Galway Bay fm newsroom – The county council’s consultants have been grilled on the proposed ring road’s impact on flora and fauna, at today’s session of the oral hearing

The session has been informed that additional Peregrine Falcon nesting boxes will be installed at Lackagh Quarry.

The extra nesting boxes are part of a number of enhanced mitigation measures which were presented today by representatives from ARUP consultants.

At this morning’s session, representatives from ARUP consultant addressed the hearing in relation to a number of queries that were put to the applicant – Galway County Council.

These related to issues including the impact on bird habitats and habitat creation.

Following a presentation, last month, from the National Parks and Wildlife Service on the potential impact on Peregrine Falcons, the following enhanced mitigation measures have been included by ARUP.

Artificial nest boxes will be installed at each of the two former nest sites in Lackagh Quarry and both will be provided in accordance with the design requirements set out by BirdWatch Ireland.

The use of the artificial nest sites will also be monitored during the operation of the proposed road development for a period of three years.

The Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht queried whether the proposed road would result in a net loss or gain in Barn Owl foraging habitat at Menlo Castle.

ARUP biodiversity expert Aebhin Cawley, told the hearing that an estimated 9.9 hectares will be lost, however, 11.7 hectares will be created to counteract the damage caused.

The Department also asked for confirmation of the applicant’s commitment to managing mitigation measures.

In response, Galway County Council has stated that it will ensure that monitoring will be used to inform long-term ecological mitigation and that during operation it will engage the services of a suitable contractor to monitor the ecological mitigation for the lifetime of the project.

The hearing continues this afternoon.

Gerry Murphy, George McDonagh, Kevin Dwyer and Sean Walsh look back on the weekend’s sport including Galway’s National Hurling League victory over Tipperary.

Fabienne Cooney joins them following Coláiste Bhaile Chláir’s FAI Schools Junior Cup Girls Success.

They also look ahead to the 2020 Cheltenham Festival.

All this and much more.

Galway Bay FM’s ‘Over The Line’ broadcasts every Monday and Friday from 8pm.

Galway Bay fm newsroom – Businesses in Galway are supporting the cancellation of the Galway city St. Patrick’s Day parade.

According to Galway City Chamber, while businesses are disappointed at the cancellation, there is widespread understanding that it’s the correct decision in regards to public safety.

Galway City Council yesterday accepted the government’s recommendation that all parades nationwide should be cancelled over concerns on the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

More at 4 as Galway Chamber CEO Kenny Deery says Galway’s business community is putting public health first by supporting the decision…..

Galway Bay fm newsroom – Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil are officially entering talks to form a government.

Negotiating teams from the two parties are to begin meeting, while also continuing discussions with the Green Party.

Leo Varadkar and Micheal Martin met twice in the past 24 hours, and say they’re acutely aware of the enormous challenges facing the country, particularly with Covid 19.

They’re to enter negotiations as equal partners, which could mean taking turns as Taoiseach.

It comes as three Galway TDs have held talks with Sinn Fein today as efforts continue to form a government.

TDs from across the country who form the ‘The Regional Group’ held exploratory talks with Sinn Fein following previous meetings with both Fianna Fail and Fine Gael.

The group of nine included Roscommon/Galway TD Denis Naughton, Galway East TD Sean Canney and Galway West TD Noel Grealish.

In a statement to FYI Galway, the group said it had a useful exchange of views with the Sinn Fein negotiating team and again stated the view that the three big parties must now make serious moves to form a Government.

Galway Bay fm newsroom – Galway County Council has put forward the reasons why the 2006 Outer Bypass Route was not selected instead of the preferred Galway City Ring Road route.

Over the past three weeks of the oral hearing, there has been numerous submissions against the selected ring road route – with many adding that the 2006 route was preferable.

At this afternoon’s oral hearing session, ARUP consultants on behalf of the County Council explained why the 2006 route is not a viable option.

The route does not provide connectivity with the city to the degrees required to alleviate congestion sufficiently.

Because it is the longest route and would result in longer journeys with the highest carbon emissions during the operational phase, it was the least sustainable of the options studied.

It would not facilitate the delivery of the optimum intermodal transport solution and it has longer journey times and less relevant journey possibilities between east and west.

These are some of the reasons, given by Eileen McCarthy of ARUP consultants, why the 2006 Galway Outer Bypass Route was not selected.

Ms McCarthy added that the 2006 GCOB did not receive planning permission at the time, due to its potential impact on protected areas of Moycullen bog NHA and Lough Corrib.

The hearing was informed that it is recognised that the 2006 GCOB impacted fewer homeowners, communities and amenities, however, it did not meet the project objectives and has a number of shortcomings.

The oral hearing will enter its 12th day tomorrow morning.

Galway Bay fm newsroom – Athenry has launched an online alternative to their St Patrick’s Day Parade.

Government recommendations announced yesterday have resulted in almost all St. Patrick Day Parades around the country being cancelled.

However, participants in Athenry will now have the opportunity to record their entries and upload them to the Athenry’s St. Patrick Day Facebook event page.

This alternative approach is an opportunity for people to share their creations despite the cancellation of the parade and to be in with a chance to win a prize.

Athenry Community Council host the parade each year with the Athenry Medieval Town Band and many other groups of people taking part in the celebration.

Fianna Fáil Councillor Shelly Herterich Quinn says that despite the parade being cancelled we can all still enjoy it online.

Galway Bay fm newsroom – The Galway Rehab People of the Year awards, due to be held next week, have been postponed due to the Covid 19 outbreak.

The nominees for the event, organised in partnership with Galway Credit Unions, were announced at a press reception in the Galway Bay Hotel recently.

The winners were to be honoured at a Gala Banquet and Presentation to be held in the Galway Bay Hotel on Saturday week March 21, and broadcast live on Galway Bay fm.

It now looks likely that the event will be moved to an Autumn date.

Galway Bay fm newsroom – Galway Clinic in Doughiska has this evening enforced additional restrictions as part of its Coronavirus response

If you are attending Out-Patient appointments or the Emergency Department you are requested to bring one person only, if required

Also, with immediate effect, Galway Clinic Daily Mass is restricted to hospital inpatients only.

Management says these measures are to ensure the health & safety of all patients and staff.

They are in addition to the Visiting Restrictions put in place at the weekend

Visiting is restricted to the critically unwell and ICU patients only, and children are not permitted to visit

Galway Bay fm newsroom – It’s understood NUI Galway is to consider a transition to online learning in a bid to curb the potential spread of coronavirus, with a decision to be made later in the week.

It comes as Trinity College has announced significant measures to restrict the spread.

All lectures at the Dublin campus are to go online for the rest of the semester from tomorrow.

While, effective immediately, a number of public spaces at Trinity have shut including the Long Room, which contains the Book of Kells.

NUI Galway is today awaiting the result of a coronavirus test on one of its student.

It has however moved to stress there are currently no confirmed cases of coronavirus in its campus community and all University services are running as normal for now.

A university statement confirmed that an individual presented to the Student Health Unit yesterday afternoon who was referred onwards to the HSE following initial triage.

The appropriate tests have since been carried out and the HSE should have the results later today.

Galway United progressed to the second round of the EA Sports Cup with a two goal victory over Athlone Town in Eamon Deacy Park last night. Second half goals from Alberto Cabanyes and Wilson Waweru led Alan Murphy’s side to victory after a much improved effort after half time. A hard fought encounter remained scoreless at the break with Dylan Sacramento coming the closest to breaking the deadlock for United when his shot from outside the box just flew over the crossbar. Goalkeeper Micheal Schlingermann and captain Shane Duggan were the only players retained from last weekend’s league draw in Wexford, while next up for United is a home game against Cabinteely in the Airtricity League First Division on Friday night.

Galway Bay fm newsroom:

A county councillor has moved to reassure farmers that they will be able to access sick pay if they fall ill with the coronavirus.

Tuam area councillor Andrew Reddington says he’s received a lot of queries from farmers in North Galway about payments should they fall ill.

He states farmers and the self-employed will be able to access sick pay at the higher rate of €305 per week should they be impacted by COVID19 following a statement from government.

This states that to contain the transmission of Covid-19, the personal rate of Illness Benefit will be increased from €203 per week to €305 per week for a maximum period of two weeks of medically certified self-isolation, or for the duration of a person’s medically-certified absence from work due to Covid-19 diagnoses.

For more on this story, tune into the Galway Bay fm news…

Galway Bay fm newsroom – A Galway TD is warning of the dangers of forming an emergency government with Fine Gael in the face of the coronavirus outbreak.

Galway West Fianna Fail TD Eamon Ó Cuiv says many of his party’s colleagues are opposed to any coalition with Fine Gael – despite the spread of Covid-19.

Both parties have agreed to hold detailed talks about forming an administration, and they’re likely to begin today.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar previously said he wanted to go into opposition, but now says the coronavirus outbreak changes things.

Deputy O’Cuiv says the country needs a government that will effectively work after the current health crisis is resolved – for more, tune in to Galway Bay fm news…

Galway football manager Padraig Joyce has made 4 changes to the starting team to play Mayo in the National League on Sunday. Gary O’Donnell comes in for Liam Silke and Rob Finnerty replaces Martin Farragher, while Damien Comer and Cillian McDaid are both selected to start again after missing the win over Meath with hamstring injuries.

1 Connor Gleeson
2 Seán Kelly
3 Séan Mulkerrin
4 Johnny Heaney
5 Gary O’Donnell
6 John Daly
7 Cillian McDaid
8 Ronan Steede
9 Tom Flynn
10 Eamon Brannigan
11 Damien Comer
12 Michael Daly
13 Robert Finnerty
14 Shane Walsh (Capt)
15 Adrian Varley

Galway manager Padraig Joyce has been telling Kevin Dwyer his side can control their own destiny in qualifying for a league final…

Kevin also spoke to Galway forward Damien Comer about his comeback from injury and the competitive nature of the squad…

Galway v Mayo – NFL meetings 2001 – 2020

2001 National Football League Final – Mayo 0-13 Galway 0-12

2006 National Football League Semi- Final – Galway 1-11 Mayo 1-6

2007 National Football League Semi-Final – Mayo 2-10 Galway 1-12

2008 National Football League Division 1 – Galway 2-9 Mayo 1-11

2009 National Football League Division 1 – Mayo 1-11 Galway 0-13

2010 National Football League Division 1 – Mayo 2-14 Galway 1-10

2011 National Football League Division 1 – Mayo 2-14 Galway 0-12

2018 National Football League Division 1 – Galway 1-13 Mayo 0-11

2019 National Football League Division 1 – Galway 1-11 Mayo 0-12

With Altior ruled out, Defi Du Seuil will go off favourite for the Queen Mother Champion Chase – the feature on day 2 of the Cheltenham Festival. Tiger Roll is arguably today’s star attraction as he looks to warm up for the Grand National in the Glenfarclas Chase. Last year’s Champion Bumper-winner Envoi Allen is the odds-on favourite for the day’s opener – the grade-1 Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle. The RSA is the day’s other big race, with Nicky Henderson hoping to add to yesterday’s pair of grade ones with Champ set to go head-to-head with Minella Indo. Looking ahead to the action is George McDonagh…

Wednesday Cheltenham selections:

1.30 Envoi Allen ,Longhouse Poet (ew alt.)
2.10 Minella Indo (nap)
2.50 Canardier & Franco De Port (both ew)
3.30 Defi De Seuil
4.10 Tiger Roll
4.50 Night Addition & Gaelach (both ew)
5.30 Appreciate It, Mahler Allstar (ew)

Brother Edmund Farrell

Franciscan Brothers, Newtown, Mountbellew; Clara Co. Offaly; Kilkerrin and formerly of Ballymacurley, Ballinaheglish, Co. Roscommon.  Reposing at Franciscan Brothers’ Residence, Newtown, Mountbellew tomorrow Thursday from 6 until 8.  Removal on Friday to St. Mary’s Parish Church, Mountbellew for mass for Brother Edmund Farrell at 11.  Funeral afterwards to Ballintubber Cemetery, Co. Roscommon.

Rita Glynn nee Mannion

Waterfront and late of Bride Street and Bailebane, Larchill, Loughrea.  Reposing at her daughter Petula Greene’s residence at 11 Ashlawn, Loughrea this evening from 5 until 7:30.  Funeral cortege will arrive at Church of the Immaculate Conception, Kilconieron tomorrow Thursday for Mass for Rita Glynn at 12.  Funeral afterwards to Kilconieron local cemetery.

Rita Cutlar nee O’Donnell

Salthill. Reposing at the Cillín within Church of Mary Immaculate Queen, Barna tomorrow Thursday from 4. Removal at 6 to  adjoining church. Mass for Rita Cutlar on Friday at 12. Funeral afterwards to Rahoon Cemetery. Donations, if desired to Galway Hospice.

Margaret Heagney nee Boyle

Mackney, Ballinasloe and formerly of Athleague, Co. Roscommon. Reposing at Grenhams Funeral Home, Ballinasloe this evening from 5 until 7. Private removal tomorrow Thursday from her residence to St. Michaels Church, Ballinasloe for mass for Margaret Heagney at 12. Funeral afterwards to Creagh Cemetery. Family flowers only, by request. Donations, if desired to Ballinasloe Social Services.

