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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Households in Galway looking to get rid of their Christmas trees can avail of free recycling services at multiple locations in the city and county.

Both Galway City and County Councils are offering free disposal of Christmas trees up until Saturday, January 10, inclusive.

This recycling service is for domestic households only. Christmas trees can be disposed of at the following locations.

Galway City

• Hunters Depot, Lough Rusheen on the Barna Road
• Merlin Woods Depot in Doughiska

These will be open from 9am to 3pm daily.

Galway County

• Athenry: Public Car Park beside Kenny Park
• Ballinasloe: Civic Amenity Site, Poolboy, Ballinasloe H53VH95 – Open 3rd, 6th, 8th and 10th January only
• Clifden: Beach Road
• An Cheathrú Rua: Halla Éinne Car Park H91RX2X
• Gort: Lough Cutra Quarry, Bunnasrah, Gort
• Loughrea: Fairgreen, Courthouse Road
• Mountbellew: Black Quarry, Mountbellew – Ballinasloe Road (Near 50km speed limit sign)
• Oughterard: Car Park, Oughterard
• Maigh Cuilinn: Behind the bringbanks on Mountain Road
• Portumna: Beside bring banks, Castle Avenue H53WN23
• Tuam: Civic Amenity Site, Athenry Road H54Y512
• Headford: Council Yard beside Mart
• Oranmore: Maree Community Centre Rear Car Park H91V12C

These sites will be open for recycling during regular business hours.

Nighttime water restrictions on the Tully/Tullycross Public Water Supply will continue to ensure a secure daytime water supply.

Restrictions were introduced last week as a result of a drop in the raw water quality entering the local treatment plant, which in turn caused reservoir levels to fall.

The nighttime restrictions are now necessary to allow reservoir levels to replenish and will continue until at least next Monday, 5 January.

The restrictions will be in place each night from 10.30pm to 8am the following morning to allow the local reservoir levels recharge.

Water levels are being reviewed daily and a decision if further restrictions are required will be announced on Monday, explained Uisce Éireann’s Tony Kelly.

“I want to thank customers on the supply for their water conservation efforts. I understand that nighttime restrictions are inconvenient, but I can assure customers that these measures are absolutely essential in order to preserve a full daytime supply for homes and businesses,” said Tony.

Customers can help conserve water by not running taps needlessly, taking showers instead of baths and postponing using dishwashers and washing machines where possible.

Customers can also find useful water saving tips on our website www.water.ie/conserve. This also includes an easy-to-use conservation calculator so you can work out how much water you are currently saving and how to conserve even more.

Clifden RNLI’s lifeboat volunteers have had an exceptionally busy year, between training exercises and rescues, the team have launched their lifesaving vessels 130 times in 2025.

The maritime search and rescue service established in 1988 covers a wide patch of the Atlantic coast, bordering County Mayo at Killary, as far as Carna in South Connemara and encompassing the islands of Inishbofin, Inishark and Inisturk.

Throughout 2025, the crew carried out 23 search and rescue operations, including rescuing seven people who were cut off by the tide on Omey Island in August, rescuing a fisherman with engine trouble in July and recovering a submerged sailing boat in November.

Clifden RNLI have also participated in a number of joint agency operations with local emergency services and carried out four medical evacuations from neighbouring island communities.

Tony Casey, Lifeboat Operations Manager, said, “Our focus this year was to build resilience in the crew by strengthening our skills and accreditations across all ranks and roles. The individual and collective effort which the team have demonstrated towards this goal has been inspiring.”

“During 107 exercises this year, we have amassed several hundred hours at sea in conditions fairly typical to the West Coast. We train twice every week, fighting the wind, rain and big seas to ensure we are prepared and equipped to save lives at sea.”

“Our crew members are taking time away from family and work commitments to serve this community, and I am extremely grateful to each of them.”

“We said goodbye to five crew and had the great honour of welcoming 14 new members. I’d like to thank Owen Hayes, Nessa Joyce, Sinead Pryce, Andy Bell and Conor O Malley for their massive contribution to our lifeboat station and our community, over their many years of dedicated service.”

“I want to welcome our new recruits who have already shown huge commitment to their training plans and are making a big impact at the station with their enthusiasm and energy.”

The new recruits for the Clifden station are John Gavin, Conor Cadden, Jonathan Wallace, Dara Wallace ,Matthew Coohill, Ronan Mullen, Sean Pryce, Ciaran Maguire, James Golden, Liam Coyne, Michael Barrett, Sean Walsh, Selmin Seid and Seamus O Neill.

“I also must give a special mention to our wonderful fundraising branch who work extremely hard all year round to generate income for the RNLI. As a charity, we rely on donations to fund our lifesaving work and the generosity of our supporters is incredible.”

“Earlier this year we also had the privilege of awarding an RNLI service medal to Clifden GP, Dr John Casey Snr who has assisted the crew and supported the work of the lifeboat station for decades.

“As we look towards 2026 we will continue to save lives at sea with pride and professionalism, we thank our community for their continued support and remain on call 24/7 ready to assist anyone in danger on or near the water.”

With winter swimmers out in full force at the moment Clifden RNLI’s Water Safety Officer, Miryam Harris has some important advice.

“We know this time of year many people take part in festive and New Year dips or continue to take part in regular winter swims. So we are urging anyone entering the water to be aware of the dangers, check sea conditions carefully and to understand their own limitations.”

“The effects of cold water, combined with weather conditions and any personal health issues should be taken seriously before venturing in. Never go alone and always have a means of calling for help.”

“The most important thing to remember is if you are in any doubt, stay out of the water and if you or anyone else does get into trouble in or on the water please call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”

17 new speed camera zones will be operational in Galway from January 1, among nearly 400 new zones introduced nationwide.

390 new safety camera zones will become operational from 2026, bringing the total number of safety camera zones nationwide to 1,901.

The primary purpose of safety cameras is to reduce speed-related collisions, lessen injuries and save lives.

To date in 2025, there have been 186 road deaths. This is the highest level of road deaths on Irish roads in over a decade.

Safety cameras operate in areas where there is a history of speed-related collisions, known as speed enforcement zones.

All zones are available on the Garda website and available for GPS navigation providers to download here.

Assistant Commissioner Catharina Gunne, Roads Policing and Community Engagement, said, “The majority of drivers on Irish roads obey the speed limits, keeping themselves, their passengers and other road users safer.”

“There is a small persistent cohort of selfish, dangerous drivers who choose to drive in excess of the posted speed limit.”

“These drivers put themselves and members of their community at risk, particularly children, older people, cyclists and other motorists.”

“An Garda Síochána’s priority is to ensure that the vast majority of people who use the roads responsibly are not put in danger by this minority of reckless drivers who continue to drive at excessive speed.”

“GoSafe vans operate in areas that have a speed-related collision history where fatal, serious injury and minor injury collisions occur.”

“In addition, locations which have been highlighted by members of the community as being areas of concern, have been included in the new zones.”

“By identifying and targeting these high-risk areas, the aim is to reduce the number of fatal and serious injury collisions.”

Galway County Council has confirmed that the 2026 National Famine Commemoration will take place at the Irish Workhouse Centre in Portumna on Saturday, May 16.

The State ceremony, which will include military honours and a wreath-laying, will be broadcast live on national television.

Newly elected Uachtarán na hÉireann Catherine Connolly is expected to deliver the keynote address from the site of the former Portumna Workhouse.

Alongside the formal commemoration, Portumna will host a conference on the Irish Famine, bringing together leading scholars and researchers.

A bilingual workbook for children is also being developed to support schools, offering accessible material on the Famine and the workhouse system.

The Portumna Workhouse, opened in 1852 and regarded as one of the most complete surviving complexes of its kind, has become a hub for lectures, exhibitions and cultural events.

This will be the first time the National Famine Commemoration has been held in County Galway since the annual initiative was established in 2008.

Councillor David Collins, Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, said the National Famine Commemoration would be a national moment of reflection and a chance to highlight Galway’s famine story.

“Hosting the Commemoration in Portumna is a deeply significant moment for Galway,” he said. “The Irish Workhouse Centre, the only dedicated workhouse museum in the country, stands as a powerful reminder of the hardship endured by our ancestors.”

“The Commemoration will honour the victims of the Famine while also helping to raise the Centre’s profile as both a visitor attraction and a place of reflection and remembrance.”

Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council, said the local authority will work closely with the National Famine Commemoration Committee, Elected Members, the Irish Workhouse Centre, and key local stakeholders to produce a commemoration programme that appropriately marks the historic occasion.

“With its facilities, capacity, and strong local connections, the Centre is an ideal venue to host a respectful and meaningful national event,” he added.

“The regeneration of Portumna Courthouse earlier this year, along with ongoing work at Portumna Castle, the harbour, and forest trails, creates a real opportunity for the whole town to be involved in a way that complements the solemn and reflective nature of the Commemoration.”

Michael Owens, Director of Services for Galway County Council, noted that Galway County Council’s bid to host the National Famine Commemoration in Portumna reflects the deep impact the Great Famine had on the county, where thousands suffered, died or were forced to leave.

“With its original buildings, extensive grounds and experience hosting large gatherings, the Centre is an ideal setting to remember those affected by the famine,” he said.

“The Council, Centre and local community, including schools, volunteers and cultural groups, are committed to working with the National Famine Commemoration Committee to deliver a programme that is respectful and engaging.”

A range of local organisations and individuals, including Portumna Tidy Towns, South East Galway Integrated Rural Development CLG, Portumna Chamber of Commerce, local businesses, the County Archivist and the City and County Librarian supported County Galway’s bid to host the event.

Galway County Council says further details of the 2026 National Famine Commemoration programme will be announced in January.

Information on the national initiative is available at irishfamine.ie, with details on the Irish Workhouse Centre at irishworkhousecentre.ie.

A bright and sunny Christmas morning in Salthill, Galway saw over 1,000 people turn out for the annual COPE Galway Christmas Swim.

Now in its 36th year, this iconic Galway Christmas tradition brought together families and friends, from seasoned swimmers to first timers, who braved the cold waters of Galway Bay in support of the local charity.

Many swimmers say Christmas would not be Christmas without the COPE Galway Christmas Swim, as it is a key part of the day and a family tradition.

Among this year’s participants were five friends originally from Galway who now live in Australia. They returned home to spend Christmas with their families, but still came together for the swim.

The Jennings family from Moycullen first took part six years ago and have joined every year since.

These are just some of the stories of local people and visitors from places like Australia and the USA who see the swim as an essential part of their Christmas visit to Galway.

Commenting on the crowds, COPE Galway Fundraising Manager, Lynia O’Brien, said, “Seeing so many people show up to brave the cold, give generously, and share in the joy of the day reminds us of the extraordinary community spirit that defines Galway.”

Lynia emphasised how much this support means to the people the charity works with throughout the year.

“Each year, COPE Galway supports over 3,000 people through our homeless, domestic abuse and senior support services. These include families, men, women and children in Galway who are facing incredibly challenging times.”

“Everyone who signs up to swim, makes a donation or volunteers at the event helps raise much needed funds that enable us to provide vital support to those who rely on our services.

“The funds raised have a real impact throughout the year, helping COPE Galway respond to growing demand for our services and ensuring people in our community can access the support they need when they need it most.”

“We are deeply grateful to the Galway community, at home and abroad, for continuing to support the Christmas Swim year after year,” Lynia added.

This year’s event also included the popular ‘Swim Where You Are’ option, connecting supporters across Ireland and beyond.

COPE Galway extended heartfelt thanks to everyone who took part, the more than 60 volunteers who gave their time on Christmas morning to support the event, the lifeguards and the Order of Malta Galway team who were on hand to provide first aid and immediate medical support if needed.

Their dedication ensured the event was safe and enjoyable for all.

COPE Galway also acknowledged the support of Stewart Construction, the key event sponsor with a historic connection to Blackrock Diving Tower, which was built by Stewart Construction in 1954.

Visit copegalway.ie/swim for more information or to donate.

A special programme for empathy education developed at University of Galway is to be expanded into Transition Year (TY) in secondary schools nationwide.

Activating Social Empathy is a practical classroom resource designed to help teachers promote empathy skills and understanding among young people in the Senior Cycle.

The programme was developed by researchers at the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre at University of Galway, along with colleagues in the University’s School of Education, working closely with a Youth Advisory Panel from Foróige. It is endorsed by the National Council for Curriculum Assessment.

Actor Cillian Murphy is a patron of the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre at University of Galway and a supporter of the empathy education initiatives.

Described as a new micro-module, the new TY course complements the existing Junior Cycle Activating Social Empathy resource, which was announced in 2020.

It offers age-appropriate lessons and activities that challenge TY students to explore empathy in more complex social contexts.

Dr Charlotte Silke, lead researcher with UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre, said, “The core aim is to support young people in becoming more attuned to the feelings and perspectives of others, and more confident in expressing empathy across a variety of real-world contexts.”

The Activating Social Empathy schools programme is supported by the Irish American Partnership and Lifes2good Foundation, Cillian Murphy and partners of the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre, Foróige and Penn State.

The TY micro-module, is informed by theory and practice in the area of social and emotional learning and the resources are underpinned by research evidence relating to the development and expression of empathy during adolescence.

It is designed to strengthen students’ empathy skills through 10 interactive lessons, using scenarios and video and other learning methodologies supplemented by comprehensive sample materials.

The programme encompasses three interconnected components: Cognitive Empathy (i.e., awareness or understanding of others’ perspectives); Emotional Empathy (i.e., feeling with, or for, another person), and Empathic Action (i.e., translating understanding and feelings into supportive, helpful actions).

Students also learn about strategies to address empathy barriers and engage in empathic actions across diverse contexts.

Professor John Canavan, Director of the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre, said, “For young people growing up in a world marked by rising social polarisation, environmental crises and mental health issues, socio-emotional and behavioural skills are increasingly valued as part of education policies designed to address broad dimensions of learning.”

“Empathy is a process of understanding others’ perspectives, feeling for others and taking supportive action.”

More than 30,000 homes in Galway are now able to connect to fibre broadband, according to the NBI, with 11,000 homes already hooked up.

41,000 premises in Co Galway are included in the State’s Intervention Area, which will see NBI deliver minimum speeds of 500 megabits per second to homes, businesses, farms, and schools.

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

There is a total of 33,096 premises that can now pre-order or order high-speed, reliable broadband across the county with 11,071 connections made so far. This includes the rural communities of Clonfert and Maam.

National Broadband Ireland is encouraging all Co Galway residents to visit nbi.ie and check their Eircode to see if they’re ready to connect.

TJ Malone, Chief Executive Officer, National Broadband Ireland, said, “We’re proud to see that over 30,000 Galway homes and businesses can now avail of a high-speed fibre connection through the NBI network, with over 11,000 premises in Co Galway already connected to NBI’s network.”

“The National Broadband Plan rollout is enabling real change in how rural communities live and work, from online learning and business growth to better access to health and public services. We’re encouraging everyone in Galway to check their Eircode on nbi.ie and stay up to date as the rollout progresses.”

National Rollout Progress

NBI has now passed over 439,000 homes, farms and businesses in rural Ireland to high-speed broadband, with over 156,000 now connected.

The average take-up rate of 35% is well ahead of projections and international comparisons and surpasses 60% in areas of the country where the network has been live for 18 months.

COPE Galway is calling on people across the city and county to join one of Galway’s most loved Christmas traditions, the annual Christmas swim.

The 2025 COPE Galway Christmas Day Swim will take place on Christmas morning at Blackrock, Salthill.

First launched in 1989 by a small group of COPE Galway staff and supporters to raise funds for the charity’s Domestic Abuse Service, the swim has grown into an iconic Christmas ritual that embodies Galway’s generosity and community spirit.

Now in its 36th year, it draws hundreds of brave locals and visitors who have made the swim part of their Christmas tradition.

Families, friends and individuals of all ages, from seasoned sea swimmers to first-time dippers, gather at Blackrock for the Christmas Day Swim or take part wherever they are over the holidays.

“The atmosphere on Christmas morning is unlike anything else,” said Lynia O’Brien, Fundraising Manager with COPE Galway.

“You see people home for the holidays, neighbours greeting one another and even dogs in their Christmas finest – all coming together in solidarity and showing that every small act we make can make a real difference for people in our community.”

The COPE Galway Christmas Swim is more than a festive dip; it is a powerful act of solidarity that helps fund essential services for people experiencing homelessness, domestic abuse and isolation.

In 2024, over 850 participants raised €45,600, making a real difference for thousands of people across Galway.

Registration is €20 for an adult and €5 for a child, with individuals, families, workplaces and schools all encouraged to get involved.

Participants are reminded to always follow water safety advice and never swim alone. Visit copegalway.ie/swim to register, donate or get more information.

COPE Galway is grateful that Galway construction company Stewart Construction is once again a key event sponsor for the Christmas Swim.

The iconic Blackrock Diving Tower in Salthill, where the Christmas Day Swim takes place, was constructed by James Stewart & Co. in 1954. James started his construction company in Lower Salthill back in 1902.

Free parking is available in Galway City for people coming to do their Christmas shopping up to and including Christmas Eve.

Galway City Council has partnered with Atlantic Technological University and University of Galway for a Christmas ‘Park and Commute’.

Commuters into the city can park for free in the ATU (Ballybane Road) car park and the University of Galway car park at Upper Newcastle.

This is available daily from 8am – 10pm this week, up to and including December 24, Christmas Eve.

Commuters can then continue into the city on the public bus or on foot, avoiding the stress and cost of finding parking in the city centre.

Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Mike Cubbard, said, “I’m delighted to support this initiative to encourage people to come into Galway City to shop, to go to the market, or to catch up with friends in one of the many fantastic cafes, pubs and restaurants in the city.”

“Many thanks to ATU and the University of Galway for their engagement in the scheme, which will make it easier for people to leave their car out of the city, and travel in, hassle-free on the public bus, or on foot.”

This proposal was put forward in April 2025 by Councillor Eddie Hoare, and seconded by Mayor Mike Cubbard, as an alternative to the Christmas Park and Ride service.

This is the first year the ‘Park and Commute’ service has been trialled, in conjunction with ATU and University of Galway.

Details of the car parks, buses and hours of operation are as follows:

Atlantic Technological University: Main car park on Ballybane Road (R865)

• Closest Eircode: ATU, Old Dublin Rd, H91 T8NW
• Dates of operation: 13-14 December, 19-24 December inclusive.
• Hours of operation: 8am to 10pm
• Bus Options: 401 (Ballybane Road), 405 (St James Road), 402, 404 and 409 (Dublin Road – note this route uses an uncontrolled crossing at the roundabout on the Dublin Road).
• Walking Routes: approx. 3.7km via Dublin Road to Shop Street

University of Galway: University Park and Ride car park, Upper Newcastle (N59) 

• Closest Eircode: ILAS, Upper Newcastle, Co. Galway, H91 C7DK
• Dates of operation: 19-24 December inclusive
• Hours of operation: 8am to 10pm
• Bus Options: 404 (Upper Newcastle)
• Walking Routes: approx. 2.7km to Shop Street
• Tip  – for those under less time pressure, there is a river walk from Dangan into the city through the University grounds (recommended during daylight hours).