Galway Bay fm - News

Call for dereliction order for old Tuam Courthouse

Tuam Town council has heard strong criticism over the lack of action in redeveloping the old Tuam Courthouse and adjoining sports centre.
Councillor Karey McHugh says the courts services committed to carrying out works for a new courthouse in Tuam back in 2017.
However, she says nothing has progressed and the Dublin Road buildin has become an eyesore since it was closed almost 20 years ago.
Councillor McHugh told our reporter Kevin O'Dwyer that a dereliction order is needed

Council to seek funding to improve safety on road near Sylane National School

Tuam area councillors have backed a motion to seek funding to improve safety on a road beside Sylane National School in Corofin.
A recent council meeting heard the Board of Management at the school are concerned with traffic problems in the area during peak times.
It was suggested a private road at the side of the school be taken under council control to address the safety concerns.
However, Director of Services Derek Pender said that could not be done without securing independent funding.
Councillor Pete Roche told our reporter Kevin O'Dwyer the council will explore a number of options:

Supermacs boss Pat McDonagh calls for end to GAAGO paywall

Leading Galway businessman Pat McDonagh is calling for the removal of a paywall for matches via GAAGO.
As one of the biggest GAA county team sponsors, the Supermacs boss wants all games to be free-to-air.
It comes as GAA and RTE representative are to answer questions about the site in front of an Oireachtas Media Committee today.
He has written to Croke Park to highlight the drawbacks a sponsor faces when games go behind a paywall. 
RTÉ Head of Sport Declan McBennett - who is also a board member of the streaming site - is expected to defend the decision to air high-profile games behind a paywall.
Speaking to Galway Talks, Pat says GAAGO is alienating matches from many people here:

Irish Cancer Society offering free health checks at Galway Shopping Centre

Questions over ability of County Council to maintain social housing stock

Concerns new county litter plan not sufficient to tackle illegal dumping

Concerns are being raised that the new county litter management plan doesn't go far enough in tackling illegal dumping. 
The plan covers the period from 2023 until 2025, and was discussed at a meeting of Tuam councillors this week. 
There was praise for the design and presentation of the plan and there was general agreement it should be backed by councillors. 
But Councillor Pete Roche is concerned there won't be enough investment and illegal dumping will remain a major problem. 

Galway East’s Ciaran Cannon puts Noel Kelly through the ringer at Oireachtas committee

Funding awarded for ”off-season” city events and festivals

Tuam group urge council to increase focus on cyclist safety on local roads

Mairead Farrell says Government ”waltzing into disaster” on nursing homes

The Government is "waltzing into disaster" when it comes to nursing home care in this country. 
That's the view of Galway West Deputy Mairead Farrell, who says the Government has not done close to enough to halt the closure of homes nationwide. 
She told the Dáil that 34 homes have closed since 2020 and many providers are now indicating they won't survive until the end of the year. 
Sinn Fein Deputy Farrell said the Government has tried to intervene to a limited extent, but what is has done to date has clearly failed to work. 
She argued that immediate and urgent action is needed to not only halt closures, but expand capacity.