Paddy Talty

Church View, Tuam and formerly of Kilkee, Co. Clare. Reposing at Grogans Funeral Home, Tuam this evening from 6. Removal at 8 to  Cathedral of the Assumption, Tuam. Mass for Paddy Talty tomorrow Thursday at 11. Funeral afterwards to Tuam Cemetery. Family flowers only, by request. Donations, if desired to the Care for Shane Trust.

Galway Bay fm newsroom – A Craughwell man has been ordered to pay his former partner €15,000 plus costs arising out of a dispute over the repayment of a credit union loan.

Galway Circuit Civil Court heard Hanna Kelly, of Ardrahan took out a loan to finish and furnish her ex-partner’s home, in the belief they were engaged.

According to the Irish Independent Hanna Kelly, a mother of five, told Judge Raymond Groarke her ex-partner Michéal Geraghty, of Knocknamanagh, Craughwell, had promised to add her name to the title deeds of his house.

Mr Geraghty, a father of six, denied both claims and said he never asked or intended to marry Ms Kelly, a former fitness instructor, as he was already married.

The court heard the former couple had an “on again, off again” relationship beginning in 2004 and ending via text message in October 2012.

During this period, they lived together intermittently in houses in Gort, Ardrahan and Craughwell.

In her evidence, Hanna Kelly said Mr Geraghty proposed to her several months after they got together and they exchanged Claddagh rings as a sign of their commitment.

However, Mr Geraghty said the rings were exchanged in the context of a Christmas present and he never wore his.

He also said he was still legally married at the time.

Mr Geraghty said that following his legal separation in 2008, he decided it was necessary to build a home at a site he owned beside his former marital home, in order to maintain access to his daughter, who has special needs.

However, Ms Kelly claimed they had intended to build the house together and cited this as the reason she secured a credit union loan of €26,000.

The loan was taken out in July 2008 and repayments of €94 per week were agreed over a period of eight years.

The money was used to complete the build which had been largely undertaken by Mr Geraghty who is a builder by trade.

However, the court heard the couple’s relationship broke down multiple times over the next few years and they only lived together in the house for short periods of time.

Ms Kelly provided the court with 118 repayment receipts totalling €12,440.

Mr Geraghty claimed he repaid all but €890 of the loan which, when penalties were added, amounted to €40,984.

He said he would give money to Ms Kelly weekly to repay the loan and that it was always his debt, not hers.

When their relationship ended in 2012, Ms Kelly stopped repaying the loan and Mr Geraghty took over the full payment which was settled in May 2018.

Finding in favour of Ms Kelly, Judge Groarke ordered Mr Geraghty to pay €15,000 plus costs of €2,500.

Mighty Cabs, Dunlo Street, Ballinasloe require additional taxi drivers.  Full and part-time positions available.  Must hold PSV licence.Bus driver also required for occasional weekend work. Phone 087 2580208 or 090 96 44222 or call in to Mighty Cabs, Dunlo Street, Ballinasloe.

Galway Bay fm newsroom – A plan for a solar power development at Cloonascragh in Tuam has been met with opposition.

The project led by WED Renewables Ltd would also have an electrical substation compound, control building, up to 9 inverter units and underground cable ducts.

The development would consist of the construction and operation of solar PV panels mounted on metal frames on a site extending to approximately 43 hectares with the planning application accompanied by a Natura Impact Statement.

County planners granted a 10 year permission for the development in January subject to 11 conditions.

However the project has now been appealed to An Bord Pleanála by three parties with a number of concerns including solar waste.

An Bord Pleanála is due to make a decision in June

This morning Keith spoke about a variety of different issues affecting Galway City and County

Galway Bay fm newsroom – A recently opened family hub on the Upper Newcastle Road is to be transformed into a self-isolation centre for homeless people who have symptoms of coronavirus, or who are worried they may have contracted it.

The former Corrib Haven B&B was leased to Cope Galway by the city council last year to provide emergency accommodation for up to a dozen families.

Eight families were informed earlier this week that they would have to vacate the building by today and would be relocated to private accommodation.

The decision has been made by Galway City Council following government directives for local authorities to have an isolation centre on standby to quarantine homeless people sleeping rough who are affected by the Covid-19 crisis.

Mayor of Galway, Mike Cubbard says many homeless people on the streets have no access to proper hand washing facilities and in many cases suffer from underlying health issues – to hear more, tune in to Galway Bay fm news on the hour…