Galway Bay FM News Archives
‘Eyesore’ diving tower is set to get a major facelift
Date Published: 03-May-2011
A TOTAL revamp of the diving tower at Blackrock in Salthill is to be undertaken by Galway City Council amid claims that the 60-years-old structure has become an ‘eyesore’ following two of the harshest winters in memory.
But the Council have ruled out calls for the tower to be repainted ahead of the peak tourist season as a spokesman claimed this would only be “papering over the cracks” of the concrete structure.
The spokesman said that “carbonisation” had damaged the concrete over successive severe winters and short-term measures to paint it would have no long-term benefits.
The tower is seen as one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, but regular users of the facility have called for it to be given a facelift as it looks completely run down at low tide.
An aerial view of Blackrock featured in a recent Terry Wogan documentary about Ireland for the BBC and local viewers were appalled that the shots taken from a helicopter in the bay showed that the tower was in dire need of a revamp.
The Council spokesman said that a full revamp of the tower had been on the cards for some time and an upgrade was part of a €100,000 allocation for repairs to be carried out late last year.
The bathing area was closed off by the local authority in the first few weeks of the year and significant improvement works were carried out to the dressing-rooms. But, due to the particularly harsh weather in January, the upgrade to the tower itself was not included in the project.
It is understood that parts of the tower need to be stripped down and treated after six decades of wear and tear, and painting it would only gloss over the real problem of damage to the concrete caused by the elements.
“It’s simply down to 60 years of wear and tear and the next job we intend to work on is the tower itself. We have to go to procurement on it. We also intend to carry outwork on the existing structure at Silver Strand,” said the spokesman.
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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