Anti-household tax campaign group hits out at Government guilt-trip

Thu, Jul 26, 2012

The Campaign Against Household and Water Taxes group has blasted the Government and local authorities in Galway for what it describes as attempt to “guilt” people into paying the controversial household charge.

The comment by the national campaign group comes in the wake of news earlier this week that the Department of the Environment has notified both the Galway City Council and the Galway County Council that funding cuts of more than €3 million could be implemented if the €100 household charge is not paid by those who continue to refuse to pay it. The group has also strongly hit out at suggestions made by a city councillor, and reported in the local media, that those who refuse to pay the household charge are effectively holding the city to ransom with threats that services will be severely affected as a result of non-payment.

Olympic opening ceremony with animals and country scenes may have Ballinasloe inspiration

Thu, Jul 26, 2012

This year’s Olympic Games opening ceremony may have an East Galway inspiration because it is being organised by film director Danny Boyle whose mother hails from Balliansloe.

Let the races begin, here and in London

Thu, Jul 26, 2012

And so as we enter Olympic week, we use Olympic parlance — the baton of craic that is perpetually on the move in Galway is passed on in the relay team of Johns. First John Killeen grabbed it and ran at a speed of knots, sailing through the field, the wind at his back to pass it on to John Crumlish who took it with a little artistic flourish, had it repainted while it was in his hand, juggled it through the air, airkissed it before seeing the third John awaiting on the cusp of the last 100, and with the white flag being hoisted into the air, he passed it on to John Maloney who will, with a ‘wild lep’, jump over the last fence and bring the Galway summer to the finishing line with the applause of the audience ringing in his ears.

Stimulus roads programme to give Galway a 5,000-job boost

Thu, Jul 19, 2012

Galway is to gain about 5,000 jobs in the construction and related services sector over the next three years as a result of the initiatives announced on Tuesday as part of the Government Stimulus.

Galway to be showcased worldwide in IRONMAN 70.3 event

Thu, Jul 19, 2012

After successfully playing host last year, Galway is to welcome for a second time the IRONMAN 70.3 Ireland event which will attract a worldwide audience to showcase everything that the city and county has to offer.

Stimulus brings hopes to many tables

Thu, Jul 19, 2012

Even though you would not have thought it at teatime at Casement Park in Belfast last Saturday evening, everything Galway seems to touch at the moment seems to turn to gold. The eyes of the country are perpetually fixed on the perpetual parties and festivals that break up the rainy summer months for us, the VOR was a great success and this week, the city and county are grateful beneficiaries of the economic viagra for the economy — the much vaunted Government Stimulus which on Tuesday sent the guts of 4,000 jobs our way in the guise of several shovel ready infrastructural projects which when complete will change substantially the commuting and health care habits of a good proportion of our population.

Fined senator to meet Iarnrod Eireann about improving policies

Thu, Jul 19, 2012

A Fine Gael senator who was fined for boarding a train without a ticket is to meet Iarnrod Eireann officials next week with a view to “improving policy and practice”.

Senator Fidelma Healy Eames was issued with a €100 on-the-spot fine on Thursday last after she boarded the early morning Galway to Dublin train without a ticket.

Galway Arts Festival is ‘a holiday in your head’ — Crumlish

Thu, Jul 19, 2012

The grey skies and drizzle that greeted the opening of 35th Galway Arts Festival did nothing to dampen the good spirits of those who attended the Radisson Hotel on Monday evening to mark the occasion.

Connolly demands council and Let’s Do It Galway repair damaged South Park

Thu, Jul 19, 2012

Despite the positive afterglow left by the Volvo Ocean Race, South Park’s use as the Global Village site has seen its surface “left in a condition that will preclude its use for some time”.

Army numbers to increase at Renmore Barracks

Thu, Jul 19, 2012

Army numbers at Renmore Barracks are set to increase by almost 180 personnel following the announcement of the reorganisation of the Defence Forces.

Tuam man appointed to top Olympic job

Thu, Jul 19, 2012

Another Galwegian will be heading to the Olympic Games in two weeks. Athenry's Paul Hession and Loughrea's Olive Loughnane will be competing on the track, and a third local, Tuam’s Pierce O'Callaghan, has been appointed as an international technical official for athletics.

Hats off to Loughrea millinery sensation

Thu, Jul 19, 2012

People can view the creations of an award winning County Galway milliner, who has worked with internationally acclaimed Philip Treacy, at his pop-up shop at Brown Thomas.

Paul McGrath to play at Eamonn Deacy testimonial

Thu, Jul 19, 2012

Paul McGrath, one of the great figures of Irish football, is coming to Galway next month to take part in the Eamon ‘Chick’ Deacy testimonial game in Terry Land Park.

Man sentenced to nine months for mobile phone scam

Thu, Jul 19, 2012

A man who took part in a scam by accepting delivery of mobile phones bought with stolen credit card details had been using a false name and identification to get work in a Galway city centre shop after sneaking into the country from Belfast, the Galway District Court heard this week.

Judge Mary Fahy imposed a nine month jail sentence on the defendant whose real name is Kenvil Nasir. The 30-year-old with an address at 16 Tulach Na Corriage, Loughrea, was brought before the court on Monday where he pleaded guilty to failing to produce on demand a valid passport or other equivalent document and handling stolen property on May 22, 2012.

Include Galway schools in new stimulus package says Grealish

Thu, Jul 19, 2012

Galway schools needing rebuilding and refurbishment should be included in the €2 billion stimulus package announced by the Government this week.

Outer bypass inclusion in stimulus package ‘most significant’ says Walsh

Thu, Jul 19, 2012

The Galway City Outer Bypass’ inclusion in the Government’s €2 billion economic stimulus is “the single most significant step in its progression since the idea was first conceived”.

Galway politicians throw weight behind Solas Picture Palace

Thu, Jul 19, 2012

Following the launch of a campaign by the Advertiser last week, political momentum to secure funds for the Solas Picture Palace on Lower Merchants Road is gaining pace, with Galway TDs and senators meeting Environment Minister Phil Hogan yesterday.

New Garda HQ for city and region gets go-ahead

Thu, Jul 19, 2012

The go-ahead has been given for the construction of a new Garda Divisional Headquarters for Galway under the Government’s €2 billion stimulus package.

Plans for the new station had been suspended since 2010 due to budget cuts, but following the Government announcement this week, work will now be able to start next year.

The Higgs Boson comes to Galway for Science and Technology Festival

Thu, Jul 19, 2012

A major travelling exhibition, entitled ‘Accelerating Science’, will be making its way to Galway this autumn to take part in an exciting and informative science and technology festival.

Works to start on Ballygar Garda Station

Thu, Jul 19, 2012

Work on renovating Ballygar Garda Station began this week, allying fears the station would close permanently following damage by a fire some weeks ago.

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