Galway Bay fm - News

Ballinasloe Councillor calls for measures to protect town's community amenities

Repeated vandalism at Ballinasloe's running track has prompted urgent calls from a councillor for stronger measures to protect the town's community amenities.
Independent Councillor Evelyn Parsons has urged Galway County Council to develop a business case for a dedicated caretaker or contracted security firm presence covering key public facilities across Ballinasloe including the running track, playgrounds, public toilets, and bottle and clothes banks, which are frequently abused through illegal dumping. 
Speaking yesterday, Councillor Parsons says that the track in Dunlo is a necessity for the well being and health of the community. 

Galway Deputy calls for increased pre budget funding to improve footpath infrastructure

Fine Gael TD for Galway East Pete Roche has called on the Government to increase funding for all grant schemes related to the construction, repair and upgrading of footpaths across Galway and the wider country ahead of Budget 2025.
Deputy Roche is seeking the creation of a dedicated funding category that will enable local authorities and communities to deliver projects efficiently and safely in relation to community works, including footpath improvements.
Speaking to Galway Bay FM News, Deputy Roche said that despite the best efforts of local councils, funding falls way short of what is required.

Jonathan Corbett

Paul Bellew

Councillor urges quick action over accident blackspot in Corrandulla

Cllr Andrew Reddington has put forward a motion requesting that Galway County Council apply for a low-cost accident scheme at Bunnahively More in Corrandulla.
An application for funding from the Department of Transport was not granted because there was insufficient data to demonstrate the number of accidents on the road.
Councillor Reddington states that he has requested the Tuam District Municipal Office to explore alternative funding methods.

Ukrainian Red Cross Volunteers to Visit Galway tomorrow

Volunteers from the Ukrainian Red Cross will arrive in Galway tomorrow to share their frontline experience from a country that has faced one of the world's largest humanitarian emergencies.
The meeting is part of a tour of the country by the volunteers who are also visiting Limerick, Mallow and Dublin. 
Since 2022, the Ukrainian Red Cross has scaled up to meet the needs of millions, mobilising volunteers at pace, expanding branches under pressure to support local communities and delivering aid in the most dangerous conditions.
For the Irish Red Cross, the exchange is a chance to learn directly from that experience, preparing for the floods, storms, and emergencies Ireland does face, and strengthening volunteer mobilisation and community engagement for the future.
Speaking to Galway Bay FM News, National Director Aidan Lonergan explained what will happen tomorrow.

Joyce Country & Western Lakes Geopark receives green flag on final step for UNESCO status

Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark in North Galway and South Mayo has been granted UNESCO Global Geopark status at the 10th UNESCO Global Geoparks Council meeting in Temuco, Chile.
This will be the first UNESCO Global Geopark in Connacht and the first on the island of Ireland to include a Gaeltacht (Dúiche Sheoigheach agus Tuar Mhic Éadaigh) and will be the fifth in the Island of Ireland, joining Burren and Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, Cuilcagh Lakelands in Fermanagh and Cavan, Copper Coast in Waterford, and Mourne Gullion Strangford in Down and Armagh.
The Geopark covers twenty communities in North Galway and South Mayo and an area of approximately
The decision to grant UNESCO Global Geopark status will be ratified at the UNESCO executive board meeting in Paris in the spring of next year.
Speaking to Galway Bay FM News, Michael Hegarty of the Joyce Country & Western Lakes Geopark said it was fantastic news for the Geopark.
 

Launch takes place of the Glenamaddy Ploughing and Agricultural Show

The launch took place last night of the 2025 Glenamaddy Ploughing and Agricultural Show at the Equestrian centre in Glenamaddy, with the show itself to be held on Sunday, the 28th of September.
Approximately 8 to 9 thousand people visit Glenamaddy for the show, and organisers are hopeful that this year could see over 10,000 visitors on the day in the Galway town. 
Last night also saw the launch of a new website glenamaddyshow.com, which will streamline the application and entrant process.
Vice Chair of the Show Committee Pat Connelly said that the excitement is building.

Galway City Council announce appointment of new Urban and Community Development Officers

Galway City Council have announced the appointment of three new Urban and Community Development Officers to give targeted support to community and voluntary groups in the City.
These roles will support the growth and empowerment of local communities, working closely with residents, community groups and other stakeholders to implement community development initiatives and enhance community cohesion.
The three new Urban and Community Development Officers are Oliver Lydon for the east, Natalie Coen for Central and Deirdre Keaney Cunningham for the West and they will form part of the Community Development Department and will support cross-directorate engagement with community groups.
Mayor of Galway City, Cllr Mike Cubbard welcomed their appointments, saying that these were important appointments for Galway.

Loughrea Seven Springs Day Centre to finally return to five day week services

Loughrea Seven Springs Day Centre is to finally return to five day a week services after a four year wait.
Following a HIQA inspection, the HSE has approved a return to day services for 5 days a week at the Centre.
The decision has been warmly welcomed by the Loughrea Concerned Citizens Group.
The Seven Springs Day Centre was closed in March 2020 due to due to Covid-19 but was not reopened when restrictions were lifted in October 2021 and since then an intensive public campaign has been in place for services to return.
Local Councillor Geraldine Donohue attributes the success of the campaign to people power.