Today on Galway Talks with Sally-Ann Barrett: 

9am-10am

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11am-12pm

Today on Galway Talks with Sally-Ann Barrett:

9am-10am

10am-11am

11am-12pm

Today on Community Matters: London 

9am-10am

10am-11am

11am-12pm 

We love talking about infrastructure in Galway and roads in particular. Even if for the most part it is giving out about inertia and long delays for vital projects.

There was a welcome boost right across the board this week in that regard with the announcement of the multi-billion euro revised National Development Plan. While there was debate between Government and opposition as to how much of this was brand new investment.

We will however have to wait until budget day to see what specific projects will have made it into the plan. The ring road (with ACP at the moment) should be there, along with other major projects, but can we see new major infrastructure announcements like the Claregalway bypass or a Gluas line for the city?

Speaking of the budget, we have been hearing there will be no once off cost of living supports but that does not necessarily mean you can expect much in the line of tax cuts.

The best case scenario Summer Economic Statement released by Government says that after taking into account the VAT reduction for hospitality to 9% there will only be half a billion to play with for income tax reductions.

Now, should the US impose tariffs for 30% on the EU, it is very uncertain what relief measures Government will have the will, or the purse strings to deliver. The hospitality sector for their part seem to view the statement with suspicion, arguing that certain quarters never wanted to reduce VAT.

The situation in Gaza has stayed to the forefront of news internationally, nationally and locally and we saw the horrifying scenes from hospitals in the region with dozens of children dying of starvation and malnutrition. Karol Balfe the CEO of Action Aid told us what the situation is like for volunteers and people on the ground.

We also had a great day out in London for our Community Matters series all about the Galway Diaspora in the UK Capital with thanks to Ireland West Airport. Next Friday it is the turn of Westside.

Today on Galway Talks with John Morley: 

9am-10am

10am-11am

11am-12pm

Today on Galway Talks with John Morley: 

9am-10am 

10am-11am

11am-12pm

Today on Galway Talks: 

9am-10am 

10am-11am

11am-12pm

Today on Galway Talks with John Morley 

9am-10am 

10am-11am

11am-12pm

Today on Community Matters: Glinsk

9am-10am 

10am-11am

11am-12pm 

Is the Crown Square rolling story finally over? Galway City Council will hope so. They quite emphatically put their colours to the mast over monetary evaluations over remaining in city hall and the move out to Mervue pointing out that their valuations show the move is justified.

Only two councillors voted against the move and (similarly to the original vote on the move to Crown Square) asked for more time on information on the 60 million euro loan which will be made in repayments over three decades.

Some questions still remain. The breakdown of the costs involved for one. These may be subject to commercial sensitivities but no doubt they will be followed up on by politicians and journalists alike. The Department still has to give the go ahead. But also there is the question of loan repayments. At over 3 million euro a year will the taxpayers of the city be expected to foot the bill? It will make Commercial Rates and LPT changes into the future very interesting.

Endometriosis care was brought to the forefront in the Dáil this week. Sinn Féin brought forward a motion following on from engagement with women suffering with the condition via the means of a survey.

While the Government didn’t back the measures brought forward by the main opposition party (standard practice) it certainly has brought the need for a look at this aspect of women’s healthcare in the spotlight once again.

On Galway Talks we have covered the topic regularly on the programme in recent years, with one contributor raising money to fund treatment abroad. Galway advocate Katie Coughlan spoke of her lived experience while Sinn Féin TD Mairead Farrell gave her party’s stance on the best way to provide treatment for those impacted by endometriosis.

Galway sadly lost a legend of the music scene this week. Shantalla native Bernard ‘Mack’ McNamara passed away and his passing was met by an outpouring of emotion and tributes. We were joined on the programme by the Mayor of Galway City Mike Cubbard and Gary Monroe of Monroe’s to pay respects to one of the King’s of Music in Galway.

And if you enjoyed our Community Matters show from Glinsk then brace yourselves and pack your bags... Next up on Friday the 25th of July is Community Matters London, live from the London Irish Centre in Camden.