Galway Traveller Movement is holding a voter registration drive next week ahead of the Galway West by-election this May.

An Coimisiún Toghcháin, Ireland’s independent electoral commission, is partnering up with the Galway Traveller Movement to hold an in-person voter information and registration drive.

The event will take place at the Foroige Youth Service Ballybane on Tuesday, April 14.

With the Galway West Bye-Election due to take place in May, Ireland’s independent electoral commission and Galway Traveller Movement will be bringing together members of the Traveller community with a focus on promoting voter registration and providing independent information on voting.

Lee Anna Ward, Primary Health Care Coordinator of the Galway Traveller Movement, is calling on all young Galway Travellers to use their right to vote as it is a way to participate actively in the democratic process.

There will be voter registration demonstrations on site, alongside a mock polling station complete with a booth and a ballot box to illustrate the voting process.

Water mains replacement works to improve the network in Spiddal are due to begin next week and continue into the summer.

Uisce Eireann is planning to replace approximately 355 metres of ageing water mains with new, modern pipes.

These upgrades are being carried out in response to high instances of bursts on the local network and to drive down high rates of leakage from the old pipework.

This work is due to begin next week and is expected to be completed by mid-summer.

Enda Mac Namara, Uisce Éireann Programme Manager, said that residents, business-owners and visitors to An Spidéal will all enjoy the benefits of these upgrade works.

These significant upgrades will provide a more reliable supply for our customers, while reducing the risk of operational disturbances on the network and helping us work toward our goal of reducing the volume of treated drinking water lost to underground leakage,” said Enda.

In order to carry out these mains upgrades safely, a local road closure will be required at Bothar Chuanna Thoir (the L-52013-0).

Traffic diversions will be in place for the duration of the road closure. However, local and emergency access will be maintained at all times.

Fundraiser and endurance athlete Basil Mac Leod has raised over €24,000 in support of Mental Health Ireland, following a series of extraordinary physical challenges designed to inspire resilience and raise awareness around mental health.

In 2025, Basil embarked on his first major challenge—running four marathons across four different counties in just five days.

Not one to stop there, he went on to complete an even more demanding feat: a 100km ultramarathon through the Sahara Desert.

This extreme endurance event required participants to carry all essential supplies, including food, water, sleeping equipment, and safety gear, across harsh desert terrain.

Basil chose to support Mental Health Ireland because of his strong belief that mental health challenges affect people of all ages.

Through his fundraising efforts, he aimed to send a powerful message—that no matter how difficult life may feel, challenges can be faced and overcome.

Basil’s efforts were strongly supported by his local community in Louisburgh, Mayo as well as his workplace, the Maldron Hotel Oranmore, which hosted a fundraising event that contributed over €2,000 to the total.

Mental Health Ireland has expressed its sincere gratitude to Basil for his dedication, determination, and outstanding achievement in raising such a significant amount.

Louise Connolly, Fundraising Officer for Mental Health Ireland, said, “We are extremely proud of Basil for taking on two extraordinary challenges in aid of Mental Health Ireland.”

“Through his efforts, Basil has helped raise awareness for mental health in his community, and we are grateful to him for all funds raised and to everyone who donated.”

“His generosity helps Mental Health Ireland to continue promoting mental health through our campaigns, literature, and programmes, working towards an Ireland where mental health is understood, valued, and supported as an essential part of everyone’s health.”

Street Feast returns this May to help neighbours across Galway connect. With more people looking for real moments of community, President Catherine Connolly, Patron of Street Feast, is encouraging households everywhere to get involved.

Neighbourhoods across the country are being invited to pull up a chair, share some food and say hello as Street Feast, Ireland’s national weekend of community lunches and gatherings, returns on Saturday and Sunday, May 23 & 24.

Now in its 16th year, the national weekend has grown into something simple but powerful; a chance for neighbours to come together in a way that makes everyday life feel a little warmer and more connected.

With more people looking for real moments of community, President Catherine Connolly, Patron of Street Feast, is encouraging households everywhere to get involved.

“As patron, I am delighted to support Street Feast, which brings neighbours together and strengthens communities through the simple act of sharing a meal.”

This year marks the beginning of a new chapter as Tesco Ireland steps in as Street Feast’s sponsor for the next three years.

With Tesco’s support, Street Feast is aiming high, with an ambition to grow participation from 962 neighbourhoods last year to 1,200 feasts in 2026, helping thousands more people come together across the country.

Last year, an estimated 88,000 people took part, a 24% rise in hosts, providing a clear sign of how strongly people value real-world connections.

New research from the Street Feast team shows:

• Participants are twice as likely to know their neighbours well after taking part in a Street Feast.
• 75% of hosts say their area feels friendlier afterwards.
• 43% met neighbours from different cultures or backgrounds for the first time.

These are the kinds of small, everyday interactions that make a difference. A simple shared table, a chat at the end of the street – these are the moments that help turn a place where you live into a place where you feel you belong.

Sam Bishop, CoFounder and CEO of Street Feast, said, “At its heart, Street Feast starts with a simple hello. Even as we stay connected online, many of us still don’t know who lives next door. Street Feast creates moments that spark real conversations and genuine connections that last long after the day itself.”

Hosting a Street Feast doesn’t require much more than a spot to gather and a willingness to bring people together. Anyone who registers at StreetFeast.ie will get a free party pack delivered to their door, stocked with bunting, posters, invitations and a DIY guide.

There’s also the option to collect a pack from one of 20 participating Tesco stores. These Tesco packs come with all the standard goodies, along with Tesco sample favourites for the table, street chalk and simple games to help break the ice.

The N6 Galway City Ring Road represents one of the “most important infrastructure projects ever undertaken” for the city, Mayor Mike Cubbard has said.

An Coimisiún Pleanála granted planning permission for the 18km bypass road on Thursday after years of delays.

The project first received planning approval in December 2021, but that was later quashed after a judicial review found that new environmental regulations had not been properly considered in the decision.

Mayor of Galway Cllr. Mkie Cubbard said that the fresh approval marks a significant milestone for the region.

“The Ring Road is one of the largest and most important infrastructure projects ever undertaken in Galway and will bring benefits not just for the city, but for the county and the wider west of Ireland,” he said.

Councillor Cubbard noted, however, that the project alone will not resolve Galway’s long-standing traffic issues.

He said that, alongside initiatives such as BusConnects, active travel investment and increased rail capacity, the Ring Road will play an important role in improving overall transport in the city.

“The Ring Road is not a silver bullet for our city’s traffic congestion issues,” he explained. “While this project will help to remove some traffic from the city and greatly improve connectivity between east Galway and Connemara, we must continue to introduce further measures to encourage a shift towards public transport.”

He added that improving bus and rail services is essential, warning that traffic congestion and limited public transport options are currently acting as barriers to business investment, retail activity and tourism.

Councillor Cubbard also stressed the importance of supporting those directly impacted by the development.

“It is essential that Galway City and County Councils, along with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, engage meaningfully with affected individuals and families, particularly those who may face the loss of property. Ensuring they are supported and assisted to relocate as smoothly as possible must be a priority,” he said.

He said he now hopes the project can proceed without further unnecessary delays and deliver long-term benefits for the region in terms of connectivity, transport efficiency and quality of life.

A status yellow weather warning will be in place for Galway this afternoon, with strong winds lasting into Friday night.

The wind warning has been issued by Met Éireann for counties Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, and Sligo today.

From midday until 9pm tonight, the west coast will experience strong and gusty south to southeast winds.

People may experience difficult travelling conditions on Friday with a risk of fallen branches.

Cork, Kerry, and Waterford are also under a status yellow rain warning today until 9pm.

Back in Galway, temperatures will reach highs of 6 – 8 degrees today, dropping to lows of 2 – 4 degrees overnight.

Persistent rain will become widespread this morning, with some heavy and squally bursts possible, especially in the late afternoon and evening.

A public consultation is underway on plans to connect green spaces across Renmore, Ballyloughane Beach and Lough Atalia into a single community park.

The Renmore Neighbourhood Park Project has advanced to the preferred designs stage after review of community feedback taken in spring and autumn 2025.

Information Boards on the different concepts for the three areas can be found on the project website: Renmorepark.com.

Galway City Council and the Design Team would like to invite you to view the preferred designs and provide feedback via the short online survey.

This survey is available via the project website. The submission period closes on Sunday, May 10.

A drop-in public engagement event will also take place on Monday, April 20 from 3:30pm to 8pm at the Connacht Hotel.

Galway Chamber and IBEC have welcomed planning approval for the N6 Galway City Ring Road announced today, emphasising its importance to the city’s future.

Galway Chamber has called for immediate progress on the N6 Galway City Ring Road after An Coimisiún Pleanála approved the project, warning that any further delay would undermine the region’s economic prospects.

The Chamber, which represents 500 businesses employing 30,000 people in Galway city, said congestion is continuing to damage productivity, investment and quality of life.

Chief executive Karen Ronan said the decision marked an important step but insisted that Galway “has waited long enough”.

“This project has been discussed, delayed and debated for years while congestion has continued to worsen, impacting our economy, our environment and the daily lives of people across the region. The time for delivery is now,” she said.

Ms Ronan said the Ring Road would not solve Galway’s traffic problems on its own but was “a central part of a multistrand approach”, with BusConnects, expanded rail services and investment in cycling infrastructure all required to tackle the city’s transport challenges.

She also warned that the project “cannot afford to be beset by additional legal and administrative delays that have affected it since the outset” and urged Galway County Council, Galway City Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland to move without delay to the detailed design and procurement stage.

The Chamber said the Ring Road remains essential to unlocking economic growth and restoring Galway’s competitiveness as a regional and international investment location.

It said the project must now be treated as a national priority and aligned with the State’s commitments to balanced regional development under the National Planning Framework.

“This is not just a Galway issue. It is a national economic issue. If we are serious about regional development, then projects like the Galway Ring Road must be delivered with urgency and accountability,” Ms Ronan said.

Helen Leahy, Head of Regional Policy at IBEC, said, “The Galway City Ring Road is an infrastructure project of national significance and a key growth enabler for the entire West region.”

She added that the road is a “core component” of a wider transport solution for Galway, providing more space for sustainable travel in the city and supporting population growth.

“The ring road will support improved accessibility across the county and will enhance mobility in the city. It will tackle the city’s congestion challenges by reducing the number of cars, creating a city centre more conducive to walking and cycling, and more efficient for cross city public transport journeys.”

“This will lead to improved quality of life for residents and workers and make the city more liveable and attractive. Addressing bottlenecks and traffic congestion in the city centre will also reduce vehicle emissions and support ambitious climate action and sustainable development commitments.”

“The project is long overdue and urgently needed to meet existing and future city transport needs. Business has been waiting for 20 years for progress on this; the focus must now shift to actually delivering the project. It is a vital enabler for strong, balanced, and sustainable growth.”

Gardaí have said that they are entering into an “enforcement phase” in response to ongoing fuel protests that include blocking fuel from leaving Galway harbour.

The blockade of the fuel depot continues this morning, RTÉ reports, with protestors in trucks and tractors remaining at the docks.

Speaking today, Deputy Commissioner Shauna Coxon said, “Yesterday, we advised protestors that they were severely impacting on the lives of people, particularly emergency workers, those who need to attend hospital, and workers.”

“Despite our significant and prolonged engagement, which has included explaining and encouraging protestors to facilitate free movement of traffic, it is clear that some people have significantly escalated an already difficult situation by targeting critical infrastructure such as fuel depots and refineries.”

