Galway Bay fm - News

Fitzmaurice slams fear mongering over potential cull of national herd

Local TD Michael Fitzmaurice is slamming the "fear mongering" around suggestions of a massive cull of the national dairy herd. 
The total number may have to be reduced by up to 65 thousand a year over the next 3 years according to a leaked paper from the Department of Agriculture. 
The Agriculture Minister has stressed that no decisions have yet been taken. 
Deputy Fitzmaurice has been speaking to Galway Talks about his plan to start a new rural political party. 
And he criticised the "fear mongering" that's going on with regards talk of culling the national dairy herd. 

Hopes new walking trails in Clarinbridge will be ”economic shot in the arm”

There are hopes that new walking trails in Clarinbridge will serve as a "economic shot in the arm" for the village. 
The Cowpark/Kilcornan Walking Trails will be officially opened this afternoon at 3 (9/6)
The project created several new trails while upgrading existing ones, and takes in woodland, river and meadow walks. 
Local Councillor Martina Kinnane says they'll help make Clarinbridge an essential stop along the Wild Atlantic Way. 

A third of all Mental Health Unit overcapacity instances last year were in UHG

Almost a third of the 33 instances of overcapacity in Mental Health Units last year occurred at University Hospital Galway.
Nationally, the Mental Health Commission's report found there was a major dip in overcapacity on the year previous, when there were 64 instances reported.
2,000 people are living in large mental health institutions, and the report found some residents are sharing rooms, toilets and dining facilities. 
The Mental Health Commission is warning the HSE it'll take action and de-register public mental health centres if compliance with regulations is not improved. 
Commission Chief Executive John Farrelly says there needs to be a move away from institutionalising mental health patients:
 

Relatively high compliance rates for UHG and Merlin Park in Mental Health report

UHG was found to have a 87 percent compliance rate, while the CAMHS In-patient Unit at Merlin Park was given a 94% compliance rate.
Around one third of mental health centres were found to be non compliant with regulations.
Mental Health Commission Chief Executive John Farrelly says although there's been improvement, the HSE must do more:

Galway public urged to report Otter spottings

Salmon Weir Fishery to close due to high water temperatures

O’ Cuiv calls for special fund to raise roads in remote coastal areas

Fitzmaurice rallies support for new rural political party

Anger and frustration as thieves target Circle of Life Garden in Salthill

Galway Chief Fire Officer confirms no residential damage caused by last night’s gorse fire outside city

Galway Chief Fire Officer has confirmed no residential damage was caused by last night's gorse fire outside Galway city.
Fire services attended the scene of the fire at 4PM yesterday in an area of commanage between the townlands of Tonabrocky and Boleybeg.
A section of the Rahoon Road was closed to traffic for a time, and it's understood services from the city, Athenry and An Ceathrú Rua attended the scene.
Speaking to Galway Talks, Chief Gerry O Malley gave an update of the situation