Galway Bay fm - News

Catherine Connolly claims lack of progress on true universal healthcare is "deplorable"

The Government's lack of progress on establishing proper universal healthcare is "deplorable". 
That's according to Galway West TD Catherine Connolly, who says our health services are a jigsaw of fractured pieces. 
It's as the Health Minister delivered a statement in the Dáil on the progress in delivering universal healthcare. 
But Deputy Connolly asked how he could talk about universal healthcare when almost 50 people were on trolleys at UHG that very day. 
She claimed we're an "anomaly" in Europe in not providing it. 

City Councillor calls for walkability audits for people with disabilities

Councillor Alan Curran is calling on the City Council to carry out walkability audits for people with disabilities
City East Councillor Curran says people with disabilities are at high risk of poverty, social exclusion, unemployment and face barriers to transport and housing.
He's also requesting accessible infrastructure for all public transport as part of the upcoming BusConnect improvements. 
The Social Democrats councillor says walkability audits need to be urgently rolled out to identify obstacles that hinder movement.

Booster station planned to improve water supply in Tir an Fhia region of South Connemara

Uisce Éireann have confirmed a short-term measure to resolve the water difficulties in the Tir an Fhia region of South Connemara.
Work is ongoing to install a booster station which would reduce interruptions to supply and ensure better service to more remote areas on the scheme.
Negotiations are ongoing with planned owners for the provision of space for the pipe and a vehicle to service it - it is hoped work will be completed by the end of the year.
Galway West TD Éamon Ó Cuív has welcomed the news - but says a longer term solution must also be provided.

Two Headford-based projects recognised at .ie Digital Town Awards 2024

Two projects in Headford have been recognised at the .ie Digital Town Awards 2024.
Headford Lace Trail received the runner-up award in the Digital Tourism Category for its immersive outdoor heritage experience.
Meanwhile, Headford Online was chosen as the runner-up for Digital Newcomer for creating a centralised hub for diverse content in Headford.
Chairperson of the Headford Smart Villages Committee Mary Hoade offered her congratulations to all involved.
She also paid tribute to Galway Rural Development and CEO Steve Dolan for his commitment and dedication to the project.

Call for new €50m fund to support delivery of badly-needed affordable housing across County Galway

There's a call for a new €50m fund to be established to drive the delivery of badly needed affordable housing across County Galway.
Councillor Donagh Killilea has passed a motion at Galway County Council, urging the establishment of a central fund to exclusively support affordable housing and cost rental schemes.
He says he wants to see affordable housing schemes built at the same pace as social housing.

Women's health to be focus of medical experts at Salthill event

Women's health is to be the focus of medical experts who will gather at an event in Salthill tomorrow.
The 'Navigating your hormones and Empowering Women' event will feature Dr Mary Ryan Consultant Endocrinologist and Oonagh O'Hagan pharmacist and MD of Meaghers Pharmarcy Group.
The event aims to educate women on the impact of hormones on their health and has an admission fee
Dr Mary Ryan explains its main focus

Clarinbridge author celebrates Children's Books Ireland award

Clarinbridge local, Serena Molloy, is celebrating her win at the KPMG Children's Books Ireland Awards.
Serena is 1 of 6 winners and recieved The Eilís Dillon Award for her début book 'Wider Than the Sea'.
The children's book follows the story of an unlikely friendship between a girl and a dolphin, with illustrations by George Ermos.
The book features dyslexic-friendly blank verse and celebrates neurodiversity and empathy.
Serena has been speaking to FYI Galway reporter Chloe Nolan about her award-winning childrens book:

Croí launches new health unit to bring travelling service across County Galway

Cróí has launched its new mobile health unit, which will travel across County Galway delivering vital life-saving services.
The innovative initiative was made possible by the generous legacy gift from the Joe and Helen O'Toole Trust.
Sarah Slevin attended the launch outside O'Toole's Supervalu in Tuam, and brings us this report:

Local MEP Maria Walsh proposes new Minister of State dedicated to Fisheries

Local MEP Maria Walsh is proposing the introduction of a new Minister of State dedicated to Fisheries and the Marine 
The Fine Gael MEP for this region says the industry is the cornerstone of our economy and rural communities.
MEP claims a new Minister of State is needed to undo the historical wrongs that have decimated the fishing industry.

Renmore Army Barracks gives reassurances that the walkway to Ballyloughane will re-open

Renmore Army Barracks has given reassurances that the walkway to Ballyloughane will re-open
The Commanding Officer has confirmed to Independent Councillor Terry O'Flaherty that the gate will remain open for walkers during working hours.
It's understood the original decision was made to protect the security of the barracks and its personnel.
Councillor O'Flaherty says the right decision has now been made for residents in Renmore who use the path regularly: