New EU AI rules bring fresh compliance challenges for local businesses

Thu, Aug 06, 2026

A new phase of the European Union’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act has come into force, introducing significant transparency requirements for organisations using AI technologies. While the legislation applies across all EU member states, its impact will be particularly relevant for businesses throughout Ireland, where companies are increasingly embracing AI to improve customer service, marketing, recruitment and operational efficiency.

Galway’s vacant buildings offer new opportunities for city centre businesses

Thu, Aug 06, 2026

Efforts to breathe new life into Galway city centre are gathering pace, with a series of regeneration initiatives designed to encourage businesses to occupy vacant commercial properties and restore vitality to the heart of the city.

ITIC report shows Shannon was Ireland's fastest-growing major airport in June

Thu, Aug 06, 2026

New figures published by the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC) show Shannon Airport recorded the strongest year-on-year passenger growth among Ireland's major airports in June, with traffic increasing by 14% compared to the same month last year.

Speaking today, CEO of The Shannon Airport Group, Ray O’Driscoll said he is encouraged to see the recently published industry figures from ITIC showing Shannon Airport recording the strongest year-on-year passenger growth among Ireland's major airports in June.

Peer learning programme supports rural female entrepreneurs

Thu, Jul 30, 2026

Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, has opened the call for applications for ACORNS 12 today and set the deadline for applications to be midnight on Friday, September 18.

Galway electrical wholesaler wins at Ireland’s second AEW awards 2026

Thu, Jul 30, 2026

Flaherty Markets Electrical Galway scooped the award for ‘Best Performing Branch’ for lighting recycling at Ireland’s second Association of Electrical Wholesalers (AEW) awards in Dublin recently.

Minister marks B Corp Certification Achievement for Galway-based iSupply

Thu, Jul 30, 2026

The Minister of State at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, Alan Dillon TD, welcomed representatives of Galway-based print and signage company iSupply to his constituency office in Castlebar to mark the company's latest milestone, achieving B Corp certification.

Galway marketer launches AI-driven marketing consultancy and free AI webinar

Thu, Jul 23, 2026

Award-winning marketing strategist and Business & Finance Top 100 CMO, Maricka Burke-Keogh, has officially launched The Marketing Department, a fractional marketing consultancy designed to give small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) access to senior-level marketing leadership without the cost of employing a full-time Marketing Director.

From a 25-seater café to seven million customers: Gourmet Food Parlour celebrates 20 years

Thu, Jul 23, 2026

Founded in 2006 by Galway native, Lorraine Heskin, Gourmet Food Parlour began as a small neighbourhood café in Dún Laoghaire, built on a passion for quality food and creating a welcoming space for the local community.

SYS Financial acquires Galway firm Q Financial, adding €120 million to managed assets

Thu, Jul 16, 2026

SYS Financial, one of Ireland’s leading financial advisory firms, has announced the acquisition of Q Financial, a long-established financial advisory firm based in Claregalway, Co. Galway. The acquisition builds on SYS Financial’s plans to scale its presence nationwide and adds €120 million to the firm’s client assets under management (AUM), now totalling over €1.12 billion.

Galway hoteliers seek government measures to tackle high cost of doing business

Thu, Jul 16, 2026

Hoteliers from across the city and county recently met with TDs and Senators to discuss the key challenges facing Irish tourism and the measures required to ensure the successful long-term development of Ireland’s largest indigenous industry, supporting over 270,000 livelihoods – including 22,000 in Galway.

National Breast Cancer Research Institute appoints Marie Chawke to its Board of Directors

Thu, Jul 09, 2026

The National Breast Cancer Research Institute (NBCRI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Marie Chawke to its Board of Directors, further strengthening the charity’s leadership as it continues to fund and support world-class breast cancer research in Ireland.

Galway family business part of BWG Foods' new Market Square Select range

Thu, Jul 09, 2026

BWG Foods has announced the launch of Market Square Select, a new own-brand range developed in collaboration with Irish producers and made exclusively available to independent MACE and LONDIS retailers nationwide.

€10 million investment secured to launch national gateway to Europe’s AI network

Thu, Jul 09, 2026

Ireland has secured €10 million in joint European and Irish Government funding to establish the AIF IRL-Antenna, a major national initiative that will accelerate artificial intelligence adoption and innovation across Ireland while strengthening the country’s position within Europe’s rapidly expanding AI ecosystem.

PorterShed launches Galway-EU programme to mark Ireland’s EU Presidency 2026

Thu, Jul 02, 2026

PorterShed has this week announced the launch of an ambitious new programme, Galway–Estonia: Europe in Our Daily Lives (Innovation, Culture and Connection), as part of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026.

EDGE26 highlights Galway’s growing role in Ireland’s creative economy

Thu, Jul 02, 2026

Six weeks after more than 350 delegates gathered in Galway for EDGE26, Ireland’s Creative Economy Summit, CREW has published its EDGE26 Summit Report, capturing the conversations, insights and opportunities that emerged from one of Ireland’s largest gatherings focused on the digital creative industries.

Connacht Hospitality Group wins big at Chambers Ireland Awards

Thu, Jul 02, 2026

The Connacht Hospitality Group have been named Ireland’s Hospitality, Leisure and Tourism Business of the Year at the Chambers Ireland Awards.

University of Galway appoints Deputy President and Registrar

Thu, Jul 02, 2026

University of Galway has announced Professor Becky Whay has been appointed Deputy President and Registrar.

Galway Port welcomes first call of state-of-the-art tanker

Thu, Jul 02, 2026

Galway Port last week welcomed the inaugural visit of Thun Renew, one of the most environmentally advanced coastal tankers operating in European waters.

Galway company celebrates national success at Enterprise Awards

Thu, Jun 25, 2026

A Galway engineering company has been recognised at the National Enterprise Awards after winning the West Regional Award at a ceremony in Dublin’s Mansion House.

The Galmont Hotel & Spa announces key senior appointments across leadership team

Thu, Jun 25, 2026

The Galmont Hotel & Spa has announced a series of strategic senior appointments across its management team, further strengthening its position as a leading hospitality destination in the West of Ireland.

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