Since its launch in April 2024, the COPD Virtual Care Pathway has significantly improved patient outcomes while reducing pressure on hospital services.

The innovative programme has been developed by Galway University Hospitals (GUH) in partnership with the Galway City Integrated Care Hub and the HIVE Laboratory, University of Galway,

This programme is aimed at transforming how care is delivered to people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The Virtual Care Pathway is reducing hospital attendances, preventing unnecessary admissions, and saving hundreds of bed days.

To date, the service has delivered 139 episodes of care, saving more than 1,000 hospital bed days.

Patients participating in virtual care now have an average length of stay of 5.3 days, representing a 53.57% improvement compared with the national inpatient average.

By using secure digital technology, the service allows patients to receive high-quality respiratory specialist supervision from home while remaining under the care of their treating doctors and respiratory team.

The pathway provides structured daily monitoring through a user-friendly app, where patients record daily symptoms, optimise self-management skills and use monitoring devices to track key health indicators such as oxygen levels, respiratory rate, temperature, blood pressure and heart rate.

Any concerning changes trigger real-time alerts, enabling clinicians to intervene promptly and tailor treatment plans before issues escalate.

The virtual care option also supports patients who present to the Emergency Department with stable COPD exacerbations, offering a safe alternative to hospital admission and helping to shorten stays for those already admitted.

Emma Burke, Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Respiratory and Nursing Lead for the COPD Virtual Care Pathway, said, “This Pathway is transforming how we deliver care to patients with COPD.”

“By combining clinical expertise with innovative digital tools, we are improving outcomes, enhancing patient confidence, and reducing the need for hospitalisation.”

“The feedback from patients has been overwhelmingly positive, and the impact on hospital capacity has been hugely significant.”

“The Virtual Care Pathway is enabling us to intervene earlier, treat more effectively, and ultimately keep patients well at home,” added Professor Sinead Walsh, Respiratory Lead for the Galway City Integrated Care Hub.

“It represents a major step forward in how we manage chronic respiratory disease and ensures our services are used where they are needed most.”

Professor Derek O’Keeffe, Director of the HIVE Laboratory, said, “The GUH COPD Virtual Care Pathway has shown how innovative clinical models, powered by digital health technology, can redefine and significantly improve patient care.”

Speaking about her positive experience of the service, Maureen Foley said, “The Virtual Care Pathway is a wonderful service. The support I received has helped me stay out of hospital and manage my COPD with more confidence.”

“I can call Emma anytime and get her advice and help. The breathing exercises help reduce my breathlessness so I can go about my daily life more comfortably. Thank you so much.”

This virtual healthcare initiative continues to demonstrate how digital innovation can empower patients, enhance clinical oversight, and significantly reduce demand on acute hospital services.

Athenry Community Playground will be undergoing over €150,000 worth of major upgrades in the new year with help from funding from LEADER.

Volunteers from Athenry Community Playground Group spent 2025 fundraising for the upgrades by hosting community events like Athenry’s Big Day Out, and raised over €25,000 toward the renovations.

Galway County Council also promised €40,000 of local property tax, which is used as match funding for the grant.

Athenry Community Council and Galway Rural Development worked with the group to get €122,992 through the LEADER programme 2023-2027.

The community-owned playground is over 20 years old and missing key equipment, which had to be removed for safety reasons after it began rotting.

“Children will soon be able to enjoy the playground in its full capacity,” said Dr Michelle McMahon, treasurer of ACPG. “The new equipment will have something for everyone, with special sensory and mobility elements for children with differing abilities.”

The new play elements pull from Athenry’s heritage town. “The playground is in the centre of town, between the Athenry Castle and the priory. It was important to us that the playground didn’t detract from the surrounding scenery,” said Erin Maglione, chairperson.

The new equipment, provided by Kompan, will include long-lasting weather resistant timber in a medieval theme, with a large castle climbing frame for older children and a medieval town styled junior play area.

Swing sets will also be upgraded to include multi-use swings, which will encourage parents to participate in play with their children.

This upgrade is just the beginning for Athenry, according to the group, who are actively working with Athenry Community Council to provide additional space for a teen-oriented amenity and has approached Galway County Council for help.

Unlike council owned playgrounds in Tuam and Loughrea which have designated teen spaces, Athenry playground does not currently offer any such amenity because the county council who insure the playground, will not insure a designated teen space.

“It’s an issue of ownership,” explained Shauna Coll, ACPG secretary. “There is no county council owned property in Athenry that can be used and insured as a teen space.”

“As excited as we are to be able to upgrade the playground, we acknowledge that there is a large group of our community still lacking a social space, and we want to work to remedy that.”

The group hopes the Town Centre First Programme and Galway County Council will be able to provide something for teens in Athenry.

The LEADER funded renovation is the first step for Athenry Playground and a major boost to the community, according to ACPG, but they are not stopping there. For more information on their plans visit athenryplayground.ie.

Households in Galway looking to get rid of their Christmas trees can avail of free recycling services at multiple locations in the city and county.

Both Galway City and County Councils are offering free disposal of Christmas trees up until Saturday, January 10, inclusive.

This recycling service is for domestic households only. Christmas trees can be disposed of at the following locations.

Galway City

• Hunters Depot, Lough Rusheen on the Barna Road
• Merlin Woods Depot in Doughiska

These will be open from 9am to 3pm daily.

Galway County

• Athenry: Public Car Park beside Kenny Park
• Ballinasloe: Civic Amenity Site, Poolboy, Ballinasloe H53VH95 – Open 3rd, 6th, 8th and 10th January only
• Clifden: Beach Road
• An Cheathrú Rua: Halla Éinne Car Park H91RX2X
• Gort: Lough Cutra Quarry, Bunnasrah, Gort
• Loughrea: Fairgreen, Courthouse Road
• Mountbellew: Black Quarry, Mountbellew – Ballinasloe Road (Near 50km speed limit sign)
• Oughterard: Car Park, Oughterard
• Maigh Cuilinn: Behind the bringbanks on Mountain Road
• Portumna: Beside bring banks, Castle Avenue H53WN23
• Tuam: Civic Amenity Site, Athenry Road H54Y512
• Headford: Council Yard beside Mart
• Oranmore: Maree Community Centre Rear Car Park H91V12C

These sites will be open for recycling during regular business hours.

Nighttime water restrictions on the Tully/Tullycross Public Water Supply will continue to ensure a secure daytime water supply.

Restrictions were introduced last week as a result of a drop in the raw water quality entering the local treatment plant, which in turn caused reservoir levels to fall.

The nighttime restrictions are now necessary to allow reservoir levels to replenish and will continue until at least next Monday, 5 January.

The restrictions will be in place each night from 10.30pm to 8am the following morning to allow the local reservoir levels recharge.

Water levels are being reviewed daily and a decision if further restrictions are required will be announced on Monday, explained Uisce Éireann’s Tony Kelly.

“I want to thank customers on the supply for their water conservation efforts. I understand that nighttime restrictions are inconvenient, but I can assure customers that these measures are absolutely essential in order to preserve a full daytime supply for homes and businesses,” said Tony.

Customers can help conserve water by not running taps needlessly, taking showers instead of baths and postponing using dishwashers and washing machines where possible.

Customers can also find useful water saving tips on our website www.water.ie/conserve. This also includes an easy-to-use conservation calculator so you can work out how much water you are currently saving and how to conserve even more.

Clifden RNLI’s lifeboat volunteers have had an exceptionally busy year, between training exercises and rescues, the team have launched their lifesaving vessels 130 times in 2025.

The maritime search and rescue service established in 1988 covers a wide patch of the Atlantic coast, bordering County Mayo at Killary, as far as Carna in South Connemara and encompassing the islands of Inishbofin, Inishark and Inisturk.

Throughout 2025, the crew carried out 23 search and rescue operations, including rescuing seven people who were cut off by the tide on Omey Island in August, rescuing a fisherman with engine trouble in July and recovering a submerged sailing boat in November.

Clifden RNLI have also participated in a number of joint agency operations with local emergency services and carried out four medical evacuations from neighbouring island communities.

Tony Casey, Lifeboat Operations Manager, said, “Our focus this year was to build resilience in the crew by strengthening our skills and accreditations across all ranks and roles. The individual and collective effort which the team have demonstrated towards this goal has been inspiring.”

“During 107 exercises this year, we have amassed several hundred hours at sea in conditions fairly typical to the West Coast. We train twice every week, fighting the wind, rain and big seas to ensure we are prepared and equipped to save lives at sea.”

“Our crew members are taking time away from family and work commitments to serve this community, and I am extremely grateful to each of them.”

“We said goodbye to five crew and had the great honour of welcoming 14 new members. I’d like to thank Owen Hayes, Nessa Joyce, Sinead Pryce, Andy Bell and Conor O Malley for their massive contribution to our lifeboat station and our community, over their many years of dedicated service.”

“I want to welcome our new recruits who have already shown huge commitment to their training plans and are making a big impact at the station with their enthusiasm and energy.”

The new recruits for the Clifden station are John Gavin, Conor Cadden, Jonathan Wallace, Dara Wallace ,Matthew Coohill, Ronan Mullen, Sean Pryce, Ciaran Maguire, James Golden, Liam Coyne, Michael Barrett, Sean Walsh, Selmin Seid and Seamus O Neill.

“I also must give a special mention to our wonderful fundraising branch who work extremely hard all year round to generate income for the RNLI. As a charity, we rely on donations to fund our lifesaving work and the generosity of our supporters is incredible.”

“Earlier this year we also had the privilege of awarding an RNLI service medal to Clifden GP, Dr John Casey Snr who has assisted the crew and supported the work of the lifeboat station for decades.

“As we look towards 2026 we will continue to save lives at sea with pride and professionalism, we thank our community for their continued support and remain on call 24/7 ready to assist anyone in danger on or near the water.”

With winter swimmers out in full force at the moment Clifden RNLI’s Water Safety Officer, Miryam Harris has some important advice.

“We know this time of year many people take part in festive and New Year dips or continue to take part in regular winter swims. So we are urging anyone entering the water to be aware of the dangers, check sea conditions carefully and to understand their own limitations.”

“The effects of cold water, combined with weather conditions and any personal health issues should be taken seriously before venturing in. Never go alone and always have a means of calling for help.”

“The most important thing to remember is if you are in any doubt, stay out of the water and if you or anyone else does get into trouble in or on the water please call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”

17 new speed camera zones will be operational in Galway from January 1, among nearly 400 new zones introduced nationwide.

390 new safety camera zones will become operational from 2026, bringing the total number of safety camera zones nationwide to 1,901.

The primary purpose of safety cameras is to reduce speed-related collisions, lessen injuries and save lives.

To date in 2025, there have been 186 road deaths. This is the highest level of road deaths on Irish roads in over a decade.

Safety cameras operate in areas where there is a history of speed-related collisions, known as speed enforcement zones.

All zones are available on the Garda website and available for GPS navigation providers to download here.

Assistant Commissioner Catharina Gunne, Roads Policing and Community Engagement, said, “The majority of drivers on Irish roads obey the speed limits, keeping themselves, their passengers and other road users safer.”

“There is a small persistent cohort of selfish, dangerous drivers who choose to drive in excess of the posted speed limit.”

“These drivers put themselves and members of their community at risk, particularly children, older people, cyclists and other motorists.”

“An Garda Síochána’s priority is to ensure that the vast majority of people who use the roads responsibly are not put in danger by this minority of reckless drivers who continue to drive at excessive speed.”

“GoSafe vans operate in areas that have a speed-related collision history where fatal, serious injury and minor injury collisions occur.”

“In addition, locations which have been highlighted by members of the community as being areas of concern, have been included in the new zones.”

“By identifying and targeting these high-risk areas, the aim is to reduce the number of fatal and serious injury collisions.”

Galway County Council has confirmed that the 2026 National Famine Commemoration will take place at the Irish Workhouse Centre in Portumna on Saturday, May 16.

The State ceremony, which will include military honours and a wreath-laying, will be broadcast live on national television.

Newly elected Uachtarán na hÉireann Catherine Connolly is expected to deliver the keynote address from the site of the former Portumna Workhouse.

Alongside the formal commemoration, Portumna will host a conference on the Irish Famine, bringing together leading scholars and researchers.

A bilingual workbook for children is also being developed to support schools, offering accessible material on the Famine and the workhouse system.

The Portumna Workhouse, opened in 1852 and regarded as one of the most complete surviving complexes of its kind, has become a hub for lectures, exhibitions and cultural events.

This will be the first time the National Famine Commemoration has been held in County Galway since the annual initiative was established in 2008.

Councillor David Collins, Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, said the National Famine Commemoration would be a national moment of reflection and a chance to highlight Galway’s famine story.

“Hosting the Commemoration in Portumna is a deeply significant moment for Galway,” he said. “The Irish Workhouse Centre, the only dedicated workhouse museum in the country, stands as a powerful reminder of the hardship endured by our ancestors.”

“The Commemoration will honour the victims of the Famine while also helping to raise the Centre’s profile as both a visitor attraction and a place of reflection and remembrance.”

Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council, said the local authority will work closely with the National Famine Commemoration Committee, Elected Members, the Irish Workhouse Centre, and key local stakeholders to produce a commemoration programme that appropriately marks the historic occasion.

“With its facilities, capacity, and strong local connections, the Centre is an ideal venue to host a respectful and meaningful national event,” he added.

“The regeneration of Portumna Courthouse earlier this year, along with ongoing work at Portumna Castle, the harbour, and forest trails, creates a real opportunity for the whole town to be involved in a way that complements the solemn and reflective nature of the Commemoration.”

Michael Owens, Director of Services for Galway County Council, noted that Galway County Council’s bid to host the National Famine Commemoration in Portumna reflects the deep impact the Great Famine had on the county, where thousands suffered, died or were forced to leave.

“With its original buildings, extensive grounds and experience hosting large gatherings, the Centre is an ideal setting to remember those affected by the famine,” he said.

“The Council, Centre and local community, including schools, volunteers and cultural groups, are committed to working with the National Famine Commemoration Committee to deliver a programme that is respectful and engaging.”

A range of local organisations and individuals, including Portumna Tidy Towns, South East Galway Integrated Rural Development CLG, Portumna Chamber of Commerce, local businesses, the County Archivist and the City and County Librarian supported County Galway’s bid to host the event.

Galway County Council says further details of the 2026 National Famine Commemoration programme will be announced in January.

Information on the national initiative is available at irishfamine.ie, with details on the Irish Workhouse Centre at irishworkhousecentre.ie.

A bright and sunny Christmas morning in Salthill, Galway saw over 1,000 people turn out for the annual COPE Galway Christmas Swim.

Now in its 36th year, this iconic Galway Christmas tradition brought together families and friends, from seasoned swimmers to first timers, who braved the cold waters of Galway Bay in support of the local charity.

Many swimmers say Christmas would not be Christmas without the COPE Galway Christmas Swim, as it is a key part of the day and a family tradition.

Among this year’s participants were five friends originally from Galway who now live in Australia. They returned home to spend Christmas with their families, but still came together for the swim.

The Jennings family from Moycullen first took part six years ago and have joined every year since.

These are just some of the stories of local people and visitors from places like Australia and the USA who see the swim as an essential part of their Christmas visit to Galway.

Commenting on the crowds, COPE Galway Fundraising Manager, Lynia O’Brien, said, “Seeing so many people show up to brave the cold, give generously, and share in the joy of the day reminds us of the extraordinary community spirit that defines Galway.”

Lynia emphasised how much this support means to the people the charity works with throughout the year.

“Each year, COPE Galway supports over 3,000 people through our homeless, domestic abuse and senior support services. These include families, men, women and children in Galway who are facing incredibly challenging times.”

“Everyone who signs up to swim, makes a donation or volunteers at the event helps raise much needed funds that enable us to provide vital support to those who rely on our services.

“The funds raised have a real impact throughout the year, helping COPE Galway respond to growing demand for our services and ensuring people in our community can access the support they need when they need it most.”

“We are deeply grateful to the Galway community, at home and abroad, for continuing to support the Christmas Swim year after year,” Lynia added.

This year’s event also included the popular ‘Swim Where You Are’ option, connecting supporters across Ireland and beyond.

COPE Galway extended heartfelt thanks to everyone who took part, the more than 60 volunteers who gave their time on Christmas morning to support the event, the lifeguards and the Order of Malta Galway team who were on hand to provide first aid and immediate medical support if needed.

Their dedication ensured the event was safe and enjoyable for all.

COPE Galway also acknowledged the support of Stewart Construction, the key event sponsor with a historic connection to Blackrock Diving Tower, which was built by Stewart Construction in 1954.

Visit copegalway.ie/swim for more information or to donate.

A special programme for empathy education developed at University of Galway is to be expanded into Transition Year (TY) in secondary schools nationwide.

Activating Social Empathy is a practical classroom resource designed to help teachers promote empathy skills and understanding among young people in the Senior Cycle.

The programme was developed by researchers at the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre at University of Galway, along with colleagues in the University’s School of Education, working closely with a Youth Advisory Panel from Foróige. It is endorsed by the National Council for Curriculum Assessment.

Actor Cillian Murphy is a patron of the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre at University of Galway and a supporter of the empathy education initiatives.

Described as a new micro-module, the new TY course complements the existing Junior Cycle Activating Social Empathy resource, which was announced in 2020.

It offers age-appropriate lessons and activities that challenge TY students to explore empathy in more complex social contexts.

Dr Charlotte Silke, lead researcher with UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre, said, “The core aim is to support young people in becoming more attuned to the feelings and perspectives of others, and more confident in expressing empathy across a variety of real-world contexts.”

The Activating Social Empathy schools programme is supported by the Irish American Partnership and Lifes2good Foundation, Cillian Murphy and partners of the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre, Foróige and Penn State.

The TY micro-module, is informed by theory and practice in the area of social and emotional learning and the resources are underpinned by research evidence relating to the development and expression of empathy during adolescence.

It is designed to strengthen students’ empathy skills through 10 interactive lessons, using scenarios and video and other learning methodologies supplemented by comprehensive sample materials.

The programme encompasses three interconnected components: Cognitive Empathy (i.e., awareness or understanding of others’ perspectives); Emotional Empathy (i.e., feeling with, or for, another person), and Empathic Action (i.e., translating understanding and feelings into supportive, helpful actions).

Students also learn about strategies to address empathy barriers and engage in empathic actions across diverse contexts.

Professor John Canavan, Director of the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre, said, “For young people growing up in a world marked by rising social polarisation, environmental crises and mental health issues, socio-emotional and behavioural skills are increasingly valued as part of education policies designed to address broad dimensions of learning.”

“Empathy is a process of understanding others’ perspectives, feeling for others and taking supportive action.”

More than 30,000 homes in Galway are now able to connect to fibre broadband, according to the NBI, with 11,000 homes already hooked up.

41,000 premises in Co Galway are included in the State’s Intervention Area, which will see NBI deliver minimum speeds of 500 megabits per second to homes, businesses, farms, and schools.

As the biggest investment in rural Ireland since rural electrification, Co Galway will receive €153m of Government investment under the National Broadband Plan.

There is a total of 33,096 premises that can now pre-order or order high-speed, reliable broadband across the county with 11,071 connections made so far. This includes the rural communities of Clonfert and Maam.

National Broadband Ireland is encouraging all Co Galway residents to visit nbi.ie and check their Eircode to see if they’re ready to connect.

TJ Malone, Chief Executive Officer, National Broadband Ireland, said, “We’re proud to see that over 30,000 Galway homes and businesses can now avail of a high-speed fibre connection through the NBI network, with over 11,000 premises in Co Galway already connected to NBI’s network.”

“The National Broadband Plan rollout is enabling real change in how rural communities live and work, from online learning and business growth to better access to health and public services. We’re encouraging everyone in Galway to check their Eircode on nbi.ie and stay up to date as the rollout progresses.”

National Rollout Progress

NBI has now passed over 439,000 homes, farms and businesses in rural Ireland to high-speed broadband, with over 156,000 now connected.

The average take-up rate of 35% is well ahead of projections and international comparisons and surpasses 60% in areas of the country where the network has been live for 18 months.

COPE Galway is calling on people across the city and county to join one of Galway’s most loved Christmas traditions, the annual Christmas swim.

The 2025 COPE Galway Christmas Day Swim will take place on Christmas morning at Blackrock, Salthill.

First launched in 1989 by a small group of COPE Galway staff and supporters to raise funds for the charity’s Domestic Abuse Service, the swim has grown into an iconic Christmas ritual that embodies Galway’s generosity and community spirit.

Now in its 36th year, it draws hundreds of brave locals and visitors who have made the swim part of their Christmas tradition.

Families, friends and individuals of all ages, from seasoned sea swimmers to first-time dippers, gather at Blackrock for the Christmas Day Swim or take part wherever they are over the holidays.

“The atmosphere on Christmas morning is unlike anything else,” said Lynia O’Brien, Fundraising Manager with COPE Galway.

“You see people home for the holidays, neighbours greeting one another and even dogs in their Christmas finest – all coming together in solidarity and showing that every small act we make can make a real difference for people in our community.”

The COPE Galway Christmas Swim is more than a festive dip; it is a powerful act of solidarity that helps fund essential services for people experiencing homelessness, domestic abuse and isolation.

In 2024, over 850 participants raised €45,600, making a real difference for thousands of people across Galway.

Registration is €20 for an adult and €5 for a child, with individuals, families, workplaces and schools all encouraged to get involved.

Participants are reminded to always follow water safety advice and never swim alone. Visit copegalway.ie/swim to register, donate or get more information.

COPE Galway is grateful that Galway construction company Stewart Construction is once again a key event sponsor for the Christmas Swim.

The iconic Blackrock Diving Tower in Salthill, where the Christmas Day Swim takes place, was constructed by James Stewart & Co. in 1954. James started his construction company in Lower Salthill back in 1902.

Free parking is available in Galway City for people coming to do their Christmas shopping up to and including Christmas Eve.

Galway City Council has partnered with Atlantic Technological University and University of Galway for a Christmas ‘Park and Commute’.

Commuters into the city can park for free in the ATU (Ballybane Road) car park and the University of Galway car park at Upper Newcastle.

This is available daily from 8am – 10pm this week, up to and including December 24, Christmas Eve.

Commuters can then continue into the city on the public bus or on foot, avoiding the stress and cost of finding parking in the city centre.

Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Mike Cubbard, said, “I’m delighted to support this initiative to encourage people to come into Galway City to shop, to go to the market, or to catch up with friends in one of the many fantastic cafes, pubs and restaurants in the city.”

“Many thanks to ATU and the University of Galway for their engagement in the scheme, which will make it easier for people to leave their car out of the city, and travel in, hassle-free on the public bus, or on foot.”

This proposal was put forward in April 2025 by Councillor Eddie Hoare, and seconded by Mayor Mike Cubbard, as an alternative to the Christmas Park and Ride service.

This is the first year the ‘Park and Commute’ service has been trialled, in conjunction with ATU and University of Galway.

Details of the car parks, buses and hours of operation are as follows:

Atlantic Technological University: Main car park on Ballybane Road (R865)

• Closest Eircode: ATU, Old Dublin Rd, H91 T8NW
• Dates of operation: 13-14 December, 19-24 December inclusive.
• Hours of operation: 8am to 10pm
• Bus Options: 401 (Ballybane Road), 405 (St James Road), 402, 404 and 409 (Dublin Road – note this route uses an uncontrolled crossing at the roundabout on the Dublin Road).
• Walking Routes: approx. 3.7km via Dublin Road to Shop Street

University of Galway: University Park and Ride car park, Upper Newcastle (N59) 

• Closest Eircode: ILAS, Upper Newcastle, Co. Galway, H91 C7DK
• Dates of operation: 19-24 December inclusive
• Hours of operation: 8am to 10pm
• Bus Options: 404 (Upper Newcastle)
• Walking Routes: approx. 2.7km to Shop Street
• Tip  – for those under less time pressure, there is a river walk from Dangan into the city through the University grounds (recommended during daylight hours).

A file is being prepared for the DPP in the case of a €77,000 drugs seizure in Tuam recently.

As part of ongoing investigations into the sale and supply of drugs in the region, Gardaí from the Galway Divisional Drugs Unit searched a house in Tuam on December 17.

Cocaine with an estimated street value of €50,000, cannabis with an estimated value of €40,000, and ecstasy with an estimated value of €7,000 was seized.

A man, aged in his 40s, was arrested and detained at a station in the Garda North Western Region under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996.

A follow-up search was conducted at another house in Tuam, and a further quantity of cannabis was recovered.

The man arrested in connection with this was later released without charge, and a file is being prepared for the DPP.

The seized drugs will be sent to Forensic Science Ireland for analysis. An Garda Síochána has said that investigations are ongoing.

Community groups in Galway are among 40 organisations nationwide to receive funding under Circular.ie’s Circular Communications Grants, with €6,000 allocated locally as part of the €100,000 national scheme.

The successful Galway recipients are An Mheitheal Rothar (€5,000) and The Filling Station (€1,000), supporting circular living, reuse and community engagement.

Circular.ie, Ireland’s national platform for circular economy communications, has announced 40 community groups and organisations as recipients of the Circular Communications Grants, with a total value of €100,000.

The scheme, funded by the Government of Ireland under the Circular Economy Fund, supports projects that are advancing circular living, strengthening community engagement and helping to build a more sustainable future across the country.

Selected from more than 350 applications from all over Ireland, the successful recipients are delivering a diverse range of initiatives covering reuse, repair, upcycling, education and behavioural change. Full details of the winning projects can be found here on Circular.ie.

Minister of State with special responsibility for the Circular Economy Alan Dillon said, “This grant programme will help raise awareness of the innovative initiatives happening across Ireland and of those working to build a more sustainable future.”

“We are proud to recognise their work and help them to increase the visibility of their activities and the significant role they play in building circular communities.”

Commenting on the announcement, Eibhlin Fitzpatrick, Community Liaison Manager at Circular.ie, said, “We were delighted to receive such a high calibre of applications for this grant.”

“They are a real testament to the fantastic quality of circular work happening in communities throughout Ireland. It was a highly competitive process, and we have ensured grants were awarded to meet the needs, diversity and geographical spread of projects.”

“We are genuinely looking forward to working with the winners as they continue to strengthen and expand their impact.”

Circular.ie has confirmed that the grants scheme will operate annually, with applications reopening in August next year.

Interested community groups and organisations are encouraged to keep an eye on Circular.ie for information on next year’s grants scheme.

To support continued development of circular communications skills nationwide, Circular.ie will launch a series of 12 monthly online communications webinars starting in January.

These sessions are open to all community initiatives and will focus on practical ways to engage with their audiences. Groups are also encouraged to explore the communications toolkits available in the Circular Communities section of the website.

One of Ireland’s largest waste management operators has launched a public awareness campaign following a rise in fires caused by batteries, vapes and electronics being thrown into household wheelie bins, skips and public street bins.

Items such as vapes, power banks, cordless power tools, e-bikes, and e-scooters are increasingly appearing in municipal waste streams and are now the leading cause of fires in the waste management industry.

Clean Ireland Recycling, which is leading this campaign, has experienced several fires in its collection trucks and damage at one of its depots.

The Christmas STAR (Stop Think And Recycle) campaign comes ahead of the festive and New Year period, when households typically dispose of old electronics and batteries while also bringing new ones into the home.

Managing Director of Clean Ireland Recycling, Brian Lyons said the sharp increase in batteries, vapes and electronics is creating serious safety risks.

He said the improper disposal of these items “puts lives, property, the environment and businesses at risk”.

Mr Lyons urged the public not to dispose of batteries, vapes or electronic devices in household or public bins, but to bring them to designated WEEE/battery collection points. He said many people do not realise how easily fires can start.

“A fire can begin when a battery is compacted or pierced in a bin lorry. If the casing cracks, it can short-circuit, producing intense heat and sudden flames. Inside one of our trucks it can spread in seconds,” Mr. Lyons explained.

He continued, “It only takes one vape or power bank to trigger a serious incident. We have had fires start while trucks were on the road, forcing crews to stop, isolate the fire and in conjunction with fire services, unload burning material to save the vehicle.”

“There are far too many reports from around the country of waste transfer stations and recycling facilities experiencing fires caused by batteries and other electronics.”

Mr Lyons said preventing fires “starts with proper disposal” and that using the correct facilities helps protect homes, vehicles and recycling infrastructure.

The public can contact their local recycling centre or visit MyWaste.ie for advice on safely disposing of batteries and electronic waste.

A consortium of medtech and digital healthcare companies and university researchers are to launch a series of world-first clinical trials focused on bringing long term relief to people suffering from chronic musculoskeletal pain.

The partnership of CrannMed, Salaso Health Solutions, University of Galway’s Institute for Clinical Trials and RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences has been awarded €6.6million in government investment.

The funding, announced by Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke T.D., is part of the latest tranche of awards from the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund.

The consortium will carry out the RECAP project – Resorbable Embolization for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain.

The series of clinical trials taking place as part of the project is being coordinated by University of Galway’s Institute for Clinical Trials and RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences.

The trial programme combines two complementary technologies to improve outcomes for people with chronic musculoskeletal pain.

Patients will have access to breakthrough pain treatment developed by CrannMed and a recovery programme developed by Salaso with the support of clinical specialists.

In the first trial, a patient will receive an injection which will selectively block blood flow to the site of pain, reducing inflammation and stray nerve endings, which are ultimately the root cause of the pain.

Patients who have experienced chronic pain need to pursue a structured recovery process aimed at building strength and improving the resilience of musculoskeletal tissues.

The second trial assesses the patient’s recovery as they are supported by an AI enabled self-management platform in real-time.

Furthermore, the trials will allow scientists and researchers within the clinical centres to develop new imaging techniques, smart trial designs and pain measurement methodologies that will be needed to make the solution standard within healthcare systems.

Liam Farrissey, CrannMed Chief Executive Officer, said: “It is very rewarding to be able to put such a high quality consortium together from within the Irish ecosystem.”

“The consortium covers development, manufacture, clinical validation and AI enabled patient engagement, all from within world class teams operating in the country.”

“An exciting benefit is that we will be able to offer our treatment to Irish patients much earlier than would otherwise be possible. If we are successful, it can pave the way to change the way we treat chronic pain.”

Aoife Ní Mhuirí, Salaso, said, “Using AI to increase engagement with clinically prescribed self-management programmes will lead to improved patient outcomes while minimizing the time required from physicians or therapists to oversee post-procedure care.”

“Treatment and recovery can happen closer to home, saving time and money for patients and the health system. The approach is more sustainable, more accessible for patients, and has the potential to set a new global standard for pain management.”

Professor Fidelma Dunne, Director of the Institute for Clinical Trials at University of Galway, said, “This project is set to revolutionize how chronic joint and muscle pain is treated.”

“The innovative treatment and clinical trial will enable patients to get effective, long-term pain relief from chronic pain without surgery or addictive drugs.”

“This project is an example of academic-industry collaboration at its best, and the Institute for Clinical Trials is delighted to support these types of partnerships by providing clinical trial expertise to our industry innovators and ensuring accelerated access to innovative treatments for patients.”

Professor Fergal O’Brien, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation at RCSI, said, “RCSI is proud to support innovative Irish medtech through first-in-human clinical trials conducted here in Ireland.”

“This collaboration shows that Ireland is open for business in clinical research, and RCSI is committed to working with Irish companies to deliver transformative health solutions for patients.”

University of Galway’s Institute for Clinical Trials has a pivotal role in the project, focused on clinical trial leadership, innovation in trial design and overall coordination and delivery of the clinical trial programme for the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund.

RCSI’s role in the project is to lead the development and validation of imaging and access protocols for direct injection of the CrannMed technology and conduct the first-in-human clinical use of the technology.

Additionally, RCSI will contribute expertise in digital health to optimise patient engagement with the AI-enabled rehabilitation platform.

The consortium stated that the combined benefits of the treatment and technologies being trialled are expected to be tens of times better than steroid injections, which are the current standard of care for chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions.

The €6.5m investment was made under Call 7 of the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund.

Galway City New Year’s Eve is an invitation to Galway families and those visiting the city for a festive break to enjoy an early evening of music, art and culture at St Nicholas Collegiate Church to welcome a much anticipated 2026.

From 6pm to 9pm, the iconic St Nicholas Collegiate Church will host a free event with a magical line up of music opening with the Galway Ukulele Tribe, followed by the TBL8, the high-energy brass band before the climax of the evening the eclectic PrYmary Colours, with a vibrant set fusing music, dance, performance, and aesthetics into one neat, pumping package.

All of which will be set to the backdrop of the mesmerising art installation, “Trick of the Light.” A light installation commissioned work that will be video-mapped onto the outdoor facade of St. Nicholas Church.

The installation is created by local Galway artists Jennifer Cunningham and Jane Cassidy in conjunction with Galway Training Centre, Merlin Park.

This dedicated New Year’s Eve family event forms a key focus of Galway City Council’s night time economy programme and invites families to soak up the festive atmosphere of Galway City.

Wander the cobbled streets, enjoy a hot chocolate as you stroll, or an early evening celebratory dinner in one of the city’s excellent restaurants, pubs and eateries before joining in the fun and music at St Nicholas Collegiate Church.

Especially created for young families, the magical evening of heartwarming music gives young children and families the opportunity to enjoy a unique New Year countdown together.

At 6pm the Galway Ukulele Tribe will kick off the New Year’s Eve celebrations with their infectious, fun, and lively renditions of popular hits – from The Beatles, David Bowie, The Saw Doctors, to The Waterboys. There may even be a couple of seasonal favourites!

Next to hit the stage will be TBL8, the high-energy brass band who’re widely known for their infectious sound and dynamic stage presence.

Breathing new life into popular hits and classic tunes with a powerful, modern brass ensemble twist, TBL8 will certainly have Galway’s New Year’s evening celebrations in full swing ahead of the crescendo performance by PrYmary Colours.

This vibrant and acclaimed act is well known for fusing music, dance, performance, and aesthetics into one neat, pumping package, which is the perfect act to thank 2025 and welcome an exciting New Year.

Galway is world-renowned for its arts and culture performances, and PrYmary Colours, known as the “sparkle on a red-hot bassline,” will set the tone for 2026 following their successful tours on iconic stages, including the House of Yes in New York and the Olympia in Dublin, along with major festivals including Electric Picnic, Forbidden Fruit, and Latitude UK.

PrYmary Colours will deliver a high-octane blend of electronic-infused pop and funk, leading right up to the early family New Year’s Eve countdown for Galway, which will take place from 8.30pm the event will finish at 9pm. This gives families the opportunity to celebrate early and have the little children home at a reasonable time.

Beyond the stage, audiences will experience the mesmerizing art installation, “Trick of the Light.” This light installation is a commissioned work that will be video mapped onto the outdoor facade of St. Nicholas Church.

Additional light displays can be seen on Spanish Arch. Through these illuminated displays, Trick of the Light aims to enliven public spaces and inspire hope and warmth during the winter nights.

The installations, created by local artists Jennifer Cunningham and Jane Cassidy in conjunction with Merlin Park Training Centre, incorporate themes of Community and Connection, local stories, and personal histories, offering a beacon of brightness during the dark days of winter.

Trick of the Light is funded by Creative Ireland and Galway City Council and can be viewed at St. Nicholas Church and Spanish Arch daily from 5pm to 9pm from December 27th – January 2nd.

Mayor of Galway City Mike Cubbard said, “Galway, a bilingual city, is renowned globally for its culture, arts, music and festival style atmosphere, and New Year’s Eve is an opportunity to reflect on a year gone by while awaiting the newness of 2026.”

“This special family friendly event which is integral to Galway City Council’s night time economy programme brings together the perfect blend of Galway’s most charming traits, art installations, heart warming music, dance and song.”

“Together with [an] excellent array of restaurants, pubs, music venues and hotels, which as Galwegians we love to share with visitors, this New Year’s Eve is the perfect time to give thanks while also extending a warm Céad Míle Fáilte to everyone.”

Galway City Council Chief Executive Leonard Cleary highlighted the importance of such events. “This event is part of Galway City Council’s ongoing efforts to enhance Galway’s thriving and diverse night-time economy.”

“It showcases the city’s commitment to providing safe and enjoyable experiences for people of all ages, and we’re delighted to welcome visitors and families to celebrate this special moment.”

Galwegians and visitors to the Galway City New Year’s Eve Celebrations are invited to continue their celebrations after the 9:00 PM conclusion at St. Nicholas Collegiate Church, at one of Galway’s many iconic bars and live music venues.

For the full programme of Galway’s New Year’s Eve and Festive events, please log onto to www.thisisgalway.ie and follow @thisisgalway on all social media channels for all of the latest news and updates from #NYEGalway.