Galway Bay fm - News

Claims city council move to Crown Square in Mervue could cost over €30m more than expected

Galway City Council's planned move to Crown Square in Mervue could end up costing up to €80m. 
That was the stark claim made at a meeting of city councillors at city hall this week.
It was initially agreed to purchase the building for €45m - but two years later, concerns are growing over the cost of further development and fitout. 
The meeting also heard claims that there's "deep unease" among staff over the move. 
Fianna Fail Councillor John Connolly spoke to David Nevin after the meeting. 

Galway TD tells Dáil new tax proposals could be huge burden for small family businesses

Galway East TD Sean Canney has told the Dáil that tax proposals contained in the Finance Act could be a huge burden for small family businesses.
The meaures relating to capital gains have raised concerns among many local family businesses.
He raised the issue with Taoiseach Simon Harris, who said he will bring it to the attention of the Finance Minister ahead of the October budget.
Deputy Canney explained the impact the proposals may have on small businesses:

County Council to consider traffic lights at Ballyshrule Bridge near Portumna

Galway County Council is to consider installing traffic lights at Ballyshrule Bridge near Portumna. 
A meeting this week heard that the bridge, on the Portumna-Woodford Road, is the scene of regular scrapes and broken wing mirrors. 
Fianna Fail Councillor Ivan Canning said it is a concern to locals and asked if traffic lights might be a possibility. 
He says something has to be done. 

County Cathoirleach says council resources being "wasted" chasing up ESB to switch on lights in Athenry

Galway County Council resources should not be wasted on repeatedly chasing up the ESB to switch on lights.
That's according to Cathaloireach Albert Dolan, who made the comments at a meeting at County Hall this week. 
He referenced amber lights at the Raheen Woods Hotel in Athenry that have yet to be switched on despite being in place for a year. 
He also noted traffic lights at a pedestrian crossing in Monivea haven't been switched on either. 
Fianna Fail Councillor Dolan says that the ESB needs to start working more efficiently. 
 

City Council almost 30 percent behind housing targets for 2026

Galway City Council is almost 30 percent behind its targets for social and affordable homes by 2026. 
The stat was revealed at a meeting at City Hall this week, to the dismany of many councillors. 
A major factor in the shortfall would be the recent rejection of two significant social housing developments by An Bord Pleanala. 
One was at Keeraun and the other at Headford Road - and one reason for the refusal was lack of public transport links. 
David Nevin spoke to Councillor Clodagh Higgins at City Hall. 

Councillor hits out as temporary flood measures deemed unnecessary in Clarinbridge

A completed survey on potential flood defenses in Clarinbridge in the aftermath of Storm Debi isn't expected for at least another year.
At a meeting this week, local councillor Martina Kinane wasn't happy with a confirmation that short-term measures won't be looked at in the meantime.
The Fianna Fail councillor was told that it was deemed highly unlikely that a repeat event would happen within the next year or so.
Councillor Kinane says she doesn't accept that.

Local councillor writes to Cabinet Ministers demanding action to help landowners remove roadside Ash Dieback trees

A Gort/Kinvara area councillor has written to a number of Cabinet Ministers demanding action to help land and property owners to safely remove Ash Dieback trees on roadsides. 
Independent Councillor Geraldine Donohue says they need urgent financial assistance to undertake the enormous task of mechanically removing the trees. 
Ash Dieback was first detected in 2012 and is now widespread - and it's been predicted it will cause the death of the majority of ash trees over the next 20 years. 
Councillor Donohue says Government is unfairly insisting that it's the sole responsibility of land or home owners to tackle this serious hazard along public roads. 

Train catering services to return on Galway-Dublin line by end of year

Irish Rail has confirmed to Galway West TD Mairéad Farrell that train catering services will return by the end of the year.
A full tender process is currently being progressed to reinstate catering services across the Intercity rail network. 
In response to a Parliamentary Question by the Sinn Féin TD, Irish Rail also confirmed that vending machine trials are also set to be undertaken. 
Deputy Farrell says it's important these services are reinstated as quickly as possible:

Former Mayor concerned over lack of "Plan B" if Ring Road rejected

Former Mayor of Galway Eddie is concerned that there isn't a concrete "Plan B" if An Bord Pleanala rejects the Galway City Ring Road. 
The higher planning body first approved the project in late 2021 but that was squashed due to a High Court challenge. 
When assessing the plans, An Bord Pleanala failed to take into account the Government's newer Climate Action Plan. 
It's now set to be reassessed in September, once all supporting documentation is submitted by Galway City and County Council. 
After a meeting this week, Councillor Eddie Hoare wasn't feeling reassured that there's a convincing "Plan B" in place. 

Mayor of Galway Peter Keane explains his special connection to the Poor Clares.

A special event took place in the city today to mark the 375th anniversary of the granting of the Nuns' Island site to the Poor Clares. 
On display today at the monastary was the original document dated to 1649 that granted their petition for land, having first arrived in 1642. 
Mayor of Galway Peter Keane attended today's event - and explained his special connection to the Poor Clares.