Galway Bay fm - News

Anger and frustration over increasingly brazen dumping along N84

There's anger and frustration over the increasingly brazen nature of illegal dumping along the N84 Headford Road.
The matter was discussed at a meeting of Galway County Council this week - which heard it's a very costly problem for the local authority.
A key point of frustration is the continued inability to use CCTV in prosecution cases due to GDPR, despite cameras being in place at various locations.
David Nevin has been speaking to local councillor Mary Hoade:

Uisce Eireann considering "Plan B" in Clifden as water unlikely to be restored as planned

Uisce Eireann is considering "Plan B" in Clifden as water is unlikely to be restored at 2pm as planned. 
The works were originally set to be completed by midnight last night 
Tankers have been placed at various locations, but the water must be boiled before use
The major leak on the Clifden Regional Supply Scheme occurred on Monday.
But crews are struggling to find the leak - and Councillor Eileen Mannion says a back-up plan is in place. 

Demand for Tuam to be designated Rent Pressure Zone

Spiraling and unsustainable rents in Tuam mean the whole area should be designated a Rent Pressure Zone.
That was the claim made by Councillor Pete Roche at a meeting of Galway County Council this week.
At present, Galway City, Athenry-Oranmore and Gort-Kinvara are all designated as RPZ, which means rents can only increase by 2 percent per year.
Councillor Roche says people are being priced out of the market in Tuam and action is needed.

Call on Government to speed up delivery of new national school in Tuam

A call has been made for the Government to speed up the delivery of a new national school campus for Tuam.
Trinity National School was formed in September 2019 from the amalgmation of three national schools-St Pats National School, Mercy National School and  Presentation National School.
But Minister for Education Norma Foley has now said she can't give a timeline for delivery in a written response to Galway East TD Sean Canney.
Deputy Canney has said that it's unacceptable there has been little progress on the site:

HSE implementing surge plans to deal with pressures at UHG and 4 other hospitals

The HSE is implenting surge plans to deal with pressures facing five hospitals across the country, including University Hospital Galway
Yesterday UHG ssued a statement, saying it was under signficant pressure as it deals with high attendance numbers at its ED along with COVID-19 outbreaks
73 patients were waiting on trolleys at the hospital yesterday, while throughout the country, 483 patients were awaiting a bed
Patients are asked to assess all other care options before attending, including using a local GP or injury unit for non-urgent medical needs.
The HSE's Chief Operations Officer, Damien McCallion, says they are putting plans in place to ensure everyone can receive the care they need:

Expensive copper cable stolen from grounds of Merlin Park Hospital

Galway City Council warns high tide will kick in just before Orange weather warning

Galway City Council is warning people that high tide is due at around 4PM, just before the peak of Storm Jocelyn.
A status yellow wind warning is now in place for Galway, Clare, Kerry, and Mayo, and will be replaced with an orange alert for Galway, Mayo and Donegal from 5PM.
A national Met Éireann technical briefing has been taking place (10AM), while the Local Severe Weather Assessment Team and the Local Coordination Group will meet at midday
Speaking to Galway Talks, Director of Services with Galway City Council Patrick Green says people need to take care, and ensure their cars are kept away from coasts

Galway County Council warns against unnecessary travel from 3PM as Storm Jocelyn hits

Counties in West have highest concentration of derelict properties

Road closure concerns raised at well-attended meeting over Loughrea local area plan