The annual Croí Charity Ball will take place next month at The Galmont Hotel & Spa to raise money for this lifesaving charity.

The evening on Friday, March 20, will bring together healthcare professionals, community champions, supporters and corporate leaders for a spectacular black-tie event to raise funds in aid of heart disease and stroke prevention.

Building on more than three decades of incredible support, the Croí Charity Gala Ball continues to be one of the largest and longest-running charity gala events in the West of Ireland.

Funds raised on the night will directly support Croí’s life-changing prevention, rehabilitation and support programmes for those living with heart disease and the effects of stroke.

Guests will be welcomed with Guinness and Moran’s oysters, cocktail  reception, followed by a sumptuous four-course gala dinner.

Entertainment on the evening will be led by renowned Irish Comedian, Bernard O’Shea, who will act as Master of Ceremonies, ensuring a night filled with laughter, warmth and energy.

Following dinner, guests can dance the night away with live entertainment and music into the early hours, making this a standout date in the Galway social calendar.

Speaking about the event, Christine Flanagan, Director of Fundraising at Croí, said, “The Croí Annual Charity Gala Ball represents the very best of community spirit and corporate partnership.”

“We are deeply grateful to Irish Life for their continued support as Title Sponsor. Events like this are critical in enabling Croí to meet the growing demand for our services and to continue supporting individuals and families affected by heart disease and stroke.”

Oisin O’Shaughnessy, Managing Director, Irish Life Employer Solutions, said, “At Irish Life, we are proud to continue our partnership with Croí. This sponsorship reinforces our shared commitment to proactive and preventative care.”

“As a trusted partner to employers, we support businesses throughout Ireland in creating better lives for their people – through improving physical, mental and financial wellbeing.”

Tickets and corporate tables are expected to sell quickly. Sponsorship and advertising opportunities are also available for organisations wishing to align with one of the region’s most prestigious charity events.

To book tickets or learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please visit:
www.croi.ie/event/croi-annual-gala-ball-2026

A public consultation is currently open on plans for a new active travel scheme in the vicinity of Oranmore Train Station to improve pedestrian and cycling facilities.

Galway County Council is proposing an active travel scheme, subject to funding, on the R338 Coast Road, Oranmore, between and including the junction with Train Station Access Road to the west and the Tesco Access Road Roundabout to the east.

A public consultation is now open on this scheme, with submissions being accepted until 12pm on Friday, March 6

The proposed measures include:

• Upgrades to pedestrian facilities along the route, including upgrades and repairs to existing footpaths
• New cycle facilities along the route, including roughly 800m length of shared path and 300m length of segregated cycle track.
• Changes to Station Road/Coast Road junction, including removal of the left turn slip and splitter islands.
• Upgrades to the Tesco Access Road Roundabout, including raised-table pedestrian and cyclist crossings
• New 4m wide Toucan pedestrian and cyclist crossings on Coast Road.
• Removal of existing and construction of new parallel signalised and pedestrian crossing on Station Road, approximately 28m north from the junction with Coast Road.
• New raised-table uncontrolled pedestrian and cyclist crossings at the Train Station Access junction, the L7105 Local Road junction, and the Inse Ghlas and the Costa na Mara access road junctions.

Details and drawings of these proposed works can be found on the county council’s website at https://consult.galway.ie/. Public submissions regarding the plans can also be made at that same address.

Additionally, they may also be inspected, during normal working hours, at: Galway County Council, Aras an Chontae, Prospect Hill

It was a good day for two Galway businesses in the motor industry recently, as both walked away with prizes naming them among the best in the country.

Collision Experts Galway East was named Bodyshop of the Year for the Irish Motor Industry Awards at the Clayton Hotel in Dublin.

SIMI President Mark Woods congratulated this year’s award winners and nominees. Acknowledging the wide, diverse, and wonderful businesses that form the Irish Motor Industry.

An independent panel adjudicated the winners in six award categories, highlighting excellence and best practices in the Irish Motor Industry over the past year.

Also announced were the regional winners of the ZEVI EV Dealership of the Year Awards, with Fred Kilmartin Ltd in Ballinasloe being named the Best Dealership in Connacht.

Addressing attendees, Mr. Woods commented, “The automotive industry is undergoing a dramatic transformation. The shift to battery-electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles is an exciting moment for our sector.”

“Change on this scale brings increased costs, new regulatory demands, and a different way of doing business.

“This decarbonisation transition will be delivered through a combination of technologies: electric and hybrid vehicles, low-carbon fuels, and ongoing efficiency improvements across the entire fleet.”

“Managing this transformation requires coordinated action from policymakers, infrastructure providers, energy suppliers, and industry, so that emissions continue to fall while maintaining affordable, practical, and accessible mobility for consumers and for businesses.”

Portiuncula Hospital has appointed a new Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP) in Oncology to continue to improve cancer care services in the hospital.

Sarah Ennis has been appointed to the new role, where she will be responsible for the assessment, diagnosis and management of patients receiving oral anti-cancer therapies.

She provides care to patients with a wide range of cancers, including breast, ovarian, colorectal, prostate, lung, brain and neuroendocrine cancers, and works closely with two Consultant Medical Oncologists in dedicated Medical Oncology Clinics.

The Oncology Department at PUH operates as a fully nurse-led service and continues to expand its capacity to meet growing demand.

As the department’s second Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Sarah practises independently as part of an experienced multidisciplinary nursing team, including a Clinical Nurse Manager, Clinical Nurse Specialists and Staff Nurses, supporting the delivery of timely, high-quality care closer to patients’ homes.

A native of County Roscommon, Sarah graduated in General Nursing from Dublin City University in 2014.

She began her career as a Staff Nurse at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, before gaining extensive oncology experience as a staff Nurse on the inpatient oncology ward at University Hospital Galway.

She later worked for two years at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne, Australia, across the chemotherapy day unit, medical day assessment unit and clinical trials.

On returning to Ireland, Sarah worked at St James’s Hospital, Dublin, on the Denis Burkitt Stem Cell Transplant Unit, and with TCP Homecare.

Sarah joined Portiuncula University Hospital in 2023 as a candidate Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Oncology, having completed postgraduate studies in Oncology Nursing at University College Cork.

During her two-year candidacy, she undertook advanced training in clinical assessment, diagnostics and medication management. This included completion of a Professional Diploma in Prescribing of Medication.

She subsequently achieved a Master of Science in Advanced Practice (Nursing) at University College Dublin, enabling her to register and practise as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner.

Commenting on her appointment, Sarah said, “Advanced nursing practice demonstrates the impact highly skilled nurses can have when working autonomously to deliver expert, patient-centred care.”

“My goal is to develop a nurse-led early breast cancer survivorship clinic, enabling patients to access high-quality follow-up care closer to home, in line with national and international guidelines.”

“As an Advanced Nurse Practitioner, I practise independently to diagnose, treat and support patients, while managing the side effects and toxicities associated with cancer and its treatment. Providing this level of care locally can make a real and meaningful difference for patients and their families.

“It is also essential to remain engaged with international research and developments in oncology. Attending the recent ESMO Congress in Berlin allowed me to bring the latest evidence and best practice directly to our patients, ensuring our care remains progressive and aligned with current standards.”

Mary Mahon, Director of Nursing at Portiuncula University Hospital, welcomed the appointment.

She said, “Sarah’s appointment as Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Oncology is a significant addition to our nurse-led oncology service.”

“Advanced nursing practice plays a vital role in improving patient access, continuity of care and clinical outcomes, and Sarah’s expertise will further strengthen the comprehensive oncology services available at Portiuncula University Hospital.”

A new recycling centre will be built in Galway County, with a contract now signed for a fourth civic amenity facility in Gort.

Galway County Council has signed a €496,763 public works contract with Kenny Civils & Plant Ltd for the construction of a new Civic Amenity Facility in Gort.

Located one kilometre from Gort town centre and the R458, the facility will accept a broad range of household recyclable material from households across South Galway.

The new centre will bring the number of Civic Amenity sites in the County to four, adding to existing facilities in Tuam, Ballinasloe and Clifden.

The facility is due to be operational by the end of the year and will operate under an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) licence.

Cllr David Collins, Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, said the development was, “a positive step for South Galway and a welcome investment in local services.”

“The new Civic Amenity Facility will make it easier for households to recycle, reduce waste and play their part in protecting our environment,” he added.

“It reflects the local authority’s commitment to balanced provision right across the County.”

Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council, said the contract marked, “an important milestone in delivering improved recycling infrastructure for the people of Gort and the wider South Galway area.”

“This facility supports national policy, meets a clear local need and provides for and maintains an equitable spread of Civic Amenity sites across County Galway, which is one of the objectives of the Galway County Development Plan.”

“It will also contribute to higher recycling rates and reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill, a key aim of the National Waste Management Plan for a Circular Economy 2024 to 2030.

“We look forward to seeing it operational by the end of the year,” stated Mr. Conneally.

Eileen Ruane, Director of Services with Galway County Council, added, “The completion of this new Civic Amenity Facility in Gort by year’s end will ensure that, for the first time, there is a Civic Amenity site serving each region of the county.”

“This represents a strategically important step in delivering balanced, countywide access to essential waste and recycling infrastructure.”

Ballinasloe-based contractor Kenny Civils & Plant Ltd will commence construction on the Gort Civic Amenity Facility in the coming weeks.

Galway based scientists, working with international partners, have detailed a new technique to repair and restore function to injury-ravaged nerve tissue.

The scientists set out to discover whether new methods to fix damaged nerve tissue could be identified, as the injury can cause irreversible loss of motor and sensory function, chronic pain and long-term disability for patients.

The research team at CÚRAM, the Taighde Éireann-Research Ireland Centre for Medical Devices based at University of Galway, along with colleagues from Queen Mary University of London and the Mayo Clinic in the US, have published findings of the study in the prestigious journal Cell Biomaterials.

The team reviewed current approaches for repair of nerve tissue, including autografts, which are made from a patient’s own nerve tissue; artificial nerve guides or scaffolds, which guide the growth of new nerve tissue; and gene therapy, which would essentially enable new growth.

The research led to the development of a collagen-based, neural guidance conduit that embeds and releases specific proteins, which promote the survival and development of neurons at the site of injury to promote nerve regeneration.

Dr Secil Demir, scientist with CÚRAM and lead author on the study, said that repairing nerve tissue represents a major technical challenge.

“Our process was a case of putting together the pieces of a puzzle, based on data generated from years of previous research, to really understand how nerve tissue regenerates and what exactly is missing at the injury site, that prevents its repair and regeneration.”

“Then we considered all of the current treatment approaches to see if we could address some of the limitations to treating these injuries.”

The treatment system uses proteins which assist with neuronal survival, growth and blood vessel development.

Dr Demir said, “Collaboration with colleagues at the Mayo Clinic in reviewing data from previous studies led us to a combination of the geneserythropoietin (EPO) gene and nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein that promotes the survival and development of neurons.”

“We were able to figure out the best ratio of EPO and NGF to accelerate nerve regeneration and improve functional recovery in larger nerve injuries.”

The model developed by the research team in the lab enables continuous, targeted release of protein within the repair zone to help nerves regenerate. This is the first time that this specific method has been used to achieve nerve and blood vessel activation in a large injury.

Professor Abhay Pandit, senior author and Scientific Director of CÚRAM, said, “Integration of this protein-delivery strategy into a clinically validated collagen conduit, addresses some of the core limitations of traditional neural guidance conduits, including limited translation beyond short-gap injuries.”

“These findings align with the growing body of work on biomaterial systems that help regenerate complex tissue, and we are excited to look at the next stage of this research.”

Work is due to begin this week on water mains replacement works to improve the water supply for the Corrandula area of Galway.

Uisce Éireann will replace almost a kilometre of aging water mains with new pipes as part of this programme of works.

These mains replacement works are meant to reduce the number of water outages suffered by people in the area from burst pipes and improve other operational issues.

The works will take place from Aucloggeen to Tumnahalla along the L-2121-47 and L-2121-40 roads. A total of 924 metres of new mains will be laid as part of the project.

Works are due to begin this week and are expected to be completed by the summer.

In order to ensure the safety of crews, road users and the general public while works are ongoing, traffic management measures in the form of 2/3 way traffic lights will be required. A temporary road closure will also be required later in the project.

Enda Mac Namara, Uisce Éireann Programme Manager, highlighted the benefits that the newly laid water mains will provide for the local community.

“This pipe network is aging and has become prone to leaks and bursts, which lead to supply disruptions for our customers.”

“This programme of works will provide a significantly improved water supply for homes and businesses in the Corrandulla area, while helping us work towards our long-term commitment to driving down leakage rates nationwide,” said Enda.

“We acknowledge that the works may cause some short-term disruptions for local residents, and we wish to thank the community for their support as we work to deliver this essential infrastructure.”

The Aer Arann Islands Half Marathon on Inis Mór is back, raising vital funds to support patients in the Mater Public Hospital and promising ceol, craic and camaraderie on the weekend of April 10 – 12.

Participants will touch down on the Aran Island for a weekend of action, breathtaking natural beauty and community, with the marathon itself taking place on the morning of Saturday, 11th April 2026.

Once again this year, the Mater Hospital Foundation and Aer Arann Islands are asking runners, joggers and walkers to join in the fun and participate in this marathon with a difference, with weekend, one-night, day trip and marathon only packages available.

The Half Marathon is a one-of-a-kind experience, offering the opportunity to take in the spectacular and scenic surroundings of Inis Mór and to soak up the atmosphere, ceol and culture that the island has to offer.

This unique event is raising vital funds for the Mater Hospital Foundation, with proceeds going to fund new equipment and projects to support staff and patients where it is needed most in the hospital.

Over the past three years, the Aer Arann Islands Half Marathon has raised just over €300k to transform and improve patient care in the Mater, which provides expert, specialist treatment to patients and their families from across Ireland each year.

Mary Moorhead, Chief Executive of the Mater Hospital Foundation, said, “The Aer Arann Islands Half Marathon has become one of the true highlights of our calendar, and we are honoured and excited to be heading back for a fourth amazing year.”

“The welcome our marathoners receive on the island from the residents, volunteers and the Half Marathon Committee is simply like no other, and this magic weekend wouldn’t be possible without their kindness and generosity.”

She adds, “We are delighted to welcome participants travelling from the US and Canada to soak up the Gaeltacht surroundings, as well as runners, joggers and walkers from all corners of Ireland.”

“If you would like to do something really special this spring, I’d urge you to sign up and take part in what will be a weekend to remember.”

Peter Mc Kenna, Managing Director, Aer Arann Islands shares, “This year, Aer Arann Islands is delighted to work with the Mater Hospital Foundation and the Inis Mór community to create another unforgettable and enjoyable experience whilst, at the same time, raising much needed funds to purchase vital equipment for the Mater Hospital.”

“The entire route passes through magnificent coastline scenery with world famous views of wide bays and sandy beaches.”

“So, whether you run, walk, or jog, the Aer Arann Islands Half Marathon is a unique and memorable experience for all involved. Thank you for your participation for this great cause and we look forward to flying you there.”

Get your ticket and fundraising page today by visiting www.materfoundation.ie/aerarann or by contacting the Mater Hospital Foundation’s Community and Events Specialist Angela McNulty at amcnulty@materfoundation.ie.

You can also find out more by visiting www.materfoundation.ie or call the Mater Hospital Foundation on 01 830 3482.

Over €1 million worth of bootleg cigarettes were found during a raid on a home in Co. Mayo on Saturday in an organised crime investigation.

Gardaí carried out a search under warrant of a residential property in Castlebar yesterday.

This search was part of ongoing investigations into organised criminal activity in the Mayo Division.

During the course of the search, Gardaí seized cigarettes with an estimated retail value of €1,100,000 along with €34,000 in cash.

The cigarettes seized will now be subject to further examination.

An Garda Síochána has said that investigations into this matter are ongoing.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses after a woman in her 80s was killed in a car crash which occurred near Eyrecourt on Saturday evening.

Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of a single vehicle collision at Rooaun at around 8:15pm on Saturday.

A woman in her 80s, the driver and only occupant of the car, was dead at the scene of the crash.

Her body was brought to the mortuary at Portiuncula Hospital, where a post-mortem examination will take place in due course.

The scene remains preserved for technical examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to this collision to come forward.

Anyone who was travelling in the area between 7:30pm and 8:30pm and who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) is asked to make that footage available to investigating Gardaí.

Gardaí can be contacted at Loughrea Garda Station on 091 842870, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Galway City Council has been awarded a €3.36 million grant for a major project to generate clean energy from the city’s canals.

Galway has become the first local authority in Ireland to receive funding under the European Urban Initiative (EUI) – Innovative Actions programme.

The Council has been awarded €3,363,213 through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to lead a pioneering project called WATERWAY.

This will involve the installation of three small-scale hydropower turbines at selected sites, bringing the canals that once powered the city’s mills and industries back to life.

The proposed locations currently being reviewed are the Mill Street Canal, Terryland Waterworks and the Mclaughlin Building, Nuns Island. The locations will undergo detailed design to finalise appropriate design considerations.

Some of the locations being considered already contain existing infrastructure such as turbines, sluices and culverts, allowing for modern energy production with minimal disruption to sites.

These turbines will harness the natural flow of the canals to generate electricity for public use, including powering buildings and EV charging, while also delivering clean, renewable energy back to the electrical grid.

Derek Pender, Director of Service, Galway City Council, said, “This initiative represents a significant step forward in Galway’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.”

“Once operational, the Galway City project will serve as a demonstration site for other local authorities across Ireland and the EU, showing how underused water infrastructure can be reimagined to deliver positive environmental, economic, and social impacts.’’

The project is currently in an early stage, but has completed all environmental screening for the selected locations.

The first turbine is expected to be installed in late 2026, with the remaining two turbines to be installed later after a public procurement process. All systems are scheduled to be operational by the end of the project in early 2029.

In addition, the University of Galway is currently developing new modules and training opportunities in renewable energy and hydropower as part of the WATERWAY project.

These are expected to launch in late 2026, with pilot programmes and short courses offered initially, followed by integration into formal academic programmes in the following years.

Damien Redington, Climate Action Coordinator, Galway City Council said, “A key component of WATERWAY is the establishment of a Living Lab – a space for workshops, learning experiences, and site visits aimed at schools, colleges, community groups, and the public.”

“This will ensure Galway residents are not only informed but actively involved in the city’s climate transformation.”

“The project will also help train Ireland’s next generation of climate professionals, with new academic modules developed by the University of Galway focused on hydropower, sustainability, and innovation.”

“Importantly, the energy generated through WATERWAY will provide ongoing revenue that is reinvested into local climate initiatives, community campaigns, and future green infrastructure.’’

A brave and dedicated beagle from Galway, 5-year-old Jessie, has been honoured for her role as a lifesaving search and rescue dog.

Jessie won the Search and Rescue Dog category at the Golden Paw Hero Dog Awards 2026 from the Irish Kennel Club, and is now in the running for the grand prize.

Jessie is a truly pioneering dog whose work with SARDA Ireland has made a nationally significant contribution to lifesaving efforts.

As Ireland’s first scent-specific trailing search and rescue dog and currently the only dog trained to NSARDA standard across Ireland, the UK and the Isle of Man, Jessie has set a new benchmark in search and rescue capability.

Starting training at just five months old, she mastered the challenging task of following a missing person’s unique scent from personal belongings, and has since applied these skills in real operations, including successful rescues in Co. Galway.

Her exceptional focus, determination, and precision, combined with her breed’s remarkable tracking instincts, make her an invaluable asset in both rural and urban searches.

After receiving hundreds of truly heartwarming nominations from across the country, the Irish Kennel Club announced the seven category winners for the Golden Paw Hero Dog Awards 2026, sponsored by Agria.

The awards aim to find and reward Ireland’s most courageous, brave and life changing canines in order to honour the love, companionship and service they give us on a day-to-day basis.

The esteemed panel of judges now has the incredibly ‘ruff’ job of choosing an overall winner, which will be announced at a glittering award ceremony at The Keadeen Hotel, Newbridge, on Saturday. The ceremony will be attended by a panel of judges, the canine winners themselves and their owners.

Category winners will receive a category trophy and a cash prize with the overall winner receiving the coveted overall trophy and an additional cash prize.

A Special Honorary Award will also be presented to recognise a dog whose pioneering contributions have left a lasting legacy.

Commenting on the category winners, Fiona Charles, Country Manager at Agria Petinsure Ireland, said, “Everyone at Agria is incredibly proud to sponsor the Golden Paw Hero Dog Awards alongside the Irish Kennel Club.”

“The stories behind this year’s winners are nothing short of inspiring. From life-saving service dogs to loyal companions who change lives in quieter ways, these heroes remind us why dogs hold such a special place in our hearts and homes.”

The Irish Kennel Club thanked Agria for their generous support and everyone who shared their inspiring stories by nominating their remarkable dogs.

“The nominations are a testament to the deep connections between humans and their canine companions, and to the extraordinary ways these four-legged heroes touch our lives every day,” a statement from the group said.

Plans for a new elective hospital at Merlin Park are proceeding, the HSE has confirmed, despite reports earlier this week that they had been abandoned.

Galway West TD John Connolly raised the matter in the Dáil yesterday in an exchange with Minister of State Mary Butler.

Deputy Connolly said that information provided by the HSE indicated that the facility plans had been downgraded, and could instead be something that would be “expanding or bolting-on” to the surgical hub under construction at Merlin Park.

In a statement on Thursday afternoon the HSE said that the plan “remains on track” for a new elective hospital on the Merlin Park campus.

“The HSE’s appointed design team are progressing with the design for the Elective Hospital in Galway, and with the aim of lodging a planning application later this year.”

The HSE apologised to Deputy Connolly, stating that the information which had been provided to him “did not provide an accurate picture of the development”.

The goal of the new hospital will be to “provide capacity to meet ambulatory (day care) demand” for procedures for which there is a high volume.

Crucially, the HSE has also said that there are no beds included in the plans for phase 1 of the elective hospital.

Additional bed capacity will instead be delivered by the planned two new blocks on the campus of University Hospital Galway, which will deliver 300 new beds when completed.

The surgical hub at Merlin Park, which is currently at an advanced stage of construction and is due to become operational on a phased basis later this year, providing four operating theatres and two minor-op procedure rooms when fully commissioned.

A new scholarship supporting women in engineering and digital health has been awarded for the first time at University of Galway.

Jescintha George Poruthur, a postgraduate student on the MSc in Medical Electronics and Digital Health, is the inaugural recipient of the Maev Creaven Scholarship.

Dorothy Creaven established the scholarship in memory of her sister, Maev Creaven, a University of Galway graduate and healthcare innovator.

An Electronic Engineering graduate, Maev Creaven was widely regarded as a pioneer in her field in Ireland, combining her scientific training with a commitment to wellbeing, education and practical innovation in healthcare.

Dorothy Creaven said, “Maev believed in pushing the boundaries of innovation in healthcare and encouraging people to think beyond conventional paths. This scholarship was established in her memory to support women who are applying engineering and technology in ways that can genuinely improve lives.”

“My family and I are proud to see her name associated with a programme that looks forward and supports the next generation of healthcare innovators.”

Professor Edward Jones, Programme Director of the MSc in Medical Electronics and Digital Health, said, “We’re very proud of Jescintha as the inaugural recipient of the Maev Creaven Scholarship.”

“She is a wonderful example of the energy and commitment to innovation in medical device technology that we aim to foster in this programme, reflecting the values – innovation, compassion, and impact – that defined Maev’s work. We thank Dorothy for creating a lasting tribute to her sister’s contribution to healthcare.”

Professor Laoise McNamara, Head of the School of Engineering, added, “We are sincerely grateful to Dorothy Creaven for establishing this scholarship for women pursuing the MSc in Medical Electronics and Digital Health.”

“This scholarship was created in honour of our former student Maev Creaven and reflects her strengths, passions, and commitment to these fields.”

“This scholarship will support talented students with the potential to thrive, creating a legacy that will inspire and empower our graduates to make a meaningful difference in engineering and digital health.”

The Local Enterprise Week in March will appeal to businesses of all sizes from across Galway, with the LEO hosting 19 separate events over five days.

Businesses and entrepreneurs from all across the county are invited to attend talks, workshops and pop-up events, with AI, digital futures and female empowerment very much in focus.

Among the highlights of the week, Sinéad D’Arcy of Future Roots will facilitate a talk entitled Mind the Gap: Thriving in a Multi-Generational Workplace. Taking place on Tuesday, March 3, at the Portershed, the event will focus on moving beyond stereotypes to understand the values, motivations and working styles of each generation.

It will provide practical ways individuals and organisations can bridge generational differences, leverage diverse strengths, and create teams that work better together.

The event will unpack how different life stages, experiences, and expectations shape the way people communicate, make decisions, and collaborate at work, and where friction – and opportunity – can arise.

It will include a panel discussion featuring voices and perspectives from Gen X (Michael Fitzgerald, Founder and CEO of OnePageCRM), Millennial (Marie Donnellan, CEO Platform94), and Gen Z (Orla Canney, Founder and CEO of Orla Canney Consulting).

On Wednesday, March 4, AI‑Forward for SMEs will be a hands‑on, practical programme, designed to help small business owners use AI in ways that are realistic, useful, and immediately applicable.

The programme will take place over four half‑day workshops, delivered in-person at the Portershed in Galway on March 4, then online on March 26 and April 22, and at a venue in Mayo on May 20.

On Thursday, March 5, the LEOs in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon will join forces for an event entitled ‘Lean First: Your Foundation for Smarter, Digital Ready Work’. This practical workshop will show how Lean strengthens processes and prepares businesses for digital and AI.

Taking place at the BIA Innovator Campus in Athenry, it will deliver clear steps, real examples, and tools businesses can use straight away.

Digital Futures on Friday, March 6, is being organised as a collaboration between LEO Galway and Action Tuam, taking place at the Ard Rí House Hotel in Tuam.

Attendees will learn the unique capabilities of AI for business and hear Danny McCoy’s perspective on the power of digital innovation.

Danny will help attendees explore the business capabilities of ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, Claudde and Perplexity.

To mark International Women’s Day, Galway LEO and Network Galway will host an event entitled ‘Women Empowering Women’ on Friday, March 6. It will be an inspiring and energising celebration and will take place at The Salthill Hotel.

Dr Ruth Mackey, Co-founder, Chief Science Officer, and COO of MBRYONICS Ltd, will be the special guest speaker. She will be followed by a panel of inspiring speakers sharing their stories, insights, and practical takeaways.

Attendees can enjoy a vibrant morning of connection and conversation, with opportunities to network with incredible women from across Galway’s business community.

Speaking about the line-up of events for LEW, Head of Enterprise at LEO Galway, Caroline McDonagh, said Local Enterprise Week offers businesses and entrepreneurs the tools and skills to tackle real-world challenges, streamline operations and enhance efficiency.

“This year’s schedule caters to businesses and individuals at all stages of their journey. We are delighted to be travelling all across Galway, bringing practical events and workshops to communities.”

“Events will focus on cybersecurity, business advice, managing cash flow, embracing AI, selling at scale, and much more. There will also be Lunch and Learn events in Tuam, Ballinasloe and Clifden.”

“A Pop-Up Craft Fair will run throughout the week too – an event we are organising to celebrate Seachtain na Gaeilge and LEW.”

This three‑day showcase will bring together talented local makers, food producers, and crafters from across Galway, highlighting the richness of our creative community and the vibrancy of the Irish language,” she explained.

For a full schedule of events taking place for Local Enterprise Week in Galway, visit www.localenterprise.ie/galway.

Over €6 million in funding has been allocated for the maintenance and continued development of Ros a Mhíl Harbour this year.

The government has confirmed a total of €6,406,000 for projects at the Ros a Mhíl Fishery Harbour Centre from the 2026 Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme.

The biggest ticket item for Ros a Mhíl is €4.67 million for the ongoing Deep Water Quay project, which will create 200m of new berthing space to accommodate larger fishing vessels, as well as the reclamation of a significant area directly behind the quay to provide a direct link to land.

Other large items in the funding package include €500,000 for works on a breakwater to protect the inner harbour, and €250,000 for the redevelopment of parking for the fishery harbour centre.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon said, “The 2026 Programme represents a major investment by Government in the ongoing development, modernisation and sustainability of Ireland’s fishery harbours and coastal infrastructure.”

“The programme will support critical works across the six state-owned fishery harbour centres, improving safety, operational efficiency, environmental performance and climate resilience.”

A total of €27 million has been allocated under this programme for work on Fishery Harbour Centres in Ros a Mhíl, Howth, Killbegs, Castletownbere, Dingle, Dunmore East, and Cape Clear this year.

The full breakdown of funding for Ros a Mhíl is as follows:

Some traffic disruptions may be expected on the east side of Galway City this week with the closure of St. James’ Road in Ballybane.

St. James Road will be closed 24/7 from Wednesday, February 18, through to and including Friday, February 20.

The road in Ballybane will be closed between the junctions with Ballybane Road and the Bayview Rise Junction.

The purpose of the closure is to allow for active travel works, which are taking place along Ballybane Road and Castlepark Road.

Diversions will be in place via St. James Road, Michael Collins Road and Walter Macken Road.

Localised access and access for pedestrians and cyclists will be maintained at all times.