Just over €3.4 million in funding has been allocated for group water schemes in Galway as part of a €74 million package announced this week.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, announced the third round of funding under the multi-annual Rural Water Programme 2024-2026 today.

The funding will be made available primarily to Group Water Schemes to support areas such as water source protection, compliance with water quality standards, leakage reduction and expanding the coverage of piped water supplies from the public network.

A total of €73,963,980 in funding has been announced for 291 water supply projects under this round of the programme.

Announcing the investment, Minister Browne said, “Safe and reliable drinking water is critically important and access to it enhances the quality of life for people living in rural Ireland.”

“This is critically important to local economies and to sustainability in these rural communities. The 291 projects receiving this funding will play a big part in providing robust water supplies throughout rural Ireland.”

“The Government is working hard to fund improvements to water services across the country, including services to rural areas that do not have access to Uisce Éireann services.”

“This announcement today is very much part of that commitment and will support rural communities to thrive as places to live and work.”

The funding announced today is in addition to previous support, including over €45 million for seven individual projects for waste water collection and treatment needs for villages and settlements without access to public waste water services announced in December 2023.

Over €47 million for 256 projects announced under the multi-annual programme in November 2024.

“Having safe and secure water is fundamental to rural communities’ quality of life and as places to live, visit and establish business in,” Minister Browne said.

“This funding will help to improve water quality compliance, decrease leakage and expand the coverage of access to piped water from the public network for rural communities.”

“The work to be undertaken by the 291 projects announced today will make a real difference to these parts of rural Ireland.”

Construction on a new day centre and homeless accommodation on the westside of Galway City is due to begin within two months.

Galway City Council has awarded the tender for the new facilities at Seamus Quirke Road, Westside, to Carey Building Contractors, following a tender process in Q1 2025.

Construction will commence in Q3 2025, on this vital service for homeless men and women in Galway.

The redevelopment involves the demolition of the current Teach Corrib Day Centre in Westside, which is no longer fit for purpose.

In its place will be built an energy-efficient, modern facility that will provide enhanced Day Centre services and 10 interchangeable units for Temporary Emergency Homeless Accommodation.

The proposed development will provide an upgrade to the existing day centre facilities, along with additional resources.

It will also accommodate temporary homeless accommodation year-round, with the focus on identifying and progressing routes out of rough sleeping and homelessness on a regular basis while also adapting during the winter months to increase the intake of vulnerable rough sleepers.

Speaking at the contract signing, Leonard Cleary, Chief Executive, Galway City Council, said, “I’m delighted to see this first step to progress vital infrastructure for a vulnerable segment of society, with the contract signing for the construction of the new Day Centre and temporary homeless accommodation in Westside.”

“This initiative will enhance infrastructure, improve facilities, and strengthen the support provided by multiple agencies supporting homeless men and women in our city.”

The contract for construction of the new facility was signed in City Hall on Tuesday, July 22, appointing Carey Building Contractors to deliver the project. The Design Team will be led by Simon J. Kelly Architects.

It is anticipated that the new centre will open in Q1 2027.

Computing and technology company Arm recently celebrated the official opening of its new state-of-the-art facility in Galway City.

Since establishing operations in Galway in 2014, Arm has expanded to 90 staff members locally, and more than 4800 employees across Europe.

Arm’s facility at Crown Square, which recently welcomed a visit from Taoiseach Micheál Martin, will become home to innovative advancements in technology.

Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment Peter Burke TD said, “The opening of Arm’s new facility in Galway is a strong endorsement of Ireland’s position as a global hub for research, innovation and advanced semiconductor technologies.”

“I thank Arm for its continued commitment to Galway and look forward to the positive impact this will have on the region and the wider economy. I wish all the team at Arm every success for the future.”

Mike Lardner, Senior Director of Engineering at Arm, said that Ireland’s new National Semiconductor Strategy highlights the country’s role in the global technology landscape.

“We’re proud that our teams in Galway are helping deliver the computing foundations for the next era of innovation — advancing research, strengthening the local ecosystem, and building the future of AI on Arm.”

IDA Ireland CEO Michael Lohan congratulated arm on the opening of the company’s new state-of-the-art facility in Galway.

“A key player in the semiconductor industry, Arm is recognised for its capability in mobile and licensing of chip designs.”

“This new Galway facility is part of Arm’s strategy to expand its market reach and talent pool in Ireland, supporting innovative work in semiconductor and technology development. I’d like to wish Arm continued success.”

Traffic disruption is expected in the Mountbellew area for two days this week while roadworks are taking place in the area.

Galway County Council is carrying out resurfacing works on the L3210 Castlegar local road just outside of Mountbellew.

The works are expected to take two days on Monday & Tuesday this week.

A stop & go traffic management system will be in place for the duration of these works.

People travelling in the area are advised to expect delays and give themselves additional time to make journeys.

The Emergency Department at University Hospital Galway is extremely busy with high numbers of people attending the department who need to be admitted to hospital for ongoing treatment.

On Saturday, 220 people attended at the Emergency Department, and another 157 on Sunday, with a total of 96 admissions over the two days.

There are currently 25 patients in the Emergency Department with a further 18 patients on trolleys at ward level. UHG has also opened additional surge beds.

The hospital is also dealing with an outbreak of COVID-19 on one ward. Where a ward is affected by COVID-19, visiting is limited, and all visits must be pre-arranged by the family members / nominated visitor, who should contact the relevant ward or unit in advance.

The hospital is advising that patients who attend ED for routine and non-urgent treatment will experience very long waiting times.

All available beds in the hospital are in use. Patients are facing long waiting times to be admitted from the Emergency Department to a bed on a ward.

The hospital said in a statement that every effort is being made to discharge patients who are ready to go home so that beds will become available for patients who need to be admitted.

Due to the pressures on the site and the lack of bed capacity, the hospital is postponing some elective procedures.

Urgent, time-sensitive cases are being prioritised. Patients are being contacted directly if their procedure is being postponed.

“As always, people who do require emergency care are encouraged to attend EDs where they will be prioritised,” a statement from UHG said.

“The hospital acknowledges that these delays are very difficult for patients and their families and apologises for the inconvenience and distress these delays cause.”

“The hospital is committed to treating everyone who presents at the Emergency Department; people who are seriously injured or ill are assessed and treated as a priority and those who do not require urgent care may be waiting longer.”

Archaeologists have confirmed a ringfort overlooking Galway Bay as a settlement for rulers and nobles in Ireland’s Early Medieval period, a site with a remarkable ancient history.

Rathgurreen Ringfort, in the Maree area of Co Galway, has been described as an impressive “high-status” settlement that could date anywhere from the 5th to 12th century AD.

An eight-week archaeological excavation, directed by Dr Michelle Comber and Dr Noel McCarthy of the Discipline of Archaeology at University of Galway, has also revealed exciting new layers to the story of this panoramic site with views south to the Burren, west to the Atlantic, and north across Galway.

The ringfort was first investigated and proposed as a high-status settlement – home to a local ruler such as a king or lord – by Professor Michael Duignan, then Chair of Archaeology at the University, in the late 1940s.

Excavations now suggest that parts of the site are potentially 1,000 years older than previously thought, with evidence of contact with Rome, Scotland, France, and Scandinavia, possibly including the trade of valuable purple dye made at Rathgurreen.

A team of professionals, students and volunteers took part in the archaeological dig this summer on a section of the 100m-diameter ringfort.

Dr Comber, lecturer in Archaeology at University of Galway, said, “What we can say with some certainty is that Maree is an ancient territory. There are up to 40 ringforts in the area, most of which are only a third the size of Rathgurreen, not to mention a number of earlier prehistoric sites.”

“The name Mearaí (Maree) appears in several early legends, often associated with warriors or other figures bearing that name. Our research confirms that Rathgurreen was the home of a noble family – hence the description as high-status.”

