Allow schools to reapply for Safe Routes to School programme, says Donohue

Thu, Jul 17, 2025

Independent Councillor Geraldine Donohue this week called on the Loughrea Municipal District meeting to write to the Department of Transport asking for the re-opening of the Safe Routes to School Programme for all schools that had not applied back in 2021 and be given the opportunity to apply now.

Cllr Donohue raised the issue following an update she received from An Taisce who coordinate the SRTSP. “It is vitally important that our primary and secondary schools are supported with any safety concerns that they raise and prioritised so that our school locations are safer for all,” she said.

A sea-shaped legacy – Galway’s candidates and the Presidency?

Thu, Jul 17, 2025

As the presidential race tentatively takes shape, there is a current of quiet excitement rolling out from the west — and not just for the political theatre ahead. For the first time, there is the distinct possibility that two of Galway’s most remarkable political daughters, Dr. Máire Geoghegan-Quinn and Deputy Catherine Connolly, could feature prominently in the contest for Ireland’s highest office. In a race that is often framed by personality and geography, there is something deeper stirring here: the opportunity for two extraordinary, sea-shaped lives to bring Ireland a story it sorely needs to hear.

Údarás na Gaeltachta renews bursary to support sustainable development in Gaeltacht regions

Thu, Jul 17, 2025

Údarás na Gaeltachta, in collaboration with University of Galway, has announced funding for two postgraduate bursaries worth €10,000 each for students enrolling in the University’s MA in Planning and Development programme this September.

HC financial joins NFP – A new chapter in Galway’s financial future

Thu, Jul 17, 2025

HC Financial, a well-respected provider of mortgages, financial planning, and corporate benefits in Galway, has rebranded to NFP.

Portumna launch as Office of Public Works announce free admission day for National Heritage Week

Thu, Jul 17, 2025

The Office of Public Works (OPW) has announced free admission to over 70 heritage sites on Saturday 16 August, to celebrate National Heritage Week 2025.

Humility and hope for Áras hopeful

Thu, Jul 17, 2025

Independent Galway West TD, Catherine Connolly, has formally announced her intention to become Ireland’s next president.

UHG misses treatment target for prostate cancer patients by 93 per cent

Thu, Jul 10, 2025

Cancer patients in Galway are facing dangerous delays in diagnosis and treatment, contributing to avoidable deaths, the Irish Cancer Society has warned.

Excavation to give Tuam babies ‘dignity in death’ at long last

Thu, Jul 10, 2025

Eighty people have come forward to share their DNA to help identify the Tuam Babies, as excavation work begins to finally lay them to rest with dignity.

Connemara National Park expansion still a rocky topic

Thu, Jul 10, 2025

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) held a special heritage event last week where staff and community partners celebrated the unique biodiversity and cultural heritage of the park, which is expanding in the region. Most of the bog and mountain parkland was originally property attached to Kylemore Abbey and the Letterfrack Industrial School.

Enjoy the fine weather in the West this weekend – and leave no trace

Thu, Jul 10, 2025

Galway City Council is inviting people to enjoy the fine weather promised this weekend in the city, and while you are here, ‘Love this Place, Leave no Trace’. With summer in swing and festival season in full flow, Galway City Council is asking people to ‘use the bin or bring it with you’.

Leinster House hears Gluas presentation

Thu, Jul 10, 2025

The Gluas Committee said it very much welcomed “positive comments” made by Martin last month when the Cork TD was visiting Galway to open the Crown Square development.

Balancing act for city's deacon blue (and yellow)

Thu, Jul 10, 2025

“I’m young enough” he maintains, as the 53-year-old steeples his hands thoughtfully, sitting in the boardroom in City Hall. This prayer-like posture comes naturally for an ordained deacon of the Catholic church, who ranks his family, faith and a community-development based approach to his work, as the three pillars of his worldview.

HSE submits plans for €12m Portiuncula Hospital ED extension

Thu, Jul 10, 2025

By Róisín Kilroy
Estimated to cost approximately €12 million, plans for the new 310m² single-storey extension to the existing emergency department at Portiuncula Hospital were lodged to "create a more comfortable environment for patients and staff".

Win your dream home in the heart of Connemara worth €360,000

Thu, Jul 10, 2025

Fancy winning a magnificent home in one of Ireland’s most beautiful locations? Well, here’s your chance. Simply log on to winahomeinclifden.com today to buy your ticket. The lucky winner will receive keys to a stunning three bedroom, two bathroom luxurious duplex apartment on Ireland’s iconic Wild Atlantic Way boasting breathtaking views of Clifden harbour in County Galway and the surrounding countryside from your own private balcony.

Tickets are on sale on line but also at the winahomeinclifden.com ticket office situated in the centre of the town next to the award winning E J King's bar and restaurant. The Connemara Chamber, which is running the draw, will also be selling tickets at different venues around the city and county in the coming weeks, including some of the big agricultural shows and summer festivals.

Free blood pressure checks in Ballybane Community Hub

Thu, Jul 10, 2025

Residents of Ballybane and beyond can take a proactive step towards their health on Thursday July 17 and 6.30pm as a local registered general nurse is offering free blood pressure and blood sugar tests at Ballybane Community Hub.

Hot bus summer at Citylink: A vibe, a feeling, a call to go

Thu, Jul 10, 2025

This summer, Citylink has been hitting the road with more than just buses. They are bringing the vibes with their summer campaign called ‘Hot Bus Summer’, which is a celebration of spontaneity, good craic, and making the most of the present. It’s a vibe, a feeling, a chance to chase a bit of magic.

Plans confirmed for the Community Transport for Headford - Hoade

Thu, Jul 10, 2025

Leas Chathaoirleach Mary Hoade said: "Having raised this matter at the last number of Municipal District meetings, I received confirmation from the Active Travel Section of Galway County Council that they are now moving ahead to finalise the Headford Community Transport plan. The site visits to Headford have already been completed by Systra and Galway County Council teams.

"These visits, combined with extensive desktop studies, surveys, mapping and meetings with other County Galway project teams, have given Systra the information they needed to draft a Community Transport Survey for Headford.

Brigit’s Garden wins big at new Working with Nature Awards

Thu, Jul 10, 2025

Brigit’s Garden has been named the winner of the Nature Education and Wellbeing Award at the Powerscourt Estate’s inaugural Working with Nature Awards.

Caherlistrane native Tony Gallagher to take on charity challenge for sick children and his daughter Maisie

Thu, Jul 10, 2025

Caherlistrane native Tony Gallagher, now living in Dublin, is preparing for two major endurance events to raise funds for the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation, a charity that has been vital in supporting his young daughter, Maisie.

Galway International Arts Festival welcomes Diligent as Festival Partner for 2025

Thu, Jul 10, 2025

Galway International Arts Festival (GIAF) is delighted to announce that Diligent, the leading governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) software-as-a-service (SaaS) company, is a Festival Partner for the 2025 festival, which runs from July 14 to July 27.

E-paper

Read this weeks E-paper. Past editions also available from within this weeks digital copy.