Breaking News
Report on Galway housing issues to be presented to Government
Galway Bay fm newsroom – The Minister of State for Housing and Planning is to be handed a comprehensive report on housing issues in Galway by the end of the month.
Galway West Labour TD Derek Nolan is compiling the report, and says he feels it is necessary to pro-actively look for solutions to the challenges facing the housing sector.
The report will include information gathered through meetings with representatives from the construction and property management sector, the Department of Social Protection and two of the country’s largest housing charities.
Breaking News
An Bord Pleanala to reconsider appeal against refusal of 74 homes in Knocknacarra

Galway Bay fm newsroom – An Bord Pleanala is to reconsider an appeal against the refusal of 74 homes in Knocknacarra.
The project, led by Diagnostic Medical Imagine International Ltd, would be based at Rosario, Kingston.
The project would involve the demolition of two existing houses and the construction of 74 residential units, gym, and new vehicle entrance.
They’d be a mix of apartment blocks, terraced homes, semi-detached and detached units.
The plan was rejected by city planners in 2021 – and that decision was upheld by An Bord Pleanala later that year.
They found the applicant failed to provide evidence of consent, or demonstrate sufficent legal interest, for lands needed for the development.
But the board’s decision was later quashed by Order of the High Court – and the application will now be reconsidered.
A decision is due in September.
Breaking News
James Charity puts housing top of his agenda as Athenry-Oranmore District Chairperson

Galway Bay fm newsroom – Councillor James Charity has put housing top of his agenda as Athenry-Oranmore District Chairperson
Cllr. Charity was has been unanimously voted as Cathaoirleach for the final term of the current Council before next year’s local elections
He was nominated by fellow Independents Jim Cuddy and Gabe Cronnelly
Cathaoirleach Charity is pledging to continue the Council’s work in attracting and supporting employment to the area, as well as focusing on delivery of housing to support the jobs
Breaking News
City businesses urged to engage with valuation office over inflated commercial rates

Galway Bay fm newsroom – City businesses are being urged to engage with the National Valuations Office, Tailte Éireann, over inflated commercial rates.
Councillor Niall McNelis says it’s recently issued additional Proposed Valuation Certs to commerical rate customers in the city.
But he says some have not engaged with the office, and have now received significantly increased proposed demands as a result.
Councillor McNelis says in one case, a retailer is paying €30 thousand – and was told the proposed rate is now €90 thousand.
Speaking to Galway Talks, he said businesses need to urgently engage to ensure the record is corrected before official rates are set next year.