A motorcyclist in his 30s has died in a single vehicle crash on the Claregalway to Tuam road late on Friday night.

Gardaí and emergency services responded to a collision at Carraghy, on the N83 Claregalway to Tuam road at approximately 11:40pm on Friday.

The motorcyclist, a man in his 30s, was pronounced dead at the scene. His body has since been removed to University Hospital Galway where a post-mortem examination will take place.

A Forensic Collision Investigators examination is currently being conducted at the scene.

The road remains closed at this time, with local diversions in place.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have been travelling on the N83 between Claregalway and Tuam between 11:00pm and 11:40pm, to come forward.

Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or who may have dashcam or other relevant footage is asked to contact Oranmore Garda Station on 091 388 030, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

Construction is due to begin later this month on a €15.1 million social housing development in Tuam which will provide 62 new homes.

Galway County Council has signed the construction contract for the Farrannamartin development on the Galway Road, around one kilometre from the town centre.

The scheme is being funded under the Government’s Social Housing Investment Programme (SHIP), with construction expected to be completed in April 2028.

Leas-Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, Cllr Micheál Regan, said the new homes would benefit both families and the wider Tuam community.

“This development is very much welcomed by elected members and will provide secure, high-quality homes for families and individuals in Tuam,” he said.

“These new residents will become part of the community and help sustain local schools, businesses, clubs and services.”

Galway County Council Chief Executive Liam Conneally said increasing the supply of social housing remained a priority across the county.

“Galway County Council is continuing to deliver a broad housing programme across the county, with new homes being built alongside the regeneration and improvement of our existing social housing stock,” he said.

“We are working with Government, Approved Housing Bodies and other partners to increase housing supply and support sustainable communities in our towns and villages.”

The development will include one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom homes, made up of houses, apartments and bungalows. A number of the homes will be universally designed or specially adapted to meet the needs of people with different levels of mobility and accessibility.

The 1.87-hectare site will also include a central landscaped park with play facilities, seating and pedestrian paths. Public open space will account for 16% of the site, while new footpaths, landscaped streets and cycle parking will form part of the development.

Director of Services for Housing, Damian Mitchell, said the Farrannamartin scheme would make an important contribution to meeting housing need in Tuam.

“This development will provide secure, high-quality homes which will make a real difference to families and individuals. It is located close to schools, shops and public transport and has been designed with an emphasis on pedestrian safety, accessibility and active travel. Increasing our social housing stock is critical to the future sustainability of towns and villages across County Galway.”

Galway County Council said it is progressing a number of social housing developments across the county, with other schemes recently completed and further projects planned.

The Farrannamartin project is being delivered by OCC Construction.

The design team comprises Collins Rolston Architects and Vincent Hannon Architects, Gilligan & Partners and MFA Consulting Engineers, AH Design and Engineering Design Consultants, and AtkinsRéalis.

Work undertaken by Galway County Council in the aftermath of Storm Éowyn to strengthen customer service and community support will be showcased at a national local government event.

Local government officials from across Ireland will gather at Kilkenny Castle on October 1 for the National Oversight and Audit Commission (NOAC) Customer Service Workshop 2026, where Galway County Council will present its work on the formalisation of a County-Wide Community Support Centre Network.

The initiative, which has been developed since December 2025, has put in place a more structured and coordinated approach to supporting communities during periods of significant disruption.

Storm Éowyn caused widespread disruption across Galway in January 2025, including prolonged power and communications outages. During the storm, community groups and local facilities played an important role in supporting people affected by the disruption.

The experience highlighted the value of strong community networks while also identifying the need for a more structured approach to coordinating community support during future emergencies.

Galway County Council subsequently formalised the County-Wide Community Support Centre Network, moving from an ad hoc response to a county-wide system with designated centres, agreed procedures and clear responsibilities.

The council has established an expression of interest process for community groups wishing to participate, developed standard operating procedures and put arrangements in place to link the centres into the wider emergency management response.

The initiative has also included the development of a storm resilience and household preparedness brochure in partnership with Local Development Companies (LDCs).

Galway County Council Director of Services Michael Owens said the work demonstrated the importance of building on experience to improve services.

“Storm Éowyn provided a valuable learning experience for Galway County Council and communities across the county. It demonstrated the strength of local community networks, while also highlighting the need for a clear and coordinated approach to supporting communities during major disruption.”

“Since then, the council has worked to formalise that approach, putting structures, procedures and relationships in place that can be activated when required.”

“We are pleased to have the opportunity to present this work at the NOAC Customer Service Workshop and to share our experience with colleagues from local authorities across the country.”

The project will be presented at the workshop by Galway County Council Community Development Administrative Officer Theresa Donohue. She said the work had developed from the lessons learned during Storm Éowyn.

“The response from communities across Galway during Storm Éowyn was exceptional, with people volunteering their time and local facilities being made available to support those affected.”

“The experience also showed us the importance of having a clear framework in place so that this support can be coordinated effectively when it is needed.”

“The County-Wide Community Support Centre Network provides greater clarity for community groups and a more structured approach for the council. The work carried out since December has helped us to develop and formalise that model, and we look forward to sharing what we have learned at the national workshop.”

Galway City Council met with After School Matters this week as part of the Chicago Sister City programme, advancing a growing partnership focused on youth development, creativity, and community engagement.

ASM supports nearly 20,000 young people across Chicago each year through paid programmes that build skills, confidence, and leadership. The Galway delegation received an overview of ASM’s structure, impact, and approach to youth empowerment.

Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr. Helen Ogbu reflected on the importance of youth engagement in her own work. “Supporting young people has always been central to my role in Galway.”

“When young people are given space to lead, to create, and to contribute, they strengthen their communities and shape the future of our city.”

The delegation highlighted a recent Galway City initiative led by Fergal Cushen, where primary school students in Ballybane created a rap video as part of an environmental awareness campaign.

The Mayor described it as, “a simple example, but a powerful one — young people using creativity to influence their neighbourhood and make their voices heard.”

Both cities expressed commitment to developing a long‑term partnership. ASM will visit Galway later this year to meet youth organisations, community leaders, and education partners.

The meeting marks a significant step in building shared learning and exchange opportunities for young people in both cities.

Galway City Council opened its 2026 Sister City delegation visit to Chicago with a reception at Ireland House hosted by Acting Consul General Pádraig Manning.

The event on Monday, August 10 marked the beginning of a three‑day programme focused on strengthening civic, cultural, educational, and economic ties between Galway and Chicago.

Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr. Helen Ogbu addressed attendees, expressing gratitude for the warm welcome extended to the delegation. She highlighted the deep historical and cultural connections between the two cities, noting the shared values of migration, community, and opportunity.

“Standing here tonight as Mayor of Galway City means a great deal to me personally,” she said. “Chicago understands better than almost anywhere the power of migration, community, and opportunity. Those values shaped this city, and they shape Galway today.”

The Mayor acknowledged the work of the Sister Cities Committee, including Co‑Chairs Nuala Kavanagh and John Wrenn, and representatives Maya and Karissa from Chicago Sister Cities International. She also recognised the Galway City and County councillors travelling as part of the delegation.

The Galway delegation includes representatives from Galway Chamber, University of Galway, Atlantic Technological University, Platform 94, Gaillimh le Gaeilge, Galway Technical Institute, and the Galway Convention Bureau. Their participation reflects the broad scope of collaboration underway between the two cities.

The Mayor emphasised that the visit is focused on learning from best practice in Chicago and Milwaukee, deepening partnerships, and opening new doors for Galway’s people, students, businesses, and cultural organisations.

The delegation will participate in a series of engagements over the coming days, including economic briefings, youth development meetings, cultural events, and civic discussions.

Atlantic Technological University is appealing to homeowners in Galway, Mayo, Sligo and Donegal to consider offering a spare room in their home to a student for the upcoming academic year, under the national Rent-a-Room scheme.

The university, which has nine campuses across Sligo, Galway, Donegal and Mayo, says the limited availability of accommodation continues to place significant pressure on students, particularly first-year students and those relocating to being or continue their studies.

ATU is encouraging individuals, couples, and families with an available bedroom to consider hosting a student. Under the national Rent-a-Room Relief scheme, homeowners may be able to earn up to €14,000 per year, tax-free, subject to Revenue conditions.

ATU President Dr Orla Flynn said, “By offering a spare room, homeowners can play a direct role in supporting a student’s education.”

“It is more than simply providing a roof over someone’s head – it can offer reassurance and stability to a student as they settle into university life.”

“Hosting a student can also be a positive and rewarding experience for the homeowner, bringing new energy and connections into the home and wider community.”

Hosts are not expected to provide transport, while arrangements regarding meals and other household facilities can be agreed directly with the student. A welcoming environment, access to basic amenities and clear communication about household arrangements are encouraged.

ATU is inviting interested homeowners to advertise available accommodation through the university’s accommodation service or to contact the relevant Students’ Union for further information and guidance.

With demand for student accommodation remaining high and purpose-built accommodation limited in many regional towns, ATU hopes homeowners throughout the West and North West will consider whether they have a suitable room available.

The impact of prolonged dry weather is continuing to be felt across Galway, with water restrictions extended earlier across all of Inís Mór this week.

Uisce Éireann has brought nighttime water restrictions on the largest of the Aran Islands forward to 5pm each day, and the last until 9am each morning.

These extended restrictions now cover the entirety of the island until further notice, after already being put in place for Creig a’Chéirin and Cill Éinne in late July.

The restrictions are essential to protect the island’s daytime supply of treated water. Ongoing high demand on the network due to the high number of visitors to the island, together with low levels of rainfall, has led to the island’s reserves of treated water falling to critically low levels in recent days.

Tony Kelly of Uisce Éireann has appealed to customers on the Aran Islands, including residents, businesses and tourists, to limit their water usage to essential purposes over the coming days.

“Demand remains at an extremely high levels on Inis Mór, due to the high number of visitors currently on the island. Despite some rainfall over the last week, our reserves of treated water have not recovered sufficiently to meet this ongoing high demand,” said Tony.

“As a result, we are taking the step of extending the restrictions which have been in effect since last month, to come into effect at 5pm each evening and remain in place until 9am in the morning, until further notice.

“This is an essential measure to safeguard supplies and protect a continuous daytime supply of treated water for the island.”

Nighttime restrictions also remain in effect on Inis Oírr between 11pm and 6am nightly.

Alternative water supplies in the form of tankers are available for customers at several locations around Inis Mór. Customers are reminded to bring their own containers to draw water from the tankers and to please boil the water before consumption as a precautionary measure, as per HSE advice.

The tankers are located at:

• Eoghanacht (Onaght)
• Cill Mhuirbhigh (Kilmurvy)
• Coláiste Ó Direáin
• Creig a Cheirin
• Sruthan
• Séipéal Eochaill (Eochail Church)
• Cill Éinne (Killeany village)
• Cé an Cill Éinne (Killeany Pier)
• Reilig an Cill Éinne (Killeany Graveyard)

Representatives from Tuam are in Germany this week to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the town’s twinning partnership with the Bavarian city of Straubing.

Cathaoirleach of the Municipal District of Tuam Cllr Mary Hoade is leading the delegation, accompanied by Galway County Council Director of Services Michael Owens and Meetings Administrator Geraldine Byrne.

The visit centres on a special Town Partnership Day, bringing together delegations from Straubing’s three twinned towns, Tuam, Romans in France and Wels in Austria, to celebrate more than three decades of European friendship and cooperation.

The programme includes a civic reception, visits to major civic projects, discussions on international youth work, and participation in events at the Gäubodenvolksfest, one of Bavaria’s largest traditional festivals, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

Also attending are Deputy Consul of Ireland in Munich Kate Hall and Tara Baynes from the Irish Consulate.

The partnership dates back to the mid-1980s, when Tuam historian Dr Tony Claffey proposed a twinning based on the shared heritage and the cultural and religious links established by early Irish missionaries in Bavaria.

German was being taught in most Tuam secondary schools by 1987, with annual student exchanges beginning two years later.

The twinning was formally ratified in 1991 and has since developed into a wide-ranging partnership encompassing education, culture, tourism and business. Exchanges have involved schools, music and theatre groups, while Tuam students have taken up summer employment in Straubing.

The close relationship is also reflected in Straubing, where a street has been named in honour of Tuam.

Cllr Mary Hoade said the 35th anniversary was an opportunity to recognise the generations who had built and maintained the relationship.

“The 35th anniversary is a significant milestone for Tuam and Straubing. What began with our shared heritage and cultural connections has developed into a lasting friendship involving schools, community groups, businesses and families.”

“The annual student exchanges, which began in 1989, are an important part of that relationship and have created friendships and connections that have lasted across generations. It is a great honour to represent Tuam in Straubing as we celebrate this important anniversary.”

Lord Mayor (Oberbürgermeister) of Straubing Markus Pannermayr said the partnership had created lasting links between the two communities.

“For 35 years, Tuam and Straubing have built a partnership based on friendship, mutual respect and learning from each other.”

“It has grown from its early focus on education into a wider relationship involving culture, music, business, tourism and community life. We are delighted to welcome our friends from Tuam this week and look forward to many more years of friendship and cooperation.”

