Galway Advertiser 2004/2004_10_28/GA_2810_E1_008.pdf 

Extracted text

8 N E W S

Galway Advertiser

October 28 2004

Planning permission to go on line
BY KERNAN ANDREWS Visiting the planning office in City Hall may become a less frequent occurrence in the near future if new Government proposals for the planning system become a reality. The Minister for the Environment Dick Roche this week announced that proposals to streamline the planning application process are currently under consideration and these include an on line planning system. The first step in these proposals is the introduction of a standard planning application form for use by all planning authorities which is already under way. It is hoped that this will facilitate a full on line planning system. According to the minister, in an online planning system, planning applications will be filed electronically. It will allow planning applicants to track their applications and keep abreast of any developments on file. "This would greatly facilitate planning applicants and help overcome many of the frustrations that exist in the current system," said Minister Roche.
Checking the form -- this man eyes up the horses on offer at the Maam Cross fair on Tuesday. Photo: Mike Shaughnessy.

More money for housing aid scheme
Older people living alone in the west can look forward to better housing conditions thanks to a recent allocation of 850,000 to the Western Health Board for its Special Housing Aid for the Elderly scheme. This additional money, which has been sanctioned by the Minister for Housing and Urban Renewal Noel Ahern, brings the total funding for the scheme this year to 2.95 million. Minister for European Affairs and local East Galway TD Noel Treacy says this financial shot in the arm will allow the WHB to help older people who live alone by ensuring their homes are in good repair. "This is very good news for older people in our area who are living alone and is yet another reaffirmation of this G o v e r n m e n t ' s commitment to improving the quality of life for those who have given so much to build the country we enjoy today." Senator Margaret Cox says the allocation comes hot on the heels of the recent improvements to the income eligibility and loan limits for the shared ownership and affordable housing schemes. "The revised income limit is now 36,800 for a single income household and 92,000 for a twoincome household while the maximum loan that can be advanced by a local authority in respect of a house purcase is 165,000." She says these recent announcements emphasise the G o v e r n m e n t ' s commitment to providing adequate housing for the people of Ireland. The Special Housing Aid for the Elderly scheme, which improves the housing conditions of older people living alone in unfit accommodation, was set up in 1982. It is operated by the health board on behalf of the Department of the Environment. Those eligible are normally over 65 and live alone or live

MARTINA FORDE TRAVEL
WO R LDW I D E T RAV E L S P EC IALI ST S

MYSTICAL

with a spouse or family who are elderly. They must be unable, either from their own finances or available housing grants, to carry out the necessary repairs or improvements needed. Applications are also considered from under-65s in exceptional circumstances. The majority of older people want to live in their own homes for as long as possible. It is estimated that 95 per cent of people over 65 in the west live at home and lead reasonably independent lives.

Candlelit Peace Vigil to mark US presidential results
The Galway Alliance Against War will hold a candlelit peace vigil at 6.30pm on Tuesday November 2 at the junction of Shop Street and Mainguard Street. The event is being organised to coincide with the results of the US presidential election. According to a spokesperson for GAAW the purpose of the vigil is: "To send a message from Galway to the next US president that what the world needs is peace not war and that the US should end its illegal occupation of Iraq."

MEXICO
OFFERS
VALID FOR 28 & 30TH NOVEMBER ONLY

CANCUN

Now available at the following The Imperial Hotel Eyre Square, Co Galway Thursday 4th November 2004, 10am - 3pm The above is a regular monthly clinic - if you cannot call to a centre this month please Freephone 1800 441 155 for details of next month's date. Free Hearing Test Appointments Necessary/Essential A full range of batteries available for all makes of hearing aids. DSW Grant may be available to you. The country wide campaign for better hearing supported by Amplivox, 14 Lower O'Connell Street, Dublin 1 Freephone 1800 441 155

HEARING AID CONSULTANCY

El Pueblito Hotel 1114 pps 7 days all inclusive Chinese Delivery PLAYA DEL CARMEN
BOOK NOW WHILE PLACES ARE pps AVAILABLE! 7 Days Bed & Breakfast

Villa Amanecer

Chinatown
Ph. 528844

959

Chinaman DELIVERY MIDDLE ST GALWAY 091-566866 Oranmore
Tax & Insurance extra - subject to terms & conditions of Martina Forde Travel

FREE HEARING TEST & DISCOUNT VOUCHER

SPECIALS ALSO AT ORANMORE TRAVEL 091-788988

email info@fordetravel.com web www.fordetravel.com

Ph 792211

Call into the Amplivox + Ultratone Hearing Centres above with this advertisement for FREE hearing test and demonstration plus 75 discount if you wish to purchase (one voucher per person)

75

Unit 8A Liosban Retail Park, Tuam Road Tel 091 766707

Homestar

Because your home is your castle
CALL US ON 1850 44 77 99 OR CONTACT YOUR BROKER DISCOVER HOW EASY INSURANCE CAN BE
Eagle Star Insurance Company (Ireland) Limited is regulated by the Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority.

www.eaglestar.ie