Galway Bay fm - News

Public consultation on Kingston Masterplan Amenity Proposal begins tomorrow

The public consultation on the Kingston Masterplan Amenity Proposal will begin tomorrow.
A project website, www.kingstonparkmillarslane.com will go live and will include a community Survey Questionnaire for members of the public the opportunity to take part in the design process.
A day long public consultation session will also be held in the Clybaun Hotel on October 17th where the community will be invited to provide their opinions in person.
This has been welcomed by City Councillor John Connolly who told Galway Bay FM News that this is an opportunity that may not come around again so they must get it right.

Claims rent pressure zone status for County Galway places Connemara tourism at risk

Concerns are being raised that tourism in Connemara could be negatively impacted after it was announced that County Galway now meets rent pressure zone criteria.
The Residential Tenancies Board has highlighted County Galway and the Carrigaline in Cork as two areas which newly qualify for the status.
Rent Pressure Zones are intended to moderate the rise in rent, but this could pose problems for landlords who rent out their home for short term letting.
Connemara area councillor Máirtín Lee says it could result in some landlords needing to apply for planning permission to change the use of their property.
Speaking to our reporter Chris Benn, the Fianna Fáil Councillor says this could have a detrimental impact on tourism in Connemara.

2 - Medical device company Integer opens new Parkmore centre and announces further expansion

Leading global medical device company, Integer, has announced its intention to expand further as it opens new $30m centre in Parkmore East.
It has officially opened its new 67,000 sq foot facility today, and the company has permission for further expansion and hopes to almost triple its site at Parkmore. 
It currently employs over 300 staff in Galway, and the new research and innovation centre has the potential to create up to 200 more jobs over the next few years.
Enterprise Minister Dara Calleary says these investments are crucial and only possible if the talent pool is there:

Medical device company Integer opens new Parkmore centre and announces further expansion

Leading global medical device company, Integer, has announced its intention to expand further as it opens new $30m centre in Parkmore East.
It has officially opened its new 67,000 sq foot facility today, and the company has permission for further expansion and hopes to almost triple its site at Parkmore. 
It currently employs over 300 staff in Galway, and the new research and innovation centre has the potential to create up to 200 more jobs over the next few years.
Our reporter Sarah Slevin attended the opening of the state-of-the-art building today, and spoke to both the CEO and the Director of Operations of Integer.

Midlands North West MEP Walsh calls for reform of CAP

Midlands North West MEP Maria Walsh is calling for a comprehensive reform of the Common Agricultural Policy.
The Fine Gael MEP has made the call ahead of a debate in the European Parliament on the report of the Strategic Dialogue for the Future of EU Agriculture.
Speaking in Strasbourg, MEP Walsh says CAP is failing in its current form:

Step forward for €2m Knocknacarra Soccer Club development

Plans are progressing for a €2 million development of Knocknacarra soccer club on Cappagh Road. 
The project looks to deliver two additional pitches, an astroturf and changing rooms next to the City Council facilities which they currently share. 
However, the development hit a snag during the application process for national funding - having not received priority grading. 
Mayor of Galway Peter Keane put forward a motion to remedy this, claiming a similar process was needed to secure funding for the Sportsground development.  
The Fianna Fáil councillor says he didn't want to see the project disqualified because it wasn't graded. 

Long awaited development plan for Clifden to go to planning next month

The long-awaited Clifden Regeneration Plan is set to go to planning next month. 
The development aims to transform the ‘capital of Connemara’ - creating a Harbour Park, Beach Road Quay and enhancing the town centre. 
The project is being delivered through support from the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. 
Fine Gael Councillor Eileen Mannion welcomes the update but says there are still valid concerns around parking. 

Claims Clifden flood relief scheme not moving fast enough

The Clifden Flood Relief Scheme is not moving fast enough for residents in the area. 
Thats according to Fine Gael Councillor Eileen Mannion after it was revealed the project isn’t expected to be completed until 2027. 
The project is still dependent on approval from the OPW, having previously fallen far short of the cost-benefit ratio standards necessary. 
The council is hopeful they will look favorably at the revised case, which focuses on other elements such as risk-to-life. 
The Connemara North councillor says the uncertainty around the project is causing strain on residents mental health.

Call for progress on new treatment plant in Mountbellew following announcement of new veterinary college

A planned new wastewater treatment plant in Mountbellew must be given top priority following the announcement of a new veterinary college. 
That's according to Galway East Independent Deputy Sean Canney, who says cost analysis is still being done under the public spending code. 
Announced officially this afternoon, the new college at the ATU campus in Mountbellew will accept its first students in September 2025. 
40 places will be offered between Mountbellew and Letterkenny - as well as another 40 at the South East Technological University
Deputy Canney told David Nevin that Mountbellew is a town that's being held back for years due to lack of wastewater capacity.

Kameryn Counihan on advocating for better supports for families affected by childhood cancer

Two finalists from Tuam and Loughrea will be competing at the Miss Universe Ireland final this Friday.
22 year old makeup artist and marketeer, Annie O Dea from Tuam, and 24 year old Kameryn Counihan, who works in HR, from Loughrea, are representing Galway.
They're two of 27 finalists from all over Ireland to compete to represent Ireland at the 73rd Miss Universe final in Mexico City in November.
Kameryn, who has worked as a primary school teacher, is advocating for better supports for families affected by childhood cancer: