Galway Bay fm - News

Calls for emergency funding for gritting in Galway City council estates

A call is being made to allocate emergency funding to carry out gritting in council estates across Galway city.
Councillor Alan Cheevers is criticising the Department of local Government for its lack of action in relation to this.
He says it's not acceptable there is only funding for main roads, and it's causing serious safety concerns amid the wintry conditions
Councillor Cheevers says the issue is not new, and needs to be rectified immediately:

Closure of Boat Inn Oughterard just one of countless closures across country due to rising costs

The closure of the Boat Inn in Oughterard is just one of countless closures across the country in recent weeks due to spiraling costs. 
That's according to CEO of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, Adrian Cummins. 
Announcing the closure on Facebook, the Boat Inn said the decision was due to the "exorbitant" costs of running a business, and in particular, dramatic increases in recent years. 
Speaking to Galway Talks, Adrian Cummins said food-led businesses are facing a crisis. 

Further protests in Ballybane over use of commercial unit as asylum centre

Further protests are set to take place in Ballybane this afternoon in relation to the use of a commercial unit as a centre for asylum seekers. 
The building at Ballybane Neighbourhood Village has been vacant for a considerable time, but works have been taking place in recent days. 
Plans were noted in October last year, regarding a change of use from commercial to residential for use as emergency accommodation. 
The Department of Integration has yet to respond to a query from Galway Bay fm news as to how many people it will house. 
Protests took place yesterday, and drew a small turnout, with another set to take place today at mid-day. 
Speaking to Galway Talks, local activisit Donal Lynch says people are not happy at being left completely in the dark over the plans. 

Public meeting on Loughrea Area Plan taking place next week

A public meeting is taking place next week regarding the Loughrea Area Plan (22/1)
Independent councillor Declan Kelly is holding the meeting to give local stakeholders an opportunity to express their views
It will take place in the Loughrea Hotel and Spa on Monday, 22nd January at 8pm
Councillor Kelly says one of the main concerns people have is the plan to close off some roads to traffic

Call for realignment of dangerous stretch of N59 outside Oughterard

Headford 'Lace Trail' heritage experience takes international gold award 3

Headford 'Lace Trail' heritage experience takes international gold award 2

Headford 'Lace Trail' heritage experience takes international gold award 1

Planning lodged for new Community Nursing Unit for Clifden

The HSE has lodged planning permission for a new Community Nursing Unit for Clifden.
The new build will replace the existing St. Anne’s Community Nursing Unit and Clifden District Hospital.
The courtyard building will have 40 bed spaces, that will offer a mix of dementia, short-stay and long-stay accommodation.
As part of the development, the existing St Anne’s will be reconfigured to provide admin areas, resident support areas, and a Day Hospital.
Galway West TD Eamon Ó Cúiv says the decision on the application is due in early March:

NTA facing criticism over lack of attention to Galway public transport services

The National Transport Authority is facing criticism for what is being described as a lack of attention to public transport in Loughrea, Gort, Kinvara and surrounding areas. 
Gort/Kinvara Councillor Geraldine Donohue says the NTA’s recent response to an invite to present to councillors felt like they were being pushed to the side.
In the response, the NTA highlighted the vast amount of projects they are undertaking around the country, stating that it is unable to attend local meetings due to the numerous requests it gets.
Several councillors have been highlighting how there is no bus after 6PM in certain areas, and the council wants a local link rep to address this at an upcoming council meeting
Councillor Donohue says bus services in parts of rural Galway are deteriorating rather than improving: