Bord Bia has recognised 136 Irish food and drink companies for their sustainability performance in 2025 with Origin Green Gold Membership, including five Galway companies.

Gold Membership is awarded to Origin Green verified companies if they make significant improvements in their sustainability target areas.

Target areas can include raw material sourcing, water and energy efficiency, emissions, waste reductions, packaging, and social sustainability.

The Gold Members were formally acknowledged at Bord Bia’s annual Origin Green Sustainability Seminar on Tuesday, which was addressed by Noel Grealish T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

This year’s 136 Gold Membership companies come from 26 counties across Ireland and represent sectors including dairy, meat, seafood and aquaculture, grocery, bakery and confectionary, beverages, and horticulture.

Five companies from Galway have been awarded Gold Member status this year, underscoring the huge strength of the food and drink sector in Galway.

• Connemara Distillers Ltd T/A Micil Distillery
• Connemara Organic Seaweeds Ltd
• Builín Blasta
• Divilly’s Ltd
• Sean Loughnane (Galway) Limited

Just over three-quarters of the overall Gold Member companies are small or medium-sized enterprises, while one quarter are large firms. This year, 17% of the companies were first time recipients of Gold Membership.

Martin Hofler, Senior Sustainability Manager, Origin Green at Bord Bia, said, “Every year, Origin Green raises the threshold to meet Gold Membership status in order to help drive continuous change and improvement across the Irish food sector.”

“The record 136 companies awarded Gold Membership this year underscores the huge desire of the Irish food and drink sector to future-proof their business as they continue to increase their sustainability actions.”

“By formally acknowledging the efforts and performance of these 136 outstanding food and drink companies, we are not just rewarding sustainability, but also fundamental business changes and improvements that will be a key driver to their long-term success.”

“We’re also very conscious that these annual awards inspire other companies to make their own changes, to both improve the environment, and also to set their business on the right path.”

“I would like to congratulate all 136 Gold Members and I look forward to seeing them continue to prosper and to champion sustainability in the coming years.”

Addressing the Sustainability Seminar, Jim O’Toole, CEO of Bord Bia, said, “I’m delighted to see a record number of companies achieving Gold Membership today, as it shows their strongly-held commitment to setting and meeting key sustainability targets.”

“But it is also important to remember that these efforts are not just about meeting targets, they are about creating real value. Value for customers, value for employees and value for suppliers.”

“Because sustainability is no longer a peripheral concern, it is a central driver of business resilience, innovation, and long-term success. Sustainability is non-negotiable, it should be embedded into the DNA of every Irish food and drink business.”

“Bord Bia remains deeply committed to evolving Origin Green to meet the needs of our members and also the challenges of the future. We will continue to provide the tools, the insights, and the partnerships that enable Irish food and drink businesses to lead globally in sustainable production.”

Traffic on the N83 will be affected by three weeks of roadworks which have gotten underway this week and will continue into early November.

Galway County Council is carrying roadworks on the N83 Claregalway to Parkmore Junction from Galway Corinthians Rugby Club towards Parkmore for 600m.

These works have commenced and will run for three weeks from this Wednesday, 22nd October.

Traffic management and lane closures will be in place during the works as follows:

Wednesday, October 22 to Friday, Nov 7 – Full lane closures in place with stop go system in place.

Motorists travelling to Galway are advised to divert from Claregalway towards Oranmore and use the M6 Motorway via exit 19.

Motorists travelling from Galway to Claregalway are advised to divert via Galway City by the M6 Motorway and exit at Junction 19.

Consequently, users of this road are requested to expect delays and, as such, should allow additional time for their journeys.

University of Galway and Atlantic Technological University have renewed a partnership for the provision of teacher education.

Both universities re-committed to the Western Institute of Studies in Education (WISE) as the Centre of Excellence of Initial Teacher Education in the West and North-West region.

The partnership builds on the historic collaboration between Atlantic Technological University and University of Galway to strengthen teacher education in the region.

This includes the development and delivery of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, research and broader educational initiatives.

WISE collectively serves 1200 Initial Teacher Education (ITE) students in both undergraduate B.Ed and postgraduate Professional Master of Education programmes.

President of Atlantic Technological University, Dr Orla Flynn, said, “Our purpose in ATU is to enhance the quality of life in our region, through excellent education and research, working collaboratively with partners like the University of Galway.”

“The renewal of this MOU is a strong signal of our collective commitment to supporting the educational needs of young people in our region, and no doubt we will see further innovative initiatives together with the University of Galway in the years ahead.”

Professor David Burn, President of University of Galway, said, “The EU classifies the north-west of Ireland as a ‘lagging’ region. The University has to be part of changing that, with partnership being central to our approach.”

“We greatly value this reinvigorated partnership with Atlantic Technological University which will significantly contribute to improving outcomes in the region, through initial teacher education and related initiatives.”

The renewed partnership was confirmed with the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding by University of Galway and Atlantic Technological University.

The signing recognises the autonomy of each institution as a recognised ITE provider to develop programmes in their respective areas and ensuring the region’s needs are met.

The Western Institute of Studies in Education (WISE) is underpinned by a shared commitment to academic and educational cooperation. It is considered a key vehicle through which the Atlantic Technological University and University of Galway will continue to contribute to growth in the region.

The teacher education partnership is in line with recommendations of the Northern and Western Regional Assembly and the European Commission.

This includes addressing rising regional socio-economic inequalities through the provision of a skilled workforce, supporting research and innovation, the encouragement of partnerships and collaborations, and a focus on efficiencies and productivity.

The Radiotherapy Department at University Hospital Galway (UHG) recently hosted a Big Pink Breakfast to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October), raising an incredible €2,736 in support of the Irish Cancer Society’s Breast Cancer Services.

This generous contribution will make a real difference to patients and families affected by breast cancer. The funds raised for the Irish Cancer Society are equivalent to:

91 lifts to and from treatment using the Irish Cancer Society Transport Service
45 Irish Cancer Society counselling sessions to help someone deal with a cancer diagnosis
More than 5 nights of Irish Cancer Society Night Nursing care for patients at home

Speaking about the event, Stephen Coyne, Radiotherapy Services Manager, said, “Every euro raised through the Big Pink Breakfast directly supports the Irish Cancer Society’s life-changing breast cancer research, essential patient services, and free care for those in need.”

“This donation is a testament to the generosity and compassion of the UHG Radiotherapy team and the wider hospital community. Together, we’re helping ensure that no one in Ireland has to face breast cancer alone.”

Edel O’Toole, Clinical Specialist Radiation Therapist, added: “We were delighted with the incredible response to this year’s Big Pink Breakfast. It was wonderful to see so many colleagues and departments come together in support of such an important cause.”

“The generosity shown by staff and visitors alike will help bring comfort and care to patients and families across Ireland affected by breast cancer.”

“We would like to express our sincere thanks to everyone who contributed, sponsored, attended, and supported this meaningful event.”

Glenda Ryan, Director of Fundraising and Marketing at the Irish Cancer Society, said, “We’re so grateful to everyone in the Radiology Department in University Hospital Galway for hosting a Big Pink Breakfast, and to everyone across the hospital who supported them by donating.

“The funds raised at the Big Pink Breakfast will make an enormous difference to people right across Ireland who are affected by breast cancer.

“It will help to fuel the Irish Cancer Society’s vital support services, like Night Nursing, our Daffodil Centres, our Support Line and counselling. It will also be used to fund ground-breaking breast cancer research.

“The Irish Cancer Society typically receives just 5% of our funding from the Government, so your support for the Big Pink Breakfast is vital and makes a huge difference to so many people who are affected by breast cancer. Your generous donations help to ensure no one has to face cancer alone.”

Bay Broadcasting, the Irish-owned radio group behind Radio Nova, Ireland’s Classic Hits Radio and Sunshine 106.8, has today announced the completion of its acquisition of Galway Bay FM.

The annoucement comes after receipt of approval from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) and the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan.

The transaction, first announced in early June, sees Bay Broadcasting add Galway Bay FM to its growing portfolio, making it the second largest radio group in Ireland – and the largest Irish-owned radio group in the country.

Kevin Branigan, CEO, Bay Broadcasting, said, “Galway Bay FM is a terrific station with an outstanding team and a legacy that’s unmatched in Irish local radio. Its heritage as the voice of Galway is something we deeply respect and are proud to help sustain.”

“As we welcome it into the Bay Broadcasting portfolio, we see huge opportunity to support the station’s growth and to ensure it continues to thrive as the leading radio broadcaster of the west of Ireland.”

Founded in 1989 as Radio West before rebranding as Galway Bay FM in 1993, the station has been a cornerstone of broadcasting in the west of Ireland for more than three decades.

With a weekly listenership of 132,000, it is recognised as one of Ireland’s most respected and trusted local radio stations.

As part of this new chapter, Bay Broadcasting has confirmed the appointments of Fionnuala Rabbitt as Chief Executive Officer and Keith Finnegan as Chairman of the Board.

Fionnuala Rabbitt, CEO and former producer and digital media lead at Galway Bay FM, said, “It is truly special to be returning to Galway Bay FM, where my broadcasting career began, and indeed to Galway, my home city.”

“After over a decade living and working in Donegal with Highland Radio, I’m thrilled to return with a fresh perspective and deep respect for the station’s unique place in the community.”

“Galway Bay FM is part of the fabric of this region, and I look forward to working with the team to build on that heritage.”

The outgoing CEO, Cormac O’Halloran, stated that he was, “delighted with the takeover and sees it as a very necessary step in the continued evolution of Galway Bay FM.”

He is also delighted with the choice of replacement CEO, Fionnuala Rabbitt, and thinks she will bring a vast amount of experience and knowledge of radio to the role, which is necessary for the next phase of development.

He also stated it was a, “great pleasure working closely with the team, and together we have had great success over the last few years. Long may it continue.”

Returning to the station as Chairman of the Board, Keith Finnegan expressed his enthusiasm for the next chapter,

“Galway Bay FM has always been close to my heart. I spent more than three decades working with the most talented professionals in the business, and I’m proud to take on the role of Chairman at such an exciting time for the station.”

“I look forward to supporting the team and helping to shape the next chapter of Galway Bay FM’s success.”

Speaking on behalf of the departing shareholders of Galway Bay FM, Peter Allen, Chairman said, “Bay Broadcasting’s acquisition of Galway Bay FM marks an exciting new chapter for the station.”

“From the outset, their commitment to Irish radio, understanding of local audiences, and proven track record made them the ideal partner to carry Galway Bay FM forward.”

“The outgoing shareholders – many of whom have longstanding family ties to the station – are proud of what has been built over the past three decades and confident that Bay Broadcasting will continue to nurture and grow the station’s deep connection with Galway and the wider region.”

Galway City Council has confirmed the dates of road closures in the city centre for the return of the Christmas Market next month.

Eyre Square North will be closed between its junctions with Eyre Street and Williamsgate Street to make space for the Christmas Market.

The closure will be in place from Sunday, November 2 through to Wednesday, January 7.

Diversion routes will be in place during this time via Prospect Hill, Bóthar Úi Eithir, Forster Street, Eyre Square, and Williamsgate Street.

2,800 homes in the areas around Tuam, Cooloo and Moyne can now avail of high speed fibre broadband under the National Broadband Plan.

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 part of this investment, Galway will receive €53 million in Government funding under the National Broadband Plan.

There are 2,777 Galway premises in the Barnaderg deployment area that can join the NBI network. National Broadband Ireland is calling on people living nearby to visit nbi.ie  and enter their Eircode to see if they are ready to connect.

Works have already been completed in other parts of Galway, including the rural surrounds of Athenry, Clonfert and Maam.

There are a total of 29,953 premises that can now pre-order or order high-speed, reliable broadband across the county, with 10,362 connections made so far.

Network build works are also continuing across Galway, with build works in progress for over 2,900 premises near the Belclare deployment area, due to be connected by the end of next year.

Signing up to the NBI email notifications at nbi.ie is the easiest way to get the most up-to-date status of premises during the rollout and when premises will be ready for order.

TJ Malone, Chief Executive Officer, National Broadband Ireland, said: “We are delighted to announce that almost 2,800 Galway premises in the Barnaderg deployment area can now order high-speed broadband services through the NBI network.”

“This will enable those who connect to experience the life-changing benefits of high-speed broadband with minimum speeds of 500 megabits per second. ”

“Overall, almost 30,000 homes, businesses and farms in Co Galway can now order a high-speed fibre connection to the NBI network. This includes the rural surrounds of Athenry, Clonfert and Maam.”

We are working hard on the ground to progress other areas of the county through engineering survey, design and construction phases. We are encouraging Galway residents to visit the NBI website to check their Eircode and sign up for updates.”

Gardaí are renewing their appeal to the public for any information that could help locate a Galway man missing for almost two weeks.

48-year-old Martin Ward has been missing from the Tuam area since Monday, October 6.

Martin is described as approximately 6’3″ with a big build. He is bald and has blue eyes.

When last seen on October 6, Martin was wearing light green tracksuit bottoms, a dark green sweatshirt, a black sleeveless body warmer top and black runners.

Anyone with any information on Martin’s whereabouts is asked to contact Tuam Garda Station on 093 70840, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

A new initiative aimed at equipping children with coding and AI skills has been launched at Trinity Primary School in Tuam.

This pilot initiative seeks to prepare students, particularly in DEIS schools, to engage with and shape an increasingly computing and AI-powered world, while addressing a significant gap in Ireland’s computing education system.

The pilot study, led by the School of Education at the University of Galway and proudly supported by Google.org, will engage 80 schools and up to 2,000 primary pupils over the next two years.

Despite being enthusiastic, many teachers are not equipped with the resources, time or depth of knowledge needed to teach coding and AI effectively.

This new project aims to tackle this issue by offering upskilling opportunities to teachers in primary schools, with workshops demonstrating how to integrate computing and AI with other subjects in the curriculum, enhancing lessons with AI and understanding AI concepts.

For example, the pupils will then learn how to code robots to draw patterns and shapes and use AI to write music and songs.

Professor Cornelia Connolly of the School of Education at University of Galway said, “To grow our digital economy, Ireland needs an advanced workforce ready to take advantage of the opportunities digital transformation brings.”

“Supporting our teachers and embedding these competencies within formal education is the way to do that.

“Current and future generations need to be able to navigate misinformation and other AI-related challenges, and they also need to be able to take the opportunities which will be provided to those who can become skilful developers and operators of AI.”

This pilot project will initially focus on DEIS and rural schools in the West of Ireland, with plans to expand nationwide as the project scales.

The pilot is part of a larger nationwide computing education project where the University of Galway is working together with Trinity College Dublin and University of Limerick.

BreastCheck, Ireland’s free national breast screening programme, is encouraging women in Galway to come for their first appointment.

Screening is provided in Galway at the permanent Western Unit, at the rear of University Hospital Galway, Newcastle Road, providing free breast screening to women.

Most women are automatically registered with BreastCheck and are invited by age 52 or 53.

Dr Alissa Connors, BreastCheck Lead Clinical Director, said, “Breast screening can save lives. It looks for early signs of breast cancer, when it is too small to see or feel, when treatment is usually most effective.”

“To make sure we use every appointment slot, we’re asking women to take a few simple steps to help us to help them. If you can’t attend your appointment, let us know – your slot can be offered to someone else.”

“If your appointment time or location doesn’t suit, call us on the number on your appointment letter and we will aim to rearrange screening in another unit. We can also offer longer appointments or support for people who have extra needs.”

“If you are aged 53 to 69 and have never been to BreastCheck before, give us a call — if we have cancellations, we can fit you in. Any questions at all, just call us.”

