Galway Bay FM News Archives
New vote may pave way for €35m hypermarket
Date Published: 09-Jun-2011
BY ENDA CUNNINGHAM
A landmark re-vote ordered by the High Court on a rezoning proposal in the Westside could pave the way for a massive €35 million Tesco Extra hypermarket – creating around 150 construction jobs, as well positions for up to 250 full and part-time employees.
Meanwhile, city officials have been criticised for racking up an estimated legal bill of around €120,000 for the Judicial Review case, which councillors believe “could and should have been avoided”.
The Galway City Tribune understands the British retail giant has signed a ‘Heads of Agreement’ with landowner Micheál Ó hUigínn to take on the 9.55 acre site off the Seamus Quirke Road – any contract would be dependent on full planning permission being secured on the site.
Tesco Extra stores typically measure at least 5,000 square metres, and as well as a large supermarket, also stock clothing, footwear, electrical goods, hardware and gardening equipment, along with a fuel filling station.
The hypermarkets – of which there are already 13 in Ireland – generally employ up to 250 workers, while it is estimated that around 150 construction workers would be employed on the 12-18 month build.
The serious legal flaw in voting on the City Development Plan 2011-17 – first revealed by this newspaper last March – could see the initial refusal vote on Mr Ó hUigínn’s site overturned.
The landowner sought a Judicial Review of certain elements of the Development Plan on the basis that Independent councillor and barrister Catherine Connolly participated in key votes at a meeting last January, despite the fact she should have earlier left the Council Chamber after a vote to expel her because of her behavior towards Mayor Mike Crowe.
Instead, the Mayor left the Chamber, and with a 7-7 tie on voting to rezone the land to District Centre status , Brian Walsh then used his second ‘casting’ vote against the proposal.
In the High Court on Tuesday, Mr Justice George Birmingham said that specific vote should be re-taken by July 11, and awarded two-thirds of the costs of the proceedings to Mr O’Higgins.
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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