Galway Bay fm - News

National Peatland Excellence Centre to be established at University of Galway

Galway County Councillors affirm support for rights of asylum seekers following Roscahill incident

In wake of Rosscahill fire migrants’ rights group says local politicians must advocate for law and order

€750K mental health funding for ATU and UG

Local councillor condemns Ross Lake House fire

The Integration Minister Roderic O'Gorman has described a fire at the former hotel Ross Lake House as "deeply disturbing".
The location had been earmarked for 70 asylum seekers to be moved in this week, with the plans facing some local opposition.
Protestors - who claim the location is inappropriate for refugees - had formed a blockade at the entrance of the site yesterday.
Emergency services were called to the scene shortly after 11.30 last night and brought the fire under control.
No one was inside the building at the time the blaze occurred, with Gardaí now investigating a case of criminal damage.
Minister O'Gorman has called for politicians across the board to "condemn this disgraceful act and the fear mongering that led to it."
Meanwhile, Green Party councillor for Connemara South Alastair McKinstry has condemned the act.

Integration Minister describes fire at Ross Lake House as ”deeply disturbing”

The Integration Minister Roderic O'Gorman has described a fire at the former hotel Ross Lake House as "deeply disturbing".
The location had been earmarked for 70 asylum seekers to be moved in this week - with the plans facing some local opposition.
Protestors - who claim the location is inappropriate for refugees - had formed a blockade at the entrance of the site yesterday.
Emergency services were called to the scene shortly after 11.30 last night and brought the fire under control.
No one was inside the building at the time the blaze occurred - with Gardaí now investigating a case of criminal damage.
Minister O'Gorman has called for politicians across the board to "condemn this disgraceful act and the fear mongering that led to it."
Local Fianna Fail councillor for Connemara North, Seamus Walsh, who attended yesterday's initial protest, has spoken to Galway Bay FM news.

Dáil hears disabled child in Tuam waiting 13 years for HSE assessment

The Dáil has heard that a disabled child in Tuam is waiting 13 years for assessment by the HSE.
Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice said people are at their "wits end" over the lack of supports - such as speech and language, occupational and behavioural therapy.
He said a recent HSE report shows that are 16,500 children waiting for services nationwide, while 19,000 are waiting for assessment.
Deputy Fitzmaurice highlighted the case of an autistic child whose parents have been fighting for supports for years to no avail.
 

Pauline O Reilly slams ”outrageous” call for ”interference” in abortions at Portiuncula

Local Senator Pauline O' Reilly says a call for "interference" in abortions at Portiuncula Hospital is both outrageous and disgraceful. 
She was speaking during a debate in the Seanad, on legislation to establish safe access zones around facilities offering abortion services. 
Senators Ronan Mullen and Sharon Keogan were extremely vocal in their opposition to the planned new law. 
And Green Party chair Senator O' Reilly took aim at Senator Mullen - over a post he made on X, formerly known as Twitter. 

Anger in Roscahill over sudden news 70 refugees to be housed in former hotel

There's considerable anger in the Roscahill area this evening amid the sudden news that over 70 refugees are to be housed there next week. 
It's understood residents have already blocked the road leading to the former Ross Lake Hotel. 
While details are not clear at this point, it's also believed the refugees will be male. 
David Nevin spoke to Councillor Noel Thomas in the past few minutes - he says locals are angry at the complete lack of consultation, and feel it's a completely inappropriate location. 

3 million euro extension approved for Holy Rosary College Mountbellew

A 3 million euro extension has been approved for Holy Rosary College Mountbellew by Education Minister Norma Foley 
It comprises one General Classroom, five Special Education Rooms, a Science Lab, a Home Economics Room, a Graphics Room, a Construction Studies Room, a Technology Room & Prep Area and an Art Room.
Local Fine Gael Deputy Ciaran Cannon says this major investment fosters diversity of education and subject choice and says all schools deserve world class facilities