Galway Bay FM News Archives
Hildegarde bounces back in heated Mayoral battle
Date Published: 12-May-2011
BY ENDA CUNNINGHAM
Fine Gael’s Hildegarde Naughton looks set to bounce back in the battle to become the next Mayor of Galway – and could potentially strike a deal with ‘the enemy’.
While party headquarters intervened in the row between Cllr Naughton and party colleague Padraig Conneely this week, a second option has emerged which could see her ‘steal back’ the Mayoral chain.
In a dramatic turnabout, Cllr Naughton could win the support of the five Labour Party and two Independent councillors to secure the position of First Citizen.
This weekend, Cllr Conneely is coming under increased pressure from party members over what angry Fine Gaelers describe as “an embarrassment to the party”.
Under the terms of a Mayoral Pact agreed in 2009 between the three Fine Gael, three Fianna Fáil and three of the Independent councillors, Cllr Naughton was due to serve as Mayor for 2011-12.
However, following the election of Brian Walsh to the Dáil and subsequent co-option of Frank Fahy to the City Council, Cllr Conneely entered a separate deal which would see him elected Mayor – for the second time in four years.
Since our sister newspaper The Sentinel revealed that move on Tuesday, Cllr Conneely has come in for severe criticism for reneging on the deal.
Fine Gael Headquarters asked Deputy Walsh to intervene in the row on Wednesday, and he is set to meet with the three FG councillors this weekend. “The General Secretary has asked me to intervene and try to resolve the situation,” confirmed Deputy Walsh.
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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