Galway Bay FM News Archives
JUDGE CONCERNED OVER USE OF FLARES AT UNOFFICIAL STUDENT RAG WEEK
Date Published: 25-Sep-2012
A judge has expressed concern that the phenomena of flares being set off by students during this year’s unofficial Rag Week in Galway could escalate in the future, resulting in serious injury to somebody.
Judge Mary Fahy made the comment at Galway District Court where an NUIG science student made a 300 euro donation to charity for breaching the peace during Rag Week celebrations on February 23 last.
Judge Fahy heard how 19 year old Thomas Hickey, a first-year science student at NUIG threw a flare into a large crowd of students who had congregated in Eyre Square in the early hours of February 23 last, during an unofficial Rag Week, organised by a splinter group of third level students.
Hickey, a native of Broadford, Co. Kildare was 18 at the time of this incident.
He pleaded guilty to breaching the peace on the occasion while a more serious charge of having an explosive device – the flare- was withdrawn by the DPP provided the facts surrounding the incident were outlined in court.
Hickey said the flare was thrown by someone else first and fell on the ground near him before he picked it up and threw it back into the crowd.
Judge Fahy said the use of flares in situations like this was a new phenomena which she would have serious concerns about.
Hearing Hickey had no previous convictions and had co-operated with Gardai, she decided not to record a conviction against him for breaching the peace on condition he make a €300 donation to the RNLI.
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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