Galway Bay fm - News

Plans unveiled for 11-turbine wind farm near Clonberne

Proposals to develop an 11-turbine wind farm near Clonberne have been unveiled. The proposed farm would be located to the west of the village, and could generate enough electricity to supply over 48,000 homes. A planning application is expected to be launched in early 2023, with plans available to view on clonbernewindfarm.com Owen Cahill of Planning and Environmental Consultants MKO says the proposals are just the first step of a lengthy process.

UHG is first Irish hospital to introduce innovative coronary artery surgery

UHG has become the first hospital in the country to introduce a new minimally invasive surgery for coronary artery bypass grafting. The endoscopic radial harvest programme reduces significantly the risk of complications and infection for the patient. The procedure was carried out for the first time in Ireland by Dr Sadiq Siddiqui at University Hospital Galway. Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon at UHG Alan Soo explains what's involved in the surgery:

TD Denis Naughten calls on employers to make use of rural digital hubs

Local TD Denis Naughten is calling on employers to interact more with digital hubs in rural Ireland, to allow employees to operate a more flexible working regime. Speaking ahead of the first ever National Hub Summit in Athlone this morning, the Roscommon/Galway TD says hubs and the services they provide can bring significant added value to employers. Deputy Naughten says while not all employees are in a position to work exclusively from home,  digital hubs give them choice

Concern over lack of progress on specialist eating disorder team for young people in Galway

Concerns are being raised over a lack of progress in establishing a specialist eating disorder team to support young people in Galway.  The community team would operate under Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, or CAMHS.  It was announced in September of last year, in response to increasing numbers of young people presenting for treatment.  But, at a meeting of the Health Forum West this week, it was confirmed that the HSE have been unable to secure a clinical lead for the team,  Councillor John Connolly says while treatment is still available, it's not to the standard a specialist team would provide. 

Galway Simon Community launch urgent Christmas appeal

Galway Simon Community have launched an urgent appeal for the Christmas period. There was a 40% increase in the number of families in the West in Emergency Accommodation this year, compared to last. Galway Simon Community helped over 1,200 individuals in the first nine months of this year, which included 195 families and 420 children. Fintan Maher, head of Fundraising and Communications in Galway Simon, believes the housing crisis is the main culprit.

Clifden District Hospital to close for the next four days due to staffing issues

Staffing problems at Clifden District Hospital have forced its closure for the next four days - from tomorrow until Sunday Staff in both St. Anne’s CNU and Clifden Hospital have been covering the roster by agreeing to work on their days off and annual leave days.   Nurses have therefore built up significant amounts of annual leave and time owing and the HSE says these 4 days will give staff the opportunity to avail of some of this time. HSE Community Healthcare West says it will continue to review staffing levels to ensure safe sustainable services are provided.   The Health authority has also pointed out it's currently running a bespoke recruitment campaign for staff nurses for Clifden with interviews due to take place in the first week of December However local councillor Eileen Mannion says this saga is ongoing, and it's vital that the hospital re-opens on Monday, and is protected into the future

Senator Ollie Crowe calls for tougher sentences for ”thugs” who attack emergency services workers

Senator Ollie Crowe is calling for tougher sentences for "thugs" who attack emergency services workers. It comes following recent attacks on Gardaí in Ballyfermot in Dublin, but also includes firefighters and health workers. Senator Crowe says there were 41 cases of direct physical assault attacks on ambulance staff alone in 2020 and 2021. Raising the issue in the Seanad, the local senator referred to people who attack first responders as "thugs":

Poetry book promoting mental health to be launched in Galway city

An online community known as The Poetry Cooperative who promote engagement in the arts to support mental health is launching a poetry book in aid of two Galway charities All proceeds from the book, called 'Fear-Less' will go to local mental health organisations Jigsaw and Art in Mind.   It'll be launched at the Harbour Hotel at 8 tomorrow evening (thurs nov 24)  The project is the brainchild of Gerald Cosgrove - who talks about the inspiration behind the book.

Health Minister challenges UHG management on performance

The Health Minister is challenging management at University Hospital Galway on its performance. UHG, University Hospital Limerick and Cork University Hospital, are considered the most overcrowded hospitals in the country. Using performance-tracking data, Minister Stephen Donnelly has been touring these hospitals and speaking to managers as to why problems are not being resolved.  First, Stephen McMahon, from the Irish Patients Association, spoke to Sally-Ann Barrett about the managers' current level of accountability: Second, speaking to Galway Talks, Councillor John Connolly has said it's clear infrastructure in hospitals outside of Dublin is not up to scratch:

Galway universities receive almost €3m in student support funding

Galway universities are receiving up to three million euro in student support funding. The Student Assistance fund will go toward cost of living support along with mental health and wellbeing support. University of Galway has received over one million euro, while almost two million is being spread out among ATU campuses. ATU Galway Student's Union Vice President for Welfare, Sarah Mahon, says the funding is in demand.