Galway Bay fm - News

Claims new Garda policing model in Galway viewed as ”a disaster”

The Justice Minister is being urged to question Gardaí on the "nonsensical" decision to place Connemara under the jurisdiction of Oranmore Garda Station. 
The area's district headquarters were moved from Salthill to Oranmore as part of the rollout of a new policing model last year. 
It aims to provide a more more adaptable and responsive service, but many aspects of the plan have drawn sharp criticism from local represenatives.
Speaking in the Seanad, Senator Sean Kyne claimed rank and file Gardaí view the new policing model as a "disaster". 

International academic integrity conference opens in Galway

Galway Bay fm newsroom - An international conference on academic and research integrity is opening in Galway city today.
The major event is being hosted by the University of Galway in partnership with the National Academic Integrity Network.
The conference will take place over the next three days at the Galmont Hotel, with registration available on the university's website.
There will be discussions around ChatGPT and Google Translate, while experts will review different approaches to academic and research misconduct.
Acadmic Integrity Officer, Justin Tonra, says integrity is a core pillar of any education institution.
 

Councillors write to Education Minister demanding overhaul of school transport ”mess”

Galway people reminisce about Aertel as RTE announces it will close down next week

Taoiseach ”dissatisfied” with slow progress on new emergency department project at UHG

The Taoiseach has admitted he's not satisfied with the slow progress on a long-awaited new emergency department at UHG.
Leo Varadkar was responding to a query in the Seanad from Senator Sean Kyne. 
Senator Kyne argued it's five years since Saolta promised that planning permission would be sought for a new building incorporating a new ED, as well as paediatric and maternity services. 
But he said there's still no date in sight for an application - and that's something Leo Varadkar said he's equally unhappy about. 

Works to get underway to extend left hand lane from Roscam onto Dublin Road

Works are to get underway shortly to extend the left hand lane from Roscam onto the Dublin Road. 
It's hoped the move will help alleviate traffic bottlenecks at the junction during peak times. 
It follows the recent completion of works to restore the junction at Spar back to its original width. 
There was controversy after the access point for almost 800 homes was reduced to a single lane to accommodate cycle lanes. 
Councillor Alan Cheevers says no-one is against active travel but common sense needs to be applied. 

Local dog charity MADRA highlights ”shocking” findings of national census on homeless dogs

Local dog rescue charity MADRA is drawing attention to the "shocking" findings of the first national census on homeless dogs in Ireland. 
The landmark census was overseen by Connemara-based MADRA, in collaboration with Galway County Council and the Department of Rural and Community Development. 
It collected data from over 120 rescues and local authorities - and reveals there are currently over 3,000 dogs in shelters and pounds. 
MADRA says that figure does not include many hundreds of dogs who are currently on waiting lists for space in shelters. 
Speaking to Galway Talks, founder Marina Fiddler said rescue charities are being overwhelmed with a "tsunami" of dogs being given up by owners. 

Supermacs voted Best Irish Restaurant Brand in Irish Customer Experience Report

Galway-based Supermac’s has been voted by consumers as the Best Irish Restaurant Brand.
The latest annual Irish Customer Experience report found our overall happiness with Irish companies rose by 5 per cent.
The CX report listed Supermacs as the Best brand in the Restaurants sector, and one of the highest ranking Galway companies.
The Credit Union was voted the overall Best Brand title for the ninth year in a row, while RTE was voted one of the least trustworthy.
CEO of The CX Company Cathy Summers says there were a few reasons for RTE's low ranking:

Minister applauds Galway’s strong and vibrant economy as 350 new jobs announced 5

Minister applauds Galway’s strong and vibrant economy as 350 new jobs announced 4