High temperatures will continue into the weekend, with Met Eireann issuing another weather warning from today until Friday morning across much of the country.

The status yellow high temperature warning will be in place from 12pm Wednesday until 6am Friday, with temperatures to continue rising across today and tomorrow.

Local forecasting from Met Eireann states that temperatures may rise as high as 30 – 31 degrees in parts of Galway on Thursday, before beginning to decline again on Friday.

Temperatures of 27 – 29 degrees will be found across much of the county on Wednesday and Thursday, with overnight temperatures greater than 15 degrees in many areas.

Uisce Eireann is already calling on many areas to conserve water, and imposing night time restrictions in places, as the prolonged spell of warm, dry weather is putting water supplies under strain.

Nightime water restrictions have been imposed in Leitir Móir, An Cnoc, Tír an Fhia and surrounding areas in order to ensure there is an adequate day time supply.

The current spell of warm weather has led to a significant increase in demand for treated water. This in turn has placed treated water reservoir levels under increased pressure.

In order to protect a full daytime supply for homes, businesses and essential services, nighttime restrictions will come into effect from tonight and remain in place until further notice.

The nighttime restrictions will be in effect between 11pm and 7am. During this time, customers in these areas served by the public supply will experience reduced water pressure.

Tony Kelly of Uisce Éireann explained that the nighttime restrictions are necessary in order to allow reservoir levels to recover, and to ensure a full daytime supply of treated water for homes and businesses.

“We have been experiencing very high demand for treated water over recent days due to the fine weather and high tourist numbers in the area,” said Tony.

“Reservoir levels of treated water have been unable to keep up with this increased demand and as a result, we are introducing nighttime restrictions in order to protect daytime supply.”

“We acknowledge the inconvenience that can be caused by nighttime restrictions, and we wish to thank impacted customers for their understanding.”

“We also wish to encourage customers to take some simple steps which can significantly reduce usage and help to protect supply for the community.”

A man has died after being hospitalised with serious injuries following a traffic collision involving an e-scooter in Salthill last Friday night.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to the traffic incident which occurred at around 8:30pm on the R336 outside the former Spinnaker House Hotel.

The e-scooter rider, a man aged in his 40s, was removed from the scene for treatment of serious injuries at University Hospital Galway. He has since been pronounced deceased.

A technical examination of the scene was carried out by Forensic Collision Investigators.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision to come forward.

Road users who were travelling on the R336 near the former Spinnaker House Hotel (past Blackrock) between 8:15pm and 9:00pm on Friday 10th July 2026 and who may have camera footage (including dash-cam), are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Bóthar na Trá/Salthill Garda Station on 091 514720, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

The Radiation Oncology Department at UHG was nominated in four categories at the recent Irish Healthcare Centre Awards 2026 and was recognised as Healthcare Team of the Year – Acute/Hospital Based.

The award recognises an outstanding year of innovation, service transformation and patient-centred care.

Serving over 800,000 people across the West and North West of Ireland, the multidisciplinary team has transformed cancer treatment services while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality and compassion.

Following the move to a new state-of-the-art Radiation Oncology Centre, the department successfully completed a major clinical transformation involving the replacement of all treatment equipment and introduction of advanced radiotherapy technologies. The transition was completed ahead of schedule within six months, with no disruption to patient care.

Over the past year, the team introduced a Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR) programme, expanded stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) services for brain tumours, implemented 4D CT planning and MRI-supported radiotherapy developments.

It also became the first service in the region to offer tattoo-less radiotherapy using Surface Guided Radiation Therapy (SGRT). These advances have enabled patients to access world-class cancer treatments closer to home.

The department has also demonstrated excellence in safety and governance through the introduction of radiation therapist-led SAFE huddles, implementation of advanced patient identification systems and successful engagement with HIQA, EPA and OECI accreditation processes.

Alongside clinical achievements, the team remains committed to education, research and community engagement. Staff support undergraduate and postgraduate training programmes, participate in international clinical trials, host patient and student open days, and have raised more than €8,000 for charity through fundraising initiatives.

Michelle Comer, Clinical Specialist Radiation Therapist said, “We are absolutely delighted to have received this award on behalf of our entire Radiation Oncology team.”

“This recognition reflects the dedication, expertise and commitment of every staff member who works tirelessly to provide the highest standard of care for our patients. Over the past number of years, we have delivered significant service developments. To see these achievements recognised nationally is a proud moment for the whole team.”

Stephen Coyne, Service Manager, Radiation Therapy added, “Winning this award is testament to the dedication, professionalism and compassion of our entire multidisciplinary team.”

“Through innovation, collaboration and a strong focus on patient-centred care, we have expanded access to advanced cancer treatments while maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality for patients across the region.”

Chris Kane, General Manager, Galway University Hospitals “Well done to the team, this recognition reflects the exceptional work of the Radiation Oncology department in delivering transformative improvements in cancer care.”

“The team has enhanced access to treatment, strengthened patient safety and established itself as a leader in innovation, making a real difference to patients and families throughout the West and North West.”

A large-scale architecture exhibit, inspired by Ireland’s Citizens’ Assembly, will feature at this year’s Galway International Arts Festival as part of a national tour supported by the Arts Council to promote architecture to audiences in Ireland.

The exhibit, ‘Assembly’, represented Ireland at the world’s leading architecture event in 2025; the International Architecture Exhibition at the Venice Biennale. It was commissioned by Culture Ireland in partnership with the Arts Council, and curated by Cotter and Naessens Architects.

The Cotter and Naessans team comprises architects Louise Cotter and David Naessens, multidisciplinary artist Michelle Delea, woodworker Alan Meredith, curator Luke Naessens and sound artist David Stalling.

The presentation of ‘Assembly’ at the Galway International Arts Festival is the second stop on its national tour, following its exhibition at the Cork Midsummer Festival, and before its installation at Busáras in Dublin as part of the culture programme for Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in October.

Crafted in Irish beech, with a Ceadogán rug at its centre, the design is a multi-sensory installation featuring a soundscape that layers human voices, natural sounds and mechanical effects. ‘Assembly’  invites members of the public to congregate in partnership to consider matters of collective concern.

‘Assembly’ will be open to visitors for the duration of the Galway International Arts Festival from 11am to 6pm during the week at the O’Donoghue Theatre in the University of Galway. From Thursday to Sunday, the exhibit will be open until 8pm.

Assembly Conversations, chaired by award-winning Irish architect and academic Dr John McLaughlin, will take place on July 14 at 12.30pm, inviting audiences into a wider reflection on the architectures of dialogue and assembly.

Inland Fisheries Ireland is investigating a fish kill in Co Galway in which up to 120 fish have died.

A suspected pollution incident occurred on a tributary of the Dunkellin River in east Galway.

Species of fish discovered dead include salmon, trout, perch, stone loach, stickleback, and lamprey.

Inland Fisheries Ireland(IFI) staff have been on site since Thursday night to assess the
event.

IFI is actively probing the cause of this harmful event, and is now following a definite line of inquiry
about a possible source of pollution.

Monitoring and assessment of the impact will continue to be undertaken to identify the cause of the
fish kill.

IFI continues to urge the public to report fish kills, water pollution, habitat destruction, or illegal
fishing to our confidential 24/7 number, 0818 34 74 24.

IFI has notified other agencies about the incident including Galway County Council and the
Environmental Protection Agency.

A weather warning has been issued for high temperatures in Galway this weekend and into next week, expected to reach as high as 29 degrees in places on Sunday.

The status yellow high temperature warning has been issued for Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Galway, Mayo, Kilkenny, Laois, and Offaly.

Maximum temperatures in excess of 27°C combined with overnight temperature minimums in excess of 15°C.

The warning will be in place from 1pm Sunday until 7am next Tuesday, with the hottest conditions expected on Sunday. Inland areas will fare slightly better than the west coast according to Met Eireann.

The high temperature comes with dangers in the form of water safety problems due to more people spending time at lakes, beaches, and waterways, and a possibility of forest fires.

The heat will also create uncomfortable sleeping conditions and possible heat stress for many.

Temperatures today are expected to reach highs of 26 degrees in Galway. Much of the country is already under a weather warning which was issued on Friday.

The All-Ireland Hurling Final between Galway and Limerick will screen live, large, and free for all at the Big Top as part of the Galway International Arts Festival (GIAF).

Tickets will be available free of charge from Monday 13 July at 11:00am via GIAF.ie.

A Festival Experience for All

This big‑screen event is designed to be family‑friendly, accessible, and free, ensuring that the entire community can come together to support Galway’s hurlers on one of the biggest days of the sporting calendar.

The screening adds to the dynamic programme of the Galway International Arts Festival, reinforcing Galway’s reputation as a city that embraces creativity in all its forms — from world‑class performances to memorable sporting moments.

Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Helen Ogbu, welcomed the announcement, saying, “Galway is a city shaped by sport, culture, and community.”

“Hosting a free big‑screen viewing of the All‑Ireland Final in the Heineken Big Top during Galway International Arts Festival brings these elements together in a straightforward way.”

“It’s a chance for supporters, families, and visitors to come together in a cultural setting to share the occasion and celebrate our maroon spirit. Gaillimh Abú!”

Event Details

What: Free Big‑Screen Viewing — All‑Ireland Hurling Final
Who: Galway vs. Limerick
Where: Heineken Big Top, Galway International Arts Festival
When: Sunday 19 July 2026, 3.30pm
Doors: 2pm
Tickets: Free — available from Monday 13 July at 11:00am.

Book on GIAF.ie.

Limit of four tickets per booking.

Accessibility:  Please contact the GIAF box office with any special requirements when booking at  (091) 566 577 or BoxOffice@giaf.ie

Books at One have today announced 23 funding recipients of independently run bookstores for the second year of its Community Prize Fund initiative. Two Galway based independent bookstores have been included in the funding.

The Galway stores included in the funding are Charlie Byrne’s Bookstore and Turning Pages (Tuam).

Each selected store will receive a grant of up to €5,000 in support of developing new and engaging activities for the benefit of their local community.

This year’s recipients will see 23 stores from 14 counties, spread across the island of Ireland.

Among the entries and successful applicants are recently opened stores as well as those who also received funding in 2025, allowing them to expand and grow on last year’s activity, or embark on a new creative venture.

The fund was created in 2025 for Books at One via The One Foundation as a new avenue of support for both independent stores and their surrounding communities.

The aim was to further strengthen the importance of independent bookstores as creative venues for community engagement and connection across the country.

Now in its second year, the fund builds on a strong first outing. Last summer, 21 independent bookshops received grants to deliver projects that reimagined their stores as unique cultural and social places in their towns and cities.

From storytelling events, creative workshops and youth programmes, The Community Prize Fund helped support a wide variety of different projects, responding to the unique needs of each bookstore’s local community.

Eoghan Stack, Chairperson of The One Foundation commented, “When the Books at One Community Prize Fund launched in 2025, we hoped it would give booksellers an opportunity to try new avenues to creatively engage with their local community and it’s proven to be a huge success.”

“This year, the fund will support 23 independent shops across 14 counties, helping independent bookshops integrate a love of reading into a real community way of life.”

“The power of a good indie bookshop is not just about what’s on the shelves alone but about those who work there and those who visit on the regular, making it an important fixture of communities.”

“We’re delighted to see both the initiative and the ideas within the applications grow and look forward to seeing how these are brought to life by the communities that shape them.”

The full list of recipients of the Books At One Community Prize Fund 2026 are:

• Antiquity Bookshop, Cork
• Antonia’s Bookstore, Meath
• Bantry Bookshop, Cork
• Books Upstairs, Dublin
• Bookworm Bookshop, Tipperary
• Castle Books, Mayo
• Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop, Galway
• Halfway up the Stairs, Wicklow
• Leaf and Bower, Cork
• Little Acorns, Derry
• Pangur Bán Bookshop, Mayo
• Prim’s Bookshop, Cork
• Quay Books, Limerick
• Red Books, Wexford
• Roe River Books, Louth
• Tales for Tadpoles, Wicklow
• The Bookshelf, Down
• The Ennis Bookshop, Clare
• The Maynooth Bookshop, Kildare
• The Nenagh Bookshop, Tipperary
• Turning Pages Bookshop, Galway
• Woodbine Books, Kildare
• Worm Books, Cork

There will be nightly road closures in place on the M18 for several weeks while roadworks are being carried out on the motorway.

Direct Route (Tuam) on behalf of TII are carrying out works on the M18 between Junction 18 Rathmorissey and Junction 16 Gort.

The works are taking place on both the northbound and southbound carriageways over the coming weeks.

To facilitate these works, the motorway will be closed nightly from 20:00 to 06:00 starting from Monday, July 13.

Please note that the closure will be staffed by an operative to allow access for emergency services if required.

Week Commencing 13/07/2026

Monday – Friday: M18 Northbound, Junction 16 Gort – Junction 17 Kiltiernan. The diversion route for northbound traffic will be via the old N18.

The Network Ireland National Conference and Businesswoman of the Year Awards will take place in Galway City later this year to celebrate female entrepreneurs.

Network Ireland is a national business organisation which advocates for female entrepreneurs and women in business across Ireland, with 17 branches with 1,500 active members. The organisation’s annual conference will be held in Dexcomm Stadium on Friday, September 18, followed by the Businesswoman of the Year awards in the Galmont Hotel.

Network Ireland National President Karen Ronan, CEO of Galway Chamber announced details of the powerful Business Women’s Conference and Awards at a reception in the Blackrock Cottage in Salthill and tickets go on sale on Friday 10th of July 2026.

The 2026 Network Ireland Conference will feature a host of high-profile speakers including a Key Note fire side discussion with Laura Dowling, the Fabulous Pharmacist.

An award winning business woman who’s renowned for the recognition she’s brings to women’s health and wellbeing while building an award-winning brand and business is certain to inspire Network Ireland members.

She will be joined by experts from AIB, Enterprise Ireland and a host of speakers including Mary Rodgers, of PorterShed Galway, Geraldine Jones of Skin Formulas, Author Michele Roys and Denise O’Brien with more to be announced in the coming weeks.

Julie Burke will MC the Network Ireland Conference. General Manager of DampMaster, a nationwide company with offices across Ireland and the UK, Julie is an award-winning speaker and mentor who empowers women in business, and proves that you don’t have to be just one thing, as in her spare time, she is a comedian, better known online as Julesrulesirl, she has taken the digital world by storm with her relatable Irish Mammy comedy.

Network Ireland is a voice and support for Female Start Ups, Entrepreneurs and Women in Business across Ireland. Elevating women in business and their careers.

Network Ireland drives both professional and personal development in women and the annual conference brings together a wide range of subjects and topics delivered by high profile and experienced female entrepreneurs who share their values and knowledge and further elevate the growth of women led businesses and brands across rural and urban communities.

AIB is Network Ireland’s Official Partner for close to 15 years, and has seen the growth in the organisation during that time. “AIB is proud to support Network Ireland’s National Conference and Awards,” said Geraldine Casey, Managing Director, Retail Banking, AIB.

“The conference will bring together hundreds of women business leaders who are ambitious, talented and a driving force in the Irish economy. Every day we in AIB see the extraordinary achievements of our female fronted business customers and we look forward to continuing the development of women in business in Ireland through our ongoing collaboration with Network Ireland.”

