Galway Bay fm - News

Mairead Farrell critical of Government "all or nothing" approach to EU migration pact

Galway West TD Mairead Farrell is criticising the Government's "all or nothing" approach to the EU migration pact. 
The pact is a new set of rules managing migration, including faster processing, improved screening, and improved central database. 
Government is set to fast-track the pact into Irish law - but critics say it'll allow the EU to make immigration decisions for Ireland. 
Speaking to Galway Talks, Sinn Fein Deputy Mairead Farrell said it has some good aspects - but others aren't so good. 
She was asked by John Morley if she thought the Irish people would vote for the pact in a hypothetical referendum. 

19 new special classes announced across Galway city and county

Nineteen new special classes have been announced for Galway for the upcoming school year.
It brings the total number of special classes in Galway city and county to 168 - 102 at primary, and 66 at post-primary. The additional classes will be spread out across a number of schools in the city, along with in Ballinasloe, Tuam, Headford, Renvyle  and Kinvara.
Sharing the news, Minister Hildegarde Naughton says she hopes this will provide some relief to families:

Galway recycles almost 3,000 tonnes of e-waste in 2023

People in Galway recycled almost 3,000 tonnes of e-waste - or nearly 10kg per person - in 2023 
Ireland had a record-breaking recycling year - with 41,730 tonnes of electronic and electrical waste recycled last year.
That's the equivalent of 200 forty-foot containers more than the previous year, according to the annual report.
Leo Donovan, CEO, WEEE Ireland, says this is a major achievement, but more can be done:

Number of Galway dentists working in medical card scheme halved in past year

 
The number of Galway dentists contracted under the medical card scheme has halved over the past year - dropping from 111 to 56. 
The Irish Independent reports this is in line with the national trend, with 252 fewer dentists available to medical card holders since May 2023.  
Proposed solutions to the mass exodus of dentists includes a new voucher scheme with credit of up to €500 to be used on a wide range of procedures. 
Irish Dental Association CEO Fintan Hourihane firmly believes a new scheme is needed. 

Taylor Swift's dreams of a 'quiet pint' in the The Banshees of Inisheerin Pub could soon come true

Taylor Swift's dreams of a 'quiet pint' in the The Banshees of Inisheerin Pub could soon come true. 
The owner of the re-built bar in Kilkerrin has invited the singer to his pub, and says the first three pints are reserved for her. 
In an interview with the film's director, Martin McDonagh, Taylor expressed her love for the film and how she was desperate to visit the pub. 
Luke Mee says they'll need to prep the town and pub to host the popstar:

Local senator says banning dangerous dogs not enough without real enforcement

Discussions and plans around banning dangerous dog breeds are important - but willprove ineffective unless there's real enforcement.
That's according to Ballinasloe-based Senator Aisling Dolan, who's raised the matter in the Seanad.
She outlined how at the moment, several different state agencies are responsible for the ownership and monitoring of dogs.
Senator Dolan said currently, there's no way for wardens on the street to access the various databases to issue fines for not having microchips or licenses.

Deputy Sean Canney expresses concern following confirmation that Pieta House intends to close existing therapy centre in Tuam.

Independent TD Sean Canney has expressed concern following confirmation from the CEO of Pieta House that they intend to close the existing therapy centre in Bishop Street in Tuam.
The centre has been delivering therapy services to the people of Tuam and surrounding areas for the past eleven years and was funded due to the efforts of a committee lead by John Concannon and supported by people across the West of Ireland.
Speaking to Galway Bay FM News, Deputy Canney said that he has been in contact with CEO of Pieta House Stephanie Manahan to discuss this issue.

Luxury car run The Bumblebee1000 to visit Loughrea tomorrow

The ‘Fast and Furious’ luxury car run, which boasts everything from Lamborghinis to McLarens, will reach Loughrea tomorrow.
Named The Bumblebee1000 after the children's ambulance the car run supports the Little Blue Heroes charity.
This charity supports families who have seriously ill children undergoing long-term medical treatment by making them 'honorary' Gardaí.
The multimillion-euro car convoy will reach the Galway Plaza at 12.30 tomorrow afternoon, before arriving at Loughrea Hotel at 1.30pm. 
PJ Harte, founder of the Bumblebee1000 car run, explains the importance of these events to help charities:

Free Yoga classes in Salthill to raise awareness of the flushing of unsuitable items

As part of the Think Before You Flush campaign, Clean Coasts are hosting free yoga classes in Salthill all this month. 
Classes will be held on at Ladies Beach tomorrow and at Grattan Beach tomorrow week.
These family-friendly classes will be followed by a beach clean, and a presentation on water quality.   
Clean Coast's Development Officer for Clare and Galway Ollie O’Flaherty says the aim is to educate people on the damaging effects of flushing unsuitable objects down the toilet.   

Carrabane National School wins big at Irish Aid Awards

Carrabane National School has claimed two titles at this week's Irish Aid Awards in Dublin Castle 
The 5th class students won the Activity Award for their contribution which included a rap about Sustainable Development Goals. 
Their teacher, Bláthnaid Burke, also came away with the Teacher of the Year award
Bláthnaid talks about the school's success in both categories: