Galway Bay FM News Archives
Grealish’s seat may be under threat in Galway West carve-up
Date Published: 03-May-2011
AN independent body is to examine how to axe 20 seats in the Dáil which will involve reducing Galway West to a four seat constituency.
This process is to start in a few months time and already there are fears that it could be bad news for sitting TD Noel Grealish.
Currently there are five seats available in Galway West but as part of the Government’s promised political reform, the day of the five seater constituency is set to become a thing of the past.
Deputy Grealish is likely to see a major tract of his stomping ground carved up and moved into an enlarged Galway East constituency.
There is speculation that areas close to Oranmore, Turloughmore and across to Annaghdown will become part of the Galway East constituency when the reforms are completed.
It means that Carnmore based Deputy Grealish will see a large chunk of his base being consigned into Galway East and there is every possibility that he could even stand in this constituency in the next general election.
And the same is true of Fine Gael’s Sen. Fidelma Healy Eames who is likely to see a large number of her votes being removed from her grasp and if she decides to contest the next general election, she too could ply her trade in Galway East – she has a lot of family connections in North Galway.
Galway West TD Brian Walsh said that it was likely that Galway would lose one TD as part of the reforms and the speculation was on that being in Galway West.
He said that the independent body which would make the recommendations would be considering the recent census figures but expected the process to begin this summer.
Deputy Walsh said that the reform could change the landscape of the Galway West constituency and added that no outgoing seat was safe if it was reduced to a four seater.
Fine Gael won two seats for the first time since the early ‘80s but they could also face a major difficulty in retaining them although Deputy Brian Walsh and Deputy Sean Kyne are well placed geographically if the constituency is to be reduced to a four seater.
In five years time Fianna Fail’s Deputy Eamon O Cuiv may not be a candidate and it is unlikely that former Minister Frank Fahey will throw his name into the ring following his inability to retain his seat.
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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