Galway Bay fm - News

Public share reactions to news that Ward's Corner Store on University Road to close after 93 years

The public have been giving their reaction to the news that Ward's Corner Store on University Road in the city is to close after 93 years in business. 
The iconic family-run shop has been a staple for countless generations of students. 
Announcing the closure, the store said "it's time to rest after three generations and three families raised".
Tomorrow is its final day of business, according to a sign posted on the door by owner Joe Ward. 
Chloe Nolan went to Wards today to ask the public how they feel about the announcement.
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Connemara councillor says Green Party "flowerpot" economics damaging fabric of region

The Green Party's "flowerpot" economics are seriously damaging the fabric of communities in Connemara. 
That's the opinion of Connemara Independent Ireland councillor Noel Thomas. 
He claims they've been anti-development and anti-roads, without offering any credible alternatives. 
Among his particular concerns are Green Party opposition to the Ring Road, as well as one-off rural housing. 
Councillor Thomas told David Nevin environmentalists are having a very "destructive" impact on Connemara. 

HSE confident contractor will be sought for long-awaited Spiddal Primary Care Centre next month

The HSE is confident that a contractor will be sought for a long awaited Primary Care Centre in Spiddal next month.
It follows what have been described as repeated "false dawns" due to endless red-tape, some of which was at a national level.
But at a meeting of the HSE Health Forum West this week, Fianna Fail Connemara Councillor Daithi O' Cualain was told that the way has now been cleared for the project to finally proceed next month.
He's hopeful there'll be no more delays.

Disability parking bays in Ballinasloe town upgraded

The disability parking bays in Ballinasloe town have been upgraded
Local Councillor Evelyn Parsons allocated funds to upgrade seven disability parking bays on Dunlo and Society streets.
She worked with Accessibility Ballinasloe, and says there's no excuse now to miss seeing the markings
 

Transport Minister urged to take action on driving test waiting times in Clifden

The Transport Minister has been urged to take action on the long waiting times for driving tests in Clifden.
North Connemara Councillor, Thomas Welby, has written to Eamon Ryan on the matter, after it was revealed Clifden has one of the longest average waiting times in the country, at 21 weeks.
The Independent councillor says people in Clifden and surrounding areas rely on their cars due to poor public transport options.
Councillor Welby says action needs to be taken to ensure the area isn't at a disadvantage:

Mairead Farrell says stronger Government focus needed on supporting craft apprenticeships

Government needs to give greater focus to the support of craft apprenticeships. 
That's according to Galway West TD Mairead Farrell, who's told the Dáil that Government is falling far, far short of targets set for overall apprenticeships. 
But she said when it comes to craft apprenticeships, crucial for the construction sector, no targets have been set at all. 
Sinn Fein Deputy Farrell argued Government cannot continue to overlook the situation. 

Minister to officially reopen Ballinasloe Town Hall Theatre tomorrow

Record number of people attend Emergency Department at UHG as further delays expected on new building

Record number of people attend Emergency Department at UHG as further delays expected on new building

Sean Canney says we have "sleep-walked" our way into putting unsuitable wind farms all over the country

We have "sleep-walked" our way into putting unsuitable wind farms all over the country to provide green energy.
That's according to Galway East TD Sean Canney, who says an agenda that we need green energy "at any cost" is being led by some politicians and the media.
It comes as a massive protest was held by community groups from across the country at Leinster House yesterday.
Of particular focus is a planned 8 turbine development near Belclare, which will have a height of 185m.
Deputy Canney says we're working off guidelines last updated in 2006, when turbines were just a fraction of that height - and this is not the "just transition the Government promised.