Galway Bay fm - News

40% of Galway dentists leave medical card scheme

40% of Galway dentists have left the medical card scheme over the last 5 years. 
Dental services for medical card holders are being offered in 28 practices across the county, but these are all full and cannot offer services to additional patients. 
Across the country, 1.5 million adults are eligible for medical cards and there are currently fewer than 600 dentists to cater for them .
Roscommon-Galway TD Denis Naughten says the Government, the HSE and the Irish Dental Association need to discuss an alternative scheme. 
He outlines why dentists are leaving the system and the issues this may lead to: 

Minister O’Gorman appoints Advisory Board to the Director of Authorised Intervention Tuam

Claims people of Oranmore being ”treated with contempt” over stalled Primary Care Centre

Catherine Connolly slams ’deliberately confusing’ reports into spinal surgeries at Temple Street

Ballinasloe Horse Fair and Festival begins this weekend

Anger over ’avoidable’ delays to repair of major water burst in Moylough

There's anger and frustration over apparently avoidable delays to repair a major burst watermain in Moylough. 
Councillor Michael Connolly says a crew from Irish Water was on-site last night - but was then told to stand down.
He claims another contractor crew was instead earmarked to begin works this morning, with water not set to be restored until later this afternoon. 
Councillor Connolly says the original crew have worked in the local area for years. 
He told Galway Talks it's difficult to understand the logic behind what happened last night. 

Galway tech hub launches new international Scale-Up programme

Students brave Storm Agnes to camp out in Eyre Square to highlight housing crisis

University of Galway students march to Eyre Square to highlight accommodation crisis

Approximately 35 students at the University of Galway have marched to Eyre Square to highlight the accommodation crisis
The Student's Union will deliver speeches, emphasising the financial struggles facing students.
Josh Byrne is there with them. 

Government confirms 92 modular homes for Ukrainian refugees in Ballinasloe

Government has confirmed that plans for 92 modular homes for Ukrainian refugees in Ballinasloe are to go ahead. 
The site will be located at Poolboy, and further information is expected shortly from briefing document from Minister Roderic O' Gorman. 
The proposal has been touted in recent months, and was the subject of previous discussion at a meeting of Ballinasloe district councillors.
On that occasion concerns were raised about the need for extra resources to accommodate any large influx, such as in local healthcare and education. 
David Nevin spoke to Roscommon/Galway Sinn Fein TD Claire Kerrane.