Galway County Council is asking the public to help shape the first outdoor recreation strategy for County Galway, with a series of consultation workshops taking place during August.

The Galway County Outdoor Recreation Strategy will set out how outdoor amenities are improved, expanded and funded across the county. The development of the five-year strategy has been backed by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.

The strategy will map out high level priorities for new and existing facilities, examine what is already in place and identify strategic gaps in infrastructure and services.

It will also aim to strengthen cooperation between agencies, landowners and community groups involved in outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, mountain biking and water-based activities.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Andrew Reddington said public input would be central to shaping the final strategy. “Galway’s natural environment is one of its greatest strengths and I encourage anyone with an interest in the outdoors to attend the workshops.

“The strategy should support activities ranging from walking and cycling to paddlesports, while ensuring the county’s landscapes are protected for future generations.”

Chief Executive Liam Conneally said the strategy would act as a blueprint for future development. “This is the first time a dedicated Outdoor Recreation Strategy has been prepared for County Galway, and it offers an opportunity to create a shared vision for how people experience and enjoy the county’s exceptional natural landscapes.

“We look forward to working with communities, landowners and recreational groups to identify ways to enhance existing amenities and develop new opportunities in a sustainable and accessible way.

“Outdoor recreation plays an important role in supporting the health, wellbeing and quality of life of our citizens, and this strategy will help shape the future development of outdoor recreation across County Galway for years to come.”

Five consultation events will take place across the county’s Municipal Districts and will be led by Outscape, the consultancy appointed to prepare the strategy.

The first workshop is scheduled for Oughterard Courthouse on Monday, August 10, at 7pm.

Athenry Community Hall will host a session from 2pm to 4pm on Tuesday, August 11, followed by an evening workshop at Harmony Hall, Brú Bhríde Family Resource Centre in Tuam at 7pm.

On Wednesday, August 12, events will take place at Ballinasloe Family and Community Resource Centre from 2pm to 4pm and at Temperance Hall in Loughrea at 7pm.

Following the in-person public consultation events, an online survey will be available on Galway.ie from Monday, August 17 to Monday, August 31. The survey will give people who are unable to attend the consultations an opportunity to share their views and help shape the development of the strategy.

Michael Owens, Director of Services with Galway County Council and Chairperson of the Galway County Outdoor Recreation Committee, said the consultation process marked an important milestone in developing a long-term vision for outdoor recreation across the county.

“Following the establishment of the Galway County Outdoor Recreation Committee earlier this year, the public consultation process represents an important step towards a coordinated countywide approach to high quality, accessible and sustainable outdoor recreation for residents and visitors.”

The Galway County Outdoor Recreation Strategy will align with the national strategy, Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, and will guide future investment by Galway County Council and partner organisations. Outdoor recreation, as defined for the strategy, covers activities in natural settings and does not include pitch sports or motorised pursuits.

Meanwhile, Galway County Council has invited applications under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme 2026/2027, which supports the development, enhancement and promotion of outdoor recreation infrastructure in rural areas.

The scheme provides funding across four measures, ranging from project development grants of up to €100,000 to strategic infrastructure projects worth up to €500,000. Applications for the Project Development Measure and Measure 1 close on 20 August, while the deadline for applications for Measures 2 and 3 is 10 November.

HSE West and North West has announced the appointment of Eileen Kelly to the role of Hospital Manager at Portiuncula University Hospital (PUH).

A native of Ballinlough, County Roscommon, Eileen brings more than 25 years of healthcare experience to the role, having worked across a range of clinical, academic and senior management positions within both the public and private health sectors.

Eileen graduated from University College Dublin with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Radiography in 1999 and began her career as a radiographer, holding a number of clinical posts before joining Galway University Hospitals in 2007 as a Clinical Specialist Radiographer.

In 2014, she returned to University College Dublin as a lecturer in the School of Medicine, where she taught on both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. She re-joined Galway University Hospitals in 2016 as Radiography Services Manager.

Since moving from clinical practice into healthcare management in 2018, Eileen has held a number of senior regional leadership roles, including working with the patient flow improvement project team and serving as Clinical Services Improvement Manager in the Office of the Chief Clinical Director for the Saolta University Health Care Group.

She also served as General Manager for the Women’s and Children’s Network for HSE West and North West and, until recently, was General Manager for Maternity Services at Portiuncula University Hospital. During her 18 months in this role, she supported the delivery and ongoing development of maternity services.

Throughout her career, Eileen has led a broad range of service development, quality improvement and transformational change initiatives, with a strong focus on improving patient care, operational performance and healthcare delivery.

Commenting on her appointment Eileen Kelly said, “I am honoured to take up the role of Hospital Manager at Portiuncula University Hospital. Having worked alongside the dedicated staff at PUH over the past 18 months, I have seen first-hand their commitment to delivering high-quality care to patients and their families.”

“I look forward to working with colleagues across the hospital, our community partners and stakeholders to continue developing services, improving patient experiences and ensuring the best possible outcomes for the communities we serve.”

Café Link, a social enterprise providing meaningful employment and training for adults with intellectual disabilities, has officially opened the doors to its second café in Ballybane.

The new outlet is a training café at SCCUL Enterprises, Castlepark Road, Ballybane, serving breakfast, lunches, cakes and coffees to the local community, operating 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. The café will also support event catering delivery.

The community-backed initiative, supported by Galway City Council, the HSE and SCCUL Enterprises, expands supported employment for adults with intellectual disabilities

The opening marks a milestone moment for Café Link, which has been part of Galway life since 1994. Founded by parents of adults with intellectual disabilities who wanted meaningful occupation for their children, the organisation has grown and evolved over three decades.

The café relaunched at 25 Newcastle Road in 2024, reestablishing their catering delivery service, and now employs 16 people with an intellectual disability across its kitchen and café operations.

The Ballybane expansion reflects growing demand for supported employment placements and a clear community need identified through a local area assessment, which found that a welcoming, affordable place to meet informally was the number one priority for the area.

Shane Touhy, General Manager of Café Link said, “It’s an exciting time for Link Galway CLG as we open the doors to our new training café in Ballybane. It feels like we are returning to our roots, delivering a supported training cafe model.”

“The partnership came about as a result of the Ballybane Needs Analysis for the area where the community cited a lack of space to meet friends or family for coffee.”

“Café Link not only offers supported training to people with a disability, gaining a foot into employment, but also meets this important need for Ballybane in our stylish new community cafe.”

The Ballybane café came about through conversations with Joanne Laffey, Enterprise Centre and Bizmentors Manager of SCCUL Enterprises, whose support has been central to making the project possible. SCCUL is providing the premises at no cost to Café Link, enabling the social enterprise to direct resources directly into staffing, training and service delivery.

Joanne Laffey, Enterprise Centre and Bizmentors Manager of SCCUL Enterprises, said, “We’ve recognised for some time that Ballybane was missing a welcoming, informal space where people could meet, chat and connect outside of a class, programme or training environment.”

“That came through very strongly in the Ballybane Needs Analysis undertaken last year, where the community identified a local café as a real priority. We were delighted to partner with Café Link to help bring that vision to life.”

“As a social enterprise ourselves, it was important to us that this remained a genuinely social initiative with community impact at its heart, and Café Link was the obvious partner.”

“Their commitment to supported employment, inclusion and quality aligns so closely with our own values. We hope the community will truly embrace this space, and we look forward to seeing it become a focal point for Ballybane for many years to come.”

Café Link Ballybane is designed to serve the whole community, as a place to get a good coffee, a home-cooked lunch and a friendly welcome, while also providing real, supported employment for people who have been waiting for that opportunity.

The café will function as a training kitchen and supported employment setting, with the same standards and expectations as Café Link’s Newcastle location. All food is homemade and locally sourced, and packaging is compostable.

The project has been made possible through a combination of community-minded partnerships and public funding, including the St Columbus Credit Union, Galway City Council CAIRDE Fund, the HSE Lotto Fund and The Housing Finance Agency via Galway City Council.

A new pilot scheme providing accessible beach mats at Ballyloughane and Silverstrand has been launched in Galway City, improving access to the shoreline for wheelchair users, people with mobility difficulties, families with buggies and older people.

The initiative is a collaboration between Galway City Council, Galway Beach Access Group, Galway City Partnership, Tús and the Irish Wheelchair Association, all working together to make Galway City’s beaches more inclusive.

Day-to-day operation of the mats, subject to tidal and weather conditions, will be managed by Galway City Partnership through the Tús scheme, ensuring that the mats are safely installed and maintained. Galway City Council provided mats, storage units, and equipment with demonstrations to the volunteer groups.

Sharon Connolly, Senior Engineer, Galway City Council said, “Galway City is delighted to work with the volunteers and the representative groups to come up with a workable solution for a pilot at beaches in Sliverstrand and Ballyloughane.”

“These beaches are very popular destinations for visitors and families, and we look forward to the outcomes of this pilot and exploring future collaborations and possibilities”.

Both Galway Beach Access Group and the Irish Wheelchair Association have welcomed the launch of the project and expressed their gratitude to Galway City Council, Galway City Partnership and Tús for helping to deliver this important service for Galway.

A spokesperson for the collaboration said, “By working together, we are taking a practical step towards making our beaches more welcoming for everyone. These mats will make it easier for people with reduced mobility to enjoy Ballyloughane and Silverstrand.”

Linda Sice Brogan, CEO, Galway City Partnership said, “Galway City Partnership is delighted to have played a key role in making this project happen. Access for all to our wonderful natural amenities in Galway is a core part of GCP’s social inclusion mission.”

“This project is another example of effective local partnership in action. We look forward to the locals and visitors using the mats and to hearing their feedback so that longer-term access can be secured.”

The pilot scheme started in Silverstrand Beach on Tuesday, July 28. The pilot at Ballyloughane Beach will begin in early August.

The pilot will run until the end of August 2026, with a regular schedule to be published indicating when the mats will be in place.

It is hoped that a successful trial will lead to a longer-term strategy and an expanded programme of accessible beach infrastructure across Galway City.

An Garda Síochána is conducting an extensive roads policing operation this August bank holiday weekend. It began on Thursday morning and continues until next Tuesday morning.

During the weekend Gardaí will focus on the four lifesaver offences in an effort to ensure that all road users get home safe this weekend.

1. Speeding
2. Driving under the influence of an intoxicant
3. Using a mobile phone while driving
4. Not wearing a seatbelt

The August Bank Holiday weekend is traditionally very busy on Irish roads. People use the long weekend as an opportunity to enjoy summer staycations, travel to family and friends and enjoy the many festivals and amenities across the country.

As of Tuesday morning 105 people have lost their lives in road traffic collisions in Ireland. Last year saw the highest number of deaths on Irish roads in a decade. This year’s figures are significantly higher (+13) compared to the same time last year.

Assistant Commissioner Denis Ferry, Roads Policing and Community Engagement, said, “The current level of fatalities on Irish roads and the tragic increase we’ve observed over the past few years is very concerning. Each fatality is not just a number; it is a person with a family, friends, colleagues and a community.”

“These rising fatalities are symptomatic of a bigger and very worrying concern around road safety in general. We are repeatedly seeing high levels of detections and enforcement activity by our members due to sustained non-compliance with road traffic laws by road users.

“Road safety needs to be a priority for everyone. The August Bank Holiday weekend is traditionally very busy on our roads. Our message is simple: slow down, put your mobile phone away, wear your seatbelt and never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. These simple actions will help save a life this weekend.”

During the first half of 2026, an average of one driver was arrested by An Garda Síochána every hour of every day for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. That’s over 4,600 arrests between January 1 and June 30.

During the same time period this year:
• Over 119,000 fixed charge notices were issued for speeding
• Over 14,500 fixed charge notices were issued for using a mobile phone while driving
• Over 3,000 fixed charge notices were issued for not wearing a seatbelt

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Seán Canney, said, “The August Bank Holiday weekend is a wonderful time for everyone to enjoy. When you are out and about this weekend, I would urge you to take care, slow down, pay attention to your surroundings and do not take unnecessary risks.”

“Too many families and communities have already experienced devastating loss this year, with road fatalities higher in the first half of 2026 than during the same period last year. Please make safety your number one priority. Everyone has a right to feel safe on our roads – let’s work together to do that.”

Michael Rowland, Director of Research, Standards and Assurance, Road Safety Authority, commented, “Overall, 57% of fatalities occurred on higher speed roads with a speed limit of 80km/h or greater. Tragically, there has been a significant increase in fatalities among young people. Those aged 16-25 years account for 27% of all deaths this year.”

“Weekends are also a problem, with two in five of all fatalities occurring on Saturday and Sunday, while one quarter of fatalities occurred between 12pm-4pm and a further 24% between 8pm-12am.”

“The choices we make behind the wheel matter. We are asking all road users, particularly drivers, to exercise caution when using the roads this weekend.”

“We know from coroner data that alcohol plays a major role in fatal collisions. We are asking drivers who are out socialising this weekend to leave the keys at home, identify a designated driver to get home safely, and never drink and drive. Also, never get into a car with a driver who has consumed alcohol.”

“Finally, remember you may still be impaired the morning after a night out, so bear this in mind if you are thinking about driving the next morning.”

HSE West and North West is advising people in Galway and Roscommon to be aware of their options of care this August 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 on care options available to them.

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

To help ensure that emergency care is prioritised for those who need it most, people are encouraged to think ahead and consider alternatives such as GPs, out-of-hours services, pharmacies and Injury Units where appropriate.

As many people will be spending more time outdoors, the HSE also reminds everyone to take care in the sun by drinking plenty of water, wearing sunscreen, and limiting time in direct sunlight during peak hours.

By making informed choices about where to seek care and taking simple precautions to stay safe, the public can help ease pressure on health services over the weekend.

Ann Cosgrove, HSE Integrated Healthcare Area Manager, Galway and Roscommon said, “Bank Holiday weekends usually result in increased attendances at our hospitals.”

“To help us provide the best service possible to patients attending the Emergency Department who are seriously ill, please consider the other care options available before deciding whether you need to attend the ED.”

“These options include GP out-of-hours services, pharmacies and local injury units. However, if you or someone else is seriously ill and needs urgent emergency care, do not delay going to the ED or dialling 999 or 112 for help.”

Care options available this August Bank Holiday weekend include:

GP Out-of-Hours Service (Westdoc):

If you urgently need to see a GP over the bank holiday weekend, you should contact your local out-of-hours GP service, Westdoc. The service operates across the weekend, appointments must be made in advance. GP Out of Hours information is available on the HSE website here.

Your local pharmacy 

Community pharmacists provide expert advice and over-the-counter treatments for a wide range of minor illnesses. In addition to this expert advice, a new service is available which allows pharmacists to supply prescription-only medication without the need to see a GP.

The following common conditions can be treated under the Common Conditions Service; allergic rhinitis, cold sores, conjunctivitis, impetigo, oral thrush, shingles, cystitis (uncomplicated urinary tract infection), vaginal thrush. Information about the scheme is available on the HSE website here.

Injury Units – Roscommon Injury Unit:

Roscommon Injury Unit is open from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week, including bank holidays. It treats non-life-threatening injuries such as broken bones, dislocations, sprains, wounds, scalds and minor burns. The unit provides services such as X-rays, plaster casts, and wound care. No appointment is required; patients can attend directly. You can find your local injury unit here.

Mental health supports

Information about when to get help, organisations that provide mental health services and types of specialist services are available here.

July 2026 is on course to be one of the busiest months in many years, with record levels of activity and numerous call outs for teams on the coast and on inland waterways.

This high volume of incidents brought the Coast Guard, RNLI, and Water Safety Ireland together for World Drowning Prevention Day last weekend to promote safety on the water.

The theme for World Drowning Prevention Day 2026 was ‘Unite to turn the tide’ with a call on every sector and every level of society to unite to reduce drowning by 35% by 2035.

To date this year, 37 people have lost their lives in Irish waters, with each tragedy leaving a devastating and lasting impact on families, friends and communities.

Recent warm weather has brought significantly more people to Ireland’s beaches, rivers, lakes and coastline, leading to a sharp increase in demand for Coast Guard services and lifeguard interventions.

So far this year, the Coast Guard has coordinated more than 1,700 incidents, resulting in 385 lives saved and over 1,600 people assisted. The scale of demand is reflected in the second week of July alone, when the Coast Guard coordinated 140 incidents, one of the highest incident totals recorded in a single week.

As the organisations reflect on an exceptionally busy summer period, they are urging everyone planning activities on or near the water to be prepared, understand the risks, and take simple steps to help ensure that everyone returns home safely.

• If you are taking part in activities on or near the water, remember to:
• Check weather forecasts and tide times before heading out.
• If walking along the shoreline, remain alert to rising tides, which can quickly lead to stranding
• Choose lifeguarded beaches where possible, always swim with others, and stay within your depth
• Be aware of rip currents, which can rapidly carry even strong swimmers away from shore
• Warm weather does not mean safe water. Cold water can cause cold-water shock, significantly increasing the risk of drowning.
• Enter the water slowly to allow your body to adjust
• Ensure children are kept under constant, uninterrupted supervision near water.
• Avoid alcohol before swimming, operating watercraft, or spending time near the water
• Always wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid when participating in activities on the water
• Pay attention to all water safety signs, flags and local warnings
• Tell someone ashore about your plans and expected return time
• Always carry a means of calling for help, such as a fully charged mobile phone or a marine VHF radio.

If you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast or think that they are in trouble, use marine VHF radio Ch 16 or dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.

Galway County Council has signed a €3.4 million contract with Burns Construction & Civil Engineering Ltd. for the construction of a new fire station in Loughrea, with work expected to begin in the coming weeks.

The single-storey station on the Athenry Road will replace the town’s existing fire station, which is more than 50 years old. Construction is expected to take around 15 months.

The new facility will include a two-bay appliance hall, training and lecture rooms, a workshop, welfare facilities, specialist equipment storage, a drill yard and a training tower.

It has also been designed to achieve an A energy rating through the use of an air source heat pump, high levels of insulation and other energy-efficient measures.

Chief Fire Officer Gerry O’Malley said the existing fire station was more than 50 years old and no longer met modern operational requirements.

“The new facility will provide significantly enhanced welfare and training facilities for the fire crews, while also addressing the health and safety concerns associated with the present station.”

Mr O’Malley also highlighted the collaboration required to bring the project to construction stage, thanking Council officials, Fire Service colleagues, elected members and everyone involved in progressing the development.

Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, Cllr Andrew Reddington, said the new station would be “an important asset for Loughrea town and the wider area it will serve”.

He said it would work alongside neighbouring fire stations “in providing an effective fire and emergency response for the people of Loughrea and County Galway”.

Cllr Moegie Maher paid tribute to all parties involved in bringing the project through to construction stage. He also said the future use of the existing fire station site should now be considered.

“As the site is centrally located in the town, any future development should provide appropriate infrastructure and facilities serving local people, businesses and services,” he said.

Cathaoirleach of Loughrea MD, Cllr Geraldine Donohue, said the shortcomings of the existing station had been evident for many years. She acknowledged the efforts of current and former councillors who had campaigned for a replacement station and said their work had helped bring the project to this stage.

Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council, welcomed the €3.4 million investment and thanked Minister Seán Canney for his support, as well as Council staff, including Galway County Fire and Rescue Service, and the elected members for their work in bringing the project to fruition.

“The new fire station is a major investment in Loughrea and will provide a modern facility that is urgently needed. The project is positive news for the town and the wider community. It reflects the significant collaboration between elected members, Council officials and all those involved in advancing the development.”

The East Galway community will celebrate the completion of its new outdoor swimming pool with a Community Open Day at Shannon Bank Park this Saturday, August 1.

The free event will begin at 10am and will feature wellness classes, a 3km community run, kayaking and paddleboarding activities, the Shannon Poc Fada and a family friendly picnic in the park.

A group of swimmers completing the 3.5km journey from Shannon Harbour to Banagher will arrive at approximately 3pm. The day will conclude at 4pm with the unveiling of sponsored nameplates, a ribbon-cutting ceremony and official opening.

The Community Open Day marks the culmination of an ambitious fundraising campaign led by the Shannon Bank Park Development Group.

Since the campaign was launched in February 2025, the community has raised more than €195,000 towards the wider €850,000 development. The project also received €616,000 through the Fáilte Ireland EU Just Transition Fund.

The new facility provides an improved outdoor swimming experience at Shannon Bank Park, including wheelchair access, additional seating, wider pontoons and a dedicated launch area for kayaks and paddleboards.

Johnny Butler from the Shannon Bank Park Development Group said, “This project has been made possible by an extraordinary community effort.”

“People from Banagher and the surrounding areas of East Galway, West Offaly, and North Tipperary and the wider midlands region supported the campaign through fundraising events, sponsored nameplates and individual contributions.”

“The new pool is a free, accessible amenity for local people and visitors to swim, exercise and enjoy the River Shannon. The Community Open Day is an opportunity to thank everyone who helped to make it happen and to celebrate the achievement together.”

Fundraising activities included swimming, cycling and hiking challenges, a pony trek, a tractor run, school events, an auction and a fundraising night at Melba’s nightclub. More than 2,600 individual contributions were also made through the campaign’s online fundraising platform.

