Breaking News
Chairperson of Galway 2020 issues assurances about funding
Galway Bay fm newsroom – The Chairperson of Galway 2020 says she understands the public’s frustration at a lack of information about progress surrounding the group’s plans.
Aideen McGinley is responding to criticism from former Mayor of Galway, Padraig Conneely, who is calling for openness and transparency following the latest departure from the Galway 2020 organisational team.
Hannah Kiely has stepped down as Chief Executive of Galway 2020, after months of turmoil at the organisation.
Councillor Padraig Conneely has been critical of the group in recent months, amid concerns about funding and progress with the plan.
The organisation announced Hannah Kiely’s departure amid a raft of personnel changes, and the role of Chief Executive appears to have been dispensed with.
Mark O’Donnell is joining as Chief Operations Officer and Pearse Doherty as Head of Production.
However the vital role of Creative Director still hasn’t been filled following the departure of Chris Baldwin earlier this year.
Galway 2020 has announced the first phase of funding of €12.7 million for 27 projects across the city and county.
Breaking News
Galway’s Ceannt Station to host flagship Mental Health Ireland campaign event tomorrow

Galway Bay fm newsroom – Galway’s Ceannt Station is hosting the county’s flagship event for Mental Health Ireland’s awareness campaign tomorrow.
The ‘Hello, How Are You?’ campaign is encouraging people to check in on one another.
There will be events taking place all over the county, with involvement from the local universities, GRETB, Galway County Council, Galway City Partnership and Family Resource Centres.
Aine Hurley, Galway’s Development Officer for Mental Health Ireland, explains what’s happening at the train station tomorrow from 8-11am
Breaking News
Councillors express frustration over planning refusals across Galway

Galway Bay fm newsroom – County councillors have been venting their frustration at the high level of planning refusals across Galway.
A meeting this week heard claims the system seems to be set up to “screw” the public.
Planning wasn’t expressly on the agenda at this week’s meeting of Galway County Council but quickly came to dominate discussions at County Hall.
There’s frustration among councillors at the high level of refusals, inconsistency in planning decisions, and the difficulties facing those trying to build in their local area.
A key concern is the rejection of clusters of 5 homes or less in rural towns and villages, despite the county development plan specifically backing such developments.
Councillor Ivan Canning said so much time, effort, frustration and money can be spared if there’s more focus on pre-planning meetings.
Councillor Declan Geraghty went a step further and said the system seems to be set up to screw the public rather than help them.
County CEO Jim Cullen took exception to that remark and said planning staff are doing a very difficult job with limited resources and huge workloads.
He said he appreciates councillors venting their frustration but advised planners cannot simply grant permission for everything and have to work within guidelines.
He added while it’s easy to focus on one reason for a planning application being refused, there are typically several factors involved.
Breaking News
Ballinasloe secures representation on County Joint Policing Committee

Galway Bay fm newsroom – Ballinasloe has now secured representation on the County Joint Policing Committee.
The JPC is a forum that brings together senior Gardaí with local councillors, TDs and community stakeholders to discuss policing and crime issues across Galway.
But until now, Ballinasloe was the only district in the county that didn’t have a representative.
That’s now been rectified, with the appointment of Councillor Declan Geraghty this week.
Councillor Geraghty says it’s vital that all areas have a voice.