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Galway Bay FM News Archives

Public service broadcasting still worth the licence fee

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Date Published: 23-May-2011

It’s been quite a week for Ireland on many fronts – not least, in the context of a television column, for RTÉ. Because the national broadcaster didn’t just capture the mood of the nation – it also proved that it can still set the agenda when it is suitably motivated.

Because its marathon coverage of the Royal visit brou-ght the full impact of a historical week into our living rooms – and in complete contrast the latest series of Primetime Investigates proved that good investigative journalism is still worth the investment.

Reflecting the mood of the nation, of course, was RTE’s role when it came to the Royal visit, and while primary credit for the success of those four days clearly goes to the Queen and President McAleese, RTE was the eyes and ears of millions who would otherwise have seen nothing of this historic event.

From her arrival at Baldonnel to the hugely symbolic visit to the Garden of Remembrance, Cashel to Dublin Castle, and the unscheduled walkabout on Cork’s Grand Parade, this was an extraordinary week in our history – and television gave all of us the box seat.

The coverage matched the national mood – like our President, it was gracious but not grovelling. And while the over-the-top security arrangements prevented the possibility of crowds flocking onto the streets, the television audience didn’t miss a minute of the packed programme.

You’d have got long odds on this visit triggering the emotional response it achieved, but then these are changed times – and a nation not renowned for its love for any monarchy seemed to take this sprightly 85 year old grandmother to their hearts.

The Queen herself seemed to understand the mood from the off – that gracious bow to the memory of those who died for Irish freedom, the ‘cupla focal’ at the state dinner, the ease with which she interacted with those members of the public privileged to meet her.

Those who suggested that a Royal visit was inappropriate given the dark days that are still a long way from a distant memory had their fears allayed from the outset; there was no sign of an inferiority complex or any glimpse of subservience.

Instead it showed that, as a country, we had come of age – that we were now mature enough to extend the hand of friendship to our nearest neighbours and show that, even in these straitened times, we can still put our best foot forward.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Sentinel.

Galway Bay FM News Archives

Galway has country’s largest population of young people

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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.

 

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Galway Bay FM News Archives

Call for direct donations to city charity shops

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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.

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Galway Bay FM News Archives

Galway ‘Park and Ride’ could become permanent

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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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