Galway Bay fm - News

Call for designated motorhome parking spots in Galway City

There are calls for designated motorhome parking spots across Galway City.
The Motorhome Working Group is criticising the City Council, saying its hampering on tourism as motorhome owners are frequently getting parking fines.
Chairperson of the group Jason Carmody says the bye-laws prohibit vehicles with sleeping facilities from parking in the environs of Galway City Council.
He says it seems to be the only local authoritiy to have such strict rules, and it's deterring tourists from the city:

New drive to tackle invasive rhododendon in areas of Connemara and West Mayo

A community based project has been launched to tackle invasive rhododendron plants in areas of Connemara and West Mayo
While it’s vibrant pink flowers may appear picturesque, this non-native plant can rapidly re-seed and out-compete native vegetation 
This leads to a decline in biodiversity and the loss of habitat for native wildlife.
The "Dúlra" project to tackle the problem is a collaboration between FORUM Connemara and the Leenane Development Association 
Conor Ryan, project ecologist, explains how the team plan on reducing the spread of rhododendron:

Speed-deterring works on Clybaun Road to be completed before school term resumes

Works to deter motorists from speeding on the Clybaun Road in Knocknacarra are due to begin in the coming weeks.
The €32,000 worth of works will see the addition of a raised ramp and footpaths, along with the replacement of pelican lights.
The works will begin on August 15th with the aim of completing the safety measures before schools reopen in September.
Councillor Niall McNelis says he and fellow councillor Donal Lyons have been campaigning for the works for some time:

Gort Bio Gas Concern group overcome significant hurdle in legal battle against plant

The Gort Bio Gas Concern group has overcome a significant hurdle in its legal battle against a proposed plant in the town.
Locals have been campaigning against the decision by An Bord Pleanala to give permission for the development of the biogas plant in Gort.
In the High Court this week, they were granted leave to seek a judicial review of the decision, which will explore its legality.
The decision was granted ExParte, which means all of the parties to the dispute did not have to be present.
Group campaigner, Ciaran O Donnell explains the significance of the court decision:

University of Galway decreasing accommodation prices for upcoming year

University of Galway is one of the only universities to decrease accommodation prices for the upcoming academic year.
President Ciaran O hOgartaigh says almost a third of the university's beds are 10 percent cheaper than last year.
According to the Irish Times, rent has been decreased for 500 beds, with a further 669 beds remaining the same price. 
While the paper reports most other universities have raised prices for the upcoming academic year.
Speaking to Galway Talks, President O hOgartaigh says students will have more affordable options: 

Hildegarde Naughton says ring road most common issue raised by public

Minister Hildegarde Naughton says the embattled ring road for Galway is the one issue that "comes up all the time" when she's talking to the public. 
It's after permission for the long awaited plan was quashed when An Bord Pleanala accepted it failed to take into account the latest Climate Action Plan. 
It now has to be re-assessed, with work ongoing on a revised application - but many have expressed doubt the road will ever be built. 
Speaking to Galway Talks, Minister and Galway West TD Hildegarde Naughton said the Government remains firmly committed to the plan. 

Tuam-based Anam Music Therapy one of eight organisations to receive national funding

Anam Music Therapy, based in Tuam, is one of eight organisations nationwide to receive Rethink Ireland funding.
The organisation was founded in 2020 by Fabian Joyce and Lisa Kelly - their aim is to help improve people's health and well-being through music
The social enterprise will receive €30,000 in cash grants and business supports to fund further development.
Head of Social Enterprise at Rethink Ireland, Sarah Hofmayer, outlines the importance of organisations like Anam Music Therapy:
 

3,500 Galway customers impacted by Boil Water notices last year

3,500 customers in Galway were impacted by Boil Water notices last year, according to a new EPA report.
The majority of those customers were in Gort, with a notice in place for over 2,700 people due to a mechanical failure at the water treatment plant
The Environmental Protection Agency has outlined almost half a million people in Ireland are being served by an 'at risk' water supply.
That's an increase of nearly 100 thousand people since 2021, although it also found the overall quality of the water network is extremely high.
But Programme Manager with the EPA, Noel Byrne says greater resilience is needed:

Frustration over delays to flood works on N83 in Claregalway

Call for clarity on reopening of day centre at Áras Mhic Dara in Carraroe