New Dock Street will be closed for the majority of two weeks in May to allow for refurbishment works to take place.

The City Council has made an order extending the closure of New Dock Street from 8am to 6pm, from Monday, May 11 through to Friday, May 22.

This closure is to allow for external painting and refurbishment of Merchant Square Building on the street.

Temporary diversion routes will be in place via Spanish Parade R336, Flood Street R336, onto Merchant Road.

Localised access will be maintained at all times and advance diversion signage will be in place prior to work commencing.

More than €30,000 was raised for five local charities helping people in Galway from the annual Mayoral Ball last month.

The 2026 Galway City Mayoral Ball took place on Saturday, April 18 at the Galmont Hotel. Over 300 people attended the event hosted by Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Mike Cubbard.

The charities supported by this year’s Mayoral Ball are Ability West, ACT for Meningitis, AsIAm, Galway Rape Crisis Centre, and HopeSpace.

Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Mike Cubbard said, “The Mayoral Ball is a fantastic opportunity to raise funds for five fantastic charities providing services locally in Galway City.”

“Thank you to all of the fantastic sponsors, donors and attendees who came together to make this unforgettable night, which raised over €30,000.”

Mayor Cubbard added that all of the proceeds of the ball will go to the chosen charities.

Ball attendees were entertained by MC Ronan Lardner and were treated to the peals of the bell of Liam Silke, the Town Crier, a charity auction facilitated by O’Donnellan and Joyce, and a raffle featuring a host of fantastic prizes sponsored by businesses and organisations in the city.

The young pupils at Caltra National School in County Galway are in the running to be crowned the fittest in Ireland.

Caltra NS have been crowned Connacht provincial champions in this year’s competition to find Ireland’s Fittest School 2026.

The school will now join the top school from each of the Ulster, Munster and Leinster provincial finals in the grand final in Athlone on May 20.

Ireland’s Fittest School is hosted by one of Ireland’s best-known Olympians, sprinter David Gillick, and health and fitness expert Sharon Flanagan.

The competition’s prize package will include €8,000 worth of sports equipment and the title of ‘Ireland’s Fittest School 2026’.

Supported by fruit importer Fyffes and tracked online, the purpose of the competition, launched in December and now in its fifth year, is to promote the importance of exercise, fitness and healthy eating amongst young people.

A big part of the competition is a series of exercise routines that help to measure the progress of students. This has benefits beyond the competition, as schools can the adopt them into their P.E. curriculum.

Men’s Sheds in Galway have been paid €43,000 in funding to help these community resources with their running costs.

A total of 24 Men’s Sheds across Galway received grants of up to €3,000 each from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.

The Irish Men’s Sheds Association, founded in 2011, supports Ireland’s network of 450 Men’s Sheds nationwide.

Sheds offer men an opportunity to meet in a supportive, collaborative space, improve their health and wellbeing, and contribute to their communities.

Minister Dara Calleary said, “I am delighted to have been able to provide this funding to the IMSA to help support Men’s Sheds throughout the country.”

“Men’s Sheds provide a vital service to men up and down the country allowing them to come together in a safe, comfortable, and inclusive environment where the can share skills, connect with one another and with their communities.”

This funding for 369 Men’s Sheds nationwide was announced last year, and has been paid over the last number of months.

It is to help them with running/operational costs such as heating, electricity and insurance bills. All applications were received and assessed by the IMSA.

The full list of Sheds in Galway which benefited from this funding is:

A new partnership between Atlantic Technological University and the HSE aims to address persistent staffing shortages in Ireland’s diagnostic laboratory services, while simultaneously upskilling existing healthcare workers through a structured, part‑time education pathway.

The Higher Diploma in Science in Medical Science, developed by ATU’s Medical Science Programme Board has been created in direct response to long‑standing capacity challenges across hospital laboratories.

The programme has been designed in collaboration with the HSE and sits under the Memorandum of Understanding between ATU and the West and North West HSE region.

The two‑year, part‑time programme provides an alternative graduate‑entry route to becoming a CORU‑registered Medical Scientist, specifically targeting medical laboratory aides who already work within the health service and hold a Level 8 degree in a relevant science discipline.

Participants remain in paid employment throughout their studies, allowing the health service to build future capability without removing experienced staff from frontline laboratory environments.

Medical scientists play a critical role in diagnosis, disease monitoring and patient care. However, vacancy levels across the health system have remained high, particularly outside major urban centres.

Under the new Sponsored Medical Scientist Training Programme, the HSE has committed €2.44 million to fund 120 places over the next five years, ensuring a steady pipeline of qualified medical scientists while strengthening retention within the public health service.

The programme is being delivered in partnership with the Department of Health and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, reflecting its alignment with national workforce planning and skills policy.

Dr Orla Flynn, President of ATU said, “This partnership between ATU and the HSE will help to address critical skills needs across hospitals in our region and throughout Ireland, delivering real impact for patient care and service delivery.”

“This programme is also a potential blueprint for other ways in which we can support the HSE workforce, and I want to thank our team in ATU for all their work in developing this innovative offering.”

Tony Canavan, Regional Executive Officer for HSE West and North West, said, “Medical scientists are at the heart of healthcare and provide an essential service to support our patients right across the West and North West region, however it is an area where we face ongoing recruitment challenges.”

“This programme, which is a result of strengthened collaboration between the HSE and ATU, will ensure our medical science services into the future are robust, sustainable and delivered by a highly skilled workforce.”

Graduates of the programme are eligible to register with CORU, the statutory regulator for health and social care professionals, enabling them to practise as medical scientists upon completion.

Participants will commit to three years’ post‑qualification service within the public health system, ensuring that the investment translates directly into increased capacity at hospital level.

The initiative is expected to have particular significance for regional hospitals, where recruitment and retention pressures are often most acute.

By enabling existing staff to upskill locally through ATU, the programme supports regional sustainability while strengthening higher education–health system collaboration.

It also reflects a broader shift in how professional education is delivered, placing greater emphasis on flexible, work‑based learning pathways for experienced adult learners.

The programme will admit an initial cohort of 24 students in 2026, with demand expected to exceed available places.

The closing date for applications for the first intake is 30 April 2026, and eligible candidates must apply through the ATU application portal following internal HSE expression‑of‑interest processes.

This weekend marked the final day on the lifeboat for Olivia Byrne who has been volunteer crew with the Galway Lifeboat Station for the past 23 years.

Olivia who is a nurse, midwife and public health nurse has been on 167 shouts and has been involved in many rescues including passengers on cruise ships and has dealt with injuries from fractured hips to cardiac arrests, while also dealing with people who have lost their life through drowning.

In addition, Olivia’s nursing background has allowed her use these skills to the benefit of all the crew by leading out on casualty care exercises at the station.

Olivia also initiated the ongoing engagement with the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at the University of Galway which has enabled the crew to visit the Clinical Simulation and Interprofessional Education Facility to put their casualty care training into practice in real time.

Speaking about her time at sea with the lifeboat Olivia said, “Thinking back over the hundreds of hours I’ve spent at sea on rescues, it is the people that I remember.”

“All those people who we saved and the families whose loved ones we brought home. It has been a privilege for me to be part of Galway RNLI and to serve on the boat with the crews over the past 23 years.”

“I would especially like to thank Paul Carey, Mike Swan and Pat Lavelle, the Lifeboat Operations Managers who were all pivotal in my lifeboat journey.”

Today is the last day for voters to register to take part in the Galway West bye-election being held later this month.

On deadline day An Coimisiún is visiting Scoil Chuimsitheach Chiaráin in An Cheathrú Rua and Scoil Phobail Mhic Dara in Carna to register new voters.

This is alongside running the last day of its voter registration pop-up shop in Eyre Square in Galway City which has been running since Friday.

The pop-up show will operate from the kiosk in Eyre Square until 4pm on Tuesday for anyone who wants to register.

Art O’Leary – Chief Executive of An Coimisiún stated, “At every election people turn up at the polling station ready to vote, only to be told that they haven’t added their name to the register or else their details are incorrect.”

“Don’t be that person, act today, check your details online at CheckTheRegister.ie. Your vote is your voice, check the register today to make sure that your voice is heard in these important bye elections in Dublin Central and Galway West.”

Funding has been awarded for repairs to historic buildings on Dominick Street which house Áras na nGael and Galway Arts Centre.

A total of €170,000 has been awarded under the Historic Structures Fund 2026 for roof works on No.45 and No.47 Dominick Street Lower.

Michael Scott, Executive Architectural Conservation Officer, Galway City Council commented that the buildings are a good example of ‘Galway Georgian’ architecture.

This is characterised by “robust form, refined detailing, simple composition, a dignified presence to the street, and constructed in limestone, a material synonymous with the built heritage of the city since the medieval period.”

The two buildings have a storied history, with connections to the Persse family and Lady Gregory. They have also been used as a technical school and the offices of the then Galway City Borough Council prior to their current function.

“With a combined presence of over 125 years, Áras na Gael and Galway Arts Centre have in their respective ways worked to promote and enhance the value, understanding and enjoyment of the arts, culture, and language in the city,” Michael Scott added.

Following completion of Conservation Management Plans (CMP) for both buildings in 2025-2026, the need for a shared approach to the roof was identified in their Conservation Management Plans.

Megs Morley, Artistic Director, Galway Arts Centre said, “This Historic Structures Fund award is hugely significant for Galway Arts Centre and for the wider cultural life of the city.”

“As one of Galway’s most important cultural organisations, and as custodians of a historic building at the heart of the city, this investment will allow us to undertake essential works that protect both the fabric of the building and the vital artistic activity that takes place within it.”

“No. 47 Dominick Street has been home to generations of creativity, dialogue and cultural exchange, and this support helps ensure it can continue to serve artists, audiences and communities long into the future.”

“We are proud to steward this important part of the city’s heritage as a living space for contemporary culture, and are deeply grateful for this support.”

Mícheál Mac Aoidh, Manager of Áras na nGael commented, “Gael Forbairt na Gaillimhe, the operators of Áras na nGael, are delighted to receive news of the grant from the Historic Structures Fund.”

“Áras na nGael is a distinguished historical landmark in Galway city, providing resources, services and cultural activities to a thriving, vibrant and inclusive Irish language community in Galway city.”

“It is a building where Irish is not only learned but lived and celebrated. The building itself is central to the organisations identity and success, symbolizing its enduring commitment to the Irish language and culture. It is a space where Irish is not only learned, but lived.”

Blackrock Diving Tower in Salthill will be closed to the public at different times multiple days this week while essential repairs to storm damage are taking place.

The main access walkway to Blackrock Diving Tower is being resurfaced by Galway City Council.

This is due to damage to the walkway caused by successive storms over multiple years.

Unfortunately, the works will require closure of the Tower for up to three days. This closure is necessary to allow the works to be carried out safely and to ensure appropriate concrete curing times.

Galway City Council has said they will endeavour to schedule these works at times that minimise disruption.

However, they must be undertaken during low-tide conditions and, ideally, during dry weather.

A design team has been appointed for the project to deliver two new ward blocks with a combined 300 beds at University Hospital Galway.

Perkins & Will together with Cullen Payne Architects have been appointed as to lead an Integrated Design Team through all stages of the design and delivery of the first two major projects on the UHG campus.

The delivery of 300 new beds is meant to alleviate overcrowding, address capacity deficits and reduce the amount of time people are waiting for care, while also supporting future healthcare needs in the community.

The development of ward blocks A and B, each comprising 150 beds, are the first two phases of a major capital programme to increase capacity and improve patient experience at the region’s only model 4 hospital.

A number of phased projects of significant scale are planned in addition to the two ward blocks including; a new ED, critical care unit, new surgical theatres, a cancer centre, medical laboratory, women and children’s unit and a new, permanent helipad which is critical to the functioning of UHG as a Model 4 tertiary hospital.

In addition to providing additional inpatient bed capacity, Ward Block A will include a shell and core level for a future Diagnostics Suite and Ward Block B will include a multi-level shell and core for a future Maternity Unit.

A detailed, costed feasibility study for each of these fit-out projects will be developed at the early design stage of each building.

The new ward Block A will be situated between the current Outpatients Department and the Nurse’s Home in close proximity to the Emergency Department.

Block B will be located to the rear of the hospital, near the new radiation oncology building. Both buildings will be connected to the main hospital across a number of floors.

Considerable enabling works are required to clear sites in advance of construction and separate, dedicated Design Teams are already appointed and proceeding with the design and procurement of these works.

The works include the relocation of underground services, decanting of existing services and demolition of substandard, low rise buildings.

Tony Canavan, Regional Executive Officer, HSE West and North West said, “The Development Control Plan for UHG represents the largest ever investment in healthcare infrastructure in the West and North West region and I am delighted to see these first two projects progress to design stage.”

“The development of ward blocks A and B are a critical component of the plan to reform healthcare for our communities.”

“The 300 new beds will enable UHG to provide better, safer and more timely care; will significantly reduce waiting times for patients and will alleviate the consistent capacity pressures which the hospital experiences.”

Chris Kane, UHG Hospital Manager, said, “UHG is one of the busiest hospitals in the country and attendances continue to grow. At present, meeting our Patient Experience Time targets is a challenge and during periods of high demand, our patients can face unacceptably long wait times. This is not the standard of care we strive for.”

“The need for additional inpatient beds has been identified in the Government’s Acute Hospital Inpatient Bed Capacity Expansion Plan and the delivery of 300 new beds is an absolute priority to reduce overcrowding and long wait times.”

“Over the next few months, the Design Team will be engaging with staff and wider stakeholders as the detailed design for these two new buildings take shape.”

Gardaí are asking the public for any information that can help to locate a missing 47-year old woman last seen on Friday evening.

Gráinne Brown has been reported missing from Ennis, Co. Clare this weekend.

Grainne is described as being approximately 5 foot 4 inches in height, of slim build with brown eyes and straight brown hair.

When last seen Grainne was wearing grey sweat pants, a brown fleece, white shoes, and a fracture boot on her right foot.

Grainne was last seen in Ennis at 6:00pm on Friday, May 1, 2026. Gardaí and Grainne’s family are concerned for her well being.

Anyone with information on Grainne Browne’s whereabouts is asked to contact Ennis Garda Station on 065-6848100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

A Mayo man is in serious condition after being hit by a car in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Gardaí are investigating a serious road traffic collision on the Moneen Road, Castlebar which occurred at approximately 3:30am on Sunday.

A male pedestrian in his late 30s was seriously injured when a collision occurred between him and a car.

He was transferred from the scene to Mayo University Hospital and remains in a serious condition.

There were no other injuries as a result of this incident Gardaí have said.

The road remains closed and the scene will be examined by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators.

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward.

Gardaí are also appealing for any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) who were travelling in the area at the time of the collision to make this footage available to Gardaí.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Castlebar Garda Station on (094) 903 8200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

The Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, Cllr David Collins, has announced details of this year’s Cathaoirleach’s Ball, which will take place on Sunday, 31st May at the Raheen Woods Hotel in Athenry.

Proceeds from the annual gala event will go to the National Breast Cancer Research Institute and Epilepsy Ireland.

The National Breast Cancer Research Institute funds a research programme at the University of Galway focused on improving diagnosis and treatment outcomes.

Currently, 1 in 7 Irish women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, with more than 3,500 cases identified each year.

Epilepsy Ireland, established in 1966, supports people living with epilepsy and their families through community-based services, education and advocacy. The organisation also works to raise public awareness of the condition and improve services and care nationwide.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Collins said the event provides an opportunity for people to support two organisations carrying out important work, while also bringing the community together for an evening of entertainment.

“I want to acknowledge the public and business community who have always generously supported this annual event, which has raised much-needed funds for charities over the years.”

“I hope the funds raised this year will contribute to the ongoing work of the National Breast Cancer Research Institute and Epilepsy Ireland at local, national and international levels,” he said.

Music on the night will be provided by Weightless Astronauts, with Galway Bay FM broadcaster Ronan Lardner acting as MC.

Tickets for the event are available through Corporate Services at Galway County Council, Prospect Hill. Those interested can contact 091 509316 or email secretary@galwaycoco.ie.

Health services in Galway and Roscommon are reminding the public to be aware of all available care options for the May Bank Holiday weekend.

Bank holiday periods traditionally place additional pressure on health services, which can be further compounded by good weather.

People are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the range of options available and to consider the most appropriate option before attending Emergency Departments.

Emergency Departments will experience higher than normal attendances due to the bank holiday period, and the HSE is asking for the public’s patience, particularly where longer waiting times may occur.

People are advised to plan ahead, choose the most appropriate care option for their needs, and to stay sun smart while enjoying time outdoors.

Ann Cosgrove, HSE Integrated Healthcare Area Manager, Galway and Roscommon said, “Our priority this bank holiday weekend is to ensure patients receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.”

“While Emergency Departments are there to treat serious illness and injury, a wide range of community-based services are available and may offer quicker and more appropriate care for less urgent needs.”

“Even though we have plans in place across hospital and community services to manage increased demand over the Bank holiday weekend, we are encouraging people to consider alternatives such as their local pharmacy, GP services and Injury Units which can provide timely advice and treatment for many non-urgent conditions.”

“Community pharmacies can also support a range of minor illnesses through the Common Conditions Service, helping patients access appropriate care quickly and safely, and ensuring Emergency Departments remain available for those who require urgent or life-saving care.”

“We wish everyone a safe and healthy weekend. Our staff remain available to provide care when needed, and all patients who attend an Emergency Department will be assessed and treated, with those who are most seriously ill or injured seen as a priority.”

Care options available this May 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.

More than 500 students, including 14 PhD graduates, were conferred at Atlantic Technological University’s Spring Conferring Ceremonies, held across its Galway, Sligo and Donegal campuses this week.

The ceremonies brought together graduates from across the west and north‑west, along with families, friends and staff, to mark academic achievement across a wide range of disciplines and award levels, from Higher Certificate to Doctoral degrees.

Spring sunshine across all locations added to the sense of occasion, with campus celebrations reflecting the optimism of the graduating classes.

Now one of the largest higher‑education institutions in Ireland, ATU has more than 30,000 students across nine campuses and continues to attract increasing numbers of first‑choice applicants.

Addressing graduates, ATU President Dr Orla Flynn reflected on both the significance of the day and the university’s rapid progress.

“While we are relatively new as a University, we continue to grow at pace – we are also now a University of choice with increasing numbers of students choosing ATU as their first preference.”

“For us, the real measure of our impact is through our graduates. They will be the positive change our region and society needs through their talent and hard work, and we are proud to welcome them into our growing ATU alumni community.”

Over 5,000 more students will be conferred at ATU later in the Autumn.