Galway Bay fm - News

No-man's land cited as reason for derelict boat issue at Claddagh Hall

'No-man's land' is being cited as the reason there are derelict boats left sitting opposite Claddagh Hall.
Labour Councillor John McDonagh raised concerns of the boat wrecks, which he says have been sitting there for over a decade.
The city council responsed that the area in question is not owned by the council, and there are difficulties in confirming ownership of the boats.
Councillor McDonagh says while he accepts the complications, he says something does need to be done as they're having a negative impact on the area:
 

City Councillor welcomes confirmation on road safety improvement works

Fine Gael Councillor Eddie Hoare has welcomed confirmation from Galway City Council that major road safety improvement works have been approved and will commence next month.
The works will include the construction of 3 pedestrian crossings at each arm of the Siobhan McKenna Road and Circular Road junction.
Speaking this morning, Councillor Hoare said that it was a positive development.
 

Deputy expresses concern that ACRES Scheme is not delivering for farmers

Independent TD for East Galway Sean Canney has expressed concern the ACRES scheme as designed is not delivering the expected support for farmers.
The Deputy has been contacted by farmers in the area whose applications are being checked by the Department of Agriculture with markings resulting in low grants being issued and not the average grant of €5,000 as indicated by the Department when the scheme was launched.
Speaking this morning, Deputy Canney said that the marking system is non transparent, and it is important the minister rectifies this immediately.

Councillors to request major funding from NTA for city footpath works

Councillors are set to inform the NTA of the €100m needed to upgrade and construct footpaths across Galway city.
Today's meeting of the City Central area heard that local funding is very limited in this regard, which prompted a proposal to bring the issue to the NTA next week.
Councillor Eddie Hoare has said that for many roads, money is the only obstacle as many landowners are largely on board with upgrade works.
Fine Gael Councillor Hoare says footpaths are needed on more roads across the city, not only for safety, but for access to bus routes:

Construction underway on 345-bed student accommodation on Queen Street in city

Construction is underway on a new 345-bed purpose-built student accommodation at Queen Street in Galway City. 
The project, which was granted an extension to its planning permission earlier this year, is due for completion in 2026.
The development is part of Elkstone and Harrison Street's partnership to deliver 1,500 student beds across Ireland by 2028.
The 8-storey building beside Bonham Quay will include common study areas, a gym, bicycle storage, a cinema room, rooftop terrace, and 24/7 reception. 
Mayor of Galway Peter Keane says the development is a welcome one, even if it takes time: 

Sinn Féin launches survey to understand needs of residents in Ballybane

Sinn Féin has launched a survey aimed at gaining an understanding of the needs of people in Ballybane.       
Galway West TD Mairéad Farrell and Councillor Aisling Burke have launched the survey, and will go door-to-door to speak to residents in the area.
They will focus on issues such as dumping and littering, and any other needs the community may have.
Deputy Farrell explains their main aim with the survey:

Croí to launch Ireland's largest mobile stroke prevention hub

Croí is to launch Ireland's largest mobile stroke prevention and heart health hub in Tuam next week.
The Croí Mobile Health Hub is the charity's third community vehicle, following the launches of a Community Mobile Health unit and minibus earlier this year.
Each of the mobile health services have been funded by the Joe & Helen O’Toole Stroke Hub, with the latest donation coming in at €3m.
It will be visiting O'Tooles Supervalu, Tuam, next Thursday September 12th, from 10AM-4PM.
Croí’s Head of Health Programmes, Annie Costelloe, explains what they'll be doing on the day:

Queues form at Galway Cathedral as relics of St.Bernadette of Lourdes go on display

There are queues at Galway Cathedral today for viewing of the relics of St.Bernadette of Lourdes.
Born in 1844, she claimed to see the Mother of God 18 times as a teenager she died from TB in 1879 and was cannonised almost 60 years later.
Relics are traces of the presence of a saint and those of Bernadette will be on view at the city Cathedral until 10 tonight and tomorrow from 9am to 10pm.
The relics will then move to the county where they will be on display in Loughrea Cathedral from 2 on Saturday afternoon until 11pm and on Sunday from 9.30am to 4pm.
Our reporter Chris Benn was in Galway Cathedral today and spoke with people just after they viewed the relics:

Woodford set to host cross-border conference on Galway’s shared heritage

The East Galway Family History Society in Woodford is set to host a cross-border conference delving into Galway’s Ulster heritage 
The event aims to encourage further research into the legacy of migration following the Battle of the Diamond in 1975. 
The two-day event opens with a field trip at 4 tomorrow afternoon starting at Woodford Heritage Centre 
A series of talks take place from 9 on Saturday morning in the adjacent building as Monica Hynes, Manager of East Galway Family History Society outlines
Places are limited and must be reserved prior to arrival by contacting galwayroots@gmail.com. 

Dementia Bus described as 'eye-opener' as it visits Galway city

The dementia bus virtual tour has been described as an 'eye-opener' by people who did the experience in Galway today.
Bluebird Care brought the first-of-its-kind vehicle to Terryland in the city, to coincide with World Alzheimer’s Month.
The virtual simulator allows people to experience the disorientation and memory loss that those with dementia face daily.
Our reporter Sarah Slevin was one of those people to take the virtual tour, and here's how she got on: