Galway Bay FM News Archives
AIB should give Lynch’s Castle to Galway by way of atonement says ex-Minister
Date Published: 22-Jun-2011
AIB should vacate its city centre premises and lease it as a public civic building at a nominal yearly rent of €1, as a gesture of the financial institute’s “atonement” and to “repent for its sins” that contributed to the country’s financial collapse, a former government minister suggested this week.
Galway West TD Éamon Ó Cuív (FF) has urged Finance Minister Michael Noonan to ask AIB, which is effectively a state-owned bank, to consider leasing Lynch’s Castle on Shop Street in the heart of Galway City to either the city council or Civic Trust at a ‘peppercorn rent’.
He said the bank, which has contributed to the financial ruin of the country, should lease the property on a 999-year ‘peppercorn’ lease – effectively a nominal rent usually of €1 per annum – so that the building could be used as a “public civic building” for the local community and tourists to enjoy.
Deputy Ó Cuív said the landmark building, which is steeped in history, should never have been occupied by a financial institution in the first place.
He told the Connacht Tribune that by leasing the premises to a public body, the bank could “atone” for its “sins” and its contribution to the current economic crisis.
“Lynch’s Castle in Shop Street is a very historic landmark building, which is owned by AIB. It is . . . one of the finest historic buildings in the city. The AIB is, in turn, effectively owned by the State, which is its largest shareholder, and without whose support the bank would not be financially viable.
“Galway is very short of suitable public spaces for civic events for people from home and abroad and this is a disadvantage when attracting major conferences and events to Galway.
“In view of the debacle in relation to AIB and the burden placed on the taxpayer, it would send a positive signal if the building was leased on a 999-year peppercorn lease to Galway City Council or a Civic Trust as a public civic building,” said Deputy Ó Cuív in a letter to Minister Noonan.
See full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune.
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.
Date Published: 09-May-2013
Tuam is now awaiting a third import of hay from the UK as overnight rainfall has increased pressure on farmers struggling to source fodder.
A total of ten loads are expected at Connacht Gold stores throughout the West with a load expected at the Airglooney outlet this evening or tomorrow.
Farmers throughout the county have been struggling to cope with the animal feed shortage and a below than normal grass growth due to unseasonal weather conditions.
Overnight rainfall in the Galway area has also added to the problem making ground conditions in many areas are quite poor.
Joe Waldron, Agricultual Advisor with Connacht Gold says farmers in short supply can contact the Airglooney outlet on 093 – 24101.
Date Published: 12-May-2013
The Transport Minister is urging drivers at Bus Éireann to engage in talks with management, in an effort to bring their strike action to an end.
There were no Bus Éireann services operating out of Galway today as a result of nationwide strike action by staff affiliated with the national bus and rail union.
Up to 20 Bus Éireann drivers are continuing to picket outside the bus depot at the docks in the city this evening.
Drivers from other unions have decided not to cross the picket line and go into work today – causing the disruption to be even worse.
Bus drivers are protesting against five million euro worth of cuts to their overtime and premium pay – cuts which Bus Eireann says are vital to ensure the future viability of the company.
The majority of services nationwide are disrupted, and the union say strike action will continue until management are willing to go back into negotiations.
However, it’s not expected to affect school services next week.
Galway bay fm news understands that around 70 percent, or over 100 Galway bus Eireann drivers are affiliated with the NBRU.
Junior Trade Minister Urges Flexibility From Galway Employers And Employees In Return To The Workplace
3,350 waiting on outpatient eye-care at UHG
Galway selected as one of seven counties to pilot community volunteers programme
Galway Your to Discover on Galway Talks
Coffins have to brought by tractor over flooded North Galway road
Landmark Oasis nightclub in Salthill demolished
Up to 500 construction jobs to be created in new ‘City North’
Galway City Council knocks new wall – so they can build it again!
Win a fantastic seven-night Mediterranean cruise in this week’s Connacht Tribune
Wrecking ball for once-great social hub, the Corrib Great Southern Hotel