“These are no longer protests; they are blockades. These blockades are putting at risk supplies of food, fuel, clean water and animal feed. These are critical for the nation and its people.”

She added that such blockades are against the law, and that Gardaí are moving to an “enforcement phase” in relation to “those impacting on critical infrastructure” unless they cease, as part of a graduated policing response.

Dean Doherty (aged 46) from Ballybofey in Co. Donegal is the owner of a magnificent new home in the beautiful seaside village of Kinvara after winning the hugely exciting Win a Home on Galway Bay fundraising draw.

He was the first ticket out of the drum at the big finale in Loughrea on Tuesday night.

“I just can’t believe it. I bought a ticket just a couple of days before the big draw and was in Spain when I got the call from Galway GAA. I’m still shaking,” said Dean.

The Donegal man works as a chef on cruise ships all over the world. “I’d always dreamed of owning a house, so this is just incredible. I lost in Cheltenham recently on the horses, so this certainly makes up for that,” he added jokingly.

In just over four months, Galway GAA raised over €1.45 million in ticket sales, with the fundraising project proving to be a huge success.

“I just want to thank everybody who supported us and bought tickets since we launched our campaign last November. The response locally, nationally and around the world has just been amazing,” said Paul Bellew, Chairperson of Galway GAA.

“We were delighted the draw was able to support our camogie champions’ team holiday to New York in February. I’d also like to thank all our clubs who got involved and benefited from the project and all the local businesses that helped us along the way.”

“But a special word of thanks to the brilliant team who worked tirelessly on this draw in Tommy Kelly, Sean O’Connor, Seamus Hogan, Cara Martin, Aidan Brady (Aidan Brady & Co. Ltd), Cormac Donoghue (JEL Marketing) and Paul Byrnes Media,” added Paul.

Tickets were bought in all 32 counties, across Europe and around the world, including Asia and Australia as well all over the USA. The full draw is available on the website www.winahomeongalwaybay.com.

The N6 Galway City Ring Road has received planning permission after a years-long process beset by delays.

Galway County Council, Galway City Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) welcomed the news of the approval granted by An Coimisiún Pleanála today.

The ring road project first received planning permission in 2021. However, the plan had to be resubmitted after a review found that new environmental regulations had not been properly accounted for.

The planned 18km route would take traffic around Galway City from the N6 out to Barna.

The project has been highly controversial. Supporters say that it is needed to address chronic traffic problems in Galway City. Critics of the plans say that building roads will only encourage more car usage, and that investment should go to public transport instead.

A joint statement from the two councils and TII said, “The N6 GCRR is a core component of the wider transport solution for Galway City and County, complementing BusConnects, ongoing rail enhancements, Active Travel and the continued delivery of other major transport initiatives under the Galway Transport Strategy (GTS).”

“Galway County Council, Galway City Council and TII recognise that the prolonged planning process associated with the N6 GCRR has been very difficult for home and property owners affected by the proposed route.”

“Galway County Council, Galway City Council and TII will now proceed, following a detailed review of An Coimisiún Pleanála’s decision, to the next phase of the project.”

“The Enabling and Procurement stage includes the progression of detailed design, preparation of contract documentation and the procurement process.”

€16,400,000 in funding has been allocated for the construction of two new fire stations in Galway over the next five years.

The larger of the two Galway projects is a new fire station for Galway City, for which €13,000,000 has been allocated. Another €3,400,000 has been awarded for the construction of a new station in Loughrea.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne this week announced €328.5 million in funding under the Fire Services Capital Programme (2026–2030).

A total of €178.6 million will be invested in building or refurbishing 39 fire stations across the country.

Another €86.9 million will be invested in the national fire fleet, delivering a total of 40 vehicles. Galway County Council will receive two vehicles from this.

A €29.5 million programme of works upgrading the fire service’s national training capabilities will be delivered, €23 million is being invested in frontline and specialist response equipment, and €10.5 million will go towards the national mobilisation and communications system.

Minister Browne emphasised, “This programme represents a significant investment in the safety, resilience and wellbeing of communities across Ireland.”

“It ensures our fire services across the country will have a modern fleet, upgraded facilities and equipment required to meet the challenges they face, with a changing climate, a growing population and increasingly complex emergency risks.”

“This investment in the fire service will reinforce public safety in our communities and ensure that our critical infrastructure and essential services are protected.”

“Having fire services that are recognised as dependable, well-trained and well-equipped is crucial to the communities they serve, and this injection of significant funding will future-proof the service they provide.”

A public meeting will take place this week to discuss proposals for a relief road for Cong Village on the Galway / Mayo border.

Proposals for a relief road scheme are currently being developed by the two county councils with the Department of Transport.

A public information event on the proposed relief road is being held this week at Cong Community Centre.

It will take place on Thursday, April 9 from 2pm until 6pm where staff from Mayo County Council and the project’s consultants will be available to answer questions.

The relief road would have a significant footprint in Galway and Mayo to address traffic and transport needs in the village.

There are three emerging options for the relief road scheme. These can be viewed on https://congreliefroad.com/.

Public submissions on the emerging options can be made online until Friday, April 17.

People in Galway are being urged to help Cystic Fibrosis Ireland (CFI) meet its fundraising target of €300,000 on 65 Roses Day, taking place this year on Friday, April 10.

Volunteers across the country will be selling purple roses to support fundraising in Dunnes Stores branches, shopping centres and other participating outlets, including:

• Dunnes Stores: Briarhill, Galway
• Dunnes Stores: Edward Square, Galway
• Dunnes Stores: Knocknacarra, Galway
• Dunnes Stores: Terryland, Galway
• Dunnes Stores: Westside, Galway
• Shopping Centre: Galway Shopping Centre, Headford Rd, Galway
• Shopping Centre: Tuam Shopping Centre, Abbey Trinity Rd, Tuam

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited condition that affects multiple systems, including breathing, digestion and reproduction.

Ireland has the highest rate of CF per capita in the world, with more than 1,400 people living with CF, 33 new cases diagnosed each year and many people living with the most severe forms.

There is no cure, and CF often becomes more severe over time. Thanks to multidisciplinary care and the introduction of modulator therapies, many people with CF are living well into adulthood.

However, as people age, new challenges can emerge, including CF‑related diabetes, osteoporosis and an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

Today, CFI is investing in research to better understand the emerging issues, and provides essential supports including:

• A dedicated information and support line offering guidance,reassuranceand advice 
• Targeted financial assistance through a range of grants that help ease the cost of living with CF
• Monthly online peer‑support groups that connect people with CF and strengthen the community

Encouraging people in Galway to go out and support Cystic Fibrosis Ireland on 65 Roses Day this year is Billy O’Toole from Galway.

“This year I am turning 40. That’s unreal. I have CF, diabetes, epilepsy, and borrowed lungs, but none of that stopped me from getting here.”

“I am so thankful to every researcher, every doctor, every nurse, every scientist, every fundraiser, every drug trial, every person who said, ‘We can do better’”.

“Now I am looking forward with so much hope, but as we age, there are still so many unknowns and so much more work to do.”

“So this 65 Roses Day, I am asking for your continued support for people with CF in Ireland – buy a rose, visit our stands in Dunnes Stores or donate online – we really appreciate it.”

‘Rewriting Tomorrow’ exhibition  

As part of 65 Roses Day 2026, Billy and other CFI Ambassadors have penned letters to their future selves, imagining milestones and plans for futures that once felt out of reach.

Children living with CF also took part in a workshop with cartoonist Brendan Lonergan, creating self-portraits of themselves both now and as they envision their future selves.

