Galway Bay fm - News

Galway TD Ciaran Cannon slams RSA for 'over-promotion of driving'

Galway East TD Ciaran Cannon is criticising the Road Safety Authority for what's being described as an over-promotion of driving.
He's slamming the body's new "Lose Your Licence, Lose Your Independence" campaign, saying the RSA may as well re-name itself the Driving Promotion Authority.
The strategy aims to show young male drivers what it is like to become a burden to others when you lose your licence.
However Galway Fine Gael TD Ciaran Cannon says the authority needs to realise there's more to life than driving:

€8K affordability gap for first time buyers on good income in Galway

A couple on a good income are still almost 8 thousand euro short when trying to buy a three-bedroom home in Galway.
A new report from the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland shows that the average earning of a nurse and a garda is not enough to buy an average home in Galway and four other counties outside of Dublin.
Estate agents are reporting low stock levels and say they expect property prices to increase by an average of 4.5 per cent over the next 12 months.
Vice President of the SCSI Gerard O'Toole explains the affordability scenario they carried out to highlight the problem:

First reveal of highlights of 2024 Baboró International Arts Festival for Children

Some of the highlights of this year's Baboró International Arts Festival for Children have been revealed today.
The 28th annual festival returns to Galway for ten days from October 11th to 20th.
The official launch will take place on September 3rd, when the full programme will be revealed, and tickets go on sale the following day.
Director of the Festival, Aislinn O'hEocha, gives a sneak peak of some of the highlights this year:

First Wild Bee Festival coming to Galway this weekend

The first ever Wild Bee Festival is coming to Galway this weekend. 
The free family event includes talks, walks and workshops led by biodiversity experts, community groups and staff at Galway City Council. 
It follows on from similar events held elsewhere in the country that have become annual festivals. 
The Galway Wild Bee Festival takes place in Knocknacarra Community Centre this Saturday and Sunday, starting at 10am. 
Biodiversity Officer Paula Kearney says there’s something to learn for everyone: 

University of Galway assessing powered exoskeleton for medical use

The University of Galway is assessing the use of powered exoskeletons in the healthcare sector. 
The project is led by the University of Applied Sciences and Arts in Germany with the help of the University of Galway and Roessingh Research and Development in the Netherlands. 
The research project received over €650,000 in funding through an EU programme. 
University of Galway Professor, Georgina Gethin says their aim is to support healthcare workers - and reduce the risk of injury.

Local Sinn Fein Councillor says upcoming election not about "who can promise the most"

The upcoming General Election will not be about "who can promise the most" - at least not when it comes to Sinn Fein. 
That's according to Athenry/Oranmore Councillor Louis O' Hara. 
Speaking to Galway Talks, he was insistent that Sinn Fein's plan to deliver 50 thousand affordable homes within five years can be achieved. 
It's as the party is preparing to publish a fully costed new housing plan in the coming weeks.  
Councillor O' Hara said the Government's plan to date has proven to be a complete failure. 

Group says "time to draw a line in the sand" over row with Minister Anne Rabbitte on controversial Portumna power generator

The East Galway Gas Plant Concern Group says it's "time to draw a line in the sand" and move on after a row with Minister Anne Rabbitte. 
The group had issued an open letter calling on Minister Rabbitte to step up or resign, due to her alleged inaction on a controversial planned power generator in Portumna. 
In response, Minister Rabbitte said the allegations that she hadn't shown her commitment to the best interests of the community were "disappointing". 
Fianna Fail Minister Rabbitte lives in Portumna and she's adamant she did "her damnedest" to secure a public meeting with the developer. 
Speaking to John Morley, Paul Madden of the group said their point has now been made and their concerns acknowleged - and it's time to move on. 
And he was asked if the open letter to Minister Rabbitte was a "misstep". 

Local Senator says health conversations should be 'naturally folded into' school day

Local Senator Pauline O'Reilly says conversations around our health should be naturally folded into the school day.
The Green Party Senator has welcomed plans by Government to unveil a scheme for women to avail of free hormone replacement therapy.
She feels realy progress has been made in recent years with the likes of the free contraception scheme and menopause clinics.
Speaking to Galway Talks, Senator O'Reilly says there are ways to create subtle awareness around different health issues

Fake or Fact – You Decide: Episode 6

Episode six explores Young People and Media Literacy - what are they learning in our schools? Are they learning enough? What plans does the Government have to improve awareness? How do we compare to other EU countries?
Chris Benn spoke to Carl O' Brien, Education Editor with the Irish Times to find out more. 
Teenage reporter Jess Donohue speaks to her peers about their news sources, their critical thinking, and how they verify what they're seeing is credible - and then spoke to David Nevin about her experience.
Bernadette Prendergast then speaks to Jane McGarrigle of Webwise Ireland about safety in the digital landscape.

People of Galway encouraged to discuss palliative care ahead of awarenesss week

People in Galway are being encouraged to discuss palliative care as its national awareness week approaches.
The All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care is hosting the annual campaign from September 8th-14th
The aim is to raise awareness about the benefits of palliative care for those suffering with life-limiting illnesses.
AIIHPC Director Karen Charnley outlines their hopes for this year's Palliative Care Week: