Galway Bay fm - News

Call for Irish Rail to examine possibility of rail station in Renmore

There's a call for Irish Rail to examine the possibility of creating a rail station in the Renmore area. 
It comes as Irish Rail is set to lodge a planning application for a passing railway loop at Oranmore Train Station. 
The €10m project aims to boost services between Galway and Athenry. 
Councillor Alan Cheevers feels there should be a stop in the Renmore area - and David Nevin has been speaking to him about public transport. 

Catherine Connolly brands continued delays to Mother and Baby Home redress scheme "absolute disgrace"

Ongoing delays to the Government's Mother and Baby Homes redress scheme are not just unacceptable, but an "absolute disgrace".
That's according to Galway West TD Catherine Connolly, who has questioned the Finance Minister in the Dáil. 
She said the necessary legislation was brought in last year, following a report that was published in 2021 after taking five years to compile. 
 
 

Concerns staff shortfall at City Hall impacting on delivery of vital projects

There are concerns that a shortfall in staff at City Hall will impact the effectiveness of a new economic and community strategy for the city. 
It's a six year plan that sees Galway City Council work closely with a wide range of local stakeholders to advance projects and secure national and European funding. 
They could could range from sports facilities and active travel projects, to public spaces and environmental or cultural initiatives. 
But Councillor Declan McDonnell says while there are lots of good ideas and initiatives - the staff have to be there to implement them. 

Galway/Roscommon TD slams Government's new housing guidelines as 'an assault on rural Ireland'

Buaile Bo Ballyloughnane project searches for school and community group ambassadors

Councillor slams Galway Active Travel funding allocation as 'farcical'

Government funding rolls out courses at Galway's two universities for students with intellectual disabilit

Two in a row for Spiddal's Coláiste Chroí Mhuire as student crowned winner of EU translation contest

Galway East TD Ciaran Cannon urges social media companies to raise age limit to 16

Galway East TD Ciaran Cannon is urging social media companies to raise their age limit to 16.
The digital age of consent in Ireland is 16, but the sites allow those aged 13 and up to set up profiles. 
Research by Cybersafe Kids shows 84% of under 12s have their own social media or instant messaging account. 
Fine Gael's media spokesperson, and local TD Ciarán Cannon, says the gap between the consent age and the age you can set up a profile needs to be closed: 

BBC programme to feature story behind Gort becoming known as 'Little Brazil'

A special programme is to be broadcast on BBC to tell the story of how Gort become known as 'little Brazil'
Gort is known for having a large Brazilian population, and the history of this will be explored on the BBC World Service - the world's largest external broadcaster 
The programme will be broadcast at 8:50 next Thursday February 15th, and will be available online afterwards on the BBC website
The edition of Witness History sees presenter Vicky Farncombe follow the story of Luciemeire Trinidade - who moved to Gort from Brazil 25 years ago: