Galway Bay fm - News

Pres Athenry FT

Local TD questions Taoiseach on "silence" from ESB on storm compensation

A local TD has questioned the Taoiseach on the "silence" from the ESB on potential compensation for those worst affected by Storm Eowyn.
Claire Kerrane told the Dáil she was equally concerned about the Taoiseach and Government silence on the issue.
She said many people across Galway and Roscommon went more than two weeks without power, as well as water and heating in some cases.
Deputy Kerrane asked Michéal Martin if the ESB could suspend standing charges and provide a goodwill payment.
But the Taoiseach indicated this will not be possible.

All systems go at University of Galway for this year's RAG Week

t's all systems go at the University of Galway for this year's RAG Week, which gets underway today.
The Raise and Give campaign is aimed at raising funds for the Galway Rape Crisis Centre and Galway Autism Partnership.
Extra Garda patrols will take place in Galway City and Gardaí are reminding students to be mindful of others and to be safe.
Community Policing Gardaí has liaised with the universities, student unions, resident and community groups, publicans, off-licence operators and Galway City Council.
Members will be actively visiting licensed premises, and there will be extra patrols from the Garda Community Policing Unit, Drug Unit and Roads Policing Units.
Events will run until Friday, with activities such as a Firewalk, a charity auction, and a 5KM fun run taking place.
Students Union President Faye Ní Dhomhnaill talks through the highlights of the week
 

Midlands - North West MEP Says Minister for Justice must prioritise implementation of EU human trafficking law

Midlands-North West MEP Maria Walsh has written to Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan to request details on his plans for the implementation of the law given new data highlighting the growing threat of human trafficking.
According to a UN report published this week, trafficking for forced labour has increased by 47% compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Speaking this afternoon, MEP Walsh, who is a member of the Justice & Home Affairs Committee, said that During the period 2021 - 2022, there were over 17,000 victims of trafficking registered in the EU and those figures are only what is known.

Roscommon Galway TD offers Taoiseach proposals to provide necessary relief to communities ravaged by Storm Éowyn.

Sinn Féin TD for Roscommon/Galway Claire Kerrane has written to the Taoiseach with proposals to provide necessary relief to communities across the state ravaged by Storm Éowyn.
Deputy Kerrane said that affected communities deserve to have their voices heard and that Micheál Martin's rejection of Mary Lou McDonald's request to recall the Dáil this week was political negligence.
She added that at times of national crises, it is essential that the government engages directly with elected representatives to address these acute concerns and to put in place the measures necessary to assist those in need.
Speaking to Galway Bay FM News, Deputy Kerrane said there are five key actions.

Government introduce Accommodation Assistance Scheme for those without power and water

The Government has introduced an Accommodation Assistance Scheme for those still without power and water after Storm Éowyn.
It will provide reimbursement for people to stay in private accommodation while they wait for their electricity and/or water to be restored.
For those who do not have the means to pay upfront for accommodation, they can contact a community welfare officer.
Speaking to Sarah Slevin, Roscommon-Galway Fianna Fáil TD Dr Martin Daly explains how the scheme will work:

Bishop of Galway Michael Duignan offers support and solidarity to those in the Diocese who are suffering as a result of Storm Éowyn

Bishop of Galway Michael Duignan has offered his support and solidarity to the people of the Dioceses of Clonfert and Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora who continue to struggle with the effects of Storm Éowyn,
In a social media post, Bishop Duignan said that many people are still without power, water. heat and communication and they may feel invisible and forgotten as life in other parts of county and country returns to normal.
Speaking to Galway Bay FM News, Bishop Duignan stressed that these people and the crews who have worked hard throughout the week should be kept in everyone's thoughts.

Galway v Tipp FT

MEP finds it inexplicable that the Irish Government only requested help from the EU yesterday afternoon

Midlands - North West MEP Ciaran Mullooly has reacted angrily to confirmation from the European Commissioner for Crisis Management that the Irish Government only requested help at 4pm yesterday despite being offered assistance on Wednesday last.
Commissioner Hadja Lahbib confirmed this in a message to MEP Mullooly last night saying that they had been in contact with the Irish Government since the 22nd of January but it was only yesterday afternoon that Ireland decided to request the activation of the Union Civil Protection Mechanism specifically for a large mobile generator capacity
Speaking last night, Ciaran Mullooly said that urgent action is needed to get generators to maintain water and proper safety standards in half a million homes.

Applications for new Galway City budget scheme open next week