Galway Bay fm - News

Councillors demand Eamon Ryan make public pledge of support for Galway Ring Road

Connemara councillors are writing to Minister Eamon Ryan to demand he make a public pledge of support for the Galway Ring Road project. 
A meeting at County Hall today heard it should be no problem, given he was "singing the praises" of the Adare Bypass last month. 
But local Green Party politicians - as well as many others further afield - have been consistent in their vocal opposition to the Ring Road. 
It was also noted today that the ongoing debate tends to centre on the city, when the people of Connemara also desperately need the bypass. 
David Nevin has been speaking to Councillor Eileen Mannion. 

Investigation underway into traffic light chaos in Headford

Investigations are underway into traffic light chaos in Headford in recent days. 
Councillor Andrew Reddington says locals are extremely frustrated, as tailbacks are reaching between 1 and 2km at certain times. 
He says this isn't an isolated incident, and there's been repeat issues with the lights over the past few years. 
The council are aware of the situation are are liaising with the company responsible for the sequencing of the lights. 
Councillor Reddington has been speaking to David Nevin. 

Minister ”reluctant” to give assurance city flood defense scheme will be completed by 2029

The OPW Minister has expressed a "reluctance" to give any assurance that a long-awaited flood defence scheme for Galway City will be completed by 2029. 
That was the original date for the Coríb Go Costa project - which is underway for several years, but has proven to be far more complex than originally planned.
Galway West TDs Mairead Farrell and Catherine Connolly have used the Dáil to ask Minister Patrick O Donovan what the latest revised dates are. 
They spoke of the utter devastation in Clarinbridge, as well as damage caused in Oranmore and the Spanish Arch area of the city, following Storm Debi. 
Minister O' Donovan acknowledged flood defences are vitally important - but he was reluctant to give any date as the work has to be done right, however long that takes. 

Calls on Galway’s local authorities to raise Flag of Peace for Christmas

Councillor Alan Cheevers has called on Galway City and County Councils to rise the Flag of Peace this Christmas.
The flag of peace is an international symbol of a shared longing for peace in areas experiencing war.
Councillor Cheevers says it's to remember families in Israel and Gaza, and Ukraine, who will still be experiencing war this Christmas.
He says he plans to bring the idea forward as a motion at Monday's City Council meeting:

Fitzmaurice says country has gotten ”too politically correct” amid criticism of ”thugs and yobbos”

Plan for segregated cycle lines on Western Distributor Road included in City Budget

New management team in place for Millers Lane project

Step forward for flood-deterrent works and water reduction pond in Claregalway

There has been a step forward for the construction of a water reduction or attenuation pond in Claregalway.
A proposed site has been chosen for the project, with the construction stage now underway.
The project also includes ancillary road and drainage works, and a report on the project is being presented to councillors.
Councillor James Charity has explained how the project will help flash flooding in the area:

€20m for new wastewater plants in Craughwell and Clarinbridge

The villages of Clarinbridge and Craughwell can now look towards future expansion and growth - following a major annoucement this morning. 
€20m has been announced for the development of new wastewater treatment plants in both villages. 
It's long been argued that towns and villages across Galway are being strangled from realising their potential due to lack of these plants. 
Until now, developing new housing estates in either Clarinbridge or Craughwell was virtually impossible. 
Deputy Ciaran Cannon says this funding is a major game-changer. 

Mairead Farrell says ”death, taxes and rising Irish rents” now only certainties in life

It's often said that there are only two certainties in life - death and taxes. 
But it could be time to add 'rising Irish rents' to that old maxim, according to Galway West TD Mairead Farrell. 
Speaking in the Dáil, she said report after report from various bodies shows rents rising at an unsustainable rate. 
Sinn Fein Deputy Farrell argued Galway City now has the second-highest rents in the country at €1,577.