The Galway Races have announced that broadcaster Laura Fox will be the Guest Judge alongside sponsor Ella & Jo for the Ladies Day Best Dressed Competition 2026.

This exciting event takes place on Thursday, July 30, as part of the iconic Galway Races’ seven-day Summer Festival.

Now in its 157th year, the Galway Races Summer Festival continues to blend the best of Irish racing, entertainment, and fashion.

The Ladies Day Best Dressed Competition, sponsored by multi-award-winning Irish skincare brand Ella & Jo for the second year running, is always a show-stopping highlight of the week, where racing excellence meets high style, and fashion lovers from across the country turn out in force.

Laura Fox is an Irish television and radio presenter from Galway, best known for her work with RTÉ 2FM, where she has become a familiar voice to audiences across the country.

She began her broadcasting career with Galway Bay FM before progressing to national radio, quickly establishing herself as one of Ireland’s most engaging and popular media personalities, recognised for her warm, energetic presenting style and natural connection with listeners.

On screen, Laura has fronted and contributed to a range of major entertainment programmes, including Ireland’s Fittest Family and appearances on Dancing with the Stars, further cementing her profile as a versatile broadcaster across both radio and television.

Commenting on the announcement Laura said, “I’m delighted to be taking on the role as judge for Ladies Day this year, it’s such an honour. I’ve been going to the Galway Races for years growing up in Galway, so it feels really special to be part of it in a new way.”

“There’s always such an amazing buzz around Ladies Day and the style is next level every year. I can’t wait to see all the looks, the creativity and the personality people bring. It’s always such a fun, glamorous day and I’m so excited to be part of it.”.

Michael Moloney, CEO of the Galway Races, said, “On behalf of everyone at Galway Races, I’m delighted to welcome Laura Fox as our Ladies Day guest judge this year.”

“As a proud Galway native, it’s especially fitting to have Laura join us at Ballybrit, bringing a real sense of homegrown style and personality to the occasion.”

“Ladies Day is always one of the highlights of race week, celebrating fashion, creativity, and confidence, and we have no doubt that Laura will add something truly special. We’re very much looking forward to working with her and to another unforgettable Race Week.”

Laura will be joining Ladies Day Head Judge Mandy Maher on the day. Mandy who enters her 5th year as Head Judge says:

“With Galway being home for me, I find it so special to be a part of Galway’s most glamorous event! I’m delighted to be judging alongside Ella & Jo’s co-founder Charlene Flannagan and another Galway Girl, Laura Fox! I can’t wait to see the fashion and style this year! The countdown is well and truly on.”

With Ella & Jo stepping into their second year of sponsoring the Ladies Day Best Dressed Competition, co-founder Charlene Flanagan is delighted to be joining the judging panel this year.

Charlene said, “I’m delighted to be joining the judging panel at this year’s Galway Races. Ladies Day is such a joyful celebration of confidence and individuality.”

“For me, it’s about seeing someone light up in what they’re wearing. I love seeing people step into that energy, and I feel incredibly honoured to be part of recognising it on such a special day.”

A public consultation is underway this month on plans for the construction of new wastewater infrastructure in An Ceathrú Rua.

The project, which is currently at the site selection stage, is meant to end the discharge of untreated sewage into Casla Bay. The public consultation on this stage of the plans will run until June 30.

To support this, Uisce Éireann will host a public information event for the local community on Wednesday, June 10 in An Crumpán, An Cheathrú Rua.

Between 4pm and 8pm the project team will be available to meet with the community, answer questions and explain how the project will benefit the area.

Speaking about the need for the project, Angus Hall, Programme Manager with Uisce Éireann, said that there is currently no treatment of the wastewater before it is discharged into Casla Bay.

“This has a negative impact on the environment, water quality and the general amenity of the area. By investing in modern wastewater infrastructure, Uisce Éireann can help protect the environment, improve local amenities and support the long-term growth of An Cheathrú Rua and the wider Galway Bay area.”

This project will bring the area into compliance with national and EU standards for wastewater treatment.

“We are at the site selection stage of this project, and we are committed to delivering a solution that will benefit the area for generations to come. I look forward to hearing directly from the community and working,” said Angus.

Further details of the project, including how to participate in the consultation and the upcoming public information event, are available on the dedicated project page.

Customers with outstanding orders with Rathwood have been told they are likely to only receive a “nominal return” for unfulfilled orders or unpaid refund requests.

That is in a letter from Padraic Bermingham, the court appointed examiner for Rathwood sent to approximately 7,000 affected customers who are awaiting refunds or the delivery of goods from troubled the home and garden company.

The letter states “Please note that I expect that only a nominal return will be made to customers with claims in respect of unfulfilled orders and/or unpaid refund requests.”

“This means that, if you have a claim against Rathwood, you will only receive a very small sum in respect of any monies paid by you to Rathwood.”

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission is urging people awaiting refunds who have been contacted by the examiner for Rathwood to take immediate action.

Consumers who have outstanding orders with Rathwood are advised to:

• Request a chargeback from their bank or card provider if they have not already done so.
• Register their claim against Rathwood using the online form provided by the Examiner: Customer Enquiry Form

Grainne Griffin, Director of Communications, Consumer Information and Financial Education, said, “We advise any affected consumers to review the correspondence from the Examiner carefully and to complete the form provided as soon as possible.”

“Those who wish to request a chargeback should contact their bank or card provider immediately.”

The letter from the examiner asked people who think they have a claim against Rathwood to complete the form no later than June 12.

An examiner was appointed for Rathwood in April by the High Court due to financial difficulties. The company said that it had €18 million in liabilities, and intended to continue trading through the examinership process which is meant to secure its financial future.

Patients and staff at the Radiation Oncology Centre at University Hospital Galway have welcomed a very special new team member. Khai, an Irish Therapy Dog, who has already left a lasting impression following his debut visit to the centre earlier this month.

Once a week, Khai proudly dons his Irish Therapy Dog uniform and trots through the doors of the Radiation Oncology Centre with a simple mission: to bring comfort, calm and connection to patients undergoing cancer treatment.

With his wagging tail and gentle presence, Khai is providing warmth, reassurance and moments of positivity to patients, families and staff in what can often be an anxious environment.

Whether resting his head beside a patient, greeting staff with quiet enthusiasm, or offering a calming presence in waiting areas, Khai’s visits are proving that sometimes the best medicine comes with four legs and a wet nose.

Stephen Coyne, Radiation Oncology Services Manager at University Hospital Galway, said Khai’s impact was immediate.

“Radiotherapy treatment can be an anxious experience for many patients, and from the moment Khai arrived, there was an immediate sense of calm and positivity throughout the unit.”

“People who may have been quietly sitting on their own in the waiting area suddenly begin interacting with Khai, and before long those conversations continued naturally between patients themselves.”

“It is genuinely lovely to see the effect on both patients and staff. His visits lift the whole department and create moments of connection, comfort and conversation that stay long after he has trotted out the door.”

And while Khai may be charming, he is also highly professional. He understands that hygiene is essential in a clinical setting.

Every visit is carefully managed to ensure the highest standards of hygiene, safety and infection prevention are maintained, with clean paws an essential part of his routine before beginning his rounds.

Khai’s owner and handler Áine Ní Fhlaithearta said the impact of his visits is felt as soon as they arrive.

“From the moment we walk through the door, you can feel the atmosphere change. There is something incredibly powerful about the comfort Khai brings without saying a single word.”

“If he can provide even a few moments of comfort, distraction or happiness to someone during a difficult day, then that is very special.”

Khai and Áine are proud members with Irish Therapy Dogs, which provides comfort and companionship through therapeutic dog visits to hospitals, nursing homes, disability centres, and special schools throughout Ireland.

Patients have also described Khai’s visits as uplifting and heartening during what can be a challenging time.

In a place defined by courage, resilience and hope, Khai has become an unexpected but treasured companion, reminding everyone that healing is not only about medicine and machines, but also about moments of kindness, companionship and connection.

As he makes his weekly rounds in his therapy uniform, Khai is delivering an important message to patients and staff alike: sometimes bravery arrives quietly on four paws.

Atlantic Technological University’s (ATU) Connemara campus has been awarded its third Green Flag, recognising the campus’s long-term commitment to sustainability and environmental leadership.

The award was presented by An Taisce, which operates the Green-Campus Programme, in recognition of the campus’s work in Climate Action. ATU Connemara previously received Green Flags for Waste in 2014 and Biodiversity in 2018.

