Galway Bay FM News Archives
GRANDSON OF GALWAY EMIGRANTS IS NEW US CHIEF OF STAFF
Date Published: 26-Jan-2013
The grandson of Connemara emigrants has been appointed Chief of Staff in the White House by President Obama.
Denis McDonough, formerly Deputy National Security Advisor, now assumes one of the most influential positions in American politics.
The US President Obama appointed Denis to the position yesterday (Friday)
His grandparents we Connemara emigrants Willie McDonagh from Ard West, carna and his grandmother was Mary Wallace from Carraroe.
He is 43 and one of a family of 11. Denis McDonagh is described as a devout Catholic and two of his brothers are priests.
He has been a long time friend of President Obama and a highly trusted advisor to the US president for a number of years.
Galway Bay FM News Archives
Galway County VEC Chief takes High Court case
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.
Galway Bay FM News Archives
Planning go ahead for community facility in Doughiska
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.
Galway Bay FM News Archives
Galway call for Transport Minister to intervene in bus strike
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.