A government plan to establish four new Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) regional hubs in Galway, Cork City, Dublin, and Laois has received unanimous support from Ireland’s Chief Fire Officers.

The need for a rapid deployment capability for incidents such as building collapses was underscored during the Creeslough tragedy in County Donegal, when assistance was requested from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service.

The Irish Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA) has also endorsed the rollout of high-volume pumping (HVP) capabilities nationwide. This technology will allow fire services to move large quantities of water from flooded areas, helping to safeguard lives and property.

Ahead of the annual CFOA Conference and Fire Technology Exhibition at the Salthill Hotel in Galway on Wednesday and Thursday (7-8 May), Association Chairperson Dennis Keely said the introduction of USAR hubs and HVP technology will foster unprecedented cross-border collaboration between fire services in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland for specialist emergency response.

“Cross-border cooperation between the fire services of Ireland and Northern Ireland is a critical component of the broader emergency response, particularly in specialised areas such as USAR and HVP,” he explained.

“This collaboration ensures a coordinated and effective approach to emergencies that may impact both jurisdictions.”

Mr. Keely, who is also Chief Fire Officer for Dublin Fire Brigade, continued, “The CFOA continues to support the introduction and roll out of these valued disciplines along with the appropriate frameworks for cross-border cooperation.”

“These initiatives provide the framework to support joint planning, resource sharing, and coordinated responses to emergencies affecting both Ireland and Northern Ireland.”

“Through ongoing collaboration in USAR and HVP operations, the fire services of Ireland and Northern Ireland continue to strengthen their collective emergency response capabilities, ensuring the safety and resilience of communities on both sides of the border,” he added.

Hosted by Galway Fire and Rescue Service, the theme of the 2025 CFOA conference is ‘Delivering a Modern Fire Service – the Future is Here and Now.’

The lineup features an expert witness from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, the Director of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, and a prominent industry leader in emergency communications.

400 delegates and 150 exhibitors will attend the two-day event, which features a trade exhibition taking place in parallel to the conference programme, showcasing fleet and equipment from all the main suppliers to Irish fire services.

Galway Fire and Rescue Service’s Chief Fire Officer and Conference Secretary, Gerry O’Malley, said the conference will tackle critical challenges facing Fire Services and spotlight the newest advancements in operational and preventative technologies.

He emphasised that the CFOA, representing Irish fire service leadership, aims to enhance safety nationwide.

“This conference and exhibition will provide a vital space for the fire and rescue community to engage in critical discussions, witness cutting-edge fire service equipment, and learn about the newest technologies shaping fire operations and prevention.”

“The event will feature expert speakers from both Ireland and international emergency services and the fire industry, offering their expertise to inspire innovative approaches for the Fire and Rescue Service as it adapts to future demands.”

The Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA) represents the Chief Fire Officers of all local authorities in Ireland and holds membership in both the Federation of European Union Fire Officer Associations (FEU) and the CTIF International Association of Fire and Rescue Services.

Galway householders are being urged to bring their batteries, electrical, and electronic waste to a set of free collection days to help the county meet national e-waste recycling targets for 2025.

The free events, hosted by WEEE Ireland and proudly supported by Galway County Council, take place on Saturday, May 10 from 10am-4pm at Mountbellew/Moylough GAA Club and on Saturday, May 17 in Cooperative Mart on Dominic Street, Portumna from 10am-4pm.

Anything with a plug, battery or cable can be recycled for free on the day, including old washing machines, TVs, toasters and kettles, electronic tools and toys, cables, IT equipment, mobile phones, remote controls, batteries, including farm fence batteries, and even watches.

“In Galway, and across Ireland, we are buying more electrical goods than ever – with people purchasing an average 23kg per head in 2024, compared to the pre-Covid average of 16kgs in 2019,” said WEEE Ireland CEO Leo Donovan.

“Shopping stats show a surge in spend on new electrical devices like mobile phones, computers, small kitchen appliances and white goods.

“With old items still lying around many households we want to offer the opportunity to recycle these for free.

“People in Galway have contributed greatly to e-waste recycling every year, with 2,748 tonnes of electrical waste collected in the county in 2023, and we want to encourage that trend.”

9.9kg of e-waste was recycled per person in Galway in 2023 – falling short of the national average of 10.33kg per person that same year.

WEEE Ireland warns that the nation needs to meet new forthcoming EU targets to recycle at least 25% of our annual consumption of critical raw materials from e-waste.

“An average of 80% of all e-waste that we collect is recovered for use again in manufacturing through both indigenous operators and specialist processors in Europe,” said Mr. Donovan.

“Most end-of-life products contain metals and minerals in higher concentrations than primary resources.

“These stocks of resources are the urban mines of the future, so our recycling efforts can have a significant impact on the environment.”

In 2023, the equivalent of 222,852 tonnes of CO2 emissions were avoided by recycling e-waste through the WEEE Ireland Scheme as opposed to landfilling. That is the equivalent of the annual carbon consumption of 4,457 hectares of trees.

WEEE Ireland accounts for over two thirds of all national waste electrical and electronics collection activity on behalf of 1,355 producer members.

“Recycling e-waste is incredibly beneficial for both the environment and the economy,” said Mr. Donovan.

“Together, we are diverting waste from landfill, recovering raw materials for reuse and ensuring hazardous materials are safely and responsibly disposed of.

“We look forward to working with Galway householders to hopefully recycle a record-breaking amount of electronic waste in 2025.”

Brite Charging Limited, High-Powered EV charge point operator, has confirmed the planned opening of their new EV charge hub at Sandy Road in Galway. 

The expansion plans follow successful testing of Brite’s initial Rapid Charge site at the Galway Retail Park. 

The new site will be one of the largest zero carbon eMobility solutions in Ireland for EV charging, and will open in June 2025. 

The new site, located directly across the road from Sheils Ford, will see a number of 300kWh chargers being installed.

This will enable people to charge their electric cars at 5kWh per minute. That’s enough to add 100km of range to your battery in just three minutes.

The charge hub will benefit local taxi and fleet drivers who drive, or plan to drive, an electric vehicle in or around Galway city. 

The site is located next to the Maldron, Nox and Menlo Park hotels as well as the Terryland retail Park. 

Brite has stated that it will further expand its capacity in the coming months with even more high-powered charging stations in Galway.

This Bank Holiday weekend Water Safety Ireland, the Coast Guard, and the RNLI are collectively urging people to stay safe on the water.

The weather has picked up lately, with summer sunshine and warm days coming early, so more people are out enjoying some time on the beach and waterways lately.

The organisations recommend that all boats and watercraft, including kayaks and canoes, be thoroughly inspected and maintained after the winter season.

This includes servicing engines and ensuring all equipment, especially lifejackets, are in good condition.

Linda-Gene Byrne, RNLI Water Safety Lead, says that it is great that so many more people have been enjoying water activities in recent years, but there are serious concerns about safety.

“It’s great to see that water and beach leisure time has increased over the years as people enjoy the water. However, our research shows that 36% of people don’t know what to do if they get into trouble in the water.”

“The RNLI is reminding everyone to remember Float to Live if they find themselves in trouble in water: tilt your head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control your breathing.”

“Use your hands to help you stay afloat and then, once you are through the initial shock, call for help or swim to safety if you can.”

When using a boat or other water vessel:

• always wear a lifejacket and carry reliable communication devices, such as a VHF radio and ideally a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB), with a mobile phone in a waterproof case as a backup
• inform someone about your planned route and expected return time

For water-based activities:

• always have a means to communicate distress effectively
• check environmental conditions (weather and tides) using available information sources before your trip
• seek help immediately if you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast, or think they are in trouble, by using Marine VHF channel 16 or Dialling 112 and asking for the Coast Guard

For swimmers:

• water temperatures remain cold at this time of year, so consider wearing a wetsuit to stay warm
• acclimatise to the water slowly
• wear a bright swimming cap and consider using a tow float to enhance your visibility
• never swim alone and always ensure your activity is monitored by a companion

HSE West and North West is advising people to be aware of their options of care this May Bank Holiday weekend.

Bank holiday weekends and extended good weather can put extra pressure on the health system, and people are advised to familiarise themselves with care options available to them.

Emergency departments will see higher than normal attendances due to the bank holiday weekend, and the HSE is asking for the public’s patience during long wait times.

The HSE is advising that all avenues of care should be considered before going to the emergency department, if there is a better option.

If you urgently need to see a GP over the bank holiday weekend, you should contact your local out of hours GP service.

Westdoc will be operating at increased capacity in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon from Friday evening until Tuesday morning. You can find your local GP out-of-hours service on the HSE website.

Clinics are by appointment only so please call 0818 360 000 in advance to make an appointment.

You can also receive advice and over the counter treatments from your local pharmacy.

Another option of care is injury units which treat non life-threatening injuries such as broken bones, dislocations, sprains, wounds, scalds, and minor burns. You can find your local injury unit at www.hse.ie/injuryunits.

A woman in her 80s has died after being hit by a truck in Co. Roscommon on Thursday afternoon.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses following a fatal road traffic incident at Frenchpark, Co. Roscommon yesterday.

The incident, involving a pedestrian and a truck occurred at the junction of the N5 and R361 at approximately 4:45pm.

The pedestrian, a woman in her 80s, was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision.

Her body has since been removed to the mortuary at University Hospital Galway where a post-mortem examination will take place in due course.

A technical examination has since been conducted by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators and the road has reopened to traffic.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to this incident to come forward and contact them.

Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area between 4:30pm and 5:00pm are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Castlerea Garda Station on 094 962 1630, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Hospitality software company Kappture will be creating 20 new jobs in Galway with the expansion of its Software Development Hub in the city.

Currently operating out of The Portershed, the team will focus on the development of its cutting-edge AI platform, BRISK, as well as innovating on its core EPOS solutions.

Kappture works with some of the world’s most iconic live event brands including Croke Park, Thomond Park, six English Premier League clubs, Ascot, Cheltenham, Aintree, Punchestown, Celtic FC, Olympique Lyonnais, ASM Global and many more.

Developed in Galway, BRISK is a world leading AI computer vision action tracking platform. Its first application will be for food & beverage retail at sports and live event venues.

Using edge computing, BRISK offers instant payments with a human-free checkout experience. BRISK will remove the all too familiar experience of long queues for food & beverages at your favourite sports matches, concerts, and other live events.

The first deployment is now live with Norwich FC with many more planned across Ireland, the UK and globally.

Kappture is backed by Irish private equity investor Renatus Capital Partners. This project is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland.

Minister for Enterprise Tourism & Employment Peter Burke said, “Great news that Kappture, a leading provider of hospitality technology, has chosen Galway City for their new Software Development Hub, with the creation of 20 jobs.”

“With a focus on innovative new AI technologies, the new office will provide exciting and transformative job opportunities for the locality.”

“Galway is a key hub for technology companies, and I very much welcome Kappture to this thriving ecosystem. Congratulations to the team on this new initiative.”

Kappture is currently recruiting in the areas of computer vision software engineering, software development, as well as other commercial and operational roles, as it builds out its team.

Kappture CTO Neil Haran said, “We are delighted to receive support from the IDA Ireland as we look to expand our activities in Ireland both for BRISK and our core EPOS activities.”

“BRISK is the world’s only solution that can take payments for food & beverages instantly with no human interaction.”

“BRISK has global applications to remove the pain points of queues at live events, to make it a better experience for fans and more efficient for venue operators.”

“Our ambition is to bring highly skilled talent to Galway and to increase its standing as a hub for AI, innovation and creativity”

Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland, added, “Kappture’s decision to expand its software development operations in Galway underscores Ireland’s growing reputation as a global hub for technology and innovation.”

“Galway, with its vibrant tech ecosystem, skilled talent pool, and collaborative community, offers an ideal environment for companies developing cutting-edge solutions.”

“This investment not only highlights the city’s attractiveness for scaling ambitious tech ventures but also reinforces Ireland’s position at the forefront of AI and digital transformation.”

A teenager reported missing from their Galway home for the past week and a half has been located safe and well.

Gardaí made a public appeal for information that could help locate 14-year-old Tyler Berry earlier this week.

Tyler had been missing from Claregalway since Monday, April 21.

This afternoon, it has been confirmed that Tyler has been located safe and well.

An Garda Síochána thanked the public for their assistance in this matter.

UMBLEance Children’s Ambulance Service has been selected as the charity partner for the much-anticipated super car rally: ‘The Bear Run 74’.

Now in its 4th year, ‘The Bear Run 74’ showcases some of the world’s most iconic and luxurious cars – all in support of a great cause.

The 2025 route will start at Railway Karting in Cookstown on Friday, May 2, then cruise through Ballybofey, Ballina, Maam Cross, and Galway on Saturday, May 3, before heading to Tullamore, Banbridge, and finishing at the Titanic Hotel Belfast on Sunday, May 4.

BUMBLEance is Ireland’s only dedicated Children’s Ambulance Service. BUMBLEance makes a difference by empowering the thousands of families unable to access their child’s healthcare through providing nationwide medical journeys in a safe, caring, and fun environment, offered completely free of charge.

Founder Keith Gamble said, “The Bear Run 74 was set up in memory of my late father, who passed away at the age of 74 to cancer. We have raised €153,636 for charity to date”.

In 2024, BUMBLEance travelled over 600,000km across 2,389 trips, which was a 21% increase from the previous year.

However, rising demand meant that, unfortunately, 348 trips could not be fulfilled due to limited resources. Fundraisers like ‘The Bear Run 74’ are essential to ensuring no child is left without access to the medical care they need.

The ‘Bear Run 74’ will launch at 4 PM on Friday, 2nd of May, with the convoy passing through six fundraising locations where the public can donate, meet the BUMBLEance team, and (at select locations) get up close to the incredible cars.

The event wraps up at the Titanic Hotel Belfast at 5pm on Sunday, 4th of May.

To date, ‘The Bear Run 74’ has raised over €153,636 for various charities, with 2025 looking to be the biggest year yet!

Expect to see jaw-dropping vehicles like the Audi R8 V10 Plus, Ferrari 488, Lamborghini Aventador, McLaren 720S, and many more – making ‘The Bear Run 74’ an unmissable weekend for car enthusiasts and BUMBLEance supporters alike.

For more information and to view the full route please visit www.thebearrun74.com or to learn more about BUMBLEance, visit www.bumbleance.com.

University of Galway is celebrating a standout performance at the 2025 National Student Media Awards, with students securing three major awards.

The National Student Media Awards honour the upcoming generation of young people with a passion for journalism and storytelling across all media.

The winners were led by first-year Bachelor of Arts Journalism student Vladyslav Piatin-Ponomarenko who secured Film Documentary of the Year for his personal and emotional short documentary, Imagine War – 75 Days of Survival in Mariupol, which documents his escape from Mariupol at the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

University of Galway students secured two other awards: Emma Van Oosterhout, a fourth-year BA Global Media student, was named “Collaborative Journalist of the Year”, and Áine Ní Shíocháin, a BA Cumarsáid student, received an award for excellence in Irish-language journalism.

Tom Felle, Associate Professor of Journalism at the University of Galway, said, “We are immensely proud of our students’ achievements, and these awards are a testament to their talent, resilience, and dedication.”

“I would also like to acknowledge my colleagues across the Journalism and Media team for their hard work and support of our students throughout the year.”

University of Galway students were shortlisted for eight awards in total, including a nomination for its hyperlocal news site, Galway Pulse, in the “News Site of the Year” category.

Work on a programme of water mains replacements in Clifden are due to begin this week.

The Uisce Éireann works will see almost a kilometre of aging mains replaced with new, modern pipes, providing a more secure and reliable water supply for residents and businesses of the Connemara town.

The works are due to commence this week and are expected to be concluded by early autumn. In all, 932 metres of water mains will be replaced.

The works will take place along the N59 road from the Clifden Water Treatment Plant to the Clifden Reservoir.

The works are being undertaken as part of Uisce Éireann’s National Leakage Reduction Programme.

The works are meant to reduce the risk of bursts on the water mains and improve network operation, reducing the likelihood of maintenance works being required in the future.

Works will be limited to short sections at a time to minimise impact on customers. The works may require some short-term disruption to customers’ water supplies, but any planned outages will be communicated to affected customers no later than 48 hours in advance.

Temporary traffic management measures may also be required during periods of the work. However, local and emergency traffic will always be maintained.

Enda Mac Namara, programme manager with Uisce Éireann, said the planned works will ensure a more reliable water supply for customers in Clifden for years to come.

“These works are essential to secure the drinking water supply to homes and businesses in Clifden, and to significantly reduce the risk of bursts on the network,” said Enda.

“We wish to thank residents and businesses of the town for their patience while works are ongoing, and to assure them that crews will complete the works as swiftly as possible.”

The works will be carried out by Farrans Construction on behalf of Uisce Éireann.

The Irish Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA) has announced it will host its annual Conference and Fire Technology Exhibition at the Salthill Hotel in Galway on 7-8 May.

Fire Officers, industry experts, and government and local government officials from Ireland and overseas will gather for the annual showcase event for Ireland’s fire and emergency services sector.

Hosted by Galway Fire and Rescue Service, the theme of the 2025 conference is ‘Delivering a Modern Fire Service – the Future is Here and Now.’

The lineup features an expert witness from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, the Director of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, and a prominent industry leader in emergency communications.

400 delegates and 150 exhibitors will attend the two-day event, which features a trade exhibition taking place in parallel to the conference programme, showcasing fire service fleet and equipment from all the main suppliers to the Irish Fire Services.

Gerry O’Malley, Conference Secretary and Chief Fire Officer for Galway Fire and Rescue Service, said the 2025 conference will address key challenges confronting the Fire Services while highlighting the latest advancements in fire service operations and prevention technologies.

“The CFOA represents the leadership and senior management of all Irish fire services, with a mission to enhance safety and protect lives and property across the country,” he stated.

“The conference and exhibition aim to provide a platform for those in the fire and rescue sector to discuss pressing issues, explore cutting-edge fire service equipment and appliances, and discover the latest technologies in fire operations and prevention.”

“The event will showcase expert speakers from Ireland and abroad in the emergency services and fire industry, sharing their expertise and insights to offer innovative solutions for adapting the Fire and Rescue Service to current challenges,” added Mr. O’Malley.

The conference will be opened by Dennis Keely, CFOA Chairperson and Chief Fire Officer for Dublin Fire Brigade, with a video address to delegates provided by James Browne TD, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Mark Hardingham, former Chair of the UK National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), will speak about the Final Report of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, following the death of 72 people in the worst UK residential fire since World War II.

Meanwhile, the inquiry learnings and fire safety changes will be the subject of a talk by ARUP fire safety specialist and expert witness for the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, Dr Barbara Lane.

The risks and challenges associated with Lithium-Ion batteries, used primarily in electronic devices, electric vehicles and small appliances, will be studied by Conor Leonard, Head of Batteries and Projects, WEEE Ireland.

Phil Garrigan, Chair of the UK National Fire Chiefs’ Council (NFCC), will share UK perspectives, while Peter Lonergan from the European Emergency Number Association will explore how improved communications can enhance emergency response.

Additional speakers include Ray Goggins, Author, Keynote Speaker, and Director at Core Skill Training, discussing effectiveness; Liam Carroll, SEO Climate Change and former Acting Chief Fire Officer at Carlow Fire and Rescue Service, addressing the Irish Fire Service’s role in climate change resilience.

Keith Leonard, Director of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, will present a national perspective on fire services, and Ritika Wadhwa, Founder and CEO of Prabhaav Global, will explore cultural intelligence as a key skill for managing rapid change.

Conference delegates will be welcomed by Cllr. Peter Keane, Mayor of Galway City, and Cllr. Martina Kinane, Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, followed by addresses from Michael Owens, Deputy Chief Executive of Galway County Council; and Leonard Cleary, Chief Executive of Galway City Council.

The CFOA comprises the Chief Fire Officers of all local authorities in Ireland and is also a member of the Federation of European Union Fire Officer Associations (FEU) and the CTIF International Association of Fire and Rescue Services.

A man is due before court today after being arrested in connection with the seizure of guns and ammunition in Ballinasloe yesterday.

A man in his 40s was arrested after Gardaí searched a home in Ballinasloe early on Monday.

The search at Woodlawn was part of an ongoing operation targeting criminal activity in the Galway Division and surrounding areas.

Gardaí recovered two firearms, ammunition and a cocaine press.

The man arrested has since been charged and is due to appear before Loughrea District Court this morning.

Gardaí arrested one person and seized two shotguns and ammunition during the search of a home in Ballinasloe on Monday.

The search at Woodlawn was part of an ongoing operation targeting criminal activity in the Galway Division and surrounding areas.

Gardaí recovered two firearms, ammunition and a cocaine press.

The firearms have been forwarded for a technical examination by the Ballistics Section of the Garda Technical Bureau.

A man aged in his 40s was arrested and is currently being detained at a station in the Garda North Western Region under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act 1939.