Galway Bay fm - News

Hildegarde Naughton brings legislation this week to make sale of vapes to under 18s illegal

Galway West TD and Minister Hildegarde Naughton has brought legislation to the Dáil this week to make the sale of vapes to under 18s illegal.
The Tobacco & Nicotine Inhaling Products Bill will also ban the advertising of such products at children's events.
Minister for Public Health, Well Being and the National Drugs Strategy, Hildegarde Naughton, brought the second stage of the bill forward yesterday.
Deputy Naughton explains what else is included in the bill:

Ombudsman received 221 complaints from Galway last year

The Ombudsman received 221 complaints from Galway last year, the third most in the country.
Of those, 56 were about the County Council, 45 about the City Council, and 8 about University of Galway. 
Nationally, a record high of 4,791 complaints against public services and organisations were sent into the Office of the Ombudsman.
A large number of complaints were about passport applications, while the Office also received complaints relating to shortcomings in public transport for people with disabilities.
The Ombudsman, Ger Deering, says promises were made ten years ago to develop an appropriate scheme: 

Response needed from Uisce Eireann on 2-month long Loughrea Boil Water Notice

Local councillor Moegie Maher is demanding a response from Uisce Éireann in relation to a Boil Water Notice in the area.
The notice was first issued on the 30th of March, and still remains in place, according to Irish Water's website.
He is refreshing his call for Uisce Éireann to revert back to using the Loughrea Lake as the area's water source.
Councillor Maher says many elderly people in the area are still unaware, and communication is once again an issue:

Health Minister urged to review working of Health Forum West in row over Loughrea Day Centre

The Health Minister is being asked to urgently review the workings of the Health Forum West in a row over the Loughrea Day Centre campaign.  
The forum is comprised of senior HSE officials and councillors from the North-West region, and meets once a month to discuss local health issues. 
But Councillor Declan Kelly says a recent meeting has shown it's becoming a "talking shop" where HSE officials decide the narrative. 
Councillor Kelly says valid comments about the ongoing Loughrea Day Care Centre campaign weren't noted because they apparently conflicted with standing orders.
David Nevin spoke to Councillor Kelly earlier, and he argues it's an attempt to smother the story. 

Mairead Farrell says national plan needed to combat scams and fraud

A major national plan is needed to combat the massive recent increase in financial fraud and scams. 
That's according to Galway West TD Mairead Farrell, who says people are getting caught by increasingly sophisticated operations.  
She says since 2019, account takeover fraud has risen by almost 600 percent, while phishing scams have increased by more than 400 percent. 
Speaking to Galway Talks, Sinn Fein Deputy Farrell says the Government was advised that a national plan is needed - but nothing has happened. 

Renmore singer dedicates song about Kevin Costner to foster children

A Renmore-native singer says his new single about Kevin Costner is dedicated to foster children and foster parents across Ireland. 
Daniel Cohen's new track is simply titled "Kevin Costner", a reference to the fact that he idolised the Hollywood actor as a child. 
Daniel grew up in foster care and says he viewed Kevin Costner as a sort of father figure. 
He recently sent a baseball and sliotar for him to sign, and was delighted to get both back sporting Costner's iconic signature. 
The humorous track contains references to many of the Oscar winners most famous movies, as well as popular TV show Yellowstone. 

Donagh Killilea prioritises community groups and budgetary matters as new Tuam District chairperson

Newly elected Tuam District chairperson, Donagh Killilea, is placing community groups and budgetary matters top of the agenda.
The Fianna Fáil councillor was appointed as the new Cathaoirleach of Municipal District of Tuam for the fourth time.
Kevin O'Dwyer spoke to councillor Killilea about his priorities for the year:

University of Galway to launch ”MicroCreds” learning courses

University of Galway is launching new "MicroCreds" learning courses tomorrow.
Micro-credentials are small, accredited courses designed to meet the upskilling and reskilling needs of adult learners, businesses and organisations. 
The launch will co-incide with an Adult Learning Information Evening at the Human Biology Building from 5.30 to 7.30pm. 
Project lead, Janice Mulvany Glennon, says while short courses aren't new, MicroCreds is a unique offering from a university. 

First-ever biodiversity officer appointed at Galway County Council

Galway County Council has appointed its first-ever biodiversity officer, with €100,000 secured for 11 local projects.
Salthill-native Rosina Joyce is taking on the new role, having worked in environmental enforcement and biodiversity over the past 15 years.
Part of the role involves carrying out conservation projects, developing relevant policies and raising awareness.
Speaking about her appointment, Rosina outlines what she wants to achieve for biodiversity in Galway:

Jimmy McClearn prioritises increased resources as Loughrea District chairperson

Newly elected Loughrea District chairperson Jimmy McClearn is aiming to increase council resources for the local area. 
Councillor McClearn has been unanimously voted as Cathaoirleach for the final term of the current council before next year’s local elections. 
The Fine Gael councillor promised at the recent meeting that he will be aiming to restore an engineer for Portumna, as there is currently just one shared between there and Loughrea. 
Cathaoirleach McClearn says it’s crucial there are enough staff and resources to achieve more for the district.