Galway City Centre is one of the cleanest urban areas in Ireland, but Ballybane remains “subject to long-term dumping and neglect” according to the latest IBAL litter survey.

Lower litter levels in the majority of our cities lay behind an improvement in nationwide cleanliness in Ireland in 2025.

That is the finding of business group Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL), which found that no town or city was judged to be “seriously littered” in the most recent survey of 40 urban areas in Janaury.

“This continues a very welcome trend we’ve seen in recent surveys and credit must go to local authorities for ridding our environment of these litter blackspots,” commented IBAL’s Conor Horgan.

Ballybane was the second most heavily littered area in Ireland out of the 40 inspected in the latest IBAL survey. It was one of just four areas deemed ‘Littered’ alongside Cork Northside, Ballymun, and Dublin North Inner City.

IBAL inspectors found that Ballybane Village and Industrial Estate in Galway were “subject to long-term dumping and neglect”.

Galway City Centre, in contrast, was deemed ‘Cleaner than European Norms’, one of ten areas to receive that designation. It and Waterford were the only two cities in that category, while Cork City Centre was also deemed ‘Clean to European Norms’.

Fergal Cushen, Environmental Awareness Officer, Galway City Council, commented, “The result is no surprise to Galway City Council, where our staff continue to work with communities across the city on litter prevention and reduction initiatives including regular Community Clean Ups and Spring Clean.”

“The Council’s partnerships with local and national groups such as Clean Coasts ensure there are strong networks of volunteers who take great pride in the city.”

“Not to mention the great work our Litter Management Unit do every day in our city – Starting their day at 5am and continuing their work throughout the morning and afternoon, ensuring the city streets are clean and well maintained every day.”

“Tackling litter is an ongoing collaborative effort which couldn’t be achieved without the dedication of local businesses, volunteer groups, schools and residents. Congratulations to all in making Galway a cleaner city for the next generation.”

The council said that efforts have also been made to address long standing issues in Ballybane, including implementing the three bin system and conducting drone surveys to spot dumping areas that were then targeted for clean up.

The electrical box at the entrance to the Fána Glas, once an eyesore and a focal point for illegal dumping, has been cleared of all waste and has been painted by a local artist with the help of local children.

In addition to this, Galway City Council has carried out several Multi Agency Vehicle Check Points in Galway City and County to identify and restrict the movement of illegal waste into Ballybane.

The council has said that CCTV will also be implemented in 2026 to prevent illegal dumping.

The IBAL survey revealed that the Deposit Return Scheme continues to have a positive impact on the cleanliness of our towns and cities, with a 10% drop in the prevalence of cans and plastic bottles compared to the previous year.

These two types of litter are now 60% less common than when the scheme was introduced in early 2024.

Coffee cups remained one of the most commonly found forms of litter and were evident in one fifth of all sites surveyed.

Galway people recycled the equivalent of 17 batteries per household last year, above the national average of 16, as new national data today revealed that only half of household batteries sold are making their way back for recycling each year.

To support a nationwide New Year clear-out, Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Ireland plans to deliver 1 million blue battery recycling boxes to homes nationwide during January in a bid to capture a valuable hoard of waste batteries.

The boxes can be returned for free at participating retailers or local recycling centres.

As households replace old devices with new gifts received during Christmas, new figures from the e-waste recycling scheme show that almost half of all household battery purchases are made during the Christmas shopping period.

It is urging people to use this month to recycle any used batteries and unwanted small electrical items, rather than storing them away or binning them.

“As people make space for new gifts received at Christmas we are asking people in Galway to plan an e-waste and battery clear-out, ” said Leo Donovan, CEO of WEEE Ireland.

“As well as providing a handy QR code that connects you to a map of hundreds of local drop off points, our blue battery boxes are a simple but powerful reminder that batteries should never go in household bins. Returning for recycling ensures the safe recovery and reuse of the materials they contain.”

When it comes to small electronic items, 2024 figures from WEEE Ireland show a similar trend, with 40 per cent of Ireland’s annual small electronic gift and toy purchases happening in the festive period.

But just 30 per cent of these are returned to the circular economy for recycling.

Recycling rates for electronic toys such as gaming consoles, e-scooters and battery-operated action figures are even lower, dropping to just 10 per cent, leaving millions of unused, broken or obsolete toys lying around in homes or discarded incorrectly in the household bin.

Minister of State at the Department of Climate, Energy, Alan Dillon TD, said that every home in Ireland can make a difference.

“Batteries don’t belong in the bin – they belong in recycling. When we dispose of them incorrectly, we risk fires and environmental pollution.

“This January, WEEE Ireland is delivering one million battery boxes to households. Let’s use them. Collect every old battery from toys, decorations, and devices, and return them to your local retailer or recycling centre.”

“It’s free, safe, and it protects our environment. Together, we can keep dangerous chemicals out of landfills and rare materials in circulation. Let’s make 2026 about responsibility and care for each other.”

More information on WEEE Ireland’s network of free collection points across local authority civic amenity centres and retailers is available at weeeireland.ie

A new Light Means of Transport (LMT) lithium battery guide has also been added to the WEEE Ireland website to support consumers on the safe recycling of higher-capacity batteries such as those found in e-bikes, e-scooters, e-mobility and power packs.

Galway County Council has today opened applications for the 2026 Local Enhancement Programme, which will allocate €213,600 to voluntary and community groups across the county.

The scheme, administered locally by the Galway County Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) and nationally by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, supports the upgrade of community facilities, the purchase of essential equipment, and measures that improve accessibility and energy efficiency.

This year’s programme places particular focus on designated Community Support Centres following Storm Eowyn in January 2025, when many rural areas of Galway were left without electricity for extended periods.

Groups are invited to apply for funding to help purchase a generator, as well as for the supply and installation of a changeover switch, enabling the use of a county-owned mobile generator to maintain essential services during future disruptions.

LECP Chair Cllr Michael Connolly noted the strong level of engagement with the programme in 2025.

“The scheme attracted strong interest and supported a wide range of community projects last year,” he explained.

“Groups used the funding for hall upgrades, youth facilities, heritage work, Men’s Sheds and improvements to local meeting spaces. Even small grants can make a real difference to the everyday work of volunteers in towns, villages and rural areas.”

Director of Services Michael Owens said Galway County Council is committed to supporting projects that build community resilience and improve local facilities across the county.

He continued, “This funding will help groups carry out essential repairs and upgrades and invest in equipment for community use.”

“There is also a strong focus this year on improving the power resilience of community buildings so that local hubs can stay operational during future storms or emergency events, particularly in rural areas that faced long disruptions last year.”

Applications must be submitted online at www.galwaycoco.submit.com before midday on Monday 23 February 2026.

Funding will be released only when projects are approved by the LCDC, all conditions are met, and the application aligns with one or more priority areas in the Local Economic and Community Plan.

University of Galway has announced its new Library is to be named in memory of Dr Karen Guinee, a medicine graduate.

Dr Karen Guinee died in 2006, shortly after completing her studies at the University. She is remembered as a gifted and compassionate alumna who completed her education and training as a doctor with distinction.

The announcement of the Dr Karen Guinee Library follows a significant philanthropic gift from the Michael Guinee Charitable Foundation, which is also supporting the establishment of a new scholarship for medical students in memory of Dr Guinee.

University of Galway extends heartfelt gratitude to the Foundation and ongoing sympathies to the Guinee family, as Dr Karen Guinee’s legacy lives on with us.

The Guinee family said, “We, the Guinee family, are so proud and honoured at the announcement of the naming of the Dr Karen Guinee Library at University of Galway.”

“Karen was tragically taken from us almost 20 years ago, a week away from her graduation as a doctor. Her death has left a void and placed an unspeakable trauma on us all as a family.”

“Karen was so terrifically bright, kind, loving and caring. We miss her everyday and her loss in this world is felt by everyone who knew her.”

“The Dr Karen Guinee Library will serve as a living tribute to Karen. For us as a family, it will give a deeper meaning to her absence.

“During Karen’s six years studying medicine in University of Galway, the Library would have become a second home – one where she would have spent countless hours with friends, sharing knowledge and enriching herself with ideas and plans for her future career.”

“As a family, we hope that every student will carry Karen’s memory forward, in a beautiful state-of-the-art facility that Karen undoubtedly would have loved.Karen’s life was cut short, but her legacy lives on.”

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Michael Guinee, Karen’s uncle and godfather, the Michael Guinee Charitable Foundation, and all those involved at University of Galway.

“May there be comfort in knowing that someone so special will never be forgotten.”

President of University of Galway, Professor David Burn, paid tribute to the Guinee family and the foundation on behalf of the university.

“We are honouring Dr Karen Guinee not because of the tragedy that occurred, but because of the life she lived. By naming the University of Galway Library after her, we acknowledge her aspirations, her compassion and her deep commitment to helping others.”

“In doing so, we send a message about the safe, respectful and inclusive University we strive for and the type of community and society we work to uphold.”

“The Dr Karen Guinee Library is more than a building; it is a legacy. It will be a place of study and discovery, but also a place of resilience, and hope.”

Dr Michael Guinee, Chairman of the Michael Guinee Charitable Foundation, said: “As the first person in her family to go to university, Karen carried with her the dreams and hopes of her family and the promise of her career as a doctor.”

“Her passing was a profound loss to me as her godfather and to her family, friends, and the community she had already begun to serve with such care and dedication.”

“By naming the new University of Galway Library in her name, it is my hope that we can honour her memory, and inspire future generations of students to a career of excellence, dedication and service.”

Monica Crump, University of Galway Librarian, said: “The Dr Karen Guinee Library will stand as a place of learning and research, inspiration and innovation, collaboration and quiet reflection – a fitting tribute to a young woman whose life, though brief, was filled with purpose, warmth, and promise. It is an honour for us to be associated with that memory.”

The Dr Karen Guinee Library at University of Galway is currently under construction in the centre of the Galway city campus and will be a central hub for learning, research, collaboration, and community.

The landmark development overlooks the Corrib and is visible from the Newcastle Road area and the Quincentenary Bridge. A stand-out feature is that the ground floor will be open to the general public.

The building of the Dr Karen Guinee Library at University of Galway is also supported by Government with a €15 million capital grant from the government.

Additional philanthropic support for the building of the Dr Karen Guinee Library has been generously provided by a group of lead alumni and other individual donors, and by corporate supporters including CBE and Anthony Ryan Ltd.

Construction is expected to be completed in 2027.

The Aran Islands RNLI lifeboat came to the aid of three fishermen on a trawler that had lost power and was drifting into a main channel last week.

On Thursday, January 8, the lifeboat was called out in response to a vessel that got into difficulty southwest of Spiddal in Galway Bay.

Volunteers were requested to launch their all-weather lifeboat at 1:05pm to assess the situation where a trawler had gotten a net caught in its propeller, causing it to lose power.

Weather conditions at the time were good with a northerly force 3-4 wind and a half metre swell.

The lifeboat launched under Coxswain Declan Corrigan and with four crew members onboard, and arrived on scene an hour later.

Once on scene, the crew observed that while the fishermen were safe and well, the vessel was drifting into the main channel.

Due to the potential navigational hazard, it was decided that the safest course of action was to establish a tow and bring the vessel and its crew to the nearest safe harbour at Rossaveel.

Once the vessel was alongside, the lifeboat crew made their way home, arriving at 5:20pm.

Speaking following the call out, Coxswain Declan Corrigan said, “The fishermen did the right thing in raising the alarm when they knew they couldn’t make any safe onward progress, and we were happy to assist as the tow was necessary to prevent any risk to navigation.”

“We would remind anyone planning a trip to sea to go prepared. Always wear a lifejacket or suitable flotation device for your activity, always carry a means of communication and should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”

€2.5 million in funding has been provided to date for the refurbishment of vacant properties in Galway City.

The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant scheme has so far provided funding to bring a total of 49 properties in Galway City back into use.

Under the current VPRG scheme, a grant of up €50,000 is available for refurbishment of vacant properties as principal private residences, and for rental properties where the tenancy is registered with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB).

Where the refurbishment costs are expected to exceed €50,000, a further top-up grant of up to €20,000 is available for derelict properties, bringing the total grant to €70,000.

Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Mike Cubbard said, “The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant scheme was introduced in 2022 to bring vacant and derelict properties back into use as family homes and rental residential units.”

“The expanded scheme will target conversion of commercial properties into homes, and vacant ‘above the shop’ units – potentially unlocking a significant number of new homes throughout Galway City.”

The VPRG scheme is now being extended to include vacant/ derelict commercial properties that are being converted in their entirety into more than one home.

In addition to the current grant of up to €50,000/ €70,000, an additional €20,000 will be available for a second residential unit and a further €20,000 where three or more units are created.

This brings the total package for commercial buildings being converted into three or more residential units up to €115,000 – including a new ‘expert advice grant’ of €5,000.

As part of the expanded scheme, a specific Vacant Above the Shop Grant is being introduced, with stepped-up funding of up to €140,000 where commercial use continues on the ground floor.

Where one residential unit is being created above a commercial unit, a grant of up to €95,000 will be available. Where two units are created, an additional top-up of €20,000 will be available. Where three or more units are created, a top-up of €40,000 on the grant of €95,000 will be available.

Leonard Cleary, Chief Executive, Galway City Council said, “Through the continued VPRG, 20,000 homes nationwide will be brought back into use by 2030 – including both vacant and derelict properties, and through the expansion of the scheme to include ‘above the shop’ residential units.”

“The scheme has seen significant investment in Galway City to date, and I welcome this continued commitment to the revitalisation of our city, and the creation of new homes”.

In tandem with the Vacant Above the Shop Grant, a new Expert Advice Grant of up to €5,000 will be made available to building owners who may be considering conversions/ refurbishments. This will bring the total package available for these properties to €140,000.

The additional grant amounts and the expert advice grant recognise the complexities involved in bringing vacant space above commercial premises and conversion of former commercial buildings into multi-residential units into residential use – including, for example, separate access, fire separation and so on.

It is intended that the Vacant Above the Shop Grant and the extended grant for conversion of an entire former commercial building will be in operation by the end of Q1 2026.

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is currently developing the scheme specifics and documentation.

The price of the average second-hand three-bed semi in County Galway rose to €310,000 in 2025, up 14.8% from €270,000 at the end of 2024, according to a national survey by Real Estate Alliance.

In Galway city, average prices rose over the past twelve months to €395,000, up 6.8% from €370,000 in 2024, the Q4 REA Average House Price Index shows.

Across the county, the average time taken to sell this quarter was four weeks.

“There was an increase in supply in the quarter and prices have remained steady in that period,” said Kevin Burke of REA McGreal Burke.

“The market remains very busy overall and strong across the county, with lots of active buyers.”

“There is currently a limited supply at first time buyer level, and strong demand has driven price increases over the past 12 months, as Galway city commuters seeks value.”

The survey shows that this quarter, 60% of purchasers in the city and 70% across the county were first-time buyers, while a total of 20% of sales in the county, and 10% in Galway city, were attributed to landlords leaving the market.

Additionally, agents in Galway reported that the BER ratings of properties saw A-rated properties command 15% price increases in the city and 10% across the county in comparison to comparable C-rated properties.

The REA Average House Price Index concentrates on the sale price of Ireland’s typical stock home, the three-bed semi, giving an accurate picture of the second-hand property market in towns and cities countrywide.

A recent rise in landlords exiting the housing market is set to sharply increase in the first months of 2026, according to agents.

The impending nationwide rent pressure zone at the end of February has seen a 38% annual increase in landlord sales in many areas now included in the legislation according to the REA.

The actual selling price of a three-bed, semi-detached house across the country rose by 1.6% in the past three months to €359,417.

This represents an 8.7% overall rise annually – a gradual slowing from the 10.3pc increase registered six months ago.

Actual selling prices in Dublin city rose by 1.5% in the last three months, with the average three-bed semi in the capital’s postcode areas now selling at €586,000, an 8.1pc annual rise.

Selling prices in Ireland’s major cities outside Dublin rose by 1.3% to an average of €373,750 – a 7.4% annual increase.

Homes in the country’s large towns showed the biggest increases nationwide, 1.75% this quarter and 9.9% on last December to an average of €275,611 – with homes taking one week longer to reach a sale agreed, at five weeks.

Prices in commuter counties rose by 1.6% to €373,513, and while supply continues to cause issues, there is an anticipation of further landlord sales across the area in the new year.

The Emergency Department at University Hospital Galway is extremely busy with high numbers of people attending the department who need to be admitted to hospital for ongoing treatment.

At the weekend over 400 people attended the Emergency Department. As of this morning there are currently 23 patients on trollies in the Emergency Department and a total of 20 patients on trollies at ward level. All available surge areas are in use, with 45 patients in day wards and AMU awaiting a bed at ward level.

The hospital is implementing all possible measures to improve patient flow and reduce delays in the Emergency Department and is asking the public to consider all available healthcare options before attending.

Everyone who presents will be treated, with priority given to those who are seriously ill or injured. Patients who do not require urgent care unfortunately may experience longer waiting times.

All available beds in the hospital are in use. Patients are facing long waiting times to be admitted from the Emergency Department to a bed on a ward.

The hospital has said that every effort is being made to discharge patients who are ready to go home so that beds will become available for patients who need to be admitted, at the earliest opportunity.

Due to these ongoing pressures and the lack of bed capacity, the hospital is postponing some elective procedures.

Urgent and time-sensitive procedures are being prioritised. Patients are being contacted directly if their procedure is being postponed.

The hospital acknowledges that these delays are very difficult for patients and their families and apologises for the inconvenience and distress these delays cause.

“We request that people only attend the Emergency Department at the hospital if it is an emergency situation,” a statement from UHG said.

“We ask that people attend their GP or out of hours service in the first instance if at all possible. The Roscommon Injury Unit is also open from 8am to 8pm daily, to treat a range of injuries in both adults and children over the age of five.”

“The hospital is committed to treating everyone who presents at the Emergency Department; people who are seriously injured or ill are assessed and treated as a priority and those who do not require urgent care may be waiting longer.”

One man was arrested in connection with a drugs raid where an estimated €95,000 worth of suspected cocaine was seized in Galway City over the weekend.

On Saturday, January 10, Gardaí from the Galway Divisional Drugs Unit searched a house in the Rahoon area.

During the course of the search of a house, cocaine with an estimated street value of €95,000, a press and other drug paraphernalia were seized.

A man in his 40s was arrested in connection with the investigation and detained at a station in the Garda North Western Region under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.

He has since been released without charge, and a file will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The seized drugs will be sent to Forensic Science Ireland for analysis. An Garda Síochána have said that investigations are ongoing.

Churchyard Street in Galway City will be undergoing roadworks for the coming month, starting from next week.

Galway City Council is carrying out street rehabilitation and drainage upgrade works on the road.

This will necessitate a 24/7 closure of the street between its junctions with Shop Street and Lombard Street.

The works are due to commence on Monday, January 12, and will last until Friday, March 13.

A temporary diversion route will be in place via Mainguard Street, from Shop Street lower, onto Lombard Street.

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

Met Éireann has issued a weather warning for heavy winds in Galway tomorrow, which may create a risk for motorists.

A status yellow wind warning has been issued for Clare, Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Sligo, Wexford, and Wicklow.

This will be in effect from 4pm on Sunday until midnight the same day.

During the latter half of the day, it will be extremely windy, with strong and gusty southwest winds.

These may result in some wave overtopping in coastal areas, along with fallen trees and branches and loose objects displaced.

Met Éireann has warned that the weather conditions and their impacts could create difficult travelling conditions on Sunday.

William Street West in Galway City Centre will be closed for two weeks in January, with traffic diversions in place.

Galway City Council has made an order for the closure of William Street West from Small Crane to Munster Avenue.

This is to allow for urgent upgrades of water infrastructure to take place from Monday, January 12, through to Friday, January 23.

East-bound traffic will be diverted via Small Crane, St. Joseph’s Avenue & Henry Street.

West-bound traffic will be diverted via Henry Street, New Street West & Small Crane.

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

Advance diversion signage will be in place prior to work commencing.