Michael Owens, Director of Services with Galway County Council’s Municipal District of Tuam, said the relationship had been sustained by generations of people in both communities.

“The strength of the Tuam-Straubing relationship is that it has always been about people. Over 35 years, students, families, community groups, performers and businesses have maintained those links.

“The 35th anniversary is an opportunity to acknowledge everyone who has contributed to the partnership and to build on those connections for future generations.”

The historic city of Straubing in southeast Germany is located on the banks of the River Danube. With a population of around 50,000, it is known for its well-preserved medieval centre, Gothic architecture and strong agricultural heritage.

Gardaí are launching a plan for more high-visibility policing in the Salthill area involving more foot patrols in multiple areas.

Starting from today, Gardaí from Galway Garda Station and Salthill/Bóthar na Trá Garda Station will be deployed on a daily basis at seven dedicated patrol areas.

From 8am to 4am each day, up to 13 Gardaí will be deployed specifically for these high visibility patrols, which have been identified following an analysis of calls for service, crime trends and feedback from the community and businesses in the city.

These will focus on policing public order offences, anti-social behaviour, drug dealing, aggressive begging and shoplifting. An Garda Síochána have said that they will be taking a “pro-arrest” approach recidivist offenders including strong bail objections where appropriate.

Speaking about the launch of the Galway City High Visibility Policing Plan, Assistant Commissioner Clíona Richardson of the Garda North Western Region said, “I welcome the introduction of this permanent High Visibility Policing Plan in Galway City and Salthill.”

“The additional Garda presence will provide reassurance to the community, strengthen our response to crime and anti-social behaviour and help ensure that Galway remains a safe and welcoming place to live, work, visit and socialise.”

“This initiative demonstrates the positive impact of increased Garda resources and operational experience, while also reflecting our commitment to working closely with local communities, businesses and partners to keep people safe.”

The introduction of the HVPs follows the allocation of 28 new Gardaí to the Galway Division through consequential transfers and allocation of probationer Gardaí.

Considerable numbers of new members of An Garda Síochána – 206 at the most recent attestation in July 2026 – have enabled the consequential transfers of Gardaí with operational experience who were stationed elsewhere in the country.

The increased foot patrols will be supported by resources from the Galway Garda Roads Policing Unit, the Garda Public Order Unit, Detective and plainclothes Gardaí.

Acting Chief Superintendent of Galway Garda Division, Damien Flanagan, said, “This is an important development for policing in Galway and one that I believe will make a real difference on the ground.”

“The plan has been shaped by a clear understanding of the issues affecting the city and by listening to the concerns of the local community and business sector. I want to thank our recently retired Chief Superintendent, Gerry Roche, for his support in the roll-out of this plan.”

Community Policing Gardaí will also deploy the Garda Community Engagement Van to locations around Galway City to support public engagement and offer crime prevention advice to members of the public, residents and the business community.

Community Policing Gardaí/ Units also remain in place and will continue to support public engagement and offer crime prevention advice to members of the public, residents and the business community.

A programme of outdoor activities is taking place across Galway next week as women and girls are invited to take part in HER Outdoors Week 2026.

The initiative, led nationally by Sport Ireland, runs from 10 to 16 August and aims to encourage more women and girls to get active outdoors by offering opportunities to try a range of activities in a welcoming and supportive environment.

Galway Sports Partnership has partnered with local clubs, sports organisations, community groups and outdoor activity providers to deliver a programme of events across the city and county.

The programme includes walking, hiking, cycling, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, rowing and swimming, with many activities suitable for beginners and no previous experience required.

The week is designed to encourage participants of all ages and abilities to explore Galway’s outdoor spaces while enjoying the physical, mental and social benefits of being active.

Andrew McBride, Sports Coordinator with Galway Sports Partnership, said HER Outdoors Week was about making outdoor activities accessible to everyone.

“Galway is fortunate to have incredible natural amenities right on our doorstep, and this week provides the perfect opportunity for participants to experience them while meeting new people and having fun,” he said.

“Whether trying an activity for the first time or returning to something they already enjoy, HER Outdoors Week is about empowering women and girls to get active in a supportive environment.”

Organisers are encouraging people to register early as places for some activities are limited.

A full programme of events taking place across Galway City and County is available at www.galwayactive.ie. Participants can also follow the social media hashtags #FindYourOutdoors and #EmbraceYourSpace throughout the week.

Mervue playground will be closed for the next several weeks while refurbishment works are taking place.

Galway City Council has said that the playground on Michael Collins Road will be closed starting from Monday, August 10.

The refurbishment works are expected to last three to four weeks from the date of commencement.

Queries on this can be directed to Parks.Department@galwaycity.ie or by phone call to (091) 536 400.

The volunteer crew were requested to launch by the Coast Guard at lunchtime today (Sunday) to a lone sailor on board a 25 foot sailing boat which had gone aground and was taking on water near Aughinish, on the south shore of Galway Bay.

The crew of Eoin Carey, Máirtín Folan, Leo Branagan and helm James Rattigan were at the lifeboat station for a planned exercise and had just launched the lifeboat when the call came in from the Coast Guard.

This meant the lifeboat and crew were able to head without delay to the location of the stricken sailing boat, arriving around 15 minutes later.

On arrival at the casualty boat one of the lifeboat crew went on board to check on the welfare of the sailor and the condition of the boat.

The sailor was well but as the sailing boat was taking on water the crew decided to take the sailor on board the lifeboat as a safety measure. The lifeboat and crew then brought the sailor to a nearby harbour to get ashore safely.

Peter Navan was on duty as RNLI Launch Authority when the call came in from the Coast Guard. He said, “The sea conditions were moderate this afternoon with some wind and the visibility was poor.”

“Despite this the lifeboat and crew were able to cross Galway Bay to the south shore in good time. We knew from the Coast Guard that a sailing boat had gone aground and was taking on water so there was no time to waste.”

“Luckily we had the lifeboat and crew already on the water when the call came in which really helped to speed things up.”

“The crew’s assessment of the condition of the sailing boat was that it wasn’t safe to tow and as it wasn’t near the shipping channel or in any danger to other boats or water users it was left on anchor. Our priority is always the welfare of the casualty and our crew and making sure they all get home safely.”

“Today was an example of the importance of having the means of communicating with you at all times when on the water. And also to call for help when you get into trouble and not wait to see if things improve. ”

“The sailor did the right thing by making the call to the Coast Guard once the boat went aground which meant that we were able to get the lifeboat and crew ready and heading to the casualty boat in good time in order to rescue the sailor.”

The sailor on the stranded boat had dropped their anchor and was wearing their lifejacket by the time the lifeboat arrived, which Peter stressed was the right thing to do.

“Our advice is to use an anchor in an emergency. It can prevent you from drifting and make it easier for our crew to find you. Always have an anchor suitable for your boat and practise using it so that it is second nature if you need to anchor in an emergency.”

This rescue was also the first shout out for new helm James Rattigan, taking his place at the front of the Galway lifeboat.

The €176,000 renovation replaced all major equipment with new play structures and safety surfacing, playing into Athenry’s medieval heritage with a large castle climbing frame, horse themed see-saw, and natural wood throughout.

The joint project between Athenry Community Playground Group and Athenry Community Council received funding from Galway Rural Development, Galway County Council, and local donors.

“Completing this phase has been a huge morale boost for the town, but we’re not done yet,” said Erin Maglione, chairperson of Athenry Community Playground Group.

The twenty-year-old playground still has equipment that needs repairing, which the volunteer group hopes the Big Day Out will help raise funds for. The event will raise money to replace the zipline platform, repair the wheelchair roundabout, and install a covered seating area.

Last year, the community event saw over 1,000 people and raised funds for the renovation of Athenry playground. This year, the event will mark its grand reopening.

The Big Day Out will fill Athenry Town Park on Saturday from noon to 4:00 p.m. with a makers mart, food trucks, and live music from local artists like Sinead Murphy, Philip Joyce, and more. A ribbon cutting to open the renovated playground will also take place, with the community encouraged to participate.

Local councillor Peter Feeney volunteered on the original committee twenty years ago, and played a major role in creating the amenity.

“It’s a full-circle moment for me. I remember the grand opening in 2004, and have been pleased to see a new group of local parents take an interest in reviving the space,” he said.

For a ticket, children and families can enjoy activities hosted by Athenry Playground Group, including circus performances from Fishy ‘n Dishy, Ultraflex dance workshops, storytelling, art workshops, crazy golf, Music with Miss Dolly, face painting, and more.

The playground group received grant funding from Galway County Council and Creative Ireland to have Drumadore and yoga workshops for teens and families at the event.

Tickets (€15 per child and €5 for adults) can be purchased at athenryplayground.ie. All proceeds will go toward the continued renovation of the playground.

“Seeing so many families, local businesses, and volunteers come together to support this project has been inspiring,” said Kim Somers, owner of Ultraflex Dance. “We’re proud to have played a part in something that will benefit Athenry for years to come.”

A man arrested in connection with a shooting in Ballinasloe earlier this week has been released without charge.

Gardaí are investigating a shooting incident at a residence in Dunlo, Ballinasloe on Monday, August 3 in which one person was injured.

A man in his 20s was arrested in connection with this incident on Wednesday, August 5.

He has since been released without charge, and An Garda Síochána has said that a file will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Galway City Council has issued temporary swimming bans for Ballyloughane and Grattan Roacd beaches due to poor water quality testing results.

The council issued the prohibition notice for both beaches after receiving test results from water sampling done on Tuesday, August 4.

Prior warning notices had previously been issued for them, but these have now been upgraded to full swimming bans.

Further water sampling was done on Thursday, August 6, the results of which are expected next Monday.

A drop-in public meeting will be held next week to discuss plans for the Monivea Road active travel scheme, for which a planning application has been made.

Galway City Council is seeking to improve walking and cycling infrastructure along the length of Monivea Road (East) between the junction with the Ballybane road and Old Ballybrit Road.

The existing Monivea Road is a single lane two-way carriageway, widening in places to two lanes at junctions to allow for turning lanes. Monivea Road has no existing cycling infrastructure but has footways on both sides of its length. The section of Monivea Road under consideration is approximately 1.7km long.

The development will consist of:

• The provision of a typically 3m wide two-way cycle track, reducing in places where constraints exist.
• Reduction in road carriageway widths (typically 3.2m wide lanes).
• Junction realignments and the introduction of raised crossings on all side roads to prioritise pedestrian and cyclist movements.
• Straight through cycle lane/track crossings on all side road junctions to prioritise cyclists’ movements.
• The provision of signalised crossings for pedestrians and cyclists.
• The introduction of pedestrian and shared crossing points at several locations.
• The provision of landscaping along the routes.

A drop-in public information event for this project will be held on at St. James’ GAA Clubhouse, Michael Collins Road (H91 H983) on August 13, between 3:00pm and 7:00pm.

A man in his 20s has been arrested in connection with a shooting at a home in Ballinasloe earlier this week.

Gardai and emergency services attended a home at Dunlo, Ballinasloe at 3:15am on Monday after reports of a firearm being discharged.

One man was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after this incident.

A man in his 20s has now been arrested in connection with this incident, and is currently detained at a Garda station in the region.

An Garda Síochána has said that investigations into this shooting are ongoing.

People across County Galway are being invited to play a key role in developing the future of sport and physical activity as work begins on a new strategic plan for the county.

Galway County Council and Galway Local Sports Partnership have launched a public consultation on the Local Sports Plan, which will set out priorities for investment, facilities and programmes over the coming years.

The plan aims to increase participation in sport, improve access to opportunities for people of all ages and abilities, and support healthier and more connected communities.

Residents, sports clubs, community groups, schools, older people and people with disabilities are all being encouraged to take part and share their views.

Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council Cllr Andrew Reddington said sport and physical activity played a vital role in bringing communities together and improving quality of life.

“Across County Galway we have seen the positive impact of investment in community facilities, walking trails, recreational amenities and local sports programmes.

“This consultation gives residents, clubs, schools and community groups the opportunity to influence the future direction of sport and physical activity in our county.”

Galway County Council Chief Executive Liam Conneally said the plan would help shape how the county supports active lifestyles into the future.

“Galway County Council is committed to creating an ambitious, thriving and connected county where everyone can enjoy an active and healthy lifestyle.

“This new Local Sports Plan will help shape how we invest in facilities, programmes and initiatives that support our communities for years to come.”

A series of public meetings will take place across the county from August 25 to 27. The first events will be held at Oughterard Courthouse and Gullanes Hotel in Ballinasloe on August 25, followed by Gort Town Hall and Athenry Community Hall on August 26.

The final consultation event will take place at Harmony Hall in Tuam on August 27. All meetings will run from 7pm to 9pm.

People can also share their views through online surveys on www.galway.ie as part of the consultation process.

Galway Sports Partnership Coordinator Andrew McBride said the consultation was an opportunity to hear from people who are already active and those who face barriers to participation.

“We want to hear from those who are already active, as well as those who would like more opportunities to participate.

“The feedback we receive will help us develop a plan that will help create an ‘Active, Vibrant, Healthy Galway for All’ and ensure future investment reflects the needs of communities throughout the county.”

The consultation is being supported by S3 Solutions, which is working with Galway County Council and Galway Local Sports Partnership on the development of the plan.