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Galway public share views regarding visible tattoos on Gardaí

Childcare Federation to host emergency meeting in Lackagh

The Childcare Federation is holding an emergency meeting in Lackagh this lunchtime. 
The organisation is hosting meetings nationwide as it warns the sector is on the verge of "falling apart". 
Issues include rising costs, staff recruitment and retention, worker burnout, and insurance. 
The meeting takes place at Teddy Bear Lodge Creche in Lackagh this afternoon at 1. 
Owner Hazel Curran says staffing is a major problem. 
 

Local MEP calls for a ’culture and media card’ to be gifted to young people on their 18th birthday

Local MEP Colm Markey is calling for the introduction of an initiative to gift a €200 'culture and media card' to every young person when they turn 18.
He hopes the card will be supported in the upcoming budget, and believes it will empower young people to explore more arts and culture events
A similar initiative has successfully run in Germany for a number of years and MEP Markey suggests it could be accessed on an app.
The Midlands NorthWest MEP says this small investment would help young people develop a life-long interest in the arts sector:
 

Councillor seeks meeting with HSE over ”rat runs” behind Merlin Park Hospital

Green light for major new surgical hub at Merlin Park Hospital

Loughrea-based Afghan man to cycle from Eyre Square to The Spire to mark two-year anniversary of Taliban takeover

She told Máirtín their work was a real labour of love.

Marie Mannion of Galway County Council explained to Máirtín O’ Cathain what’s included so far.

Only 1 in 5 Galway applications approved for vacant home refurbishment grant

Just 1 in 5 Galway applicants for the Vacant Home Refurbishment Grant have been approved since the scheme opened last year. 
That's according to Galway West TD, Mairead Farrell, who says there's been 40 approvals out of 206 applications. 
She's raising concerns about the fact that no money has been issued to date. 
Sinn Fein Deputy Farrell told Galway Talks one of the main reasons is likely a serious lack of staff at Galway County and City Councils. 

Galway County Digital Graveyard project officially launched in Letterfrack

Galway County Council has officially launched its Digitial Mapping Project in Letterfrack.
The new digitised system contains information and data of almost 40 cemeteries, which is now on the county council website.
Our reporter Mairtin O Cathain reports from the launch in Connemara: