University Hospital Galway is cancelling some elective procedures amid high overcrowding as surge areas have been activated today.

The Emergency Department at UHG is extremely busy today, with high numbers of people attending who need to be admitted to hospital for ongoing treatment.

Yesterday 319 people attended the Emergency Department. As of this morning, there were 24 patients on trolleys in the ED, 22 more patients on ward trolleys, and an additional 35 people on trolleys in surge areas.

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.

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 has acknowledged that these delays are very difficult for patients and their families, and apologised for the inconvenience and distress these delays cause.

The Galway West by-election to replace Catherine Connolly will take place in one month on Friday, May 22 it has been confirmed.

The government confirmed exact polling dates for the Galway West and Dublin Central by-elections on Thursday.

Nominations have been pouring in for several weeks for the election to replace former independent TD Catherine Connolly.

Connolly had been an independent TD for Galway West since 2016 when she was elected to the Presidency last October.

To stand for election to Dáil Éireann, a person must be a citizen of Ireland and at least 21 years of age by polling day.

The latest time for receiving nominations is 12 noon on Friday, May 1. Candidates may withdraw their nominations up to 12 noon on Saturday, May 2.

Galway West is a five seat constituency with an electorate of over 103,000.

In order to vote in this election you must submit your registration no later than Tuesday, May 5.

Postal voting or special voting applications from people in qualifying categories must be made no later than Saturday, April 25.

A national campaign to drive public awareness of heart failure and promote early detection, is coming to Galway later this month.

Knocknacarra Shopping Centre will host a pop-up ‘Heart Failure Awareness Roadshow’ on April 30 from 10.30am-2.30pm as part of a blitz by three heart organisations to raise understanding of the serious condition.

It will also demonstrate how patients can be supported to get their lives back on track post-diagnosis.

Heart failure is a serious health condition which affects one in five adults and is the leading cause of hospitalisation in over-65s.

Members of the public visiting the Galway event will be offered free blood pressure and heart health checks in the Croí mobile health unit, where specialist heart failure nurses will be on hand to offer advice on recognising the signs and symptoms, information on living with heart failure and signposting the public to local support services.

European Heart Failure Awareness Week begins on April 27, running until May 3, and focuses on the theme ‘Awareness today, Protection tomorrow’.

As part of the campaign, a two-week long countrywide roadshow of events across nine locations, is being co-ordinated by the Irish Heart Foundation, Ireland’s national charity for stroke and heart disease prevention, Croí heart and stroke charity, and the Irish Association of Heart Failure Nurses.

Knowledge and symptom recognition of heart failure remains low among the general public.

“Heart failure does not mean the heart has stopped, it means it is not pumping blood as effectively as it should,” said Dr Angie Brown, Medical Director at the Irish Heart Foundation.

“Neither does it mean the end of life: with early diagnosis, treatment, and support, people can live well. Awareness of heart failure symptoms and how the condition can be managed is low. This is why raising awareness at a community level is critical.”

“By meeting people on streets, in shopping centres and local hubs, we can make heart health information more accessible and impactful.”

Heart failure affects an estimated 137,000 people in Ireland and 10,000 new cases are diagnosed every year, but experts say it remains overlooked and often misunderstood.

The campaign by the three organisations aims to change that by educating the public on crucial warning signs including breathlessness, fatigue, swollen ankles or legs and rapid weight gain —while encouraging people to better protect their heart health.

“Heart failure can be a life-altering condition, but with early diagnosis and the right support, people can live well,” said Dr Lisa Hynes, Head of Health Programmes at Croí.

“Through this campaign and our community roadshow, we want to empower individuals with the knowledge and resources they need to recognise symptoms early and seek help.”

The campaign also highlights the essential role of specialist heart failure nurses in improving patient outcomes and providing ongoing care and support.

“Heart failure nurses are at the frontline of patient care,” said Emer Burke, Heart Failure Nurse Specialist and President of the Irish Association of Heart Failure Nurses.

“This initiative not only raises awareness but also showcases the importance of expert-led, patient-centred care.”

Heart Failure Awareness Week in Ireland runs from April 27 to May 3 and the Heart Failure Awareness Week roadshows will run from April 27 to May 8, visiting nine locations around Ireland. For further information on dates, times and locations, see: www.croi.ie and www.irishheart.ie

Galway based consultancy company Xenergie was named one of the top winners at the national Business & Finance ESG Awards this month.

Xenergie won the Consultancy award at the 2026 awards, which took place at the Mansion House, Dublin recently.

The award acknowledges Xenergie’s pioneering work in bridging the gap between social recovery and corporate enterprise, reframing recovery as a source of high-potential leadership talent.

The company said in a statement that they were proud to receive this award, which showed the value of what they want to achieve.

“This award means a great deal to us because it reflects something we have long believed: meaningful progress happens when ideas become action.”

“At Xenergie, we help organisations live transformation from the inside out. Through a systemic approach grounded in coaching, leadership and behaviour change, we support leaders and teams to move beyond strategy into everyday practice, creating change where it matters most.”

“Our work is about helping organisations become more sustainable, inclusive, resilient and ready for the future.”

“That means developing leaders who can think systemically, work across boundaries, strengthen stakeholder focus and lead with confidence through complexity.”

The Business & Finance ESG Awards, held in association with Grant Thornton, bring together leading organisations and policymakers to celebrate excellence in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance across Ireland.

Now in its fourth year, the awards continue to recognise the organisations and individuals driving meaningful progress in sustainability, social impact and responsible governance.

This year’s winners reflect the growing maturity of ESG across Irish business, with organisations demonstrating measurable impact, innovation and long-term commitment.

Commenting on the awards, Janice Daly, Partner and Sustainability lead from Grant Thornton said, “Supporting the Business & Finance ESG Awards reflects our belief that embedding sustainability into business strategy plays an important role in advancing responsible business leadership.”

“This year’s winners have demonstrated how a considered and well designed approach to sustainability can deliver meaningful impact over the long term.”

“In a period marked by ongoing economic and geopolitical uncertainty, their leadership shows the value of maintaining a clear, consistent focus on responsible business practices.”

The ESG Awards Judging Panel added, “This year’s entries were of an exceptionally high standard, reflecting a significant evolution in how organisations are approaching ESG.”

“The winners stood out not only for their ambition but for their ability to deliver tangible, measurable outcomes. From large enterprises to SMEs, the breadth of innovation and commitment was impressive, making the judging process both challenging and inspiring.”

Researchers have found evidence that a therapeutic strategy which makes the brain work more efficiently to learn and recall memories may in fact help to target compromised brain activity in Alzheimer’s disease.

The study led by University of Galway focused on nerve cells which routinely limit or restrict activity and messages being sent by the brain, rather than the more conventional approach of therapy for nerve cells which stimulate activity.

Alzheimer’s disease is a chronic progressive neurodegenerative disorder with clinical symptoms including diminished memory and cognitive function.

It is the most prevalent cause of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of dementia cases. Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are among the top 10 causes of death globally.

Professor Andrea Kwakowsky, lead researcher for the study at the University of Galway said, “Given the ever-increasing burden of Alzheimer’s disease, the urgent need for the identification of novel targets for the development of disease-modifying therapy is clear.”

The research team noted how the accumulation of Amyloid beta – protein fragment aggregates known as plaque – are a primary hallmark and suspected cause of Alzheimer’s disease. The Amyloid beta disrupts normal brain signalling and causes burn out and ultimately the death of nerve cells as it leads to the firing or over-activation of the nerve cells in the brain.

This symptom of the disease is then compounded by activity in the inhibitory nerve cells, which routinely limit or restrict activity and messages, as they overcompensate for the stimulatory impact in the brain that the disease is having.

The scientists highlighted that symptomatic relief from Alzheimer’s provided by these therapies which target the stimulatory nerve cells is only marginal, and the progression or underlying causes of the disease are not addressed.

Professor Andrea Kwakowsky said,” “Our research is looking at the possibility of a therapy which helps to restore a balance in the brain after nerve cells have reacted to Alzheimer’s.

“We know, for sure, that the amino acid, GABA, is involved in many important physiological functions of the brain, including being the primary inhibiting factor for nerve cells.”

“However, in Alzheimer’s disease, this control that it helps to exert in the brain is compromised, contributing to cognitive decline and memory impairment.

“Science and medicine has shown that an increase in extracellular GABA can be triggered by the protein Amyloid beta, leading to over-activation of a specific population of GABA receptors in Alzheimer’s disease.

“Our research is significant in that it demonstrates that if we block this GABA receptor activity in nerve cells we can reverse Alzheimer-like effects caused by Amyloid beta and improve cognitive performance.”

