Galway Bay fm - News

Eco showboat leads family event at Portumna Castle this weekend

Man arrested at protest in Ballybrit over arrival of refugees

A man has been arrested during a protest at a new refugee centre in Ballybrit. 
Two blocks at Ballybrit Business Park have been transformed into accommodation for 300 male international protection applicants. 
A protest involving around twenty four people took place late last evening as several buses arrived at the centre. 
Gardaí say it was a peaceful demonstration, but one man was arrested in relation to a public order offence. 
He's now been charged and is due to appear in court at a later date. 
Protestors say they will be returning to hold demonstrations again this evening. 
This is the moment buses arrived at the centre last night. 

Meeting hears no easy fix to serious flooding at South Park pitches

There's no easy fix to repeat flooding at playing pitches at South Park. 
That was the takeaway from this month's meeting of city councillors, which heard the fact the area is built on an old landfill is a major obstacle. 
It means what would be a simple remedial project elsewhere, is an extremely difficult task at South Park due to a range of environmental issues. 
One suggestion put forward by engineers is that the playing pitches may have to be realigned. 
Councillor Eddie Hoare says the main thing is that work is ongoing to solve the issue. 

Demand for housing up 9 percent in Galway

Demand for housing in Galway is up by 9 percent when compared to this time last year. 
That's according to the latest figures from property website Daft.ie. 
Nationally, demand is up by 17 percent when compared to May 2022. 
The largest increase in demand is Dublin at 34 percent, followed by 26 percent in Limerick and 13 percent in Cork. 
Daft.ie Chief Commercial Officer, Adam Ferguson describes why there's so much interest in new homes:

Works paused at Roscam amid concerns over potential ”traffic disaster”

Works in Roscam have been paused amid concerns over a potential "traffic disaster". 
Active Travel Works were taking place at the junction with Doughiska Road at Spar, which would have reduced traffic to a single lane. 
Councillor Alan Cheevers says this would have been absolutely crazy, given the chaotic impact it would have on local traffic coming in and out of Roscom. 
He claims the area is already a major issue because of a history of bad planning, allowing almost 800 homes but only one access road. 
Councillor Cheevers says this plan needs to really go back to the drawing board. 

Safety works underway on dangerous corner in Caherlistrane

Safety works are being carried out today on a dangerous corner in Caherlistrane. 
Contractors are putting in anti-skid markings at Loftus Corner, with road signage to follow. 
It's after a number of incidents in which cars lost control at the corner and ended up in a nearby field. 
Councillor Andrew Reddington says local residents have been looking for these works for years. 

Old tape recordings of East Galway stories and folklore sought for heritage project

A new project is asking people to dig out any old tape recordings of stories and folklore relating to East Galway.
Galway County Council are launching The Audit of Oral Heritage Recordings, in collaboration with Mac Conmara Heritage Consulting.
They are looking to create a comprehensive list of oral heritage recordings across the entire county, starting in the East.
People can get in touch by emailing info.macconmaraheritage@gmail.com.
Dr Tomás Mac Conmara, explains what they are looking for

University of Galway ranked 34th in the world for sustainability

City tech firm to create 50 new jobs

A city-based tech firm has announced it's to create 50 new jobs over the next few years. 
Ex Ordo, based at Dominick Street, provides conference management solutions, with a particular focus on societies. 
It's announced it's secured investment of €3m to develop and expand its platforms. 
Currently, the firm employs 31 people, but it expects that number to more than double to 75 by the end of 2025. 
Speaking to Galway Talks, founder of Ex Ordo, Dermot Lally, explains the roles they're be looking for. 

Demand for action on outstanding pandemic payments owed to Portiuncula staff

There's a demand for accelerated action on delivering pandemic payments to contract staff at Portiuncula Hospital. 
Senator Aisling Dolan has told the Seanad the catering and cleaning staff ARE eligible - but 18 months later, there's still no sign of the payment. 
She was advised that the HSE is still working through Cohort 3, which includes contract and agency staff. 
But Senator Dolan argued it's not good enough and something has to be done to accelerate the whole process.