A driver caught going more than 70km/h over the speed limit near Claregalway was one of the worst offenders caught on the final day of the bank holiday roads policing operation.

Between last Thursday and Tuesday morning there were almost 4,650 driver caught speeding while a special roads policing operation was underway.

One of the most notable of those detected on Tuesday was a driver doing 174km/h in a 100km/h on the N83 at Claregalway.

Over the bank holiday weekend four people were killed on the roads, and another twelve were seriously injured.

In addition to speeding there were 209 people caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, 400 people using a mobile phone while driving, and 110 people detected not wearing their seatbelt.

Throughout the operation, Gardaí conducted both statutory Mandatory Intoxicant Testing and regular, high-visibility policing checkpoints.

An Garda Síochána continues to appeal to all road users to never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, to slow down and to always choose a speed that is appropriate for the driving conditions, to wear your seatbelt and keep your eyes always on the road.

Motorists are reminded to keep distractions out of the vehicle and give your full attention to the road.

A public consultation is underway on a draft wastewater strategy for managing Galway City’s growing population and protecting the environment.

The Draft Galway Wastewater Strategy has been published alongside the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Environmental Report and Natura Impact Statement (NIS) for the strategy.

The public consultation runs until Thursday, July 23, with submissions allowed online, via email, or through the post.

The draft strategy is meant to ensure that Galway can support growth sustainably, protect the environment and strengthen climate resilience through 2040, 2055 and 2080.

The National Planning Framework 2040 identifies Galway as one of Ireland’s fastest growing urban areas over the past 50 years and a key driver of development in the West of Ireland.

Galway’s population is projected to increase by approximately 40% between 2022 and 2040.

This level of growth places increasing pressure on existing wastewater infrastructure to meet the demand for new serviced land to support housing, commercial development, and industry.

Sean Laffey with Uisce Éireann said, “This Draft Strategy has been developed using a long term, evidence-based approach to ensure that we can plan future wastewater services with certainty and that we meet the needs of current and future generations who live and work in Galway city and surrounding areas.”

“This strategy is about planning for Galway’s future. We encourage everyone to review the Draft Strategy and its associated documents and to share their views with us during the public consultation period.”

The Draft Strategy reviewed the existing wastewater and network infrastructure across the Galway Metropolitan Area (Galway City and its suburbs) as well as Moycullen and Athenry.

There are currently four wastewater treatment plants within the study area located at Mutton Island (Galway city), Athenry, Baile Chláir (Claregalway) and Moycullen.

Key Recommendations
To address these challenges, the Strategy proposes the following key measures:

• A new Regional Galway East Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) is progressed to meet the long-term wastewater treatment needs of the study area and to provide sufficient capacity, resilience and environmental protection up to 2080.
• Enhancements to treatment capacity at Mutton Island and Athenry Wastewater Treatment Plants in the short term to meet population demands. Works on these plants is planned within the 2040 investment cycle.
• Once the new Regional Galway East plant is commissioned, there will be a gradual transfer of loads from Mutton Island and Athenry to reduce loading pressures on the existing plants and manage long term regulatory risk. Mutton Island plant will continue to operate at a reduced capacity and Athenry plant will become a   pumping station to transfer load to the new Regional Galway East plant; and
• Decentralised treatment at Moycullen and Baile Chláir (Claregalway) Wastewater Treatment Plants will be maintained with any future upgrades informed by   population and economic growth projections.

The Draft Strategy envisages the development of a Regional Galway East Wastewater Treatment Plant, designed to allow for phased expansion.

Over time, wastewater from strategic areas around the city would be transferred away from Mutton Island Wastewater Treatment Plant to the new regional plant. Mutton Island would continue to accept and treat wastewater from a smaller area into the future.

Athenry Wastewater Treatment Plant would transition to operate as a wastewater pumping station, with all flows transferring to the new plant.

These proposals aim to ensure that Galway communities are supported with wastewater infrastructure that facilitates economic and regional development, protects the environment and strengthens climate resilience.

Uisce Éireann is inviting members of the public, community groups, businesses, elected representatives and stakeholders to provide feedback on the Draft Strategy and associated environmental reports.

The consultation documents can be viewed and downloaded at the Draft Galway Wastewater Strategy page.

Submissions can be made until midnight Thursday, July 23 via:

• Online: consult.water.ie
• Email: gws@water.ie
• Post: Uisce Éireann, Galway Wastewater Strategy, 1 Galway Business Park, Upper Newcastle Road, Dangan, Galway H91 A3EF

Building on the success of 2025, Cruinniú na nÓg is returning to Fr Burke Park on Saturday 6 June from 12pm to 9.30pm.

The event will host over 20 free events, workshops, and live performances, celebrating creativity through music, art, circus, storytelling, and more all throughout the day.

This exciting and inclusive programme – from circus workshops, spoken word performances to sensory art includes:

•  A Hands-On Multicultural Experience for Children, combining storytelling, sensory interaction and creative play and connection between Peru and Ireland.
• The Quest for the Golden Folk Slippers: a vibrant folk-theatre performance through traditional Polish dances. Following the show, a sensory workshop invites exploration of textures, colours, and movement, fostering creativity, communication, and cultural awareness.
• Young people from Ballinfoyle will transform everyday materials into a mixed-media fabric book celebrating their local environment. The final piece will debut on June 6 at a public exhibition and hands-on workshop.
• Young people from the Foróige Eastside Youth Service UBU will produce and exhibit art pieces that represent them under the theme: ‘Who We Are’.
• Cruinniú na nÓg – Live Music Stage, with a host of Galway City’s finest young
  musical artists.
• Circus Céilí and Circus workshops with Galway Community Circus.
• Drop-in creative movement, tee designs and sensory workshops.
• A host of creative workshops and exhibitions including Creative Street mural painting, Theatre of Emotions mask making, Theatre making and zine making, Memory Lines: Print, Connect, Belong visual art.

From 3pm onwards, Youth Lates at Cruinniú Late will transform Fr. Burke Park into a vibrant open-air concert. This promises to be the biggest Youth Lates yet.

The event will feature a dynamic Live Music Stage, the park comes alive with a live music event designed for young people aged 14–18.

The event is headlined by rising Cork band BABYRAT, alongside the incredible talent of young artists in Galway City such as Moonlight Eclipse, Silence Speaks Volumes, Copacetic, The Afterwards, Cats! Aoibhnes, Mentality, Portraits, JAY, Izzy Melia, Millie Ross, Artem Knazev, Alyafeine, Jamie & Carla.

Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to experience the vibrant energy and creativity of Galway’s young people as they take centre stage in Fr. Burke Park for Youth Lates!

Launching this year’s programme, the Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Mike Cubbard said that the festival will showcase Galway’s creative capabilities.

“Bringing Cruinniú na nÓg back to Fr. Burke Park this year, will recreate the brilliant experience that families had there last year and it showcases the great arts, culture and creativity that is found in Galway City all year round to families young people’s hopefully inspiring Galway’s next generation of festival goers and festival makers.”

Cruinníú na nÓg Local Ambassador Amelia Gorska, added that, “Cruinniú na nÓg provides a super occasion for young people to enjoy creativity something which is very important in their lives but something which is not promoted enough.”

“I am really looking forward to seeing all the smiles that the event in Fr. Burke Park will put on the faces of all my friends who will be there.”

Toilets and light refreshments will be provided on site at Fr. Burke Park.

While limited seating will be available, families and young visitors are encouraged to bring picnic blankets or cushions to sit on the grass throughout the day.

Visitors are encouraged to use public or sustainable transport on the day. Cycle parking is available at Fr. Burke Park.

Public Transport is also available with the Number 7 Bus passing directly and bus and train connections available at Eyre Square, 15 minutes walk away from the park. There is no car parking at Fr. Burke Park.

The Children’s Remembrance Day Committee, University Hospital Galway (UHG) is inviting parents and families who have experienced the loss of a baby or child to the Annual Children’s Remembrance Mass.

The 30th Annual Children’s Remembrance Mass will take place on Sunday, 07 June at 2.30pm in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Oranmore, Co. Galway.

The Mass will be celebrated by Fr. John O’Halloran, Chaplain at University Hospital Galway.

Joan Healy, Children’s Remembrance Day Committee member, said, “This year’s theme is ‘Purity, Wisdom, Longevity’, and the guest speaker will be Mary McCormack, Outreach Nurse for Children with Life Limiting Conditions.”

“The annual remembrance mass offers families, relatives and friends who have experienced bereavement an opportunity to reflect on their grief journey through symbol, music and prayer.”

“During the ceremony, Books of Remembrance containing the names of those being remembered will be presented to the altar. Every name in the Books of Remembrance represents a life that touched hearts and this service is our way of keeping those memories alive.”

“Readings, reflections and music have been carefully chosen to celebrate the lives and memories of the children and babies during this meaningful service.

“Refreshments will be served afterwards in the Parish Hall adjacent to the church, providing families an opportunity to meet with committee members, share stories and support one another in a welcoming environment.”

For further information, parents and families can contact Anne McKeown on 087 4418574.

Galway Public Libraries is set to deliver a first for Ireland with the introduction of the country’s first modern mobile library vehicles based on bus infrastructure.

The new service is top be delivered following the signing of contracts by Galway County Council for the design and construction of two new state-of-the-art units.

The contracts have been awarded to Spanish specialist manufacturer Alegria-Activity, marking the company’s first project in Ireland.

Funding for the initiative is being provided by Galway County Council, with support from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht under the Library Capital Programme.

The vehicles will significantly modernise and expand the Galway Mobile Library Service, enabling books, learning resources and wider community supports to be delivered to towns, villages, schools and rural communities across the county.

The new generation units will function as fully equipped mobile service points, with shelving, staff workspace, enhanced IT capacity and provision for public printing, supported by onboard power and connectivity systems.

Liz Keane, Galway City & County Librarian, said the project represents “a significant investment in the future of our Mobile Library Service”.

She added that the partnership combines local experience with international expertise to deliver, “modern, flexible vehicles that will serve communities across Galway for many years to come.”

“The investment underlines its ongoing commitment to innovation, accessibility and delivering high-quality library services to communities throughout the county”.

Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway Cllr David Collins welcomed the investment, saying it represents, “a strong statement of the Council’s commitment to vibrant communities and equal access to library services, regardless of location.”

Chief Executive of Galway County Council, Liam Conneally, said the investment “reflects our commitment to inclusion, accessibility and sustainable community development. These new vehicles will strengthen and future-proof the Mobile Library Service, ensuring communities across Galway continue to have access to high-quality library services.”

Operating since 1960, the Mobile Library Service has long played a key role in connecting communities with reading, learning and cultural opportunities.

Designed in collaboration with Alegria-Activity, the new vehicles will feature modern technology, improved accessibility and flexible layouts to meet the evolving needs of library users across the county.

County Galway’s Caltra National School has been crowned ‘Ireland’s Fittest School 2026’.

Following its participation in a two-month competition, in which hundreds of schools from all over Ireland, north and south, took part, Caltra National School went on to win the live ‘grand final’ in which the top school from each of the provincial finals featured.

The grand final, which took place at the Athlone International Arena, was hosted by one of Ireland’s best-known Olympians – sprinter David Gillick – and saw the four schools contest for a prize package which included €8,000 worth of sports equipment.

Supported by Irish fruit importer Fyffes and tracked online, the purpose of the competition, launched last December and now in its fifth year, was to promote the importance of exercise, fitness and healthy eating amongst young people.

A central feature of the programme was a series of exercise routines which competing schools could adopt as part of their PE curriculum and against which performance could be measured.

Previous competition winners were Donegal’s Scoil Na Croise Naofa, Dunfanaghy (2022); Meath’s Gilson National School, Oldcastle (2023); County Waterford’s St. Mary’s Touraneena National School (2024) and Cork’s Ballyhass National School (2025).

Congratulating the pupils, teachers, and staff of all the schools throughout the island who took part in this year’s competition, Fyffes head of marketing UK and Ireland, Emma Hunt-Duffy thanked all involved for their ‘commitment, enthusiasm and support’.

