Galway Bay fm - News

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:

The University of Galway has launched a new archive documenting the lived experience of the Irish Traveller community.  
The Mincéir's Archive, which will be digitalised and available to the public, is the first step to embedding Traveller history and culture throughout the University. 
The collection focuses on Irish Travellers from the 1960s and contains material on Traveller human rights, accommodation and folklore 
Owen Ward, Programme Manager for Race Equality at the University of Galway, explains how the archive was collected and formed.

Members of the public are being asked to have their say in a County Galway affordable housing survey.
The County Council is looking to establish the level of interest and preferred locations in the county for affordable homes.
The results of the survey will help inform the delivery of housing as part of the Government's ‘Housing for All Delivery Action Plan 2022-2026’.
County Cathaoirleach, Albert Dolan, says it's vital the council gets a wide variety of views from the public:
The survey is live now on galway.ie/affordablesurvey and it will be open for four weeks.

The discontinued private bus service between Athenry and Galway is "a huge loss to the local community" and must be replaced
That's according to Councillor Louis O’Hara, who's urging the NTA and the Minister for Transport to examine the matter closely. 
The daytime bus provided by Farrell’s of Athenry will cease its service tomorrow week (September 13th)
The company says its decision is based on rising costs and insufficient demand. 
Sinn Féin Athenry-Oranmore area councillor Louis O’Hara says the route is crucial for workers and and must be replaced

The planning application for the long-awaited masterplan for Kingston is still more than a year away from being lodged.
The multi-use facility, which includes a pavilion, playground and sports pitches, is in the final stages of public consultation.
A consultancy firm was appointed to design the masterplan in February, and the planning application is due to be lodged in December 2025.
Mayor of Galway Councillor Peter Keane says the community is understandably frustrated with how long the process is taking:

Madra is launching a series of educational workshops in city primary schools starting this month. 
The workshops will run throughout the school year with the aim to promote responsible pet ownership and safety around dogs. 
The Galway-based dog rescue and adoption charity has partnered with Galway City Council to bring this service to primary schools across the city. 
Dawn Divilly, Director of Operations for Madra, explains why it's essential young people learn about dog safety and ownership early
 

At least 100 million euro is needed to upgrade nine roads throughout the city, mostly on the west side.
The figure was revealed to local councilors at a meeting of the West Area Committee, however it's likely the final cost of all necessary works could be higher.
The prediction does not account for the purchase of land which would be needed to widen roads for foot paths and cycle lanes. 
The figure has been revealed from a study undertaken after sites were refused planning permission due to a lack of road infrastructure.  
Labour City Councillor Níall McNelis says the road network has not kept pace with development in the area:

Inis Mór’s new state-of-the-art ambulance vehicle has been launched today
Previously having to get by with inadequate vehicles and old ambulances, the Aran Island now has a new vehicle
This year fully equipped vehicles at a cost of 175,000 euro have been given to both Inis Mór and Arann in Donegal. 
In addition, 6 volunteers have been trained to carry out emergency response and operate the vehicle on the island.
Our reporter Chris Benn has spent the day on Inis Mór and has been speaking to a number of people involved in bringing the ambulance to the island

Inis Mór's new state-of-the-art ambulance vehicle has been launched today on Inis Mor.
Previously having to get by with inadequate vehicles and old ambulances, the Aran Island now has a new fully equipped vehicle
The investment of 175,000 euro includes the training of 6 volunteers for Inismor and Arann in Donegal
Dr. Marion Broderick, the island GP who served for 42 years before retiring last year told our reporter on Inis Mór today Chris Benn -  that it's great to have a fully equipped vehicle for the island
 
Tune in from 5pm for an extended report on this new addition to Inismór's medical resources on FYI Galway

The defunct Salthill Tourist Office may be given a new lease of life as a business hub - over a decade after it closed.
The building ceased operating as a tourist office in 2012 and has proved difficult to redevelop due to its zoning.
Galway City Council is looking to change that, and is exploring a number of options - including opening a tech hub with the help of Enterprise Ireland. 
Labour City Councillor Níall McNelis says its an eyesore and businesses in the area want to see the site in use.