The research was funded by the University of Galway Hardiman Research Scholarship, Alzheimer’s New Zealand, Freemasons New Zealand, Alzheimer’s New Zealand Charitable Trust, Aotearoa Foundation, Brain Research New Zealand, Health Research Council of New Zealand, Centre for Brain Research, the University of Auckland and the University of Otago.

The team’s research is expanding on a hypothesis that has emerged in recent years, which shifts the focus of therapeutic treatment to the inhibitory side of signalling imbalance in nerve cells, suggesting that targeting the brain’s vulnerability to overstimulation-induced damage can ultimately reduce the impact and death of nerve cells.

Africa Day 2026 will be marked in County Galway with a community celebration in Tuam next month.

The annual event will take place at The Palace Grounds on Saturday, 9 May, from 2pm to 5pm, with organisers promising a family-friendly programme of music, food and cultural activities.

Africa Day is held annually to mark the founding of the African Union in 1963 and celebrates the diversity, achievements and cultural contributions of the continent’s 54 nations. Events are scheduled to take place in every county across Ireland.

The Tuam event is being organised by representatives of Galway’s African community in partnership with Galway County Council’s Integration Team and the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Organisers say the free event will include live music, cultural performances, African cuisine, children’s entertainment and community stalls, with a focus on promoting intercultural exchange.

Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, David Collins, said the event reflects the strong sense of inclusion across the county.

“I am proud to support initiatives that bring our communities together, celebrate our diversity, and strengthen the social and cultural fabric of our county,” he added.

“I encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to participate in what promises to be an uplifting and inspiring celebration.”

Integration Support Coordinator Jennie Swannock said Africa Day recognises the contributions of people of African descent in Galway and promotes understanding across communities.

She continued, “Africa Day celebrates African heritage, and fosters inclusivity, friendship and cultural appreciation among people of all backgrounds. This celebration also reflects our ongoing commitment to inclusion, integration, and community cohesion across County Galway.”

Nearly 12,000 homes, farms, and businesses in Galway have now connected to NBI fibre broadband out of 33,000 for whom it is available.

There are now 33,797 premises that can now pre-order or order high-speed, reliable broadband across Galway, with 11,953 connections made to date.

Works have been completed in most rural areas across the county, including those near Ballinasloe, Loughrea, Athenry and Maam.

National Broadband Ireland is encouraging all Galway residents to visit nbi.ie and check their Eircode to see if they’re ready to connect and find out more about placing an order.

NBI’s fibre rollout under the NBP is delivering broadband infrastructure to what is known as the State’s Intervention Area, which includes the most remote and rural parts of Ireland where commercial operators have no plans to deliver high-speed broadband.

The Intervention Area currently includes 41,000 premises in Galway, which will see NBI deliver minimum speeds of 500 megabits per second to homes, businesses, farms, and schools across the county.

As the biggest investment in rural Ireland since rural electrification, Co Galway will receive €153m of Government investment under the National Broadband Plan.

TJ Malone, Chief Executive Officer, National Broadband Ireland, said: “We are delighted to announce that almost 12,000 Galway homes, businesses and farms are now connected to the NBI network.”

“Those connected are experiencing the life-changing benefits of high-speed fibre broadband with minimum speeds of 500 megabits per second.”

“With the national switch-off of the copper network approaching, NBI’s fibre network will ensure communities across Ireland are prepared for the future by supporting remote working, education, healthcare access, and local enterprise while providing the reliability needed for everyday living.”

“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.”

National Rollout Progress

NBI has now passed over 465,000 homes, farms and businesses in rural Ireland to high-speed broadband with almost 172,000 now connected.

The average take-up rate of 37% is well ahead of projections and international comparisons and surpasses 60% in areas of the country where the network has been live the longest.

With the main rollout due to be concluded by the end of this year, the remaining homes and businesses yet to be passed will be able to place an order for high-speed broadband in the coming months.

As fibre networks expand across Ireland, offering superior speed, capacity, and reliability; older copper telephone and broadband infrastructure will start to be decommissioned.

The European Commission has proposed 2035 as the latest date for EU Member States to mandate the decommissioning of the legacy copper networks.

Galway householders are being urged to bring their batteries, electrical, and electronic waste to a set of free collection days to help the county meet national e-waste recycling targets for 2026.

The events, hosted by WEEE Ireland and proudly supported by Galway County Council, kick off on Saturday, April 25 from 10am-4pm at the The City Bin Co. Recycling Centre, Deerpark, Oranmore.

On Saturday, May 2, a collection will take place from 10am-4pm at the Oughterard GAA Club, Pier Road, Oughterard.

More e-waste collections will be ongoing throughout May at locations across the county.

Anything with a plug, battery or cable can be recycled for free on the day, including old washing machines, TVs, toasters and kettles, electronic tools and toys, cables, IT equipment, mobile phones, remote controls, batteries, including farm fence batteries, and even watches.

“In Galway, and across Ireland, we are buying more electrical goods than ever – with people purchasing an average 23kg per head in 2024 compared to 16kgs just seven years ago,” said WEEE Ireland CEO Leo Donovan.

“Shopping stats show a surge in spend on new electrical devices like mobile phones, computers, small kitchen appliances and white goods. With old items still lying around many households we want to offer the opportunity to recycle these for free.”

“People in Galway have contributed greatly to e-waste recycling every year, with 2,863 tonnes of electrical waste collected in the county in 2024, and we want to encourage that trend.”

10.3kg of e-waste was recycled per person in Galway in 2024 – exceeding the WEEE Ireland collection area average of 9.5kg per person that same year.

WEEE Ireland warns that the nation needs to meet new forthcoming EU targets to recycle at least 25% of our annual consumption of critical raw materials from e-waste.

“An average of 96% of all e-waste that we collect is recovered for use again in manufacturing through both indigenous operators and specialist processors in Europe,” said Mr. Donovan.

“Most end-of-life products contain metals and minerals in higher concentrations than primary resources. These stocks of resources are the urban mines of the future, so our recycling efforts can have a significant impact on the environment.”

In 2024, the equivalent of 206,521 tonnes of CO2 emissions were avoided by recycling e-waste through the WEEE Ireland Scheme as opposed to landfilling. That is the equivalent of the annual carbon consumption of 4,130 hectares of trees.

WEEE Ireland accounts for over two thirds of all national waste electrical and electronics collection activity on behalf of 1,400 producer members.

These free events are proudly supported by Galway County Council.

“Recycling e-waste is incredibly beneficial for both the environment and the economy,” said Mr. Donovan. “Together, we are diverting waste from landfill, recovering raw materials for reuse and ensuring hazardous materials are safely and responsibly disposed of.”

“We look forward to working with Galway householders to hopefully recycle a record-breaking amount of electronic waste in 2026.”

Sixteen patients attending the Diabetes Outpatient Clinic at University Hospital Galway were honoured at a special awards ceremony recently held in Croí.

At the event, Diabetes Ireland recognised the individuals for living with type 1 diabetes, presenting 50- and 65-year achievement medals in acknowledgement of their courage, perseverance, and lifelong commitment to managing the condition.

The recipients, 10 women and 6 men, from Galway, Mayo, Clare and Tipperary, received either a 50-year or 65-year medal. (One recipient of a 65-year medal and 15 recipients of a 50-year medal).

Currently, approximately 308,000 people are living with diabetes in Ireland.

Tomás Griffin, Consultant Physician/Diabetologist at University Hospital Galway, said, “We are deeply honoured to celebrate this extraordinary group of people who have lived with diabetes for 50 years or more.”

“Their resilience and determination inspire us all, demonstrating that it is not only possible, but empowering, to live active, healthy, and fulfilling lives with diabetes.”

“Reaching this milestone is never solely an individual achievement. It also reflects the steadfast support, care, and encouragement of families, friends, and communities.

“Over the decades, diabetes care has advanced dramatically, from early insulin regimens and manual glucose testing to modern technologies such as continuous glucose monitoring, insulin pumps, and hybrid closed-loop systems. These innovations have transformed daily management and improved both outcomes and quality of life in profound and lasting ways.”

The ceremony highlights both the personal achievements of the recipients and the remarkable advancements in diabetes care over the past five decades, celebrating the resilience of those living with the condition and the support of their communities.

Kieran O’Leary, CEO, Diabetes Ireland said, “Our ‘Living Well With Diabetes’ ceremony celebrates life with diabetes and it is an honour and a privilege to present medals to people with diabetes who have lived over 50 years managing their condition on a daily basis and adapting to the many changes in treatment over the years. This group of recipients are among a special group of 400 people who have received a medal.”

A national energy efficiency roadshow is rolling into Connemara to help people understand how to reduce heat loss, cut energy bills and improve comfort in their homes.

A fully equipped NZEB (Nearly Zero Energy Building) Retrofit Rig will offer free training, demonstrations and expert advice at An Crompán in An Cheathrú Rua from 27 April to 1 May and will move to Clifden from 5 to 8 May.

The solar PV powered unit, which includes a working heat pump and ventilation system, is designed to show how modern retrofit technologies are installed and operate in real homes, while also giving homeowners, businesses and students access to accredited training.

Galway County Council is partnering with the Mount Lucas Construction Training Campus, Údarás na Gaeltachta and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to bring the rig to the region.

Cllr David Collins, Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, said, “Knowledge is power, so it is important that householders are aware of the significant cost savings and energy improvements that can be made through relatively cost-effective measures.”

“The experts on hand will be available to discuss the individual needs of those attending, as well as provide practical demonstrations of the technologies now available for the domestic market.”

Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council, said “this programme gives people the skills and knowledge they need to retrofit their homes”.

He noted that the extended visit to Connemara follows strong demand last year. “Last year’s one-week programme in Ballinasloe was a major success and it showed how important it is to make retrofit expertise accessible to every community,” he said.

Training includes City & Guilds accredited NZEB Fundamental Awareness for construction professionals and trades, Retrofit for Households and the Retrofit for Schools programme for secondary students. Courses will be delivered by tutors from the Laois Offaly Education and Training Board.

A Warmer Homes drop-in coffee morning will run alongside the training, together with one-to-one clinics for homeowners and businesses offering advice from the SEAI and the GFI Energy Agency on grants and retrofit options.

Údarás na Gaeltachta will also host a community event on sustainable towns and energy master planning. Other events will take place during the week, including the launch of Gaeltacht Glas.

Uinsinn Finn, Director of Services with Galway County Council, commented, “By bringing practical demonstrations and expert advice directly into communities, we are helping people understand how retrofitting can reduce energy use, lower bills and make homes more comfortable all year round.”

“Working with our partners, we are offering accredited training as well as opportunities for people to speak directly with experts about energy efficiency,” concluded Mr. Finn.

Spaces for formal NZEB training and one-to-one clinics are limited and early registration is advised. Further information and booking details are available on www.galway.ie/climate-action.

Roadworks on the N83 to the north of Galway City will see traffic disruption until the end of May when they are expected to be completed.

Galway County Council is carrying out resurfacing works on the N83 between Two Mile Ditch and Claregalway.

The works are ongoing and are expected to continue until the end of May. The roadworks will be taking place at the following times in the week.

• Monday – Friday: 9:00am – 4:30pm
• Saturday: 8:00am – 1:00pm

A stop and go system will be in place to manage traffic during these times.

Motorists are advised to use alternate routes to avoid disruption.

Danish lifestyle brand Søstrene Grene will open its next store in Galway in the coming month, continuing its Ireland expansion.

The arrival brings its Scandinavian design-led collections and distinctive in-store concept to Ireland for the 5th time.

Shoppers in Galway will soon be able to explore Søstrene Grene’s world of homewares, kitchen essentials, craft supplies, soft furnishings and seasonal décor -thoughtfully curated to make it easy to add simple, stylish touches to everyday living.

The store is designed to offer a moment of calm and creativity, where the Danish concept of hygge is embedded throughout. Customers will be welcomed into a sensory retail environment where soft lighting, classical music and Søstrene Grene’s signature winding layout create a space for discovery and inspiration.

Mikkel Grene, Group CEO and Co-owner of Søstrene Grene, said, “We can’t wait to open our Søstrene Grene store in Galway and are looking forward to introducing our world to both residents and visitors.”

“The city has a creativity and warmth that resonates strongly with everything Søstrene Grene represents, making it even more exciting for us to become part of the area and share our love of simple, beautiful design with new customers.”

With over 400 stores across 17 markets, the global presence continues to grow alongside ambitious UK expansion plans, including reaching a total of 100 stores in the UK within the next couple of years.

Country Managers Norma Jacob and Richard Power, who operate Søstrene Grene stores across Ireland, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, are also looking forward to the opening of this new store.

Norma said, “It is very exciting to be continuing our expansion in Ireland. Galway is a city that truly celebrates creativity and individuality, which Søstrene Grene will only add too.”

“We’ve been so encouraged by the response from our current Irish customers and look forward to bringing Scandinavian charm to the area.”

Richard added, “We look forward to welcoming a new customer community to the brand and to building a lasting presence in the west of Ireland. Galway represents an important step in our continued expansion across Ireland.”

“The city has a strong and engaged consumer base and we are confident that Søstrene Grene’s design-led offer will resonate well here.”

‘PorterShed Spark’ at Dexcom Stadium will convene US ecosystem builders, European AI infrastructure leadership and Enterprise Ireland’s CEO for a curated, forward-looking programme focused on the next decade of technology, founders and innovation

Galway will host a national gathering of global technology leaders this April as PorterShed marks ten years of building an innovation ecosystem in the West with the launch of PorterShed Spark, an invite-only one-day summit at Dexcom Stadium on April 23.

Spark will bring together international venture capital, European AI infrastructure leadership and the head of Ireland’s state enterprise agency alongside founders, operators and policymakers for a future-focused conversation on what comes next for technology, entrepreneurship and innovation beyond capital cities.

A new independent socio-economic impact study by KPMG, assessing PorterShed’s contribution to the regional economy between 2016 and 2026, will be unveiled during the event.

Rather than marking its ten-year milestone with reflection alone, Spark has been designed as a forward-looking convening: a curated line-up of industry leaders sharing real-world experience, emerging trends and practical insight across infrastructure, AI capacity, investment, talent and global market access.

Mary Rodgers, CEO of PorterShed, said the intention is to bring together the people actively shaping what comes next.

“Spark is about bringing the right people into the room, founders, investors, infrastructure leaders and policymakers who are actively building.”

“The West has already shown it can produce globally relevant companies. Now it’s about ambition, connection and making sure the next decade is even stronger.”

The speaker line-up reflects that ambition.

Sean Blanchfield, CEO and Co-Founder of Jentic, previously co-founded Demonware, Phorest and PageFair. Demonware was acquired by Activision Blizzard and continues to power multiplayer infrastructure behind the global Call of Duty franchise, while PageFair was acquired in 2018. Blanchfield also serves on the Irish Government’s AI Advisory Council.

From the United States, Elaine Brennan, Executive Director of Global Strategic Partnerships at Northwell Health, brings experience from one of the largest healthcare systems in the US, spanning pharmaceutical, biotech and medical device innovation partnerships.

Albane Bruyas, Chief Operating Officer of Scaleway, represents Europe’s critical digital infrastructure layer. She oversees operations across 12 data centres and has led deployment of one of Europe’s largest AI cloud infrastructures, with 5,000 GPUs already active.

Also speaking is Jenny Melia, CEO of Enterprise Ireland, the state agency responsible for supporting Irish companies to grow and compete globally, bringing direct insight into how high-potential start-ups secure investment and international market access.

US venture capital perspective will come from Mike Krenn, Managing Director of Prebys Ventures, a $50 million evergreen fund investing exclusively in San Diego-based life sciences and technology companies, reinvesting returns back into the region in perpetuity to strengthen the local innovation economy.

The programme also includes Mark Little, founder of Storyful (acquired by News Corp) and Kinzen (acquired by Spotify), and former Vice President for Media at Twitter in Europe; Stuart Brydson, with more than 35 years’ experience across enterprise software leaders including Siebel Systems, Oracle and ServiceNow; Paul Hayes, Founder and Director of Beachhut PR and long-time advisor to Irish start-ups; and Rob O’Shaughnessy, known globally to more than 40,000 developers as Rob Shocks, an educator in the world of AI development.

Collectively, the speakers represent expertise across venture capital, state policy, AI infrastructure, healthcare innovation, enterprise software and founder-led companies operating internationally.

Alongside the main stage programme, companies from across the West of Ireland, from early-stage ventures to internationally active firms, will present on a dedicated demonstration stage, highlighting the pipeline of innovation emerging from the region.

The daytime programme concludes with a black-tie dinner recognising the founders, agencies and partners who have contributed to building the ecosystem over the past decade.

Attendance at Spark is strictly curated, with invitations extended to founders, investors, policymakers and corporate leaders actively shaping Ireland’s innovation landscape. A limited expression-of-interest process is open at portershed.com/spark.

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.