The RISE Community Fund has announced that it is inviting National Schools in Co Galway to apply for a new round of cash grants as part of a nationwide initiative to empower young people in rural communities through technology.

The not-for-profit fund is calling on primary schools across Galway to apply for funding to support plans to use broadband and technology to enhance learning experiences for children or to improve school infrastructure and operations.

Applications are open until 14 February 2026, with the simple application form available at www.riseglobalfoundation.com.

Supported by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) and a group of corporate partners involved in the delivery of the Government’s National Broadband Plan including KPMG, Circet, TLI Group, Entegro and Obelisk, the RISE Community Fund plans to award cash grants to schools across all 26 counties throughout 2026, in line with the completion of the national broadband fibre rollout.

With an investment of €153m, 41,000 homes, farms, businesses and schools in Co Galway are included in NBI’s rollout of the Government’s National Broadband Plan. Over 33,000 of these premises are already able to place an order for high-speed fibre broadband, and take-up rates exceed 60% in areas of the country where the network has been live longest.

Established by NBI Chairman David McCourt, the RISE Community Fund has awarded over 160 cash grants since its launch, supporting rural schools, farms, small businesses, social enterprises and community groups that are using technology to scale the positive impact of their work.

This new funding round represents a focused effort to ensure that children in Co Galway and rural communities nationwide can fully benefit from high-speed broadband connectivity as it becomes available.

Speaking about the announcement, David McCourt said, “From the outset, RISE was created to complement the National Broadband Plan by helping communities make the most of high-speed connectivity.”

“As we look ahead to completing the broadband rollout in 2026, we’re delighted to support National Schools in Co Galway, giving young people in rural communities the tools, skills and opportunities they need to thrive in a digital world.”

TJ Malone, Chief Executive Officer at National Broadband Ireland, added, “The National Broadband Plan is being delivered on time and on budget, and as we move towards its completion in 2026, it’s important that we continue to give back to the communities the project serves.”

“Through RISE, NBI and our partners are proud to support schools in Co Galway as they explore new ways to use technology to enhance education and improve school environments.”

The RISE Community Fund encourages National Schools in Co Galway to outline how grant funding could support digital learning initiatives, classroom technology, connectivity projects, or other creative uses of technology that benefit pupils, teachers and the wider school community.

Water supply has been restored to normal levels in Oranmore this morning after the successful overnight repair of a burst water main at Tudor Vale.

The unplanned outage on Thursday evening caused supply disruptions to Uisce Éireann customers in Oranmore Town Centre and surrounding areas.

Uisce Éireann crews responded to the burst and worked into the early hours of the morning to isolate and repair the burst main.

Repairs were complete at approximately 3am and supplies have returned to normal levels for affected customers this morning.

Gerard Greally, Uisce Éireann Water Operations Manager, thanked affected customers for their understanding and commended the efforts of the crews who worked through the night to repair the burst.

“This was a complex burst which impacted supply to customers in Oranmore Town Centre and the surrounding areas.”

“We acknowledge the inconvenience of an unplanned outage and thank customers for their patience while repairs were carried out,” said Gerard.

Prospective mature students and adult learners considering a return to education are invited to a special information event at University of Galway.

The information evening will take place on campus on Thursday January 15th from 6pm-9pm in the Institute for Lifecourse and Society, Upper Newcastle Road.

Hosted by the University’s Access Centre, the event will outline the CAO application process, entry pathways, funding options and practical supports available to adults who are thinking about returning to study.

Students who have successfully returned to education and transformed their careers and confidence will also give first-hand accounts of their experience.

The event is open to anyone aged 23 or over who is applying through the CAO as a mature student, as well as adults considering upskilling, retraining or returning to education and those interested in Access courses or flexible learning opportunities, such as Microcreds.

Staff will be on hand to discuss degree programmes, career opportunities and unique learning experiences at the University.

The Career Development Centre will also provide expert advice on career pathways and progression after completing a qualification.

The information evening will highlight the wide range of flexible learning options available for adult learners.

Representatives from the Centre for Adult Learning and Professional Development will showcase short courses, languages, online learning and professional development programmes tailored to fit around work, family and life commitments.

The event will also serve as a gateway to the University’s Access Foundation Diploma Courses, which support learners at a pre-university level to build confidence, academic skills and a strong platform for success in a full degree.

Kathleen Hartigan, Mature Students Officer, Access Centre, University of Galway, said: “There is truly a place for everyone at University of Galway. Whether you choose a full-time degree, take your first step through an Access course, or pursue flexible lifelong learning, our community is here to support you to reach your full potential.”

Nuala McGuinn, Director of the Centre for Adult Learning and Professional Development, said, “Technological change is reshaping how we work, learn and develop new skills across every sector. But lifelong learning isn’t only about careers – it’s also about curiosity and the joy of learning something new.”

“Whether someone is pursuing a short micro-credential, a flexible part-time undergraduate or postgraduate course, our staff are ready to help people find learning opportunities that fit their lives.”

For further information or to register to attend, visit www.universityofgalway.ie/mature.

Croí, the Heart & Stroke Charity, in collaboration with University Hospital Galway, is holding a free public event dedicated to managing high blood pressure.

Taking place on Wednesday, January 14, at 5:30 pm, at the Croí Heart & Stroke Centre, Moyola Lane, Newcastle, Galway, this special evening is open to anyone living with or supporting someone with high blood pressure (hypertension).

Often called the “silent killer”, high blood pressure rarely shows symptoms but significantly increases your risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.

This event will provide updates on the latest treatment options to help you take control of your blood pressure and overall health.

Attendees will hear from Professor Faisal Sharif, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, University Hospital Galway.

He will provide expert insights into the causes and consequences of hypertension and discuss innovative treatment options, including renal denervation – an option for those with resistant or uncontrolled high blood pressure.

Free blood pressure checks will be provided by experienced nursing staff, available from 5:30 pm, and the talk will take place at 6:30 pm.

This event is a valuable opportunity to ask questions and learn more in a relaxed, supportive environment.

Whether you are newly diagnosed, struggling to manage your blood pressure, or supporting a loved one, this event is for you.

Admission is free, but booking is advised as spots fill up quickly. Book now via www.croi.ie/events.

26 people were killed on Irish roads, 765 people were arrested for drink or drug driving, and over 25,000 caught speeding over the Christmas period.

Gardaí carried out a dedicated road traffic enforcement operation throughout the 2025 Christmas period, which began on Monday, December 1 and continued until Monday, January 5.

One of the most serious speeding offences caught during this time was a driver in Galway doing 201km/hr in a 120km/hr zone on the M18 at Kinvara.

During this month long period, 26 people were killed as a result of over 70 serious collisions that saw others seriously injured.

190 people lost their lives in road traffic collisions on Irish roads in 2025. Two people have already lost their lives on Irish roads in 2026.

During the course of the operation, An Garda Síochána carried out nearly 10,000 checkpoints, both statutory Mandatory Intoxicant Testing (MIT) and regular, high-visibility policing checkpoints.

765 people were arrested during this period for driving under the influence of an intoxicant (56% primarily alcohol and 44% primarily drugs).

Nearly 26,500 drivers were detected for speeding offences by An Garda Síochána, Mobile Safety Camera Vans and Static Safety Cameras by our Road Safety Partners, GoSafe.

“In doing so, these drivers put themselves, their passengers and all other road users at serious risk of death or injury. These drivers did not think of any consequences,” a garda spokesperson said.

“The 190 people who died on Irish roads left behind grieving families, friends, colleagues and traumatised communities.”

“The drivers who chose to drive while under the influence of an intoxicant and in excess of the speed limit also live in our communities and have families, friends, work colleagues who can influence them.”

“As a community working together we have shown before that we can reduce road deaths on Irish roads.”

“As a community, we need to change attitudes to road traffic offences such as driving while intoxicated and speeding, and make them unacceptable in our society.”

Gardaí seized nearly 3,000 vehicles for a range of offences under the Road Traffic Act, 1961, 59% primarily for no insurance.

In addition, nearly 1,700 Fixed Charge Notices were issued for the offence of using a mobile phone while driving and over 450 Fixed Charge Notices to vehicle users for non-wearing of seatbelts.