Two members of Galway Hooker Sailing Club, Maria Buckley and Collette Furey, will travel to Seattle, USA, this week to represent the club at the Teaching with Small Boats Alliance (TWSBA) Conference.

Maria and Collette will deliver a presentation focusing on the preservation of the traditional Galway Hooker, one of the most recognisable symbols of Galway’s rich maritime heritage.

Their presentation will highlight the importance of highlighting these unique wooden sailing vessels, preserving the traditional skills and knowledge associated with them, and ensuring that this important part of Galway’s maritime identity is passed on to future generations.

As part of their visit, they will also visit and connect with The Center for Wooden Boats in Seattle, an organisation dedicated to preserving wooden boats, traditional maritime skills and the living heritage of wooden boat sailing.

This visit will provide an opportunity to build international relationships, exchange ideas and explore ways in which organisations on both sides of the Atlantic can learn from one another in their shared commitment to maritime preservation.

The trip represents an exciting opportunity for Galway Hooker Sailing Club to showcase Galway’s unique maritime traditions, establish valuable international connections and raise awareness of the importance of keeping traditional wooden boats sailing.

The visit will celebrate a shared passion for wooden boats and the importance of preserving maritime heritage for generations to come.

The newly upgraded facilities at leisure centres in Tuam and Ballinasloe are being officially relaunched following a combined investment of more than €500,000 by Galway County Council and its partner Coral Leisure.

The Tuam Leisure Centre was officially relaunched on Saturday, 10 October, while the Ballinasloe Leisure Centre will relaunch this Saturday, October 17.

The two leisure centres are owned by Galway County Council and managed day-to-day by Coral Leisure on behalf of the local authority.

The investment is aimed at improving facilities in both towns and supporting greater participation in exercise and recreational activities to support people, wellbeing and community.

Cllr Mary Hoade, Cathaoirleach of the Municipal District of Tuam, said the relaunch marked an important investment in local amenities.

“The upgraded facility is a welcome addition for people in Tuam and the surrounding area. Local facilities play an important role in making exercise accessible, and these improvements will help ensure the leisure centre continues to serve our community.”

Cllr Evelyn Parsons, Cathaoirleach of the Municipal District of Ballinasloe, said the relaunch of the refurbished centre in Ballinasloe is an opportunity for people to see the improvements and learn more about the offering available.

“This investment is good news for Ballinasloe. The leisure centre is an important local resource, and upgrading this asset will help it continue to meet the needs of the community. I encourage people to come along this Saturday Oct 17th and see the newly refurbished facilities.”

Andrew Reddington, Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, said the investment reflected the council’s commitment to maintaining and developing its sporting and recreational infrastructure.

“Continued investment in council-owned leisure facilities is important for ensuring people have access to modern places to exercise and take part in recreational activities.”

“Working with Coral Leisure, we want to encourage greater participation in physical activity while ensuring these facilities remain an important service for their communities.”

Michael Owens, Director of Services, Galway County Council, said the investment demonstrated confidence in the future of both leisure centres and the communities they serve.

The relaunch event at Ballinasloe Leisure Centre will take place on Saturday, October 17”, from 11.30am. Activities will include facility tours, health advice and checks, and free goodie bags. Entry for the full day will cost €5.

Gardaí are appealing for the public’s help in locating a teenager missing from the Mervue area of Galway City since the start of the week.

Giselle McNeill (14) has been missing from mervue since Monday, October 12.

Giselle is described as being approximately 5 foot 5 inches in height, with a slim build, black hair and blue eyes.

Gardaí and Giselle’ family are concerned for her well-being.

Anyone with information on Giselle’s whereabouts is asked to contact Galway Garda Station on 091 538 000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.

University Hospital Galway is holding a memorial ceremony this week for everyone who has lost a pregancy or infant.

The ceremony to mark International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day will take place this Thursday, October 15 at Croí House Moyola Lane, Newcastle, Galway, H91 FF68.

International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day takes place each year on 15 October and ends with a global wave of light at 7pm which will be marked with a candle lighting ceremony at Croí House and by illuminating the gable end of the Nurses’ Home and the maternity garden with blue and pink light.

The event is open to families who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss and will also be available to view online.

Helen Byrnes, Bereavement Support Midwife, University Hospital Galway said, “We are delighted to once again be able to hold a ceremony in our new venue, Croí House and invite families to attend in person.”

!The ceremony aims to recognise, acknowledge and remember all pregnancy and infant losses whenever and however they happened. It will include poetry, readings and music. The virtual option is still available for those who are unable to attend.

“The evening will finish with the candle lighting at 7pm as part of a continuous wave of light around the world in honour of babies who have died through miscarriage, stillbirth or in the neonatal period, to let the families know that they are not alone.”

!Afterwards we will have light refreshments which will be an opportunity for bereaved families to come together as a support for each other to talk and share their experiences.”

“We welcome anyone who has been affected by pregnancy or infant loss to join us on Thursday, 15 October at 6:30pm to take time out to reflect and remember.”

Galway householders are being urged to bring their batteries, electrical, and electronic waste to a set of free collection days to help the county meet national e-waste recycling targets for 2026.

The events, hosted by WEEE Ireland and proudly supported by Galway County Council, kick off on Tuesday October 20 from 10am-4pm at the Leitir Mór Car Park, Opposite Saint Cholmcille’s Church, Lettermore.

On Thursday October 22, a collection will take place from 10am-4pm at the Maam Cross Mart, Lurgan, Maam Cross. Additional collections will take place across the county throughout October and November.

Anything with a plug, battery or cable can be recycled for free on the day, including old washing machines, TVs, toasters and kettles, electronic tools and toys, cables, IT equipment, mobile phones, remote controls, batteries, including farm fence batteries, and even watches.

“In Galway, and across Ireland, we are buying more electrical goods than ever – with people purchasing an average 25kg per head in 2025 compared to 16kgs just eight years ago,” said WEEE Ireland CEO Leo Donovan.

“Shopping stats show a surge in spend on new electrical devices like mobile phones, computers, small kitchen appliances and white goods.

“With old items still lying around many households we want to offer the opportunity to recycle these for free.

“People in Galway have contributed greatly to e-waste recycling every year, with 2,919 tonnes of electrical waste collected in the county in 2025, and we want to encourage that trend.”

10.5kg of e-waste was recycled per person in Galway in 2025 – exceeding the WEEE Ireland collection area average of 9.63kg per person that same year.

WEEE Ireland warns that the nation needs to meet new forthcoming EU targets to recycle at least 25% of our annual consumption of critical raw materials from e-waste.

“An average of 82% of all e-waste that we collect is recovered for use again in manufacturing through both indigenous operators and specialist processors in Europe,” said Mr. Donovan.

“Most end-of-life products contain metals and minerals in higher concentrations than primary resources. These stocks of resources are the urban mines of the future, so our recycling efforts can have a significant impact on the environment.”

In 2025, the equivalent of 206,401 tonnes of CO2 emissions were avoided by recycling e-waste through the WEEE Ireland Scheme as opposed to landfilling. That is the equivalent of the annual carbon consumption of 4,128 hectares of trees.

WEEE Ireland accounts for over two thirds of all national waste electrical and electronics collection activity on behalf of 1,900 producer members. These free events are proudly supported by Galway County Council.

“Recycling e-waste is incredibly beneficial for both the environment and the economy,” said Mr. Donovan. “Together, we are diverting waste from landfill, recovering raw materials for reuse and ensuring hazardous materials are safely and responsibly disposed of.

“We look forward to working with Galway householders to hopefully recycle a record-breaking amount of electronic waste in 2026.”

University Hospital Galway is expandingn gynaecological services with the appointment of Rhona Goodwin to the position of Candidate Advanced Practice Radiation Therapist (cAPRT) in Gynaecological Radiation Oncology.

This is the first advanced practice radiation therapist role to be introduced in UHG and Rhona is already making a difference in providing specialist care to women who are receiving treatment for gynaecological cancers.

Advanced practice roles in Radiation Oncology are new and evolving to meet the needs of the patients and this is one of five advanced practice roles nationally with commitment to innovation and continuous improvement in oncology services.

Rhona Goodwin, a native of Sligo, has been based in UHG since 2004 and brings over 25 years of experience in radiation oncology with the last ten years of her career focused on the treatment pathway for gynaecology patients.

She completed a Master’s in Advancing Practice in Health and has led a range of service developments specific to brachytherapy including published research on Advanced practice RT led vaginal brachytherapy.

The Radiation Oncology department receives over 70 referrals per year for patients diagnosed with gynaecological cancer who need either external beam radiotherapy or brachytherapy or both as part of their treatment plan.

Our patients include women with cervical, endometrial, vaginal and vulvar cancers who often experience complex physical and emotional challenges during treatment. The majority of cases undergo brachytherapy which is an internal form of targeted radiation treatment.

Rhona explains how “Building a rapport with the patients prior to brachytherapy is both rewarding and key to supporting the patients through their treatment.”

Reflecting on the new role, Rhona said, “The role spans across four pillars of advanced practice including advanced clinical practice, leadership and management, education and research.”

“It encompasses the provision of specialist support to patients throughout radiotherapy and brachytherapy from initial OPD into follow up; helping to coordinate and improve care pathways; supporting the training and development of students and colleagues; quality improvement initiatives using evidence and patient feedback to guide improvements to the service.”

“Together, these aim to make care more coordinated and responsive to patients’ needs,” she explained.

During the Advanced Practice candidacy period, Rhona will have the opportunity to develop the skills and experience required to take on defined clinical and technical Advanced Practice responsibilities with greater autonomy.

As part of her candidacy Rhona is actively engaging with key stakeholders in developing tailored educational programmes pre and post brachytherapy specific to the patients’ needs.

This initiative includes data collection on Quality of Life scores specific to patient related outcomes (PROMS) which will aid in supporting and signposting patients appropriately on their aftercare management journey.

Joe Mc Manus, Radiation Therapy Services Manager at UHG, said, “The new cAPRT service is a positive achievement in the move towards integrated management and care delivery. This is a significant step forward in how we deliver our service to patients and deal with the ever-increasing demands of cancer management.”

“Radiation therapists are already highly skilled, technically trained and well placed to offer more specialised dynamic roles, optimising effectiveness and efficiencies to benefit the patients, the service and the professional development of the staff group.”

Elaine Dobell, Regional Director of Health and Social Care Professions, HSE West and North West, said, “I am delighted to congratulate Rhona on her appointment and wish her every success as she progresses in this important role. Supporting and growing HSCP Advanced Practice across the West and North West is a key priority for me.”

“The introduction of the candidate Advanced Practice Health and Social Care Professions (HSCP) role represents a significant milestone for Health and Social Care Professions across our region.”

“The development of Advanced Practice roles creates important opportunities for HSCPs to work to the full extent of their scope of practice, responding to the evolving needs of the patients, service users and populations we serve.”

“Advanced Practice brings together the four pillars of clinical practice, leadership, education and research, with a focus on improving patient and service-user experience, enhancing service delivery and achieving better outcomes.”

“This career pathway is an important enabler of the Sláintecare vision, providing clinical leadership to advance integrated, person-centred care while also supporting workforce development, innovation and continuous improvement.”

The Connemara Dementia Café Initiative has been named winner of the Age Friendly Community Innovation category at the National Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Awards 2026.

Nominated by Galway County Council, the initiative provides support and social activities for people living with dementia, their families and carers across rural Connemara, with the aim of reducing isolation and building more dementia-friendly communities.

It has established five new monthly Dementia Cafés across the region, building on existing cafés in Roundstone and Letterfrack.

The cafés provide opportunities for people to meet, access information and support, and take part in activities including arts and crafts, gentle exercise and memory book projects.

The initiative is delivered through a partnership involving Forum Connemara, the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Galway County Council, Healthy Ireland, Creative Ireland, Age Friendly Ireland, the HSE and Cairdeas.

County Galway was also represented in this year’s competition by Tuam Palace Grounds Sensory Garden, which was shortlisted in the Age Friendly Environment category.

Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, Cllr Andrew Reddington, said the initiative showed what could be achieved through local partnerships.

“Coordinated by the Healthy Galway Coordinator and delivered in partnership with local organisations, community groups and volunteers, the initiative is an excellent example of collaborative action to improve health and wellbeing. I would like to thank everyone involved for their commitment and dedication to the project.”

Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council, said the initiative demonstrated the value of community-based supports for people living with dementia and their families.

“Galway County Council is delighted to see the Connemara Dementia Café Initiative recognised through the Age Friendly Awards. The cafés promote social connection, inclusion, lifelong learning and brain health, while helping to reduce isolation and build more dementia-friendly communities across Connemara.”

The Connemara Dementia Café Initiative is also one of eight Galway County Council-led or supported projects shortlisted for the Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards 2026, the highest number of nominations secured by the council since the awards began.

The other shortlisted projects are Park Lodge, the 60+ Climate Drive, the Tuam Palace Grounds Sensory Garden and Active Recreation project, Leenane Community Park, the Ballinasloe Multicultural Midsummer Festival, Tiny Mutiny and Scoil an Phiarsaigh 2025. The award winners will be announced on 26 November 2026 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Santry, Dublin.

Michael Owens, Director of Services with responsibility for Corporate Services and Rural, Community and Tourism Development and Integration, said the cafés were helping to bring support closer to home.

“They give people living with dementia, their families and carers an opportunity to meet others, take part in activities and find support in a welcoming environment,” he said.

Adele Rankin, Healthy Galway, Galway County Council, said the initiative demonstrated the importance of community-based support, particularly in rural areas.

She said the cafés helped promote brain health and wellbeing while providing opportunities for social connection that might otherwise be limited by distance or access to services.

Karen Mannion, Chief Executive of Forum Connemara, said the award recognised the difference the cafés were making across Connemara and East Galway.

She said bringing the cafés into local communities was helping people access information and peer support while challenging the stigma associated with memory loss and dementia.

Six people were arrested, and five of them charged, in connection with an incident of violent disorder in Ballinasloe on Saturday.

Gardaí on patrol arrested six males following an incident of violent disorder at St Michael’s Square.

Five men, four in their 20s and one in his 30s, were subsequently charged and brought before a special sitting of Loughrea District Court on Sunday morning.

The sixth male, a juvenile, was released without charge pending further enquiries.

Researchers at University of Galway have found that venomous snakes are significantly more likely than non-venomous species to have colours that stand out against their natural surroundings.

Animals use colour for many purposes, including camouflage, attracting mates and warning predators. For some animals, however, being conspicuous can be a survival strategy.

Wasps, poison dart frogs and coral snakes are among the best-known examples of species whose bold colours warn potential predators that they are dangerous.

While warning colouration has been studied in individual species and small groups of animals, it has remained unclear whether conspicuous colouration is generally associated with venom across a large number of snake species.

Published in the Journal of Animal Ecology, the researchers examined more than 450 snake species from around the world, comparing how their colouration appears against the natural environment in which they live.

The team compared snakes in their natural habitats by sourcing thousands of photographs through the citizen science platform iNaturalist. They examined whether venomous species were more visually distinct from their surroundings than non-venomous species, in particular looking at red and yellow colouration, two colours commonly associated with warning signals in the animal world.

The study confirmed that while many venomous snakes are not brightly coloured, a large number have evolved distinctive colours and patterns.

It is further evidence of a link between venom and warning colouration, suggesting that the two traits may have evolved together in some snake species and that being highly visible may have been the survival strategy and warning of danger to potential predators.

Amy Duclaux from University of Galway’s School of Natural Sciences and a lead researcher on the project, said: “Our findings show that venomous snakes stand out from their natural background more than non-venomous species, supporting the idea that warning colouration has evolved to signal danger to potential predators.

“Rather than hiding from predators, some venomous snakes appear to advertise that they’re dangerous. Their striking colours likely evolved as warning signals that discourage attacks before they happen.

“We also found that red and yellow colouration is particularly effective at helping snakes stand out against their natural background, suggesting these colours play an important role in visual signalling.”

Dr Kevin Healy, Head of the Macroecology Lab at the University’s School of Natural Sciences, said, “Citizen science initiatives such as iNaturalist are transforming ecological research by providing images of animals in their natural habitats at a scale that would otherwise be impossible for individual research teams to achieve.”

“Museum collections allow us to measure colour accurately, but photographs taken in the wild are essential for understanding how those colours appear in the environments where they evolved.”

The findings offer new insight into the evolution of warning signals, suggesting that for some venomous snakes, conspicuous colouration may be less about hiding from predators and more about making sure they are seen.

The research also highlights how citizen science and large-scale image datasets are transforming the study of evolution across the animal kingdom.

Ireland faces a potentially devastating energy security threat – not from cyberattacks or events on land, but from critical infrastructure hidden beneath the waters of the Irish Sea and Atlantic Ocean.

The dire warning was issued at the Atlantic Summit Galway 2026 – jointly organised by the Marine Institute, University of Galway and Atlantic Technological University, Atlantic Summit Galway was an Associated Event of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

More than 350 policymakers, researchers, scientists, industry leaders, innovators, educators, international organisations, coastal stakeholders and early-career ocean professionals from across Europe and the wider Atlantic region attended the event. Over two days, participants explored how research, innovation, skills, and international cooperation can support a sustainable, resilient, and competitive Atlantic future.

