Galway Bay fm - News

Connemara councillor says TII making "huge mistake" narrowing certain junctions on N59

Transport Infrastructure are making a huge mistake by looking to narrow certain junctions on the N59. 
That's the opinion of Independent Ireland Councillor Noel Thomas, who says TII is applying the same rules to rural junctions as to those in urban areas. 
But he claims that means several junctions are set to be narrowed despite being perfectly fine as they are  - including Cloonabinna, Barna Road and Oranswell Road. 
Councillor Thomas says investment is always welcome - but in this case, the money could be far better spent on junctions that are genuinely dangerous. 

Demand for extra Government funding to tackle enormous waiting list for local roadworks across Galway

There's a demand for extra Government funding to tackle an enormous waiting list for badly-needed local road improvement works across Galway.
At the final meeting of the current county council this week, Councillor Mary Hoade said the Community Involvement Scheme is in desperate need of more resources.
She was supported by many other councillors, who reflected on the huge gap between the list of works needed and the funding available.
Councillor Hoade says the CIS is extremely important.

Taoiseach pledges to look at how implementation of EU law may be "strangling" Connemara

The Taoiseach has pledged to look at the reasons as to why EU laws are leading to immense difficulty in getting projects completed in Connemara.
Speaking in the Dáil, Deputy Eamon O' Cuiv raised the seemingly never-ending sagas of the Galway Ring Road and the upgrade of the N59.
He also highlighted the refusal of the Páirc na Mara commercial development, and an environmental challenge taken against major upgrade works at Ros an Mhíl.
Deputy O' Cuiv said while EU laws never intended to strangle any region economically or socially, there's a desperate need for a much better balance.
Taoiseach Simon Harris pledged to look at the suggestion for a full review of the situation.

Irish Rail to add extra train services between Galway and Dublin from August

Irish Rail is set to add extra train services between Galway and Dublin from August. 
There'll be seven new services in both directions across the day in total - including on Sunday. 
Among the additions are a new late train leaving Dublin at 8.30pm, and one leaving Galway at 8.50pm. 
There'll also be new morning services, including a 9.05 train to Dublin, and on Sundays, a new 1.40pm train. 
The new rail timetable has now been published for public consultation and full details can be found at IrishRail.ie 
Green Party Senator Pauline O' Reilly has been speaking to David Nevin. 

Plans underway for new preschool and sports facility in Doughiska

Plans are set to be lodged for a new preschool and sports facility in Doughiska.
Councillor Alan Cheevers say the Doughiska Roscam Ardaun Development Company are looking to advance the project on lands fronting onto Doughiska Park.
He says they plans will include a new preschool, a multi sport all-weather facility, and community rooms.
Councillor Cheevers feels it's badly needed in the area.

O' Cuiv highlights unrealistic distances between Local Link bus stops in Connemara

It's good to see the rollout of rural public transport services - but some of them have completely unrealistic distances between stops. 
That's according to Galway West TD Eamon O' Cuiv, who's raised issues with Local Link services in Connemara. 
Speaking in the Dáil, he specifically referenced services from An Cheathrú Rua to Claremorris, and from an Cheathrú Rua to Clifden. 
Fianna Fail Deputy O' Cuiv said action has to be taken if the services are to be credible for many people. 

Hundreds of schoolkids from across Galway descend on Boston Scientific for STEM day

Pledge Oughterard community will be at heart of plans for new pedestrian footbridge

The community in Oughterard will be at the heart of plans to build a new pedestrian footbridge in the village.
That was the assurance given by an engineer from Transport Infrastructure Ireland at a meeting of Connemara councillors at County Hall.
Plans are advancing for the bridge, with consultants carrying out assessments to see what options might be feasible.
The footbridge has been sought for years, but has encountered repeated setbacks and delays due to environmental issues.
Councillor Tom Welby has been speaking to David Nevin about how the project is progressing.

Criticism expressed over lack of public engagement of Headford Transport Plan

Local councillors are adamant that members of the public are engaged with, during the development of the Headford Transport Plan.
The plan will address traffic calming, pedestrian crossings, parking safety measures and bus stops in the town.
Systra has begun the early stages of the work, having received details and reports of the area from the council.
Fine Gael Councillor Andrew Reddington says it's crucial that all parties involved engage with the development team on the plans as they progress:

Moycullen fashion show to honour memory of Úna, Ciara and Saoirse Bowden

A fashion show is taking place in Moycullen next month (june) in honour of Úna, Ciara and Saoirse Bowden who recently lost their lives in a car accident in Mayo
Úna and her daughters 14-year-old Ciara and 10-year-old Saoirse were valued members of the Moycullen community, being active members of many sporting and social groups
They were dedicated supporters of dog rescue charity MADRA, and as a result it's been decided that all proceeds from the fashion show will be donated to MADRA in their names. 
The show on Sunday week, June 9th, will be hosted by MoyGym and refreshments will be sponsored by Cafe Nua, The Fish Shop and The Gables. 
The manager of MoyGym Jana explains how the idea came about: