University of Galway has announced its new Library is to be named in memory of Dr Karen Guinee, a medicine graduate.

Dr Karen Guinee died in 2006, shortly after completing her studies at the University. She is remembered as a gifted and compassionate alumna who completed her education and training as a doctor with distinction.

The announcement of the Dr Karen Guinee Library follows a significant philanthropic gift from the Michael Guinee Charitable Foundation, which is also supporting the establishment of a new scholarship for medical students in memory of Dr Guinee.

University of Galway extends heartfelt gratitude to the Foundation and ongoing sympathies to the Guinee family, as Dr Karen Guinee’s legacy lives on with us.

The Guinee family said, “We, the Guinee family, are so proud and honoured at the announcement of the naming of the Dr Karen Guinee Library at University of Galway.”

“Karen was tragically taken from us almost 20 years ago, a week away from her graduation as a doctor. Her death has left a void and placed an unspeakable trauma on us all as a family.”

“Karen was so terrifically bright, kind, loving and caring. We miss her everyday and her loss in this world is felt by everyone who knew her.”

“The Dr Karen Guinee Library will serve as a living tribute to Karen. For us as a family, it will give a deeper meaning to her absence.

“During Karen’s six years studying medicine in University of Galway, the Library would have become a second home – one where she would have spent countless hours with friends, sharing knowledge and enriching herself with ideas and plans for her future career.”

“As a family, we hope that every student will carry Karen’s memory forward, in a beautiful state-of-the-art facility that Karen undoubtedly would have loved.Karen’s life was cut short, but her legacy lives on.”

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Michael Guinee, Karen’s uncle and godfather, the Michael Guinee Charitable Foundation, and all those involved at University of Galway.

“May there be comfort in knowing that someone so special will never be forgotten.”

President of University of Galway, Professor David Burn, paid tribute to the Guinee family and the foundation on behalf of the university.

“We are honouring Dr Karen Guinee not because of the tragedy that occurred, but because of the life she lived. By naming the University of Galway Library after her, we acknowledge her aspirations, her compassion and her deep commitment to helping others.”

“In doing so, we send a message about the safe, respectful and inclusive University we strive for and the type of community and society we work to uphold.”

“The Dr Karen Guinee Library is more than a building; it is a legacy. It will be a place of study and discovery, but also a place of resilience, and hope.”

Dr Michael Guinee, Chairman of the Michael Guinee Charitable Foundation, said: “As the first person in her family to go to university, Karen carried with her the dreams and hopes of her family and the promise of her career as a doctor.”

“Her passing was a profound loss to me as her godfather and to her family, friends, and the community she had already begun to serve with such care and dedication.”

“By naming the new University of Galway Library in her name, it is my hope that we can honour her memory, and inspire future generations of students to a career of excellence, dedication and service.”

Monica Crump, University of Galway Librarian, said: “The Dr Karen Guinee Library will stand as a place of learning and research, inspiration and innovation, collaboration and quiet reflection – a fitting tribute to a young woman whose life, though brief, was filled with purpose, warmth, and promise. It is an honour for us to be associated with that memory.”

The Dr Karen Guinee Library at University of Galway is currently under construction in the centre of the Galway city campus and will be a central hub for learning, research, collaboration, and community.

The landmark development overlooks the Corrib and is visible from the Newcastle Road area and the Quincentenary Bridge. A stand-out feature is that the ground floor will be open to the general public.

The building of the Dr Karen Guinee Library at University of Galway is also supported by Government with a €15 million capital grant from the government.

Additional philanthropic support for the building of the Dr Karen Guinee Library has been generously provided by a group of lead alumni and other individual donors, and by corporate supporters including CBE and Anthony Ryan Ltd.

Construction is expected to be completed in 2027.

The Aran Islands RNLI lifeboat came to the aid of three fishermen on a trawler that had lost power and was drifting into a main channel last week.

On Thursday, January 8, the lifeboat was called out in response to a vessel that got into difficulty southwest of Spiddal in Galway Bay.

Volunteers were requested to launch their all-weather lifeboat at 1:05pm to assess the situation where a trawler had gotten a net caught in its propeller, causing it to lose power.

Weather conditions at the time were good with a northerly force 3-4 wind and a half metre swell.

The lifeboat launched under Coxswain Declan Corrigan and with four crew members onboard, and arrived on scene an hour later.

Once on scene, the crew observed that while the fishermen were safe and well, the vessel was drifting into the main channel.

Due to the potential navigational hazard, it was decided that the safest course of action was to establish a tow and bring the vessel and its crew to the nearest safe harbour at Rossaveel.

Once the vessel was alongside, the lifeboat crew made their way home, arriving at 5:20pm.

Speaking following the call out, Coxswain Declan Corrigan said, “The fishermen did the right thing in raising the alarm when they knew they couldn’t make any safe onward progress, and we were happy to assist as the tow was necessary to prevent any risk to navigation.”

“We would remind anyone planning a trip to sea to go prepared. Always wear a lifejacket or suitable flotation device for your activity, always carry a means of communication and should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”

€2.5 million in funding has been provided to date for the refurbishment of vacant properties in Galway City.

The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant scheme has so far provided funding to bring a total of 49 properties in Galway City back into use.

Under the current VPRG scheme, a grant of up €50,000 is available for refurbishment of vacant properties as principal private residences, and for rental properties where the tenancy is registered with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB).

Where the refurbishment costs are expected to exceed €50,000, a further top-up grant of up to €20,000 is available for derelict properties, bringing the total grant to €70,000.

Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Mike Cubbard said, “The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant scheme was introduced in 2022 to bring vacant and derelict properties back into use as family homes and rental residential units.”

“The expanded scheme will target conversion of commercial properties into homes, and vacant ‘above the shop’ units – potentially unlocking a significant number of new homes throughout Galway City.”

The VPRG scheme is now being extended to include vacant/ derelict commercial properties that are being converted in their entirety into more than one home.

In addition to the current grant of up to €50,000/ €70,000, an additional €20,000 will be available for a second residential unit and a further €20,000 where three or more units are created.

This brings the total package for commercial buildings being converted into three or more residential units up to €115,000 – including a new ‘expert advice grant’ of €5,000.

As part of the expanded scheme, a specific Vacant Above the Shop Grant is being introduced, with stepped-up funding of up to €140,000 where commercial use continues on the ground floor.

Where one residential unit is being created above a commercial unit, a grant of up to €95,000 will be available. Where two units are created, an additional top-up of €20,000 will be available. Where three or more units are created, a top-up of €40,000 on the grant of €95,000 will be available.

Leonard Cleary, Chief Executive, Galway City Council said, “Through the continued VPRG, 20,000 homes nationwide will be brought back into use by 2030 – including both vacant and derelict properties, and through the expansion of the scheme to include ‘above the shop’ residential units.”

“The scheme has seen significant investment in Galway City to date, and I welcome this continued commitment to the revitalisation of our city, and the creation of new homes”.

In tandem with the Vacant Above the Shop Grant, a new Expert Advice Grant of up to €5,000 will be made available to building owners who may be considering conversions/ refurbishments. This will bring the total package available for these properties to €140,000.

The additional grant amounts and the expert advice grant recognise the complexities involved in bringing vacant space above commercial premises and conversion of former commercial buildings into multi-residential units into residential use – including, for example, separate access, fire separation and so on.

It is intended that the Vacant Above the Shop Grant and the extended grant for conversion of an entire former commercial building will be in operation by the end of Q1 2026.

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is currently developing the scheme specifics and documentation.

The price of the average second-hand three-bed semi in County Galway rose to €310,000 in 2025, up 14.8% from €270,000 at the end of 2024, according to a national survey by Real Estate Alliance.

In Galway city, average prices rose over the past twelve months to €395,000, up 6.8% from €370,000 in 2024, the Q4 REA Average House Price Index shows.

Across the county, the average time taken to sell this quarter was four weeks.

“There was an increase in supply in the quarter and prices have remained steady in that period,” said Kevin Burke of REA McGreal Burke.

“The market remains very busy overall and strong across the county, with lots of active buyers.”

“There is currently a limited supply at first time buyer level, and strong demand has driven price increases over the past 12 months, as Galway city commuters seeks value.”

The survey shows that this quarter, 60% of purchasers in the city and 70% across the county were first-time buyers, while a total of 20% of sales in the county, and 10% in Galway city, were attributed to landlords leaving the market.

Additionally, agents in Galway reported that the BER ratings of properties saw A-rated properties command 15% price increases in the city and 10% across the county in comparison to comparable C-rated properties.

The REA Average House Price Index concentrates on the sale price of Ireland’s typical stock home, the three-bed semi, giving an accurate picture of the second-hand property market in towns and cities countrywide.

A recent rise in landlords exiting the housing market is set to sharply increase in the first months of 2026, according to agents.

The impending nationwide rent pressure zone at the end of February has seen a 38% annual increase in landlord sales in many areas now included in the legislation according to the REA.

The actual selling price of a three-bed, semi-detached house across the country rose by 1.6% in the past three months to €359,417.

This represents an 8.7% overall rise annually – a gradual slowing from the 10.3pc increase registered six months ago.

Actual selling prices in Dublin city rose by 1.5% in the last three months, with the average three-bed semi in the capital’s postcode areas now selling at €586,000, an 8.1pc annual rise.

Selling prices in Ireland’s major cities outside Dublin rose by 1.3% to an average of €373,750 – a 7.4% annual increase.

Homes in the country’s large towns showed the biggest increases nationwide, 1.75% this quarter and 9.9% on last December to an average of €275,611 – with homes taking one week longer to reach a sale agreed, at five weeks.

Prices in commuter counties rose by 1.6% to €373,513, and while supply continues to cause issues, there is an anticipation of further landlord sales across the area in the new year.

The Emergency Department at University Hospital Galway is extremely busy with high numbers of people attending the department who need to be admitted to hospital for ongoing treatment.

At the weekend over 400 people attended the Emergency Department. As of this morning there are currently 23 patients on trollies in the Emergency Department and a total of 20 patients on trollies at ward level. All available surge areas are in use, with 45 patients in day wards and AMU awaiting a bed at ward level.

The hospital is implementing all possible measures to improve patient flow and reduce delays in the Emergency Department and is asking the public to consider all available healthcare options before attending.

Everyone who presents will be treated, with priority given to those who are seriously ill or injured. Patients who do not require urgent care unfortunately may experience longer waiting times.

All available beds in the hospital are in use. Patients are facing long waiting times to be admitted from the Emergency Department to a bed on a ward.

The hospital has said that every effort is being made to discharge patients who are ready to go home so that beds will become available for patients who need to be admitted, at the earliest opportunity.

Due to these ongoing pressures and the lack of bed capacity, the hospital is postponing some elective procedures.

Urgent and time-sensitive procedures are being prioritised. Patients are being contacted directly if their procedure is being postponed.

The hospital acknowledges that these delays are very difficult for patients and their families and apologises for the inconvenience and distress these delays cause.

“We request that people only attend the Emergency Department at the hospital if it is an emergency situation,” a statement from UHG said.

“We ask that people attend their GP or out of hours service in the first instance if at all possible. The Roscommon Injury Unit is also open from 8am to 8pm daily, to treat a range of injuries in both adults and children over the age of five.”

“The hospital is committed to treating everyone who presents at the Emergency Department; people who are seriously injured or ill are assessed and treated as a priority and those who do not require urgent care may be waiting longer.”

One man was arrested in connection with a drugs raid where an estimated €95,000 worth of suspected cocaine was seized in Galway City over the weekend.

On Saturday, January 10, Gardaí from the Galway Divisional Drugs Unit searched a house in the Rahoon area.

During the course of the search of a house, cocaine with an estimated street value of €95,000, a press and other drug paraphernalia were seized.

A man in his 40s was arrested in connection with the investigation and detained at a station in the Garda North Western Region under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.

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

The seized drugs will be sent to Forensic Science Ireland for analysis. An Garda Síochána have said that investigations are ongoing.

Churchyard Street in Galway City will be undergoing roadworks for the coming month, starting from next week.

Galway City Council is carrying out street rehabilitation and drainage upgrade works on the road.

This will necessitate a 24/7 closure of the street between its junctions with Shop Street and Lombard Street.

The works are due to commence on Monday, January 12, and will last until Friday, March 13.

A temporary diversion route will be in place via Mainguard Street, from Shop Street lower, onto Lombard Street.

Localised access will be maintained as permitted within the limitations of those within the existing pedestrianised zone.

Met Éireann has issued a weather warning for heavy winds in Galway tomorrow, which may create a risk for motorists.

A status yellow wind warning has been issued for Clare, Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Sligo, Wexford, and Wicklow.

This will be in effect from 4pm on Sunday until midnight the same day.

During the latter half of the day, it will be extremely windy, with strong and gusty southwest winds.

These may result in some wave overtopping in coastal areas, along with fallen trees and branches and loose objects displaced.

Met Éireann has warned that the weather conditions and their impacts could create difficult travelling conditions on Sunday.

William Street West in Galway City Centre will be closed for two weeks in January, with traffic diversions in place.

Galway City Council has made an order for the closure of William Street West from Small Crane to Munster Avenue.

This is to allow for urgent upgrades of water infrastructure to take place from Monday, January 12, through to Friday, January 23.

East-bound traffic will be diverted via Small Crane, St. Joseph’s Avenue & Henry Street.

West-bound traffic will be diverted via Henry Street, New Street West & Small Crane.

Localised access and access for pedestrians and cyclists will be maintained at all times.

Advance diversion signage will be in place prior to work commencing.

The RISE Community Fund has announced that it is inviting National Schools in Co Galway to apply for a new round of cash grants as part of a nationwide initiative to empower young people in rural communities through technology.

The not-for-profit fund is calling on primary schools across Galway to apply for funding to support plans to use broadband and technology to enhance learning experiences for children or to improve school infrastructure and operations.

Applications are open until 14 February 2026, with the simple application form available at www.riseglobalfoundation.com.

Supported by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) and a group of corporate partners involved in the delivery of the Government’s National Broadband Plan including KPMG, Circet, TLI Group, Entegro and Obelisk, the RISE Community Fund plans to award cash grants to schools across all 26 counties throughout 2026, in line with the completion of the national broadband fibre rollout.

With an investment of €153m, 41,000 homes, farms, businesses and schools in Co Galway are included in NBI’s rollout of the Government’s National Broadband Plan. Over 33,000 of these premises are already able to place an order for high-speed fibre broadband, and take-up rates exceed 60% in areas of the country where the network has been live longest.

Established by NBI Chairman David McCourt, the RISE Community Fund has awarded over 160 cash grants since its launch, supporting rural schools, farms, small businesses, social enterprises and community groups that are using technology to scale the positive impact of their work.

This new funding round represents a focused effort to ensure that children in Co Galway and rural communities nationwide can fully benefit from high-speed broadband connectivity as it becomes available.

Speaking about the announcement, David McCourt said, “From the outset, RISE was created to complement the National Broadband Plan by helping communities make the most of high-speed connectivity.”

“As we look ahead to completing the broadband rollout in 2026, we’re delighted to support National Schools in Co Galway, giving young people in rural communities the tools, skills and opportunities they need to thrive in a digital world.”

TJ Malone, Chief Executive Officer at National Broadband Ireland, added, “The National Broadband Plan is being delivered on time and on budget, and as we move towards its completion in 2026, it’s important that we continue to give back to the communities the project serves.”

“Through RISE, NBI and our partners are proud to support schools in Co Galway as they explore new ways to use technology to enhance education and improve school environments.”

The RISE Community Fund encourages National Schools in Co Galway to outline how grant funding could support digital learning initiatives, classroom technology, connectivity projects, or other creative uses of technology that benefit pupils, teachers and the wider school community.

Water supply has been restored to normal levels in Oranmore this morning after the successful overnight repair of a burst water main at Tudor Vale.

The unplanned outage on Thursday evening caused supply disruptions to Uisce Éireann customers in Oranmore Town Centre and surrounding areas.

Uisce Éireann crews responded to the burst and worked into the early hours of the morning to isolate and repair the burst main.

Repairs were complete at approximately 3am and supplies have returned to normal levels for affected customers this morning.

Gerard Greally, Uisce Éireann Water Operations Manager, thanked affected customers for their understanding and commended the efforts of the crews who worked through the night to repair the burst.

“This was a complex burst which impacted supply to customers in Oranmore Town Centre and the surrounding areas.”

“We acknowledge the inconvenience of an unplanned outage and thank customers for their patience while repairs were carried out,” said Gerard.

Prospective mature students and adult learners considering a return to education are invited to a special information event at University of Galway.

The information evening will take place on campus on Thursday January 15th from 6pm-9pm in the Institute for Lifecourse and Society, Upper Newcastle Road.

Hosted by the University’s Access Centre, the event will outline the CAO application process, entry pathways, funding options and practical supports available to adults who are thinking about returning to study.

Students who have successfully returned to education and transformed their careers and confidence will also give first-hand accounts of their experience.

The event is open to anyone aged 23 or over who is applying through the CAO as a mature student, as well as adults considering upskilling, retraining or returning to education and those interested in Access courses or flexible learning opportunities, such as Microcreds.

Staff will be on hand to discuss degree programmes, career opportunities and unique learning experiences at the University.

The Career Development Centre will also provide expert advice on career pathways and progression after completing a qualification.

The information evening will highlight the wide range of flexible learning options available for adult learners.

Representatives from the Centre for Adult Learning and Professional Development will showcase short courses, languages, online learning and professional development programmes tailored to fit around work, family and life commitments.

The event will also serve as a gateway to the University’s Access Foundation Diploma Courses, which support learners at a pre-university level to build confidence, academic skills and a strong platform for success in a full degree.

Kathleen Hartigan, Mature Students Officer, Access Centre, University of Galway, said: “There is truly a place for everyone at University of Galway. Whether you choose a full-time degree, take your first step through an Access course, or pursue flexible lifelong learning, our community is here to support you to reach your full potential.”

Nuala McGuinn, Director of the Centre for Adult Learning and Professional Development, said, “Technological change is reshaping how we work, learn and develop new skills across every sector. But lifelong learning isn’t only about careers – it’s also about curiosity and the joy of learning something new.”

“Whether someone is pursuing a short micro-credential, a flexible part-time undergraduate or postgraduate course, our staff are ready to help people find learning opportunities that fit their lives.”

For further information or to register to attend, visit www.universityofgalway.ie/mature.

Croí, the Heart & Stroke Charity, in collaboration with University Hospital Galway, is holding a free public event dedicated to managing high blood pressure.

Taking place on Wednesday, January 14, at 5:30 pm, at the Croí Heart & Stroke Centre, Moyola Lane, Newcastle, Galway, this special evening is open to anyone living with or supporting someone with high blood pressure (hypertension).

Often called the “silent killer”, high blood pressure rarely shows symptoms but significantly increases your risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.

This event will provide updates on the latest treatment options to help you take control of your blood pressure and overall health.

Attendees will hear from Professor Faisal Sharif, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, University Hospital Galway.

He will provide expert insights into the causes and consequences of hypertension and discuss innovative treatment options, including renal denervation – an option for those with resistant or uncontrolled high blood pressure.

Free blood pressure checks will be provided by experienced nursing staff, available from 5:30 pm, and the talk will take place at 6:30 pm.

This event is a valuable opportunity to ask questions and learn more in a relaxed, supportive environment.

