Galway Bay fm - News

First-of-its-kind Dementia Bus stopping in Terryland this Thursday

Bluebird Care is bringing the first-of-its-kind, Dementia Bus, to Galway city this week.
The virtual simulator allows people to experience the disorientation and memory loss that those with dementia face daily.  
September is World Alzheimer’s Month, which aims to raise awareness and to challenge the stigma around dementia. 
The Dementia Bus will be at Dunnes Stores Terryland Shopping Centre this Thursday from 10:30AM-5PM.
Managing Director of Bluebird Care, Suzanne Ryan has been speaking to Sarah Slevin about the Dementia Bus:

University of Galway Students’ Union launches subsidised Life Skills courses

University of Galway Students’ Union has launched Life Skills courses.
The subsidised courses aim to increase students' practical knowledge, improve employment prospects and boost their CVs.
The courses on offer include Sign Language, Self Defence, Heart Saver AED Training, Mental Health and Suicide Awareness courses, and Financial Resilience Training.
Students Union President, Faye Ní Dhomhnaill says the initiative prepares students for the future:

Concern Group against Portumna power generator cautiously optimistic as permission refused for one section

The Concern Group against the proposed Portumna power generator is cautiously optimistic as planning permission has been refused for one section, the energy storage facility
There has been major local opposition to the project at Coolpowra which also includes a reserve gas-fired power generator, and a grid substation.
The site is around 5km north west of Portumna and almost 4km south east of Killimor.
Permission for the energy storage facility was refused on three grounds - one of which was that the road network isn't suitable.
County planners also felt the project hadn’t shown that nearby conservation sites wouldn’t be affected, and that the energy storage facility is premature 
Speaking to Galway Talks, Paul Madden spokesperson East Galway Gas Plant Concern Group says they've made submissions against the other two sections of the project:

Virtual healthcare rolled out for COPD patients in Galway

A new virtual healthcare programme is helping reduce hospital stays for COPD patients across Galway.
The MyPatientSpace app allows patients to track key health metrics, while also monitoring real-time information and alerting medical professionals of any unusual changes.
It has been successfully trialled at the Galway-based COPD service, and since April, over 200 bed days have been avoided in hospitals.
It's also led to a reduction of over 35% in the length of virtual stays compared to the national inpatient average. 
Emma Burke, the Virtual Care Lead of the programme, says the ultimate goal is to deliver treatment in the comfort of patients homes.

Mairead Farrell says housing crisis can be tackled effectively with "real political will"

If there's the political will to do something, it can be done - and that applies to the housing crisis. 
That's according to Galway West Sinn Fein TD Mairead Farrell, who's insisting Sinn Fein's new housing plan is "absolutely achievable". 
It's being launched today and aims to invest almost €40bn to deliver 300 thousand homes over a five-year period, starting next year. 
Speaking to Galway Talks, Deputy Farrell said the current situation is only getting worse - and something has to change. 

Arthritis Ireland to host self-management programme in Gort next month

Arthritis Ireland is hosting a self management course in Gort next month.
It aims to help people manage life with arthritis, and also offers participants a chance to connect with others living with the condition.
The free six-week course will be held in Gort community centre from 11AM-1:30PM, starting on October 16th.
Arthritis Ireland's Communication and Advocacy Manager Tara Regan explains more about the course:

Labour Councillor demands urgent action on housing crisis in Galway

A Galway City Councillor has slammed the government's ongoing failure to tackle the homelessness crisis, following the publication of the latest housing figures.
These figures reveal that 14,029 people are now living in emergency accommodation, including 4,401 children.
Speaking this morning, Councillor McNelis said that these figures were staggering and that the Government and it's housing for all plan has failed.
He demanded that urgent action be taken.

JFC Manufacturing in Tuam unveils multi-million euro new factory

JFC Manufacturing in Tuam has unveiled it's brand new multi-million euro factory. 
The new building at Weir Road is twice the size of the original plant. 
A key product on the new line will be the JFC Evolution Robotic Calf rearing system and feeders. 
And speaking today, Director John Concannon said there's a lot more investment and job creation ahead. 
JFC currently employs over 180 people directly in Tuam, and more than 650 around the world. 
John Concannon has been speaking to Tom Gilmore about the new facility. 

Councillor calls for schools to made priority as hedgecutting season begins next week

A councillor is calling for schools to be made a top priority as hedgecutting season begins next week. 
Apart from exceptional circumstances, hedgecutting can't be done during the summer months due to rules on bird nesting.
Councillor Andrew Reddington says there's been unprecedented growth this year. 

Taoiseach to officially open new 50 bed ward block at Portiuncula Hospital

Taoiseach Simon Harris will officially open the new 50 bed ward block at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe.
He'll cut the ribbon on the long-awaited development on the morning of Wednesday, September 11th.
It'll represent a full circle for the Taoiseach - who approved the project when he was Health Minister in 2019.
The project is providing replacement beds rather than extra beds, but in far more modern facilities, including single-bed private rooms.
Local Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan says it's a welcome and necessary upgrade for the hospital.