“But the story is much deeper and richer. We have evidence of continuity and change at this site – a settlement that possibly dates back to the Iron Age, that was later developed into a very fine ringfort.”

“A new home with links to ancestors would certainly have been very attractive to Early Medieval nobility.”

The archaeology team found a number of glass beads, some coloured blue and another turquoise and red. These have parallels in other parts of Ireland and Scotland in the Iron Age – the era that immediately precedes the Early Medieval period.

The dig has also confirmed the presence of Early Medieval pottery from northern France and amber beads likely connected with Scandinavian trade routes used by the Vikings.

Evidence of the manufacture of purple dye at Rathgurreen comprises the remnants of dog-whelk shellfish that were processed at the settlement to produce the rare, and therefore, valuable colouring.

Dr Comber added, “We are working in an ancient high-status settlement located roughly mid-way along the Atlantic seaboard.”

“In no sense, though, would it have been viewed as ‘wild’ or isolated – on the contrary it was part of a wider community and had links with other parts of Ireland, Scotland and mainland Europe.”

“The adjacent coast provided relatively easy access to the outside world – seaways were the motorways of their day.”

“The big takeaway from this site is that a place like Galway had a wider significance in the past, and that significance translates into the present.”

“This one site has many tales to tell, and roles to play. People come to the west of Ireland and they think it’s isolated and remote, but Maree’s ancient remains tell us that western Ireland was not cut off from the wider world, geographically or culturally.”

The modern excavations began with geophysical surveys that provided hints of what might be present beneath the grass. In conjunction with the results from the 1940s, these helped guide the work this summer.

The excavation marks the launch of a new research project exploring land use through time on the Maree peninsula in Galway with the University team hoping to continue digs at the site in 2026 and to pursue other locations in the area in future years.

The larger project is partnering with the Discovery Programme: Centre for Archaeology and Innovation Ireland.

It also involves local, national and international communities – developing a Conservation Management Plan for Rathgurreen, in conjunction with landowners, ecological and archaeological experts and funded by the National Monuments Service Community Monuments Fund via Galway County Council.

Community volunteers, University of Galway archaeology students, and international students from Uppsala University in Sweden (a partner of University of Galway in the ENLIGHT European University Alliance) came together this summer to investigate this site, contribute to a new research project, and gain skills vital to pursuing in-demand careers in the archaeological profession.

The Lotto wins just keep coming for Galway as another lucky player has secured €314,850 after matching 5 numbers and the bonus in last night’s main draw.

The winning Quick Pick ticket was purchased on July 13 from XL, Laurel Park, Newcastle, Galway, Co. Galway.

The winning numbers in Saturday’s Lotto draw were: 3, 5, 6, 23, 41, 42, and the bonus was 12.

While there was no winner of the Lotto jackpot worth €11,861,665, in total, over 112,000 players won prizes in the Lotto & Lotto Plus draws, including our Galway player who matched 5 numbers and the bonus in the main Lotto draw.

Darragh O’Dwyer, National Lottery spokesperson, said, “What a fantastic night for one player in Galway who has claimed a life-changing €314,850 after matching 5 numbers and the bonus in last night’s main Lotto draw.”

“If you bought your ticket in Galway, now’s the time to double-check, you could be Ireland’s newest big winner.”

The National Lottery is urging all players in the Galway area to check their tickets carefully and, if you’re holding the winning ticket, be sure to contact the National Lottery prize claims team on 1800 666 222 or email claims@lottery.ie to arrange the collection of your prize.

Údarás na Gaeltachta, in collaboration with University of Galway, has announced funding for two postgraduate bursaries worth €10,000 each for students enrolling in the University’s MA in Planning and Development programme this September.

The postgraduate bursary scheme was first launched in 2024 and is designed to support Irish-speaking graduates with an interest in contributing to the sustainable development of Gaeltacht areas.

Along with valuable work experience with Údarás na Gaeltachta, the bursaries will enable successful applicants to gain insights into the unique planning and development challenges faced by Gaeltacht communities, including those related to economic, social, educational, sociolinguistic and cultural development.

Tomás Ó Síocháin, CEO of Údarás na Gaeltachta, said: “We are delighted to support this innovative programme.

“It equips recipients with comprehensive expertise to address the planning and development challenges that public agencies face when implementing investment and development strategies in Gaeltacht and rural areas.

“By strengthening capabilities within Local Authorities and planning organisations, we are preparing the next generation of professional planners to champion sustainable development in Gaeltacht regions for years to come.”

Dr Thérèse Conway, Director of the MA in Planning and Development at University of Galway, added, “Having planners that understand the unique context of minority language areas is central to the future of Gaeltacht regions.”

“These very generous bursaries will fund two Irish speakers, who along with their language abilities, will learn the required planning acumen, through the MA in Planning and Development programme, to engage with these unique areas.”

Eoin Brett, a 2024 bursary recipient and MA in Planning and Development student, said, “Receiving the Údarás na Gaeltachta bursary gave me direct experience in planning for the future of Gaeltacht communities and a chance to apply what I was learning in the classroom to real projects.”

“The experience gave me a better understanding of how planning decisions affect everyday life in Gaeltacht communities and the unique needs of these areas.”

The MA in Planning and Development at University of Galway prepares graduates for careers in land use and physical planning, surveying, community and regional development, and sustainable planning practice. This bursary offers a unique chance for Irish-speaking graduates to contribute to the preservation and growth of Gaeltacht communities while advancing their professional qualifications.

The second night of the Galway International Arts Festival Street Spectacle is taking to the streets of the city this evening.

The public event is on in Galway City at 6:00pm and 9:30pm on Saturday.

The route will travel from Eyre Square down William Street, Shop Street, Mainguard Street and Bridge Street to Dominick Street Lower and Raven Terrace.

An Garda Síochána encourages spectators to arrive early and if an area is crowded, to find an alternative viewing spot along the route.

Some traffic disruption and parking restrictions are expected around Eyre Square, Eglinton Street, Bridge Street, Dominick Street Lower and neighbouring streets on both evenings.

Please use public transport, walk, or cycle, if possible. For those travelling by car, please park responsibly.

Missing teenager Angel Ndlovu has been found safe and well this week Gardaí have confirmed.

An Garda Síochána made a public appeal for information on Angel’s whereabouts earlier this week.

The 15-year-old girl had been reported missing from her home in Ballybane since Thursday, July 10 last week.

It has been confirmed this weekend that she has now been found safe.

Gardaí thanked the public for their assistance in this matter.

Just days after a fantastic EuroMillions win, Galway is once again in the spotlight as a Lotto Plus 2 player has scooped a life-enhancing €250,000 prize in last night’s draw.

The Lotto player purchased their winning Quick Pick ticket on Sunday, 13th July, from Circle K Newcastle in Galway City.

The winning numbers in last night’s Lotto Plus 2 (16th July) draw were: 3, 11, 12, 19, 26, 37 and the Bonus was 46.

While there was no winner of the Lotto jackpot worth €11,351,777, in total, over 83,000 players won prizes in the Lotto & Lotto Plus draws, including the Lotto Plus 2 winner.

Emma Monaghan, spokesperson for the National Lottery said, “Galway strikes again! For the second time this week, a player has scooped a fantastic prize, taking home a life-enhancing windfall of €250,000.”

“We’re now urging all of our players to check their tickets carefully – you could be holding a winning ticket!”

The winner is advised to sign the back of their ticket and to keep it safe.

They should make contact with our prize claims team on 1800 666 222 or email claims@lottery.ie, and arrangements will be made for them to collect their life-changing prize in Lottery HQ.

A short term swimming ban has been put in place for Ballyloughane Beach by Galway City Council due to elevated bacteria levels detected.

Elevated levels of Intestinal Enterococci were detected in water samples taken from Ballyloughane Beach on Monday, July 14.

