Galway Bay fm - News

Galway start-up progressing ground-breaking tech aimed at eliminating sea lice in fish farming

A start-up company based at ATU Galway is progressing ground-breaking technology aimed at eliminating the issue of sea lice in salmon farming.
Aquatech company, Konree Innovation, is pitching for a €1 million investment fund to progress its work.
The new technology will be able to detect sea lice, which are naturally occurring small parasites that cling on to the host fish and feed from its tissue.
It's estimated the effects of sea lice costs the global salmon production industry between 3 and 4 billion euro annually.
CEO of Konree Innovation, Margaret Rae, explains how their technology will work:

Demand for county council to "engage vigourously" with NTA over latest cutbacks to Galway-Dublin service

There's a demand for Galway County Council to engage "vigorously" with the National Transport Authority over the latest cutbacks to evening Galway-Dublin services. 
It's after Citylink announced that from this week, it will no longer provide the 6:30 departure on the 763 multi-stop service from Galway. 
At a meeting this week, Councillor Shane Curley said the NTA has to step in and Galway County Council has a role to play to ensure that happens. 
The Fianna Fail Councillor told David Nevin it's unacceptable that the last bus to Loughrea from Galway City will now be at 6pm. 

Long-sought ambulance base at Recess expected in 2025

The Health Minister has confirmed the long-awaired ambulance hub in Recess is expected to be delivered in 2025.
Stephen Donnelly has told Galway West TD Mairéad Farrell that the development of the Ambulance Base is well underway.  
Plans for the base were announced in 2021, and the project officially got the green light from county planners in April of this year.
The new base at Recess will have space for two ambulances, and involves transformative works of the existing Community Health Centre.
Sinn Féin Deputy Farrell says works are expected to begin by the end of the year, and will take around 9 months:

Buildings highlighted for redevelopment into arts space and housing in Tuam town

Several buildings in Tuam have been highlighted for their potential to bring more amenities and housing to the town.
Representatives from Reimagining Tuam presented their proposals at a recent meeting of Tuam Municipal District area.
They propose that the Old Brewery on Shop Street, an 18th century town house located at The Mall, be developed into an arts space.
While they believe some retail outlets at the entrance to Chapel Lane from High Street could be repurposed as housing units.
Councillor Peter Roche told Kevin Dwyer the proposals have the backing of the councillors:

Concerns over increasing dog fouling in Loughrea

A local councillor thinks people not picking up after their dogs is becoming a serious problem in Loughrea. 
Fine Gael Councillor Moegie Maher says it seems to be a particular problem in the evening time. 
He's appealing to people to have pride in their town and support the work done by the local tidy towns group. 
He's been speaking to David Nevin about how bad the problem is - and what might be done to tackle it. 

One of five local MEPs still undecided on European Commission President vote

One of the five local MEPs for this constituency is still undecided on the European Commission President vote.
Independent Ireland's Ciaran Mullooly hopes to meet with Ursula von der Leyen ahead of her nomination to remain in the role.
Fine Gael's Maria and Walsh and Nina Carberry have already declared their support for von der Leyen, while Fianna Fáil's Barry Cowen and Independent Luke 'Ming' Flanagan are set to oppose her in the vote.
Speaking in Strasbourg, Ciaran Mullooly says he remains undecided on whether to vote for von der Leyen despite his grouping in the Parliament, Renew Europe voting in favour of her re-election.

New chair elected for Regional Health Forum West

The new Chair and Vice Chair of the Regional Health Forum West have been elected.
Donegal County Councillor Ciaran Brogan, previously served as Vice Chair and succeeds Tuam councillor Donagh Killilea in the role.
While Mayo County Councillor Michael Kilcoyne was elected as Vice Chair.
Councillor Brogan says one of the challenges he will be looking to tackle will be in recruitment:

County council reveals plans for 100 new homes for Tuam over the next two years

Galway County Council has revealed plans for over a hundred new homes in two areas of Tuam over the next two years.
This week's Tuam MD meeting heard that 40 new homes along the Sun Street/Berminham Road area and 63 units at Galway Road are expected to be delivered over 2025 and 2026.
Meanwhile, of the 203 derelict and vacant houses in Tuam, a recent survey has found 33 are habitable, while 72 are in fair condition and could be made habitable with moderate work.
Speaking to our reporter Kevin Dwyer, Councillor Peter Roche says these updates can provide some relief for people:

Tuam meeting hears councils will have discretion with local road speed limits after national changes

Local authorities will have discretion to change speed limits on local roads after national changes come into effect.
The Government is currently preparing legislation on the National Speed Limit Review, which has halted progress in relation to local changes
This week's meeting of Tuam area councillors was informed that all local roads in the county would be reduced to a default speed limit of 60 kilometres per hour from November.  
Councillor Andrew Reddington is welcoming news that local areas will still have discretion to change limits after this time:

Lighting to be installed at Dunmore Abbey before winter

Lighting is to be installed at Dunmore Abbey, and it's expected to be in place before the winter months.
Galway County Council will be installing lighting in conjunction with the OPW, which previously carried out remedial works at the Abbey.
It's understood the works will be carried out over the coming months and it's hoped the lighting will be in place by winter.
Galway East TD Sean Canney says it's important we both protect and show off historical buildings like Dunmore Abbey