Galway Bay FM News Archives
Galway may become exporter of wind power
Date Published: 21-Apr-2011
By Dara Bradley
More than 70% of Galway’s electricity needs – sufficient to power 236,000 homes in the county – could be generated through wind energy by 2020, according to targets set out by Galway County Council.
Galway also has the potential to become a ‘net exporter’ of energy if it develops other renewable energy options such as ocean and wave energy, which would enable the county to supply more electricity than is consumed here.
But in order to achieve these targets The County Galway Wind Energy Strategy 2011-2016 indicates that the county’s electricity grid will have to be developed and expanded further if it is to be able to facilitate more wind farms and turbines.
The strategy, however, has identified that just one per cent of the county, in an area between Moycullen and Oughterard, as ‘Strategic Areas’ (where wind energy is considered appropriate), and 48% of the county, including the vast majority of Connemara, hinterlands of Oranmore, and South Galway between Gort and Portumna, are labelled ‘Not Normally Permissible Areas”, which are generally not suitable for the development of wind farms.
The areas are labelled ‘Not Normally Permissible’ because of environmental and heritage designations such as SACs. A further 32% of the county is considered not suitable for commercial wind farm development because wind speeds in these areas are too slow. This area is between Gort and Portumna.
The strategy sets out that at a minimum 40% of Galway’s electricity needs can be met from renewable energy sources but it will “work towards” a target of 500 MW of wind energy by 2020, the equivalent of 70% of the county’s needs.
County Manager Martina Moloney told the meeting that Galway has one of the best wind energy resources in Europe and this strategy was aimed at tapping into its potential.
The strategy would give an indication to potential developers and investors in wind farms, what parts of the county would be most suited to wind farm development.
For more on this story, see the Galway City 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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