The Community Open Day is supported by Banagher Tidy Towns, Lough Derg Watersports, West Offaly Training, Sexton’s SuperValu Banagher and The Martello Coffee Dock.

Parking at Shannon Bank Park will be limited on the day. Attendees are encouraged to walk or cycle where possible.

Archaeologists have rediscovered a ‘lost’ Neolithic tomb and located a second, previously unidentified, tomb during excavations at a prehistoric site revealing new evidence about the earliest farming communities in the west of Ireland.

Led by Dr Michelle Comber and Dr Noel McCarthy of the Discipline of Archaeology at University of Galway, the excavation in the Maree area of Co Galway has revealed two different types of megalithic tombs dating back almost 6,000 years.

Researchers believe the site represents the only known example in Ireland where a court tomb and a portal tomb are found together, offering important new evidence about the people who built them during the early Neolithic period – the first farmers in this part of the world.

Court tombs were burial monuments with an open area or ‘court’ where ritual/ceremonial activities took place, while portal tombs were stone-built burial chambers marked by a large capstone.

The discovery of these two monument types side-by-side provides a rare opportunity to examine different approaches to burial, ritual and monument building in the Ireland of the Stone Age.

Project co-lead Dr Michelle Comber said, “The chance to find and excavate sites like these within the area of our larger research project provides a golden opportunity to locate – and attempt to understand – the first farmers of this place.”

“Working here with colleagues, students, and community members, playing a part in such important discoveries, is thrilling both professionally and personally.”

“The size and scale of the tombs, and the effort required to construct them, reflect a sizeable community living in and farming this part of coastal Galway. Their location right next to each other represents a meeting of two traditions, raising new questions about the nature of that interaction.”

Project co-lead Dr Noel McCarthy said, “The opportunity to investigate a site like this is not something that occurs very often. Discovering the second monument has added a layer of complexity that informs our understanding of culture and society in the Neolithic period and beyond.”

“Whole communities came together to create these monuments in what must have been great displays of group identity and religious expression.”

Once thought completely destroyed, the court tomb at Prospecthill, Maree, has been uncovered by University of Galway archaeological excavations this summer. One of the southernmost examples of this type of tomb, it is also one of the largest discovered, at approximately 30m in length.

Right beside the court tomb, and previously unrecorded as a burial monument, the remains of a large portal tomb have also been discovered. Its impressive capstone measures almost 4m in length and 1m thick, weighing an estimated 14 tonnes.

Archaeologists on the site also identified a large bedrock pit in which the portal tomb was originally constructed. This enabled the exceptional preservation of the original burial deposits, providing a rare opportunity to investigate evidence from the monument’s earliest use, offering fresh insights into how these communities honoured and buried their dead.

The excavation uncovered stone tools, prehistoric pottery and cremated bone, including a small amethyst pendant from the portal tomb. While quartz beads are known from a few megalithic sites, nothing like this amethyst pendant is known from anywhere in Ireland.

Both tomb types are dated to the early Neolithic period and, despite their name, both tombs represent much more than just places of burial. They were the focus of communal gatherings and rituals, some of which involved human remains and ancestral interaction.

The discoveries have been made as part of the University of Galway research project, MAREE – Land Use Through Time, which is exploring how people lived and used the landscape in the area over thousands of years.

The latest discoveries build on the project’s first excavation season in 2025, when archaeologists confirmed Rathgurreen Ringfort as a high-status Early Medieval settlement occupied by rulers and nobles. That excavation uncovered links to trade and contact extending to Rome, Scotland, France and Scandinavia.

This year’s discoveries have extended the research project’s timeline back into early prehistory, offering new evidence about the origins of farming, settlement and territoriality in the west of Ireland. This is key to understanding the long and continuing relationship between people and land in this landscape.

The excavation is being carried out by researchers and students from University of Galway, alongside community volunteers, and hosted by the local landowner the Burke family, with support from the Royal Irish Academy and survey work by the Discovery Programme, the national archaeological research body supported by the Heritage Council.

Twelve community projects across County Galway are to share €100,000 in funding for biodiversity, climate action and environmental improvements under the Local Environmental Action Fund (LEAF).

Galway County Council approved the funding at its July meeting, with €50,000 provided by IPB Insurance to mark its centenary and a further €50,000 contributed by the local authority.

The funding is aimed at supporting Tidy Towns groups and community organisations to deliver projects that enhance biodiversity, improve public spaces and promote more sustainable communities.

Galway County Council said the initiative targeted towns and villages that have performed strongly in the national Tidy Towns competition, including Gold, Silver and Bronze medal winners, recent Endeavour Award recipients and Galway’s two 2026 Pride of Place entrants.

Allocations have been made to community groups in Milltown, Oranmore, Abbey (South Galway), Tuam, An Spidéil, Ballygar, Clifden, Kilkerrin (North Galway), Kinvara, Mountbellew, Portumna and Woodford.

Cllr Andrew Reddington, Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway said, “This is a unique initiative in that it attempts to offer strategic funding to communities on a particular Tidy Towns pathway.”

“All our tidy towns groups do very necessary work that complements the work of the Local Authority in keeping our towns and villages looking as well as they can.”

The largest allocation of €18,000 was awarded to Abbey Community Development Association for a major biodiversity project that includes creating a pollinator corridor, expanding a community orchard, planting native trees and hedgerows, developing wildlife habitats, installing rainwater harvesting systems and biodiversity signage, and transforming the entrance to the Cineál Feichín housing estate into a community nature space.

Milltown Tidy Towns received €15,000 for projects including a sensory garden, community garden, wildflower habitats and an accessible picnic area, while Woodford Parish Development was allocated €12,703 for a Living Carbon Garden featuring rainwater harvesting, native planting, bird and insect boxes, educational workshops and green business initiatives.

Ballygar Tidy Towns secured €12,523 to replace petrol-powered maintenance equipment with battery-operated alternatives, introduce pollinator planting, native hedging, water butts and energy-efficient lighting.

Oranmore Tidy Towns was awarded €10,000 to develop a Bat Discovery Trail and biodiversity enhancement project centred on its existing Bloom Postcard Garden.

Clifden Tidy Towns received €9,757 to create a pollinator-friendly community garden and improve planting at Tullyvoheen estate, while Tuam Tidy Towns secured €6,072 to establish a green corridor and pocket orchard along the River Nanny through the removal of invasive species.

Kinvara Tidy Towns was allocated €6,042 for a community polytunnel, raised beds and educational facilities to support biodiversity projects linked to its Biodiversity Action Plan.

Portumna Tidy Towns received €4,656 for a polytunnel to support year-round community growing, while Mountbellew District and Development Association was awarded €3,000 to create a new pollinator garden around public sculptures.

Smaller grants included €1,127 for Kilkerrin Tidy Towns to establish a community orchard, plant native hedging and purchase battery-powered maintenance equipment, and €1,120 for Coiste na mBailte Slachtmhara an Spidéil to develop a biodiversity-friendly community garden behind Spiddal Library.

Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council, stated, “Galway County Council is committed to supporting communities through various schemes and this initiative targeted at Tidy Towns organisations is such an example.”

“With the great voluntary work that happens in communities, these specific funding interventions can go a long way. We are delighted to partner with IPB and local communities in delivering this initiative.”

Mr. Conneally added that the projects would strengthen local biodiversity, support climate action and build on the long-standing contribution of community volunteers to the appearance and environmental quality of towns and villages across the county.

Galway City Council is progressing plans to install new cycling and pedestrian infrastructure on the east side of Galway City along the Monivea Road.

The active travel scheme works will involve the provision of a segregated high quality cycle route along the R339 Monivea Road between the junction with the Ballybane road and Old Ballybrit Road.

The existing Monivea Road is a single lane two-way carriageway, widening in places to two lanes at junctions to allow for turning lanes. Monivea Road has no existing cycling infrastructure but has footways on both sides of its length. The section of Monivea Road under consideration is approximately 1.7km long.

The development will consist of:

• The provision of a typically 3m wide two-way cycle track, reducing in places where constraints exist.
• Reduction in road carriageway widths (typically 3.2m wide lanes).
• Junction realignments and the introduction of raised crossings on all side roads to prioritise pedestrian and cyclist movements.
• Straight through cycle lane/track crossings on all side road junctions to prioritise cyclists’ movements.
• The provision of signalised crossings for pedestrians and cyclists.
• The introduction of pedestrian and shared crossing points at several locations.
• The provision of landscaping along the routes.

The plans for this development can currently be viewed online or at City Hall until Friday, August 21 during public hours.

Submissions related to the project can be made at the link above or to the planning department of the city council. Public submissions must be received before Friday, September 4 to be considered valid.