This article first appeared on Galway Bay FM

Galway Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to the alleged assault of a woman in Ballybrit in the early hours of today

The incident occurred close to the Old Monivea Road at approximately 05.15 this morning

Gardaí are requesting any pedestrians or motorists who were travelling on either the Old Monivea Road or the Ballybane Road between 5 and 5.30am to come forward.

Any road users who were travelling in the area during these times and who may be in possession of camera footage including dash-cam are asked to make this footage available to the Gardaí.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Galway Gardaí on 091 53-8000, or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111

This article first appeared on Galway Bay FM

Gardaí are investigating an incident in the city where an intruder entered the homeowner’s bedroom as he slept

The suspected burglary took place at a premises at number 1 Townhouse Eyre Square between 7:10 and 8 on Sunday evening

The suspect is described as a very tall black male wearing all dark clothing

He appeared to be concealing property under his jacket as he left the house.

Galway Gardai are keen to speak to anyone in the area or around Eyre Square who observed any suspicious activity to contact them on 091-538000

This article first appeared on Galway Bay FM

Galway Gardaí are investigating criminal damage at homes in Renmore and Westside.

Both incidents happened last week.

Two men, who it’s understood were armed with iron bars, smashed the window of the sitting room and the glass panel of the front door of a house in Camillaun Park in Westside.

The incident occurred just after 9 last Wednesday night and the men were seen getting into a small blue/black car and headed in the direction of Newcastle.

At midnight the following day a house and a vehicle were damaged at Gleann Rua, Renmore.

The front window of the house and the glass pane of the front door were broken.

In addition the rear window of a vehicle parked in the driveway was smashed.

Gardaí at Mill street are keen to speak to anyone who may have been in these areas during these times and observed any suspicious activity to contact them at 091 53-8000.

This article first appeared on Galway Bay FM

A number of iconic Connemara people will be central figures in a Centre that will tell the story of emigration from the Gaeltacht.

The Gaeltacht Emigration Exhibition Centre will be opened alongside the Emigrants and Diaspora Centre in Carna, later this year.

A woman who blazed a trail in the gold rushes of Alaska, a sean nós singing legend and a family that worked its way from the tough streets of trade union activity to the White House – are among those who will be highlighted at the new centre in Carna.

Bridget Mannion was from Ros Muc and she attained fame and fortune in the gold rush era and was unofficially named “The Queen of Alaska”.

Joe Éinniú from Carna was one of the great exponents of sean nós singing and he performed with such greats as Pete Seeger in the United States where his television appearances spread the story of native Gaeltacht culture to millions.

And then there are the Walsh’s from Callowfeenish in Carna – John and Pat who championed workers rights from their base in Dorchester.

They are the father and uncle of Marty Walsh who became a member of President Biden’s cabinet in Washington.

All of them opened new frontiers for Gaeltacht emigrants and they will be remembered in the Centre which opens in Carna this year.

This article first appeared on Galway Bay FM

An appeal has been lodged with An Bord Pleanala against the approval of plans for a new Lidl supermarket in Loughrea.

The project was approved by county planners last month despite some local opposition.

The site of the proposed new Lidl supermarket is a greenfield site off the R350, between the town centre and the bypass.

County planners gave the green light last month with 26 conditions attached, though there were a considerable number of objections.

The most common issue was the potential for traffic problems in the local area and the wider town – followed closely by the supermarket likely drawing people away from the town centre.

That position was supported by retail representative association RGDATA.

In its submission, the group argued the supermarket plan isn’t compatiable with the Government’s “Town Centre First” policy and would undermine existing town services.

RGDATA and several local residents have now lodged an appeal with An Bord Pleanala, with a decision due later this year.

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This article first appeared on Galway Bay FM

Plans for 56 new social homes in Loughrea are moving a step forward, as councillors have backed the proposal subject to two conditions.

The development in Cosmona will predominatly consist of houses, with 12 apartments also included, and it’s expected the homes will be ready by the end of 2026.

Two conditions were attached to approval of the Part 8 by councillors – the removal of access through the adjoining Hazelwood estate and the retention of the height of the wall between the two estates.

Local Fine Gael Councillor Moegie Maher says they made promises to residents that their estate would not be interfered with.

This article first appeared on Galway Bay FM

Galway City Council is facing a hefty bill of €15m for the cleanup needed after Storm Eowyn.

The work is still ongoing – and there’s concern the final cost will not be fully covered by the Government.

The damage in Galway City was nothing compared to the devastation inflicted on the county.

But it was no trivial matter either, and crews across the city are still dealing with the aftermath.

They’re now looking at damaged and leaning trees in danger of falling, and it’ll be another few weeks before that work is finished.

A meeting at City Hall this week heard that the final cost could be in the region of €10 to 15 million.

And the big concern for management is that as things stand, support offered by central Government is not likely to cover it all.

It comes amid recent increases in local property tax and commercial rates, the rationale being that the money will be used to offer more and improved public services.

But those plans could be back to square one this year if money has to be found to pay a multi-million euro storm bill.

This article first appeared on Galway Bay FM

There could be more clarity on the future of the Palás Cinema in the city in the very near future.

It’s as Galway City Council is expecting a commercial appraisal report to be completed in the coming weeks.

The current operator announced in recent weeks that it was going to wind up operations due to sustaining considerable financial losses.

The cinema building itself is owned by Galway City Council and has proved controversial in the past, due to the millions of euro in taxpayers money that was used to complete it.

Councillor Niall McNelis says Palás is very important to Galway’s culture and identity – and it’s a major asset for the city.

This article first appeared on Galway Bay FM

ACounty Galway restaurant has been added to the lastest UK and Ireland edition of the Michelin Guide.

Lignum in Bullaun has been awarded its first Michelin Star – joining Aniar which also holds the high quality cooking accolade.

Meanwhile the city’s Daróg has gained a Bib Gourmand, which represents good quality and good value cooking.

The other Galway restaurant featured on the guide is Kai, which holds a Green Star.