Galway Bay FM News Archives
ENVIRONMENT MINISTER TO MEET COUNCIL DEPUTATION
Date Published: 31-Oct-2012
Environment Minister Phil Hogan is to meet a deputation from the city council next week over commercial rates on vacant buildings. (13 Nov)
The deputation will argue for a major change in the refund of rates, which currently stands at 100 percent.
However, other local authorities such as Limerick and Cork City councils grant just 50 percent refund of rates.
Galway City Council argue that the 100 percent rebate does not provide any incentive for landlords to reduce rent in order to attract new tenants.
It also resulted in a loss in revenue to the city coffers of almost 2 million euro last year.
Councillor Padraig Conneely says they will now ask the Minister to change the collection rate on vacant properties to 50 percent
Galway Bay FM News Archives
Galway has country’s largest population of young people
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.
Galway Bay FM News Archives
Call for direct donations to city charity shops
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.
Galway Bay FM News Archives
Galway ‘Park and Ride’ could become permanent
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.