Galway Bay fm newsroom – A poster campaign in Gort is highlighting local opposition to a proposed Biogas plant in the town.

The plan is led by Sustainable Bio-Energy Limited and would be located in the townlands of Ballynamantan, Kinincha and Glenbrack.

County planners refused permission for the project last January and an appeal is currently with An Bord Pleanala.

Campaigner say they have no problem with a biogas plant in principle, but claim the location is wrong for the development.

Their latest move is an ongoing poster campaign throughout the town, which employs slogans and artwork to highlight their opposition.

Galway Bay fm newsroom – A Galway West TD has accused the Children’s Minister of using “weasel words” during a Dáil debate on the Mother and Baby Home Commission.

Deputy Catherine Connolly made the comments after a motion was introduced, calling for the commission to be extended.

She accused Minister Roderic O’ Gorman of using “weasel words” in stating he would not oppose the motion, while failing to give any clarity on what he actually proposed to do.

Deputy Connolly argued the people who went forward and took their courage in their hands to tell their stories deserve much more than that.

She said she was not reassured by Minister O’ Gorman, and felt something was “very wrong” in his department.

Deputy Connolly said Minister O’ Gorman is not leading, and accused him of using the same “weasel words” as used in the commission’s report on Mother and Baby Homes.

Deputy Connolly said the Minister needs to take charge and give commitments on what happens next:

Galway Bay fm newsroom – The Students Union at NUI Galway is voicing its support for a new bill aimed at protecting student renters during the pandemic.

The proposed bill is supported by Sinn Fein, Social Democrats, Labour Party, Solidarity-People Before Profit and Independents for Change.

Provisions in the bill include a waiver on rent for students who cannot access their accommodation due to local lockdowns, or changes to college start or finish dates.

It also asks that students be allowed to end leases and other rental contracts early in the case of further waves or lockdowns.

Other main points include no evictions of students during the Covid-19 pandemic, and no penalties for early termination of leases for Covid related reasons.

President of the Students Union at NUI Galway, Pádraic Toomey, says students have been subjected to very unfair circumstances this year…