Galway Bay fm - News

Cancer and mortality rates highest in West and Northwest

Cancer and mortality rates are highest in the West and Northwest of the country. 
The issue is being raised by Independent TD Marian Harkin who is telling government the National Cancer Strategy needs better funding. 
It comes following the dispute of Sinn Féin's claims that 800 chemotherapy appointments for children and young people were cancelled last year. 
Children's Health Ireland says the majority of those cancellations were made for reasons including a patient being too unwell or no longer needing the treatment. 
Deputy Harkin says the regional difference is stark:

Long-awaited €1.6m Xray facility in Tuam opens

The long-awaited Xray facility at Tuam primary care centre, worth €1.64m, has opened.
Funding for the project was secured seven years ago, with works on the new diagnostics suite and audiology unit beginning in August 2023.
The Xray facility is now available by appointment only and through a referral from the GP.
Galway East TD Sean Canney says people in Tuam are finally seeing a ramping up of local healthcare facilities:

Clifden Flood Relief Scheme may not happen due to "poor economic case"

A long-awaited flood defence scheme for Clifden could be in trouble - because at the moment, it's considered a "poor economic case". 
At a meeting at County Hall this week, an engineer said it's currently falling far short of the cost-benefit ratio standards set by the OPW. 
He said they're committed to the project and will continue to work in the background to make the case as viable as possible. 
David Nevin has been speaking to Councillor Mannion. 

Local MEP claims TikTok not doing enough to protect mental health of teens

Local MEP Maria Walsh claims that TikTok is not doing enough to protect the mental health of vulnerable teenagers.
The Midlands North West MEP has led the campaign for a European Mental Health Strategy over the past five years.
MEP Walsh says TikTok's algorithms actively highlight graphic content on depression, self-harm and suicide.
The Fine Gael MEP says the level of protection the platform offers is falling below what is needed:

100 students and staff gather at University of Galway for Day of Action for Palestine

Around a hundred members of staff and students have gathered at the University of Galway to take part in a united Day of Action for Palestine today. 
17 universities and colleges are holding demonstrations throughout the day to show solidarity with academics in Gaza. 
Members of Staff4Palestine, along with a number of students from Palestine solidarity societies, are taking part in speeches outside the James Hardiman Library on campus. 
This Palestinian PhD researcher at UG spoke to our reporter Joshua Byrne about what they are calling for

Dáil hears Galway-Dublin motorway almost never happened due to projected lack of demand

The Dáil has heard that the Dublin to Galway Motorway almost didn't happen due to apparent lack of demand.  
The issue came up during debate on the development of greenways along disused rail lines - and whether such lines should be kept for future use. 
Deputy Eamon O' Cuiv noted that in 1959, the Harcourt Street rail service was discontinued in Dublin, and some land was sold because planners said there would never be enough future development. 
This, he told the chamber, is now the Green Luas line.  
And he recalled a similar forecast - and lack of forward planning - when the Galway to Dublin motorway was first looked at. 

Galway businesses urged to apply for 'valuable' financial scheme

Businesses in Galway are losing out on finances available through a Local Government scheme.
That's according to Tuam area councillor Joe Sheridan, who is raising awareness of the Increase Costs of Business Plan.
The scheme is availble to rate payers in County Galway, but many have not yet signed up despite the scheme closing in two weeks time.
Speaking to our reporter Kevin O'Dwyer, the Fianna Fáil councillor says the scheme is extremely valuable to businesses:

€160 thousand for Athenry Boys National School under Safe Routes To School scheme

First few residents finally move into new CNU in Tuam

Residents have finally moved into the new Joe and Helen O'Toole Community Nursing Home in Tuam.
The unit, on the grounds of the Old Grove Hospital site, had been officially opened by Tanáiste Micheál Martin six months ago.
The first handful residents made the move from the former Arus Mhuire Nursing Home yesterday, with more expected to move in today.
Councillor Donagh Killilea says the move will be gradual, and more staff will be needed:

Irish writers and illustrators to flock to Galway city as part of major bus tour