7 things to know about BreastCheck, the free national breast screening programme

1. We provide free screening – and more

BreastCheck offers a screening mammogram (an x-ray of the breast) to women aged 50-69 around every 2 years. Some women are 53 when they get their first invite, it depends on when we are next screening in your area. Most women get a normal mammogram result but a small number – 1 in 20 – are invited back to our BreastCheck assessment clinics for more tests. Seven out of every 50 women called to assessment will be offered treatment by us for breast cancer.

1. Most of you tell us mammograms are quick, and not too painful

Experiences vary, but 3 out of 4 women in our 2023/2024 large-scale patient survey reported only mild discomfort*, or none. The mammogram takes a few minutes, and our radiographers are trained to make you as comfortable as possible. We know 85%** of women return for their next appointment.

1. We move from place to place to offer screening close to where you live

We have centres in Dublin, Cork and Galway — plus 24 mobile units travelling to 54 locations nationwide. When we leave an area, women can be assured we will return. That’s how we reach every community. In our patient survey 95%* of women either strongly agreed or agreed that their screening appointment was easy to get to.

1. We can support you to make screening more accessible

We can give you more time for your appointment or additional support if you have access needs or live with a health condition. We have materials in different languages, accessible videos, picture-based guides and easy-read information. We can provide a sign language interpreter, a language interpreter, and information in Braille.

1. We can send your BreastCheck screening appointment details via HSE Health App

The HSE App is making our service more accessible, helping us to reach more of you, and ensure every appointment slot is filled. Download the app to see your appointment details, screening location and transport options. It also has information to help you prepare for your mammogram.

1. We provide screening for women who have no symptoms or concerns about breast health

BreastCheck is for if you are aged 50 to 69 and do not have symptoms of breast cancer. If you have symptoms, please contact your GP, do not come for screening. Symptoms include:

• a new lump or area of thickened tissue in either breast
• a change in the size or shape of one or both breasts
• bloodstained discharge from either of your nipples
• a lump or swelling in either of your armpits
• dimpling on the skin of your breasts
• a rash on or around your nipple
• a change in how your nipple looks, such as sunken into your breast.

1. You can help us help you – what you can do:

• Check you are on the BreastCheck register at hse.ie/breastcheck or call us on 1800 45 55 55. Your details should be automatically uploaded but if not, you can join our register from age 48.
• Keep your contact details up to date, including your mobile number.
• Use the HSE App to view and manage your appointment and travel.
• If you can’t attend, let us know – we can rearrange your appointment for you.
• Let us know if you need a longer appointment by calling 1800 45 55 55 or emailing access@breastcheck.ie.
• For symptoms, contact your GP straight away.

Planning permission has been granted for the construction of 219 cost rental and social homes at Dyke Road in Galway City.

An Coimisiún Pleanála has given the green light for the first phase of the overall Development Framework, known as Corrib Causeway: Tóchar na Coiribe.

The project will transform approximately 1.87 hectares of GCC-owned land into a new mixed-use neighbourhood alongside commercial, civic and cultural amenities.

Cost rental and social homes will be available across 109 one-bed, 100 two-bed and 10 three-bed apartments, with the development ranging in height from 5 to 9 storeys.

The plans also include a crèche, car and bicycle parking, as well as communal open spaces, playgrounds and new landscaping along Dyke Road.

The longer-term plan for the development includes new cycling and walking infrastructure, green spaces and improved transport connections to surrounding amenities including Terryland Forest Park and Galway Shopping Centre.

With planning permission now secured, the project will move to the detailed design and procurement stage, with construction likely to commence in 2027.

The Land Development Agency and Galway City Council welcomed the planning decision, with Phelim O’Neill, Director of Development with the LDA, saying, “Securing planning permission for Dyke Road is a major step towards delivering much-needed affordable homes in Galway.”

“This is a complex and challenging site and highlights the LDA’s ability to find solutions to accelerate housing delivery.”

“The Dyke Road project will see the regeneration of a centrally located site into a new neighbourhood with high-quality homes and amenities for the community.”

“We will now bring this development forward to detailed design and construction stages to deliver new quality homes to new residents.”

Mayor of the City of Galway, Councillor Mike Cubbard, said, “As Mayor of Galway City, I commend the partnership approach between the LDA and the local authority on the Dyke Road site. I look forward to 219 new homes close to the city centre”

Leonard Cleary, Chief Executive of Galway City Council, added that the council chose to prioritise the construction of housing on the land, which it owns.

“We are delighted to reach this milestone for the Dyke Road project. This site will soon become a lively, sustainable community featuring high-quality homes and improved local amenities.”

“This is more than just housing – it’s an opportunity to reinvigorate the area and create new communities where people can lay down roots in a great location, close to the Galway city centre.”

The LDA is also set to deliver the first of 345 homes at Crown Square by the end of 2026, and a planning application has been submitted for 356 homes at Amharc Atalia, Galway Port.

The Agency is also working in partnership with Galway City Council on a longer-term plan to transform the land surrounding Sandy Road into a new urban quarter with the potential for 750 affordable and social homes.

University of Galway is to host Ireland’s new supercomputer, following a collaboration agreement by the Government and the European Commission.

The national high-performance computing system – CASPIr – will be operated by the University’s Irish Centre for High-End Computing (ICHEC).

It will provide the research and innovation community across Ireland and Europe with significantly enhanced capacity to address challenges and opportunities in science and society, such as climate, environment, health, AI and big data.

CASPIr will be co-funded by the Department for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU) as part of a five-year collaboration agreement.

Professor David Burn, President of University of Galway, said, “The collaboration agreement for the new supercomputer CASPIr heralds a new era of research capability for Europe, and Ireland’s research community, and places University of Galway and our Irish Centre for High-End Computing at the helm of data driven study.”

“I would like to thank Minister Lawless and his team in the Department for pursuing this investment and working with University of Galway to secure it.”

“We can now look forward to the research community reaping the rewards of this next generation of supercomputing and data driven research as it drives University of Galway’s strategic focus on transformative data and AI to support interdisciplinary research addressing global challenges.”

CASPIr follows on from the supercomputer Kay, which was commissioned in 2018.

It is one of 31 supercomputers in Europe which are funded under the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking. It is planned to be in service in 2027. CASPIr takes its name from Computational Analysis and Simulation Platform for Ireland.

ICHEC is hosted at University of Galway and funded by the Department of Further and Higher, Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

It is Ireland’s national centre for high-performance computing, providing e-infrastructure, services and expertise to the academic research community, industry and the public sector.

Its high-performance computing services are made available to researchers based on a peer review process by an independent panel of scientists.

Dr Michael Nolan, Chair of the ICHEC Science Council said, “CASPIr will enable the Irish research community to take leading roles in research consortia, international research programmes and attract industry investment that is built on the ability to integrate computational methods into R&D, alongside helping to deliver on government ambition.”

Salthill is expected to be crowded by 2,000 people this week turning out to support good health in the annual Croí Night Run.

The 11th annual Croí Night Run is taking place on the evening of Friday, October 17 in aid of the lifesaving charity.

Based in Newscastle, Galway City, Croí Heart & Stroke Charity provides a wide range of community support services to improve awareness of heart disease and stroke.

They also provide care right in your community, with heart health and stroke prevention specialists running events that off heart health checks, interactive workshops and practical tips for a healthy lifestyle.

The annual Night Run is a huge benefit to the charity, with more than €30,000 raised through registrations and donations already in 2025, before it has even taken place.

The run will take place on the Promenade in Salthill from 8pm on Friday night. In order to accommodate this, traffic management will be in place.

A Temporary rolling road closure has been granted on Grattan Road (R336) from Mutton Island to Blackrock from 8pm – 9.30 pm.

The 5k race will start at Mutton Island at 8pm and crowds will be expected in the area in advance of the start time.

For further information on the event, please visit croinightrun.ie.

Correction: This article has been updated to correct the estimated number of attendees to 2,000.