As a result of this, a swimming ban has been issued by the city council, which is currently expected to last for 2 – 4 days.

Further samples were taken on Wednesday, July 16, the results of which will be delivered on Friday.

The contamination is suspected to be from urban runoff, which Ballyloughane Beach is known to be susceptible to.

The community of Banagher has reached a major fundraising milestone, raising over €195,000 towards the creation of a state-of-the-art outdoor swimming facility at Shannon Bank Park, Esker, Banagher.

Launched by the Shannon Bank Park Development Group at the Crank House on February 2 this year, the campaign has exceeded expectations in a town of just 1,907 residents.

The money raised will support an €850,000 project, including the new pool and significant site development works, which also benefits from €616,000 in funding through the Fáilte Ireland EU Just Transition Fund.

The new Banagher Outdoor Swimming Pool will include wheelchair access, improved seating, wider pontoons, and a dedicated kayak and paddleboard launch, all situated in the River Shannon at Shannon Bank Park.

Construction by Inland and Coastal Marina Systems is already underway, with pool sections currently being fabricated off-site in preparation for installation.

The fundraising efforts have been wide-ranging and imaginative: from the River Shannon Challenge (a 3.5km swim held on June 28) and the Carrauntoohil Challenge (May 10), to nine-year-old Conor Horn’s ‘May the Fourth Mountain March’, a pony trek, the ‘Last Ever ‘80s Nostalgia Night’ at Melba’s nightclub in Birr, a monster auction at Corrigan’s Corner House, a tractor run, and several school-led events.

Significant supporters also include the local ‘Beat on the Street’ Festival and the ‘Runners V Riders’ fundraising group. Sponsored nameplates, an online iDonate page and a tap-to-donate machine in the park also played their part.

“When the Just Transition funding came in, it made the project a possibility — but for us, the work only really started then,” said Johnny Butler of the Shannon Bank Park Development Group.

“€172,000 is an awful lot of money, and people said we were mad. That this was just another pipe dream that looked good on paper.”

“But from the very start, we were met with nothing but positivity. Everywhere we turned for help or support, we didn’t have to ask twice.”

“I checked the platform we used for online donations recently. There are 2,658 individual contributions there alone. That doesn’t include all the physical fundraising that went on.”

The project will be delivered in two phases. Phase 1 will see the removal of the existing pool and the installation of the new facility before the end of August.

The pool will be closed for a maximum of two weeks during the transition. Groundworks and the construction of a new wheelchair ramp and improved access points will commence at the same time.

Phase 2 will follow in 2026, focusing on landscaping and the completion of groundworks to integrate the new facility into the park.

“It really shows the kind of community that exists here in Banagher — and not just here, but across West Offaly, East Galway, and North Tipperary too,” Johnny Butler added.

“Part of the appeal is that the project ticks so many boxes: it’s about health, it’s about access, it’s free, and it’s something that benefits both local people and visitors who already travel long distances to use the current pool.”

“Hopefully, it will inspire similar regeneration projects elsewhere — both locally and nationally.”

A teenager critically injured in a car crash in Tuam on Sunday evening has since died, it has been confirmed today.

Gardaí are continuing to investigate a two car crash which occurred at Ballygaddy Road, Tuam, at approximately 6:05pm on Sunday, and have reiterated an appeal for witnesses.

The driver of one of the cars, a female in her late teens, was conveyed to University Hospital Galway, where she has since passed away.

The driver and passenger of the second car (a male in his 20s and a female in her 30s) were treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Gardaí are appealing for anyone with information regarding this incident to come forward.

Any persons who were in the Ballygaddy Road area between 5:50pm and 6:15pm and who may have witnessed the incident should contact investigating Gardaí.

Any road users who were travelling in this vicinity at the time, and who may have camera footage including dash cam, are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.

Gardaí can be contacted at the Tuam Garda Station on 093 70840, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

A EuroMillions player in Galway is celebrating a life-enhancing midweek windfall of €625,081 in last night’s draw.

The lucky player matched five numbers and one Lucky Star in Tuesday night’s draw.

The Galway player purchased their winning Quick Pick ticket on the day of the draw from Eurospar in Carraroe, Co. Galway.

Remarkably, this store is no stranger to big wins – it also sold a €7 million Lotto jackpot ticket last November.

Adding to the excitement, a second Irish player in Louth matched five numbers to win a handsome €14,609.

Their Quick Pick ticket was bought at Dunnes Stores, Dundalk, Ard Easmuinn, Dundalk, Co. Louth.

The winning numbers in last night’s EuroMillions (15th July) draw were: 24, 38, 41, 45, 49 and the Lucky Stars were 1 and 6.

While there was no winner of the EuroMillions jackpot worth €96,858,365. In total, over 40,000 players in Ireland won prizes in the EuroMillions and Plus games, including our two winners in Galway and Louth.

Emma Monaghan, spokesperson for the National Lottery said, “What fantastic news to wake up to – another substantial win for two Irish EuroMillions players! Huge congratulations to our winners in Galway and Louth.”

“We’re now urging all of our players to check their EuroMillions tickets very carefully – you could be holding a winning ticket!”

Gardaí are seeking information on the whereabouts of a teenage girl who has been missing from Galway City for the past week.

15-year-old Angel Ndlovu is reported missing from her home in Ballybane, Galway, since Thursday, July 10.

Angel was last seen in the Ballybane, Galway area on Wednesday, July 9 at approximately 2pm.

Angel is described as being approximately 5 foot 2 inches in height, with a slight build. She has black hair and brown eyes.

When last seen, Angel was wearing black leggings, a black hoodie and black runners.

Angel is known to frequent the Tuam, Co. Galway, and Dublin areas. It is believed that Angel may have travelled to the Dublin City Centre area.

Gardaí and Angel’s family are concerned for her well-being.

Anyone with information in relation to Angel’s whereabouts is asked to contact Galway Garda Station on 091 538 000, the Garda Confidential line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.

IdeasLab, University of Galway’s hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, has celebrated student entrepreneurs and innovators at the 2025 Start100 programme.

Now in its fourth year, the six-week incubator brings in partners from the world of business and enterprise to support students and student teams as they develop early-stage business ideas.

The programme culminated in a Demo Day, where the students pitched their ideas to a panel of expert judges and an audience of peers, mentors and leaders in enterprise.

Sean Allen, from Four Mile House, Co Roscommon, showcased his concept – LeukoCheck – an early-stage idea for a continuous blood monitoring system designed to support ICU patients.

It explores how real-time biomarker analysis might enable earlier detection of sepsis and, in time, contribute to improved patient outcomes. He was inspired by his family’s personal experience of undetected sepsis.

Sean Allen was recently awarded the Séamus McDermott Entrepreneurial Scholarship, sponsored by The Liffey Trust, in partnership with IdeasLab at University of Galway.

The ‘One to Watch’ award, sponsored by WestBIC, was presented to Joseph Tannian, a PhD student in the University’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences. The award recognises the potential of his concept – DuaLine – which aims to reimagine diabetes care.

Building on scientific advances that have extended the lifespan of implants from just three to four days to up to eight weeks, DuaLine seeks to explore how these breakthroughs could be translated into real-world impact through the design of a compact, next-generation pump.

Professor Peter McHugh, Interim President of University of Galway, said: “Congratulations to both of our innovative students on receiving their Start100 2025 awards by demonstrating such exceptional ideas and entrepreneurial talent.”

“Our students are not just preparing for the future – they are helping to shape it. Start100 is a powerful expression of University of Galway’s commitment to innovation with impact.”

“In a rapidly changing world, this kind of applied, values-driven learning is essential – not just for our students, but for the future of our society and economy.”

Méabh Conaghan, Regional Director for the West and North-West Regions, Enterprise Ireland, said: “The Start100 series of incubation supports are to be commended as they help students to explore, develop and validate their ideas in a structured and safe environment.”

“It is a privilege to preview the project ideas, and I am excited to say that there are some strong business prospects in the mix. Enterprise Ireland welcomes the Start100 initiative, recognising it as an avenue for future enterprise success and is happy to support this worthwhile programme.”

Start100 is designed to nurture creativity, confidence and entrepreneurial thinking through a blend of mentorship, skills-building workshops and real-world exposure.

This year’s students explored diverse opportunities and challenges across sectors such as health innovation, education, accessibility, AI, and creative technologies.

Each team worked closely with a mentor from their field, while expert-led sessions focused on market validation, storytelling, tax, intellectual property and pitch delivery.

Students were also hosted by CREW and Platform94, strengthening their understanding of the regional innovation ecosystem.

Guest speakers included leaders from Enterprise Ireland, WestBIC, and the Local Enterprise Office (LEO), the award-winning SymPhysis Medical and Start100 alumni Sam O’Neill from Rowteic.

Final pitches at Demo Day were evaluated by an expert judging panel: Dr. Helen McBreen, Partner, Atlantic Bridge, Méabh Conaghan, Regional Director, Enterprise Ireland, John Brennan, CEO, WestBIC and Conor Carey, Director, Fairstone Ireland.

Dr Natalie Walsh, Director of Entrepreneurial Development at IdeasLab, added, “Showcase Day is always a reminder of the boldness and creativity of our students. Start100 is not about having all the answers – it’s about stepping into the unknown, testing ideas, and building the confidence to take the first steps toward impact.”

“What we saw at the event was a room full of energy, curiosity, and students willing to challenge themselves and think differently. That is the essence of innovation, and it’s exactly what IdeasLab was created to support.”

Galway City Council has given its approval to seek a €60 million loan, which will be used for a number of sports, culture, and infrastructure projects.

The elected members of Galway City Council voted to approve the loan on Monday to commence projects such as sports masterplans and the redevelopment of Galway City Museum.

Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Mike Cubbard, said, “This approval to proceed with this €60m loan application today represents the belief and positivity Galway City Council has in our city.”

“This is a young, vibrant, educated, artistic, Gaeltacht city, with a long tradition as an outward-looking trading port, over more than 800 years of history.”

“This decision is an investment in our future, starting the enabling works for ground-breaking projects, including the sports masterplans.”

The full list of projects being supported by this capital investment includes:

• Masterplans at Kingston, South Park and Renmore (land acquisition and enabling works);
• Woodquay Park redevelopment;
• Pitches at Millers Lane;
• New MUGA at Renmore;
• Delivery of other sports capital projects, such as pitch drainage and the skate park in Doughiska;
• Redevelopment of Galway City Museum;
• Upgrades to Cultural Facilities in the City;
• Public lighting upgrades, following damage from Storm Éowyn;
• Fit out of new civic offices to accommodate staff

Galway City Council will now seek formal sanction for the loan from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and agreement of loan terms and drawdown with the Housing Finance Agency.

The 2026 budget planning process will commence in Galway City Council in Q3 2025, prompting the application process at this point in time.

Repayment of the loan will take place over a 30-year term, with an annual repayment of €3.1 million anticipated.

Chief Executive of Galway City Council, Leonard Cleary, said, “This capital investment is possible as a result of some difficult decisions by Members in late 2024, to increase the funding available to the City Council through an adjustment in Local Property Tax and Commercial Rates.”

“This decision is now bearing fruit, as we find ourselves in a stable position to apply for a hugely significant investment in capital infrastructure in our city.”

“Galway City Council is gearing up to deliver these projects – through the establishment of a new Project Development Directorate, on-going recruitment of the specialised people and skills needed to deliver these projects, and preparation for our move to new civic offices where we have the space to expand and accommodate the people we need.”

“The loan sanction today is a statement of our intent for Galway City to remain a world-class city to live, invest, work, or visit, with a significant programme of projects enabled as a result of today’s decision”.