Galway Bay fm - News

Local Senator says planned changes to laws on sexual offences long overdue

A new bill that aims to strengthen the law around sexual offences, consent and protections for victims of abuse and trafficking is long overdue. 
That's according to Local senator and Green Party chair Pauline O' Reilly, who played a role in drafting the legislation. 
The changes could also see anyone providing character references for people convicted of sexual offences being cross examined in court.
Senator O' Reilly says that's an important aspect of the bill. 

County council confirms new playground to be built in Claregalway

Galway County Council has confirmed a new community playground is to be built in Claregalway. 
The long sought development will be part of the planned Droim na Gaoithe affordable and social housing development at Lakeview Road. 
Planning permission for the housing development will be sought from An Bord Pleanala in the coming weeks. 
Councillor James Charity says the playground will be for the entire community.  

Claims teenage shoplifting out of control in city centre

Ciaran Cannon says drop in TV license renewals ”severe warning from public”

Galway East TD and member of the Oireachtas Media Committee, Ciaran Cannon, says the huge drop in TV license renewals is a "severe warning" from the general public. 
New figures show renewals fell by a quarter in the first week in July following the recent controversies surrounding the broadcaster.
There's also a 40 percent fall in new sales compared to the previous year.
Fine Gael Deputy Cannon says the figures speak for themselves. 

World renowned actor says Arts Festival continues Galway tradition of producing great culture

World renowned actor Colm Meaney says the Arts Festival is continuing the Galway tradition of producing great culture
Mr Meaney and his daughter Brenda officially opened the 46th Galway International Arts Festival at a packed function in the Galmont Hotel last night
They were fresh off the stage of their festival show, the Enda Walsh play bedbound
Mr Meaney said thousands of artists and thousands of audiences have come together since the festival began in 1978, making a worldwide impact

Gerry Coy reports on some of the highlights of this year’s festival

GIAF 2023 opens today with 119 events over the next two weeks

Councillor slams ”rat thugs” targetting homes in Corrandulla

Petition over imminent closure of Tuam childcare facility draws 2 thousand signatures

Almost 2,000 have signed a petition to stop the closure of a childcare facility in Tuam.
Happily Ever After on Bishop Street in Tuam caters for 120 children from 81 local families - and employs 24 people.
It says Tuam Parish Council is not renewing its lease due to the costs required for fire safety works.
Speaking to Galway Talks, co-owner Sara Walsh, says families will be left in a difficult position if the facility closes:

Local TD says home care crisis caused by shortage of allocated hours

Local TD Denis Naughten says that almost 6,500 people are waiting for home help hours due to a lack of additional minutes allocated to primary care networks.
Deputy Naughten says that just 37 additional minutes have been allocated to each primary care network.
He says that this means just 90 seconds of additional home help per day is available to meet the needs of elderly people or people with disabilities in East Galway.
Deputy Naughten says that funding is available, but staffing shortages mean promised hours cannot be delivered.