Dr Brendan Flynn, Senior Lecturer at University of Galway, spoke on the issue of maritime security at Atlantic Summit, warning that if essential infrastructure along the seabed was damaged, it could lead to an energy crisis at unprecedented scale, with electricity grids collapsing within weeks or even days due to Ireland’s over-reliance on fossil fuels.

While public attention has largely focused on undersea communications cables in recent years, political scientist Dr Brendan Flynn argues that the greater vulnerability lies elsewhere.

“The one that people forget are the energy pipelines. If somebody deliberately went out to damage them, the basic takeaway is it would be an energy catastrophe for this country,” Dr Flynn said.

“We would be shutting down the grid, we would be running out of stability options for the grid, it would be an absolute nightmare. You’d have factories going on half-time or shutting down. It could be days, it could be weeks. This is a level of disruption that we haven’t seen since Covid,” Dr Flynn said.

“If Dublin Port were shut down, or if Cork Port were shut down, or Rosslare, for reasons of accident or for reasons of a pandemic, or for bad actors who deliberately want to send a message and punish Ireland, perhaps because we take a lead on a particular issue at a European Council meeting – remember Ireland has the Presidency of the Council of the European Union at the moment. If somebody wanted to punish Ireland for its initiatives, doing that at sea is just a very easy thing for them to punish and scar.”

Dr Flynn noted public debate has tended to focus on subsea communications cables, which carry the vast majority of global internet traffic.

“But people tend to forget that the internet is extraordinarily resilient. If one of those cables is compromised or damaged, the internet reboots. There’s so many of those cables they can reroute the data,” Dr Flynn said.

Delegates at the Atlantic Summit heard calls for policymakers to adopt a broader understanding of maritime security than traditional military threats alone.

“The security we need to talk about is all about climate change. It’s about food security, it’s about human security, but it is also about what you call traditional and classic security, which is bad people, bad actors, bad states trying to do physically dangerous, violent stuff at sea,” Dr Flynn said.

The Atlantic Summit also heard how more than 300 ships of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” have been recorded moving through waters around Ireland this year, including ships transporting oil and gas, presenting a triple threat of environmental, economic and geopolitical risks.

Dr Flynn said: “These are vessels that don’t have maritime insurance. These are vessels that are often very old, very rusty. There is a significant maritime safety and oil pollution threat. They’re also a threat in the sense that the revenues from the oil are feeding the war machine.”

Atlantic Summit Galway 2026 concluded today with the release of the Atlantic Summit Galway 2026 Outcome Statement – a shared commitment to strengthen ocean knowledge, deepen Atlantic cooperation and invest in the next generation of ocean leaders.

Representing the collective voice of the European Union and the Atlantic Ocean research community, the Statement positions the Atlantic as a strategic asset for Europe’s future resilience, sustainability, security, and competitiveness.

Gardaí are appealing for the public’s help in finding a missing 50-year-old Claregalway woman missing since Thursday morning after last being seen at the hospital.

Genevieve Gallagher was last seen in the area of University Hospital Galway carpark at around 9:45am on Thursday, October 8.

She is believed to have travelled in the direction of Salthill in a silver Nissan Qashqai, registration number 201-G-67.

Genevieve is described as approximately 5 feet 5 inches in height, with a slight build and long blonde hair and blue eyes. When last seen, she was wearing black glasses, white coat, black pants, white runners and a black handbag.

Gardaí and Genevieve’s family are concerned for his welfare.

Anyone with information regarding Genevieve’s whereabouts is urged to contact Galway Garda Station on 091 538000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

Comtrade 360, a global software engineering and AI partner, is establishing a new delivery centre in Galway and expects to recruit dozens more people locally in the coming months.

Having recruited almost 20 professionals in Galway during 2026, the company expects to expand the team progressively over the coming months, with plans to support approximately 50 highly skilled roles.

The new centre marks a significant expansion of Comtrade 360’s operations and its long-term commitment to Ireland. The investment is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland.

The Galway team provides software engineering, quality engineering, DevOps and project delivery expertise and is already supporting an established customer engagement in the global technology sector. The centre will operate as part of Comtrade 360’s wider international delivery network across Europe and the United States.

Comtrade 360 has worked with organisations in Ireland for more than a decade. The Galway centre builds on that history and provides a stronger local platform from which to support customers in Ireland and international markets.

Across its wider business, Comtrade 360 works with organisations in sectors including technology, financial services, telecommunications, aviation, medtech and the public sector.

Yvonne Brewer, Business Development Director, Ireland and UK, Comtrade 360, said, “Galway is a natural choice for this investment. It combines exceptional engineering talent with a dynamic international business community and strong links between industry and leading education and research institutions.”

“Our Galway team connects that local expertise with Comtrade 360’s international engineering capabilities. The focus is on helping customers modernise critical systems, accelerate software delivery and translate the potential of AI into secure, practical and measurable outcomes.”

“This centre gives us a strong platform from which to deepen our relationships with customers in Ireland and support international markets. We look forward to building our presence in Galway and contributing actively to the region’s technology community.”

As the centre develops, its capabilities will expand to support organisations seeking to modernise complex technology environments, accelerate software development and adopt artificial intelligence securely and effectively.

This will include Comtrade 360’s AI capabilities, Aurora360, its AI-native software delivery framework, and HyperSharp, its privacy-preserving AI platform.

Minister of Education and Youth and Galway West TD Hildegarde Naughton TD said, “The establishment of Comtrade 360’s new Galway delivery centre is a welcome addition to Ireland’s thriving technology sector.”

“Galway has built a strong reputation as a centre of excellence for innovation, supported by a highly skilled workforce and close collaboration between industry and academia.”

“This investment will further strengthen that ecosystem while supporting the development of future-focused capabilities in software engineering. I wish Comtrade 360 every success in this exciting new chapter.”

Dónal Travers, Executive Director of IDA Ireland, said, “Comtrade 360’s decision to establish its new delivery centre in Galway reflects the strength of the region’s technology ecosystem and its ability to support internationally focused operations.”

“The centre will create a valuable base from which the company can serve customers across Ireland and international markets, while drawing on the strong pool of engineering talent that exists in the region. IDA Ireland looks forward to working with Comtrade 360 as it further develops its team and capabilities in Galway.”

This week national housing charity Threshold has launched its annual Own Your Rights campaign, highlighting the rights and protections available to individuals renting in the private sector.

Now in its sixth year, the nationwide campaign is aimed at empowering renters, teaching them about their rights and informing them about the supports available when they contact Threshold’s free advice service. It will run from 5 – 16 October.

Compared with the same period in 2025, Threshold has supported 2,200 more households so far this year, an increase of 12%. Of the 20,388 households Threshold has supported so far in 2026, over 59% – or 12,117 – were at risk of homelessness due to issues such as tenancy termination.

In Galway, Threshold has supported 2,101 households since January 2026, of which 1,367 were at risk of homelessness. During the same period in 2025, the charity supported 1,686 households, including 1,292 at risk of homelessness.

On a national basis, the number of new households getting in touch with Threshold, who were at risk of homelessness has also risen, from 5,965 in the same period last year to 6,767 in 2026. Since the beginning of the year, Threshold has prevented 3,360 households from entering homelessness by providing free and confidential advice, aiding in mediation between tenants and landlords, and representing renters in RTB adjudications and tribunals. In Galway, Threshold has prevented 473 households from entering homelessness so far in 2026.

Launching this year’s Own Your Rights campaign, Threshold’s Campaigns Officer Cat Clark said: “The annual Own Your Rights campaign is one of our flagship campaigns, designed to make private renters across Ireland more aware of their rights and of Threshold’s role in supporting them.”

“With continued pressures in the private rental market, it is more important than ever that renters understand their rights, know where to turn for advice and feel confident seeking support when they need it.”

“We encourage all renters in Galway to reach out to our team of advisers with any questions they may have. Our free advice service is here to provide practical support and guidance, whether someone is contacting Threshold for the first time or has spoken to us before. We want renters to know they are not alone”

The two-week Own Your Rights campaign will also include a complete takeover of Threshold’s social media platforms, offering renters a chance to test their knowledge of their rights through polls, as well as introducing some of the advisers at the other end of the Freephone helpline on regional radio.

The charity has created a series of podcast episodes hosted by Housing Advisor Iris Munkki, which answer frequently asked questions renters have for Threshold advisers, and is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Threshold’s helpline is open Monday to Friday, 9am- 9pm at 1800 454 454, with webchat at www.threshold.ie/get-help/ for any renter in need of advice or support.

Businesses and residents in Salthill are calling for the existing Recreation and Amenity zoning of the former Tourist Office site to be retained, and are opposing the proposed change to Commercial/Industrial zoning.

