Galway Bay fm - News

Local TD says Government falling far short in supports for eating disorders

The Government is falling short in addressing the long-running crisis in care, support and services for people with eating disorders.
That's according to local TD Claire Kerrane, who's raised the matter in the Dáil.
She said there's a desperate need for more inpatient beds and specialist training.
Sinn Fein Deputy Kerrane told Tánaiste Simon Harris she recently attended a briefing by Cared Ireland, which laid bare how people are struggling.

Claire Kerrane

Local TD tells Dáil not one single affordable house built in East Galway

Not one single affordable home has been delivered in East Galway in many, many years.
That's according to Galway East TD Louis O'Hara, who's told the Dáil it's little wonder we're in a housing crisis when we look at the Government's record.
The Sinn Fein TD also claimed the Government misled the public by focusing on housing commencement notices rather than the number of homes completed last year.
Deputy O'Hara then took aim at plans to abolish Rent Pressure Zones.

Catherine Connolly demands clarity from Taoiseach over mixed messages on Tenant in Situ scheme

Galway West TD Catherine Connolly has demanded clarity from the Taoiseach over mixed messages on the Government's Tenant in Situ scheme.
It allows local authorities to buy properties where tenants are facing eviction because the landlord is selling the property.
Deputy Connolly said the Department of Housing has told Galway City Council the scheme is currently suspended.
But, she said, the Department itself is saying it is not - and she asked Michéal Martin for clarity.
He replied after Deputy Connolly told the Dáil that 11 tenants are currently at risk of homelessness if the scheme doesn't come through.

Widow of rugby legend Anthony Foley to address Galway Novena on grief

Olive Foley, widow of rugby legend Anthony Foley is to give an address on grief at this year's Galway Novena which gets underway tomorrow (mon feb 17)
Mother of two Olive lost her husband Axel Foley in 2016 when he died suddenly from heart disease at the age of 42 and her talk at the Novena on Day 8 is entitled 'Grief: The Price of Love'
Each day will feature a different speaker reflecting on their personal stories and insights into faith, resilience, grief and love.
The theme of the 41st event is the Novena as a place of shelter, reflection and hope for people from every walk of life, young to old, strong in faith or searching for meaning.
The weekday sessions are 11am, 1.10pm and 7.30pm with evening candlelight sessions at 8.30 and 9.30 while the full schedule is on GalwayCathedral.ie
Operations Manager Helena O'Shea says the Novena is made possible by the wonderful work of their volunteers.

Michael Fitzmaurice says Storm Eowyn turned "Eamon Ryan's dream into a nightmare"

The impact and devastation of Storm Eowyn turned "Eamons Ryan's dream into a nightmare".
That's according to local TD Michael Fitzmaurice, as he reflected on the countless homes left without heating in the aftermath of the storm.
Independent Ireland Deputy Fitzmaurice told the Dáil the situation clearly proved the value of a chimney.

Pres Athenry FT

Local TD questions Taoiseach on "silence" from ESB on storm compensation

A local TD has questioned the Taoiseach on the "silence" from the ESB on potential compensation for those worst affected by Storm Eowyn.
Claire Kerrane told the Dáil she was equally concerned about the Taoiseach and Government silence on the issue.
She said many people across Galway and Roscommon went more than two weeks without power, as well as water and heating in some cases.
Deputy Kerrane asked Michéal Martin if the ESB could suspend standing charges and provide a goodwill payment.
But the Taoiseach indicated this will not be possible.

All systems go at University of Galway for this year's RAG Week

t's all systems go at the University of Galway for this year's RAG Week, which gets underway today.
The Raise and Give campaign is aimed at raising funds for the Galway Rape Crisis Centre and Galway Autism Partnership.
Extra Garda patrols will take place in Galway City and Gardaí are reminding students to be mindful of others and to be safe.
Community Policing Gardaí has liaised with the universities, student unions, resident and community groups, publicans, off-licence operators and Galway City Council.
Members will be actively visiting licensed premises, and there will be extra patrols from the Garda Community Policing Unit, Drug Unit and Roads Policing Units.
Events will run until Friday, with activities such as a Firewalk, a charity auction, and a 5KM fun run taking place.
Students Union President Faye Ní Dhomhnaill talks through the highlights of the week
 

Midlands - North West MEP Says Minister for Justice must prioritise implementation of EU human trafficking law

Midlands-North West MEP Maria Walsh has written to Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan to request details on his plans for the implementation of the law given new data highlighting the growing threat of human trafficking.
According to a UN report published this week, trafficking for forced labour has increased by 47% compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Speaking this afternoon, MEP Walsh, who is a member of the Justice & Home Affairs Committee, said that During the period 2021 - 2022, there were over 17,000 victims of trafficking registered in the EU and those figures are only what is known.