Galway Bay fm - News

OPW Minister cannot give guarantees on future flood works in Clarinbridge

The OPW Minister has visited Clarinbridge to witness first hand the extensive damage caused by flash flooding during Storm Debi. 
Patrick O' Donovan toured a number of local businesses, and spoke at length with owners who are still grappling with major clean-up operations. 
They included a supermarket, hairdressers, cafe, garage, retail shop and garden centre - all of which suffered major damage. 
One key question asked was about the viability of rebuilding the businesses - and what can be done to mitigate the flood risk. 
Minister O' Donovan was very honest in saying that flood defense works may not be viable due to significant environmental factors in the area. 
But he did give an assurance that every option will be looked at.  

Tuam Municipal District councilllors pass the 2024 budget

Tuam Municipal District councilllors have passed the 2024 budget which totals 7 million euro expenditure
Roads will be the primary beneficiary of the increased funding this year of 2.6 million euro
Cathaoirleach Donagh Killilea was unhappy with the format of the presentation at last evening's meeting
He's hopeful it will be in income and expenditure format next year
However Donagh Killilea is very happy with the extra funding

Series of meetings county-wide to discuss council’s Climate Action Plan

Galway County Council's newly published draft Climate Action Plan looks at reducing transport energy consumption by improving pedestrian and cycling options as well as reducing energy consumption for outdoor lighting.
A fund will be available for community groups to engage in projects to support climate action, the circular economy and biodiversity protection. 
The plan, which will run from 2024 to 2029, can now be accessed online at galway.ie/ClimateAction or in hard copy in County Hall or in the county's public libraries.
The draft plan is open for public consultation until December 10th, and the public is invited to meet the Climate Action Team to discuss the plan with these sessions kicking off today at Ballinasloe Library from 5:30-7pm
The other sessions are:
Clifden Library Thursday 4:30-6pm
Tuam Library Saturday 2-3:30pm
Loughrea Library Wednesday week 5:30-7pm 
Claregalway Hotel on Tuesday week 6-6:30pm 
As our summers get hotter and our winters get wetter, a climate risk assessment has been introduced in the plan as the council's Climate Action Coordinator Tina Ryan explains

Frustration over slow progress on city flood defence scheme in wake of Storm Debi

Business owners in Clarinbridge label storm damage as ”horror show”

Rents rise by 15% in Galway in the last year

Galway Chamber in Brussels seeking MEP support for Galway Ring Road

Financial support being made available to Galway households after storm damage

Local TD urges flood compensation for Galway businesses hit by Storm Debi

Business owners in Clarinbridge left devastated after Storm Debi

Business owners in Clarinbridge have been left devastated after Storm Debi hit the country in the early hours of this morning.
East Galway, and many other parts of the country, endured a red wind alert last night, but it was the flooding that caused the most damage for businesses and households.
Financial support is being made available for householders affected by flooding in Galway according to Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys
She has confirmed the income-tested Humanitarian Assistance Scheme will be offered to those who suffered damage in the wake of Storm Debi.
Minister Humphreys says the scheme will be extended to other affected areas as required.
Our reporter Sarah Slevin spoke to these business owners: