Galway Bay fm - News

City councillor calls for ’winter truce’ eviction ban

It's claimed the Government is taking an incredibly reckless approach to the housing crisis - as a perfect storm is coming this winter. 
City councillor Niall McNelis says a 'winter truce' eviction ban must be urgently put in place. 
He claims since the lifting of the eviction ban in April, there's been a steady increase in homelessness - and the problem is only going to get worse. 

Galway Holiday Makers safe as wildfires rage on the Island of Rhodes

The Department of Foreign Affairs is advising Irish citizens in Rhodes to be alert and stay away from areas affected by wildfires.
A spokesperson says the Department has been contacted by a number of Irish citizens impacted by the fires.
They also say that anyone planning to travel to the island should check with their travel operator or hotel to see if the area they are planning to travel to is impacted by the wildfires.
30 thousand people have been moved to safety on Rhodes.
Galway Windsurfer Dr Barra Nevin is on holiday in Rhodes and sent this report to Galway Bay FM News and described in detail what has happened on the island overnight and this morning

Galway Deputy receives confirmation that National Clinical Programme for the treatment of ADHD has not been extended to Community Health West

Galway Independent Deputy Sean Canney has called on the Department of Health to extend ADHD Services to the Galway Area following confirmation that the National Clinical Programme for the treatment of Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (or ADHD) has not yet been extended to the Community Health West.
Deputy Canney was also advised as to when this service would be put in place.
Speaking to Galway Bay FM this morning, Deputy Canney called on the HSE to Implement this programme immediately.

2023 Dunmore Annual Festival expected to be one of the biggest and most inclusive yet

The 49th Dunmore Annual Festival is expected to be one of the biggest in the history of the event and will begin on Friday the 4th of August.
The programme launch took place on Friday evening last by Mayor of Galway County Council, Councillor Liam Carroll and the 2023 edition will run until the 13th of August with events planned throughout the ten days.
One of the aims of this year's festival is to be fully inclusive with one of the highlights a Sensory Express Bus among other special treats for young and old.
Chairperson Roslyn Martyn spoke to John Mulligan.

UD Arts and Sciences exhibition focusing on mental health opens in University of Galway

A new exhibition called 'Mindscapes', focusing on mental health and wellbeing has opened in the University of Galway (wed july 12) and will run for three weeks  (12th July- 2nd Aug)
10 artists and 14 academic researchers from the Universities of Galway, Oxford, Edinburgh, Birmingham and London have contributed to the exhibition.
The free event will run daily from 10am to 6pm from until August 2nd in the University’s Art Gallery. 
Each artist chose a mental health topic, such as bipolar disorder, and was paired with an academic who researched it
Dr Jane Conway, Research Lecturer with Galway's School of Psychology explains another topic was the health benefits of sea swimming

Barbie fever hits Galway as audiences share their review of the movie

Barbie fever has certainly hit Galway as audiences have been packing out cinemas today for its release.
The highly-anticipated movie, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, hit Irish cinemas for the first time today.
Tickets for the movie are almost sold out at Galway city's four cinemas this weekend.
Sarah Slevin has been gauging the reaction from audiences and brings us this feature:

Positive reviews of Barbie following first screening in Galway city

There has been a positive reaction to the Barbie movie from the audience of its first Galway city screening.
The highly-anticipated movie, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, hit Irish cinemas for the first time today.
Tickets for Barbie on its opening day are almost sold out at the city's four cinemas.
These people shared their reaction after today's first screening at the Eye Cinema:

Maria Walsh says ”time to turn up the heat” and give firefighters what they deserve

MEP for this region, Maria Walsh, says it's "time to turn up the heat" and give firefighters what they deserve. 
It's as retained firefighters are set to resume industrial action next week in a row over pay and conditions. 
They claim the service is on the brink of collapse - and Government have completely failed to offer realistic proposals. 
Speaking to Galway Talks, MEP Walsh says the issue is not unique to Ireland and has been raised at EU Commission level. 
She says people who put their lives at risk delivering a vital public service deserve fair compensation and working conditions. 

Minister Rabbitte praises ”common sense” inclusion of fixed track hoists to housing adapation grant

Galway East TD and Minister Anne Rabbitte is praising the "common sense" inclusion of fixed track hoists to the Housing Adaptation Grant. 
Under the scheme, grants of up to €30 thousand are available to help those with a disability to adapt their homes. 
Minister Rabbitte says the inclusion of hoists has been long-sought - and will make a huge difference to many families and individuals. 

Council confirms no shortage of lifeguards on Galway beaches

Galway's Water Safety Development Officer says there is no shortage of lifeguards on county and city beaches.
Shane Coogan says Galway City and County Lifeguard Service is fully-staffed and operational for the summer season.
Local authorities across Ireland had recently reported a scarcity of lifeguards, however Galway is not suffering the same problem.
There are currently 55 lifeguards hired for beaches across the city and county - which outnumbers the 45 positions available.
Deputy CEO of Water Safety Ireland, Roger Sweeney says while it's positive the beaches are well monitored, people still need to be careful in the water: