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Concerns over safety at rural schools as County Speed Limit Review suspended

World School Milk Day celebrated on Walsh’s farm in Oranmore

Frustration over glacial pace of broadband rollout in rural Galway

There's immense frustration over the glacial pace of the rollout of high-speed broadband to rural areas across Galway. 
At County Hall this week, internet provider SIRO gave a presentation on rollouts in several towns like Ballinasloe, Loughrea, Gort and Athenry. 
It was also indicated that Tuam could be looked at in the future - while they said they "would not rule out" Clifden. 
But when asked about more rural areas, they said it would not be viable without state subsidies - and that coverage in these areas will come down to National Broadband Ireland. 
Councillors accepted that explanation but some suggested that NBI should appear at County Hall to answer questions. 
Councillor Eileen Mannion says the rollout in rural areas is extremely patchy and far too slow. 

Calls for stimulus package of €570 million for the West and North

There are calls for a stimulus package worth €570m to be provided to Western and Northern counties, including Galway.
The Northern and Western Regional Assembly says the eight counties it represents need the package to save them from economic stagnation.
In its submission for Budget 2024, the NWRA also wants a Citizens Assembly to be established to consider regional autonomy NWRA Economist John Daly, outlines some of their other Budget recommendations:

Rise in dropout rates at ATU and University of Galway during COVID pandemic

Galway Bay fm newsroom - There was a rise in the dropout rates at both Atlantic Technological University and the University of Galway during the COVID pandemic.
20 percent of students didn't return to college after their first year at ATU during the 2020-21 academic year, while 9 percent didn't return at University of Galway.
Nationally, the Irish Times reports over 5,000 students dropped out after their first year, which is a three percent increase on the year previous
But Guidance Counsellor, Gemma Lawlor, says she's surprised the dropout rate during the pandemic wasn't higher:

Volunteering work was worth €130m to Galway economy last year

Volunteering work was worth 130 million euro to Galway's economy last year.
Galway Volunteer Centre says over 1,000 people have put themselves forward to volunteer with them so far this year.
The Charity Regulator's report also revealed that volunteering contributed 2.5 billion euro to Ireland's economy.
GVC Development Manager, Donnacha Foley, says they strive to find volunteer opportunities to match those coming forward:

Deputy Canney asks for emergency response to school transport issues

Galway East TD Sean Canney has asked for an emergency response to tackle school transport issues.
Deputy Canney says too many families are still without a bus service, despite securing tickets.
Speaking in the Dáil, the lndependent TD called on the Department of Transport and Bus Éireann to get together to deal with the ongoing saga.
Deputy Canney says it's crucial all of those who have secured tickets are catered for:

Students to sleep rough in Eyre Square to highlight accommodation crisis

Galway Volunteer Centre hosts online update for community groups

County councillors reject recommendation to increase Local Property Tax by 15%

County councillors have roundly rejected a recommendation to increase Local Property Tax by 15 percent next year. 
At County Hall last evening, a presentation was given outlining the finances of Galway County Council. 
Although the local authority received €5m in extra funding from Government recently, it's still projected to be well in the red next year. 
On that basis, a recommendation was made to boost the Local Property Tax by the maximum rate of 15 percent, to net an additional €2.3m. 
But Councillors unanimously rejected the idea and voted for no increase at all, saying lack of funding from central Government is not a problem for the people to fix. 
Councillor Jimmy McClearn proposed the motion - and he told told David Nevin they're also keenly aware of the cost of living crisis.