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Councillor Shane Curley on county council budget of €173m for 2024

Councillors pass largest ever budget of €173m for running of County Galway next year

Councillors have voted this afternoon to approve the largest ever budget for the running of County Galway next year. 
The budget for 2024 is €173m - compared to around €158m for this year. 
That means there'll be more investment in areas like roads, social and affordable housing, and capital projects in towns and villages. 
David Nevin spoke to Cathaoirleach Liam Carroll who says there will still be some challenges - but it's a great story for the county, and every area can expect to benefit. 

Hildegarde Naughton accuses Sinn Féin of being opportunistic with no confidence motion

Galway West TD HIldegarde Naughton has accused Sinn Féin of being opportunistic with its no confidence motion in the Justice Minister
The party has filed the motion, to be voted on tomorrow, following the recent riots in Dublin city centre 
Minister Eamon Ryan will now NOT fly back from COP28 ahead of the motion - with Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore offering to pair with him, allowing him to stay in Dubai
Speaking to Galway Talks, Deputy Naughton has said a counter-motion supporting the Minister will be put down tomorrow:

Kerrane demands extra health supports for communities taking in refugees

Many rural communities that have welcomed refugees are in urgent need of additional support.
That's according to local Sinn Fein TD Claire Kerrane, who says health and medical services are a particular concern.
She's raised the issue in the Dáil repeatedly, and in her latest contribution, said she cannot understand the lack of action.

Taoiseach unable to promise extra funding for flood-hit Clarinbridge businesses

The Taoiseach has said he cannot make any promises to increase the funding being provided for flood-hit businesses in Clarinbridge
A number of businesses in the village suffered extensive and costly damage after Storm Debi hit during the early hours of November 13th.
Following that, the government extended the Emergency Business Flooding Scheme to premises affected in Galway - with a total cap of 20 thousand euro.
However, Galway West TD Noel Grealish has raised the point that some businesses are facing costs much higher than that.
He brought the issue to the attention of Taoiseach Leo Varadkar in the Dáil:

Seven Galway sports clubs receive €50,000 under national fund

Seven Galway sports clubs have received up to €50,000 as part of a national fund worth €5m
Minister Heather Humphreys has announced the funding as part of the Our Rural Future development plan.
The following clubs will receive the full €50,000 - East Galway United Community Development Group, Portumna GAA Club, Beagh GAA, St Brendans GAA, and Tynagh Abbey Duniry Hurling Club
While Killimor GAA is receiving €45,000 and Tommy Larkins in Woodford will get €43,000
Minister Humphreys outlines where the focus will be for this round of funding:

Kinvara woman wins national Climate Ambassador Award

Kinvara woman Hilda O'Grady has been presented with a national Climate Ambassador Award 
Hilda was chosen from a group of 179 citizens from around the country for "going above and beyond."
She's a dedicated Climate Ambassador actively promoting sustainable practices in her community, from her involvement in local farmers markets to leading recycling initiatives. 
Hilda cited the team behind her as an integral part of her work. 

Catherine Connolly clashes with Government TDs over comments on Gaza conflict

Galway West TD Catherine Connolly has clashed with several Government TDs over comments on the conflict in Gaza. 
Addressing the Justice Minister in the Dáil, she argued Ireland is not doing enough to strongly condemn Israel and call it to account. 
But she was interrupted by a number of Government TD's, including Simon Harris, James Browne and Jennifer Carroll MacNeill. 
Simon Harris accused Deputy Connolly of "misrepresenting" the Government position. 
And Justice Minister Helen McEntee pointed out she had clearly stated in that very debate that "Israel has gone too far". 
But Deputy Connolly thinks the Irish Government could and should be sending a stronger message. 

Transport Minister confirms plans to clear existing rail line between Athenry and Claremorris

The Minister for Transport has confirmed plans are in place to clear the existing rail line between Athenry and Claremorris
Galway West TD Eamon Ó Cúiv put the question to Eamon Ryan in the Dáil during a discussion on the Western Rail Corridor.
He also requested that engineering surveys be done while the line is being cleared, to gain an idea of the cost involved in the project
In response, Minister Ryan says he has asked Irish Rail if the line can be done as soon as possible:

Galway Traveller Movement opens up a dialogue regarding Traveller’s mental health (3)