These letters and artworks, which capture this hopeful shift through deeply personal reflections, form the foundation of a powerful new exhibition, ‘Rewriting Tomorrow’.

Taking place at The Copper House in Dublin city centre during 65 Roses Week 2026, the exhibition opens on Tuesday, April 7, and will run until Sunday, April 12.

CFI is calling on people from Galway to support its annual 65 Roses Day so that vital services for people living with CF can continue nationwide.

Public generosity enables the organisation to provide essential support to everyone who needs it, while also driving investment in hospital facilities, clinical teams and research.

CFI remains firmly committed to advancing care and improving outcomes for people with CF — and will continue this work until the day a cure is found.

People can support Cystic Fibrosis Ireland on 65 Roses Day by purchasing a purple rose at Dunnes Stores and other participating outlets. For more information and to donate online, visit www.65roses.ie.

Roadworks in the Ballybane area will disrupt traffic for the next six weeks, with rolling road closures in place.

Galway City Council has been carrying out roadworks on Castlepark Road and Ballybane Road for the new active travel scheme in the area.

The final phase of these works will involve the full resurfacing of the carriageways on both roads. Work began on Castlepark road this week.

To ensure the safety of the public and workers during these works, temporary road closures are planned during this time.

Road Closures will be in place from 9:30am – 4:00pm, Monday to Friday, on the following dates:

• From Tuesday, April 7, for approximately three weeks on Castlepark Road.
• From approximately Monday, April 27, for approximately three weeks on the Ballybane Road.

Works on Ballybane Road will not begin until the resurfacing of Castlepark Road is complete.

Local vehicle access will be maintained on both roads, with signage and marshals in place to inform locals of the diversion routes to reach their properties. Pedestrian and wheeler access will be maintained at all times.

Between the hours of 9.30am – 4.00pm, Monday to Friday, bus services will be diverted away from Castlepark Road and will follow diversions. Buses will run as normal at all other times.

Signage will also be erected at each bus stop to alert passengers to the alternative bus stop, which will be either on the Ballybane Road or the Monivea Road.

A Galway woman has taken on a gruelling, week-long Arctic Challenge to raise vital funds for the Irish Heart Foundation.

Sinead Leyne from Ballinderreen was part of a team of 14 who signed up for the week-long expedition.

She got involved to raise vital funds and awareness of the impacts of stroke, heart disease and other cardiac conditions.

The 14 participants travelled 350km north of the Arctic Circle, where they trekked across a frozen lake, hauling their equipment and tents to sleep overnight, outdoors, amongst the stars in subzero temperatures of -5C.

The group left Dublin for Kilpisjärvi, Northern Finland on March 16 and for some, it was a personal journey to highlight the importance of heart health after loved ones suffered serious cardiac issues.

Each challenge participant raised a minimum of €6,500 and Sinead has raised €7,750, while the entire group has raised nearly €112,000 so far.

Funds raised go towards essential supports that help people who have been affected by heart disease or stroke.

These include free professional counselling services and a nurse support line, support groups and other programmes to help improve the quality of life and wellbeing of people after a cardiac event or stroke.

“A stroke or heart event can turn someone’s world completely upside down,” said Tom Hickey, Director of Development with the Irish Heart Foundation.

“This challenge shows how difficult it is to learn new skills in a tough environment and to persevere even when it’s hard.

“That’s what those living with the effects of a stroke or heart condition must do each and every day.

“Cardiovascular disease is a leading killer in both men and women. It kills six times as many women as breast cancer does.

“But the hopeful reality is that 80pc of early heart disease and stroke cases are preventable.

“Through the kindness of our fundraisers and donors, we can work hard every day to help prevent cardiovascular illness in the first place.

“Together, we can stop so many lives being damaged, shortened or lost.”

The charity is asking the public to support Sinead and the other Arctic Challenge participants on their fundraising pages at https://fundraise.irishheart.ie/event/arctic-challenge-2026/leaderboard or to donate on irishheart.ie.