€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.

Uisce Éireann crews are working to repair a major burst water main in Ballyconneely and restore water to customers affected.

Customers in Ballyconneely, Mannin, Derrygimia, Derrigimlagh and surrounding areas in Co Galway may experience water outages or other supply disruptions today as a result of this burst.

Uisce Éireann’s Ciarán Conneely has assured customers that every effort is being made to restore a full water supply as quickly as possible.

“We understand the inconvenience of an unplanned outage, and we thank customers for their support while our works continue.”

Repairs are expected to be completed by 3pm today.

Typically, it takes two to three hours following repairs for normal supply to restore to all customers affected by an unplanned outage.

However, it may take longer for normal supply to be restored to customers at the end of the network or on higher ground as the system recharges.

To ensure the safety of the crews carrying out the repairs to the burst and the safety of the public, traffic management will be in place and will be clearly signposted.

A teenage cyclist is in hospital with serious injuries after a collision involving a car in Claregalway earlier this week.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses following a serious injury road traffic collision on Tuesday night.

At around 8:00pm, Gardaí and emergency services responded to a collision involving a car and a pedal cyclist at Claregalway on the N83 (formerly the N17).

The cyclist, a teenage boy, was brought by ambulance to University Hospital Galway, where he is being treated for serious injuries.

A technical examination of the scene was carried out by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators, and the road has since been fully reopened.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward.

Road users who may have camera footage, including dash-cam footage between Loughgeorge and Claregalway between 8:00pm and 8:30pm are asked to make this available to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Oranmore Garda Station on 091 388030, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Galway and the rest of the country are in for a windy weekend, with Storm Dave set to bring strong winds on Saturday.

An area of low pressure will start to develop out in the Atlantic on Friday night, developing into Storm Dave as it undergoes rapid cyclogenesis in a right jet entrance and tracks north-eastwards towards the west and northwest coast of Ireland later Saturday.

Met Éireann has issued a status yellow wind warning for the entire country tomorrow, with multiple hazards likely from storm damage.

The weather warning will be in effect from 2pm until 11pm on Saturday, bringing very strong southerly winds, veering westerly by the evening with severe gusts and coastal gales.

It will bring with it a risk of fallen trees and branches, loose debris, and wave overtopping, all creating difficult travelling conditions.

The strongest of the winds will be in the northwest, with the possibility that changes in the forecast position and intensity of storm Dave could lead to updates to the warnings, with the slight chance that Donegal could be upgraded to an orange-level warning for a time.

Further warnings may be issued throughout the Easter weekend, with a weather advisory in place until the end of Monday.

The weather is forecast to remain unsettled and mixed over Easter with a mobile Atlantic flow affecting Ireland.

High spring tides coinciding with storm surge and persistent onshore winds will further increase the risk of coastal flooding. Areas along the west and north coasts are particularly vulnerable.

The most disruptive spell of windy weather will be on Saturday afternoon and into Saturday night, when a nationwide yellow wind warning comes into effect, with the potential for some severe gusts, as storm Dave tracks by the west and northwest coast.

Storm Dave was named by the UK Met Office on Thursday morning, with stormier conditions expected over Scotland on Saturday night.

The HSE has cautioned that people may experience long waiting times if they come to the emergency department this weekend, and is urging them to know all their healthcare options.

With services traditionally experiencing increased demand during holiday periods, the HSE is advising patients to plan ahead and consider all available care pathways before attending Emergency Departments.

Ann Cosgrove, HSE Healthcare Manager, Galway and Roscommon, said, “We want to ensure that patients receive the right care, in the right place at the right time this Easter weekend.”

“Emergency Departments are there for people who are seriously ill or injured, but there are many other options available in the community that may be more appropriate and quicker for less urgent needs.”

“We have plans in place right across our hospitals and community services to manage high attendances at emergency departments over the Easter holiday weekend.”

“However, we are asking the public to consider pharmacies, GP services, and Injury Units where appropriate.”

“We wish everyone a safe and healthy Easter weekend. Our hospitals and staff remain available to provide care in the event of an emergency.”

“All patients who attend an Emergency Department will be assessed and treated, with those who are most seriously ill or injured prioritised.”

Care options available this Easter Bank Holiday weekend include:

• GP Out-of-Hours Service (Westdoc):
  If you urgently need to see a GP over the bank holiday weekend, you should contact your local out-of-hours GP service, Westdoc. The service operates across the weekend, appointments must be made in advance. GP Out of Hours information is available on the HSE website here.
• Your local pharmacy 
  Community pharmacists provide expert advice and over-the-counter treatments for a wide range of minor illnesses. In addition to this expert advice, a new service is available which allows pharmacists to supply prescription-only medication without the need to see a GP.
  The following common conditions can be treated under the Common Conditions Service; allergic rhinitis, cold sores, conjunctivitis, impetigo, oral thrush, shingles, cystitis (uncomplicated urinary tract infection), vaginal thrush. Information about the scheme is available on the HSE website here.
• Injury Units – Roscommon Injury Unit:
  Roscommon Injury Unit is open from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week, including bank holidays. It treats non-life-threatening injuries such as broken bones, dislocations, sprains, wounds, scalds and minor burns. The unit provides services such as X-rays, plaster casts, and wound care. No appointment is required; patients can attend directly. You can find your local injury unit here.
• Mental health supports
  Information about when to get help, organisations that provide mental health services and types of specialist services are available here.

A generous donation of €10,000 was recently presented to the Patient Comfort Fund at University Hospitals Galway in memory of the late Richard McDonagh from Cill Chiaráin, Connemara, who had been a patient in the Corrib Ward.

The cheque was presented to the Patient Comfort Fund by Richard’s wife, Anne McDonagh, and the rest of the family.

The funds were raised during fundraising efforts organised as a tribute to Richard, whose time in University Hospital Galway left a lasting impression on his family.

Grateful for the care, compassion, and dignity shown to him, the McDonagh family set out to give back in a meaningful way that would benefit future patients and their families.

Through a community-driven raffle at their business Gala Cill Chiaráin and the generous support of friends, neighbours, and customers, the family successfully reached their fundraising goal.

The €10,000 donation will go directly towards enhancing patient comfort, supporting small but impactful improvements that make hospital stays more bearable for those in care and their families.

Speaking on behalf of her family, Anna Nic Dhonnchadha said, “We are deeply thankful to everyone who supported us in honouring our father. Dad was at the heart of our family- kind, hardworking and always thinking of others.”

“His loss has left a huge void in our lives, but we are deeply grateful for the care, dignity, and compassion shown to him by the staff of the Corrib Ward at University Hospital Galway during his time there.”

“The doctors, nurses and staff cared for him with such professionalism and respect, and they gave enormous support to us as a family during one of the most difficult times.”

“They did everything possible to make sure he was comfortable and received the very best end-of-life care. Their kindness will never be forgotten.”

“We hope this contribution will help bring comfort to other patients and families during difficult times.”

Monique Mulholland, Clinical Nurse Manager at UHG, expressed sincere gratitude for the donation, noting the vital role that the Patient Comfort Fund plays in enhancing patient wellbeing.

“This generous contribution from the McDonagh family is a testament to the strength of community and the lasting impact of compassionate care. Donations like this allow us to provide additional comforts that truly make a difference to patients and their loved ones.”

Ahead of the Easter Bank Holiday Weekend, An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) are urging all road users to support their efforts to keep themselves and all others on the roads safe.

Gardaí are carrying out a dedicated roads policing operation this bank holiday weekend due to the higher than usual number of people expected on the roads.

This got underway at 7am this morning and will run until 7am on Tuesday, April 7.

Every member of An Garda Síochána on-duty this long weekend will be out conducting road traffic enforcement activity.

Gardaí will be placing a particular emphasis on detecting those driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs this weekend.

An Garda Síochána is urging road users to take extra caution around vulnerable road users, with greater numbers of pedestrians and cyclists out as the evenings become brighter and the weather improves.

2025 saw an increase of 24% in pedestrian road deaths compared to the previous year, with year-to-date figures currently in line with last year.

In 2025, the majority of the 41 pedestrian fatalities occurred on lower speed roads (60km/h or less). Over a third of pedestrians were crossing the road at the time of the fatal collision.

1-in-4 of the pedestrians killed were older people, while young people under the age of 25 accounted for 30% of seriously injured pedestrians in 2025.

Close to half of pedestrians were killed between 4pm and midnight, while a quarter of pedestrians were seriously injured between 4pm and 7pm.

Motorists are reminded to always drive within the speed limit and to watch out for vulnerable road users.

Cyclists and pedestrians should stay visible and observe their surroundings at all times.

Chief Superintendent David Harrington said, “The Easter Bank Holiday weekend is another very busy period on Irish roads, and a lot of people will be on the move this week with schools off for the Easter break.”

“Every Garda who is on duty this weekend will do all that they can to ensure that road users are safe and that those who break road traffic laws are detected.”

“The issues on our roads at present require the attention of every single person. Every driver is responsible for their own driving behaviour.”

“There is no excuse whatsoever to get behind the wheel of a car under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Keep your attention on the road – there is no valid reason to drive while distracted by your phone.”

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Sean Canney, said, “As we head into the Easter weekend, my message is a simple one: nothing is more important on our roads than behaving responsibly to safeguard the lives of others.”

“As drivers, we must be mindful that we share the road with pedestrians and other vulnerable road users.”

“In recent years, we have seen an increase in the number of pedestrians tragically killed on our roads, and I appeal to all road users, but in particular drivers, to behave responsibly and to make the right choices this Easter weekend.”

“This means – not driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, putting mobile phones and other distractions away and not speeding. By choosing to behave responsibly, we are protecting our children, our families, and our friends who all share our roads.”

Alison Coleman, Director of People Development and Culture at the RSA, said, “Whether we are walking to school or work, to the shops, or home after a night out, we are all pedestrians at some point every day and safety matters to every one of us.”

“It means using pedestrian crossings where possible and, on rural roads, walking on the right-hand side and wearing hi-visibility clothing and using a torch at night.”

“As drivers, we have a key role to play in protecting pedestrians by driving responsibly and watching out for people walking on or beside our roads.”

“There have been a high number of pedestrian fatalities this year, with 11 of the 41 people killed on our roads to date being pedestrians. That is a stark reminder that we all share responsibility for making our roads safer.”

A debate will be held this month for the Galway West by-election coming up this summer, with traffic expected to dominate the agenda.

A public hustings organised by Galway City Community Network will take place on Wednesday, April 15, in the Park House Hotel.

The event, hosted by Galway City Community Network (GCCN), is titled ‘Community and Public Transport’.

It takes place in partnership with the Galway LUAS campaign (GLUAS), Galway Commuter Coalition and Galway Cycling Campaign.

Organisers say incremental change is no longer enough. They want firm commitments—especially urgent progress on a preferred route for a light rail system for Galway.

“Even if current transport plans proceed, congestion is set to worsen by 2040,” says Brian Doherty of (GCCN). “Our members want ambitious solutions to chronic traffic problems. This event will show which candidates are ready to lead.”

GLUAS campaigner, Brendan Holland, says a proposed light rail could carry 13 million passengers annually. “It could also save families up to €10,000 per year by removing the need for a second car.”

Campaigners say it is essential to support Galway’s future growth, with the city’s population expected to reach 120,000 by 2040. “Major developments could deliver 20,000 homes and thousands of jobs. But without mass transit, that growth will stall,” says Holland.

Pamela Byrne of Galway Commuter Coalition says Galwegians have been trapped in traffic by a lack of ambition, vision, and courage for far too long. “This event will show whether candidates have any.”

Kevin Jennings of the Galway Cycling Campaign said Galway has seen lots of improvement, but needs comprehensive networks which are safe for users aged from 8 to 80.

“Reallocating road space will allow parents to leave their cars at home and cycle with their children, or allow teenage children to travel safely and independently.”

“The city needs protected routes between popular destinations, including schools, hospitals, transport hubs and sports clubs. But most of all, it needs solutions now.”

A Mayoral Reception was held last week to celebrate the spectacular achievements of some of Galway’s finest athletes and sporting organisations.

The people and groups being honoured at the reception last Friday included swimmer John Shortt, rower Fiona Murtagh, Castlegar Athletics, and Galway District League.

The ceremony, held in the Clayton Hotel, Galway, acknowledged their achievements in the world of sport – both as outstanding sportspeople, and as ambassadors for Galway and for Ireland.

Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Mike Cubbard, acknowledged each group individually for their accomplishments.

Speaking about swimmer John Shortt, Mayor Mike Cubbard said, “In 2025, on top of the challenges of the Leaving Cert, John Shortt took on the World Aquatics Junior Championships in Romania – and returned home as a triple medallist and double world champion.”

“John added to the medal pile at the European Aquatics Championships in Poland at the end of 2025, where he was crowned European 200m Backstroke Champion – his first senior international medal.”

Mayor Cubbard welcomed Fiona Murtagh’s family, as she was unable to travel due to competition commitments.

The Mayor highlighted some of Fiona’s groundbreaking accomplishments, saying, “Having taken up rowing in 2009 after being introduced to the sport by her brother Alan, Fiona Murtagh made history when she brought home Irish Rowing’s first women’s Olympic medal, winning a Bronze Medal in the Women’s Four at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics”

“Indeed, Fiona is a double Olympian, having also represented Ireland in the 2024 Paris Olympics, with a number of European and World medals achieved to date.”

Castlegar Athletics were honoured for reaching a milestone of 50 years as a community in sport. Castlegar AC was founded in October 1975, inspired by a parish sports day on Sunday, June 8 of that year, organised by the Castlegar GAA ladies committee.

Mayor Cubbard acknowledged the dedication and volunteerism of all involved. “For five decades, volunteers have come together to train athletes, to transport them to competitions, to raise money, to host events, and to create a vital and supportive community for their athletes.”

The final group recognised at the event was Galway District League. In February 2026, Galway District League delivered a 5-0 win over Limerick District League in Eamon Deacy Park – to take home the FAI Oscar Traynor Trophy, sealing their second triumph in the competition – with the last win in 1971.

Mayor Cubbard noted that, “The win marks the impact of decades of training, dedication, volunteerism, and skills development in Galway District League”

Mayor Cubbard also paid tribute to “all of the people in the background” supporting the athletes. He commented, “Your belief in your athletes, your transfer of skills and knowledge, your leadership and vision of success have no doubt been instrumental in supporting your athletes to reach their full potential.”

Mayor Cubbard presented John Shortt, Fiona Murtagh’s family, Castlegar Athletics, and Galway District League with a commemorative scroll each, and wished them every success in their future endeavours.

There will be severe disruption to Galway – Dublin rail travel over the Easter weekend, with bus transfers and revised timetables in place.

From the evening of Friday, April 3, through to the morning of Monday, April 6, bus transfers will be in place for the entire Dublin Heuston – Galway Ceannt journey.

Limerick – Galway trains will also be operating bus transfers between Athenry and Galway.

These disruptions are being caused by a number of ongoing construction and maintenance projects in Galway.

This includes continued construction of the new Ceannt Station in Galway and associated infrastructure, the expansion of Oranmore Station, and track and bridge renewal works at a number of locations.

Revised times will also be in place on all Irish Rail routes from Saturday to Monday. Please check times before travel at the journey planner or the Iarnród Éireann app.