Galway Bay fm - News

9 month refurbishment works to get underway at Leisureland

Refurbishment and energy efficient works are set to get underway at Leisureland in January. 
The works will take around 9 months to complete - but there will be no disruption to public use of the facility. 
Councillor Donal Lyons is chair of the Leisureland Board - he explains what the project involves. 

Portumna Primary Care Centre to open by June 2024

The Portumna Primary Care Centre will be opened by June 2024.
It was one of six primary care centres identified and prioritised in the HSE's Capital Plan for 2023.
Galway East TD and Minister Anne Rabbitte has received confirmation the facility will be operational in Quarter 2 next year.
Deputy Rabbitte says it's important the centre has the capacity to expand and develop with the needs of the community in mind

Twinning Archive unveiled at council offices in Tuam

Fresh demands on Galway Garda Chief over ”barbaric” anti-social behavior in city

Galway Port on track for another ”record” year amid wind turbine boom

Galway Port had a "record" 2022 - and it's on track to deliver similar or better results this year. 
A presentation was given at City Hall this week, outlining the Port's strong bounce-back post COVID-19. 
Plans are in the pipeline for a new expanded port, with An Bord Pleanala expected to make a decision next year. 
CEO of Port of Galway, Conor Dowd, says a huge part of the success in recent years is the on-shore wind energy sector. 

Funding for homeless support service for Traveller women in Galway city and Tuam

Funding has been secured for the establishment of homeless support services for Traveller women in Galway city and Tuam.
Two members of the Traveller community will be employed as project workers to work alongside the primary healthcare projects in those areas.
It's one of three pilot projects across the country to be chosen by Genio to develop proposals over the next 18 months.
Thelma Birrane, Regional Coordinator for Traveller Health with Community Healthcare West explains how it'll work:

Ballinasloe Councillors want to see a proactive approach to flood relief schemes

Ballinasloe Councillors are pushing for a proactive approach to flood relief schemes in the area, and are calling for more urgency with the works
The issue has become even more pressing following the impact of storm Debi across Galway at the start of the week
Councillors have been sharing their frustration at the huge delays to the scheme and the lack of support from the OPW 
Councillor Michael Connolly explains that delegations to the OPW began 9 years ago:

Feature: OPW Minister visits Clarinbridge to witness destruction caused by Storm Debi

OPW Minister Patrick O Donovan was in Galway this morning to witness first hand some of the devastation caused by Storm Debi. 
He visited the worst hit area in Galway - Clarinbridge - where locals are still coming to terms with the extent of the damage. 
He then made his way to Galway City to examine damage caused to businesses and homes in the Spanish Arch area. 
David Nevin and Leah Hogarty trailed the Minister today - starting in Clarinbridge. 

Galway TD Sean Canney says closing motorway lay-bys flies in face of road safety advice

Galway East TD Sean Canney says TII's decision to close motorway lay-bys 'flies in the face' of their own advice.
He has received confirmation that Transport Infrastructure Ireland intends to close  lay-bys to cars by the end of the year.
Deputy Canney says motorists should have the opportunity to stop in along the motorway when they feel tired - as per road safety advice.
The Independent TD believes TII's decision is wrong - considering motorways are paid for using tax payers' money

OPW Minister responds to major delays on city flood defence scheme

The OPW Minister has responded to frustrations over major delays to a long-awaited flood defence scheme in Galway City. 
It's turned out to be far more complex than originally envisioned in an extensive study that was carried out several years ago. 
It's known as 'Corib Go Cósta' but is still likely years away from completion. 
At a meeting at City Hall last night, Councillor Peter Keane said it seems to be report after report for the last 15 years. 
Minister Patrick O' Donovan has visited Spanish Arch today to survey damage caused by Storm Debi, after an earlier visit to Clarinbridge. 
He said that schemes are now far more complex compared to the past - and it's crucial that we get them right the first time.