Galway Bay FM News Archives
‘No apology’ could cost Naughton mayoral chain
Date Published: 23-Jun-2011
By Dara Bradley
The Mayoral pact between Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and Independents could collapse next week with at least two members of the majority grouping on Galway City Council refusing to back the pacts’ nominee in the election of a new mayor – it could pave the way for a shock with the Labour Party nominee taking the chains.
Councillors Peter Keane and Donal Lyons, members of the current FG/FF/Ind pact, are this weekend standing firm and have said they will not vote for Cllr Hildegarde Naughton in the Mayoral election on Wednesday.
The two councillors reiterated they would only support Cllr Naughton if she retracts and apologises for comments made by her at a meeting last January about elected members being in the pockets of developers.
Cllr Naughton, who could not be contacted by the Galway City Tribune yesterday, previously told this newspaper she would not be apologising. Members of the pact and party whips will meet over the weekend or early next week to iron out their differences.
Cllr Naughton will be proposed and seconded by Fine Gael colleagues Cllr Pádraig Conneely and newcomer Frank Fahy. She can rely on seven votes but if Labour strike a deal with Cllrs Lyons and Keane, and also secure the support of Independent Cllr Catherine Connolly, then Labour’s nominee, likely to be Cllr Billy Cameron, will win by one vote.
Cllr Lyons, a member of the ruling pact, said he is not going to support Cllr Naughton unless her remarks are retracted.
“We can’t be accused of voting like sheep on zoning issues and then turn around to vote like sheep in a Mayoral election. I’m not going to be taken for a fool on this. I’m not voting for her unless she retracts what she said in the January 24 meeting – it was very hurtful not just to councillors but their families, too,” said Cllr Lyons.
Cllr Keane said as of today he will not be voting for Cllr Naughton. “I will not be voting for her until she publicly apologises, retracts and clarifies her comments.”
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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