Galway Bay fm - News

NASA Astronaut to visit Galway Atlantaquaria for Space Week

A retired NASA astronaut is visiting Galway as part of Space Week 2024.
Steve Swanson will make a stop at Galway Atlantaquaria during a road trip to mark the global annual celebration of space, which runs from tomorrow (October 4th) until Friday of next week
This year's theme is Space and Climate Change, and the oppportunity to attend workshops at the aquarium is open to schools only.
The Blackrock Castle Observatory in Cork is organising events, and is also teaming up with Galway city libraries throughout the week.
Rob O’ Sullivan, National Outreach Coordinator for Space Week Ireland spoke to Sarah Slevin about the link between climate and space:

Councillor says we can't wait any longer for improvements to Oranmore train station

Fianna Fáil councillor John Connolly says we can't wait any longer for improvements to Oranmore train station
He has expressed deep frustration at the 4 years it has taken for a planning application to be made
His comments come after Minister Hildegarde Naughton recently announced the application for the second platform - a statement that rings hollow according to Councillor Connolly. 
Funding for the project, which includes a second platform and passing loop, was first announced in December 2020. 
The Fianna Fáil Councillor says the project could deliver more by upgrading the car parking facilities in line with NTA suggestions. 

Allan Mulrooney says there are many opportunities if supports are provided:

The Western Development Commission says more investment is needed to improve housing, roads, public transport, and broadband. 
The call follows a report which shows remote and hybrid working has attracted more people to the region of Galway, Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo, Mayo, Roscommon and Clare
It also shows that an increasing number of people who studied here in the west are staying or returning to the region for work.
In 2021, 56 per cent of those who studied in the west secured work in the region, up by more than a quarter since 1998.
Almost one third of people who use remote working hubs in the region say they relocated to the area since the Covid pandemic.
The Western Development Commission says the newly established Atlantic Technological University, and continued growth of the University of Galway, is helping young people stay closer to home.
Commission CEO, Allan Mulrooney, says remote and hybrid working has also attracted more people to the region:
The state body focused on economic growth in the west says housing is the biggest challenge facing the region.
Mr Mulrooney says more investment is needed to improve housing, roads, public transport, and broadband connections.
He points out working from home has benefits for the region as well as workers:
The WDC is also calling for more investment in the region as disposable incomes are 3-thousand euro below the national average.
Allan Mulrooney, says there are many opportunities if supports are provided:

Mr Mulrooney says working from home has benefits for the region as well as workers:

The Western Development Commission says more investment is needed to improve housing, roads, public transport, and broadband. 
The call follows a report which shows remote and hybrid working has attracted more people to the region of Galway, Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo, Mayo, Roscommon and Clare
It also shows that an increasing number of people who studied here in the west are staying or returning to the region for work.
In 2021, 56 per cent of those who studied in the west secured work in the region, up by more than a quarter since 1998.
Almost one third of people who use remote working hubs in the region say they relocated to the area since the Covid pandemic.
The Western Development Commission says the newly established Atlantic Technological University, and continued growth of the University of Galway, is helping young people stay closer to home.
Commission CEO, Allan Mulrooney, says remote and hybrid working has also attracted more people to the region:
The state body focused on economic growth in the west says housing is the biggest challenge facing the region.
Mr Mulrooney says more investment is needed to improve housing, roads, public transport, and broadband connections.
He points out working from home has benefits for the region as well as workers.

Commission CEO, Allan Mulrooney, says remote and hybrid working has attracted more people to the region

The Western Development Commission says more investment is needed to improve housing, roads, public transport, and broadband. 
The call follows a report which shows remote and hybrid working has attracted more people to the region of Galway, Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo, Mayo, Roscommon and Clare.
It also shows that an increasing number of people who studied here in the west are staying or returning to the region for work.
In 2021, 56 per cent of those who studied in the west secured work in the region, up by more than a quarter since 1998.
Almost one third of people who use remote working hubs in the region say they relocated to the area since the Covid pandemic.
The Western Development Commission says the newly established Atlantic Technological University, and continued growth of the University of Galway, is helping young people stay closer to home.
Commission CEO, Allan Mulrooney, says remote and hybrid working has also attracted more people to the region:

New bus service to be established between Athenry and Galway City

A new bus service is to be established between Athenry and Galway City. 
Local Councillor Louis O' Hara says he's received confirmation from the National Transport Authority that it's now working with Local Link to develop a timetable. 
A private operater had previously offered daily services, but withdrew in recent weeks. 
It's understood the new service will initially operate three return trips every day. 
Sinn Fein Councillor O' Hara says it's not what he hoped for - but it's a good first step. 

Uncertainty over future of former HSE health centre in Ballygar which burned down in 2021

There's continued uncertainty over the future of the former HSE health centre in Ballygar, which burned down in 2021. 
At a meeting of the Health Forum West, Councillor Alan Harney wanted to know what the longer term plan is. 
He asked that if it's no longer being considered for use as a health centre, it be transferred to the local community. 
The HSE confirmed that no final decision has been made - but there was a strong indication it would not be suitable for future healthcare use. 
Fine Gael Councillor Harney says its crucial the HSE take quick action to allow community groups acces the site.

Open day in Milltown highlights historic treasures revealed during excavation works on N17

An open day was held in Milltown this week, to highlight the rich historic and heritage treasures that have been revealed during excavation works on the N17. 
They include the ancestral home of Hugh Carey - a former Governer of New York city, and the remains of a medieval farmstead. 
The potential preservation of the Carey home has been a particular talking point, as it could become a popular roadside attraction. 
Several other sites to be investigated include bronze-age cooking mounds and early medieval pit kilns. 
Fine Gael Councillor Ollie Turner was there to speak to Tim Coughlan of IAC Archaeology and Jerry O'Sullivan of Transport Infrastructure Ireland. 

Local TD brands cost of modular homes for Ukrainians as 'scandalous' after price tag doubles

Local TD Michael Fitzmaurice has branded the cost of modular homes for Ukrainian refugees as 'scandalous' after the price tag more than doubled. 
It comes after a report from the Comptroller and Auditor General revealed the estimated price of a modular home increased from €200,000 to €440,000. 
The government plan provided for 650 modular homes as part of it's rapid build housing programme - including 64 in Pollboy, Ballinasloe.
Due to increases in scale, contractor expenses and inflation, the estimated cost of the national project rose to €300 million - far exceeding the €100 million initially approved.   
Independent Ireland TD for Galway/Roscommon, Michael Fitzmaurice says the cost is 'outlandish' especially as the sites are on state land.

County Cathaoirleach calls for immediate extra capacity on Athenry to Galway train

County Cathaoirleach Albert Dolan is calling for immediate extra capacity on the Athenry to Galway Train. 
Councillor Dolan says commuters are facing problems on a daily basis, with carriages bursting at the seams. 
Speaking to Galway Talks, he said the situation will turn people off public transport and put them back in cars. 
Fianna Fail Councillor Dolan told John Morley extra carriages are planned, but not until 2026 - and that's not good enough.