ATU Connemara’s Green-Campus initiatives have involved students, staff, and community partners working together on biodiversity action, waste reduction, curriculum integration, circular economy projects, and climate awareness measures across the wider campus community.

Dr Dermot O’Donovan, Head of Department of Creative Education, said, “As a university, we have a responsibility to ensure that students graduate with sustainability literacy, skills, and knowledge to help them navigate and address some of the complexities of the modern world.”

“The Green-Campus Programme provides an excellent framework to ensure our students can engage with education for sustainability in a structured and meaningful way.”

Deirdre O’Carroll, Green Campus Manager at An Taisce, said, “Congratulations to everyone at ATU Connemara on the award of the Green Flag.”

“The assessment panel was impressed by the strength of your application, the engaging and welcoming campus environment, and the extensive work undertaken by students, staff, and community partners.”

“Your Green-Campus work demonstrates leadership in biodiversity action, waste reduction, curriculum integration, community collaboration, climate action, and environmental sustainability initiatives.”

Eugene Finnerty, Regional Manager at Connemara National Park, said, “On behalf of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, I would like to congratulate the team at ATU Connemara.”

“The work undertaken to achieve the Green Flag and promote Letterfrack as a centre of sustainability has been outstanding.”

Matthew O’Flynn, a student at ATU, said, “I joined the Green Campus team to help give something back. The industry I am entering works with a lot of natural materials, and we are taught about circular design and sustainability, so I saw it as a great initiative to become involved in.”

“It has opened my eyes to community involvement and taking on initiatives. We recently introduced reusable coffee cups in our canteen, which is a positive step towards reducing single-use plastics and becoming greener.”

The Green-Campus Programme has operated in Ireland since 2007 and promotes practical environmental education, campus-wide participation, and student-led sustainability initiatives.

The programme rewards long-term commitment to continuous environmental improvement rather than individual projects or technologies.

ATU Connemara is one of nineteen campuses and hospital sites in Ireland currently awarded the Green Flag.

Students from across County Galway took part in this year’s Galway County Council Anti-Litter Poster Competition, which is an annual environmental initiative to raise awareness and enable children to have an active role in the fight against litter pollution.

A total of 1,524 entries were submitted by primary and secondary school students and following an exhaustive judging process, 55 winners were presented with their awards by the Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, Cllr. David Collins, at a special awards ceremony.

Students were asked to design an anti-litter poster to address one of the main littering problems experienced in County Galway.

The Overall Winner for Primary Schools was Zosia Wojdała from 5th Class in Scoil Chuimín agus Caitríona Uachtar Ard, for her catchy and educational poster highlighting that almost 40% of littering is caused by passing motorists.

The Overall Winner for Secondary Schools went to Liliana Staniak from 2nd year in Coláiste Mhuire Ballygar whose poster targeted beaches with the catchy slogan of “Keep our Beach Toasty, Not Trashy”.

In the special prize categories:

• Molly Finn of Kiltartan NS won the Stop Littering our Towns and Villages award.
• Patrick Canavan of Claddaghduff NS won the Roadside Litter category.
• Kateryna Rudenko of Scoil Chuimín agus Caitríona won the Beach Litter category.
• Wiktoria Ozga of Coláiste Mhuire won the Cigarette-Related Litter category.
• Maeve Walsh of High Cross College won the Dog Fouling category.
• Rosaleen Dinneen of Coláiste Ghobnait in Inis Oírr won the “Bin your gum when you’re done” category.

Cllr Collins said the standard of entries in this year’s competition was “exceptionally high” and praised students for using creativity to deliver strong environmental messages.

“The imagination and effort shown by students across the county has been truly outstanding,” he said.

“These posters send a very important message about protecting our environment and taking pride in our towns, villages and countryside.”

Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council, commented, “It is encouraging to see so many young people engaging positively with issues like litter prevention, recycling and caring for our natural surroundings.”

“Competitions like this help build awareness from a young age and remind all of us of the role we play in keeping Galway clean and sustainable for future generations.”

Eileen Ruane, Director of Services said, “The creativity and effort shown by students this year has been exceptional and reflects a growing awareness among young people of the importance of protecting our environment.”

