Galway Bay FM News Archives
‘Jinxed’ ferries finally set sail for new home in Mauritius
Date Published: 25-Apr-2011
BY ENDA CUNNINGHAM
The Thor Gitta cargo ship is due to dock on the west coast of France around lunchtime today, almost four weeks after the ‘jinxed’ operation to transport two passenger ferries began.
The ship began its departure from Galway Docks at 8.20am on Sunday and will land at La Rochelle at 12pm today (Tuesday), ending the first leg of its 8,300-mile journey to the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius.
The port at La Rochelle is less than 40 miles from the boatyard where the two ferries were built for troubled businessman Jimmy Clancy in 2005 and 2006 to operate the Aran Direct service.
One of the ferries is due for minor repairs there, before Thor Gitta will again set sail and make further stops in the Congo, Cape Town and Mozambique. The entire journey will take an estimated 25 days.
The Clan Eagle I took six hours to load on Good Friday, while her sister Clann na nOileáin, was loaded and secured after four hours last Wednesday.
In the last of a series of delays which have made headlines around the world, Clan Eagle I could not be hoisted and secured until other cargo on board Thor Gitta was relocated.
The 27-day saga began on March 31, when the first cargo ship sent to transport the two ferries, the MV Pantanal, ran aground of Rossaveal.
Eight days later, there was a dramatic turn of events, when a cable snapped while loading Clann na nOileáin onto Thor Gitta, injuring three men from South Connemara who were on board the ferry.
A week later, the Irish Admiralty Marshal ordered the arrest of the cargo ship, while a further attempt to load the ferries was abandoned when an alarm sounded on one of the ship’s cranes
Read the full story in today’s Connacht Sentinel
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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