Also supporting the Network Ireland Conference and Businesswoman of the Year Awards is Enterprise Ireland, Sarah Walker, Senior Executive said that they provide, “An important platform for celebrating the achievements of women entrepreneurs, business leaders and innovators across Ireland.”

Sarah Walker went onto say, “Through its strong national network, Network Ireland plays a vital role in fostering ambition, leadership and collaboration among women in business. We look forward to joining members from across the country in Galway this September to celebrate excellence, champion entrepreneurship and support the continued growth of women-led businesses.”

Galway City Council and Galway Local Enterprise Office are also supporters of Network Ireland and very much welcome this prestigious conference coming to Galway City this Autumn.

“Network Ireland is a wonderful collective of passionate, powerful and creative business women,” says Karen Ronan, Network Ireland President and CEO of Galway Chamber. “Collectively, Network Ireland across all 17 branches is a voice for women in business and their careers and we use our conference to support all women in our society.”

“I look forward to welcoming over 500 Network Ireland members to Galway City for our annual conference when we will network, share business and life experiences while learning and further strategizing the future of female led entrepreneurship and the continued growth of women in business across Ireland”.

Gardaí are appealing for the public’s help in locating a 35-year old woman missing from Galway City for over three months.

Asana Kassim has been reported missing from the Salthill area since April 4 this year.

Asana is described as being approximately 5 foot 5 inches in height, of average build, with black hair and brown eyes.

Gardaí are concerned for her well-being.

Anyone with information on Asana’s whereabouts is asked to contact Salthill Garda Station on 091 514720, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

A cyclist has passed away at University Hospital Galway after being in a collision with a vehicle in Mayo on Wednesday night.

Emergency services responded to collision involving a bike and another vehicle outside Ballinrobe on the N84 at Carrowkeel, Co Mayo shortly after 9pm yesterday.

A man in his 50s sustained serious injuries in the crash and was transported to University Hospital Galway, where he was later pronounced deceased.

The scene remains preserved for forensic examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators and the road is currently closed with local diversions in place.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident to contact them. Road users with camera footage (including dash-cam) from the N84 at Carrowkeel, Co Mayo around the time of the collision are also asked to make this available to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Claremorris Garda Station on 094 9372080, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

A framed drum head signed by Phil Collins has raised €3,032.35 for the Sunflower Children’s Hospice, Ireland’s first children’s hospice on the Western Seaboard.

The Galway Drum Show auction was held in memory of talented young drummer Adam Nagajek, who died last year at the age of 17 after being diagnosed with Osteosarcoma at just nine years old.

Adam joined the Galway Drum Show when he was 16, and despite never having taken drum lessons, achieved a top-three national placing. Music remained a huge part of Adam’s life, and he continued creating and performing even during his final months.

Adam’s mum, Ola Nagajek, said, “I’m delighted that we were able to support the Sunflower Children’s Hospice through the Galway Drum Show’s silent auction.”

“Adam was in adult hospitals once he turned 16 and had limited access to pediatric services. While we did receive pediatric palliative care in his final weeks, much of his care took place within adult services despite him being only 16 and 17 years old.”

“I really wanted to help other children and young adults like Adam so they are not left behind. The Sunflower Children’s Hospice will provide hugely important service for families across the West of Ireland.”

Ola added, “I want to thank the Galway Drum Show for their incredible support. Adam was a hugely talented drummer. He formed a band in 2023 and while he spent his last few months in bed, he continued playing music, produced for other bands and worked on his own music until the end of his life.”

“We had a studio at home which he absolutely loved. He left behind music that his band Talllon, and other bands, are now bringing to life and it gives me great comfort knowing that his legacy lives on.”

The funds raised will go towards the construction of the eight-bed Sunflower Children’s Hospice in Mayo, with construction expected to begin later this year.

John Tierney, Galway Drum Show, said, “We are delighted to support such a fantastic charity and we’ll continue to do so in the future. The drum community will always support each other.”

The hospice will provide specialist palliative care for children with life-limiting illnesses, alongside purpose-built family accommodation and therapeutic facilities including hydrotherapy, play therapy, and sensory rooms.

Once complete, the hospice will support children and families from across the western seaboard, providing compassionate, specialist care closer to home.

Martina Jennings, CEO of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, said, “I would sincerely like to thank Ola and the Galway Drum Show for choosing to support the Sunflower Children’s Hospice.”

“Families like Adam’s highlight why this service is so urgently needed in the West of Ireland. Every contribution brings us closer to creating a dedicated space where children, young adults and their families can receive the specialist care and support they deserve.”

Plans are progressing for works across Galway City to improve pedestrian, cycling, and public transport infrastructure under the Bus Connects scheme.

As part of providing for the new bus network for Galway, it is proposed there will be upgrade works to existing bus stops, relocation of existing bus stops, and construction of new bus stops.

It is proposed the works undertaken will include measures to improve pedestrian safety and convenience through the provision of bus stops, crossing points, and line marking.

The city council is inviting submissions as part of a public consultation required for a Section 38 application to carry out these works.

In conjunction with the NTA, measures are proposed under Section 38 at the following locations:

Drawings showing the proposed works are available online here and may also be inspected for a period of one month until Tuesday, August 4 (each day excluding weekends and public holidays) from 9a.m. to 4p.m. at: Galway City Council, City Hall, College Road, Galway, H91 X4K8.

Observations and submissions relating to the above-mentioned proposed works may be made in writing to the Active Travel Team, Galway City Council, City Hall, College Road, Galway, H91 X4K8, at the link above, or by email to ActiveTravel@GalwayCity.ie.

The latest date for receipt of such representations is 4pm on Tuesday, August 4.

Work has begun this week on replacing just over half a kilometre of ageing leaky water mains in Galway city centre.

Uisce Éireann is replacing 510m of old pipes with new modern equivalents on Presentation Road, with work getting underway this week.

These new mains will improve the quality of treated water being delivered into homes and businesses in the area while also strengthening and safeguarding the network against bursts and other operational issues.

Enda Mac Namara, Uisce Éireann Programme Manager, said that customers in the area can look forward to a range of benefits accruing from these upgrade works.

“We have made significant progress in our programme of mains upgrades to the west of Galway city over the last 12 months, and this project on Presentation Road is the latest example of our commitment to deliver for customers and communities in Galway,” said Enda.

“These upgrades will provide an improved supply of water for homes and businesses at Presentation Road, Mill Street and the surrounding areas, while reducing the likelihood of operational issues on the network and helping us to reduce leakage rates.”

To facilitate the successful and safe delivery of these essential main upgrades, traffic management measures in the form of a road closure will be necessary.

The road will be closed 24/7 until Friday, August 21 from the junction of Presentation Road and Newcastle Road to the junction of Mill Street and Dominick Street Lower. Local and emergency access will be maintained at all times.

During the period of the road closure, traffic will be diverted via Dominick Street Lower, Dominick Street Upper, Henry Street, St Helen’s Street and Newcastle Road.

Presentation Road and Mill Street will be re-opened for the week commencing Monday, 27 July to facilitate increased traffic flows during the Galway Races.

It was a busy night for the volunteer crew at Galway Lifeboat Station on Monday, as they were requested to launch shortly after 1am to the first incident followed in quick succession by two further unrelated call outs.

The first call out was requested by the Coast Guard to a research ship on Galway Bay with reports of an unwell crew member on board who required medical evacuation.

Conditions were rough at sea with strong winds which meant that the usual means of transport from the ship to shore were not possible without assistance.

The crew of James Rattigan, Paddy Hennelly, Mark Purcell and helm Declan Killilea launched the lifeboat, with Eoghan Donohue as shore crew, and were underway to the ship’s location shortly before 1.30am when a second call for assistance came in from the Coast Guard.

