Has Galway a transportation problem or a planning problem?

Thu, Feb 12, 2015

Dear Editor,
I have studied with interest the documentation published as part of the public consultation process for the proposed “N6 Galway City Transport Project”. I note that there are several nods to sustainable transport solutions including public transport, smarter travel initiatives and alternative transport modes but it is hard to escape the conclusion that these are mere padding to the prime objective of constructing a massive new highway infrastructure and that these measures are not being taken seriously by the consortium of government and local authority agencies behind the proposals. (Perhaps it is telling that the name of the project includes the name of the road which we are assured is just one of a range of solutions).

Road plan threatens life quality for hundreds of residents

Thu, Feb 12, 2015

Dear Editor,
The future quality of life for a significant number of residents of Galway on both sides of the River Corrib is suddenly being threatened by the recent publication of the plans for the proposed 6 new N6 routes around or in some cases through Galway.

Crowe unhappy about Westside Library closure

Thu, Feb 12, 2015

The library in Westside will not be closed to the public again, according to Galway City Council CEO Brendan McGrath.

It follows controversy over the facility being shut last Saturday week. It emerged at this week’s local authority meeting that the library is operating at a minimum staff capacity, as four staff have left. A number of the remaining workforce were sick on that particular day.

French ambassador pays tribute to Galway’s cultural strength and uniqueness during visit to Advertiser

Thu, Feb 12, 2015

French ambassador to Ireland Jean-Pierre Thébault paid tribute to the cultural strength and uniqueness of Galway during a visit to the Galway Advertiser offices last Thursday.

Public submissions sought on Knocknacarra Community Centre

Thu, Feb 12, 2015

Community groups in Knocknacarra have until March 13 to submit proposals on how the Knocknacarra Community Centre should be managed, and a local councillor is appealing to the public to get involved.

GSPCA to hold puppy adoption day this weekend

Thu, Feb 12, 2015

The GSPCA will hold a puppy adoption day this Sunday, with puppies galore looking for permanent homes.

The event will take place at Galway Pet Services dog day care centre on Letteragh Road, Rahoon, this Sunday from 12 noon to 5pm.

Multinationals must be attracted says Walsh after IDA investment announcement

Thu, Feb 12, 2015

If Galway’s inclusion in the IDA’s €150-million property investment programme is to produce any real results, the IDA must immediately start encouraging manufacturing companies to locate here.

Mortgage-to-rent scheme has ‘completely failed’ says SF’s Mairead Farrell

Thu, Feb 12, 2015

Only one property has been purchased through the National mortgage-to-rent in Galway city and county since it was launched in 2012, indicating the scheme “has failed those in mortgage distress”.

Treadmill marathon challenge for Self Help Africa

Thu, Feb 12, 2015

A Galway man is running a full marathon on a treadmill on Saturday to raise funds for Self Help Africa.

Diarmuid Ó Conchubhair will undergo the challenge at NRG Helath and Fitness in Bohermore between 10am and 2pm on behalf of Self Help Africa.

Purple Flag award keeps Galway’s momentum alive

Thu, Feb 12, 2015

There aren’t many machines that can keep going all day. Or workers. Or products. Legislation wouldn’t permit it. For that matter there aren’t many towns that can offer as much at night as they do during the day. When darkness falls, the natural attractions which bring people into places are shrouded in a lack of light and rendered inhospitable. Rare are the places that are equally welcoming by day and by night.

NUIG gay society to host marriage equality event

Thu, Feb 12, 2015

A public meeting on the marriage equality referendum takes place in NUI Galway on Wednesday February 18 at 7pm, and will be addressed by Green leader Eamon Ryan. 

Grealish demands planning system ‘overhaul’ as bypass threatens homes with demolition

Tue, Feb 10, 2015

The entire Irish planning system needs to be completely overhauled in light of the “crazy debacle” that sees wild flowers given greater importance than families and their homes according to Independent Galway West TD Noel Grealish.

Ambassador Thébault introduces French honorary consul Mme Catherine Gagneux

Thu, Feb 05, 2015

The French Ambassador to Ireland H.E. Jean-Pierre Thébault introducing the new French honorary consul to Galway and Connacht, Mme Catherine Gagneux, at the Galway City Museum. They are pictured with Mayor Donal Lyons and County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Mary Hoade. Photo:- Mike Shaughnessy

Shutting down Portiuncula Hospital’s maternity unit is not the answer says former health forum chief

Thu, Feb 05, 2015

Shutting down Portiuncula Hospital’s maternity unit would not be the solution to problems raised about deficiencies in standards of care identified at the Ballinasloe facility, a former chairperson of the HSE’s west regional health forum said this week.

Do betting odds reflect the political reality in Galway West?

Thu, Feb 05, 2015

Insider always raises an eyebrow when bookies issue their odds on election betting - who’s a favourite, who’s not, etc - indeed, one of Ireland’s well known bookies gets RED C to carry out polling for it regularly, hence the odds that bookmaker offers reflects the results of the polls.

Calls for €3 million city roadworks to start before summer

Thu, Feb 05, 2015

The Galway City Council is to receive more than €3 million to invest in the city’s regional and local roads, with €1.5 million for upgrade works at Lough Atalia Bridge, leading a local senator to call for works to start ahead of the busy summer season.

St Patrick’s Day parade to celebrate city’s creative community

Thu, Feb 05, 2015

The 2015 St Patrick’s Day parade will base its theme on Galway’s bid to be named European Capital of Culture 2020 as inspiration as well as celebrating Galway’s cultural and creative community.

Public meeting on Syriza, Greece, and Ireland

Thu, Feb 05, 2015

The election of Syriza has shaken up European politics and has lain down a challenge to the neo-liberal consensus of ‘there is no alternative to austerity’, but what does it mean for Ireland?

Frenchwoman passing on her love of Irish

Thu, Feb 05, 2015

It is certainly an unusual circumstance where a Frenchwoman ends up in the Connemara Gaeltacht teaching music and languages through Irish. But that is exactly what Batsheva Battu did. The 31-year-old is not just fluent in Irish, English, and her native French, she has also spoken Italian since she was 11 years old and is in the process of learning Welsh.

Creativity of day care centre users to be revealed in exhibition

Thu, Feb 05, 2015

An exhibition which will showcase the creative and imaginative artwork of people attending a day centre for people with mental health difficulties in Merlin Park will be launched today (Thursday) at the Secret Garden, 4 William Street at 11.30am.

The exhibition of the work of service users of the Ceim Eile Day Centre exhibition will be facilitated by artist Joanna Kasinska. Entitled ‘Bloom’ it will run until St Valentine’s Day.

E-paper

Read this weeks E-paper. Past editions also available from within this weeks digital copy.