Galway Bay fm - News

Connacht drivers least likely to buy an electric vehicle

Drivers in Connacht are the least likely to buy an electric vehicle. 
That's according to the Carzone 2024 Motoring Report, which looked at how driving habits and car choices differ between the provinces.
Just 41 percent of drivers in Connacht are considering an electric or hybrid model for their next model. 
That tallies with Connact also having the highest number of drivers concerned about EV charging points in their area, with 59 percent saying its an issue. 
But Sinead McCann of Carzone says overall, there's increased demand for electric vehicles nationwide. 

Connacht drivers least likely to buy an electric vehicle

Drivers in Connacht are the least likely to buy an electric vehicle. 
That's according to the Carzone 2024 Motoring Report, which looked at how driving habits and car choices differ between the provinces.
Just 41 percent of drivers in Connacht are considering an electric or hybrid model for their next model. 
That tallies with Connact also having the highest number of drivers concerned about EV charging points in their area, with 59 percent saying its an issue. 
But Sinead McCann of Carzone says overall, there's increased demand for electric vehicles nationwide. 

MacManus green credentials

Claim other countries "eating our dinner" due to lack of progress on harnessing wind power along West Coast

Galway West's Noel Grealish becomes second local independent to publically declare support for Simon Harris

Galway West's Noel Grealish has become the second local independent TD to publically declare he will be supporting the nomination of Simon Harris as Taoiseach next week. 
This follows Roscommon/ Galway Denis Naughten's declaration of support yesterday 
Galway West Independent TD Catherine Connolly hasn't commented yet while Galway East Independent TD Sean Canney says he has met with Minister Harris - but remains undecided. 
Deputy Grealish said he made the decision after an hour long meeting with Minister Harris this morning, during which they spoke about the Galway Ring Road and the new ED at UHG
He says Simon Harris also gave a committment to look at other issues. 
Meanwhile, Roscommon/Galway Independent TD Denis Naughten confirmed yesterday he will be voting for Simon Harris. 

Supermacs boss describes GAA's reaction to April Fool's joke as 'storm in a teacup'

Supermacs boss Pat McDonagh has described the GAA's reaction to its April Fool's Day joke as a 'storm in a teacup'.
The fast-food company had its social media pages suspended after the GAA made a trademark complaint about a joke posted online by Supermacs on April 1st.
It posted a photoshopped picture of Croke Park, claiming it had been rebranded ‘Supermac’s Croke Park’ - a joke inspired by the recent controversy over the renaming of Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
Speaking to Keith Finnegan, Pat McDonagh says he was surprised by how 'sensitive' the GAA were to what was an obvious joke:

New Salthill planning strategy described as a game-changer for the village

A new Galway City Council strategy for Salthill is being described as a game-changer for the village.
The Salthill Village Seafront Strategy will look at planning development for the area - exploring issues like parking, tourism and flooding. It's expected an 18-month public consultation will begin this summer, with hopes funding can be sought for plans by mid 2025.
Speaking to Galway Talks, Councillor Clodagh Higgins explains what the plan will entail:

Planning application for major upgrades at Oranmore Train Station to be lodged in coming weeks

A planning application for major upgrades at Oranmore Train Station is set to be lodged in the coming weeks. 
The Irish Rail project involves the construction of a second platform and a "passing loop" to increase capacity. 
It's expected construction will get underway towards the end of this year, and be completed in the middle of 2026. 
County Cathaoirleach, Councillor Liam Carroll, says Irish Rail has also confirmed it plans to boost carriages to Oranmore at peak evening time.

Galway City trader calls for urgent investment into St Nicholas' Market

Urgent investment is needed for new surfacing, street lighting and other essential facilities at St Nicholas's Market in Galway.
That's according to local trader Cáit Curran, who has raised her concerns over a lack of resources for the market with Mayor of Galway, Eddie Hoare.
The market, which attracts thousands of shoppers and tourists, has not received public funding for the past 30 years. 
Cáit says traders and visitors have to contend with a lot of obstacles and issues:

Speaking during the mass, 14 year old Ciara's best friend Amelie said no one could ever replicate "the most thoughtful" friend she's ever had: