Galway Bay fm - News

Councillor says investment in Tuam water supply little comfort to those affected by long term boil notice

Tuam area Councillor Donagh Killilea says a 5 million euro investment in the Tuam Water supply is of little comfort to ten thousand people currently affected by a long term boil notice
He has made the comment as Irish Water confirmed that work is now underway on the upgrade of the Luimnagh Water Treatment Plant which serves Tuam
Councillor Killilea says it's disappointing that the boil water notice in place for Tuam and surrounding areas for months will remain in place until next year
He's calling on Irish Water to supply fresh drinking water to affected users as soon as possible, even if it needs to be tankered in
 

Emergency rally for Palestine to be held in city tomorrow

An 'Emergency Rally' for Palestine will be held in the city tomorrow. 
The event is organised by the Galway Branch of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign. 
They'll gather at Galway Cathedral at 2pm before marching through the city to Spanish Arch, where speeches will be given. 
Tomorrow's rally - the latest in a string of marches and vigils in recent months - is in response to the growing threat of an Israeli assault on the city of Rafah. 
One of the organisers, Ciaran Tierney said the world has woken up to the reality of what Israel is doing. 

An Bord Pleanala set to resume consideration of Galway Ring Road project in September

An Bord Pleanala is set to resume consideration of the long-running and highly controversial Galway City Ring Road in September.
The higher planning body first approved the project in late 2021.
But a High Court challenge saw that decision ultimately quashed a year later - because the Government's latest climate action plan wasn't taken into account.
Now, Galway County Council and Galway City Council have confirmed they will submit all documents needed for a fresh consideration by September.
Fianna Fail City Councillor John Connolly told David Nevin it's good to see movement on the project.
 

Galway TD claims Irish Water has "no interest" in towns and villages crying out for wastewater infrastructure

Call for city council to redevelop old Hunters Caravan Park on west of city into 'super park'

Galway City Council is being urged to redevelop the old Hunters Caravan Park site on the west side of the city into an ambitious new eco-park. 
Councillor Alan Curran says the site was purchased over 20 years ago - and has only been used as a depot yard since. 
He argues it's one of the best situated pieces of land in Galway - surrounded by Cappagh Park, Barna Woods, Rusheen Woods and Silverstrand Beach. 
Councillor Curran told David Nevin there is enormous potential to link them all together into one 'superpark'. 

Aran Islands writer crowned champion in All Ireland Scholarships Creative Writing Competition.

An Aran Islands native has been crowned the overall winner of the 2024 Roger Downer Creative Writing Award. Surnaí Molloy's short story 'Rites of Passage' was awarded first place and her story 'Mouse' was honoured with third place. 
The judging panel consisted of authors Roddy Doyle, Marian Keyes and Donal Ryan - alongside last years winner Emma Corcoran. 
Surnaí says the award is an amazing motivation. 

Peace activist Margaretta D'Arcy to stand in city elections at the age of 89

Well known peace activist Margaretta D'Arcy has announced she will stand in the upcoming local elections in Galway City. 
The 89 year old anti-war protestor has been jailed on occassion for her staunch opposition to war, including the use of Shannon by the US military. 
Among her priorities are restoring greater power to Galway City Council, supporting pay for home parents, and making Galway a beacon of peace and support for human and animal rights. 
At her launch on Shop Street, Margaretta spoke to Sarah Slevin. 

Taoiseach admits excuse of no demand for closed Clifden hospital "does not fly"

The Taoiseach has admitted that the excuse of there being no demand for Clifden Hospital "does not fly" with him. 
The matter was raised in the Dáil by Deputy Catherine Connolly, who said the hospitals remains closed - and that's unlikely to change in the foreseeable future. 
She argued a variety of excuses have been given since, the worst being an alleged lack of demand. 
And Taoiseach Simon Harris gave an assurance he does not accept that. 

Councillor gunning to have "monstrosity" mast in Kilrickle moved elsewhere

A county councillor is taking steps to try and have what he calls a "monstrosity" of a telecommunications mast in Kilrickle village moved elsewhere. 
Councillor Declan Kelly has written to the company responsible to see if a less visually obtrusive site can be found. 
The metal mast in question is located right on the main street and stands around 18 metres in height. 
David Nevin spoke to Councillor Kelly.

Galway builders unite to voice frustration over planning process and lack of infrastructure

Home builders across Galway are voicing their frustration over what they consider are key restraints in delivering houses.
The Construction Industry Federation says the planning process needs to be sped up and more investment is needed in infrastructure across Galway.
It comes ahead of the Irish Home Builders' Association's annual Galway meeting -  being held in the Maldron Hotel tomorrow afternoon.
Justin Molly, Director of Western, Midland and Northern Region with CIF says the lack of decision on the outer ring road is also impacting on construction plans.
Justin says builders are ready on the ground to deliver more homes, but they are facing too many barriers