She added, “it was wonderful to see so many teachers and young pupils incorporate the exercises into their PE classes as a means to keep fit, but more so, we really enjoyed seeing them having so much fun doing it”.

A driver in Galway doing 117km/h in an 80km/h zone over the weekend was one of more than 2,250 caught speeding so far over the bank holiday weekend.

Gardaí are carrying out a special roads policing operation over the bank holiday weekend, which will last until Tuesday morning.

For the first three days of the operation, there has been one fatal road traffic collision on our roads. The total number of fatalities on Irish roads to date this year is 70.

Throughout this weekend’s Roads Policing Operation, Gardaí are conducting both statutory Mandatory Intoxicant Testing and regular, high-visibility policing checkpoints.

To date, a total of 92 people were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs).

In excess of 2,250 drivers were detected for speeding offences for the first three days of the operation.

One of those was a driver caught on Saturday doing 117km/h in an 80km/h zone on the R364 at Ballyglass South, Williamstown.

A garda statement said, “An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority are urging all road users to support their efforts to keep them and all others on the roads safe this June bank holiday weekend.

“Each member of An Garda Síochána on duty this bank holiday weekend will be out conducting road traffic enforcement activity.

“Gardaí will be placing a particular emphasis on detecting those driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs this weekend. At no point is it safe or acceptable to get behind the wheel of a vehicle after having an intoxicant such as alcohol or drugs.

“An Garda Síochána is urging road users to be mindful of and take extra caution around vulnerable road users, in particular pedestrians and cyclists.

“Motorists are reminded to always drive within the speed limit. Always wear a seatbelt and never use a mobile phone when driving. Keep distractions out of the vehicle and give your full attention to the road.

“Walking home or cycling under the influence of alcohol or drugs can also put you and other road users at risk. Cyclists and pedestrians should stay visible and always observe their surroundings.”

A teenage girl reported missing from the Kilconly area has been located safe and well.

Lily-Mae Aldrige, aged 16, was reported missing from the Kilconly area since Thursday, May 28.

An Garda Síochána has since confirmed that she has been found safe and well.

Gardaí thanked the public for their assistance in this matter.

Cross Street in Galway City Centre will continue to be closed for the week from Monday while roadworks are taking place.

Galway City Council has made an order extending the closure of Cross Street from the Junction of Bridge Street / Lombard Street to the Junction of High Street / Quay Street.

This will be in place 24/7 for the week through to Friday, June 5 inclusive.

The extended road closure is to allow for the installation of automated bollards on the street.

A temporary diversion route will be in place via Lombard Street, Market Street, Abbeygate Street Upper, Mary Street, Eglington Street, William Street, Shop Street, High Street.

Localised access will be maintained as permitted within the limitations of those within the existing pedestrianised zone.

Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton congratulated Scoil San Phroinsias as the school celebrates its 40th anniversary.

The Minister is visiting the school today where she will join pupils, staff, parents, past pupils and members of the wider school community in marking the milestone occasion.

Speaking ahead of her visit, Galway based Minister, Hildegarde Naughton said, “Anniversaries such as this are not only a celebration of a school building or a date in history, but a celebration of the people who have shaped and sustained the school community over forty years.”

“For four decades, Scoil San Phroinsias has been at the heart of the Tirellan community, providing education, care, and opportunity for generations of young people.

“As a DEIS Band 1 school, the commitment shown every day by school leadership and staff in supporting pupils and families is especially commendable. Schools such as Scoil San Phroinsias make a lasting difference in their communities and in the lives of children.”

The Minister praised the school’s inclusive ethos and acknowledged the diversity of the school community, where pupils from many different backgrounds and cultures are welcomed and supported to achieve their full potential.

Minister Naughton also highlighted the continued development of the school over recent years, including expanded facilities, wellbeing supports and the opening of a new ASD class this September.

“The growth and development of Scoil San Phroinsias over the years reflects the trust families place in the school and the dedication of all those who have contributed to its success,” she said.

