Minister Canney welcomes new measures to speed up planning and reduce delays
Thu, Dec 11, 2025
Seán Canney TD has welcomed the Government’s approval for amendments to the Planning and Development Act 2024, which will accelerate the impact of recent Judicial Review reforms and help reduce unnecessary delays in the planning system.
Minister Canney said the move will “bring faster, clearer and more efficient processes,” particularly by extending key Judicial Review improvements to decisions made under the previous 2000 Planning Act.
Read more ...Galway set to generate 95,000 tonnes of packaging waste over Christmas
Thu, Dec 11, 2025
We used to dream of a white Christmas, but now a green Christmas dominates our thoughts, as three-quarters of shoppers plan to be more eco-conscious over the festive period.
Read more ...Global reach of D’Arcy’s radical radio
Thu, Dec 11, 2025
“In my sack I carry three burdens” claimed Margaretta D’Arcy in her 2005 memoir, as she reflected on the strands of identity that have shaped her intertwined creative and political existence.
Read more ...Legendary Patti Smith to play Galway next summer
Thu, Dec 11, 2025
One of the most influential and revered artists of our time, Patti Smith, will perform at the Heineken® Big Top on Wednesday 15 July 2026, as part of next summer’s Galway International Arts Festival. Tickets go on sale at 10am, tomorrow Friday 12 December, from giaf.ie and roisindubh.net.
Read more ...Major housing conference to take place in Galway
Thu, Dec 11, 2025
A major two-day housing conference is taking place in Galway today Thursday, December 10 and Friday, December 11.
Read more ...Childhood alcohol and drug trends raise concern
Thu, Dec 11, 2025
Worrying rises in underage drinking, vaping and late-night socialising among young people in Galway were laid bare at the November Plenary Meeting of Galway County Council, where councillors received a detailed briefing on the 2025 Planet Youth report.
Read more ...Uncertainty surrounds Portumna’s annual Christmas Swim as the bathing area remains officially closed
Thu, Dec 11, 2025
With the much-loved Portumna Christmas Swim fast approaching, concerns over the ongoing closure of the town’s main bathing area dominated discussion at this week’s meeting of the Loughrea Municipal District.
Read more ...RNLI lifesavers from Galway prepare to answer the call this Christmas
Thu, Dec 11, 2025
The RNLI is launching its Christmas fundraising appeal, as its volunteer lifeboat crews including those on the Aran Islands, Clifden and Galway RNLI selflessly prepare to spend their Christmas on call.
Read more ...Scoil na bhForbacha celebrates national RSA Award as students lead the way in road safety campaign
Thu, Dec 11, 2025
Scoil na bhForbacha was yesterday (Wednesday honoured with a ‘Leading Light Award’ in the Best School Initiative category by the Road Safety Authority (RSA). The award was presented at a special ceremony in the Cusack Suite, Croke Park Stadium, Dublin.
Read more ...University’s Institute for Clinical Trials wins 2025 Collaboration in Medtech Award
Thu, Dec 11, 2025
University of Galway’s Institute for Clinical Trials has been awarded the 2025 Collaboration in Medtech Award at the Irish Medtech Awards.
Read more ...President Connolly attends An Taibhdhearc’s Christmas production of The Selfish Giant
Thu, Dec 11, 2025
An Taibhdhearc, the National Irish Language Theatre, was honoured by the visit of President of Ireland, Catherine Connolly, to the opening night of its Christmas production, An Fathach Leithleasach (The Selfish Giant).
Read more ...Galway secures major investment as €18m Smart Regions funding announced
Thu, Dec 11, 2025
Fianna Fáil’s Albert Dolan TD has welcomed last week’s announcement by Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, confirming €18 million in Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Scheme funding, with Galway securing significant investment across multiple high-impact innovation projects.
Read more ...Kinvara solo adventurer to launch book on mindset
Thu, Dec 11, 2025
Dr Karen Weekes, the Kinvara resident who became the first Irish woman to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean, will next week launch a book outlining her achievement, as well as how to build the mindset to meet your own challenges.
Read more ...No Crown Square move next year
Thu, Dec 11, 2025
Galway City Council has delayed its move to new headquarters at Crown Square until March 2027 at the latest.
Read more ...T. O’Higgin’s Homevalue wins ‘Best Regional Store in Connacht’
Thu, Dec 11, 2025
T. O’Higgin’s Homevalue in Galway has been named the overall winner of the highly coveted Best Regional Store Connacht award at the recent ‘United in Excellence Awards’. Hardware and builders merchant stores from across Ireland were recognised for outstanding standards in retailing at United Hardware’s 6th annual awards ceremony, held at The Galmont Hotel, Galway.
Read more ...Des Kenny: Galway’s quiet pillar of culture
Thu, Dec 11, 2025
Galway has taken a battering in recent years. In the great transfer window of life and death, we have been lifted by the gifts of our superclub of artists, dreamers and doers, and yet we have also lost so many of the people who shaped the city’s spirit.
Read more ...Galway GAA stars HELPing Africa Rise — even when the world looks away
Thu, Dec 11, 2025
Across East Africa, life is fragile, yet it pulses with courage, resilience, and quiet hope. In northern Ethiopia, a mother gently cradles her child, weakened by hunger. In Somalia, parents cling to memories of little ones lost, holding onto the fragile promise of brighter days. Grandmothers in parts of Northern Kenya walk miles carrying the weight of hardship and the wisdom of generations.
Read more ...Convicted Moycullen dealer back on another cannabis charge
Thu, Dec 11, 2025
Because of buying and dealing in drugs, as we’ve seen this week, people are ending up dead in their homes. This was the reaction of a Judge at Galway District Court when a defendant with a previous conviction for drug dealing came before him on another drugs charge.
Read more ...Free weekend parking for Galway city Christmas park and commute
Thu, Dec 11, 2025
Galway City Council has teamed up with Atlantic Technological University and University of Galway for a Christmas ‘Park and Commute’.
Read more ...Influx of emergency patients sees procedures postponed at UHG
Wed, Dec 10, 2025
The Emergency Department at University Hospital Galway is extremely busy today with high numbers of people attending the department who need to be admitted to hospital for ongoing treatment. The increase in patients awaiting admission has also seen a number of elective procedures postponed.
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