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.

HSE advise Deputy Connolly of proactive measures to deal with surging flu strain

Thu, Dec 18, 2025

Dep John Connolly has welcomed the HSE’s move to ensure additional beds and emergency consultants are available to deal with the surging flu strain this winter.

University Hospital Galway welcomes positive results from the National Maternity Experience Survey

Thu, Dec 18, 2025

University Hospital Galway (UHG) has welcomed the National Maternity Experience Survey 2025 findings, which reports on the positive maternity care experienced by women earlier this year. The hospital acknowledges the value of this feedback and is using the results to drive ongoing quality improvements in maternity care.

Elves working all year round at Oranmore Recycling Centre

Thu, Dec 18, 2025

If there’s one thing we’ve all learned over the years, it’s this: Christmas may be the season of joy, but it’s also the season of stuff. Boxes, batteries, the wrapping paper that the dog ate, the decorations that didn’t survive another year, and the unmistakable January discovery — a mattress that’s been leaning behind the shed since last spring.

Corrib Oil fuels Galway International Rally’s return

Thu, Dec 18, 2025

Corrib Oil has announced that it has renewed its title sponsorship of the 2026 Galway International Rally.

Dolan welcomes continuation of Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant and new ‘Above the Shop’ supports

Thu, Dec 18, 2025

Albert Dolan TD has warmly welcomed today’s announcement by James Browne TD, confirming the continuation of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant to 2030 and the introduction of a new enhanced ‘Vacant above the Shop Grant’.

More calls for airport to reopen

Thu, Dec 18, 2025

There has been a surge in signatures on an online petition to reopen Galway Airport this week.

Humanity requires constant defence

Thu, Dec 18, 2025

There is a particular kind of shock that follows violence in an open space. A beach, of all places, is meant to be without edges or barriers. It is where land gives way to the vastness of the ocean, where we stand barefoot and are reminded of how small we are in the face of nature. The beach is warmth underfoot, a salt breeze against the skin, the quiet poetry of wet sand and dry, cold water and hot sun. It is the feeling of being both here and somewhere else entirely.

For generations, the open horizon of the sea has represented possibility. How many of us have stood staring out, imagining that if you just sailed and sailed, a different life might be waiting? For the Irish, that horizon has often pointed toward Australia. Once, you needed a criminal record to get in; now, one will keep you out. Australia has long been a place of both wonder and hardship for Irish emigrants, but Bondi Beach came to symbolise something else entirely — escape, sunlight, reinvention. We grew up hearing stories of Christmas barbecues on the sand while we picked at turkey in grey drizzle, dreaming of a white Christmas that rarely arrived.

City adopts new parking bye-laws

Thu, Dec 18, 2025

Car parking was a major theme of Galway City Council’s final meeting of the year, but the authority’s full agenda was not completed after byelaws were updated for the first time since 2009.

Galway priest condemns Vatican decision

Thu, Dec 18, 2025

An outspoken priest who hails from County Galway has denounced a Vatican decision to ban women from the diaconate.

OPINION: City buses never come in threes

Thu, Dec 18, 2025

One in every three buses was late over the past three years, new National Transport Authority statistics for Galway city have revealed

Tradespeople asked to be vigilant after parked vans targeted by tool thieves

Thu, Dec 18, 2025

Gardaí are investigating the theft of a generator from a parked van in a carpark at a premises on the Headford Road, Galway, which occurred at around 8:35pm on Monday December 15.

Bikers to rush urgent packages this Christmas

Thu, Dec 18, 2025

The volunteer riders, drivers and dispatchers of Blood Bike West are expanding their hours to a run 24-hour service this Christmas.

Mother of six with 72 convictions gets one more

Thu, Dec 18, 2025

A German mother of six had a further eight-week sentence imposed on her for public order offences when she appeared once again at Galway District Court in front of Judge John King.

One arrested following discovery of drugs worth nearly €100,000 in Tuam

Thu, Dec 18, 2025

A man has been arrested following the discovery of a large quantity of cocaine, cannabis and ecstasy at a house in Tuam.

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