Galway Bay fm - News

Public meeting to introduce international mental health movement to Connemara

Mental Health Ireland is hosting an event in Clifden later today to introduce the international mental health and wellbeing movement known as Thrive to Connemara
The movement, introduced to Ireland in 2021, promotes positive mental health by supporting communities through engagement and activities
The event will be attended by County Cathaoirleach Councillor Albert Dolan, Galway Rose Deirdre Jennings and members of the award-winning Thrive Balbriggan programme. 
The meeting will be held from 7 to 9 this evening at the Station House Hotel in Clifden and Áine Hurley, Galway's MHI Development Officer explains its focus

Councillor says "shocking" state of Bridge Street must be addressed to create safe routes to Dunmore School

Any Safe Routes to School project for Dunmore National School will have to be closely linked with the "shocking" state of Bridge Street. 
That's according to Fine Gael Councillor Ollie Turner, after a presentation on active travel was given at a recent meeting of the Tuam area. 
He welcomed proposals for several schools including in the plan, and encouraged more schools to register for the 2025 programme. 
Councillor Turner says when it comes to Dunmore National School, Bridge Street has to be part of the conversation. 

Tuam area councillor says HSE cannot be "bystander" as Pieta House faces funding challenges

A Tuam area councillor says the HSE cannot simply act as a "bystander" while Pieta House faces funding challenges.
It's as the charity is set to close the existing therapy centre at Bishop Street due to increasing costs.
But it has given a strong assurance that it's not reducing services and it has no intention whatsoever of leaving Tuam.
At a meeting this week, Independent Ireland Councillor Shaun Cunniffe told Kevin Dwyer that the HSE has a big role to play in the situation.

Minister says GRETB's new apprenticeship centre further enhances Galway's educational capacity

The Minister for Further and Higher Education says GRETB's new apprenticeship training centre further enhances Galway's educational capacity.
Minister O'Donovan officially opened the new facility today in Mervue, which represents a total investment of €12m.
It will cater for up to 400 students to complete their electrical apprenticeships within the next few years, and will further expand after that to other areas.
CEO of GRETB, David Leahy, says the centre is offering better facilities for both students and staff:

Minister says GRETB's new apprenticeship centre further enhances Galway's educational capacity

The Minister for Further and Higher Education says GRETB's new apprenticeship training centre further enhances Galway's educational capacity.
Minister O'Donovan officially opened the new facility today in Mervue, which represents a total investment of €12m.
It will cater for up to 400 students to complete their electrical apprenticeships within the next few years, and will further expand after that to other areas.
Minister O'Donovan spoke to Sarah Slevin about the new centre, and how he expects accommodation to keep up with the increase capacity:

Plans moving forward for new bus shelter in Headford

Plans for a new bus shelter in Headford are moving forward. 
A meeting of Tuam area councillors this week heard that a tender has been advertised for the project. 
Fine Gael Tuam area Councillor Andrew Reddington says the local community has been working hard to get a shelter for years. 

Galway Simon 'stretched to keep up with demand' amid rising West homeless figures

Galway Simon Community says its services are 'stretched to keep up with demand' as homeless figures rise in the West.
While Galway itself saw a slight dip in the number of homeless adults in the past month, there has been a sharp rise in the West in the past year.
The charity says the number of people in emergency accommodation in the West is rising almost twice as fast as the national rate.
CEO of Galway Simon Community, Karen Golden says the current housing supply and lack of affordable accommodation is extremely problematic at the moment.

Council to look at removing oversized headstones in Tuam cemetery

Galway County Council is to examine the possibility of removing oversized headstones in Tuam cemetery. 
At a meeting of councillors this week, a commitment was given by senior staff to look at existing bye-laws to see what can be done. 
Councillor Donagh Killilea said the overall condition of the graveyard is a major issue for locals. 
He says he's allocated money for improvement works - and he's eager to see those works started. 

TD confirms approval given for construction of new school for Carrabane

Full approval has been given for the construction of a new two-storey ten-classroom school on a site in Carrabane village. 
That's according to Galway East Fine Gael TD Ciaran Cannon, who has received the confirmation from the Department of Education.
The new state of the art school building will include eight mainstream classrooms, two classrooms for children with special educational needs, along with extensive sports and assembly spaces.
It's expected that construction of the new school building at Carrabane will begin in coming months, with completion set for late 2025.
Deputy Cannon says the improved facility is well-needed for the area:

O' Cuiv says refusing grid connections for data centres would be "short sighted" and damaging to economy

Refusing grid cnonections for new data centres would be a very "short sighted" move that would damage our economy.
That's according to Galway West TD Eamon O' Cuiv, who's told the Dáil he understands there's a risk the energy regulator may refuse grid connections.
He said we've built up a thriving digital sector in recent decades - and it's the fifth most advanced digital economy in the European Union.
Deputy O' Cuiv argued a comprehensive, longer-term view is needed - and just blanket refusing grid connections.