Galway Bay fm - News

Concern over condition of road network and footpaths in Athenry

Concerns are being raised about the unacceptable condition of many road surfaces and public footpaths in Athenry. 
The matter was raised by local councillor Shelly Herterich-Quinn during discussion at County Hall on plans to regenerate Athenry town centre. 
She says the plan could be years away from being realised - and works absolutely cannot afford to wait in many areas. 

Step forward for road safety at Kilcooley National School

Anti-skid surfacing is to be applied to the road passing Kilcooley National School in the coming days.
The Kilmeen Cross and N65 Action Group worked alongside Councillor Declan Kelly to ensure that €47,000 worth of funding was secured for the works. 
Councillor Kelly says seven accidents have occurred along the stretch in the past 2 and a half years.
He explains it's just a temporary solution and shares the long term plan for improving safety along the road:

Strong attendance at public meeting in the city on the Pension Promise Campaign

Housing Minister addresses homelessness and housing supply issues in Galway

Call for action on scourge of disposable vapes dumped in city streets

A Galway city councillor is demanding action be taken on the scourge of disposable vapes being dumped in public areas. 
Councillor Niall McNelis says litter wardens are picking up "scores" of the devices every day, including in parks and along streets. 
He feels the single-use devices should be banned due to their unsustainable nature, as they cannot be recycled at present despite containing batteries. 
Speaking to Galway Talks, Councillor McNelis, said it's a serious concern and effort must be made locally to address it. 

Housing Minister acknowledges homelessness remains a significant issue in Galway

The Housing Minister says homelessness is not confined to Dublin, and remains a significant issue in Galway and other regions too.
Minister Darragh O'Brien has been visiting a number of construction sites across the city today, including in Newcastle and Merlin Woods.
Minister O'Brien also spoke to the team at the construction site for 15 age friendly units off Monivea Road, which are set to be completed before the end of the year.
263 people are now listed as homeless in Galway, according to the latest figures from the Department of Housing.
Speaking to Galway Bay fm news, Minister O'Brien acknowledged the challenges facing Galway in relation to homelessness

Mairead Farrell quotes Shakespeare in Dáil over ”scandalous” student fees

Galway West Deputy Mairead Farrell has quoted Shakespeare in the Dáil to highlight the "scandalous" fees facing third level students. 
She said Ireland is known as the land of saints and scholars - but we shouldn't have a situation where scholars can only be scholars if they have the money to do so.
She argued the constitutions guarantee of free education does not translate into reality and many people face huge barriers in accessing education. . 
Sinn Fein Deputy Farrell said that remains a basic fact no matter what way the Government tries to dress it up.

HSE to lodge plans for ambulance base in Recess in coming weeks

The HSE has confirmed it will submit a planning application for an ambulance base in Recess, Connemara in the coming weeks. 
The base will be located at an existing Community Health Centre building which requires significant refurbishment work.
Recess was announced as the location for the new base last year, after a long-running local campaign for improved services in the region.
The base was expected to be delivered by the start of this year, but delays were encountered in the planning process due to environmental concerns.
Deputy Ó Cúiv says it's positive to hear plans for that base are finally progressing.

Bank of Ireland to launch new hybrid working hub in Galway city today

Bank of Ireland is launching a new hybrid working hub in Galway city today. (July 3)
The hub will be located along the Docks - and will provide a working space for Bank of Ireland employees across the region.
It'll be launched at 2pm by Mayor of Galway City, Eddie Hoare, and Bank of Ireland Group Chief Executive, Myles O'Grady.
Marie Meehan, Head of Bank of Ireland in Galway, outlines what the hub caters for

Deadline approaches for last minute appeals on city centre commercial rates

The deadline for city centre businesses to lodge appeals to any proposed commercial rate hikes is this Monday.
City Councillor and businessman Niall McNelis says some businesses were shocked to discover that rate increases of up to 300% of their current rate are being estimated.
He says these rate changes affect over 500 businesses in the city
Cllr McNelis urges business owners to get in contact with Tailte Eireann, the valuation office before it's too late: