Galway East TD Louis O'Hara has slammed the Government for its failure to publish new long-awaited Wind Energy Guidelines.

The Sinn Féin TD is calling for modern guidelines which can regulate several proposed developments across the county.

He says people are often frustrated by a lack of consultation regarding developments, and new guidelines would help resolve this issue.

Deputy O'Hara told our reporter Sarah Slevin that the current guidelines are completely out-of-date:

A local TD has accused the Taoiseach of making "reality-defying" statements on housing.

Speaking in the Dáil, Galway West TD Mairead Farrell referenced comments made by Micheal Martin at the National Economic Dialogue.

She said she couldn't believe it when she heard him say that fundamental reform was being delivered to create a sustainable housing system.

Then, taking aim at Housing Minister James Browne, Deputy Farrell claimed that his latest changes would not help anyone.

Galway East TD and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, Seán Canney, has welcomed the proposed 10% increase in the minimum rates of pay for Early Years Educators and School-Age Childcare Practitioners.

The proposals have been put forward by the Joint Labour Committee, which represents both employers and workers in the sector.

He also welcomed the Government's commitment to ring-fence €45 million in Core Funding to support providers with the proposed increases in pay and conditions.

If the proposals are accepted, they will be implemented through updated Employment Regulation Orders.

Speaking to Galway Bay FM News, Minister Canney noted that 35,000 staff members will benefit from the increase.

Fianna Fail Councillor Gerry King has been elected as the new Cathaoirleach of Connemara District.

The announcement was made yesterday evening and will see the Clifden Native take over from Tomas Welby.

It will be the second time he has held the position, having previously served as Cathaoirleach in 2019.

The newly elected Cathaoirleach outlined his plans for the coming year

The Tanáiste has told a Galway TD that she does not "own" military neutrality.

It's after Catherine Connolly raised the planned reform of the triple lock system in the Dáil - and questioned the motive and reasoning behind that decision.

The system means that Government, Dáil and UN approval are all needed for Irish troops to be deployed overseas.

But it's argued that the system means the five permanent members of the security council have the ability to block our sovereign decision to deploy peacekeeping forces.

And Tanaiste Simon Harris said people have to stop conflating the triple lock system with military neutrality.

Leader of the Independent Team of Ministers and Minister for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rails and Ports anfd Galway East TD Seán Canney has welcomed the ongoing review of planning permission exemptions, describing it as an important opportunity to unlock more flexible and practical housing solutions.

The review, led by Minister for Housing James Browne TD, forms part of the wider implementation of the Planning and Development Act 2024 and will shortly go to public consultation.

Speaking to Galway Bay FM News, Minister Canney said that it was important to have a planning system that works. 

A local Fine Gael councillor has said Men's Sheds in Galway should apply for additional funding following an announcement by the Department of Rural and Community Development.

The announcement was made on Friday by Minister Dara Calleary, and Minister of State Jerry Buttimer who jointly announced a funding package to support Men's Sheds across the country.

The funding contribution for this year, together with funding provided by the department last year, will enable the Irish Men's Sheds Association to distribute up to €1 million in supports to their members with grants of up to €3,000 available.

This has been welcomed by Councillor Eddie Hoare, who is encouraging eligible sheds to apply and get funding to help with their operational costs.

Speaking to Galway Bay FM News this morning, Councillor Hoare said that Men's Sheds play a key role in the fabric of communities across the city and county.

Galway City Sports Partnership have launched Activity Play Hubs around Galway City.

The launch took place on Tuesday last and was performed by the Mayor of Galway City, Peter Keane.

The Hubs are a box-up system through an app that provides sports equipment to the public free of charge in order to increase physical activity and play across the city.

There are 7 systems currently in the city in Doughiska, Ballybane, O'Sullivan Park, Renmore, South Park, McGrath's Field and Salthill Park, and each has 6 units where the public can have access for up to three hours.

Declan Burke of Active Cities Galway joined John Mulligan in studio to talk about the hubs and upcoming plans for the summer. 

Community groups across Galway have been invited to come together to plant the 'seeds of sustainability' through the launch of a new platform called Nature Network.

The platform is designed to connect Galway's community groups so they can share practical knowledge and inspire climate action.

The 'Nature Network initiative' will connect like-minded groups, individuals and organisations who care about their community and would like to learn more about the environment.

The initiative is supported by SICAP, a targeted programme supporting community initiatives and those who are most in need, ensuring people receive tailored supports.

The launch event of the Network will take place on Tuesday at the Ard Rí House Hotel in Tuam from 7pm to 9pm.

CEO of Galway Rural Development (GRD) Steve Dolan said they are aiming to help groups become more environmentally aware.

A local MEP says changes to the CAP inspection regime will mean reduced red tape for farmers.

Ciaran Mullooly says under new measures, farmers will now be subject to a single inspection for payments.

He says excessive bureaucracy drives farmers "absolutely nuts", like duplicate and repetitive visits.

MEP Mullooly feels there's more work to be done, but this change to CAP inspections is a very welcome one.