Whether you are newly diagnosed, struggling to manage your blood pressure, or supporting a loved one, this event is for you.

Admission is free, but booking is advised as spots fill up quickly. Book now via www.croi.ie/events.

26 people were killed on Irish roads, 765 people were arrested for drink or drug driving, and over 25,000 caught speeding over the Christmas period.

Gardaí carried out a dedicated road traffic enforcement operation throughout the 2025 Christmas period, which began on Monday, December 1 and continued until Monday, January 5.

One of the most serious speeding offences caught during this time was a driver in Galway doing 201km/hr in a 120km/hr zone on the M18 at Kinvara.

During this month long period, 26 people were killed as a result of over 70 serious collisions that saw others seriously injured.

190 people lost their lives in road traffic collisions on Irish roads in 2025. Two people have already lost their lives on Irish roads in 2026.

During the course of the operation, An Garda Síochána carried out nearly 10,000 checkpoints, both statutory Mandatory Intoxicant Testing (MIT) and regular, high-visibility policing checkpoints.

765 people were arrested during this period for driving under the influence of an intoxicant (56% primarily alcohol and 44% primarily drugs).

Nearly 26,500 drivers were detected for speeding offences by An Garda Síochána, Mobile Safety Camera Vans and Static Safety Cameras by our Road Safety Partners, GoSafe.

“In doing so, these drivers put themselves, their passengers and all other road users at serious risk of death or injury. These drivers did not think of any consequences,” a garda spokesperson said.

“The 190 people who died on Irish roads left behind grieving families, friends, colleagues and traumatised communities.”

“The drivers who chose to drive while under the influence of an intoxicant and in excess of the speed limit also live in our communities and have families, friends, work colleagues who can influence them.”

“As a community working together we have shown before that we can reduce road deaths on Irish roads.”

“As a community, we need to change attitudes to road traffic offences such as driving while intoxicated and speeding, and make them unacceptable in our society.”

Gardaí seized nearly 3,000 vehicles for a range of offences under the Road Traffic Act, 1961, 59% primarily for no insurance.

In addition, nearly 1,700 Fixed Charge Notices were issued for the offence of using a mobile phone while driving and over 450 Fixed Charge Notices to vehicle users for non-wearing of seatbelts.

Nighttime water restrictions in Tully/Tullycross have been lifted by Uisce Éireann this week.

Uisce Éireann imposed water restrictions Tully/Tullycross Public Water Supply on December 30.

This was a result of a drop in the raw water quality entering the local treatment plant, which saw reservoir levels fall.

However, following works at the plant and local efforts to conserve water, the restrictions have been lifted.

Uisce Éireann’s Tony Kelly praised the community for being mindful of their water use and explained that water levels continue to be reviewed daily.

“Water reserves have recovered and are currently sufficient to ensure a continuous water supply.”

“There is no guarantee we won’t need to reintroduce nighttime restrictions, but for now we will continue to monitor and maintain the supply.”

“While the restrictions might be lifted, I urge the community to be mindful of their water use – it is a precious resource.”

Since its launch in April 2024, the COPD Virtual Care Pathway has significantly improved patient outcomes while reducing pressure on hospital services.

The innovative programme has been developed by Galway University Hospitals (GUH) in partnership with the Galway City Integrated Care Hub and the HIVE Laboratory, University of Galway,

This programme is aimed at transforming how care is delivered to people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The Virtual Care Pathway is reducing hospital attendances, preventing unnecessary admissions, and saving hundreds of bed days.

To date, the service has delivered 139 episodes of care, saving more than 1,000 hospital bed days.

Patients participating in virtual care now have an average length of stay of 5.3 days, representing a 53.57% improvement compared with the national inpatient average.

By using secure digital technology, the service allows patients to receive high-quality respiratory specialist supervision from home while remaining under the care of their treating doctors and respiratory team.

The pathway provides structured daily monitoring through a user-friendly app, where patients record daily symptoms, optimise self-management skills and use monitoring devices to track key health indicators such as oxygen levels, respiratory rate, temperature, blood pressure and heart rate.

