Galway Bay FM News Archives
Economic slump sees trail of closed shops across county
Date Published: 30-Mar-2011
Almost half of the retail units in Clifden are now empty because of the recession – and it’s a situation replicated right across the county. Around 20 shops are lying vacant in the capital of Connemara, many of them new units which were built at the height of the boom.
In Ballinasloe at least one third of traders in the town have shut up shop, with retailers struggling to cope with rates, staff costs and energy bills in the face of significantly decreased footfall.
Even smaller towns are struggling to keep their traders. In Moycullen six businesses have closed recently, with one of them, a vegetable retailer, being replaced by a charity shop in a clear sign of the times.
In Milltown no less than five businesses have closed within the last half year.
Gort says it is holding its own despite the downturn in traffic as a result of the new bypass and the road works in the town.
Tuam and Loughrea claim to be bucking the national and regional trend by reporting an increase in the number of businesses that are opening up.
This is despite the big dig
in Tuam which has severely restricted access to the town for months and the bypass in Loughrea which means there is no longer a constant flow of traffic through the lakeside town.
In the city close to 100 retail units remain empty, according to the last estimate.
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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