Galway Bay fm - News

Call for "certainty" from HSE over future plan for Clifden Hospital once new amalgamated nursing unit is completed

There's a call for "certainty" from the HSE over future plans for Clifden Hospital, once a long-awaited new nursing unit is built. 
Planning permission is currently being sought for the 40 bed unit, which will amalgamate Clifden Hospital and St. Annes Nursing Unit into one facility. 
Clifden Hospital has long been plagued by staffing difficulties, but more recently the HSE has been successful in recruiting staff. 
Councillor Eileen Mannion told John Morley the hospital building could continue to provide a range of vital services after the new unit is built. 

Bus Eireann's Travel Assistance programme to begin in Galway shortly

Bus Eireann's Travel Assistance programme is to begin in Galway shortly
This scheme, already in place in Cork and Limerick, supports those with additional needs in gaining the skills to travel independently on public transport.
Bus Eireann has launched its new 5-year sustainability strategy, and its key aim to to have half it's fleet with zero emissions by 2030.
Rory Leahy, the company's Chief Safety and Sustainability officer says there are challenges in converting the fleet - but they've got a plan for that too. 

Catherine Connolly challenges Taoiseach on "meaningful steps" needed following recognition of Palestine

Galway West TD Catherine Connolly has challenged the Taoiseach on what steps the Government is taking to make our recognition of Palestine "actually mean something".
Ireland officially recognised the state last month, alongside Norway and Spain - which sparked fierce criticism from Israel. 
Speaking in the Dáil, Catherine Connolly said we now need to stop the travel of American soldiers and arms through Shannon airport. 
She also argued that to give substance to the recognition of Palestine, we also must stop the export of dual-use goods, which have increased dramatically. 
And Deputy Connolly and Simon Harris had a difference of opinion on the role of European Commission President, Ursula Von Der Leyen. 

University of Galway professor wins inaugural award for work in childrens rights

O' Cuiv questions delays to planned reform of means testing for social welfare payments

Galway West Deputy Eamon O' Cuiv is questioning lengthy delays to planned reforms of how social welfare payments are means tested. 
Speaking in the Dáil, he said many of the rules date back "a long time" and haven't been changed at all. 
Speaking in response, Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys said she expects to have a review within the next fortnight. 
And she said that date was given at a meeting on the matter just that very morning. 

Taoiseach hopeful All-Island Rail Review update will be released before Dáil summer recess

Taoiseach Simon Harris says he hopes an update on the All-Island Rail Review will be provided before the Dáil breaks for summer.
Local Independent TD Sean Canney brought the issue to his attention, following the resignation of Eamon Ryan as Green Party leader yesterday.
The Taoiseach confirmed that Minister Ryan is due to bring an update on the review, which includes details of the Western Rail Corridor, to Government shortly
Simon Harris gave Deputy Canney confirmation that the process is still progressing:

Works on new community centre in Moycullen could begin early next year

Irish Cancer Society highlights UHG among others for excessive car parking fees

The Irish Cancer Society has highlighted UHG, among several other hospitals, for what it says is excessive car parking charges.
The charity says along with a €180m hole in funding for cancer services, patients are also facing a financial toll due to hidden costs, including hospital car-parking fees.
A survey shows there is no free parking or concessions for cancer patients at four Dublin hospitals.
While full fees are charged UHG, Portlaoise Hospital, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, University Hospital Waterford and Mullingar Hospital.
CEO of the Society Averil Power says those hidden costs are just one of a host of unnecessary financial pressures facing cancer patients

Unlikely Dunguaire castle in Kinvara will reopen this year

It's very unlikely that Dunguaire castle in Kinvara will reopen this year.
That's according to confirmation received by Gort/Kinvara Councillor Gerry Finnerty, who says it's a major blow to tourism in the area.
The castle is to be taken over by Galway County Council from the Shannon development group, but the process has been very slow.
Councillor Finnerty told Sarah Slevin it's massive loss for the area, in terms of tourism and jobs:

Medical device research centre at University of Galway contributes €750 million to Irish economy

A significant medical device research centre at University of Galway is worth €750m to the Irish economy. 
That's according to a new report from Mazars, which looked at the CÚRAM SFI Research Centre. 
The figure represents an almost a 12-fold increase on the original Government investment of €65m. 
Director of CÚRAM, Professor Abhay Pandit explains their impact over the last decade.