Any concerning changes trigger real-time alerts, enabling clinicians to intervene promptly and tailor treatment plans before issues escalate.

The virtual care option also supports patients who present to the Emergency Department with stable COPD exacerbations, offering a safe alternative to hospital admission and helping to shorten stays for those already admitted.

Emma Burke, Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Respiratory and Nursing Lead for the COPD Virtual Care Pathway, said, “This Pathway is transforming how we deliver care to patients with COPD.”

“By combining clinical expertise with innovative digital tools, we are improving outcomes, enhancing patient confidence, and reducing the need for hospitalisation.”

“The feedback from patients has been overwhelmingly positive, and the impact on hospital capacity has been hugely significant.”

“The Virtual Care Pathway is enabling us to intervene earlier, treat more effectively, and ultimately keep patients well at home,” added Professor Sinead Walsh, Respiratory Lead for the Galway City Integrated Care Hub.

“It represents a major step forward in how we manage chronic respiratory disease and ensures our services are used where they are needed most.”

Professor Derek O’Keeffe, Director of the HIVE Laboratory, said, “The GUH COPD Virtual Care Pathway has shown how innovative clinical models, powered by digital health technology, can redefine and significantly improve patient care.”

Speaking about her positive experience of the service, Maureen Foley said, “The Virtual Care Pathway is a wonderful service. The support I received has helped me stay out of hospital and manage my COPD with more confidence.”

“I can call Emma anytime and get her advice and help. The breathing exercises help reduce my breathlessness so I can go about my daily life more comfortably. Thank you so much.”

This virtual healthcare initiative continues to demonstrate how digital innovation can empower patients, enhance clinical oversight, and significantly reduce demand on acute hospital services.

Athenry Community Playground will be undergoing over €150,000 worth of major upgrades in the new year with help from funding from LEADER.

Volunteers from Athenry Community Playground Group spent 2025 fundraising for the upgrades by hosting community events like Athenry’s Big Day Out, and raised over €25,000 toward the renovations.

Galway County Council also promised €40,000 of local property tax, which is used as match funding for the grant.

Athenry Community Council and Galway Rural Development worked with the group to get €122,992 through the LEADER programme 2023-2027.

The community-owned playground is over 20 years old and missing key equipment, which had to be removed for safety reasons after it began rotting.

“Children will soon be able to enjoy the playground in its full capacity,” said Dr Michelle McMahon, treasurer of ACPG. “The new equipment will have something for everyone, with special sensory and mobility elements for children with differing abilities.”

The new play elements pull from Athenry’s heritage town. “The playground is in the centre of town, between the Athenry Castle and the priory. It was important to us that the playground didn’t detract from the surrounding scenery,” said Erin Maglione, chairperson.

The new equipment, provided by Kompan, will include long-lasting weather resistant timber in a medieval theme, with a large castle climbing frame for older children and a medieval town styled junior play area.

Swing sets will also be upgraded to include multi-use swings, which will encourage parents to participate in play with their children.

This upgrade is just the beginning for Athenry, according to the group, who are actively working with Athenry Community Council to provide additional space for a teen-oriented amenity and has approached Galway County Council for help.

Unlike council owned playgrounds in Tuam and Loughrea which have designated teen spaces, Athenry playground does not currently offer any such amenity because the county council who insure the playground, will not insure a designated teen space.

“It’s an issue of ownership,” explained Shauna Coll, ACPG secretary. “There is no county council owned property in Athenry that can be used and insured as a teen space.”

“As excited as we are to be able to upgrade the playground, we acknowledge that there is a large group of our community still lacking a social space, and we want to work to remedy that.”

The group hopes the Town Centre First Programme and Galway County Council will be able to provide something for teens in Athenry.

The LEADER funded renovation is the first step for Athenry Playground and a major boost to the community, according to ACPG, but they are not stopping there. For more information on their plans visit athenryplayground.ie.