The crew were initially diverted and later stood down from that shout when additional reports came in that a 33ft sailing boat with two sailors onboard, who had been expected to arrive home in the evening, were well overdue.

The family members of the two people onboard the sailing boat hadn’t been able to make contact with them for a number of hours and had raised the alarm.

The sailing boat had been heading to Renville, County Galway and their location was picked up on radar off Black Head in County Clare.

The lifeboat and crew made way to the area to check on the welfare of the sailors and at around 2.40am located the sailing boat and the two sailors on board who were making their way slowly up the Clare coast.

The sailors were both well. They had encountered rough weather along the way and had lost all comms, but were safe and the lifeboat crew were able to relay this information to the Coast Guard who informed the families.

The lifeboat crew then left the sailing boat and headed to the research ship which was in the area of inner Galway Bay near Mutton Island.

The crew member who was unwell was transferred to the lifeboat at around 3am and the lifeboat returned to the pontoon at the lifeboat station where the casualty was handed over to the care of the National Ambulance Service.

The lifeboat crew then returned to check on the progress of the sailors who were around 1 mile from their destination and the lifeboat and crew accompanied the sailing boat until it was tied up at moorings at Renville.

The lifeboat crew then brought the two sailors on board the lifeboat and transferred them to shore and back to the waiting families.

Peter Navan was the Launch Authority on call for Galway RNLI last night. He said, “It was quite an unusual evening to say the least with three different call outs in such quick succession.”

“But it is the sort of scenario that we are trained for, not just in terms of the skills and experience of the lifeboat crew but also the decision making and risk assessment required when there are three incidents taking place almost simultaneously.”

“Our mission is to save lives at sea so the highest priority is always someone who is in the water or at risk of getting into trouble in the water.”

“It was a long night for our crew but it is what we are trained for and the reason why our volunteers will get out of bed in the middle of the night, not knowing what to expect but always ready and willing to respond when their pagers go off.”

Met Eireann has issued a weather advisory for a prolonged period of high temperatures expected to last almost a week starting from Wednesday.

No weather warnings have been issued yet, but the advisory will be in place from tomorrow until Tuesday, July 14.

“A prolonged spell of very warm or hot weather will occur this week lasting into next week with heat wave conditions expected. Daytime maxima will widely exceed 25 degrees Celsius with values climbing to the high 20s or even low 30s in places from Friday.”

“The UV Index is expected to be high to very high. Warm and humid nights will occur with minima of 15 degrees or higher. Possible tropical nights may occur in places this weekend. There is also the chance of some thunderstorms later this week.”

The hot weather is likely to result in water safety issues as more people use waterways, lakes and beaches, possible heat stress and dehydration, especially for the elderly.

There is also the potential for disruption to public transport, as well as animal welfare issues, drought concerns, and a risk of wildfires from dry vegetation.

Galway City Council is again seeking an operator for the Pálás arthouse cinema, with the property open for expressions of interest from potential commercial operators.

The council is offering to provide the cinema property on a long lease, without charge, to one operator. No other support will be provided to keep it open.

Pálás has been closed since February 2025 due to mounting financial losses by the operator, Picture Palace Cinema Ltd.

A recent independent commercial review of the ‘property’ commissioned by Galway City Council suggested three options to consider.  These included

• Re-opening of the property as a cultural space featuring one operational cinema with other areas repurposed for community and cultural use.
• Re-purposing of the property to become more tourism focused with a focus on cultural tourism.
• Re-configuration of the property to operate as a mix of commercial space generating annual rents combined with allocation of space for community use.

This expression of interest is not limited to these suggestions. Interested parties are invited to submit their own intended site usage concept and financially viable operational model.

The successful operator will operate the property in a manner compatible with the city’s international reputation for culture and the arts.

Efforts to find a new operator for the arthouse cinema fell through earlier this year due to expected refurbishment costs.

In the new invitation, the city council has eliminated any closing date for when expressions of interest must be in by.