Six people were taken to hospital following a car crash in Connemara on Wednesday afternoon.
Gardaí attended the scene of a two vehicle collision on the N59 in Leenane, Connemara yesterday.
According to Gardaí, six people were taken to hospital to be treated for their injuries from the crash.
The road, which was closed for a time, has since reopened.
An Garda Siochána have said that investigations into the crash are ongoing.
Gardaí have made a public appeal for information that could help them find a teenage boy who is missing from his home in the west of Ireland.
14 year old Joseph Phelan has been missing from the Ballyhaunis area of Co Mayo since yesterday, Wednesday April 26.
Joseph is described as being approximately 6′ in height, of medium build, with brown hair and brown eyes.
Gardaí and Joseph’s family are concerned for his welfare.
Anyone with information on Joseph’s whereabouts is asked to contact Ballyhaunis Garda Station on 094 963 0008, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
Gardaí are appealing for road users to stay safe this Bank Holiday Weekend, with a special traffic operation commencing Friday.
Bank Holidays are a popular time to relax and enjoy with families, relatives and friends; they are also period when traffic volumes increase on roads across the country.
Over the April bank holiday weekend five people lost their lives on Irish roads. There were 14 serious injury collisions which led to life-changing injuries for 16 people.
Gardaí also caught 110 people driving while drunk that weekend, and another 78 people were arrested for driving while on drugs.
On top of that, 179 vehicles were impounded for having no insurance, and 187 vehicles for having no road tax, over the course of the April Bank Holiday weekend
Ahead of the May Bank Holiday Weekend, Gardaí and the Road Safety Authority are appealing for all road users to stay safe.
The Bank Holiday Weekend operation will take effect from 7am Friday morning, and run right through Monday and into Tuesday.
Roscommon-Galway TD Claire Kerrane has said that the Taoiseach’s “dismissive response” to the realities facing rural Ireland and fears for its future are “way out of touch”.
Teachta Kerrane raised the issue with the Taoiseach in the Dáil today, with the Sinn Féin TD describing the Taoiseach’s response as “stunning”.
Deputy Kerrane said that yesterday, young people from all around Ireland in Macra na Feirme set off from Athy to walk 14 hours to Government Buildings.
She said that they are taking a stand for a future in rural Ireland.
“Macra are raising eight main issues, including a lack of affordable housing, sparse healthcare services, lack of public transport, a lack of planning for rural communities informed by rural people and imposition of quotas on Young Farmers when it comes to supports,” the Sinn Féin TD said.
Kerrane raised this with An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and told him that young people are sending a clear message to his Government.
“In response, the Taoiseach told me that rural Ireland was actually doing alright which he based on the fact that populations have increased in rural counties,” she said.
“This is well and good however, the services have not followed. We have not seen an increase in affordable housing, none in most Counties in fact, no increase in healthcare and public transport remains non-existent in many parts.
“Macra members aren’t walking 14 hours for the good of their health. This attitude from the Taoiseach that ‘everything is rosy in rural Ireland’ is patronising and dismissive. It is also inaccurate, as people from rural communities have outlined time and time again as they call for government support to tackle the issues affecting them.”
A café in rural Galway is celebrating recognition of its dedication to creating delicious, wholesome dishes with its inclusion in a list of the best of Ireland.
Builín Blasta Café, Bakery, and Retail in Spiddal was named in the prestigious Top 100 list compiled by the Sunday Times last month.
The Top 100 list is a highly respected annual ranking that highlights the best food destinations in Ireland, as chosen by Sally & John McKenna of the McKenna’s guides.
Builín Blasta was chosen for its commitment to quality, its unique and flavourful menu, and its warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Heather Connolly, chef and owner of the café, said that they were delighted to be included in the Sunday Times list.
“We take pride in creating homemade dishes that are not only delicious but also made from the freshest Irish ingredients.”
“This recognition is a wonderful achievement and we are grateful for the support of our customers and our dedicated team.”
To celebrate this achievement, Builín Blasta is inviting customers to visit its wine bar, which is open every Friday and Saturday from 18:00 until 22:30.
The wine bar offers a selection of specially selected wines and craft beers, along with a selection of platters and small plates that concentrate on classic, timeless dishes that delivery on quality and flavour.
An Early Bird menu is available until 7:15, offering two courses for €25 or three courses for €30.
The wines have been carefully selected by co-owner Eimear Killian, a qualified sommelier. Eimears focus has been on selecting distinct grape varieties that provide excellence and value, all of which are also available to purchase in our wine off-license.
Three county councillors and a local TD have said that they should have been invited to alleged meetings on the Loughrea Day Care Centre between the HSE and the Topping Trust.
A joint statement issued by Seán Canney TD and Cllrs Declan Kelly, Shane Curley and Geraldine Donohue today claim that a Fine Gael councillor said he had been invited to two meetings in relation to plans for a new day care centre.
The three councillors and Deputy Canney said that Cllr Michael Moegie Maher made the admission at a recent Loughrea Municipal meeting.
The HSE has stated that it had not organised any such meetings.
Deputy Canney said that the fact that a public representative is stating he was invited and this is being denied by the HSE is a concern and needs clarification.
“It is still a fact that the decision to Close the Seven Springs Day Centre is wrong and the decision needs to be reversed,” he said.
Cllr Geraldine Donohue said that utilising funding from the Topping Trust to finance the re-location of Day Care Services to the ‘Old Workhouse’ is supported by Ciaran Cannon TD and Cllr Maher.
She said that Deputy Cannon has been a trustee member of the Toppings Trust since 2010, and that many of her constituents are asking if there is a conflict of interest there.
“It is also very concerning that Cllr Moegie Maher stated at the February and April Municipal District Meeting of Loughrea that he was invited by the HSE and the Toppings Trust to a series of meetings,” said Cllr Donohue.
“As a public representative since 2019, I ask why are not all councillors invited to such meetings and why is this exclusive to Cllr Maher.”
Cllr Declan Kelly said: “It defies belief that one councillor would be invited to critically important meetings about the future of Loughrea Day Care Centre and all other local representatives would be deliberately excluded.
“Effectively, it shows complete disregard for the democratic process and for the 2,500 signatories of the petition to reopen the facility which was purpose-built just over a decade ago.”
Cllr Shane Curley said that any meetings should be open to all elected representatives to attend.
A week-long film marathon will begin on Friday at Omniplex cinema in Salthill, screening seven of the most requested films from Shrek to The Lord of The Rings.
The Dark Knight, Interstellar, Pulp Fiction, Back to the Future and Despicable Me make up the other films to be shown in all Omniplex cinemas across Ireland from this weekend.
The cinema chain opened voting to their MyOmniPass subscription members last month, receiving thousands of nominations.
After careful consideration, the seven most requested were shortlisted to be included.
The film marathon line-up
The Dark Knight – Friday 28 April
Christopher Nolan’s 2008 superhero smash that led to two sequels will be first up for the movie marathon. The DC comic story brought to life by Christian Bale, Gary Oldman and the late Heath Ledger scooped up 15 awards upon its release, including an Oscar for both Best Sound Editing and Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Ledger’s legendary performance of the Joker.
Shrek – Saturday 29 / Sunday 30 April
Family favourite, Shrek, is up next for the film marathon. With the fifth film currently in the works, cinemagoers can catch a reminder of the goings-on in Far, Far Away, where the epic love story between Shrek and Princess Fiona (and not forgetting Donkey) all began.
Despicable Me – Saturday 29 / Sunday 30 April
2010 was the year that gave us the wide-eyed yellow menaces that we’ve come to know and love; so much so that Omniplex have decided to put them back on the big screen once again. The Universal Pictures family favourite has amassed a mass cult following of young (and not so young) Minion fans. The release of the fifth film ‘Minions: The Rise of Gru’ in 2022 resulted in thousands of fans showing up to cinemas across the world wearing suits, paying homage to the franchise’s main character.
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring – Monday 1 May
The most popular request came in the form of Peter Jackson’s 2001 classic. The showing of the story of a meek Hobbit from the Shire and eight companions setting out on a journey to destroy the powerful One Ring and save Middle-earth from the Dark Lord Sauron is already sold out in many of Omniplex’s 260 sites. So if you want your chance to see it on the big screen again then book your tickets ASAP!
