Galway Bay fm - News

Newly elected Mayor Of Galway City to prioritise delivery of Masterplan for the city

Newly elected Mayor of Galway City Councillor Peter Keane has told Galway Bay FM News that one of his priorities will be the delivery of the Masterplan for the City.
It is the first time he has held this position in his fourth term as a Councillor, and he succeeds Councillor Eddie Hoare.
Speaking after his election yesterday evening, Mayor Keane said that they must make sure that they provide the correct and proper infrastructure for future generations for decades to come.
Councillor Keane also said that the single biggest challenge facing the city is the Galway City Outer Bypass and that it needs to be delivered with the utmost urgency.
The Newly elected Mayor spoke to Joseph Murray.

Tomas Grealish clip - First day at County Hall

Number of new faces as County Council holds first meeting of new five year term

There were a number of brand new faces at County Hall today for the first meeting of the new County Council.
Of the 39 councillors, there were 7 newcomers - as well as returning councillors Shaun Cunniffe from Tuam, and Peter Feeney from Athenry.
The new faces are Michael Landa and Mairtin Lee in Connemara, Louis O Hara, Cillian Keane and Tomas Grealish in Athenry Oranmore, Paul Killilea in Gort/Kinvara, and Alan Harney in Ballinasloe.
After the meeting they shared their thoughts on today and the work that lies ahead.

Claddagh Watch doubling patrols tonight as Leaving Cert exams end

Claddagh Watch will be carrying out double patrols tonight on the final day of the Leaving Certificate exams.
The local volunteer service will have teams out from 6.30PM until late to help keep people safe.
Over 3,000 students across Galway city and county have been sitting the Leaving Certificate exams over the past three weeks.
Chair of Claddagh Watch, Councillor Neil McNelis says the crews will be out to ensure everyone gets home safe.

Monivea Councillor Albert Dolan elected as youngest ever Cathaoirleach of County Galway

Monivea Councillor Albert Dolan has been elected as the youngest ever Cathaoirleach of County Galway. 
The 25 year old, who topped the polls in the recent local elections, assumed the position to a thunderous round of applause at County Hall.  
Fianna Fail Councillor Dolan was first elected in the Athenry/Oranmore area in 2019 at the age of 20 - which made him the youngest ever councillor elected to the local authority. 
Speaking at County Hall this afternoon, Cathaoirleach Councillor Dolan said it's a tremendous honour. 

Dunmore Councillor Ollie Turner elected as Leas Cathaoirleach of County Galway

Meanwhile, Fine Gael Councillor Ollie Turner was elected as Leas Cathaoirleach of County Galway. 
The Dunmore native also received a strong round of applause, and gave a speech that drew much laughter from those in attendance at County Hall. 
Leas-Cathaoirleach Councillor Turner says he is looking forward to getting stuck in and shaking things up

Concerns over discharge of raw sewage flowing into River Corrib from storm water overflow

Concerns are being raised over the discharge of raw sewage flowing into River Corrib from overflow at the Long Walk and Claddagh Basin.
While there is a licensed discharge permitted at that point during heavy rainfall, it's felt that the discharge is happening too often.
An Taisce has called on Uisce Éireann to urgently carry out long overdue work on the wastewater collection system in the Galway network to comply with the EPA licence.  
Speaking on Galway Talks, Councillor John Connolly says a system needs to be implemented to provide more clarity on the issue:

Substantial increase in number of homes being built in Galway this year

The number of homes being built across Galway city and county so far this year has already exceeded 2023's end of year total.
Work has begun on building 1,109 homes across Galway city and county in the first four months of this year.
While by the END of 2023, 1,172 construction commencement notices had been received by both local authorities.
Nationally, work has begun on the building of over 30 thousand new homes in the first 4 months of this year. 
Brian Hayes Chief Executive of the BPFI says almost half of the new homes being built are apartments. 

Mairead Farrell says "not a peep" from Government over promised action on year long student leases

There hasn't been "a peep" from Government over promised action on students being forced to sign full year accommodation leases every academic term. 
That's according to Galway West Sinn Fein TD Mairead Farrell. 
Speaking in the Dáil she said vulture funds are the biggest players in the market thanks to Government policies.  
And addressing Minister Helen McEntee, Deputy Farrell said despite previous talk from Government, nothing's happened. 

Independent Ireland councillors unhappy after being "locked out" of power in new County Council

Local Independent Ireland councillors aren't happy that they've been "locked out" of power in the new County Council, which meets for the first time tomorrow.  
They had been in talks with Fianna Fail for a pact that would've required the support of some independents and Sinn Fein. 
The pact is vital - because it decides who is elected as mayor of the county, who is elected chair of the districts, and who is appointed to a wide range of important committees and bodies. 
But now, it's been revealed that Fianna Fail has entered a pact with Fine Gael instead - and despite already having a majority, it's also taken on-board a number of independents.
Speaking to Galway Talks, Independent Ireland Councillor Noel Thomas had this opinion on the abrupt about-face.