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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Care options available this Easter Bank Holiday weekend include:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A street in the westend of Galway City will be closed for most of next week while roadworks are taking place.

The city council has made an order for the closure of Raleigh Row from Monday, April 6, through to Friday, April 10.

The street will closed 24/7 from the junction with Palmyra Park to the junction with St. Johns Place / Small Crane.

The road closure is to enable road resurfacing works following the installation of new water mains.

The diversion route from Palmyra Avenue will be via Palmyra Park, The Crescent, Sea Road, William Street West, Henry Street & St. Joseph’s Avenue.

Traffic coming from The Crescent will divert via St. Mary’s Road, St. Helen’s Street, Henry Street and St. Joesph’s Avenue.

Localised access and access for pedestrians and cyclists will be maintained at all times.

The HSE has warned about scam texts people have been receiving, seeking to defraud medical card holders with fake payment requests.

There has been an increase in reported scam texts relating to HSE services, specifically texts seeking payment for medical card renewals.

The HSE has warned people that it does not ask for payment via text, and is urging people to stay vigilant about these scammers.

“The HSE take these scams seriously and monitors the web for instances of scam websites purporting to offer HSE-related services,” a statement from the HSE said.

“If we find a scam website or are notified of a scam from the public, we take action to try to get the site taken down.”

“We would urge people to stay vigilant on what texts they receive and remain cautious, especially if it is asking for payment or personal details.”

Take the following advice if concerned about a text message purporting to be from the HSE:

• Never give your bank details or PIN to someone over the phone or online
• Ring HSELive on 1800 700 700 if you have any concerns or suspicions. You should also contact your local Gardaí if you suspect fraud. Screenshot the email, text message or other communication for Gardaí.
• The HSE are asking that members of the public make contact with any vulnerable friends or family to make them aware of these calls and text messages.

Atlantic Technological University (ATU) is offering over 40 Springboard+ funded courses across its campuses in Galway, Mayo, Donegal and Sligo.

Launched by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless, TD, the applications opened on March 26,

Co-funded by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and the European Social Fund, ATU’s 40+ courses are free for unemployed or returning participants at all levels and for all applicants on Level 6 programmes.

For those in employment or self-employed, Level 6 programmes are typically fully funded, with some micro-credentials funded at 50%, while 90% – 100% funding is available for learners undertaking an ordinary degree (Level 7), honours degree/higher diploma (Level 8) or postgraduate (Level 9) courses.

ATU has received Springboard+ funding annually since 2011 to design and deliver a wide range of upskilling opportunities in key growth sectors, including Biopharmaceutical Science, Electric Vehicle Technology, Blockchain, Conservation and Construction.

The 40+ ATU Springboard+ courses will be delivered across the university’s campuses in Galway, Mayo, Donegal and Sligo, with many delivered part-time and online to support flexible learning.

Dr Orla Flynn, President of Atlantic Technological University, said, “ATU’s impressive suite of subsidised Springboard+ courses reflect our ongoing commitment to lifelong learning and the employability of our students.”

“Our university continues to develop and deliver courses that respond to evolving industry needs, both regionally and nationally, across a broad range of disciplines, including Business, Marketing, Engineering, Computing, Environmental Science, Life Sciences and Health.”

“Our Springboard+ courses also respond to the needs of individuals looking to upskill, with flexible, part-time options designed to accommodate personal and professional commitments.”

ATU Biopharmaceutical Processing student Paul Ryan changed direction from his career as a plumber, when he took on a job at a biotech facility.

“At 17, I began working as an Apprentice Plumber, but was never fully satisfied. Later, I took a job as site security in a biotech facility, where I was introduced to Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing for the first time. ”

“My curiosity grew; the more questions I asked, the more interested I became. I decided to study biopharma, discovered Springboard+ and registered for L6 Biopharmaceutical Processing course.”

“The course content was fascinating. With one certificate, I was now heavily invested in career change and further study, so I registered for L7 Biopharmaceutical Processing, and soon after, I secured a role in Biologics.”

“My work/life balance has improved dramatically, with increased pay, and work in an amazing industry with great people. Discovering Springboard has changed my life and will continue to do so going forward”

Geoff Carolan was a full-time parent, wanting to return to working in IT and decided to upskill in AI and Blockchain.

“Before commencing Springboard+ I was a full-time parent with some previous industry experience and several smaller IT certifications.”

“I chose a Springboard+ course to re/upskill for better job opportunities and to better understand emerging technologies like AI and Blockchain.”

“What stood out most was the support from the ATU lecturers; they were professional, knowledgeable, and always able to answer my questions or share real-world insights.”

“Their support made me feel encouraged and supported throughout the course, which greatly contributed to my success”.

Many ATU Springboard+ courses are delivered part-time, with the majority fully online or in blended format. Most can be completed within one year.

Springboard+ is now accepting applications for courses starting in September 2026. Applications can be submitted on the Springboard+ website: https://springboardcourses.ie.

Further course details are available through the ATU website at www.atu.ie/springboard

Some disruption is expected to traffic in the Gort area over the coming months while construction work takes place at the Civic Amenity Site.

Construction works for the Gort Civic Amenity Site development on the Kinincha Road will commence on Monday, March 30.

Galway County Council has said that the project will take an estimated five months to complete.

During this time, there will be movement of construction vehicles on the Kinincha Road, with occasional temporary traffic or access management measures.

The county council has said that efforts will be made to minimise the disruption to pedestrians and vehicle traffic on the road.

“Galway County Council wishes to thank all road users and local residents for their continued cooperation during these works.”

Blacrock Diving Tower and the nearby changing shelters will be closed for several days next week while being repainted.

Galway City Council has said that the facilities will be closed for three days from Monday, March 31, through to Wednesday, April 1.

It is anticipated that the tower will be closed to the public each morning and may reopen in the evenings.

However, this schedule is subject to the weather being cooperative.

The council is currently carrying out repainting works on a number of public facilities by the seashore in Salthill.

Players from the Connacht Rugby team made a special visit to the Paediatric Unit at University Hospital Galway this week, spreading Easter cheer to young patients, their families and healthcare staff.

The visit saw members of the Connacht Rugby squad spend time meeting and greeting children receiving treatment in the hospital.

Players chatted with patients and families, posed for photographs, signed jerseys and memorabilia and delivered Easter gifts to brighten what can be a challenging time for many young people.

The visit aimed to lift spirits in the paediatric unit, offering children a memorable distraction and an opportunity to engage with their sporting heroes in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Hospital representatives warmly welcomed the visit, noting the positive impact such occasions have on patient wellbeing and staff morale.

Sarah Murphy, Clinical Nurse Manager 3, said, “We are so grateful to the Connacht Rugby team for taking the time to visit our patients and staff.”

“The excitement among the children was truly special to see, and it gave everyone a real lift.”

“Moments like this make a big difference, not just for our young patients but for all of our staff here too.

“We sincerely thank the Connacht Rugby team for their kindness and generosity.”