Minister Naughton announces €3.8 million minor works and ICT grant funding for Galway schools

Thu, Dec 18, 2025

The Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton , this week announced €65m in minor works and ICT grant funding for schools across the country, with €3.8 million of this being allocated to Galway schools.

36 years of Galway braving the cold: COPE Galway Christmas Swim

Thu, Dec 18, 2025

For many in Galway, Christmas morning simply is not complete without a trip to Blackrock in Salthill, where hundreds gather to brave the icy waters of Galway Bay and raise funds for COPE Galway.

Visit Galway City Museum over the festive season

Thu, Dec 18, 2025

Galway City Museum is delighted to welcome visitors throughout the festive season, with adjusted opening hours to accommodate holiday schedules. The Museum will be open on Tuesday, 23 December from 10am to 5pm, and will close from Wednesday, 24 December to Monday, 29 December (inclusive).

State data leaves no credible case for downgrading Portiuncula maternity services

Thu, Dec 18, 2025

Independent Councillor Dr Evelyn Parsons has said that the State’s own maternity data leaves no credible, evidence-based case for the proposed downgrading of maternity services at Portiuncula University Hospital (PUH), and that national scrutiny is now unavoidable.

Údarás na Gaeltachta supporting Oxygen Research Institute with a grant of €307,350

Thu, Dec 18, 2025

Údarás na Gaeltachta has approved a €307,350 grant for Oxygen Research Institute Ltd (ORIL) to drive significant expansion of its health and wellness operations from Moycullen, Co. Galway.

Local jobs boost as billionaire investor Cuban backs Galway-based Orreco

Thu, Dec 18, 2025

More than 30 jobs could be created in Galway after locally-based sports tech company Orreco raised $4 million (€3.4 million) in funding from investors who include billionaire Mark Cuban and announced the acquisition of Australian AI computer vision specialist Data Driven Sports Analytics (DDSA).

Light up for Iggy

Thu, Dec 18, 2025

The Galway Plaza will host a festive ‘Light up for Iggy’, a Christmas tractor run and family fun day on Sunday, December 28, from 4:00pm to 7:00pm, bringing families, farmers and the wider community together for an excellent cause.

Volunteers vow to rebuild anew after Maam Cross fire

Thu, Dec 18, 2025

Volunteers at Maam Cross Railway Station are determined to build anew after a devastating weekend fire tore through one of the site’s most important structures, leaving behind damage but not despair. The station, now a much-loved tourist attraction, suffered a serious setback on Saturday, December 13, when a blaze broke out in the signal cabin at approximately 12.30pm. While no one was injured, the cabin itself was almost completely destroyed.

Galway city rings in 2026 with family friendly festivities and early countdown

Thu, Dec 18, 2025

The organisers of Galway City New Year’s Eve have issued an invitation to families and those visiting the city for a festive break to enjoy an early evening of music, art and culture at St Nicholas Collegiate Church to welcome a much anticipated 2026.

Galway’s Anne O’Connor to head up the HSE

Thu, Dec 18, 2025

Galwaywoman Anne O’Connor is set to return to the heart of Ireland’s public health system, taking up the role of Chief Executive Officer of the Health Service Executive in a move that brings one of the most recognisable figures of the Covid-19 era back into public service.

Galway fishermen angry at quota negotiations, says Thomas

Thu, Dec 18, 2025

Independent Ireland councillor Noel Thomas has said the outcome of the latest EU fishing quota negotiations has triggered deep anger and distress among fishermen in Galway and along the west coast, many of whom have contacted him directly in recent days.

Christmas comes early for man caught with €3,789 worth of cocaine

Thu, Dec 18, 2025

CHRISTMAS came early for one young Galway man who escaped a serious criminal conviction despite being found with substantial amounts of cocaine in his possession and facing a charge of having the drug for sale or supply.

Passport confiscated as man convicted of phishing and dealing a flight risk

Thu, Dec 18, 2025

THE mother of a young man accused of being involved in a phishing scam and drug dealing made an impassioned plea before Galway District Court for her son to be spared a prison sentence and allowed to return to Australia where he was doing well.

Gardaí have more to do than picking up drunks

Thu, Dec 18, 2025

GARDAI have better things to do than to go about picking drunks up from the street, was the reaction of a Judge when a Court regular once again appeared before Galway District Court on public order charges.

OAP fell over 'doing a bit of a dance' on Shop Street

Thu, Dec 18, 2025

A homeless man who was found by Gardaí drunk and with a gash to his forehead told the local Court that he thought he fell over while “doing a bit of a dance.”

Proposed wind farms raise widespread concern among Galway Councillors

Thu, Dec 18, 2025

The proposed development of two wind farms in County Galway sparked strong concern among councillors at this week’s plenary meeting, with members warning that the projects could prove deeply divisive for rural communities.

Councillor welcomes review of CLÁR funding

Thu, Dec 18, 2025

Independent Councillor Geraldine Donohue has welcomed confirmation from Minister for Rural and Community Development Dara Calleary TD that he is currently considering the findings of a recent review of the CLÁR programme, following representations made by Galway County Council.

Free weekend parking for Galway City Christmas Park and Commute

Thu, Dec 18, 2025

Galway City Council has partnered with Atlantic Technological University and University of Galway for a Christmas ‘Park and Commute’. Commuters into the city can park for free in ATU (Ballybane Road) car park from December 19-24 inclusive 8am to 10pm.

Canney welcomes prioritisation of Galway and Western rail projects under All-Island Strategic Rail Review

Thu, Dec 18, 2025

Seán Canney TD, Minister of State with responsibility for implementation of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed the publication of the Rail Project Prioritisation Strategy, which will deliver both immediate improvements and long-term transformation for rail services in Galway and across the West of Ireland.

Strong progress being made on West End mains replacements

Thu, Dec 18, 2025

Uisce Éireann has made significant progress in its ongoing programme to upgrade mains to the west of the city, with the latest project at Maunsells Road and St Mary’s Park due for completion within weeks.

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