Galway Bay fm - News

Clare Kerrane asks where Government sees firefighter crisis leading

Meanwhile, in the Dáil, local TD Clare Kerrane questioned where the Government sees all of this ending up. 
She said firefighters don't want to be on the picket lines but have been forced into this situation by an extremely disrespectful Government. 

Local retained firefighters vow to keep action going until resolution is found

The Government is being warned that there could be mass resignations among the fire service next week. 
It comes amid an ongoing row over pay for retained firefighters, with strike action earmarked for next week. 
There were heated scenes in the Dáil this afternoon as Government Ministers clashed with opposition members on the issue. 
Sarah Slevin was in the city this afternoon to speak to local firefighters on the picket line.  

Declan Geraghty to prioritise rural crime as Ballinasloe District Chairperson

Councillor Declan Geraghty says he is passionate about putting an end to rural crime in his term as Ballinasloe District Chairperson
Cllr. Geraghty has been unanimously voted as Catahoirleach for the final term of the current Council before next year's local elections
He was nominated by Councillors Dermot Connolly and Peter Keaveney.
Cathaoirleach Geraghty says he wants to particularly focus on drugs in the local area.

Contract staff protest at UHG over ongoing lack of pandemic payment

Contract staff took part in a protest at UHG today, over continued delays to their pandemic bonus payments. 
The payment was announced in January 2022, and was paid relatively quickly to those on the HSE pay-roll. 
But non-HSE staff working under contract have faced extreme delays, with many like those protesting today still waiting despite being approved. 
SIPTU says the situation is an absolute disgrace, that frontline staff including security, cleaners and catering staff are being treated in this manner. 
These people today said it's a very unfair situation. 

Backlash over new system of booking city council playing pitches

A proposed new online system of booking City Council-owned playing pitches has come in for strong criticism. 
The matter came up for discussion at this month's meeting of the local authority. 
It was claimed the current system of booking the pitches had worked adequately over the years and that the online system could lead to added difficulties and costs for clubs.
Criticism was levelled at Council management for what was termed a lack of consultation and the matter is now to be further scrutinised over the next 6 months
Councillor Declan McDonnell outlined his concerns to Máirtín Ó Catháin. 

SIPTU staging protest at UHG today over COVID-19 payments

SIPTU is staging protests at UHG and two other hospitals in Dublin and Limerick over what it says has been a major insult by the Government.
It's 5,000 members in the health sector were promised one thousand euro as a special Covid 19 recognition payment on behalf of the State, however the money hasn't been paid.
The protest at UHG's Nurses' Home will take place at 2:15, while picketers will be outside Beaumont Hospital Dublin and University Hospital Limerick from 11am
SIPTU regional organiser in Galway, Mary Mullins, says "Doctor Leo Varadkar" is showing no respect whatsoever for his colleagues in the medical profession.

Dunnes Edward Square to sell wedding dresses from Friday

Wedding dresses could be coming to a supermarket near you.
Dunnes Stores has launched a new bridal collection by Irish designer Joanne Hynes.
It ranges in price from 50 to 400 euro.
It will only be available in select stores in Dublin, Cork and Galway from Friday morning - with the collection available in Galway at Edward Square.
Editor of weddings website, One Fab Day, Jessica O'Sullivan says the new collection will appeal to brides looking for an affordable, designer alternative.

Pauline O Reilly says social media exposes ”filthy underbelly of hatred” in society

Green Party Chair and local senator Pauline O' Reilly says social media has exposed the "dirty, filthy" underbelly of hatred in Irish society. 
Contributing to a debate on the Government's new hate crime bill, she said it's "restricting freedom for the common good". 
Senator O' Reilly told the Seanad that that is the purpose of all law and all legislation, to achieve a balance that benefits society. 

Noel Thomas focusing on greenway discussions as new Connemara District Chairperson

Councillor Noel Thomas is focusing on discussions in relation to the greenway for his term as Connemara District Chairperson.
The Fianna Fáil councillor has been unanimously voted as Cathaoirleach for the final term of the current council before next year’s local elections.
Councillor Thomas is hopeful more meaningful engagement will happen with landowners in relation to the Galway to Oughterard greenway.
He told our Mairtín O Catháin, says face-to-face discussions are needed more going forward:

City to host event to celebrate Men’s Health Week

A special event will take place in the city tomorrow to celebrate Men's Health Week. 
It's organised by Healthy Galway City in association with Galway City Council. 
It'll promote good health and wellbeing for men through a range of information, advice and workshops. 
It takes place at Aras na nGael, Dominick Street, tomorrow from 1pm until 4.30pm. 
Co-ordinator Aisling Colreavy says it's open to men of all ages - and explains what people can expect to see on the day.