Breaking News
First ever Galway Arts Festival with international designations opens
Galway Bay fm newsroom – Excitement is building for tonight’s official opening at the Radisson Hotel of the first ever Galway Arts Festival with the designation ‘international’
Founded in 1978, it has grown into an event with a major reputation where, in 2013, there were 165,000 attendances at 190 performances, talks and exhibitions in 29 venues over 14 days
In a change with tradition this year’s opening ceremny will be preceded by a performance, putting the emphasis on content rather than pomp
The Enda Walsh play Ballyturk which stars Cillian Murphy, Mikel Murfi and Stephen Rea gets the honour of being the opening act and the sold out show takes place at the Black Box Theatre
Afterwards Enda Walsh will declare the festival officially underway at the ceremony in the Radisson Hotel where the attendance will include the cast and fellow actors Brendan and Donal Gleeson
Speaking to FYI Galway in advance of the opening Enda Walsh said the Festival’s spirit of an amalgam of the people, the geography and falling in love
Breaking News
Gardai Urge Motorists In Galway to exercise “Extreme” Caution as Weather Warning is extended

Galway Bay FM Newsroom – Gardai have advised motorists in the county to exercise extreme caution if making an essential journey today due to icy conditions.
The National Status Yellow snow/ice warning that was due to be lifted at midday has been extended until 7pm
Met Eireann says icy stretches, sleet and snow will remain throughout the day with reports of dangerous road conditions in several parts of the county.
Extreme caution is advised around Clifden and on the N59 between there and Maam Cross after snowfall last night which led to some cars being stranded.
The forecaster has also issued a Status Yellow low temperature warning, which will take effect from 7pm and run until 10 tomorrow morning.
Breaking News
Shortage of ICU Beds as figures show a drop in Covid 19 Cases in Galway Hospitals but an increase in those needing treatment in ICU

Galway Bay FM Newsroom – A critical shortage of ICU beds are reported in Hospitals in Galway following yesterday evening’s figures released by the HSE.
At 8pm yesterday evening, there were 116 cases in Galway University Hospital and 8 in Portiuncla Hospital Ballinasloe.
Of that number, 18 are in ICU in Galway and 3 in Portiuncula with only two Critical Care beds available in the county. Both at Galway University Hospital.
According to last night’s figures, there are currently none available in Portiuncula Hospital.
The head of the HSE says that nationally, 650 people with Covid-19 are now receiving levels of critical care in hospital.
Paul Reid says 214 patients are in ICU and 436 are on advanced respiratory support.
He says healthcare teams are battling to hold the levels of care and to save lives.
Meanwhile
The Chief Medical Officer says we’re starting to flatten the curve of Covid-19 infection.
However, Dr Tony Holohan says people must avoid meeting others.
The number of new Covid-19 cases has fallen to 1,910 and the 14 day incidence rate has also dropped to 955.5.
But 77 more people have died.
In Galway City and County, the news showed an improvement in Galway’s Incidence Rate figures on previous days with a reported number of 914.9 and 74 cases.
Breaking News
Cathaoirleach says that Mother and Baby Homes Report will be first item discussed at Monday’s Council meeting

Galway Bay FM Newsroom – Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council James Charity has confirmed that the Mother and Baby Homes report will be the first matter to be discussed at Monday’s council meeting in Corrandulla.
In the Dail this week, the council was criticised for a lack of urgency in addressing its historic links with the Tuam mother and baby home.
Junior Minister and Galway East TD Anne Rabbitte told the Dáil this week that she was ‘horrified’ to see the matter was way down the list of items on Monday’s agenda.
However, despite it being number eight on the agenda, Catherlioch of Galway County Council James Charity today told Galway Bay FM news that it was always going to be the first item discussed at Monday’s meeting.