“I also want to acknowledge the dedication of teachers and school communities who continue to support initiatives like this, and to thank the staff of our Environment Section for their hard work in organising and delivering the competition each year”.

The full list of age group prize winners is as follows:

NATIONAL SCHOOL:

Junior Infants: Hollie Connell Clydagh N.S. (1^st), Hannah Hynes Belclare N.S. (2^nd), Éile Ní Áinle Scoil Éinne An Spidéal (3^rd), Ciarán Green Collinamuck N.S. (highly commended).

Senior Infants: Florence Collins Orr Scoil Éinne An Spidéal (1^st), Finn Moloney Kiltartan N.S. (2^nd), Louise Anna Ward Trinity Primary School Tuam (3^rd), Emma Ryan St Annins N.S. Rosscahill (highly commended).

1^st Class: Kuba O’Shaughnessy Scoil Chuimín agus Caitríona Uachtar Ard (1^st), Alice O’Brien Belclare N.S. (2^nd), Síofra Stevenson Scoil Naomh Bríde Tullach Uí Chadhain (3^rd), Ellie Pañka St Marys N.S. Mountbellew (highly commended).

2nd Class: Ben Connell Clydagh N.S. (1^st), Róisín Heverin Cahergal N.S. (2^nd), Sara Kwiecinska -Men St Bernard’s N.S. (3^rd), Timothy Noble Headford Primary School (highly commended).

3rd Class: Grace Egan St Gabriel’s N.S. in Kilconnell (1^st), Katie McGrath Cahergal N.S. (2^nd), Aoibh O’Hare St Brendan’s N.S. Portumna (3^rd), Dónall Donnelly St Patrick’s N.S. Ballaghlea (highly commended).

4th Class: Kateryna Rudenko Scoil Chuimín agus Caitríona Uachtar Ard (1^st), James Mannion Ballyglass N.S. (2^nd), Hannah Sullivan Carnaun N.S. (3^rd), Isabelle Gill Esker N.S. (highly commended).

5th Class: Vladyslav Aleksieiev SN Tír na Cille Maam (1^st), Patrick Canavan Claddaghduff N.S. (2^nd), Marie Hynes Maree N.S. (3^rd), Éile Rós Scoil Sailearna Indreabhán (highly commended).

6th Class: Keelin O’Connor Scoil Chuimín agus Caitríona Uachtar Ard (1^st), Sarah Mac Aodha Scoil Éinne (2^nd), Katie Mulkerrins Peterswell N.S. (3^rd), Nataliia Vysotska Glinsk N.S. (highly commended).

SECONDARY SCHOOL:

1st Year: Maeve Walsh High Cross College Tuam (1^st), Grace Broderick St Raphaels College Loughrea (2^nd) Mia Dolan Coláiste Mhuire Ballygar (3^rd), Ashley Maher St Raphaels College (highly commended).

2nd Year: Ana Fior Moura Elias Coláiste Mhuire Ballygar (1^st), Zoe Verdon Coláiste Mhuire Ballygar (2^nd), Aishling Gacquin Coláiste Mhuire Ballygar (3^rd), Sophie Cramer Coláiste Mhuire Ballygar (highly commended).

3rd Year: Mia Ward High Cross College Tuam (1^st) Kevin Jakas High Cross College (2^nd), Zelipa Phiri High Cross College (3^rd).

4th Year/TY: Rosaleen Dinneen Coláiste Ghobnait (1^st), Sophie Corrigan High Cross College (2^nd), Saoirse Ní Chúláin Coláiste Chroí Mhuire Ballygar (3^rd), Ríona Ní Aodha Coláiste Chroí Mhuire (highly commended).

Social media may not be having as big an impact on the mental health of teens as is often feared according to University of Galway research.

While the study recognises that time spent on social media is linked to a range of health outcomes, the analysis reveals that its influence is relatively modest and smaller than what we assume.

Other social and environmental factors in young people’s lives such as feeling safe in school, supportive relationships with parents and caregivers and financial ability to participate in activities are more important when it comes to mental health.

The study used data from almost 3,000 teenagers aged 15-16 who were living in the West of Ireland and who completed the Planet Youth survey, looking at over 50,000 possible links between social media use and health outcomes.

Professor Eoin Whelan, who led the research at University of Galway’s J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics, said the study highlights the limitations of attributing teenage mental health and well-being primarily to social media use.

Professor Whelan said, “The findings of this study are consistent with other prior studies which report that overall, the harmful effects of social media use on adolescent well-being may be smaller than often assumed.”

The study found that:

• Social media use is associated with small differences in adolescent health outcomes.
• Associations between social media use and mental health outcomes tended to be higher for girls, though the overall effect remained small.
• Spending more time on social media was most strongly linked to higher levels of anger difficulties in boys, and to alcohol use and vaping in both boys and girls, though these links were still relatively modest.
• Overall, social media use was not among the strongest predictors of adolescent health outcomes.
• Unlike much previous research, the study directly compares social media use with other known influences on adolescent health, such as school safety and parental support, allowing the relative importance of these factors to be assessed more clearly.

The findings suggest that policymakers and caregivers may benefit from focusing on a broader range of factors affecting young people’s health, rather than treating social media as a primary cause of harm.

Professor Whelan continued, “While analysis of information reported by teenagers shows that the negative impact of social media may be overstated, this does not mean that social media is harmless or without risk. Social media can present risks for young people, and those do deserve attention.”

However, he added that most research into the impact of social media on the lives of young people, including this study, do not present a complete picture. This is due to the limitations of self-reported data like in the survey used for this study.

“To really find out how social media is impacting young people, researchers need access to data on how teenagers are actually using social media.”

“The EU Digital Services Act requires online platforms to make this data available to vetted researchers. However, the data held by social media companies is difficult to obtain, and when provided, is often incomplete.”

“This hampers the independent scrutiny of the impact of social media platforms – one of the central goals of the Digital Services Act.”

Galway City Council has been awarded €260,000 in funding under the Community Monuments Fund to protect two historic buildings in the city.

The funding will be split between two of the city’s most significant heritage sites, with €130,000 dedicated to Menlough Castle and €130,000 allocated to St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church.

Restoration at St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church

The €130,000 allocation for St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church builds on a successful three -year restoration period that has already transformed the building’s South transept. The new funding will target urgent structural repairs to ensure the historic space remains safe for the public.

The Very Rev. Lynda Peilow, Rector of St. Nicholas’, emphasised the dual role of the landmark as both an active parish and a critical piece of regional history:

“This funding is vital for safeguarding the building’s rich heritage, allowing for ongoing restoration efforts that reveal previously unknown aspects of its history. While St. Nicholas functions as a living church, it also serves as a heritage site of immense historical importance to Galway.”

Brendan Dunne, Senior Executive Planner for Architecture and Conservation in the city council said that St. Nicholas’ has a rich history in the heart of the city.

“For over seven centuries, this extraordinary site has welcomed worshippers and visitors alike and the funding again this year will ensure its continuance use as a significant attraction within the city.”

Continued Conservation at Menlough Castle

Menlough Castle, an iconic 19th-century riverfront ruin along the River Corrib, will use its €130,000 share to advance critical conservation work.

The site, formerly the estate of the Blake family before a devastating fire in the early 20th century, has been undergoing continuous stabilization and maintenance.

Jim Higgins Heritage Officer for Galway City Council, noted the importance of the castle’s ongoing management. “Menlough Castle is an iconic landmark on the river Corrib, once home to the Blake family until it was destroyed by fire in the early 20th century.”

“Significant works were undertaken to conserve the castle in recent years, with the allocated funding allowing us to continue these critical interventions.”

Another announcement was a grant of €25,000 from the Heritage Council, under the 2026 Community Heritage Grants. The Heritage Section of the City Council supported the preparation of the application.

These financial injections will fund essential repairs, structural conservation, and capital works designed to protect, conserve, and improve the presentation of both structures.

Upper Dominick Street in Galway City will be closed this weekend while a music festival is taking place.

The Galway Folk Festival is set to take place in the westend on Saturday, June 6.

To allow for this Upper Dominick Street will be closed from 1pm Saturday until 2am Sunday morning.

This is earlier than the initial road closure time of 3pm Saturday which was first advertised.

The road will be closed between the corner at Monroes Tavern and the corner at the intersection with Henry Street and Sea Road.

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

Galway City Council has removed prior warning notices from two beaches following water quality tests done earlier this week.

Prior Warning Notices were erected for Ballyloughane and Grattan beaches due to potential contamination from heavy rain run off.

Further samples were taken from both beaches on Tuesday, June 2, the results of which have since been returned.

Bother beaches had excellent results from their water sampling, and the notices have been removed today.

Testing was also done at Silverstrand and Salthill beaches, both of which also returned excellent water quality results.

A new dance theatre production inspired by the Corrib River and Galway Bay will take to the stage to explore ecology, community, and the connections between people and the natural world.

Performances will take place on Tuesday & Wednesday, June 9 – 10, from 12.30pm to 2pm at the O’Donoghue Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance at University of Galway.

Rooted in the River examines the relationship between local communities and the waterways that shape life in Galway. As the Corrib flows into Galway Bay, it supports ecosystems, wildlife, recreation, and livelihoods.

Through movement, storytelling, and visual art, the production explores the impact humans have on these environments while celebrating the river’s enduring place in local life.

The project grew from a series of art and science workshops held last autumn in Wild Nephin National Park, Galway Atlantaquaria, and on the University of Galway campus with Transition Year students.

Participants explored their personal connections with nature, examined ecosystem interactions, and reflected on the impact of human activity in both rural and urban environments.

As part of the workshops, participants created their own eco-poetry. The final production also features lines from local poet Attracta Fahy’s poem What The Corrib Heard.

The project is led by Dr Jessamyn Fairfield, an award-winning science communicator from the School of Natural Sciences and the School of English, Media and Creative Arts at the University of Galway, and Professor Deidre Cavazzi, who teaches in the School of Arts, Media, Performance & Design and chairs the Honours Programme at Saddleback College in California.

The pair first met aboard a tall ship in Svalbard as part of the Arctic Circle art and science residency programme and have since collaborated on two previous science and dance theatre productions exploring nanoscale materials and the brain as an electronic device.

The choreography was developed by Professor Cavazzi alongside Galway dancers Michelle Palmer and Róisín Hanley. The performance explores themes ranging from fishing and sea swimming to storm systems, wildlife, and the complex relationships that exist within natural ecosystems.

The production features a cast of ten dancers. Ahead of each performance, audiences will be invited to take part in an interactive exhibition in the foyer of the O’Donoghue Centre.

Visitors can share personal stories and memories of the Corrib River and Galway Bay, which will be incorporated into a large-scale artwork by Galway artist Caitlyn Rooke.

By bringing together science, art, community voices and performance, the creators hope to encourage audiences to reflect on their relationship with local waterways and the importance of protecting these environments for future generations.

Rooted in the River is supported by funding from the Research Ireland Discover Programme and the Department of Education. The production is hosted by the University of Galway School of English, Media and Creative Arts and the School of Natural Sciences.

The event is free to attend, but advance booking is required through Eventbrite.

The Croí Corrib Charity Cycle is back this weekend, with hundreds of people expected to take part in raising fund for the lifesaving charity.

The 32nd annual Croí Corrib Charity Cycle takes place this Saturday, June 7, departing from University of Galway Dangan Sports Campus.

The cycle starts at the Dangan Sports Campus at 8am, and finishes at Croí House, Newcastle. There are two routes which will be affected throughout the morning and afternoon.

Due to the large number of cyclists taking part, Croí would like to advise motorists and road users that there may be delays in the area throughout Sunday.

The cycle starts at University of Galway Dangan Sports Campus at 8am, and finishes at Croí House, Newcastle, there are two routes which will be affected throughout the morning and afternoon:

50km Route An out-and-back route that departs from the Dangan Sports Facility Carpark (adjacent to NUIG), *out via the new Moycullen bypass, Oughterard, back *via the Moycullen bypass, and finishes at the Croí Heart & Stroke Centre, Newcastle, Galway City.

• This route does not go through Moycullen village
• https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46329569

107km Route : Departs from the Dangan Sports Facility Carpark (adjacent to NUIG), Moycullen, Spiddal, Rossaveal, Maam Cross, Oughterard, *back via the Moycullen bypass, and finishes at the Croí Heart & Stroke Centre, Newcastle, Galway City.

• This route goes through Moycullen village on the way out but back via the new Moycullen bypass.
• https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46329399

Please note there are no on the day registrations. Registrations close 12 noon Saturday, June 6

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.