Galway City Council is currently consulting on Proposed Variation No. 4 to the Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029, which would change the zoning of the approximately 0.15-hectare Council-owned site from Natural Heritage, Recreation and Amenity to Commercial/Industrial.

The proposal also provides for a new building of approximately three to four storeys and a range of potential commercial, retail, hospitality, cultural, educational and community uses.

Local businesses and Salthill residents are now urging people to make their views known during the statutory consultation and to call for the site’s existing Recreation and Amenity zoning to remain in place.

The former Tourist Office site is a prominent part of Salthill and sits within an area valued by residents, businesses and visitors for its open spaces, recreational use and connection to the coastline.

A spokesperson for the Salthill Business community said, “it is important that the recreational and amenity character of the area is protected.”

“The Salthill business community believes it is imperative that we keep our green spaces in Salthill and along our beautiful coastline.”

“This is an important part of what makes Salthill such a special place. We need to protect these spaces for the community and for future generations, and I want to see this area remain recreational rather than being rezoned.”

The call from local residents and businesses is for the existing zoning to be retained and for the site’s future to continue to reflect its recreational and amenity value.

Salthill has a strong village identity and a unique relationship with Galway Bay. Those supporting the retention of the existing zoning believe that protecting open and recreational spaces is an important part of maintaining that identity.

The statutory consultation runs until 4pm on Thursday, October 15. Submissions can be made online through the city council’s consultation portal or by post to:

Senior Planner
Planning Department
City Hall
College Road
Galway
H91 X4K8

A Connemara student won a national title for his woodworking skills at the WorldSkills Ireland 2026 competition last month.

Eoin Ó Ráinne from Leitir Móir, Co. Galway, claimed first place in Cabinetmaking while representing ATU Connemara at WorldSkills Ireland at the RDS in September.

Galway was well represented across multiple competition categories:

• Eoin Ó Ráinne, Leitir Móir – Cabinetmaking (Winner)
• Jake Slattery, Dunmore/Tuam – Carpentry
• Enda Farrell, Kylebrack, Loughrea – Industrial Controls
• Kacper Krzykowski, Ballymacward, Ballinasloe – Automobile Technology
• Edward Hempsted, Gurteen, Ballinasloe – Toolmaking
• Enda Acros, Gort – Cabinetmaking
• Chloe Costello, Ballinasloe – Restaurant Service
• Pavel Kostin, Moycullen – Restaurant Service

Professor Graham Heaslip, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Computing at ATU, said, “We are delighted to celebrate the outstanding achievements of all our ATU students at WorldSkills Ireland.”

“Their dedication, professionalism and willingness to test themselves on a national stage exemplify the talent being developed across ATU and the strength of our apprenticeship and skills programmes.”

“I also want to acknowledge the lecturers, technical staff and employers whose mentoring and support made this possible. These students are the skilled professionals our region and our industries depend on, and they have done themselves, their families and ATU proud.”

An online schools admissions platform is now live in Oranmore, joining multiple schools in Athenry which began using it last year.

Calasanctius College, Oranmore, joins three schools in Athenry that participated in the Apply to School pilot programme: Presentation College, Clarin College and Coláiste an Eachréidh.

The Apply to School platform, applytoschool.ie, was first introduced in 2025 across 15 schools in Athenry, Celbridge, Greystones, Clonakilty and Tullamore.

Following the success of the pilot programme, the initiative has now been expanded and launched for the 2027/2028 admissions cycle, providing a simpler and more streamlined way to apply for first-year places through a single online application form.

Welcoming the launch, Galway West TD and Minister of Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton said, “I am delighted to see the launch of the expanded Apply to School pilot system and to see more families in Galway benefiting from this innovative service.”

“Building on the success of last year’s pilot programme, this initiative is making the admissions process simpler, more transparent and less stressful for parents and students.”

“By listening to feedback from schools and parents, we have continued to improve the system so that it works better for everyone involved.”

“This is an important step towards delivering a streamlined national approach to school admissions, reducing administrative burdens for schools while providing a more user-friendly experience for families.”

“In total, 22 post-primary schools are taking part in the expanded Apply to School system. The enhanced online process is expected to directly benefit around 2,600 families applying for first-year places in October 2026. Parents and guardians are reminded of the October 22 deadline to submit applications.

A new push to increase tourism and attract investment to East Galway will see businesses, tourism operators and community groups come together for a networking event in Athenry later this month.

The Uniquely East Galway – East Galway Network Event will take place at the Raheen Woods Hotel on Wednesday, October 28 from 9am to 2pm.

