Galway Bay FM News Archives
IFA CALLS FOR SUPPORT IN PLANS TO REFORM STUDENT GRANT ELIGIBILITY
Date Published: 28-Aug-2012
Galway East Deputy Colm Keaveney is being urged to consider the needs of Galway farm families as part of any review of the qualifying rules for student grants.
It follows a meeting between the Labour Party Chairperson and a delegation of farm families this week led by IFA Vice President Padraic Divilly.
In a statement to FYI Galway, Deputy Keaveney says the meeting was positive and added that the debate on the issue to date has been “unfairly focused on the farming community”.
IFA Vice President Padraic Divilly has stressed that farm families CANNOT use capital allowances or other investments in plant and machinery to reduce their income for grant eligibility purposes.
However Deputy Keaveney says that while a farmer should NOT be forced to sell land to pay for education, inherited wealth or significant assets separate to those used to earn a living, should be taken into account in any new means test.
He adds that we need to reform the application process so that it provides clarity and trust in the process for all sectors, including farm families.
Deputy Keaveny has now called on the IFA “to focus its energies on resisting the prospect of a student loan scheme and to support Labour in an endeavour to maintain the current student grant system”.
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
