Galway Bay FM News Archives
City parking meters are modified to thwart thieves
Date Published: 26-May-2011
By Dara Bradley
Many of the city’s parking meters have been modified to counteract a scam by a gang of thieves that had ‘rigged’ the machines to steal motorists’ parking payments.
A gang had targeted several of Galway City Council parking meters in recent months – the machines were fitted or rigged with certain devices that allowed the gang to collect coinage.
Certain types of parking machines were particularly susceptible to having the rigging device installed.
Once the gang’s devices were installed, the money that was inserted into the slot by motorists became ‘trapped’ rather than falling into the machines’ collection box.
The machines didn’t print tickets and it looked to customers as if they were broken and their money was stuck or lost. The gang would then return later to collect the money.
The devices were fairly sophisticated but a spokesperson for Galway City Council said that measures were put in place recently to prevent the scam from occurring again on the machines that were susceptible to being rigged.
Not every machine is the same model and therefore not every parking meter was targeted or affected. The Council said it was not possible to establish how much revenue was lost as a result of this gang’s activities.
Read more in today’s Galway City Tribune
Date Published: 07-May-2013
Retail Excellence Ireland, the country’s largest retail industry trade body, has welcomed the news that 60 jobs have been saved at the city branch of B&Q.
It’s after the home improvements store successfully exited examinership.
Under the scheme, 2.4 million euro is to be invested by parent company Kingfisher plc, and B and Q will continue to trade at eight stores
This means 640 jobs have been saved nationwide, including 60 at the outlet in Knocknacarra.
However, David Fitzsimons of Retail Excellence Ireland says landlords need to be willing to help out smaller retailers too.
Date Published: 09-May-2013
Nine people die in Galway every week from heart disease and stroke.
That’s according to the Irish Heart Foundation, which is launching its Happy Hearts Appeal today. (9/5)
An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, launched the appeal today to help raise funds for the charity, which has seen increasing demand on its patient services.
The Foundation says it needs to raise at least half a million euro to maintain existing information services.
Date Published: 13-May-2013
Concerns have been raised over traffic delays at the railway crossing in Oranmore.
Councillor Jim Cuddy says he has received many representations from local motorists who have been experiencing extended delays.
He says the closed barrier can sometimes cause a traffic tailback as far as the roundabout near the Maldron hotel.
Cllr Cuddy has brought the matter to the attention of Iarnrod Eireann and has asked for an explanation as to why the crossing is closed for so long.
Over 150 thousand euro worth of drugs have been discovered at cannabis grow house in Aughrim.
More than €200,000 worth of cannabis seized in East Galway
City planners waiting on further information before decision on planned Wetherspoons
International House Galway gone into liquidation with close to 200 international students affected
Joint move by Galway councils to Crown Square ruled out
Jurys name to disappear after 30 years in Galway
Galway’s digital tailor urges returning entrepreneurs to sign up for mentor plan
Group of up to 10 rowers rescued from River Corrib in Galway
Galway County Council asked to return cash for cycleway
Galway student’s career dream shattered after being blinded by firework
