Galway Bay FM News Archives
AIB should give Lynch’s Castle to Galway by way of atonement says ex-Minister
Date Published: 22-Jun-2011
AIB should vacate its city centre premises and lease it as a public civic building at a nominal yearly rent of €1, as a gesture of the financial institute’s “atonement” and to “repent for its sins” that contributed to the country’s financial collapse, a former government minister suggested this week.
Galway West TD Éamon Ó Cuív (FF) has urged Finance Minister Michael Noonan to ask AIB, which is effectively a state-owned bank, to consider leasing Lynch’s Castle on Shop Street in the heart of Galway City to either the city council or Civic Trust at a ‘peppercorn rent’.
He said the bank, which has contributed to the financial ruin of the country, should lease the property on a 999-year ‘peppercorn’ lease – effectively a nominal rent usually of €1 per annum – so that the building could be used as a “public civic building” for the local community and tourists to enjoy.
Deputy Ó Cuív said the landmark building, which is steeped in history, should never have been occupied by a financial institution in the first place.
He told the Connacht Tribune that by leasing the premises to a public body, the bank could “atone” for its “sins” and its contribution to the current economic crisis.
“Lynch’s Castle in Shop Street is a very historic landmark building, which is owned by AIB. It is . . . one of the finest historic buildings in the city. The AIB is, in turn, effectively owned by the State, which is its largest shareholder, and without whose support the bank would not be financially viable.
“Galway is very short of suitable public spaces for civic events for people from home and abroad and this is a disadvantage when attracting major conferences and events to Galway.
“In view of the debacle in relation to AIB and the burden placed on the taxpayer, it would send a positive signal if the building was leased on a 999-year peppercorn lease to Galway City Council or a Civic Trust as a public civic building,” said Deputy Ó Cuív in a letter to Minister Noonan.
See full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune.
Date Published: 07-May-2013
Galway has a population of young people which is more than twice the national average.
According to information gathered by the Central Statistics Office, Galway’s population of 20 to 24 year olds is more than twice the national average.
The number of 25-34 year olds in Galway is also more than the norm nationally, with the two main colleges thought to be the main reason.
However immigration in Galway is much higher than in other areas at 19.4 percent, compared to the national average of 12 percent.
Date Published: 07-May-2013
A city councillor is encouraging people to donate goods directly to charity shops.
It follows allegations of thefts from clothes banks in Galway and across the country in recent months.
However, cameras are in place at some clothes banks and surveillance is carried out by local authorities.
Speaking on Galway Talks, Councillor Neil McNeilis said the problem of theft from clothes banks is widespread.
Date Published: 07-May-2013
A park ‘n’ ride scheme from Carnmore into Galway city could become a permanent service if there is public demand.
That’s according to the Chief Executive of Galway Chamber of Commerce, Michael Coyle.
The pilot scheme will begin at 7.20 next Monday morning, May 13th.
Motorists will be able to park cars at the airport carpark in Carnmore and avail of a bus transfer to Forster Street in the city.
Buses will depart every 20 minutes at peak times and every 30 minutes at offpeak times throughout the day, at a cost of 2 euro per journey.
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