University of Galway's Students' Union President is slamming a private student accommodation provider in the city for its 'scandalous' price increases.
Those staying at Hubble Living's rooms on the Headford Road are facing a minimum yearly increase of 2,500 euro - a 30 per cent increase on the year before.
SU President, Dean Kenny, says already under pressure students are going to struggle to pay the fees:

University of Galway led study challenges "one size fits all" aspirin guidelines

Xray unit in Tuam to be completed by end of March

Galway/Roscommon TD defends Sinn Féin's decision to vote against EU Nature Restoration Laws

Galway/Roscommon TD Claire Kerrane is defending Sinn Féin's decision to vote against the EU Nature Restoration Laws.
The European Parliament passed the legislation by a margin of 54 votes yesterday, with Sinn Féin's Chris MacManus and independent Luke 'Ming' Flanagan the two Irish MEPs to vote against the law.
It aims to restore 20 per cent of the EU’s land and sea by 2030, and all ecosystems by 2050.
But Sinn Féin Deputy Claire Kerrane says the concerns of farmers are being ignored: