Galway Bay fm newsroom –

Concerns have been raised that not all recommended roles arising from an independent report into maternity services in Portiuncla Hospital, have been filled.

In a parliamentary question response to Galway East Deputy Ann Rabbitte, the Saolta University Health Care Group stated that the appointment of a Peri-natal Pathologist, Sonographers, and Consultant Obstetricians/Gynaecologists are all outstanding.

These positions were some of the key recommendations included in the Walker report which was published in May 2018.

The review was commissioned by the Group Chief Clinical Director following a preliminary review which was undertaken by the Saolta Group into the care provided to six women.

In relation to the pathologist post, Saolta states it will be advertised at the end of the first quarter of 2020.

While, the group also states there is a national shortage of sonographers.

With reference to consultant obstetricians or gynaecologists, the hospital group states there are two joint appointments between GUH and Portiuncula which will be advertised in the coming weeks.

Galway Bay fm newsroom – A city secondary school is to put the Galway West general election candidates through their paces as it hosts a climate change debate this Friday.

The event in Colaiste Einde, Salthill will be attended by pupils from a number of Galway schools and will give the candidates a chance to engage with students on a range of climate issues.

11 candidates will take part including: Solidarity’s Conor Burke, Independent Deputy Catherine Connolly, Fianna Fail councillor Ollie Crowe, Mayor and Independent Councillor Mike Cubbard, Independent Deputy Noel Grealish, People Before Profit’s Joe Loughnane, Labour councillor Niall McNelis, Fine Gael Deputy Hildegarde Naughton , Independent Daragh O’Flaherty, Green councillor Pauline O’ Reilly and the Social Democrats Niall O’Tuathail

Following an opening statement from each candidate, representatives from the St Enda’s student council will submit questions to them on behalf of post primary students in the constituency.

Chairperson of the Coláiste Éinde Student Council Darragh Ward says climate change is an issue that unites young people – to hear more, tune in to Galway Bay fm news on the hour…

Galway Bay fm newsroom – A public meeting will be held in Corrandulla on Thursday evening over the lack of bus connectivity in the Annaghdown and Corrandulla areas, with protests set to be mobilised over the coming weeks.

The meeting to be held at the Old Girl’s School at 8.30pm will discuss the ongoing campaign to secure bus services with the most recent proposals rejected in the short-term by the National Transport Authority.

It’s understood the NTA has advised there is no funding available to support services at this time.

It has also been advised that although priority will be given to reconnect Corrandulla via Claregalway following the withdrawal of the 456 Bus Eireann service in mid-2018, the NTA does not intend to provide a direct Local Link service to Galway city from Annaghdown.

Local Independent councillor James Charity argues rural areas have been “treated in an appalling fashion” and the vital service is not being delivered despite previous commitments.

Formal protests are to take place in the coming weeks with Bus Eireann, the NTA and Local Link all put on notice regarding the planned action.

Councillor Charity says such a lack of bus services is impacting many areas of wider North Galway – to hear more, tune in to Galway Bay fm news on the hour…