Galway Bay fm - News

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.

Pat McDonagh says "danger on the horizon" for small businesses if 9% VAT rate isn’t reintroduced

 
Supermacs boss Pat McDonagh says there is "danger on the horizon" for small businesses unless the 9 percent VAT rate is reintroduced.
He is refreshing calls on the Government to make the right decision and bring back that rate for the hospitality sector in the upcoming budget.
It comes as the RAI estimates that a food business with a total turnover of €1m will face increased costs of almost €100 thousand this year. 
Pat McDonagh says the industry is struggling with rising costs, including increases in energy bills and the minimum wage. 

New investigation reveals four complaints of sexual abuse against former Bishop of Galway

A new investigation has revealed the church received four separate complaints of childhood sexual abuse against former Bishop of Galway, Eamonn Casey.
It also found one further ‘child safeguarding concern’, and the Vatican has confirmed Bishop Casey was removed from public ministry in 2007 following the allegations.
One of his accusers, his niece, Patricia Donovan, has spoken out, and claims that Bishop Casey raped her at the age of five, and abuse continued for years.
A documentary, which airs at 9:35pm on RTÉ One, examines the Catholic Church's handling of allegations against Bishop Casey, who died in 2017.
Speaking to Galway Talks, reporter with the Irish Mail on Sunday, Anne Sheridan, explains what happened in the years following Bishop Casey's ban:

Only 5 dentists left on the Dental Treatment Service Scheme in Tuam

There are only 5 dentists left in the Tuam area operating under the Dental Treatment Service Scheme. 
The figure was revealed to the HSE Health Forum West in response to a query from Councillor Donagh Killilea. 
In recent years, numbers have plummeted on the scheme - and those who remain have little to no capacity for new patients. 
It's a national rather than local crisis, with the Irish Dental Association previously warning the Dental Treatment Services Scheme is on the brink of total collapse.
Fianna Fáil Councillor Killilea thinks there is one particular measure that could be brought in to help. 

Fake or Fact – You Decide: Episode 3

In this week's episode, we're looking at recognising bias in media, exploring media sources in Ireland and abroad, as well as in advertising.
We first explore bias in terms of Irish media, and hear from the public as to what bias, if any, they believe is present in Irish media.
We take an in-depth look at news sources in the United States and any bias that is prevalent in them.
We focus specically on Fox News and CNN, and hear from Larry Donnelly, Attorney and Lecturer at the University of Galway.
We'll also be looking at bias in advertising as a source of media, and also how advertising impacts on our wellbeing.

New MEP for Midlands North West calls for increased share of CAP in EU budget

Newly elected MEP for Midlands North West Nina Carberry is calling for an increased share of the Common Agricultural Policy in the EU Budget.
The Fine Gael MEP spoke from the European Parliament in Strasbourg during the first session of the new mandate this week ahead of the upcoming seven-year financial programme beginning in 2028.
Nina is also advocating for more sustainable and resilient agricultural practices.
Speaking in Strasbourg she says farmers need to feel like they have a future in the sector.

People travel far and wide to attend Galway International Arts Festival

500 feet, 500 metres, and 15,000 kilometres.
These are some of the distances travelled by Galway International Arts Festival attendees.
Week one of the festival is in full swing, with lots more on offer over the weekend and into next week.
Our reporters Sarah Slevin and Chris Benn visited the Festival Garden to ask people where they've travelled from to attend the Arts Festival:

Call for independent board to chart future of St. Brigid’s Hospital in Ballinasloe

St. Brigid's Hospital in Ballinasloe has fallen into a "significant state of dilapidation" and an independent board is needed to guide its future. 
That’s according to local Councilor Alan Harney, who's made the suggestion at a meeting of the HSE Regional Health Forum West. 
The HSE previously indicated in April that it's reviewing a full portfolio of all surplus lands and buildings, to best decide their future. 
And Galway County Council is purchasing the former St. Brigid's Nurse's Home opposite the hospital to establish a domestic violence refuge.
But Fine Gael Councillor Harney isn't convinced that a proper plan is in place for the overall campus. 

100 local farmers share concerns with Agriculture Minister in Tuam

A group of around 100 farmers have been sharing their concerns with the Agriculture Minister at a meeting in Tuam.
Charlie McConoalogue attended the Irish Natura and Hill Farmer Association's AGM last night at the Ard Rí Hotel.
The national organisation has been representing farmers on hill, designated and environmentally valuable land since 2015.
Our reporter Chris Benn spoke to these farmers, who raised various concerns at the meeting:

National Play Day events in Loughrea and Galway city this weekend

National Play Day will be celebrated this weekend, with events planned for Loughrea and Galway city.
The day aims to promote play opportunities for children, with games, acitivites and music on offer at each location hosting an event.
Tomorrow, Westside Pitch is hosting its Play Day from 12-3PM, while in Loughrea it's taking place at the Fairgreen this Sunday from 12 to 2PM.
Jason Craughwell from Galway Sports Partnership says the physical and mental benefits of play are vital: