Galway Bay fm - News

Steady progress being made on Headford Transport Plan

City Flood Defence Scheme a decade away from completion

A flood relief scheme for Galway City is likely to take another ten years before it is completed.
It's in its early stage, with the first of five stages expected to be completed no sooner than the end of 2026.
The plan will be going to the public several times for non-statutory consultation, which has been recommended following similar flood schemes in Cork.
It's described as a significant body of work, with a number of factors to take into account, including aesthetics, environmental, technical and socially.
Labour Councillor John McDonagh accepts the difficulties, but is pressing for interim minor works to take place:

Galway hospitality businesses majorly concerned over challenges to industry

Galway businesses are coming together to voice their major concerns with the current state of the hospitality industry.
Rising costs, in particular energy bills and food prices, are being cited as the main challenges facing the industry.
It was recently revealed that 577 restaurants, cafés, gastropubs and other food-led businesses have closed their doors for good across the country since last September.
Eimear Killian, Manager of Buillin Blasta in Spiddal says there needs to be more value placed on local businesses:
 

Senator Aisling Dolan says new ward for Portiuncula Hospital Ballinasloe is huge step forward

 
Taoiseach Simon Harris has officially opened the new 50 bed ward block at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe 
The project is providing replacement beds rather than extra beds, but in far more modern facilities, including single-bed private rooms.
The Taoiseach met with hospital staff, local councillors and elected members, most of whom have been involved in this project since it broke ground in 2019
Ballinasloe-based Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan says the project is a huge step forward for Portiuncla Hospital

Taoiseach says the new modern bed block will be transformational for Portiuncula Hospital Ballinasloe

Taoiseach Simon Harris has officially opened the new 50 bed ward block at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe 
The project is providing replacement beds rather than extra beds, but in far more modern facilities, including single-bed private rooms.
The Taoiseach met with hospital staff, local councillors and elected members, most of whom have been involved in this project since it broke ground in 2019
He says this new block will be transformational for the hospital

Court Services urged to repair 'vital' car-parking area on Dublin Road in Tuam

The Courts Services are being urged to repair an area of car parking it owns on the Dublin Road in Tuam.
It's described as a vital space for the community, in particular for use by parents and staff of the nearby Educate Together Primary School.
Concerns are being raised by the school regarding pick-up and drop-off facilities, with upgrades out of their hands due to the ownership of the space.
Independent Ireland Councillor for the area, Shaun Cunniffe, is asking for the relevant authorities to do all they can to bring the space back into use:

Galway Hospice prepares for open evening for Palliative Care Week

Galway Hospice is hosting an open evening later coinciding with Palliative Care Week.  
The event includes a video titled ‘A Day in the Life at Galway Hospice’, followed by a presentation from Therapies Manager Joan Boult. 
Tomorrow, an event will take place in the Ard Rí Hotel in Tuam from 9.30 to 2 for healthcare workers interested in palliative care. 
Today's open event at Galway Hospice takes place from 5 to 7 this evening, and gives attendees a chance to ask questions about the service. 
Director of Nursing Mairead Carr, says the aim is to show palliative care, which is for people living with serious illness, is nothing to fear

Two Galway craftsmen set to represent Ireland on the international stage

Two Galway craftsmen are set to represent Ireland on the international stage when they take part in the 2024 World Skills event this week.
Joe Kelly from Kilkerrin and Aillebrack-native Keith Roberts are part of Team Ireland, set to compete in the Joinery and Cabinetmaking categories respectively.
Team Ireland will hope to add to their 63 Gold medals as the 47th WorldSkills Competition opens this evening in Lyon.
Full-time student Keith Roberts says it's a tough competition but they're hoping to make an impact in Lyon:

Two Galway craftsmen set to represent Ireland on the international stage

Two Galway craftsmen are set to represent Ireland on the international stage when they take part in the 2024 World Skills event this week.
Joe Kelly from Kilkerrin and Aillebrack-native Keith Roberts are part of Team Ireland, set to compete in the Joinery and Cabinetmaking categories respectively.
Team Ireland will hope to add to their 63 Gold medals as the 47th WorldSkills Competition opens this evening in Lyon.
Speaking to our reporter Chris Benn, apprentice carpenter Joe Kelly explains how the competition works:

Galway student wins award for portable chemotherapy 'scalp-cooling' device

A Galway student has won an award for designing a portable chemotherapy 'scalp-cooling' device. 
Olivia Humphreys designed 'Athena', after being inspired by seeing her mother undergo treatment for cancer in 2019.
Her battery-powered device, which allows patients to spend more time at home scooped Ireland’s James Dyson Award, 
Olivia has been offered a research and development engineer internship by Luminate Medical, based in Ballybrit.
She's been explaining how it works, and why it's so important for patients like her mum.