Galway Bay fm - News

Former Mayor says public ”absolutely furious” over councillors voting to restrict gigs at Galway Airport

A former Mayor of Galway says the public are "absolutely furious" over a vote by city councillors to restrict gigs at Galway Airport next summer. 
Councillor Clodagh Higgins was one of just three councillors to oppose a motion put forward by Councillor Mike Crowe earlier this week.  
The others who opposed the move are Councillor Frank Fahy and Councillor Noel Larkin. 
The motion calls for gigs to be limited to six, though it's widely reported that up to ten gigs are already planned for next August. 
The rationale given is that too many gigs at the Galway Airport site could pose a threat to the Galway International Arts Festival. 
But Councillor Clodagh Higgins told Galway Talks she's not just disappointed - but completely embarrassed by the vote. 

’Prolific’ crime gang rented Airbnb to target homes in Galway

It's reported one of Ireland's most 'prolific' burglary gangs rented an Airbnb in Mayo to target homes in Galway. 
According to the Irish Independent, up to 20 homes were broken into, across Galway, Mayo and Roscommon. 
The Dublin-based gang rented the property in Knock earlier this month and it's understood they stayed less than a week. 
The Irish Independent reports that three different cars were used, and they targeted unoccupied homes at night time. 
Speaking to Galway Talks, Deputy Sean Canney said people in rural areas have to remain vigilant, as these criminals take advantage of the smallest opportunity.

Ballymana school secretary ’shocked’ at back payment amount from Dept of Education

A Galway-based school secretary says she is shocked at the back payment amount she is receiving from the Department of Education.
Up to 3 thousand school secretaries are getting the payments today after an agreement was brokered by their Forsa trade union, giving them equal pay with colleagues in the public service.
Payments between of up to 15 thousand euro can be expected by many of the secretaries.  
Lusia Carty works at Ballymana national school in Craughwell, and she says the figure was unexpected:

Report launched on housing needs on offshore islands including Aran Islands and Inishboffin

Report launched on housing needs on offshore islands including Aran Islands and Inishboffin

Claddagh National School praised for presentation at city networking event

Demand for new steering group to better guide future use of Galway Airport

There's a demand for the creation of a new steering group to better guide the future use of Galway Airport. 
Councillor Alan Cheevers tabled a motion at a meeting of Galway City Council, and it was accepted by a majority vote. 
The site in Carnmore is jointly owned by Galway City and County Council - but there's still no sign of a long-awaited masterplan a decade after the purchase. 
The matter has been raised repeatedly by councillors from both local authorities, who are immensely frustrated that such a valuable resource is mostly sitting idle.
Councillor Cheevers says something has to be done. 

Taoiseach to officially open Moycullen Bypass on December 11th

The Moycullen Bypass will be officially opened by the Taoiseach and County Cathaoirleach on December 11th
Leo Varadkar will be accompanied by Councillor Liam Carroll for the long-awaited reveal of the 4.3km road.
Construction began in January of this year, having received planning permission in 2012.
The bypass can be accessed by roundabout on either side of Moycullen, at Clydagh and Drimcong, reducing traffic through the village.
Senator Sean Kyne says the benefits of the new road will be felt all the way out Connemara

Former Mayor raises concerns over sexual offenders on social housing list

A former Mayor of Galway is raising concerns over inadequate screening for those on the social housing list. 
Councillor Mike Cubbard says residents in an area in the west of the city have learned that a social housing tenant has convictions for sexual offences. 
He says they're extremely concerned, particularly given this individual is also in close proximity to a playground. 
Councillor Cubbard claims the Residents Association raised their concern with the City Council in September - but never received a response. 
Speaking to Galway Talks, he said the city council have a clear responsibility to explain their risk-based system, and ensure communities are protected. 

Motion passed to limit Galway Airport gigs to six with review in Autumn 2024

A motion was passed at yesterday's Galway City Council Meeting to limit the amount of gigs at Galway Airport next summer to six.
The motion was put forward by Councillor Mike Crowe, who said the gigs could pose a serious threat to the Galway International Arts Festival.
It also included a suggested review next autumn on future gigs to be held at the site.
Councillor Crowe says they're worried about the knock-on effects in the coming years: