Morley's Mouthfuls - Tourist tax, Gaelscoil places and new music

This week on Galway Talks, we asked whether Galway should start charging visitors a tourist tax. It's a debate that's dividing opinion. Supporters say it's only fair that the millions who enjoy everything Galway has to offer contribute towards the cost of keeping the city clean, maintaining public spaces and improving tourism infrastructure. Critics argue visitors already pay enough, and another charge could damage our competitiveness at a time when holidays in Ireland are already expensive. The question is a simple one: should tourists help pay for the services they use, or will another levy simply send them elsewhere? Founder and owner of Supermac's, the Só Hotel Group and the Plaza Group, Pat McDonagh gave us his opinion on the matter. We also discussed new figures showing that more than 3,500 Galway children are missing out on a place in a gaelscoil, despite parents wanting Irish-medium education. For a county that prides itself on its language and culture, the statistics are difficult to ignore. Demand is clearly there, yet the supply simply isn't keeping pace. If we genuinely want to see the Irish language thrive beyond the Gaeltacht, families need more than encouragement: they need the opportunity to choose Irish-medium education in the first place. Finally, we met broadcaster and endurance swimmer Tracy Piggott, who is preparing to spend up to eight hours beneath the waters of Galway Bay in aid of Sensational Kids. Her remarkable challenge, Swimming in Silence, isn't just about physical endurance. It's about giving a voice to thousands of families waiting for assessments and therapies for children with additional needs. Sometimes the most powerful way to make people listen is through an extraordinary act, and Tracy's determination certainly left a lasting impression. Also this week we had a visit from Galway musician KONNO, who joined us in studio to perform and chat about his latest single, T.O.M.. The deeply personal track is a heartfelt tribute to his grandfather, exploring love, loss and the lasting impact of family. It was a reminder that behind every song is a story, and KONNO's honest songwriting struck a chord with listeners. Four very different conversations, but each centred on one thing: how we build a better Galway. Whether that's through investing in our city, investing in our language, or investing in our children or families.