Galway Bay fm - News

Questions raised as half of Galway East schools have teaching hours cut

Loughrea councillors call for more power to change speed limits near schools

New 50 bed block at Portiuncula Hospital to open by end of summer

It's expected a new 50 bed block at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe will be opened by the end of summer. 
The project will provide replacement beds rather than extra beds, but in the form of long-sought single-bed private rooms. 
Speaking in the Seanad, local Senator Aisling Dolan outlined a number of new updates provided by the Saolta Healthcare Group. 
Senator Dolan acknowledged there are several positive updates - but she cautioned that more investment is still badly needed in some areas. 

Galway Minister receives approval for Oireachtas committee to consider recommendations of Citizens Assembly on drug use

Local TD and Junior Minister Hildegarde Naughton has received cabinet approval to create a special Oireachtas committee to consider the recommendations of the Citizens Assembly on Drug Use. 
In her Ministerial Role, Minister and Galway West Fine Gael TD Naughton has responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy. 
The Citizens Assembly aims to inform the Government on possible approaches to drug use in Ireland, after looking at lived experiences and international best practice. 
Minister Naughten says we're all well aware of the misuse of drugs, that effects all parts of society in both urban and rural areas. 

Food delivery drivers to strike in Galway this evening

Food delivery drivers in Galway are set to go on strike this evening as part of an international campaign for better pay.
A protest is being held on O'Connell Street in Dublin from 5pm - and some riders in Cork and Galway are expected to join the action for around five hours.  Fiachra Ó Luain from the English Language Students’ Union of Ireland says it's a dangerous job with drivers getting as little as 1 euro per delivery.

Relief for parents as school bus to Oughterard resuming on Monday

It's been confirmed that the school bus to Oughterard will resume next Monday February 19th
It will come as a massive relief to parents in Moycullen, Roscahill and Oughterard who have been without a service since October.
Senator Sean Kyne has sent confirmation that the F2050 service to St Pauls Oughterard will officially resume next week
It will depart from Moycullen at 7:20AM each day, departing again at 3PM Mondays and Tuesdays, and 2:20PM from Wednesday-Friday
Senator Kyne says this will be a massive relief to parents in the area:

Council meeting hears flood gates won't prevent future devastating floods in Clarinbridge

A meeting of Loughrea area councilllors has heard that flood gates would not prevent future devasting flooding in Clarinbridge
40 homes and up to 20 businesses in the area suffered extensive damage after Storm Debi hit in November 2023.
Galway County Council is to draft in consultants to carry out a study, to understand what exactly happened, and find a solution to prevent future floods
However, Acting Senior Executive Engineer Enda Mulryan revealed at the meeting that flood gates would not be sufficient to protect buildings from such flooding seen last year.
Councillor Martina Kinnane spoke to Sarah Slevin to give her reaction to the revelations:

An Taisce objects to plans for new boathouse for Galway Hooker Sailing Club in Dangan

Galway Policing meeting hears drugs easier to get than takeaway pizza

Galway Policing meeting hears drugs easier to get than takeaway pizza