Galway Bay FM News Archives
DEPT DISCONTINUES INIS MOR FERRY CONTRACT
Date Published: 31-Jan-2013
The Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht has confirmed this evening that its ferry contract to the Aran Island of Inis Mór will discontinue today (31 January 2013).
It advertised for expressions of interest on the etenders system and the tender documents were issued with a closing date of 21 December 2012.
However, no tenders were received.
The department says it then entered into discussions with the ferry operator currently providing a service to Árainn with a view to renewing the current contract on the same terms which have been in place to date.
Those talks failed, as the Department was not in a position to sanction an increase of a subsidy for a service which, it says, is profitable as it stands.
The Department says it understands from the ferry operator that it is in a position – without a State grant – to continue with providing the same service to Árainn following the discontinuation of the contract, including the bus service, as it is commercially viable.
Galway West Senator Trevor O’Clochartaigh says Inis Mor residents could now be looking at substantially increased travel costs to the mainland.
Date Published: 07-May-2013
The High Court is hearing arguments from the state in an action brought by two VEC bosses who are challenging the loss of an annual allowance worth 12 and a half thousand euro.
Former president of the GAA Joe McDonagh who’s the CEO of County Galway VEC and Dr Katie Sweeney, CEO of Mayo VEC, say a special Transport Liaison Officers Allowance should not have been cut, even though that part of their role no longer operates.
Lawyers for the Department of Education deny the allowance is part of their pay.
The case is in the context of planned changes within the VEC system under the Croke Park agreement.
Date Published: 09-May-2013
A hotel in the city is to be changed into a community facility.
Planning permission has been granted to DRA Community Development Company Limited to redevelop the ‘Racing Lodge Hotel’ in Doughiska.
It’s planned to use the building for community, educational and pastoral use.
Planners have attached 4 conditions to the development, including the stipulation that all uses at the building be on a not-for-profit basis.
Date Published: 13-May-2013
City Councillor Michael Crowe is calling on the Transport Minister Leo Vradkar to urgently intervene to end strike action by Bus Eireann in Galway.
Major travel disruption is expected in Galway and nationwide as the national strike enters its second day.
Bus drivers are protesting against five million euro worth of cuts to their overtime and premium pay – which Bus Eireann says are vital to ensure the future viability of the company.
Up to 20 Bus Éireann drivers are continuing their picket outside the bus depot at the docks in the city.
It’s understood up to 80 Galway workers took part in the picket on rotational rosters yesterday.
Speaking on Galway Talks, City Cllr Michael Crowe said Minister Vradkar needs to take urgent action to intervene so that transport services can be restored.
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