Galway Bay FM News Archives
EDUCATION MINISTER DEFENDS RESTRUCTURING OF THIRD LEVEL GRANT ASSESSMENT
Date Published: 16-Aug-2012
The Education Minister says proposals to change grant assessment for next year’s batch of third level students is not about punishing any one section of community.
GMIT and NUI Galway student union representatives are not happy with the plans, which propose that farmland and business assets be included in the means test.
The Irish Farmers Association is also unhappy with the proposed changes to the assesment, which is currently based on parents income, interest on savings and dividends.
A Capital Asset Team has been convened to develop proposals for the means test and will make a report to Minister Quinn this Autumn.
There will be no changes to the means test terms for student grants this year, but the plan is to amend the test for the 2013/2014 academic year.
Speaking to Galway Bay fm News, Minister Quinn pointed out education is not free.
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.
Local Labour Councillor slams Government “kite flying” over social welfare increases
Galway Youth group traveling to Tanzania for climate action programme
Inaugural Oughterard Tug of War and Fun Day raises over €20k for Galway Hospice
UHG is most over-crowded hospital for majority of week
Over 3,000 Ukrainian refugees now in Galway
Landmark Gort pub sells for €20,000 over its asking price
Galway must ‘sort itself out on the tourism front’
JD Wetherspoon unveils plan for ‘superpub’ in Galway City
Galway couple enjoy their wedding day – at fifth time of asking!
Law catches up with Galway parking meter thief years later
