Galway Bay fm - News

Rejuvenation of Headford Art Installation begins today

A rejuvenation of the ‘Lace Matrix’, display in Headford town will begin today.
The permanent art display, which celebrates Headford’s rich history with lace, was originally installed in 2020 as part of the ‘Small Towns, Big Ideas’ programme. 
Renowned Finnish artist Tarmo Thorström will lead the re-lacing in St George’s Square, alongside a group of local and visiting lacemakers. 
The original creator of ‘Lace Matrix’, Róisín de Buitléar says lace making is an important part of Headford’s heritage:  

Councillor Peter Feeney elected Cathaoirleach of Athenry/Oranmore district

Councillor Peter Feeney has been elected as Cathoirleach of the Athenry/Oranmore district. 
The experienced Fine Gael veteran - and former Mayor - reclaimed a seat in the recent local elections, having decided not to run in 2019 due to personal committments. 
He spoke to David Nevin about his priorities after being elected this afternoon. 

Galway IFA chair says dog attacks on livestock ongoing and serious problem

The chair of the Galway IFA says dog attacks on livestock is an ongoing and serious problem. 
Stephen Canavan says while it might once have been certain times of the year, it's now becoming a daily issue. 
It comes as the IFA has launched it's "No Dogs Allowed" campaign, calling for greater responsiblity from owners, and greater enforcement from authorities. 
Speaking to Galway Talks, Galway chair Stephen Canavan said some dog owners don't seem to know what their dogs are up to. 

Farm Walk promoting sustainable agriculture to be held in Moycullen

A Moycullen farm is to host a nature walk to promote biodiversity and sustainable agriculture.
Farming for Nature will be led by local beef farmer Gerald Walshe on his 22 hectare farm, which is a mixture of dry and wet meadows, hills and naturally regenerated woodland.
The farm walk this Sunday offers a chance to see the processes of high nature value farming up close for a small fee. 
Farming for Nature Ambassador Gerald Walshe says there is a valuable link between farming and preservation: 

Poll-topper Tom Welby elected Connemara area Cathaoirleach

Tom Welby, who topped the polls in the local elections earlier this month, has been elected Cathaoirleach of the Connemara Municipal District area.
It's the first time Councillor Tom Welby has assumed the position of Cathaoirleach for the area, while Councillor Gerry King will serve as Leas Cathaoirleach.
Councillor Welby was nominated by Councillor Eileen Mannion at the AGM during the first meeting of this new term of councillors.
Councillor Welby outlines some of his main priorities for the next five years:

Local TD says "wasted" electricity at night should be given to those struggling to heat homes

"Wasted" electricity generated at nighttime when there's little demand should be given to those struggling to heat their homes.
That's according to Roscommon/Galway TD Denis Naughten, who's echoing a recommendation made by an Oireachtas committee. 
A report from the committee on social protection says smart metres could be configured to provide free electricity units at night-time to those at risk of energy poverty. 
Deputy Naughten says there are many nights when far more energy is generated by wind turbines than is needed - and is essentially wasted. 

Six brand new faces on City Council take their seats

There are six brand new faces on Galway city council - and they took their chairs for the very first time on Friday evening. 
They are Helen Ogbu and John McDonagh of Labour, Josie Forde Fianna Fail, Sinn Fein's Aisling Burke, Eibhlín Seoighthe of the Social Democrats, and Shane Forde of Fine Gael. 
The AGM saw Fianna Fail Councillor Peter Keane elected as Mayor, under a power pact between Fianna Fail, Labour, Sinn Fein and two independents. 
It's understood newcomer and Labour councillor Helen Obgu will be elected Mayor next year. 
Joseph Murray was at the meeting on Friday night - to see how the new councillors were feeling about their first day at the office. 

Minister expects breakthrough on long-planned Inishbofin Primary Care Centre after 20 year delay

A Primary Care Centre on Inishbofin was identified as a necessity in 2003 - but more than 20 years later there's been very little progress. 
Galway West TD Catherine Connolly has raised the matter in the Dáil with Minister Heather Humphreys. 
Deputy Connolly said it was first identified as a necessity in 2003 - but a national primary care review in 2017 also highlighted the need for a centre. 
Speaking in response, Minister Heather Humphreys acknowledged there's been going complex legal and ownership issues relating to transfer of land needed. 
She gave an assurance that these issues will finally be fully resolved in the coming weeks - but admitted it has taken far too long. 

Galway city house prices rise by more than 12% in a year

House prices in Galway city have risen by 12 percent compared to this time last year, according to the latest Daft.ie report.
In the county, prices were two percent higher in the second quarter of this year compared to 2023.
The average price of a home in the city is now €403,000, while in the county it's €285,000.
Nationally, property prices increased by almost 7 percent on last year, with the average house costing 340,398 euro.
Author of the report, economist Ronan Lyons says it's a simple case of supply and demand:
 
House prices in Galway city have risen by 12 percent compared to this time last year, according to the latest Daft.ie report.
In the county, prices were two percent higher in the second quarter of this year compared to 2023.
The average price of a home in the city is now €403,000, while in the county it's €285,000.
Nationally, property prices increased by almost 7 percent on last year, with the average house costing 340,398 euro.
Author of the report, economist Ronan Lyons says it's a simple case of supply and demand:

Ballybane drops to bottom of IBAL litter rankings

Ballybane has dropped to the bottom of the IBAL litter rankings, falling by ten spots and being labelled 'littered'
An Taisce noted the levels of dumping at Ballybane Industrial Estate were high, and cited more maintenance is needed in the area. 
Meanwhile, Galway City Centre has maintained its ‘clean’ status and lies in 21st spot. 
Westside Amenity Park, Shop Street, Dominic Street and the ATU campus have all been highlighted for their environmental efforts.
Today's IBAL survey shows Naas is the cleanest town in the country, while Dublin city centre has seen a further deterioration and has been declared "Littered".
Irish Business Against Litter spokesperson Conor Horgan says the Deposit Return Scheme has made a real impact on cleaning up certain areas: