Galway Bay fm - News

City Council looks to pilot ‘tourism tax’ for sustainable tourism development

Galway City Council is looking to become a pilot for a new ‘tourism tax’ to support sustainable tourism development. 
The motion was brought forward by Labour Councilor Helen Ogbu at the City Council meeting and was widely supported by councillors.
The tax would be imposed on short-term stay accommodation and be reinvested directly into local services that benefit both residents and visitors. 
Mayor of Galway Peter Keane, who previously put forward a similar motion, says there is plenty of potential for it in Galway

University of Galway SU announce partner charities for upcoming academic year

University of Galway Students' Union has announced its charity partners for the upcoming academic year.
For 2024-2025, they are partnering with Galway Rape Crisis Centre and the Galway Autism Partnership.
Last year, the SU raised over €50,000 for Galway Rape Crisis Centre and Cancer Care West.
Speaking to Galway Talks, Students' Union President Faye Ni Dhomhnaill explains some of the fundraising events planned for the year:

Galway West TD slams 'shared bed student accommodation' offers as shocking and unsuitable

Galway West TD Mairéad Farrell has slammed the situation whereby students are left with no choice but to share a bed.
The Sinn Féin TD says the offering of shared beds is shocking, wholly unsuitable, and a very worrying trend.
She says students under immense pressure to find accommodation, which is leaving them vulnerable to scams and to unsuitable accommodation.Speaking to John Morley on Galway Talks, Deputy Farrell, says this situation proves how desparate the accommodation situation is:
 

Works to be carried out on dangerous bend between Portumna and Killimor

Works are set to be carried out on a dangerous bend between Portumna and Killimor.
The road at Heathlawn has been desrcibed as an accident blackspot, and it's been suggested a safety barrier is needed.
Independent Ireland Councillor Declan Kelly has gotten confirmation that works will take place, but the details are not final yet.
Councillor Kelly explains the dangers on the road and what he feels it needs.

Dr Martin Daly cites need for 'common sense' as reason for going forward for Fianna Fáil candidacy

Ballygar GP Dr Martin Daly has cited the need for 'common sense voices' as one of his reasons for putting his name forward to represent Fianna Fáil for Roscommon-Galway.
The former president of the Irish Medical Organisation announced his intention at a party meeting in Roscommon town last night. 
Dr Daly has been a member of Fianna Fáil for 30 years, and will go up against Senator Eugene Murphy at the party's selection convention later this month. 
Speaking to John Morley, Dr Daly explains why he has chosen now to put his name in the hat for the General Election:

Signage for national speed limit changes to cost €1.2m across County Galway

New signage to be installed across County Galway ahead of the implementation of national speed limit changes will cost €1.2m.
Galway County Council officials say the installation of three thousand new speed limit signs will be needed for the rollout.
Some of the changes will be implemented this November, with all changes to be in place by mid 2025.
Limits will lower to 80km/h on national secondary roads, 60km/h on local and rural roads, and 30km/h in town centres and housing estates.
Tuam Councillor Pete Roache told Kevin Dwyer the success of the changes will be down to policing:

Galway Traveller Movement calls on Government to take mental health of community more seriously

Galway Traveller Movement is urging the Government to take issues surrounding the mental health of the community more seriously
The call comes on World Suicide Prevention Day, which aims to encourage people to help others who might be at risk. 
Every year, an estimated 700,000 people across the world die by suicide and in Ireland, people in the Traveller community are especially vulnerable.
Nora Corcoran from the Galway Traveller Movement wants the Irish Government to take the issue more seriously. 
 

Claims traffic lights in Loughrea are better when out-of-order

Claims are being made that Loughrea is better off with a set of traffic lights being out of order.
The sequence of the lights at the West Bridge was changed over a year ago, and the alteration has been widely blamed for causing long delays in the town.
At the weekend, the lights were not functioning, and Councillor Moegie Maher claims it was the smoothest trafficking weekend he has ever seen in the town.
The lights are expected to be back in operation this evening, which Councillor Maher feels is a shame:

Preliminary design completed for zebra crossing to facilitate university crossing at Salmon Weir

The preliminary design has been completed for a pedestrian crossing which will facilitate students in using the new Salmon Weir bridge to access the University of Galway.
At the moment, pedestrians coming from town heading to the university are still using the old bridge, despite the new Droichead an Dochais being installed.
Designs which have been drawn up for a zebra crossing have been approved in principal, and it's hoped the project can progress quickly.
Councillor Eddie Hoare says once this is done, there are a number of follow up projects for the old bridge:

Fears of major accident in Dunmore due to condition of buildings on main street

There are fears of a major accident in Dunmore town due to the poor condition of the buildings on the main street
Bridge Street is part of a regional road, but Galway East Deputy Sean Canney says that some of the buildings are at the point of collapse 
The Independent Deputy says given its narrow roadway, residents who live there are taking their lives into their hands every time they come out their front doors. 
Deputy Canney is calling on Galway County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland to address this safety issue urgently.