Galway Bay fm - News

Taoiseach says construction of ring road could only make Galway ”even better”

The Taoiseach says the construction of the long-awaited Galway Ring Road would only make the city even better - and it does not go against the Government's climate action plan. 
It comes as the amount spent on the road has now reached €40m - despite there still being no planning permission. 
But not everyone agrees it's necessary - with many arguing that public transport and active travel measures are the only solution. 
Raising the matter in the Dáil, Deputy Noel Grealish said traffic has almost doubled since the plan was first touted over 20 years ago - and anger is growing. 
Speaking in response, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said he's fully behind the project - and he does not accept it wouldn't be good for the environment. 

School safety traffic warden approved for Claregalway

A school safety traffic warden position has been approved for Claregalway village.
Councillor Jim Cuddy has confirmed the appointment has been included in the budget for 2024.
Galway County Council has sanctioned the position, and aim to have someone in place next year.
The Independent councillor says there has been some dangerous incidents along the route:

Students from Spiddal and Inverin share climate change message with COP28 leaders

UHG clerical and admin staff protest over recruitment ban

A good turnout of clerical and admin staff have been protesting outside University Hospital Galway this afternoon
It's one of a series of protests taking place across the country today and tomorrow, with staff demanding a halt to a HSE ban on recruitment
Padraig Mulligan of FORSA says it's an absolute disgrace - and it's patients who are suffering. 

Over 90% of rental properties inspected by City and County Council below standard

Over 90 percent of rental properties inspected by both Galway City and County Councils did not meet minimum standards in 2023.
The figures have been provided to Galway West TD Mairead Farrell following a parliamentary question to the Housing Minister.
Nationally, only 27 percent of properties inspected by local authorites met the main standards.
Deputy Farrell says that substandard accommodation is having a negative impact on tenants' health

Extra €10m announced for redevelopment of Connacht Rugby Sportsground

An extra €10m has been announced towards the redevelopment of the Connacht Rugby Sportsground. 
The club was previously awarded €10m through the Large-Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund - and matching funding has now been released.  
The New Sportsground is being constructed across several phases.
It's currently on phase 2, which involves the construction of a high performance centre and a new higher-capacity north stand. 
Once that's completed, phase 3 will see the redevelopment of the current main stand. 
Galway West TD and Minister, Hildegarde Naughton, says Connacht Rugby deserves facilities that are fit for purpose. 

Clerical and admin staff at UHG to join national protest outside hospital today

Clerical and admin staff will be protesting outside University Hospital Galway at lunchtime today
It's one of a series of protests taking place across the country today and tomorrow, with staff demanding a halt to a HSE ban on recruitment
UHG staff will be outside the hospital between 12.45pm and 1.45pm
Ashley Connolly from the Fórsa Trade Union' says their members are crucial to the delivery of the service - and not just an 'add on'. 

Admissions at Clifden Hospital to be paused from mid December due to staffing issues

Admissions to respite and short stay beds at Clifden Hospital will be paused from mid December due to staffing issues. 
The HSE says the pause will be in effect from Friday, December 15th, to Sunday, January 7th. 
Clifden District Hospital will remain open for Day Care and other services will continue as normal.  
The planned pause is due to staffing challenges, including the need to give existing staff long overdue leave, and failure to secure agency staff. 
Councillor Eileen Mannion says another major issue is the lack of progress on a long-awaited new facility that would amalgamate the hospital and St. Annes Nursing Unit.  

City councillor says more investment urgently needed to regulate Airbnbs

€121m approved in 2024 budget for Galway City Council

Galway City Councillors have voted unanimously to pass a budget of 121 million euros for 2024
It's an increase of around €8,000 on last years, and was voted on at City Hall last evening
Almost half a million will be be distributed to various city projects and grants for community groups.
While the deficit of 7 million reported of September has also been balanced out.
Mayor of Galway Eddie Hoare says balancing the budget was a challenge