Galway Bay fm - News

Local MEP calls for tech grants to help older people live more independently

Government schemes to help older people live in their homes for longer are outdated and need a complete overhaul.
That's according to MEP for this region, Colm Markey, who says that funding for the Seniors Alert Scheme should be amended to include assistive technology. 
Under the current scheme, certain people over the age of 65 can avail of a personal monitored alarm. 
But Fine Gael MEP Markey says there are other types of technology that can allow older people to live more independently. 

Galway West TD reveals 10,000 STI testing kits are ordered every month

Galway West TD and Junior Minister Hildegarde Naughton has revealed that 10-thousand free STI testing kits are being ordered every month from the HSE.
56 per cent of those said they'd never visited a sexual health clinic before. 
Last year the service cost €3.5 million and this year funding has increased to €4.2m to meet demand.
Minister of State for Public Health, Hildegarde Naughton says the kits take away any embarrassment and ensure those who need treatment receive it. 
 

Ongoing frustration over lack of hedgecutting along the N59

Concerns over pace of progress for Mountbellew Wastewater Treatment Scheme

Concerns are being raised over the pace of progress being made on development of the Mountbellew Wastewater Treatment Scheme.
Planning permission was granted in 2022, and Galway East TD Sean Canney says these projects are taking too long to deliver.
The Independent TD says the scheme is a vital component in delivering housing, and so, it needs to be fast-tracked. 
Deputy Canney says he is putting pressure on Uisce Éireann to treat the plans as a matter of urgency. 

Galway West TD Hildegarde Naughton keen to expand pilot drug overdose training programme

Galway West TD and Junior Minister Hildegarde Naughton is keen to expand a pilot drug overdose training programme.
The programme to reverse the effects of heroin is being rolled out in Galway, and 15 other counties, and it's expected to become more available this year. 
The Minister of State with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy says the lifesaving effects of 'Nah-lox-ohne' were highlighted during the recent overdose cases in Dublin and Cork. 
The local Fine Gael Deputy is anxious the programme is accessible to more people:

Connacht see highest increase in house prices at end of 2023

Counties in Connacht ended 2023 with the highest average yearly increase in house prices in the country.
According to the latest Daft.ie report, the average rise for counties in the West - including Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, Leitrim and Sligo - was 7.7 percent.
That's compared to counties in the east of the country, with many only seeing increases of between 1 and 3 percent
Meanwhile, prices in County Galway rose by 8 percent to €280,000 - while they rose by 4 percent in the city to €366,000, which is higher than the national average of 320,000
Speaking to Galway Talks, author of the report, Ronan Lyons, says housing supply continues to be a major issue:

Galway, Cork, Dublin and Mayo account for third of 2023 road deaths

The number of road deaths in Galway, Cork, Dublin and Mayo accounted for almost 40 percent of all fatalities on Irish roads last year.
13 people lost their lives on Galway roads in 2023 - which is more than double the amount of people who died following road incidents in Galway in 2022.
Nationally, 184 people died following road incidents last year, while Road Safety Authority's figures show the highest number of those killed were males at 78 percent 
David Martin Communications officer with the RSA says the figures are heading the wrong direction.

Galway County house prices end 2023 8% higher than 2022

House prices in County Galway are 8 percent higher heading into 2024 than they were entering 2023. 
While in Galway City, prices in the final three months of 2023 were 4% higher than a year previously.
The average price of a home in the city is now €366,000, while it's €280,000 in the county.
It means Galway City prices are higher than the national average of €320,000.
Pat Davitt, Chief Executive with Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers, says even when people can prove they have the money to buy, banks aren't taking notice.

Gardaí complete CCTV and tech exams in Roscahill fire investigation

Gardaí investigating an incident of criminal damage by fire in Roscahill has completed CCTV and technical examinations.
The Ross Lake House Hotel, which was due to house 70 asylum seekers, suffered substantial damage following the fire at 11:35 PM on December 16th.
There had been local opposition to the accommodation plans, with protests held outside the premises.
An incident room has been established and the investigation team from the Galway Divisional Crime Unit is now being supported by the Garda National Bureau of Investigation.
Gardaí are continuing to appeal to anyone, particularly those in Roscahill, Oughterard, and surrounding areas, who may have information to contact them.
Detective Inspector Gary McEntee of the Divisional Crime Office told Galway Bay FM News this morning that they are thoroughly investigating all aspects of the incident.

Formal designation of Connemara Bog Complex confirmed

The final formal designation of a large swathe of Connemara as a Special Area of Conservation has been confirmed 
This designation enshrined the environmental status of the area known as the Connemara Bog Complex in Irish and European Law.
This report from Máirtín Ó Catháin.