“The excellent facilities, strong wellbeing supports, creativity of the pupils, and the enormous contribution of staff all help create a positive and nurturing environment where children can learn and thrive.”

During the visit, the Minister also acknowledged the contribution of retiring staff members Kevin O’Shea and Bridie O’Dea for their many years of dedicated service to the school community.

“I want to sincerely thank Kevin and Bridie for the care, commitment and support they have given to generations of pupils over many years. Their contribution to Scoil San Phroinsias will leave a lasting legacy within the school community,” she said.

Minister Naughton concluded by wishing the entire school community continued success into the future.

“It is a great pleasure to join the Scoil San Phroinsias community in celebrating this very special milestone. I wish the school every continued success in the years ahead.”

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses as part of the investigation into the death of a woman in Clifden on Thursday.

The body of a woman in her 30s was found near Galway Road, Clifden yesterday. Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident.

Anyone in the Clifden area – in particular, Galway Road – between 2:00pm on Wednesday 27th May and 9:00am on Thursday 28th May 2026, who may have noticed anything suspicious is asked to come forward.

Road users and those with camera footage, (including home security and dash-cam), in the area at the time, are asked to make this available to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Clifden Garda Station on 095 22500, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

A man in his 30s remains under arrest and continues to receive medical treatment.

A Family Liaison Officer (FLO) has been assigned to the family of the deceased woman.

The University of Galway has established a new research centre for creating future infrastructure adapted to a changing world.

The Ward & Burke Centre for Infrastructure Research & Innovation has been established following a significant investment from leading engineering multinational Ward & Burke.

Some of the focus of the new research centre’s work will be on water systems, underground construction, climate resilience and digital engineering.

The investment is being made as part of a new Signature Partnership between Ward & Burke and the University, building on many years of research collaboration.

The commitment from Ward & Burke, a world-leading engineering company with its head office in Kilcolgan, Co Galway, will allow for significant advancement of research, impact and innovation in sustainable, intelligent and resilient infrastructure at the University.

As part of this partnership, the new centre is being established to build on existing strengths at the University’s School of Engineering across civil and mechanical engineering, water and wastewater research, geotechnics, construction innovation and data driven engineering technologies.

Padraig Burke, Director at Ward & Burke, said, “We are delighted to build on our long-standing relationship with University of Galway through this investment in establishing the Ward & Burke Centre for Infrastructure Research & Innovation.”

“At Ward & Burke, we’ve always believed that the future of engineering lies in solutions that are not just technically excellent but genuinely sustainable- from lowering carbon footprints to building infrastructure that stands the test of climate change.”

“This Centre will accelerate collaboration between industry and research, helping to drive innovation that delivers real, long-term environmental and societal benefits.”

“We’re proud to support this initiative and look forward to seeing the transformative impact it will have.”

Alongside the new research centre a new civil engineering professorship has been created, with Established Professor Brian Sheil, an alumnus of University of Galway, appointed as the first to hold the role.

The research centre will be led by Professor Sheil and Professor Eoghan Clifford, Head of Civil Engineering. It will enable the University to attract new world-leading faculty, researchers, postdoctoral researchers and PhD students.

Professor Laoise McNamara, Head of the School of Engineering and incoming Vice-President Research and Innovation at University of Galway, said this centres reflects the university’s “longstanding collaboration” in research and education with the company.

“We are proud that Ward and Burke was founded by our engineering graduates who, over the past 25 years, have grown it into one of the most innovative infrastructure companies driving wastewater treatment, energy infrastructure and urban regeneration solutions worldwide.”

“Today, the company employs more than 1,200 people, across Ireland, the UK, Canada and the US. The establishment of this Centre will enable us to recruit and develop world leading researchers and deliver impactful research, benefiting large-scale infrastructure projects in Ireland and internationally.”

A man has been arrested after the discovery of the body of a woman in her 30s in Clifden today.

On Thursday morning Gardaí were called to an emergency residential premises on the Galway Road, Clifden.

The body of a woman in her 30s was discovered near the premises.

A man in his 30s was arrested and is currently receiving medical treatment.

Gardaí have said that they are not looking for any other person in relation to this incident at this time and are following a definite line of enquiry.

An Garda Síochána also stated that the incident did not occur inside an emergency residential premises.

The scene has been preserved for a technical examination, and a post-mortem examination will take place.

A self-taught wildlife cinematographer from the west coast of Ireland is set to make his television debut, as Jack Kelly appears on BBC Springwatch on Thursday.

Jack will be showcasing incredible footage of basking sharks filmed off Ireland’s Atlantic coast on Springwatch at 8pm Thursday.

Jack, who grew up in rural Galway, has built his career through hands-on experience, combining a background in marine biology with a practical, field-driven approach to filmmaking. His work focuses on capturing authentic wildlife behaviour in real conditions, often relying on instinct and timing where moments cannot be repeated.

“Most of the time, you only get one chance underwater,” Jack says. “You either get the shot or you miss it, so you have to trust your instincts.”

His upcoming Springwatch feature centres on basking sharks, with Ireland’s west coast recognised as a key location for seasonal gatherings of the species.

The appearance follows previous coverage of his work on the BBC Countryfile website and features in DeepSea Magazine.

Unlike many traditional routes into the industry, Jack has developed his portfolio independently, learning through lived experience in environments ranging from Irish coastal waters to underwater filming in Egypt.

“I didn’t follow a traditional route,” he says. “A lot of it has been learning on the go, being in the water, and figuring things out in real time.”

In 2019, he worked in South Africa alongside marine biologists and conservation teams. The experience informed his approach to filmmaking, balancing visual storytelling with consideration for wildlife and its environment.

Jack’s creative style is also influenced by his background in music, which he uses to shape pacing, tone, and emotional impact within his work.

“It’s not just about what you see, it’s about what you feel. That’s what I’m trying to create with my footage.”

Despite growing recognition, he continues to operate as an independent filmmaker, with access to boats and offshore locations remaining one of the main practical challenges for consistent wildlife work.

To support his projects, Jack undertakes a range of commissioned and commercial filming alongside his wildlife work, while continuing to build a portfolio focused on marine environments.

This appearance represents a notable stage in his development as a filmmaker, reflecting a pathway into the industry shaped by independent work and field experience.

Jack currently undertakes freelance camera work, wildlife productions, and collaborative projects in Ireland and internationally, with a particular focus on marine and conservation-led storytelling.

Galway County Council is encouraging the public to prioritise water safety ahead of the busy June Bank Holiday Weekend as people visit beaches, rivers, lakes and coastal areas across the city and county.

The Council, which promotes water safety on behalf of both local authorities in Galway through its participation in the County Committee for Water Safety, is supporting a joint public safety message from the Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland and the RNLI.

The public information campaign being rolled out countrywide is reminding people that while air temperatures may feel warm, water temperatures around Ireland remain dangerously cold.

With many people expected to take their first swim of the season over the bank holiday weekend, the public is advised to exercise caution and follow basic water safety advice.

Even on sunny days, sea and inland water temperatures are often below 15°C. Entering cold water suddenly can trigger cold water shock, causing involuntary gasping, panic and loss of breathing control, significantly increasing the risk of drowning.

People entering the water are encouraged to do so slowly and allow their bodies time to adjust to the cold temperatures.

Swimmers should splash water on themselves to acclimatise, keep swims short, stay within their depth and avoid swimming alone.

People are also advised to remain together at all times and ensure everyone exits the water safely.

Those planning activities on or near the water should check weather forecasts and tide times before heading out and carry a means of calling for help.

The public is reminded to always wear a correctly fitting and serviced lifejacket or buoyancy aid and to avoid alcohol, which can impair judgement, coordination and reaction times.

People should also let someone know where they are going and when they expect to return.

Members of the public are also reminded of the “Float to Live” advice if they get into difficulty in the water.

People should stay calm and resist the urge to panic, tilt their head back with their ears submerged, relax and control their breathing, and gently move their hands and legs to help stay afloat.

Once breathing is under control, they should raise a hand for help or swim to safety if possible.

If somebody is seen in difficulty on the water or along the coast, the public should use marine VHF Channel 16 or dial 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.