Professional artists in Galway are being urged to apply for the Basic Income for the Arts (2026 – 2029), which has opened today.

With a budget of €18.27m secured by Minister O’Donovan in Budget 2026, 2,000 eligible artists will be selected to receive a payment of €325 per week, lasting for three years.

The Basic Income for the Arts (BIA) is for Professional Artists who can demonstrate an active creative practice which is predominantly based in Ireland.

Minister Patrick O’Donovan said, “I am pleased to be the Minister responsible for making the BIA permanent, and I encourage all professional artists to apply for the scheme.”

“This scheme is important for society in general, not just for artists. It has the potential to expand the arts sector and create more opportunities for citizens to engage in the arts.”

“It also recognises the contribution of artists to democracy and to how we see ourselves as a nation.”

Eligible artists will be able to apply for the scheme over the coming weeks and are encouraged to apply early.

Applications open from 1pm on Wedneday, April 15 and the scheme will remain open to applicants until May 12.

Applications will be assessed over the summer, with payment to selected artists beginning before the end of 2026.

Eligibility criteria and details of how the scheme will operate, including what proofs of practice are accepted, are outlined in the Guidelines.

Maria Fleming, chair of The National Campaign for the Arts (NCFA) said, “With applications open for Basic Income for Artists the NCFA encourages all those eligible to apply.”

“We know from the pilot scheme the opportunity this presents to arts workers to support their artistic practice and advance within their profession.”

“Please ensure you allow yourself time to study the guidelines and to complete the application. The NCFA wish to thank all those who campaigned for BIA, in particular the artists from the pilot scheme for completing the surveys that provided the proof of concept.”

“A very special thank you to the control group of the pilot who showed the clear impact of the Basic Income”

Minister O’Donovan continued, This is a ground-breaking scheme for the arts, and places Ireland as a world-leader in how we support our artists and thereby our culture.”

“I encourage artists from every background and every corner of the country to apply for the Basic Income for the Arts from today, to ensure that every community can benefit from this scheme and that a broad range of artists are represented.”

Boston Scientific has announced that it will invest €75 million in its Galway campus to expand and modernise its research and development capabilities.

The medtech company’s development includes plans for purpose-built laboratories to enhance the ability of teams in Galway to design, develop and test next-generation medical technologies across a range of cardiovascular therapies.

The expanded capability will support priority programmes across structural heart, cardiovascular and endoscopy, as well as emerging areas such as heart failure and renal denervation technologies, underpinned by a strong regional talent base and STEM ecosystem.

“We are seeing strong momentum across our cardiovascular business, and this investment reflects the important role the Galway site plays in that progress,” said Lance Bates, Executive Vice President at Boston Scientific.

“The local team is delivering complex, highly collaborative work that is advancing meaningful innovation for patients.”

“The strength of the site, the talent in Ireland and the support of the Irish Government and IDA Ireland give us confidence to continue investing in our future growth.”

Boston Scientific has a long-established presence in Ireland spanning over 30 years, with over 7,000 employees across sites in Galway, Cork and Clonmel producing over 30 million devices each year for patients worldwide.

Medical devices exported from the Galway facility every year include drug-coated devices, vascular balloons and heart and oesophageal stents.

These products help treat patients with conditions including heart disease, vascular disease, oesophageal cancer and those at risk of stroke.

This development is supported by funding from the Irish government through IDA Ireland.

Rachel Shelly, Global Head of Life Sciences at IDA Ireland, stated, “Boston Scientific’s €75 million R&D investment in Galway reinforces Ireland’s leadership in medical technology innovation.”

“For more than 30 years, Boston Scientific has invested in advanced manufacturing and innovative technologies in Ireland, benefiting patients, communities and ecosystems locally and globally.”

“IDA Ireland looks forward to continued collaboration with Boston Scientific to advance MedTech excellence.”

Minister for Education and Youth and Galway TD Hildegarde Naughton said, “The decision by Boston Scientific to invest again in Galway shows real confidence in the talent and infrastructure available here.”

“The importance of R&D and innovation to Ireland’s economy cannot be overstated. It is achieved through a strong partnership between industry, Government and IDA Ireland and has acknowledged that Galway is now an internationally recognised MedTech hub.”

“This is due in no small part to the presence of Boston Scientific, one of the largest life sciences employers in the country, and I want to very much thank them for their continued investment.”

Planning approval has been granted for a massive expansion of Galway Harbour, which aims to increase the commercial potential of the Port.

The permitted extension of the Port of Galway will support the continued operation and expansion of core port activities.

The new port extension will also create future opportunities for the transformation and redevelopment of the inner harbour area.

The proposed development will include:-

• Quay walls, breakwaters and wave walls to create commercial quays and a deep water docking facility, extending southwards into Galway Bay
• Dredging to create a new approach channel to the commercial quays and deep water docking facility berths
• The reclamation of approx. 27 ha from the foreshore and seabed
• Construction of new oil and bitumen transfer pipelines, road improvements, rail link, harbour-related buildings and landscaped areas.

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

The next phase of the project will include detailed design, procurement, and financing, in line with the relevant national infrastructure guidelines and governance requirements.

The expansion of the commercial port area is one of two major redevelopment plans for the Galway Docklands.

Other plans for the inner harbour area aim to deliver 350 new affordable and social homes on land on New Dock Road and Lough Atalia Road.

The Aran Islands have become more connected to the mainland than ever, with high-speed fibre broadband now available on Inis Mór.

641 homes and businesses on the island can now access fibre broadband connections from the National Broadband Ireland network rollout.

Another 147 premises on Inis Meáin and 259 on Inis Oírr are on track to be connected to the NBI network later this year.

TJ Malone, Chief Executive Officer, National Broadband Ireland, said: “We are delighted to announce that Inis Mór has now been connected to the NBI network.”

“This means that people living on Inis Mór can access the same high-speed, reliable broadband connection as communities on the mainland.”

“The delivery of high-speed broadband to the islands is having a transformative impact on what are some of the most remote communities in the country, supporting local businesses, enabling remote working and learning, and helping people live on the islands year-round.”

“As we enter the final year of the National Broadband Plan rollout, we’re encouraging everyone in Galway to check their Eircode on nbi.ie and order now to secure high-speed fibre broadband for their home or business.”

The completion of works on Inis Mór means that 33,797 premises can now pre-order or order high-speed, reliable broadband across Galway, with 11,953 connections made to date.

Works have also been completed in rural areas surrounding Galway City, Gort, and Ballinasloe.

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.