Galway Bay fm - News

Government remains "fully committed" to Ros a Mhil expansion despite high court challenge

The Government remains "fully committed" to the major deep-water quay project at Ros a Mhíl in Connemara. 
That was the message delivered at County Hall this week, in relation to a major setback for the multi-million works in recent weeks. 
Despite being almost completed, they had to be stopped due to a High Court challenge taken by an environmental group in Cork. 
Their argument is that an extension of planning permission granted last year did not take into account all necessary EU directives. 
Connemara Fine Gael councillor Padraig Mac An Iomaire told David Nevin it's a ridiculous situation. 

Government remains "fully committed" to Ros a Mhil expansion despite high court challenge

The Government remains "fully committed" to the major deep-water quay project at Ros a Mhíl in Connemara. 
That was the message delivered at County Hall this week, in relation to a major setback for the multi-million works in recent weeks. 
Despite being almost completed, they had to be stopped due to a High Court challenge taken by an environmental group in Cork. 
Their argument is that an extension of planning permission granted last year did not take into account all necessary EU directives. 
Connemara Fine Gael councillor Padraig Mac An Iomaire told David Nevin it's a ridiculous situation. 

Largest Galway Hooker to be used as floating arts space by next Summer

There are big plans in place for the world's largest Galway hooker, which has been donated back to Galway, 
Naomh Bairbre is 47 feet long with a 47-foot-high mast, and is to be used as floating arts space and for sail training, offering a unique platform for sailors and artists.
The classic boat-building and training group, Bádóirí an Chladaigh, says work has begun, and it's expected the vessel will be ready for this new use by next Summer.
Connemara carpenter Steve Mulkerrins built the boat, and Peter Connolly of Bádóirí an Chladaigh says it's the perfect plan for the vessel:

CAP redistribution sees 7% increase in payments for Connacht farmers

A significant redistribution of CAP has resulted in a seven percent payment increase for farmers in Connacht.
The KPMG Report for the Irish Farmers Journal has found counties in Leinster and Munster, are experiencing a drop in payments since 2022.
The CAP payment came into effect last year, and this east-to-west shift is due to a number of factors, including a capping of payments.
Phelim O'Neill, Market Intelligence & EU Specialist with the Irish Farmers Journal, says there will still be outliers to the figures cited in the economic outlook report.

Call for Irish Water to "get to bottom" of water issues on Cleggan/Claddaghduff scheme

There's a call for Irish Water to "get to the bottom" of persistent issues on the Cleggan/Claddaghduff water supply scheme. 
Councillor Eileen Mannion says for weeks, residents have noticed the water has a bad taste and smell. 
Uisce Eireann has seemingly been unable to locate any issue, and has been flushing the mains - but says the water is safe to drink. 
Fine Gael Councillor Mannion feels it's not a reasonable statement given what's coming out of the taps. 

CAP redistribution sees 7% increase in payments for Connacht farmers

A significant redistribution of CAP has resulted in a seven percent payment increase for farmers in Connacht.
The KPMG Report for the Irish Farmers Journal has found counties in Leinster and Munster, are experiencing a drop in payments since 2022.
The CAP payment came into effect last year, and this east-to-west shift is due to a number of factors, including a capping of payments.
Phelim O'Neill, Market Intelligence & EU Specialist with the Irish Farmers Journal, says there will still be outliers to the figures cited in the economic outlook report

Call for M6 works to be suspended for All-Ireland final day

Transport Infrastructure Ireland is being urged to suspend works on the M6 motorway next Sunday for All-Ireland final day.
Galway Senior Footballers take on Armagh, with supporters set to flock to and from Croke Park on the day.
Resurfacing works have been ongoing in recent weeks along the M6, and sections of the motorway are being reduced to one lane.
Ballinasloe Councillor Alan Harney says supporters experienced long delays while travelling to Dublin over the past few weekends, and we need to prevent a repeat this weekend:

Dáil hears 625 people awaiting home care in County Galway

Figures from the HSE show there are 625 people in County Galway awaiting home care.
That's according to Roscommon/Galway TD Claire Kerrane, who has raised the ongoing crisis with the Taoiseach in the Dáil.
The figures show that 314 people are approved for a new home care package and waiting to receive it and 311 are approved for additional hours and waiting to receive them.
Sinn Féin Deputy Kerrane says these people are being failed in a system that has been in crisis now for years.

UHG placing "intense focus" on reducing wait times for the elderly

University Hospital Galway is placing an "intense focus" on reducing wait times for the elderly. 
That was the claim made at the HSE Health Forum West in response to concerns raised about excessive wait times. 
Saolta says in the first 6 months of this year, the number of patients aged 75 and older attending the Emergency Department increased by 10 percent.
And the average waiting time was reduced from 14 hours to 12 and a half hours. 
Fine Gael Councilor Eileen Mannion says the improved figures are welcome - but more must be done.

Step forward for works on new elective surgical hub at Merlin Park

There has been a step forward for works on the buidling on a new elective surgical hub at Merlin Park.
Enabling works for the hub have now commenced, and it is intended that it will be operational next year.
The hub will help take pressure off waiting lists at UHG by performing a large amount of surgeries that are low to medium complexity.
The Merlin Park facility is one of six planned for across the country - all modelled on the successful Reeves Centre at Tallaght Hospital.
Galway West TD Hildegarde Naughton says the hub will provide valuable services as people await progress on a new Elective Hospital.