Galway Bay fm - News

Galway County Council urge Housing Minister to make Croí Cónaithe scheme more practical

Tuam bypass works will finish before Friday

€3m for Local Improvement Scheme for Galway's rural roads

Three million euro in funding has been allocated to improve rural roads in Galway.
Over €2.5m will go towards roads across the county, while a further €500,000 has been allocated for islands off Galway.
The Local Improvement Scheme allocation is to be used to upgrade roads, and improve access to homes and farms in rural areas.
The announcement is timely, after the state of Galway's roads was a hot topic of discussion at this week's County Council meeting.
Rural and Community Development Minister Heather Humphreys made the announcement today:

Sean Canney says poor healthcare planning tantamount to "committing a crime"

Poor healthcare planning in this country is tantamount to "committing a crime". 
That's according to Galway East Deputy Sean Canney, who spoke in the Dáil during a debate on Ireland's cancer strategy. 
He said it's a great strategy on paper - but the implementation leaves a lot to be desired. 
Deputy Canney said everything is taking far too long to progress - and he used the X-Ray facility in Tuam as an example. 

Galway County Council adopt action plan to tackle residential vacancy rate in county

Galway County Council has adopted a five-year action plan to tackle the residential vacancy rate in the county, and increase supply.
Geodirectory figures from last year found 6 per cent of homes in Galway are vacant, while the county experiences a housing crisis.
A meeting of county councillors last evening approved a five year plan to acquire derelict and vacant 'brown field sites' and convert them into homes.
Director of Services Michael Owens says it's quicker and cheaper than just building new houses:

City's new Corrib bridge to be named Droichead an Dochais, or Bridge of Hope

The new pedestrian and cycle Corrib bridge across from Galway Cathedral is to be named Droichead an Dochais, or Bridge of Hope.
Over 60 names were proposed by members of the public, and city councillors voted 12 to 4 in favour of the chosen name at last evening's meeting .
Councillor Colette Conolly proposed Droichead Julia Morrisey while John Connolly proposed Droichead Nora Barnacle. 
Meanwhile, Councillor Alan Cheevers voted against Droichead an Dochais for these reasons:

City's new Corrib bridge to be named Droichead an Dochais, or Bridge of Hope

The new pedestrian and cycle Corrib bridge across from Galway Cathedral is to be named Droichead an Dochais, or Bridge of Hope.
Over 60 names were proposed by members of the public, and city councillors voted 12 to 4 in favour of the chosen name at last evening's meeting .
Mayor Eddie Hoare proposed the name while Cllr Terry O'Flaherty also gives her reason for voting in favour 

Local councillor hopeful Tuam bypass works will finish before Friday

There's much frustration today over traffic congestion in Tuam caused by road works which are scheduled to last until Friday
Emergency resurfacing works commenced last night along the Tuam Bypass, causing delays of up to 40 minutes at peak times. 
The sections closed are the Northbound Carriageway from Junction 20 Tuam to Milltown Roundabout and the Southbound Carriageway from Milltown Roundabout to Junction 20 Tuam.
At the Ballygaddy Junction, the Northbound and Southbound On-Slips to the Tuam By-Pass are also closed.
Speaking to Galway Talks, Tuam councillor Donagh Killilea said he is hopeful the works will be completed before Friday.

Councillor calls on Galway businesses to act and apply for government grants to help with increased costs

Fine Gael Councillor Andrew Reddington has urged businesses and Galway County Council to engage regarding a one off Government grant that can help with increased costs.
A €257 million was announced by Minister Simon Coveney in the budget to help businesses but in county Galway, 4789 businesses had yet to make a submission for the scheme ahead of the May 1st deadline.
Councillor Reddington said businesses should apply through the online portal at mycoco.ie if they need assistance, they can contact the County Council which has written to all rate payers with a Customer ID and pin.
Speaking to Galway Bay FM News, Councillor Reddington has called for an extension so that businesses can avail of the grant.
 

Galway Minor Manager Kenneth Burke