Galway Bay fm - News

TD quizzes Finance Minister on cancelled works on Galway roads

Galway East TD Sean Canney has quizzed the Finance Minister on works being cancelled for Galway roads.
The N83 Claregalway to Parkmore was programmed for resurfacing and was tendered, but now the project has been cancelled. 
While the resurfacing on N84 from Headford to Shrule has been cancelled, and he says this road had two serious collisions in the past month. 
Independent Deputy Canney says the budgets set are falling behind what is needed due to inflation:

New creative project aims to explore solutions to air pollution in Galway city

A  €250,000 creative project has been launched in Galway city, aimed at finding solutions to air pollution.
The project, called ‘The Air We Share’, is led by Galway City Council in partnership with Galway Arts Centre, University of Galway, Westside Resource Centre, and Galway Culture Company.
It's being funded by Creative Ireland’s Climate Action Fund, ‘Agents of Change’.
Speaking to Galway Talks, project lead Adam Stoneman says the aim is to build awareness around climate change and empower meaningful behavioural changes inspired by art

City Council urged to establish Fanzone for All-Ireland final

The City Council is being urged to establish an official Fanzone for the All-Ireland Final.
Galway play Armagh in the match in just under two weeks time, after beating Donegal by two points at the weekend.
City councillor John Connolly says lots of supporters will not be able to get tickets to Croke Park, and a local fanzone area would ensure everyone can enjoy the atmosphere He says there are a few options that could be explored:

Councillor says national action needed to prevent thousands of trees in Galway from collapsing

Tuam-area councillor Andrew Reddington says a national response is needed to prevent thousands of trees in Galway from collapsing.
He's calling for the Government to intervene and help deal with one-off diseased trees which are growing outside of homeowners boundaries.
Local authorities are not claiming responsibility for the trees, and councillor Reddington says many land and home owners cannot afford to properly remove the trees.
Speaking on Galway Talks, Councillor Reddington says the problem needs to be dealt with by Government.

Galway International Arts Festival kicks off in city

The 2024 Galway International Arts Festival has officially kicked off in the city.
The festival runs over the next two weeks, with a packed programme of arts and cultural events taking place.
There are also plenty of free exhibitions spread out across the city, along with the popular Festival Garden taking over Eyre Square.
Speaking to John Morley at the launch last night, Artistic Director Paul Fahy hopes people come out in their troves over the fortnight

Criminal barristers protest in city over Government failure to reverse austerity cuts

Criminal barristers have taken to the steps of Galway Courthouse in the city today - to hold a protest demanding the reversal of fee cuts introduced during the recession. 
The last budget restored 10 percent, but the Bar of Ireland is calling for a full restoration of legal fees in Budget 2025. 
It says no criminal trials will be heard today, and again next Wednesday, unless the Government commits to a full reversal. 
This barrister told Galway Bay FM News that if things keep going the way they're going - our justice system will suffer serious consequences.
 

Fake or Fact - You Decide: Episode 2

Fake or Fact - You Decide is a weekly look at media literacy, brought to you by the newsteam.
Episode two is all about Deepfake - the term originated around 2018, and involves the manipulation of content.
In this episode we explore what Deepfake is, how to spot it and how it is affecting media and news.
Deepfake scholar, Professor Danielle Citron, explains what Deepfake is at the beginning of the episode to gain a better understanding.
We spoke to people on the streets of Galway, getting them to listen and compare AI-manipulated audio to real audio.
We also hear a case study of an Irish Times article from last year, which was over 80% written by Chat GPT as a hoax and was published by the paper.
We also explore deepfake in the context of the Ukraine - Russia war.
Fake or Fact – You Decide is brought to you by Galway Bay fm and is funded by Coimisiún na Meán.
Join the newsteam for ‘Fake or Fact – You Decide’ each Saturday from 6pm.

Council criticised over lack of progress on "promised" footpath and cycle lane between Ardrahan and Labane

The County Council is taking criticism over a lack of progress on a promised footpath and cycle lane between Ardrahan and Labane. 
At a meeting of Gort/Kinvara councillors, Councillor PJ Murphy raised ongoing construction works on a social housing development in Ardrahan. 
He said he'd supported this on the basis of a promise that pedestrian and cycle lanes would be developed to Labane, alongside the ten homes at Caisláin Raithlín. 
But Fine Gael Councillor Murphy says this hasn't happened - and explains why it's so essential. 

Increased bus shelters and bus stops in Ballinasloe area despite lack of buses

Plans are being advanced for new bus shelters in Mountbellew, Moylough and at the Marina in Ballinasloe.
Tender processes have begun, and there are also plans to create new bus stops in Glenamaddy, Ahascragh and Ballygar.  
Ballinasloe Councillors are welcoming the news, however they are calling on the NTA to address the issue of diminishing bus routes in the area. 
Councilor Alan Harney says while infrastructure is important, connectivity in rural areas needs to be improved: 

Calls for establishment of multidisciplinary board for future of St Brigids Hospital

There are calls for a multidisciplinary board to be established so that the future of St Brigid's Hospital can be discussed.
The board would be made up of representatives from the HSE, Government and local councillors.
Councillor Alan Harney says the derelict site is an eye soar that’s getting worse by the day.
He says the team could look at other hospitals across the country to plan for the site in Ballinasloe