East Galway is part of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, the slow-travel tourism region centred on the River Shannon and the surrounding midland counties.

The event comes as a number of tourism initiatives and investments are under way in the region. Galway County Council is working with Fáilte Ireland on an East Galway Destination and Experience Development Plan.

The council and BIA Innovator Campus are also involved in the European SLOWDOWN project, which includes East Galway and focuses on sustainable tourism and developing more immersive visitor experiences.

Tourism investment is also being delivered through the EU Just Transition Fund, including projects supporting new visitor experiences, tourism enterprises, accommodation and sustainable tourism development.

The council has identified the development of an East Galway tourism network as a key part of its next phase of work, with the aim of building stronger relationships between businesses, communities and tourism agencies and encouraging greater cross-promotion.

New promotional resources for the region will also be showcased at the event, including an East Galway promotional video, new photography and visitor content, a new visitor map, the Ballinasloe Area Community Development website and a new website for the Battle of Aughrim.

Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, Councillor Andrew Reddington, said the event would provide an opportunity to build on the work already taking place across the region.

“The Galway tourism success story did not happen overnight, nor did it evolve by chance. It was largely the result of collaboration and careful planning.”

“This free networking event affords everyone with an interest in East Galway tourism an opportunity to come together to further enhance East Galway’s reputation as a sustainable and vibrant destination and a must-visit part of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.”

Michael Owens, Director of Services with responsibility for Tourism Development at Galway County Council, said investment in existing tourism infrastructure and continued collaboration were important to the future of the sector.

“Working closely with the sector on the ground in East Galway, including hearing their vision for tourism in the region, is a priority for Galway County Council.”

“In line with the objectives of the Galway Tourism Strategy 2023-2031, there is already significant activity and investment taking place and we want to build on that work.”

“With our partners in Fáilte Ireland, we look forward to meeting everyone interested in or directly involved in East Galway tourism at the networking event in Athenry.”

The event will include sessions on the future of East Galway tourism, local tourism successes, promoting people and place through tourism and industry insights, followed by a free networking lunch.

Tourism businesses will also be able to learn about supports available through the Local Enterprise Office, LEADER, Galway County Council, Fáilte Ireland and Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, as well as experience gained through the EU Just Transition Fund programme.

John Neary, Galway County Council Tourism Officer, said the event was an opportunity for businesses to have a greater say in how tourism in the region develops.

“The upcoming networking event presents local tourism operators with a valuable opportunity to explore how East Galway can improve its share of the thriving domestic tourism market, avail of tourism supports and share their ideas for how the region can further develop its tourism product.

“It is also an opportunity to embrace the benefits of being a key destination in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. All are welcome.”

According to Loretta Raftery, EU Just Transition Fund Tourism Activator for Galway County Council, “The Just Transition Fund has helped lay strong foundations for tourism in East Galway.”

“We now have an opportunity to build on that investment by developing a strong tourism network, connecting businesses and communities, and working together to grow East Galway as a visitor destination.”

Once lucky Galway person recently claimed their €88,740 prize from the National Lottery HQ after winning the life-changing sum back in September.

The Match 5+Bonus prize was won in the September 19 draw with a ticket purchased at Daybreak Texaco, Swangate, Athenry, Co. Galway.

The winner said that they were in shock and disbelief when they realised what had happened, and hope to use the money to carry out some home renovation and treat themselves to a holiday.

“I’ve never won anything like this before, so when I realised what had happened, I just sat staring out the window for about half an hour in complete shock.”

“I eventually rang my sister and asked her to check the numbers for me because I genuinely couldn’t believe it myself. Everyone in the family is absolutely delighted for me.”

“I found out on Sunday evening and, despite all the excitement, life carried on as normal and I went into work on Monday morning! I kept the ticket in my wallet in my trouser pocket the whole time and found myself checking every so often just to make sure it was still there.”

“The win is going to make a huge difference. I’d already been planning some renovations at home and this means I can get started much sooner than expected, which I’m delighted about.”

“I’m also looking forward to a nice holiday to celebrate and, a little further down the line, a safari in the Serengeti is definitely on the wish list!”

The Galway winner was one of three people who claimed their prizes from the National Lottery in recent days. A Donegal syndicate claimed an astonishing €500k EuroMillions Plus top prize, and an online Carlow player scooped the top prize on Instant Win Game, Wordplay Multiplier, worth €40,000.