Galway Bay fm newsroom – Plans for a luxury “habitable treehouse” overlooking Killary Fjord in North Connemara have been rejected.

The commercial treehouse would have been located on the grounds of the estate of the Killary Adventure Company.

It was billed as a luxury escape from normal life for guests – and would have accommodated up to four people.

But the plans have now been rejected by county planners, largely on environmental grounds.

They weren’t satisfied that the treehouse wouldn’t impact on nearby SAC’s – the Twelve Bens, Garraun Complex, Maumturk Mountains and Mweelrea/Sheeffry/Erriff Complex.

Galway Bay fm newsroom – Separate traffic incidents have led to road closures on the N83 Curraghline and on the N59 near Roscahill

It’s understood that on the Galway to Headford road a truck has jack-knifed between Regan’s Clonboo and McGaugh’s garden centre

The Gardai, fire engines and ambulances are at the scene

It’s not known at this point if any other vehicles are involved, or if anyone has been injured

The incident occurred at approximately 1:10pm

Gardai say the road is currently closed and diversions are in place.

Motorists are advised that the incident is causing long delays

Across the county on the N59 Galway to Clifden road a collision has caused the closure of one lane near Roscahill

This closure is also causing delays

Galway Bay fm newsroom – New orthopaedic theatres at Merlin Park hospital are only operating at about 60 percent capacity.

Two theatres were opened last year at a cost of €10m after a long-running saga spanning five years.

But the HSE Health Forum West heard this week that current staffing only allows 12 theatre sessions per week, compared to the full capacity volume of 20 sessions.

It was confirmed that approval has been recently given to recruit the necessary staff to reach the higher level of operation.

David Nevin spoke to Councillor Donagh Killilea – and he’s very unhappy with the situation.