One person has died, and three others have been injured, one of them critically, following a car crash in the early hours of Monday morning.

The single vehicle crash occurred on the N15 at Grellagh, Castlegal, Co Sligo, at approximately 3:30am this morning.

A woman in her 50s who was a passenger in the vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene.

Her body has been removed to the mortuary at Sligo University Hospital (SUH), and a post-mortem examination will take place in due course. The Coroner has been notified

Another passenger, a man in his 50s, was brought to SUH, where his condition is described as critical.

The driver of the vehicle, a man in his 20s, and the third passenger in the car, a teenager, are being treated for non-life-threatening injuries at SUH.

The road had been closed for technical examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators and has since reopened.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision to come forward.

Road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling on the N15 at Castlegal – between Cliffoney and Tullaghan – between 3:10am and 3:40am on Monday 9th March 2026 are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Sligo Garda Station on 071 915 7000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Former President Michael D. Higgins will be the guest of honour at the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Galway City next week.

A proud Galwegian and long‑time advocate for arts, culture, community, and public service, his presence will bring special significance to this year’s celebration.

The 2026 parade, themed “Legends and Rising Stars,” will highlight the stories, people, and traditions that shape Galway. President Higgins’ participation is warmly welcomed as a fitting tribute to his lifelong commitment to culture, equality, and community life in Ireland.

Speaking at the announcement, former President Higgins stated, “To be asked to be principle guests at Galway’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is deeply appreciated by myself and Sabina, and we’d like to express our deep gratitude for the warmth of the reception home to Galway that we have received from so many individuals and groups.”

Mayor of Galway City Cllr. Mike Cubbard added, “As Mayor of Galway City, I am delighted that former President Michael D. Higgins will join us as Guest of Honour for this year’s parade.”

“His long‑standing connection to Galway and his commitment to arts, culture and community life makes his presence especially meaningful.”

“As he has returned to Galway City this year, after 14 memorable years in the Áras, we are honoured that he has accepted our invitation to join us in the parade this year.”

“This year’s parade showcases the creativity and spirit of the people of Galway, and I want to thank all of the groups and individuals who contribute to making it such a memorable occasion each year.”

This year’s programme will once again feature a vibrant and diverse line‑up of community groups, artists, performers, youth organisations, and cultural participants from across the city.

A particular highlight for 2026 is Céiliúradh, a new Community Pageant supported by Galway City Council and Creative Ireland, and developed in collaboration with artist and theatre maker Hugh Brown.

Céiliúradh will celebrate the stories, identities, and cultures that make Galway the dynamic place it is today.

Louise Osborne, Festival and Events Officer, Galway City Council, added, “We are thrilled to welcome former President Michael D. Higgins as our Guest of Honour for the 2026 St. Patrick’s Day Parade.”

“This year’s theme, ‘Legends & Rising Stars,’ celebrates the remarkable people and stories that shape Galway, and his attendance brings an extra sense of pride to the occasion. We hope that this year’s parade will be one to remember”.

Galway City’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade continues to be one of the region’s largest annual cultural events, drawing thousands of spectators and celebrating the spirit, diversity, and traditions of the city.

With President Higgins joining as the Guest of Honour, the 2026 parade promises to be an especially memorable occasion.

Electric car sales in Galway are up nearly 45% so far this year compared with the same period in 2025 according to the Society of the Irish Motor Industry.

In January and February of 2026, there were 358 new electric cars registered in Galway, up from 248 in the same two months of last year.

Galway has the sixth highest number of electric car sales in Ireland, exceeded by Dublin (3,882), Cork (1,177), Kildare (631), Meath (470), and Wexford (389).

In February 2,871 new electric cars (battery electric cars) were registered, which was 14.4% higher than the 2,510 registrations in February 2025.

So far this year, 10,172 new electric cars have been registered, representing a 36.9% increase compared to the same period in 2025, when 7,433 electric cars were registered.

In the new car market share by engine type, Hybrid (Petrol Electric) leads at 27.26% as the most popular engine type, followed by Petrol 21.84%, Electric 20.53%, Plug-In Hybrid 14.51%, and Diesel 13.27%.

Brian Cooke, Director General of Simi, commented, “Private consumers account for 75% of BEV sales and remain the main driver of sales, a trend seen across all counties.”

“New Hybrid electric (HEV) and Plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) registrations have also seen continued growth for February.”

“Battery technology cars (BEV, PHEV, HEV) combined market share now accounts for over 62% of registrations.”

The most popular electric cars in the country are the Volkswagen ID.4, Hyundai Inster, Kia EV3, Hyundai Kona, and Toyota BZ4X,

Tesla seems to have fallen in popularity recently, with neither the Model 3 or Model Y among the 5 best selling EVs in the country so far this year.

Nearly half of workers in Galway who commute are too exhausted to cook when they get home in the evening.

Galway workers are spending more days in the office, with the majority commuting three days a week and the average commute time exceeding one hour a day, according to a recent survey by HelloFresh.

Commuters find that the biggest barrier to preparing dinner after a day in the office is feeling too tired or low on energy (45%).

Another 32% say preparation time is an issue, along with commute time being longer than planned (31%).

Avoiding the grocery shop also plays a significant role, with 27% of workers feeling the effect.

We are finding less time to prepare balanced meals, with 26% saying they are less likely to cook a nutritious meal after their commute, while the average time to sit down for dinner is 6pm.

Speaking on the challenge faced by Irish commuters, Annita Forte, Brand & Marketing Communication Manager at HelloFresh, said that this is becoming a real problem for home cooking.

“As people are back in the office and commuting more than they have in recent years, it’s becoming more difficult to find the time to make dinner from scratch in the evenings, especially if they have other people to cook for in the house.”

“We want to take the pressure off people by making it an easier task to cook balanced meals in the evening.”

World Kidney Day, which takes place on 12 March, marks a worldwide initiative aimed at raising awareness of kidney disease and the importance of prevention and early detection.

This year’s theme, “Kidney Health for All: Caring for People, Protecting the Planet,” highlights the connection between environmental sustainability (air pollution, heat stress) and kidney disease, promoting eco-friendly, equitable, and accessible kidney care.

Professor Paul O’Hara, Consultant General Physician and Nephrologist at Portiuncula University Hospital, said the theme serves as an important reminder that protecting kidney health goes hand in hand with protecting our environment.

“Raising awareness about kidney disease is vital. Early diagnosis, preventative measures and equitable access to care can significantly improve outcomes for patients.”

“Detecting kidney disease early not only preserves kidney function but also reduces the need for resource-intensive treatments and improves long-term outcomes.”

“Environmental changes are now adding to this burden. Climate-related risks, air pollution, heat stress, dehydration, and extreme weather events compound the risks of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and accelerate its progression.”

Dr O’Hara emphasised that being educated on risk factors is an important part of managing any chronic illness, and that kidney disease is no different.

“The risk factors associated with CKD include diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, long-term use of over-the-counter medications, heart disease and a family history of kidney disease.”

“If you are over 50 or fall into a higher-risk category, it is important to speak with your GP and get screened for CKD. Early detection can significantly slow progression and improve long-term outcomes,” added Professor O’Hara.

To mark World Kidney Day, the hospital’s kidney clinic will host an information awareness stand in the main foyer of the hospital on Thursday, 12 March from 9am to 12 noon.

Clinical staff will be available to answer questions and raise awareness of high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes, the leading causes of kidney disease in Ireland.

The kidney clinic, under the leadership of Professor O’Hara, continues to deliver expert, patient-centred care to individuals across East Galway and Roscommon.

The service provides specialist assessment and management for a wide range of kidney conditions, accepting referrals from both hospital teams and GPs to ensure patients have timely access to expert treatment and support.

In a continued commitment to enhancing patient care, the service has expanded to include a number of additional specialist clinics.

These include a newly established Clinical Nurse Specialist-led kidney clinic and an Advanced Nurse Practitioner-led Rapid Review Clinic, both designed to improve access and streamline care for patients requiring urgent assessment.

A dedicated Consultant-Led Clinic has also been developed to support patients preparing for dialysis. In addition, a Conservative Care Clinic provides comprehensive, supportive management for patients who are not suitable for, or who choose not to pursue, dialysis.

Patients requiring haemodialysis, as well as those undergoing kidney transplantation, receive their care at Merlin Park University Hospital, ensuring access to specialised renal services within the region.

Between 2024 and 2025, the clinic recorded a 26% increase in new referrals and reviewed almost 850 patients. During the same period, there was a 38% rise in patients with kidney disease receiving infusion-based therapies, reflecting growing demand and expanded treatment capacity.

The kidney day ward relocated to the new 50-bed ward block in February 2025, creating additional capacity in a modern clinical environment and significantly enhancing the standard of care provided to patients.

Since the move, the ward has provided care to more than 500 patients, reflecting its significant impact in meeting growing demand for kidney services.

Attendances increased by 42%, with more than 1500 patient interactions recorded, demonstrating the vital role the service now plays within the wider healthcare system.

The kidney day ward offers medical and nursing assessments, investigations and patient education on an ambulatory and outpatient basis.

It also offers a dedicated ambulatory care pathway from the Emergency Department, enabling rapid assessment and treatment for patients with kidney-related conditions who do not require hospital admission.

A programme of upgrades to the water infrastructure on the west side of Galway City is continuing, with the next phase of work beginning on Monday.

Uisce Éireann is preparing to replace approximately 300 metres of ageing cast iron mains along St Mary’s Avenue (L-5013-0) with new, modern pipes.

This work will commence on Monday, March 9, after the current work on Dominick Street is completed by the end of this week.

Enda Mac Namara, Uisce Éireann Programme Manager, highlighted the benefits that the new mains will provide.

“This mains upgrade will improve water quality and provide a more reliable supply for residents of St Mary’s Avenue and surrounding areas.”

“The project will also help us work toward our aim of driving down leakage on the network and protecting our water supplies,” said Enda.

“With works on Dominick Street Upper now drawing to a close, we wish to thank residents and businesses in the area for their cooperation and understanding.”

“We acknowledge that road closures can be disruptive, and we thank impacted road users for their support while these essential infrastructure upgrades were safely delivered.”

In order to ensure the safety of crews, road users and the general public, traffic management in the form of a road closure will be required at St Mary’s Avenue.

Diversions will be in place during this period. Local and emergency services access will be accommodated throughout the project and the road will reopen for the Easter weekend.

Galway City Council is expected to begin moving into its new headquarters late this year, with the Crown Square premises to be fully occupied by early 2027.

The council has appointed a contractor to carry out the fit-out of its new administrative headquarters at Crown Square on Monivea Road, with work due to begin in the coming weeks.

The local authority has drawn down a €15 million loan to fund the core fit-out programme, which is scheduled to run for 43 weeks.

Chief Executive Leonard Cleary said the start of the fit-out marks a significant step in the project.

He added, “Appointing the contractor following a full procurement process allows us to move into the final phase of delivering a modern workspace for the organisation.”

“By bringing our staff to one central location, Crown Square will strengthen collaboration and support better services for the people of Galway City.”

“I want to acknowledge the work of staff across the organisation and the Heads of Function Team, whose ongoing commitment has driven the project to this stage,” said Mr. Cleary.

“We look forward to seeing the building take shape over the coming months as we prepare for occupation in late 2026.”

The council has said that moving to the new headquarters in Crown Square will consolidate four existing office sites into one location, and avoid the estimated €69 million cost of refurbishing and extending the current City Hall.

Galway City Council will retain its original four-acre headquarters site at College Road. The land, close to the city centre, is to be included in a master plan for future mixed-use development, with potential to generate funding to support council services.

A new photography exhibition at Galway City Museum brings to life the hidden world that lurks beneath the waters of Galway Bay.

An Tír Faoi Thoinn – The Land Beneath the Waves invites visitors into an underwater world that is rarely seen but lies just beyond Galway’s shoreline.

The exhibition celebrates Galway’s enduring connection to the sea, a relationship that has shaped the city’s identity from the era of the Spanish Armada and the storied Galway Hookers to Ireland’s modern national marine research fleet.

Featuring the mesmerising work of the late Dr John Costelloe—marine biologist, passionate diver, and gifted underwater photographer—the exhibition offers a breathtaking look at the delicate and diverse ecosystems of Galway Bay.

Director of Galway City Museum, Adam Stoneman said, “John Costelloe’s lifelong devotion to Ireland’s underwater world, paired with his sharp photographic eye, has created an extraordinary visual legacy that continues to inspire new generations to explore, understand and protect the marine environment.”

“We are honoured to share John Costelloe’s remarkable work and proud to collaborate with the Marine Institute to bring the wonders of our ocean world into the heart of the city. This exhibition invites visitors of all ages to look beneath the waves and discover a story that is uniquely Galway’s.”

“An Tír Faoi Thoinn reveals the hidden beauty and biodiversity of Galway Bay, reminding us that our marine environment is significant both globally and locally – as an intrinsic part of our heritage and identity.”

An Tír Faoi Thoinn – The Land Beneath the Waves is supported by the Marine Institute in collaboration with Galway City Museum.

Complementing the photography are sculptural works by Aisling Roche, Andrea Spencer, and John Coll, highlighting the power of the underwater world as a source of creative inspiration as well as scientific discovery.

Speaking at the launch, Dr Rick Officer, CEO of the Marine Institute, said, “Galway is, and always has been, a city shaped by the sea — from the generations of fishers who depended on its tides to the scientists who now study its depths and its creatures.”

“An Tír Faoi Thoinn beautifully captures this connection by revealing the extraordinary marine world that lies just beneath our feet.”

“Galway’s past, present, and future are tied to the sea. John Costelloe’s work reminds us that Galway Bay is not only a place of heritage, but a living, breathing ecosystem central to Ireland’s future.”

“As Ireland’s national agency for marine research, the Marine Institute is proud to support an exhibition that inspires curiosity, deepens understanding, and encourages us all to protect the ocean that sustains us.”

The exhibition opened last month and runs to June 2026. It will be accompanied by a programme of talks, workshops, and family-friendly events.

County Galway secured two honours at the 20th annual All-Ireland Community and Council Awards, held at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre on Saturday night.

The awards, hosted by the Local Authority Members Association and IPB Insurance, recognise collaboration between communities and the country’s 31 local authorities.

Scoil an Phiarsaigh, organised by Galway County Council, won the Best Irish Language Initiative award. The two‑day event celebrates Pádraig Pearse’s connection to Ros Muc and his commitment to the Irish language, culture and education.

Last year’s programme included panel discussions, traditional music and storytelling, as well as lectures examining Pearse’s influence on Irish literature, art and identity and his relevance to contemporary Ireland.

Ballinakill Community Development, near Loughrea, received a Special Commendation in the Best Community‑Scale Enhancements category.

The award highlights small to medium projects such as playgrounds, greenways, heritage restorations and improvements to public amenities.

Councillor David Collins, Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, said Pearse’s Cottage remains a focal point for the writer’s legacy.

“Scoil an Phiarsaigh provides a national platform for the Ros Muc community to promote that legacy and the continuing role of the Irish language in modern Irish society and culture.”

“I am also delighted that Ballinakill Community Development is being recognised for delivering a range of community enhancement projects, including significant improvements to sports facilities at Ballinakill National School and Ballinakill Community Sportsfield, as well as upgrades at St Joseph’s Church, the Ballinakill and Derrybrien Community Centre and Ballinakill Millennium Park.”

Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council, said the awards reflect the strength of local partnerships.

“These awards are a chance to celebrate how people come together to protect our heritage, foster a sense of community spirit and improve local spaces for everyone. It is a real privilege to see these partnerships making such a positive difference.”

“Comhghairdeas le gach duine a bhí páirteach sa tionscnamh fiúntach seo a chur i gcrích.”

Elizabeth Keane, County and City Librarian with Galway Libraries, said the award for Scoil an Phiarsaigh affirms the Irish language as a living part of community life.

“Scoil an Phiarsaigh shows that the Irish language is not simply something we inherit, but something we actively use, share and celebrate.”

“Through our partnership with the community in Ros Muc, we are creating opportunities for people of all ages to engage with Irish in a vibrant and contemporary way.”

Máirtín Ó Donnchadha, Irish Language Officer for Galway County Council, said, “Scoil an Phiarsaigh is about more than remembering Pearse’s time in Ros Muc. It is about asking what his vision means today, and this award is a powerful recognition of that ongoing relevance.”

“This honour affirms the commitment of the Ros Muc community and Galway County Council to promoting and supporting the daily use of Irish in a vibrant and contemporary way.”

Visiting restrictions have been imposed on multiple wards at University Hospital Galway due to an outbreak of the norovirus, winter vomiting bug.

The hospital is currently dealing with a Norovirus outbreak impacting St Mary’s and St Teresa’s wards, with other wards under observation.

Visiting restrictions are in place on outbreak wards, with visits only allowed on compassionate grounds, with prior approval from the ward manager in advance.

The hospital is asking everyone to comply with these restrictions and cooperate with hospital staff who are ensuring they are adhered to.

Visitors are also advised that they must use the alcohol hand gels supplied as they enter and leave the hospital. Infection control procedures are in place on the wards and will remain until further notice.

“We would ask that anyone with symptoms of diarrhoea and/or vomiting not to visit the hospital to help keep vulnerable patients safe,” a spokesperson for UHG said.

“These measures are vital to avoid spreading the virus to patients, visitors and staff, and the hospital would like to thank the public for their cooperation at this time.”

If you are visiting the hospital, minimise your risk of catching an infection by ensuring the following:

• If you have any symptoms (diarrhoea/vomiting), you should not come to visit until all symptoms are fully resolved for at least 48 hours.
• Clean your hands with soap and water after using the toilet, or when you have visibly soiled hands.
• Please do not use patient toilets on the wards or en-suites; visitor toilets are available at ground floor level.

Galway Chamber has warned that expanding capacity at Dublin Airport could risk entrenching the imbalance in regional development.

This is in response to the Dublin Airport Passenger Capacity Bill 2026, which would give the Minister for Transport the power to revoke the passenger cap at the airport.

The Chamber, which represents 500 businesses employing 30,000 people, says the government should first assess the national and regional consequences of the bill.

The chamber highlighted that other major national projects, such as the Galway City Ring Road and key water infrastructure schemes, will remain subject to planning appeals and judicial reviews, resulting in indefinite timelines for approvals.

In a detailed submission to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, the Chamber says removing the 32 million passenger cap at Dublin Airport in the absence of a national aviation strategy would have long‑term consequences for balanced regional development, environmental sustainability and national resilience.

The Bill would allow the Minister to change or remove existing planning conditions at Dublin Airport once an environmental assessment is completed.

The Chamber argues that this approach amounts to prioritising further expansion in Dublin without examining the impact on Ireland West Airport Knock, Shannon Airport and the wider regional economy.

It warns that allowing Dublin Airport to move towards its stated ambition of 55 million passengers a year, without a comprehensive national review, would undermine the viability of regional airports and intensify pressure on housing, roads and public transport in the Greater Dublin Area.

A throughput of 55 million passengers is roughly 36 times the population of the Greater Dublin Area, a scale the Chamber says is out of step with comparable European norms.

Karen Ronan, chief executive of Galway Chamber, said Ireland cannot continue to expand aviation capacity in a way that concentrates growth in one part of the country.

“Ireland already has one of the most centralised aviation systems in Europe. About 83 per cent of passengers travel through Dublin Airport, while the five regional airports share the remaining 17 per cent,” Ms Ronan said.

“By supporting this Bill, the Government is contradicting its own stated policy of promoting Ireland West Airport Knock and Shannon Airport as essential international gateways that underpin balanced population growth, tourism, foreign investment and national resilience.”

She said that expanding Dublin Airport without a coordinated national strategy risks widening regional inequality and placing further strain on infrastructure that is already under pressure.

The Chamber is not opposed to aviation growth, she added, but is calling for a balanced national approach that protects regional airports and supports long‑term sustainability.