Galway Bay fm - News

Launch takes place of the Glenamaddy Ploughing and Agricultural Show

The launch took place last night of the 2025 Glenamaddy Ploughing and Agricultural Show at the Equestrian centre in Glenamaddy, with the show itself to be held on Sunday, the 28th of September.
Approximately 8 to 9 thousand people visit Glenamaddy for the show, and organisers are hopeful that this year could see over 10,000 visitors on the day in the Galway town. 
Last night also saw the launch of a new website glenamaddyshow.com, which will streamline the application and entrant process.
Vice Chair of the Show Committee Pat Connelly said that the excitement is building.

Galway City Council announce appointment of new Urban and Community Development Officers

Galway City Council have announced the appointment of three new Urban and Community Development Officers to give targeted support to community and voluntary groups in the City.
These roles will support the growth and empowerment of local communities, working closely with residents, community groups and other stakeholders to implement community development initiatives and enhance community cohesion.
The three new Urban and Community Development Officers are Oliver Lydon for the east, Natalie Coen for Central and Deirdre Keaney Cunningham for the West and they will form part of the Community Development Department and will support cross-directorate engagement with community groups.
Mayor of Galway City, Cllr Mike Cubbard welcomed their appointments, saying that these were important appointments for Galway.

Loughrea Seven Springs Day Centre to finally return to five day week services

Loughrea Seven Springs Day Centre is to finally return to five day a week services after a four year wait.
Following a HIQA inspection, the HSE has approved a return to day services for 5 days a week at the Centre.
The decision has been warmly welcomed by the Loughrea Concerned Citizens Group.
The Seven Springs Day Centre was closed in March 2020 due to due to Covid-19 but was not reopened when restrictions were lifted in October 2021 and since then an intensive public campaign has been in place for services to return.
Local Councillor Geraldine Donohue attributes the success of the campaign to people power.

University of Galway launches oral history archive of Irish showbusiness

The University of Galway is launching an oral history archive of Irish showbusiness people as part of National Heritage Week.
It aims to celebrate the lives and legacy of Irish performers from travelling cinemas, fairgrounds, circuses and sideshows.
The archive 'Voices of the Showmen' is a partnership between the UG Library, Irish Street Arts, the Circus and Spectacle Network, Archives Ireland and The Irish Showmen's Guild
The Guild's Selma Fox McFadden believes it's vital to document the lives of veteran Irish showpeople:

Galway Deputy asks Minister to intervene on situation regarding school transport for Colaiste Na Coiribe.

A Galway Deputy has asked the Minister with direct responsibility for School Transport to intervene with the Department of Education towards sanctioning a further Bus Service for students attending Colaiste na Coiribe.
It has emerged that some pupils had enrolled in the school only to find that no transport had been provided.
Speaking to Galway Bay FM News, Deputy Connolly, who is the Fianna Fail Spokesperson on Further and Higher Education, said that several parents had contacted him on the issue and had been in touch with Minister Michael Moynihan. 

Galway West Deputy John Connolly welcomes 10% pay rise for Irish Language Assistants

Language Assistants are to receive a 10% pay rise as part of a €1.964m nationwide package for the 2025/26 school year.
The Language Assistants Scheme, managed on behalf of the Department of Rural and Community Development by Muintearas in the Western Region, Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne in the Southern Region, and Glór na nGael in Gaeltacht Service Towns and Irish-Language Networks, is also being extended by one year.
As a result of this funding, the hourly pay rate for Language Assistants will increase from €23.20 to €25.52 from the beginning of the new school year.
The announcement of the pay rise has been welcomed by spokesperson on Further and Higher Education and TD for Galway West, Deputy John Connolly, who spoke to Galway Bay FM News this morning.

MEP warns that over 5,000 Galway Farmers could be forced out of Farming under New EU CAP proposals

Midlands North West MEP Ciaran Mullooly has warned of a deeply concerning development under the European Commission's proposed reforms to the Common Agricultural Policy or CAP.
Under new proposals, farmers reaching the State Pension age of 66 could not receive a single farm payment from 2028.
Speaking to Galway Bay FM, MEP Mullooly said that if these proposals went ahead, more than 5,000 farmers in Galway would be affected.
Has called for the introduction of a new early retirement package before the proposals come into effect.

Thousands attend public rally in Ballinasloe over downgrading of maternity services at Portiuncula Hospital

A large crowd, estimated in the thousands, took to the streets of Ballinasloe this afternoon for a public rally over the situation with maternity services at Portiuncula Hospital.
A local group was set up last month following a decision to transfer high-risk pregnancies from the hospital, following a review into the care being provided.
The Portiuncula Maternity Alliance says thousands of people have already signed a petition, with the next step being the public rally. 
Ballinasloe local Ciaran Keighery was at the rally and he spoke to John Mulligan on lunchtime news.
John first asked him about the turnout.
 

Galway v Cork Commentary

Minister welcomes Cabinet approval of government investment in Electricirty infrastructure

Galway East TD and Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports Sean Canney has welcomed Cabinet approval for up to €3.5 billion in Government equity support for ESB and EirGrid - unlocking over €18 billion in electricity grid investment between 2026 and 2030.
The investment includes up to €2 billion in equity support for EirGrid to develop Ireland's offshore electricity grid including delivery of the new Phase 1 and Phase 2 offshore wind connections and up to €1.5 billion for the ESB to invest in the onshore transmission and distribution network to meet growing electricity demand.
Speaking to Galway Bay FM News, Minister Canney said it is vital that this money is put to use quickly to deliver the infrastructure required.