Pulp Fiction – Tuesday 2 May
The 1994 fan favourite tells the stories of the lives of two mob hitmen, a boxer, a gangster and his wife, and a pair of diner bandits that intertwines into four tales of violence and redemption. The all-star cast consisting of Samuel L. Jackson, John Travolta, Bruce Willis, and Uma Thurman among others, is clearly just as popular today as it was upon its release nearly thirty years ago, and there are few people out there that don’t hear Chuck Berry’s ‘Never Can Tell’ and automatically think of the famous dance scene between Thurman and Travolta.
Interstellar – Wednesday 3 May
Another top request to be shown again came in the form of this 2014 science fiction favourite, and the second Christopher Nolan film to be featured in the film marathon. Michael Cane and Matthew McConaughey take the lead, starring as Professor Brand and Joseph Cooper to tell the story of a team of explorers travelling through a wormhole in space in an attempt to ensure humanity’s survival.
Back to the Future – Thursday 4 May
The oldest film and the last to feature in Omniplex’s week-long marathon is the 1985 epic blockbuster about 17-year-old Marty McFly who gets lost in 1955 by an accident, 30 years back in time. With the help of his friend Dr. Emmet Brown, McFly desperately tries to find his way back to the future in the year 1985. Let’s be honest, it would be odd if this cult classic wasn’t a firm favourite of the country’s film buffs!
The film marathon will take place across all Omniplex cinemas across the island of Ireland.
The Connacht Hotel is raising funds for Galway Hospice this year, as the award-winning hotel’s chosen charity partner for 2023.
Galway Hospice have been providing palliative care for the people of the county and province for almost four decades, ensuring that people with life-limiting illnesses have dignity and support.
Originally set up by a group of local doctors and nurses, Galway Hospice’s goal was to develop hospice services for the people of Galway city and county.
At the time, there was nothing like it in the county, and today it is such a critical part of so many people’s lives thanks to the hard work and sacrifice of so many amazing individuals.
“We’re delighted to help raise funds for the fantastic Galway Hospice,” said General Manager of The Connacht Hotel, David O’ Connor.
“They have been doing phenomenal work for over 37 years and have helped countless patients in that time,” he added.
“This will no doubt be true again as we look to help Galway Hospice receive the vital funds they need to continue providing an exceptional service that positively impacts lives in ways that mean so much to so many,” David added.
Supporters of Galway Hospice will be in with a chance to enjoy the award winning hotel’s acilities, cuisine, and excellent service by winning an overnight stay for two.
By donating €2 to Galway Hospice through idonate, guests will be entered into a draw, and each draw will take place at the end of every month. Winners of each draw will also enjoy breakfast during their stay.
A stay at The Connacht Hotel also means that winners will be able to enjoy the Leisure Centre, including the fantastic 20m swimming pool, sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi.
The Connacht Hospitality Group is the group behind popular hotels like The Connacht Hotel, Residence Hotel, and HYDE Hotel, while they also own An Púcán, 1520, and HYDE Bar.
The family-owned Group is run by the Fitzgerald family and company Director John Carmody, together with their great leadership team.
One man was taken to hospital following a traffic collision in Galway City Centre yesterday.
Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of a collision on the Fairgreen Road in Galway on Tuesday evening.
The traffic collision involved a single vehicle and a pedestrian Gardaí said in a statement to Galway Daily.
A man in his 30s was take to University Hospital Galway for treatment.
An Garda Síochána have said that investigations into this incident are ongoing.
Just under four hundred claims have been made for traffic accidents caused by uninsured drivers in Galway in the past five years.
Figures released by the Motor Insurers Bureau of Ireland show that from 2018 to 2022 there were a total of 394 such claims made in Galway.
The year with the fewest claims in Galway was in 2021, where they reached a low of just 46 after declining each year from a peak of 112 claims in 2018.
However, the following year saw claims to MIBI in relation to accidents in Galway rise again to 73 in 2022.
Nationwide there were a total of 10,376 such claims submitted to the bureau over the five year period from 2018 to 2022.
Speaking about the claims figures, MIBI Chief Executive David Fitzgerald said that the cost of these accidents is borne law abiding motorists.
They “effectively have to subsidize these claims” each time they renew their insurance he added, saying that the average motorist has paid an extra €150 – €175 to cover the cost of accidents caused by uninsured and untraced drivers over the past five year.
“Unfortunately as the number of uninsured vehicles grows, the number of claims relating to accidents caused by uninsured drivers also rise.”
“With the level of uninsured vehicles on Irish roads potentially the highest in the EU, we need to do all we can to discourage people driving illegally without insurance.”
Earlier this year the MIBI published research showing there were almost 188,000 uninsured private vehicles on Irish roads last year and that the Republic of Ireland may now have the highest level of uninsured vehicles in the EU.
They also predicted that the number of uninsured vehicles on Irish roads could pass 200,000 in the next 12 – 18 months if “significant action” isn’t taken.
Representatives of COPE Galway staff and An Garda Síochána recently planted a tree at Modh Eile House ahead of this year’s Go Purple Day.
Located on the grounds of COPE Galway’s Domestic Abuse Service, this tree is meant to serve as a symbol of their commitment to work together in supporting and protecting women and children across Galway City and County.
This Friday, April 28 is Go Purple Day, a Garda-led initiative with local domestic abuse services nationwide.
The nationwide event helps to raise awareness of supports and services available to people who experience domestic abuse and to reduce the stigma for those who require this support.
Galway Cope is encouraging people to “Go Purple your way! Wear purple, bake purple, decorate, or light up your home, business, school or other meeting space in purple.”
“Take and share your photos, use the #GoPurpleDay hashtag and tag @copegalway in your social media posts.”
“Together we can make Galway a community where no one lives in fear of facing abuse in their home.”
Visit www.copegalway.ie/gopurple to find out how you can get involved. #GoPurpleDay #GoPurple.
A mayoral reception has been held to honour Richard Hayes who sailed around Ireland to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease and stroke, and to fundraise for equipment such as defibrillators.
In May 2018, Richard set off on a solo circumnavigation of Ireland in a tiny dingy called the Laser One, finishing in Galway Bay in mid-September.
He raised over €11,270 for local heart health charity, Croí, as well as highlighting the preventable nature of heart disease and stroke.
Speaking about the achievements of Richard Hayes, Mayor of Galway City, Councillor Clodagh Higgins said that an unsupported solo sail around Ireland is a very rare event, requiring skill, dedication, fitness and also a lot of patience.
“Along the way on Richard’s solo sail around Ireland, Richard and his family met with the kindness of strangers many times – from those who offered beds, to meals and coffee, and the farmers who towed the boat up sand dunes with their quad bikes,” she said.
“Communities across Ireland have been repaid in kind, in your efforts to keep them and their loved ones free from the heartache of losing a loved one to heart disease.”
Richard’s mother Celine introduced him to sailing when he was just 8 years old, in Lough Derg.
Some years later, Celine passed away as a result of a heart attack. There was no access to a defibrillator, which might have saved her life.
Mayor Higgins also paid tribute to Richard’s family, Michael, Libhín and Michelle, who supported him every step of the way on this journey, and wished Richard the very best in his future, on the water, and on land.
More than 200 properties in Loughrea are no longer subject to the Boil Water Notice issued by Uisce Éireann.
The notice was lifted for Caheronaun (Junction of Caheronaun Road / Bride Street to Caheronaun Park), and Abbey Street / Gallows Hill / Cosmona (Junction of Dolphin Street / Abbey Street to Old Cosmona via Gallows Hill).
It remains in place however for customers in areas including Castle Street, Church Street, King Street, Kelly Street, Piggott Street, Moore Street, Dolphin Street, Mount Carmel Crescent, Athenry Road, Liam Mellows Terrace, Cross Street and St Brendan’s Day Care Centre.
The notice was issued to protect the health of customers after low chlorine residuals and elevated levels of iron and turbidity were detected in the public water supply.
An updated map of the affected area is attached and available to view on the Supply and Service Section of Uisce Éireann’s website.
Uisce Éireann’s Eoin Hughes acknowledged the impact of this notice on the community and regrets the inconvenience to impacted customers.
He said that public health is their number one priority, and they are working closely with Galway County Council to restore drinking water quality for the remaining impacted customers.
“Dedicated crews will continue to complete remedial works to resolve the network related issue, which is predominately confined to areas served by cast iron pipework in the town.”
Vulnerable customers who have registered with Uisce Éireann will receive direct communication on this Boil Water Notice and are reminded that the water is safe to consume once boiled and cooled.
Local TD Seán Canney has welcomed the announcement that people can now apply for a grant of €50,000 to refurbish a home that has been vacant for two years — with an additional top-up grant available if the property is derelict.
The details of the revised grant scheme will be published by Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien TD after this week’s Cabinet meeting.
The grant was previously available for those wishing to live in the refurbished property, but once refurbished it can now be rented out.
Independent TD Seán Canney said that this will help to ease the pressure on housing in many parts of the country.
The properties may also be eligible for energy retrofitting grants of €30,000, Deputy Canney said.
“In Galway East alone there are thousands of vacant homes in our towns, villages and rural areas and with this grant there is an opportunity to bring young families back into our parishes and into our local schools.
“The scheme will add vibrancy to our rural communities and local sports clubs.”
University of Galway has called for Leaving Certificate results day to return to its traditional date in the middle of August.
This year’s results are set to be delayed for a fourth year, causing stress for students planning for college life and impacting the quality of their first year in third-level education.
The University is supporting calls by the Irish Universities Association, the Union of Students’ of Ireland and the Technological Higher Education Association for results to be issued this year in mid-August.
They also want to see an acceleration of reform of the Leaving Certificate itself.
University of Galway President Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh said they are doing their best working internally and with Government and accommodation providers to ensure they support as many students as possible in the midst of an accommodation crisis.
“We are opening almost 700 new beds on-campus this year. Unfortunately, our efforts will only go so far and it is time Government ensured an end to delayed Leaving Certificate results,” he said.
“Delaying the issuing of results places unfair constraints on students and staff, with a compressed academic year and reduced student contact time. This benefits no one, least of all our students, and it runs counter to our values of respect and excellence at a critical time for young people.”
University of Galway Deputy President and Registrar Professor Pól Ó Dochartaigh said that since 2020, inflation associated with calculated and accredited grades has ‘rightly been a major concern’.
“But alongside that, year-on-year since Covid, we are seeing additional and unnecessary stress piled on young people and their families as they have to wait too long to begin planning for life in university,” said Prof Ó Dochartaigh.
“It is high time that the Minister ensured a release of state examination results as early as possible to ensure that young people, who put years of effort into learning, do not suffer undue anxiety as they try to plan where they will study and live.”
The call for action on Leaving Certificate results is being made following recent sectoral level meetings with Department of Education officials who have indicated that 2023 results may not be released until September.
New Look is opening its doors in its new location on Edward Square this morning, creating 15 new jobs in the city.
Customers will receive a €10 voucher with any transaction over €50 today when the new store opens at 10am.
Customers who spend over €50 will also have an opportunity to play ‘Spin the Wheel’ where they can win vouchers, discounts, and other prizes.
The New Look store covers two floors and will stock women’s clothing, footwear, accessories and a number of concessions brands.
Click and collect will be available in store to customers.
Students at St Paul’s Secondary School in Oughterard who participated in the Venture Out Wilderness Project have helped launch this year’s Vhi Health & Wellbeing Fund.
Established in 2020 in partnership with the Irish Youth Foundation (IYF), the Fund is dedicated to supporting young people’s health and wellbeing.
Non-profit organisations based in Galway have been invite to apply, after Venture Out received €10,000 in last year’s fund.
It supports projects which aim to strengthen resilience in young people aged 12 to 25, and help them manage anxiety.
In the last two years, 22 youth focused organisations across the country have been awarded grants for a range of projects.
To date, over 4,000 young people have been directly impacted through the fund, with just under 200,000 young people indirectly benefitting from the initiative.
It is open to applications from non-profit and charitable organisations who work directly with young people or with adults who surround them. Grants of €5,000 and €10,000 will be available through the Fund.
In addition to making funding available, Vhi are introducing a pilot programme for youth leaders focusing on trauma informed care and worker wellbeing.
Speaking at the launch, Karen Blake, Client Relationship Manager, Vhi Healthcare, said they want their customers to live longer, stronger, healthier lives – but they also want the local communities to have the opportunity to achieve this goal too.
“With this in mind it was great to be joined by Venture Out and young people from St Pauls School in Oughterard to launch this year’s Vhi Health and Wellbeing Fund.
“This is our third year of the Fund and the impact it has had on participants in Galway and beyond has been inspiring to see with every young person supported by the Fund over the last two years gaining the opportunity to better understand how to manage their own health and wellbeing while also developing skills to help them navigate feelings of anxiety when they face them. I’d encourage all eligible organisations to apply for the fund.”
Last year Venture Out Wilderness Project in Galway received €10,000 in funding to design and deliver a creative school-based programme for young boys and men, aiming to promote their health and wellbeing, while also addressing issues around what it is to be a man in today’s world.
Speaking about the impact of the programme Barry Dillon, Programme Manager, Venture Out Wilderness Project in Galway, said: “We were delighted to receive the funding last year through the ‘Vhi Health and Wellbeing Fund’.
“With the funding we were able to deliver almost 40 workshops and engage 500+ young people in schools right across Galway. Our programme was designed to focus on supporting young men and it has been amazing to see how they have responded to the programme and embraced the outdoor nature of the activities we undertook with them.
“It has also been really rewarding to hear about the impact of the programme from the young people’s teachers and families and, hopefully, through this experience they’ve developed skills they’ll take with them through life. I would encourage anyone working with young people in Galway with an idea to apply.”
Planning permission is being sought for a major renovation and extension of a nursing home located in a former hotel in Oranmore.
The county council is considering an application by Tasbeem Ltd to build a new wing onto Brampton Care Home, which is located in the former Oyster Hotel in Oranmore town centre.
The proposed four storey extension to the nursing home will provide an additional 28 bedroom, along with three living units with a further seven bedrooms.
The car parking currently in the courtyard where the new wing is to be built will be moved to the existing basement level, along with additional spaces.
“The existing courtyard will be repurposed as a secure amenity space for the residents at Brampton,” a cover letter for the planning application states.
This will be, “landscaped and designed with finishes that will create an attractive outdoor space with hobby opportunities for the men’s shed and Polytunnel.”
“With no vehicular traffic accessing the courtyard the ground floor archway will be developed to provide additional family meeting rooms and resident spaces to Brampton.”
The main entrance to the nursing will be located, and a new entrance lobby built at the western side of the building.
Other works involved in the project will include modifying the existing surface car park to the west of the building to accommodate disabled parking spaces.
A decision on this planning application is due from Galway County Council by May 29 of this year.
Four weeks of roadworks on the west side of Galway City have gotten underway today, with traffic disruption expected from the works.
Galway City Council is carrying out road resurfacing works on the R336 Barna Road and R337 Kingston Road.
The works consist of a full resurface of the entire Kingston Road the junction with Threadneedle Road, and a section of the Barna Road.
Work on the Barna Road has begun today, April 24 and work on the Kingston Road is scheduled to commence on Monday, May 8.
All told the roadworks are expected to take four weeks to complete.
A Stop & Go system will be in place to manage traffic in the area for the duration of the works.
Plans have been unveiled for a major upgrade of the bus network for Galway City and its hinterlands.
The National Transport Authority has unveiled the plans at a special event at the Dean Hotel today.
This part of the Bus Connects Galway project would see the level of bus services in Galway city, Bearna and Oranmore increase by nearly 50%.
The network upgrade plans aim to see the extension of bus services to new areas, more routes with frequent services, an enhanced weekend timetable and a new 24-hour route.
A public consultation period for the plans will now run for six weeks, up to Friday June 3.
Public information events will take place from May 16 – 18, and two online webinars will be held on May 23 & 25.
Following this public consultation period, the bus network plans will be finalised in the coming months, and the NTA expects to roll them out in 2025.
Information on the plans can be found at busconnects.ie/Galway, where the public can also provide feedback on the proposals.
© 2026 GalwayDaily. All rights reserved. | Designed by Web Design Ireland
