Galway Simon Community, in conjunction with the Simon Communities of Ireland, is today hosting a conference in Galway focused on the growing crisis of older people retiring into homelessness.

The event will highlight this escalating crisis as one of the most urgent and under-recognised challenges facing Ireland’s housing system.

Recent Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage statistics have shown that since 2020, there has been a 104% increase in people aged over 65 experiencing homelessness, rising from 122 in 2020 to 249 in June 2025.

Ber Grogan, Executive Director of Simon Communities of Ireland said, “Ireland is facing a quiet crisis. Nobody should have to face the trauma of homelessness in older age, yet we are seeing people who have worked all their lives finding themselves with no safe, secure place to call home.”

“The solutions are within reach: increase the supply of age-appropriate housing, strengthen rent protections, and ensure that housing and health supports are fully integrated. We must act now to ensure older people can retire with dignity and stability.”

Carol Baumann, Galway Simon Chief Executive, said, “We are delighted to host a conference on such an important topic and are very pleased to be joined by some of the leading experts in the area.”

“Homelessness among older adults is one of the fastest growing cohorts both locally and nationally, and it is critical that we put in place responses to the crisis that will prevent older people from accessing Emergency Accommodation.”

“We need coordinated action across housing, health and social protection to prevent older people from falling into homelessness and to help those affected to rebuild their lives.”

“We know from our own work with clients that if we can divert people away from Emergency Accommodation, the long-term outcomes for them are much more positive.”

Simon Week 2025 represents one of The Simon Communities of Ireland’s most focused national campaigns to date, uniting practitioners, policymakers, people with lived experience of homelessness, and communities.

Bringing local, national, international, and lived-experience perspectives to the table, the conference shared insights on the supply and design of age-friendly homes, integrated health and social care, income adequacy, and Housing First adapted for later life.

Gardaí arrested people for possession of heroin, cannabis, a knife, and an outstanding warrant in a policing operation in Galway City this week.

The operation saw uniformed and plain clothes Gardaí, along with sniffer dog Gunner, carry out high-visibility patrols at transport hubs on Wednesday, September 24.

The operation involved operations at Ceannt Station, Galway Coach Station and the Eyre Square bus terminus.

Gardaí caught one person in possession of a knife, one person in possession of ten deals of heroin, seven people in possession of cannabis, and one person was arrested on foot of a bench warrant.

Sergeant Ger Hall of Gaillimh Garda Station said, “This special operation targeted the transit hubs in Galway City centre. We deployed members in plain clothes as well as uniform for a high-visibility presence to provide reassurance to members of the public.

“A series of searches took place and detections included a person in possession of a knife. We detected a number of people in possession of controlled drugs, including a person in possession of suspected heroin. Another person was arrested on a bench warrant and brought to court.”

“We worked in conjunction with the Garda Dog Unit and sniffer dog Gunner, who got a very positive response from commuters as he walked through the crowds and on board trains and coaches.

“This operation was part of An Garda Síochána’s wider ethos of ‘Keeping People Safe’ and the public praised our members for their high-visibility presence,” said Sergeant Hall.

The Land Development Agency (LDA) has lodged a planning application for 356 new cost rental and social homes in the inner harbour at Galway Port.

The homes at Amharc Atalia are proposed to be developed on land being transferred to the Agency by Galway Harbour Company (GHC).

The proposed LDA development will include 172 one-bed, 169 two-bed and 15 three-bed apartments across four blocks ranging from six to 13 storeys.

The plans, which have been submitted to Galway City Council, also include a new public plaza, a landscaped coastal walking path, communal gardens, play areas, retail units and a creche. Subject to planning approval, construction is scheduled to commence in Q4, 2027.

Ideally situated on the waterfront at the Galway inner harbour, the proposed development would provide much-needed cost rental and social housing in a location that is less than a 10-minute walk from the city centre.

The housing would also be conveniently located near primary and secondary schools, the University of Galway, University Hospital Galway, and Eyre Square, all of which are accessible via existing bus routes. A provision for bicycle and car park spaces at the surface level is also included in the plans.

A finalised masterplan for the redevelopment of the entire inner harbour lands was submitted with the planning application and was prepared by Scott Tallon Walker Architects for the Port of Galway.

It includes wider proposals to develop the area into a new sustainable and mixed-use city centre urban quarter.

The LDA’s planning application follows a public consultation process on both the wider masterplan and Amharc Atalia, which was launched by the LDA and GHC in May of this year.

Phelim O’Neill, Director of Development at the LDA said, “The submission of this planning application represents another significant milestone for LDA housing delivery in Galway.”

“If approved, this impressive development will provide high quality, waterfront apartments in the heart of the city, in line with the LDA’s focus on delivering the right homes in the right places.”

“I’d like to thank Galway Harbour Company and Galway City Council for helping us progress this important development.”

Conor O’Dowd, Chief Executive of Galway Harbour Company, said, “I am pleased to welcome this positive development, which underlines the progress we are making in our plans to transform Galway Harbour.”

“We are working to deliver a new and sustainable quarter in Galway City and it is vital that this includes new housing, in addition to commercial outlets, recreational and cultural facilities along the water’s edge.”

“I’d like to thank the LDA for working with us on this ambitious project and for proposing a high-quality development in what is going to be a wonderful location.”

University of Galway has been selected as a European champion for a flagship digitalisation project to simplify and secure recognition of academic credentials, promote student mobility and foster inclusion.

The prestigious recognition was awarded by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture and names the University as Ireland’s European Student Card Initiative (ESCI) Champion for 2025-2027.

The ESCI Champion award highlights the University’s ongoing leadership in advancing student mobility across Europe through digital innovation and collaboration, and demonstrates its strong commitment to the digitalisation of student services, streamlining the administrative processes for students participating in mobility programmes such as Erasmus+.

Specifically, the award recognises University of Galway’s achievements in implementing “Erasmus Without Paper”, an initiative designed to make higher education more interconnected, efficient and student-focused.

Professor David J. Burn, President of University of Galway, said, “We are honoured to be named Ireland’s ESCI Champion for 2025-2027. This recognition reflects the dedication of our staff and students in embracing digital innovation and European cooperation.”

“We look forward to supporting the further digitalisation of higher education across Europe and sharing our experiences for the benefit of students everywhere.”

Sheena Duffy, Head of International, Higher Education Authority Ireland, said, “University of Galway’s selection as ESCI Champion is a testament to their leadership in digital transformation and student mobility.”

“Their active role will be crucial in advancing the European Student Card Initiative, and we are confident that their expertise will inspire higher education institutions throughout Ireland and beyond.”

Representatives from the University’s Global Galway team will lead out on the ESCI Champion initiative and officially start the work at a kick-off meeting in Gothenburg, Sweden, this September.

Over the next two years, the University team will share their expertise at national and European events, engage with peer institutions and contribute to the broader ESCI community by sharing testimonials and best practices.

The University’s efforts will help inspire and guide other higher education institutions in Ireland and across Europe on their own digitalisation journeys.

The Galway lifeboat station at the New Docks in Galway will hold an open day on Sunday, 28 September from 11am to 4pm and everyone is welcome to visit the station, see the lifeboat and meet the crew.

The other search and rescue agencies in Galway will also take part in the open day and it will be an opportunity for visitors to meet representatives from Oranmore Maree Coastal Search Unit, the Claddagh Watch Patrol, Galway Fire and Rescue Service and the Civil Defence.

Paul Carey, Launch Authority with Galway RNLI, said, “Our open day is a day out for all the family and there is full programme of activities at the lifeboat station and in the surrounding area as part of the Galway Docklands Festival.”

“In addition to the displays from the search and rescue agencies, we will have an RNLI water safety display with lots of advice on staying safe while on the water. We will also have a pop-up shop and hopefully Stormy Stan will drop by.”

“This year the theme of our lifeboat schools’ art competition is Float to Live which is the water safety advice for anyone who gets into difficulty in the water.”

“We are looking forward to seeing the interpretation of this theme in the artwork that will be displayed around the lifeboat station for visitors to view during the open day.”

The open day will run from 11am to 4pm down at the New Docks, Galway Harbour, at Eircode H91 X782.

The Galway RNLI Lifeboat Station open day is taking place as part of the Galway Docklands Festival and the Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival, both weekend long celebrations of Galway and all things maritime.

A teenager girl, the subject of a missing person appeal in Galway this week, has been found safe and well.

Gardaí requested the public’s assistance in locating 13-year-old Martha O’Toole on Monday.

She had been reported missing from Tuam since Sunday, September 21.

Gardaí have confirmed that Martha has since been located safe and well.

An Garda Síochána thanked the public for their assistance in this matter.

More than 82 people applied to Galway City Council for 14 affordable homes in Rahoon within minutes of the scheme opening.

Earlier this month, the city council launched the An Tobar affordable housing development in Rahoon.

Applications for the Affordable Housing Scheme opened at midday on September 8. Within just four minutes, 82 applicants had registered for the scheme.

In less than an hour, 69 full completed applications had been submitted to be in line for affordable housing units.

To date, Galway City Council have 185 registered applicants with 90 fully submitted applications for An Tobar, showing the level of demand for affordable housing.

With these affordable housing schemes, the price paid by successful applicants is based on income and mortgage capacity.

The new owners enter into an Affordable Dwelling Purchase Agreement with Galway City Council, which will take an equity share in the home, equal to the difference between the market value and the purchase price paid. The equity share is expressed as a percentage of the market value of the home.

The new owner can choose to buy out the equity share in their home at any time within 40 years by one or a series of payments to Galway City Council. Certain events can trigger the equity share to be repaid.

The ‘An Tobar’ development consists of 14 homes – yet interest far exceeded this number and suggests a highly competitive housing market. Partnered with Cairn Homes, four two-bed houses and ten three-bed houses were for sale.

Following the closure of the online application portal at 12 noon on 29 September 2025, Galway City Council anticipates allocating the homes as soon as possible, with successful applicants expected to take up residence in Quarter 1 of 2026.

The City Council has said that it is progressing with further development of its own lands, and is seeking to partner with developers for further developments, all schemes of which will be advertised well in advance of opening dates.

Galway County Council has been awarded up to €6.6 million for the redevelopment of the Station House in Tuam into an enterprise and event hub.

The money announced this week will be used to redevelop the vacant and derelict Station House building on Vicar Street to create a state-of-the-art multi-purpose enterprise and event hub with co-working facilities and innovation spaces.

The project, which forms part of the wider Tuam Regeneration Strategy, aims to preserve the Station House’s place in the history of the town, while transforming the internal and external spaces to better serve entrepreneurship and social cohesion in the local area.

The Station House is a unique heritage building with significant architectural and artistic qualities and has links to the cultural and economic history of Tuam.

The funding for this project has been allocated under the Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme (THRIVE) under the Northern and Western Regional Programme.

Director of the Northern and Western Regional Assembly, Conall McGettigan, hailed the award for the Station House and said the THRIVE scheme would transform town centres both aesthetically and economically.

“The Regional Assemblies’ support balanced regional development and the revitalisation of towns as outlined in our Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies.”

“Today’s announcement is a positive example of the use of ERDF funding to assist heritage regeneration projects in some of our counties’ key urban centres, enabling local authorities and communities to revitalise a number of landmark heritage assets all over our region.”

THRIVE had an initial allocation of €30.7 million to support local authorities and their citizens to re-imagine town centres and to transform publicly owned vacant or derelict heritage buildings through renovation, renewal, and adaptive reuse. The funding is contingent on projects meeting certain conditions.

The projects must embed principles of the New European Bauhaus (NEB), which is a European Union policy and funding initiative that promotes solutions that are not only sustainable, but also ‘inclusive and beautiful’.

NWRA Cathaoirleach Councillor Michéal Frain said that the scheme’s funding will, “empower local authorities in our region to revitalise historic buildings in town centres, blending preservation with modern needs and guaranteeing these valuable sites remain useful for generations to come.”

“The THRIVE projects referenced in today’s funding announcement will make a real difference,” Michéal added.

THRIVE has been co-designed by the NWRA alongside the Southern, Eastern and Midland Regional Assemblies, and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to address European, national and regional policy objectives.

To qualify for a THRIVE grant to renovate a heritage building, local authorities must own the building and have first engaged in public consultation to establish how residents would like to see the building renewed.

Galway students at Bearna Primary School and Colaiste Mhuire in Ballygar have each been crowned Battery Recycling Champions after collecting the equivalent of 50,050 and 11,700 used AA batteries, respectively, for recycling during the last school year.

Their efforts to save valuable materials from landfill were part of WEEE Ireland’s nationwide Schools Battery Recycling Competition, which saw a total of 1.5 million batteries collected across Ireland, weighing almost as much as four school buses.

Both schools received a €2,000 sports voucher for their achievements after winning in their categories.

This year’s campaign launches as the new EU Batteries Regulation come into full effect, bringing higher waste battery collection, recycling and recovery targets.

“The students at Bearna Primary School and Colaiste Mhuire should be incredibly proud,” said Elizabeth O’Reilly, Head of Environmental Compliance at WEEE Ireland.

“Their work supports the new EU battery regulations that came into effect this August, which set higher targets for recovering critical raw materials like cobalt, copper, lead, lithium, and nickel.”

“Every year, we see how collective action can achieve real results. By collecting thousands of batteries, schools, families, and communities nationwide are helping Ireland meet these targets and protecting the environment for future generations.”

WEEE Ireland is calling on schools to get involved in the competition once again and help Ireland meet these ambitious goals – while supporting environmental protection and the programme’s charity partner LauraLynn Ireland’s Children’s Hospice.

The competition is open to all primary and secondary schools in WEEE Ireland’s battery recycling counties that collect at least 10 full 5kg battery boxes.

“The funds we have received from WEEE Ireland as a result of battery recycling programme over the last 14 years of this partnership have had such a positive impact on the children and families who avail of LauraLynn’s specialised care and supports all across Ireland.” said Kerry McLaverty, CEO of LauraLynn.

“This year’s donation brings the total fundraising to an incredible €610,000. LauraLynn would also like to say a huge thank you WEEE Ireland for the support across this campaign over the last number of years and to everyone who took the time to recycle their batteries.

“It may seem like something small, but for the children and families who rely on LauraLynn, and for the environment, it is huge and very impactful.”

Schools can find more information and order WEEE Ireland Blue Battery Boxes at www.weeeireland.ie.

A Galway nurse and regional manager with homecare company Comfort Keepers has won a prestigious award at the 2025 Home & Community Care Ireland (HCCI) Home Care Awards.

Anita Cosgrove, who has been working for Comfort Keepers for 12.5 years and lives in Co. Galway, was one of five who made the shortlist for the Leadership and Mentoring Award.

Last week, at a special celebratory event at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Athlone, Anita was announced as the winner.

“I work with a great team and I am so honoured to win this award for supporting and developing my teams, whether that’s the managers, coordinators, or other team members I work with,” Anita said of winning the award.

“We are improving all the time, and that has a lasting impact on our clients and our communities. When people show up every day as their best selves, teams become more effective, and ultimately deliver safe, compassionate, and higher quality care.”

The Mentoring and Leadership Accomplishment of the Year award, sponsored by Hayes Solicitors, recognises an individual who has shown exceptional leadership and mentoring skills, guiding others to achieve their full potential.

This award celebrates those who inspire, support, and empower their colleagues through effective peer-led learning.

Comfort Keepers, one of Ireland’s largest and most awarded home care companies, is marking 20 years of delivering homecare to individuals and families all across the country.

Collette Gleeson, CEO of Comfort Keepers, said, “At Comfort Keepers, we believe that everyone deserves to live a safe, happy, and independent life in their own home, and we understand that great care starts with people who feel valued and supported.”

“This is why we invest in our employees’ development from the very beginning and offer them a rewarding career,” Collette said, adding that Anita is an extremely worthy recipient of this award for helping her team unlock their potential.

“She has made it her mission to empower those around her and help them to recognise their own strengths and unlock their leadership potential, all of which leads to a more supportive environment where staff can thrive.”

“And this is key to our future success as we continue to grow all across the country in response to the growing need for high-quality, person-centred homecare services.”

Gardaí are seeking the public’s help in locating 13-year-old Martha O’Toole, who is missing from her home in Tuam, Co. Galway.

Martha has been reported missing since Sunday, September 21.

Martha is described as being 5 foot tall, with a slim build, fair hair and blue eyes. It is not known what Martha was wearing when last seen.

Martha is believed to have travelled to Galway city centre. Gardaí and Martha’s family are concerned for her well-being.

Anyone with information on Martha’s whereabouts is asked to contact Gaillimh Garda Station on (091) 538000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

A man in his 20s has died and another man was seriously injured in a two vehicle crash near Milltown on Friday morning.

The collision, involving a car and a van, occurred on the N17 near Milltown shortly after 8:00am today.

The driver of the car, a man in his 20s, was pronounced deceased at the scene. A post mortem examination will be arranged at the morgue at University Hospital Galway.

The driver of the van, a man in his 50s, was airlifted to UHG for treatment of serious injuries.

The road is closed between Milltown and Ballindine pending a technical examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators.

Diversions are in place at the Milltown road roundabout in Tuam, Co Galway and in Ballindine, Co Mayo.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to contact them.

Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area between 7:45am and 8:15am on Friday 19th September 2025 are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Tuam Garda Station on 093 70840, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Blue Teapot Theatre Company will be presenting a special archive exhibition celebrating fifteen years of their Performing Arts School for Culture Night.

The exhibition of works includes photographic archives from the inaugural year of enrolled students in 2010 to the current day, with displays of costumes, puppets, and theatre crafts along with screenings of theatre productions and short films.

Speaking about why this exhibition was chosen for Culture Night, Artistic Director Petal Pilley said, “It’s incredible to be celebrating fifteen years of Blue Teapot’s Performing Arts School and all forty-five graduates that have acted, sang and danced their way through its three-year QQI accredited programme.”

“Our Performing Arts School was born out of the fact that in 2010, there was no quality, accredited performing arts training for people with intellectual disabilities (ID) anywhere in Ireland.”

“So, we committed ourselves to establishing a vibrant programme, facilitated by some of West of Ireland’s finest theatre arts practitioners, to start levelling the playing field for ID artists.”

“Today, our Performing Arts School delivers to fifteen students every year with its own premises unlocking extraordinary artistry and expanding the lives of its students”.

Also looking forward to the exhibition is Performing Arts School Manager Judith Wolf. “We are excited to open the doors to our first Culture Night exhibition to give the public a flavour of the work we do here and the amazing productions we [have] had over the last 15 years.”

“It is clear to see how the students have blossomed into creative and talented makers and performers.”

The exhibition will be hosted by current students and graduates and is open to the public from 7pm – 9pm at Blue Teapot Theatre, Munster Avenue, Galway H91 FVF9 on Friday 19^th September. Everybody is welcome.

The Galway Docklands Festival makes a vibrant return this month, bringing together Galway’s rich maritime heritage, local food, music, and community spirit.

Running alongside the Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival and the Galway RNLI Open Day, the Docklands will come alive at Galway Bay Seafoods with a packed programme of free, family-friendly activities. 

Visitors can look forward to: 

• Boatbuilding talks and rigging demonstrations celebrating Galway’s traditional sailing culture. 
• Boat trips with Galway Bay Boat Tours and the chance to meet the crews of Galway Hooker Sailing Club and Galway RNLI. 
• Maritime workshops, including knots and skills demonstrations. 
• Emergency services displays with interactive experiences. 
• Seafood and oyster tastings, alongside a mouth-watering mix of local food trucks, J&M Cakes, Claddagh Lemonade, Americano Ice Cream, and more. 
• Family fun with face painting, balloon art, and live music throughout the day. ● Special guests, including Galway Aquarium and local craftspeople. ● A raffle raising vital funds for Galway RNLI and Galway Hooker Sailing Club. 

With free entry and free parking all day, the Galway Docklands Festival promises to be an unforgettable day out for all ages. 

This year’s event highlights the unique collaboration between Galway’s maritime community, seafood producers, emergency services, and local businesses, all coming together to showcase the very best of Galway’s heritage and maritime culture.

The festival will take place on Sunday, September 28, with events from 11am to 4pm.

For more information and updates, follow Galway Hooker Sailing Club and Galway Bay Boat Tours on social media.

Atlantic Technological University (ATU) welcomed almost 5,000 new first-year students across its nine campuses last week at Induction 2025.

This represents a 5% increase in student numbers compared to last year, reflecting a growing demand for ATU programmes.

ATU now has a total student population of over 30,000 learners, making it one of the largest universities in Ireland and the largest outside Dublin.

With campuses stretching from Donegal to Galway, ATU is playing a pivotal role in driving educational opportunity, skills development, and regional growth across the west and northwest.

The new students took part in a programme of induction events last week introducing them to ATU’s wide range of supports, clubs, and societies, while also helping them settle into university life.

President of ATU Dr Orla Flynn said, “Almost 5,000 first-year students are beginning their higher education journey with ATU this year.”

“The continued growth in demand for our programmes highlights the role ATU plays in providing opportunities and meeting the skills needs of the west and northwest. Our focus is on ensuring that every student has the support, facilities, and pathways to succeed.”

Since ATU was established as a technological university three years ago, we have seen a significant impact on student choice,” Dr Flynn added.

“More students are selecting ATU as their first preference, recognising the quality of our programmes, our strong industry links, and the opportunities a university of our scale provides.”

“ATU has grown to be one of Ireland’s largest universities and the largest outside Dublin, reflecting our ambition and the trust students place in us. We are also very pleased to offer many students the opportunity to study closer to home.”

Dr Billy Bennett, ATU Registrar and Chief Academic Officer, added, “Induction is key for students as they begin to find their place in the university. Our priority is to help them feel connected from the outset and to provide the structures that enable them to thrive both academically and personally.”

“The transition to higher education can be challenging, and these first days are about giving students the confidence that ATU is here to support them every step of the way.”

“We are committed to ensuring every student has the best possible start, and we look forward to working with this year’s intake as they shape their future with ATU.”

Induction will continue over the first five weeks and includes sessions on the importance of health & wellbeing, inclusivity, creating a strong sense of community across ATU’s campuses.