Galway Bay fm - News

Protest in Galway tomorrow evening in solidarity with Natasha O'Brien

A second protest is being held in Galway city tomorrow evening, in solidarity with Natasha O'Brien.
The 24 year old was beaten unconscoius by serving soldier Cathal Crotty, who walked free from court after receiving a fully suspended sentence for the attack.
Natasha has been leading protests in Limerick, and she received a standing ovation in the Dáil on Tuesday for speaking out.
It's estimated around 500 people turned out for a protest at Eyre Square over the weekend, with big numbers expected again tomorrow evening.
Susan McGrady is organising the protest on behalf of Galway For Justice:

Councillor Martina Kinane elected Cathaoirleach of Loughrea district

Councillor Martina Kinane has been elected Cathaoirleach of the Loughrea district. 
Fianna Fail Councillor Kinane started her political career as an Athenry/Oranmore Councillor, but later became part of the Gort/Kinvara area within Loughrea. 
Elected to her third term in the recent elections, she was proposed as Cathaoirleach for Loughrea at a meeting this afternoon. 
Afterwards, Cathaoirleach Councillor Kinane touched on two of her top priorities. 

300 attend public meeting over plans for major power generator

Over 300 residents gathered in Portumna Town Hall last night for an information session on plans for a proposed Gas Plant in the area.
There are plans to build a Reserve Gas Fired Generator and battery storage area on the N65, around 3km outside of Portumna.
The project has been deemed to be a project of Strategic Importance and so was submitted to An Bord Pleanála without public consultation.
Residents are critising the lack of communication in relation to the project, which they believe is totally unsuitable for the area, and will have negative impacts on the community
East Galway Gas Plant Concerned group Paul Madden spoke to John Morley 

An Post confirms Oughterard will retain its post office

An Post has confirmed that Oughterard will retain its post office. 
The village's current postmistress is retiring in September - leading to local concerns over the future of the service. 
An Post had sought a new operator, and applications closed last month. 
Galway West Deputy Noel Grealish says he's now received written confirmation that the replacement will be in the village. 

Councillor Michael Connolly elected Cathaoirleach of Ballinasloe district

Councillor Michael Connolly has been elected Cathaoirleach of the Ballinasloe district. 
The veteran Fianna Fail councillor, who has served since the 1990s, was elected at the AGM of the Ballinasloe area this afternoon. 
Speaking to reporter Chris Benn afterwards, he outlined some of his main priorities. 

Slight drop in crime offences reported in Galway

There has been a slight drop in the number of crime offences reported in the Galway Garda Division.
During the first quarter of 2024, 3,925 crime incidents were reported - a decrease of over 200 on the same time in 2023.
A quarter of the almost 4,000 crime incidents reported in the Galway Garda division during the first three months of 2024 were theft or theft-related.
Jim Dalton, with the CSO, has more details on the national picture:

Ahascragh native Senator slams Government's "allergy to science" over dog attacks on livestock

Sheep and dogs will suffer because of the Department of Agriculture's "allergy to science". 
That's the opinion of Ahascragh native Senator Ronan Mullen, over a planned ban on the training of dogs with e-collars to stop them venturing near livestock. 
He's challenging Minister Charlie McConalogue to publish the scientific evidence, and reveal the results of the public consultation. 
Senator Mullen says we're seeing a devastating increase in dog attacks - and more dogs being shot as a result. 

Ballygar GP warns 200 percent increase in cocaine addiction "only tip of the iceberg"

The 200 percent increase in cocaine addiction reported by the Health Research Board is only the "tip of the iceberg". 
Ballygar's Dr. Martin Daly says cocaine isn't a new problem and its increasing prevelance has been flagged for over a decade. 
He says it's become acceptable in every city, town, village and sports club, across all age groups and socio-economic barriers.
But he's warning our health services are just not equipped to deal with the deluge of people seeking help. 
Speaking to Galway Talks, Dr. Daly said it has a devastating effect on the whole community - and many young people are destroying their opportunities.

Minister confirms to Mairead Farrell new laws to deal with 51 week student leases should be in by summer

The Minister for Higher Education has confirmed that Government expects new laws to deal with 51-week students leases to be in place by summer. 
Replying to Galway West TD Mairead Farrell in the Dáil, Minister Patrick O' Donovan said they're keenly aware of the pressure students are under. 
He said Cabinet approved the latest drafts, and the bill has now been approved for publication, and will pass through the Dáil and Seanad. 
Minister O' Donovan is optimistic it can be enacted before the summer recess - in time for students to benefit in September. 

University of Galway SU calls for ban of mandatory 51-week student leases

University of Galway's Students' Union is calling on the government to ban mandatory 51-week student leases. 
The academic calendar runs for approximately 35 weeks, meaning students are paying for accommodation during the summer months, when they don't want to. 
The issue has been raised recently in the Dáil, with Galway West Sinn Féin TD Mairead Farrell blaming vulture funds and the Government for the situation.
In response, Minister Helen McEntee was unable to commit to action being taken to address the issue before the Dáil summer recess.
Students Union President, Dean Kenny, says the mandatory lease takes advantage of students: