Galway Bay fm - News

Maigh Cuilinn and Newcastle to receive over €10 Million for facilities through Community Centre Investment Fund

The areas of Maigh Cuilinn and Newcastle are to receive over €10 million euro for the construction of Community Centres following an announcement by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys.
Minister Humphreys made the announcement in Galway City this morning as part of an overall allocation of €30 Million that will be awarded with 12 new centres to be built across the country.
The investment of €10,343,255 to Maigh Cuilinn and Newcastle is over a third of the funds allocated nationally. Of the Maigh Cuilinn has received the highest funding possible of €6 million euro with Newcastle receiving €4,343,355.
It's the first time in the history of the State that a dedicated fund has been set up to deliver new-build community centres in Rural Ireland.
Speaking to Galway Bay FM News, Minister Humpherys commended both communities for the work done on both projects

Plans advancing for major active travel project along N63 in Abbeyknockmoy

Plans are advancing for a major active travel project along the N63 in Abbeyknockmoy. 
At a meeting this week, following a presentation, local area councillors approved the project to go forward for planning permission. 
It'll involve the creation of a 570m two-way, shared cycle and pedestrian track on the south side of the N63 in the village. 
There'll also be a 415m raised footpath created on the north side of the N63, as well as a revised junction in the village, and a pedestrian crossing. 
Councillor Pete Roche says the scheme is very welcome - but told Kevin Dwyer he is concerned about the potential removal of parking spaces. 

Local TD criticises Minister for refusing to extend lime spreading window for farmers

Galway-Roscommon TD Denis Naughten is criticising the Agriculture Minister for not extending the lime spreading for farmers.
Deputy Naughten says farmers are facing huge challenges with poor soil conditions due to continuous rainfall in recent months.
He raised the issue in the Dáil, but was told the current deadline of June 28th would remain in place, as this was already an extension.
The Independent TD says more flexibility is needed because the practice is a win-win for both farming and climate:

Local TD criticises delay in opening day centre service at new CNU in Tuam

Galway East TD Sean Canney is critical of the delay in opening the day centre service at Tuam's new Community Nursing Unit.
A handful of residents from the Arus Mhuire Community Nursing Home have relocated to the new Joe and Helen O Toole Unit this week.
However, the Independent TD is concerned that the day service has not yet opened, and is calling on the HSE to deliver all the services as soon as possible.
He says time and time again, these vital facilities are getting delayed and that needs to change:

Collection of photographs published documenting the history of University of Galway

Taxi numbers in Galway decline by 5 percent in past five years

City Councillor to meet with Sport Minister over €1m development plans for Salthill Knocknacarra GAA

Frustration over strategy for completion of Athlone to Galway Greenway

There is frustration over the new proposed strategy for the delivery of the Athlone to Galway Greenway.
The strategy would see Galway with one set of consultants responsible for Galway to Portumna, while Westmeath County Council will have another set of consultants responsible for Portumna to Athlone. 
Gort-Kivara Councillor Joe Byrne is calling for a detailed report on the new strategy from the Director of Roads in Galway. 
He says it shows a lack of joined-up thinking between the two councils.

City-based Croí calls for national strategy to tackle cardiovascular health

City-based heart and stroke charity Croí is calling for a new national strategy to tackle cardiovascular health. 
Croí says cardiovascular disease is responsible for 40 per cent of all hospital admissions, and 75 per cent of all bed days in hospitals.
Figures also show it accounts for almost 9 thousand deaths in Ireland very year. 
But Ireland's last cardiovascaular health strategy expired in 2019, with no renewal or evaluation.  CEO Mark O’Donnell is calling on politicians to develop a new national strategy similar to the one in place for cancer.

City Council urged to be more proactive with social housing maintenance

Galway City Council is being urged to adopt a more proactive maintenance program for its housing properties. 
City councillor and former Mayor of Galway, Mike Cubbard says while the maintenance crews do trojan work, they are under constant pressure.
The Independent councillor says figures show a small minority of the 2,749 properties owned by the council had essential improvement works done last year.
Councillor Cubbard says with the high number of calls coming in, a proactive rather than a reactive method is needed: