Pat McGrath

Melbourne, Tasmania

Journalist at ABC News (Australia)

Investigative reporter @abcnews, views my own [email protected]

Articles

Public moving of Galway ringbouys putting 'lives at risk'

1 week ago | rte.ie | Pat McGrath

Water Safety Ireland has condemned the deliberate removal of lifebuoys near open water locations in Galway, saying the absence of the flotation aids could have fatal consequences. The agency says there is an ongoing problem with the movement, theft or disposal of ringbuoys along the River Corrib, and at the seafront, adjacent to Galway Bay. It is thought that in some instances, rope attached to the devices is being stolen to be used for clothes lines.
Red squirrels more resilient than grey, research finds

1 week ago | rte.ie | Pat McGrath

New research suggests red squirrels may be more resilient than their grey counterparts, due to an ability to detect predators and adapt their behaviour accordingly. A rising pine marten population has led to a sharp decline in grey squirrel numbers here in recent years. At the same time, there's been an increase in the number of native red squirrels. Scientists from the University of Galway have been monitoring the creatures at two sites, over the last sixteen months.
Construction of Galway flood defences to begin in 2030

1 week ago | rte.ie | Pat McGrath

Work on permanent measures to guard against flooding in Co Galway will not begin until at least 2030. Latest estimates suggest the 'Coirib go Cósta', Galway Flood Relief Scheme, will cost in the region of €50 million. It is described as essential to safeguard against future flood risks, both in coastal areas and in parts of the city near the River Corrib. As part of ongoing preparatory work on the project, a number of suggested designs are being unveiled.
Hundreds gather for 'Dare to Hope' in Knock

1 week ago | rte.ie | Pat McGrath

Hundreds of young adults from around the country are gathering in Knock, Co Mayo, for a day of events to mark the Catholic Church's Jubilee Year of Hope. The event coincides with the opening of a new facility at the Marian Shrine, which has been specially designed to cater for young pilgrims. A €1.5 million investment has led to the construction of ten bespoke 'eco pods’, which can accommodate those visiting the area.
Minister for Housing defends new Govt rental measures

2 weeks ago | rte.ie | Pat McGrath

The Minister for Housing has defended new measures in relation to the rental market, saying they strike a balance between protecting tenants and supporting investment. Speaking in Galway this morning, James Browne acknowledged "there were a few different moving parts" in the planned legislation, but he said these were necessary, given the scale of the accommodation issues the country was facing.
Soccer players call for Football Australia to ban yellow-card bets, tackle match fixing

2 weeks ago | abc.net.au | Pat McGrath

The professional soccer players' association has called for gambling on yellow cards to be banned in the wake of the A-League's second match fixing scandal in 12 months. In a rare public criticism of Football Australia, Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) has also blasted the governing body's integrity unit, demanding that it drastically scale-up its player education program.
Excavation of Tuam Mother and Baby home site welcomed

2 weeks ago | rte.ie | Pat McGrath

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Pre-excavation work due at former mother-and-baby home

2 weeks ago | rte.ie | Pat McGrath

Work to allow for the excavation of a burial ground at the former mother-and-baby home in Tuam, Co Galway, will begin next Monday. It is the latest step in the ongoing effort to try and identify the remains of infants who died at the home, between 1925 and 1961. The site, in the Dublin Road estate in Tuam, will be cordoned off and placed under forensic control over the next four weeks.
Drug driving case against former TD adjourned once more

2 weeks ago | rte.ie | Pat McGrath

A case against a former TD, accused of drug driving, has been adjourned once more. Colm Keaveney was elected as a Labour Deputy for Galway East in 2011 and subsequently joined Fianna Fáil. He's charged with driving with cocaine in his system, contrary to the Road Traffic Act. The offences are alleged to have occurred at Cummer, Tuam, Co Galway on 12 June 2023. The case was before Judge James Faughnan at today’s sitting of Tuam District Court, having already been adjourned on multiple occasions.
Plans for Galway local authority rent rises criticised

2 weeks ago | rte.ie | Pat McGrath

Galway City Councillors have roundly criticised plans to increase rents for over 2,500 local authority tenants. The proposals arise from a 'Differential Rent Review', which aims to generate an additional €1 million in revenue per annum. The proposals would entail a 3% increase in the proportion of assessable income, to be paid in rent, by those in social housing - going from 17% to 20%. In real terms, this amounts to a weekly rent rise in the region of 17.6%.