Galway Bay fm - News

Concerns over repeated Do Not Consume notices for Inishbofin water supply

Concerns are being raised over repeated Do Not Consume notices being issued for the Inishbofin water supply.
A notice was issued for islanders last week - and Galway West TD Éamon Ó Cuív says residents dealt with a similar notice for several months last year too.
It had been hoped the problem was weather-related and would not re-occur, while it was also anticipated that works carried out would rectify the problem. However, the manganese issue has resurfaced, and Deputy Ó Cúiv says it is causing huge disruption for islanders:

12 new beds to open at Portiuncula Hospital today

12 new beds are to be opened at Portiuncula Hospital today 
They'll be located in the former outpatients area, which was moved to a modular facility with increased space. 
It comes as work continues on a new 50-bed ward block which is set to be completed next year. 
Local Senator Aisling Dolan says these are important projects that will relieve pressure on the hospital. 

Three new water filling stations installed throughout the city

Three new water bottle filling stations have been installed in the city centre by Galway City Council in collaboration with Galway Tidy Towns to reduce plastic waste.
The new stations are on Churchyard Street, outside Sheridan’s Cheesemongers; Dominick Street, outside the old Canal House; and outside Eyre Square centre.
These are in addition to the three existing units at Millennium Children’s Park, Westside Park and Quincentennial Park. The water stations are free to use.
Tiarnan McCusker, Environmental Awareness Officer, from Galway City Council explains how they hope this will promote sustainability in the city:
 

IFA to hold Green Ribbon Campaign walk in Monivea tomorrow

A walk highlighting the importance of positive mental health among farmers will take place tomorrow afternoon at Monivea Woods at 3pm.
The walk, as part of the annual See Change Green Ribbon campaign, aims to spread awareness about all mental health difficulties to help end mental health stigma and discrimination.
Teresa Roche of IFA Family and Social Affairs in Galway explained that mental health affects people of all ages and has dramatically increased among the farming community.
She spoke to John Mulligan as part of Galway Bay FM's 1pm News.
 

Minister for Justice makes a commitment of extra resources for Galway following meeting this morning

The Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has made a commitment that extra resources will be made available for Galway following a meeting with the Mayor of Galway City Eddie Hoare, Minister Hildegarde Naughton, Cllr Clodagh Higgins and Cllr Frank Fahy this morning.
The Meeting was arranged by Senator Sean Kyne and provided those in attendance an opportunity to highlight and discuss with the Minister the serious issues of violence witnessed on the streets of Galway in recent weeks.
The Minister also confirmed that an additional overtime budget will be provided to address the issues raised.
Mayor Eddie Hoare spoke to John Mulligan

Fridays for Future protest in Eyre Square demands greater climate action

Seven Galway Students set to be awarded All Ireland Undergraduate Scholarships

Fridays for Future protest in Eyre Square demands greater climate action

Around two dozen campaigners braved the rain to take part in a protest at Eyre Square this afternoon, demanding greater climate action. 
The demonstration was part of a worldwide series of action taking place today by the Fridays for Future movement. 
Protestors started off at Eyre Square before marching down towards Spanish Arch, carrying megaphones, flags and banners. 
These campaigners spoke to David Nevin about what they're most concerned about for the future:

Work resumes on long-stalled social housing project in Ballybane

Work has resumed this week on a long-stalled social housing project in Ballybane. 
A contractor was initially appointed in 2019 to build almost 60 homes, but the City Council terminated the contract last year due to serious delays. 
It's understood the project - known as Garraí Beag at Ballybane More - was only around 20 percent completed at that point. 
The matter ended up in court but ultimately a new contractor, JJ Rhatigan, was appointed. 
Work has now resumed at the site - and local Councillor Alan Cheevers says it's long overdue. 

Deputy Fitzmaurice demands clarity from Agriculture Minister on new CAP deal

Roscommon/Galway TD Michael Fitzmaurice is demanding clarity from the Agriculture Minister on the new CAP deal for Irish farmers.
Minister Charlie McConologue will appear before the Oireachtas Agriculture Committee this morning to face questions on a number of pressing issues.
He will also be quizzed on the changes to nitrates derrogation - which has been the main topic behind protests outside political think-ins recently.
Local TD Michael Fitzmaurice is a member of the Oireachtas Agriculture Commitee - he says there is a lot of confusion in the industry lately: