Galway Bay FM News Archives
GALWAY CLLR ANGRY EUROPE IS NOT FOOTING THE BILL FOR TURF CUTTING COMPENSATION
Date Published: 18-Dec-2012
A County Councillor says he is angry with the revelation that Ireland and not Europe is footing the bill for compensating landowners affected by the turf cutting ban.
Peter Roche made the statement following a presentation by the national parks and wildlife service to members of the west regional authority in the city today.
According to Conor O’ Raghallaigh of the NPWS, almost 2 million euro in compensation has been paid out to landowners in the western region to date.
The EU imposed the habitats directive over 20 years ago and one of the key obligations on Ireland was to designate SACs.
There is a bias in the west for SACs because of the blanket bogs, and also because of the greater ecological interest in the west of Ireland.
23 of the 56 of the raised bog special areas of conservation are based in the west, with 12 spread across County Galway.
The compensation on offer to affected landowners includes 15 hundred euro per anum for 15 years, or the re-location to a non designated bog.
The issue of the EU ban has been a contentious one over the years particularly in Galway with some raised bog owners continuing to cut turf on designated land.
However, today’s meeting heard that nationally there was a 70 percent compliance with the law when it came to SACs.
Abbeyknockmoy based councillor Peter Roche, who is a member of the West region authority claims the compensation plan is not working
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.
Families queue up for school’s offer of free house
West has lower cancer survival rates than rest
Galway minors continue to lay waste to all opponents
Gardaí and IFA issue a joint appeal on summer road safety
Marathon Man plans to call a halt – but not before he hits 160 races
