Galway Bay fm - News

County Galway rent prices rising faster than city

Rents across County Galway are rising slightly faster than those in the city.
The latest Rent Price Report from Daft.ie shows in the City, rents have risen by 5% in the last year and the average rent is now €1861.
While in the rest of Galway, market rents were on average 8.9% higher - the average listed rent is now €1,472.
Author of the report, economist Ronan Lyons, says certain areas are suffering from lack of availability more than others:

Catherine Connolly claims EU has lost its "moral compass"

The European Union has lost its 'moral compass' - and no longer shows an understanding of the concept of morality at all.
That's according to Galway West TD Catherine Connolly, who's reacting to a new report from the European Ombudsman.
Speaking in the Dáil, Deputy Connolly said the report described the EU as having built a garden, and everything outside that garden is designated as jungle.
She further noted the EU reaction to the drowing of 600 migrants last year when a single boat capsized near Greece was "a shrug of the shoulders".
Deputy Connolly also took aim at the EU stance on Israel - and argued the it has lost it's moral compass.
 

Frustration over "red tape" stunting rollout of electric vehicle charge points across Connemara

Record numbers expected this weekend at Fleadh Cheoil na Gaillimhe in Claregalway

Record numbers are expected in Claregalway this weekend for the Fleadh Cheoil na Gaillimhe 2024.
It's being hosted by Lackagh Comhaltas, and will see participants from Comhlactas branches right across Galway.
A weekend of competitions and entertainment will kick off after this evening's opening ceremony, which takes place at 7:30at Claregalway Castle.
Marie Walsh, PRO of Galway Comhaltas, paints a picture of the jam-packed weekend ahead:
 

Eamon Ryan says solutions to traffic chaos in Galway cannot be decided in Dublin

The solutions needed to tackle the traffic chaos in Galway cannot be decided in Dublin, and can only be delivered by Galway's local authorities. 
That was the opinion expressed by Transport Minister Eamon Ryan today, as he officially opened three new active travel schemes in the city. 
They are the new pedestrian footbridge at Wolfe Tone Bridge, the Eglinton Canal Active Travel Scheme, and a Safe Routes to School project at Scoil Iognaid. 
Speaking to David Nevin at Galway City Museum, Minister Ryan said more active travel schemes and improved public transport is the only way forward. 

No resolution found for West Bridge lights at final Loughrea MD meeting of term

Councillors have failed to come to a resolution with the County Council over issues with traffic lights at the West Bridge in Loughrea.
The sequence for the lights was changed almost a year ago, which both councillors and locals claim is causing traffic gridlock caused by the move.
Speaking at the final Loughrea MD meeting of this term, Councillor Moegie Maher says the current system is not working, and they should be turned off altogether.
While this was initially backed up by felllow councillor Declan Kelly, both eventually councillors retracted their suggestions after safety issues were cited by Galway County Council.
However, Councillor Maher spoke to Sarah Slevin about the ongoing saga:

Special city event to celebrate Africa Day 2024

A special event aimed at young people to celebrate Africa Day will take place in the city this evening.
AfroRhythms will includes a lineup of cultural activities - such as Afro beats, performances, interactive workshops and authentic African food. 
The free event will place from 8 this evening at Seven Bar at Bridge Street. 
Coordinator Helen Ogbu explains what she hopes young people will take away from the event:
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Helen Ogbu is a candidate in the June 7 elections.
 

Catherine Connolly says Government responsible for "horrible" public discourse over asylum seekers

Government is responsible for an increasing and "horrible" public discourse over asylum seekers and refugees. 
That's according to Galway West TD Catherine Connolly, who says the Government has left a "vacuum" through lack of action on the situation. 
She claimed what is happening, with rising numbers not offered accommodation and turning to tents, is shocking. 
Independent Deputy Connolly said the Government was warned repeatedly - and is failing on its international obligations. 

Call for National Transport Authority to set up Galway office to advance important projects

There's a call for the National Transport Authority to set up a Galway office - so vital projects like Park and Ride could be delivered faster. 
Fianna Fáil's John Connolly believes the current NTA format is too Dublin-centred.
He also cited concerns about the NTA's knowledge on Galway locations and their ability to make important decisions on transport routes in Galway. 
Councillor John Connolly says the city's park and ride strategy would be far more advanced if there was a local NTA office. 

Councillors move to oppose changes to Mervue bus services under BusConnects project

City councillors have moved to oppose changes to bus services in Mervue under the ambitious BusConnects project. 
It's a radical overhaul of the city bus network set to be introduced in 2025 and 2026, with new routes, increased stops and frequencies. 
But concerns have been raised over some proposed changes in Mervue - because multiple buses would then pass through narrow residential areas. 
A motion led by Councillor Declan McDonnell has now been passed at Galway City Council, calling on the NTA to rethink that portion of the plan. 
Councillor Declan McDonnell says local residents feel the proposed changes would cause more harm than good: