Galway Bay fm - News

Outburst from TDs in Dáil after Deputy refers to Albert Dolan as 'young man'

An outburst echoed in the Dáil this week after a TD labelled Local Deputy Albert Dolan 'young man.'
The situation came about after Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn took issue with changes to Standing Orders, which he claimed were not passed.
As Deputy Mac Lochlainn argued with Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy over the issue, Galway East TD Albert Dolan interrupted to tell him 'the Ceann Comhairle is speaking'.
To that, Deputy Mac Lochlainn responded with the 'young man' retort, which caused a flare-up among TDs in the Dáil.

Midlands North West MEP rejects deal on new tariffs and import restrictions on fertilisers from Russia, warning it offers no protection to Irish farmers

A compromise deal endorsed by the European Parliament on new tariffs and import restrictions on fertilisers from Russia has been rejected by Midlands North West MEP Ciaran Mullooly.
The agreement, reached between major political groups in the Parliament, will see tariffs phased in from July beginning at €40 per tonne, rising to €325 per tonne by July 2028.
Import volumes will also be sharply curtailed, down from 5 million tonnes in 2024 to just 900,000 tonnes by 2028.
A vote on this will take place in Strasbourg on Monday at an extraordinary meeting of the European Parliament's Agricultural Committee and the Midlands North West MEP had tabled amendments to delay the vote so that fertilisers could be sourced elsewhere. Amendments that were not taken on board by the EU.
Speaking this morning, Ciaran Mullooly said that while he understands why the EU is trying to penalise Russia, without alternative sources, Irish farmers will be punished.

City Councillor says it is shameful that over 1,000 people are waiting for driving tests in Galway City

A Labour City Councillor has said that it is shameful that over 1,000 people in Galway City are still waiting for driving tests.
In a response to Labour Leader Ivana Bacik, the RSA has revealed that 81,022 people are waiting for driving tests nationwide.
Of that figure, 1,025 are in Galway City.
Councillor Niall McNelis told Galway Bay FM News that this backlog is having a huge effect on people's lives.

Bishop Michael Duignan leads tributes following news of the death of Pope Francis

Bishop of Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora and Bishop of Clonfert, Michael Duignan, has paid tribute following news of the death of His Holiness Pope Francis.
The Vatican confirmed his death this morning at 6.35am Irish time.
The pope had appeared in public just yesterday, greeting crowds on Easter Sunday.
Speaking to Galway Bay FM news this morning, Bishop Duignan said he learned of the Pope’s passing with profound sadness.

Local TD demands immediate action on ED mental healthcare report

The Government must take immediate action on this week's report on mental healthcare in hospital emergency departments.
That's according to Galway East TD Louis O'Hara, who's reacting to the report released by the Mental Health Commission.
It expressed concern over the inconsistent level of services provided nationwide and identified issues at UHG and Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe.
Sinn Fein Deputy O'Hara says the report is a shocking indictment of the current system.
 

UHG makes breakthrough in GP correspondence research using Artificial intelligence

The University Hospital Galway's Emergency Department has made a breakthrough in research- using Artificial Intelligence to improve GP correspondence.
The study aims to enhance the efficiency and quality of GP discharge letters.
The 'MedWrite.ai' systems generates GP letters from voice notes recorded by clinicians, ensuring a human-in-the-loop approach.
Dr James Foley, a consultant in Emergency Medicine explains how this dictation method can enhance efficiency:
 

Local MEP claims Government has "demolished" local democracy

Fianna Fail and Fine Gael coalition Governments have effectively abolished local Government structures nationwide.
That's according to local MEP Ciaran Mullooly, who's raised the issue in the EU Parliament.
He claims the removal of urban district and town councils was a serious blow to local democracy, and to vital links with the people of rural Ireland.
In Galway, there was seperate town councils for Tuam, Loughrea, and Ballinasloe - but these were all abolished by 2014.
Independent Ireland MEP Mullooly says they should be returned.
 

Fears the problem of illegal dumping in Ballinasloe is getting worse

There are fears the problem of illegal dumping in Ballinasloe is getting worse
Illegal dumping particularly on rural roads has been an ongoing issue for over a decade with items such as sofas, beds and hard plastics being dumped
Fine Gael Councillor Peter Keaveney believes increasing fines and using CCTV will deter the growing problem of illegal dumping

Work to begin on extending cycle lane bollards in Doughiska South

Work is set to begin on extending cycle lane bollards in Doughiska South. 
At present, the bollards run from the Dublin Road down towards the Spar Shop. 
But they'll now be extended as far as the railway line near the Coast Road. 
Councillor Alan Cheevers says improved safety is important, but residents have some concerns the bollards will make it harder to get in and out of their homes. 
He also says it's vital that some provision is made for school buses. 

Salthill to host coastal counties Snámh don Phalaistín tomorrow

A group of people from the Irish-language community are set to dive into the Salthill Sea all together tomorrow morning
The group of 50 people are travelling around the country this weekend swimming in the sea in all 17 coastal counties in support of Palestine
'Snámh don Phalaistín' is a two-day challenge organised by Conradh na Gaeilge and aims to raise money for ACLAÍ Palestine
Conradh na Gaeilge's Director of Development Aodhán Ó Deá says everyone is welcome