Galway Bay fm - News

Gort Town Team seek to repurpose Convent as multi-functional community facility

The Gort Town Team is seeking to secure funding to buy and repurpose the convent building in the town.
It's looking to transform the building, which is owned by the Sisters of Mercy, into a multi-functional facility, which could provide a cultural space and a remote working hub.
While a previous application to the Rural Regeneration Development Fund was unsuccessful, the Department has said a resubmission would be fully considered.
The team presented its plan to local councillors this week, receiving unanimous support from all in attendance.
Gort Town Team Chairperson, Annie Rosario spoke to Sarah Slevin about their ambitions:

Councillor Noel Thomas escorted away from Garda Commissioner at opening of An Spidéal Garda Station

Connemara Councillor Noel Thomas was escorted away from the Garda Commissioner at today’s official opening of An Spidéal Garda Station.
The Independent Ireland Councillor approached Drew Harris during media interviews, and requested to speak to him about a Garda raid on his home.
Sarah Slevin was there as the incident unfolded, and spoke to both Commissioner Harris and Councillor Thomas. 

New Garda Station officially opened in An Spidéal by Justice Minister and Garda Commissioner

An Spidéal's new Garda Station was officially opened this afternoon by the Garda Commissioner and Justice Minister.
The handover of the new Garda Station took place last December, and two Garda members are currently attached to the station.
Drew Harris and Helen McEntee were joined in An Spidéal today by around a hundred people, which included local and retired members of An Garda Siochana.
Speaking after the ribbon cutting and plaque unveil, Commissioner Harris says this new building shows the forces commitment to local areas. 

Former St. Brigid's Nurses Home in Ballinasloe to be converted into domestic violence refuge centre

The former St. Brigid's Nurses Home in Ballinasloe is set to be converted into a domestic violence refuge centre.
Galway County Council has committed to acquiring the former home, which is located on a 64-acre parcel of land.
Independent Ballinasloe Councillor Evelyn Parsons says this is long-awaited and excellent news.
 

An Spidéal's Trá na mBan one of five areas nationwide noted for poor water quality

An Spidéal's Trá na mBan is one of five areas to be noted for having poor bathing water quality in a national report.
While the 2023 EPA report noted pollution from agriculture and septic tanks, there's hope this will be fixed for 2024 as a new wastewater treatment plant was constructed last November.
Meanwhile, bathing water at Aillebrack/Silverhill Beach, was classified with Excellent quality for the first time.
Nationally, 97 per cent of sites tested for bathing water quality met or exceeding the minimum standard last year. Programme Manager at the EPA Mary Gurrie says there is still room for improvement.

Councillors lodge opposition to wind farm development near Belclare with An Bord Pleanala

County Council to look at installing recycling banks in Claregalway

New City Council Chief Executive cites Ring Road delivery as top priority for his 10-year term

Galway City Council's new Chief Executive says the delivery of the Ring Road is his top priority for his upcoming term.
Leonard Cleary officially took over from Brendan McGrath on Monday, and he will serve in the position for ten years.
He says he aims to redouble efforts to reduce traffic congestion, while also focusing on having more sustainable travel options across the city.
Speaking to John Morley on Galway Talks, Leonard outlines his hopes in relation to city travel

City Council gives green light for floodlights at Westside Running Track

Galway City Council has given the green light for 20 floodlights to be built at Westside Running Track. 
Galway City Council this week confirmed it has allocated €100k in capital funding and €60k for the project under the Community Recognition Fund.
The project will see 20 LED floodlights erected around the track, as well as the installation of sensors that will detect runners using the track and activate the lights. 
Mayor of Galway Councillor Eddie Hoare says he hopes to see the project delivered by September this year. 

Three quarters of Galway students say social media makes them worry about body image

72 percent of secondary school students in Galway say that social media has made them worry about their body image.
The Galway figure is 13 percent higher than the national average, according to a new report from Studyclix.
It also found that 70 per cent of secondary school students say their parents don't put any restrictions on their smartphone use.
Studyclix founder Luke Saunders says the mental health of students is suffering because of what they're being exposed to: