UMBLEance Children’s Ambulance Service has been selected as the charity partner for the much-anticipated super car rally: ‘The Bear Run 74’.

Now in its 4th year, ‘The Bear Run 74’ showcases some of the world’s most iconic and luxurious cars – all in support of a great cause.

The 2025 route will start at Railway Karting in Cookstown on Friday, May 2, then cruise through Ballybofey, Ballina, Maam Cross, and Galway on Saturday, May 3, before heading to Tullamore, Banbridge, and finishing at the Titanic Hotel Belfast on Sunday, May 4.

BUMBLEance is Ireland’s only dedicated Children’s Ambulance Service. BUMBLEance makes a difference by empowering the thousands of families unable to access their child’s healthcare through providing nationwide medical journeys in a safe, caring, and fun environment, offered completely free of charge.

Founder Keith Gamble said, “The Bear Run 74 was set up in memory of my late father, who passed away at the age of 74 to cancer. We have raised €153,636 for charity to date”.

In 2024, BUMBLEance travelled over 600,000km across 2,389 trips, which was a 21% increase from the previous year.

However, rising demand meant that, unfortunately, 348 trips could not be fulfilled due to limited resources. Fundraisers like ‘The Bear Run 74’ are essential to ensuring no child is left without access to the medical care they need.

The ‘Bear Run 74’ will launch at 4 PM on Friday, 2nd of May, with the convoy passing through six fundraising locations where the public can donate, meet the BUMBLEance team, and (at select locations) get up close to the incredible cars.

The event wraps up at the Titanic Hotel Belfast at 5pm on Sunday, 4th of May.

To date, ‘The Bear Run 74’ has raised over €153,636 for various charities, with 2025 looking to be the biggest year yet!

Expect to see jaw-dropping vehicles like the Audi R8 V10 Plus, Ferrari 488, Lamborghini Aventador, McLaren 720S, and many more – making ‘The Bear Run 74’ an unmissable weekend for car enthusiasts and BUMBLEance supporters alike.

For more information and to view the full route please visit www.thebearrun74.com or to learn more about BUMBLEance, visit www.bumbleance.com.

University of Galway is celebrating a standout performance at the 2025 National Student Media Awards, with students securing three major awards.

The National Student Media Awards honour the upcoming generation of young people with a passion for journalism and storytelling across all media.

The winners were led by first-year Bachelor of Arts Journalism student Vladyslav Piatin-Ponomarenko who secured Film Documentary of the Year for his personal and emotional short documentary, Imagine War – 75 Days of Survival in Mariupol, which documents his escape from Mariupol at the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

University of Galway students secured two other awards: Emma Van Oosterhout, a fourth-year BA Global Media student, was named “Collaborative Journalist of the Year”, and Áine Ní Shíocháin, a BA Cumarsáid student, received an award for excellence in Irish-language journalism.

Tom Felle, Associate Professor of Journalism at the University of Galway, said, “We are immensely proud of our students’ achievements, and these awards are a testament to their talent, resilience, and dedication.”

“I would also like to acknowledge my colleagues across the Journalism and Media team for their hard work and support of our students throughout the year.”

University of Galway students were shortlisted for eight awards in total, including a nomination for its hyperlocal news site, Galway Pulse, in the “News Site of the Year” category.

Work on a programme of water mains replacements in Clifden are due to begin this week.

The Uisce Éireann works will see almost a kilometre of aging mains replaced with new, modern pipes, providing a more secure and reliable water supply for residents and businesses of the Connemara town.

The works are due to commence this week and are expected to be concluded by early autumn. In all, 932 metres of water mains will be replaced.

The works will take place along the N59 road from the Clifden Water Treatment Plant to the Clifden Reservoir.

The works are being undertaken as part of Uisce Éireann’s National Leakage Reduction Programme.

The works are meant to reduce the risk of bursts on the water mains and improve network operation, reducing the likelihood of maintenance works being required in the future.

Works will be limited to short sections at a time to minimise impact on customers. The works may require some short-term disruption to customers’ water supplies, but any planned outages will be communicated to affected customers no later than 48 hours in advance.

Temporary traffic management measures may also be required during periods of the work. However, local and emergency traffic will always be maintained.

Enda Mac Namara, programme manager with Uisce Éireann, said the planned works will ensure a more reliable water supply for customers in Clifden for years to come.

“These works are essential to secure the drinking water supply to homes and businesses in Clifden, and to significantly reduce the risk of bursts on the network,” said Enda.

“We wish to thank residents and businesses of the town for their patience while works are ongoing, and to assure them that crews will complete the works as swiftly as possible.”

The works will be carried out by Farrans Construction on behalf of Uisce Éireann.

The Irish Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA) has announced it will host its annual Conference and Fire Technology Exhibition at the Salthill Hotel in Galway on 7-8 May.

Fire Officers, industry experts, and government and local government officials from Ireland and overseas will gather for the annual showcase event for Ireland’s fire and emergency services sector.

Hosted by Galway Fire and Rescue Service, the theme of the 2025 conference is ‘Delivering a Modern Fire Service – the Future is Here and Now.’

The lineup features an expert witness from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, the Director of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, and a prominent industry leader in emergency communications.

400 delegates and 150 exhibitors will attend the two-day event, which features a trade exhibition taking place in parallel to the conference programme, showcasing fire service fleet and equipment from all the main suppliers to the Irish Fire Services.

Gerry O’Malley, Conference Secretary and Chief Fire Officer for Galway Fire and Rescue Service, said the 2025 conference will address key challenges confronting the Fire Services while highlighting the latest advancements in fire service operations and prevention technologies.

“The CFOA represents the leadership and senior management of all Irish fire services, with a mission to enhance safety and protect lives and property across the country,” he stated.

“The conference and exhibition aim to provide a platform for those in the fire and rescue sector to discuss pressing issues, explore cutting-edge fire service equipment and appliances, and discover the latest technologies in fire operations and prevention.”

“The event will showcase expert speakers from Ireland and abroad in the emergency services and fire industry, sharing their expertise and insights to offer innovative solutions for adapting the Fire and Rescue Service to current challenges,” added Mr. O’Malley.

The conference will be opened by Dennis Keely, CFOA Chairperson and Chief Fire Officer for Dublin Fire Brigade, with a video address to delegates provided by James Browne TD, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Mark Hardingham, former Chair of the UK National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), will speak about the Final Report of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, following the death of 72 people in the worst UK residential fire since World War II.

Meanwhile, the inquiry learnings and fire safety changes will be the subject of a talk by ARUP fire safety specialist and expert witness for the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, Dr Barbara Lane.

The risks and challenges associated with Lithium-Ion batteries, used primarily in electronic devices, electric vehicles and small appliances, will be studied by Conor Leonard, Head of Batteries and Projects, WEEE Ireland.

Phil Garrigan, Chair of the UK National Fire Chiefs’ Council (NFCC), will share UK perspectives, while Peter Lonergan from the European Emergency Number Association will explore how improved communications can enhance emergency response.

Additional speakers include Ray Goggins, Author, Keynote Speaker, and Director at Core Skill Training, discussing effectiveness; Liam Carroll, SEO Climate Change and former Acting Chief Fire Officer at Carlow Fire and Rescue Service, addressing the Irish Fire Service’s role in climate change resilience.

Keith Leonard, Director of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, will present a national perspective on fire services, and Ritika Wadhwa, Founder and CEO of Prabhaav Global, will explore cultural intelligence as a key skill for managing rapid change.

Conference delegates will be welcomed by Cllr. Peter Keane, Mayor of Galway City, and Cllr. Martina Kinane, Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, followed by addresses from Michael Owens, Deputy Chief Executive of Galway County Council; and Leonard Cleary, Chief Executive of Galway City Council.

The CFOA comprises the Chief Fire Officers of all local authorities in Ireland and is also a member of the Federation of European Union Fire Officer Associations (FEU) and the CTIF International Association of Fire and Rescue Services.

A man is due before court today after being arrested in connection with the seizure of guns and ammunition in Ballinasloe yesterday.

A man in his 40s was arrested after Gardaí searched a home in Ballinasloe early on Monday.

The search at Woodlawn was part of an ongoing operation targeting criminal activity in the Galway Division and surrounding areas.

Gardaí recovered two firearms, ammunition and a cocaine press.

The man arrested has since been charged and is due to appear before Loughrea District Court this morning.

Gardaí arrested one person and seized two shotguns and ammunition during the search of a home in Ballinasloe on Monday.

The search at Woodlawn was part of an ongoing operation targeting criminal activity in the Galway Division and surrounding areas.

Gardaí recovered two firearms, ammunition and a cocaine press.

The firearms have been forwarded for a technical examination by the Ballistics Section of the Garda Technical Bureau.

A man aged in his 40s was arrested and is currently being detained at a station in the Garda North Western Region under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act 1939.

Galway County Council has announced plans to deliver 44 new affordable homes in Athenry, County Galway.

The Local Authority today (Monday, 28 April 2025) signed contracts with Studio PKA (Paul Keogh Architects) for the design of the two housing schemes.

The affordable units are proposed under the Government’s ‘Housing for All’ programme and include 28 homes at Raheen and 16 at Páirc na hAbhainn.

Councillor Martina Kinane, Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway said that this new development is fantastic news for Galwat, and will build on the ongoing delivery of 61 social and affordable housing units at the Garraí Na Gaoithe development in Claregalway.

“The proposed homes will help meet the increased demand for affordable housing being experienced in the county in recent years.”

The appointment of Studio PKA to design the Athenry schemes follows a competitive process to secure architect-led integrated design services for the provision of social and affordable residential developments and public realm schemes for projects greater than €3 million for the period 2024 to 2028.

Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council, commented, “With the support of Elected Members, we are delighted to take this significant step towards delivering these affordable housing schemes, with 44 homes planned for Páirc na hAbhainn and Raheen.”

“By partnering with Studio PKA, we are committed to creating high-quality, accessible housing for our community, with planning set to advance this autumn and tenders for construction to be advertised in late 2025.”

Michael Owens, Director of Housing, said the anticipated future increase in demand for affordable housing in Galway has led to increased engagement between local authorities, developers, planners and other key stakeholders.

“In conjunction with colleagues in Galway City Council, we are engaging with key stakeholders to explore new opportunities for increasing Galway’s stock of affordable housing,” he added.

“Developments such as those in Athenry and Baile Chláir will assist in addressing the housing shortage and will also breathe new life into local communities.”

Two University of Galway academics have been awarded the 2025 ENLIGHT Impact ambassador award for their research endeavours.

Dr Pádraig MacNeela and Dr Muriel Grenon have been honoured as part of the University’s membership of the ENLIGHT European university alliance involving 10 research intensive universities.

The ENLIGHT Impact Ambassador Awards were bestowed at the ENLIGHT Impact Conference, which took place at the University of Groningen.

Dr MacNeela and Dr Grenon were recognised for their impactful projects, highlighting the significant positive change their research brings to society and their endeavours in planning for and achieving impact.

Dr MacNeela and the team involved in the Active* Consent programme were recognised for their work on consent, sexual violence and harassment.

Dr Muriel Grenon and the team were recognised for their work on widening participation in STEM through science outreach.

Alex Metcalfe, Vice-President for International, University of Galway, said, “These ENLIGHT Impact Awards are a well-earned recognition of the meaningful societal change being driven by the research of Dr Pádraig MacNeela and Dr Muriel Grenon.”

“Their work on consent education and widening participation in STEM exemplifies how thoughtful, committed research can make a difference in people’s lives.”

“Their success reflects the strength of our research community and the University’s commitment to impact across Europe and beyond.”

University of Galway had three nominations, including one for Dr Jessamyn Fairfield and her team with their research-led project ‘We Built this City on Rock & Coal’.

ENLIGHT includes University of Galway; Comenius University, Bratislava (Slovakia); University of Groningen (Netherlands); University of Bern (Switzerland); University of Bordeaux (France); Ghent University (Belgium); University of Tartu (Estonia); University of Gottingen (Germany); University of the Basque Country (Spain); and Uppsala University (Sweden).

The project is supported by the Government and the European Commission. The aim is for the alliance to develop as a platform for the creation of a new type of European university campus where students and staff have increased opportunities for international study, training, teaching, research and sharing of services.

ENLIGHT aims to collaboratively transform higher education, addressing societal challenges and promoting equitable quality of life, sustainability and external engagement with the communities of the partner universities.

Work is due to begin next week on upgrades to the aging water network at Portacarron near Oughterard, on the shore of Lough Corrib.

Uisce Eireann is replacing 642 metres of water main at sites along the L-5350-6, L-5350-9 and L-53502-0 roads, with work due to begin on Monday, April 28.

The works will be carried out on behalf of Uisce Éireann by Farrans Construction and are expected to be completed by late summer.

Areas of work will be limited to short sections at a time to minimise disruption to residents. Some traffic management measures will be put in place in the form of local road closures.

These closures will be communicated to residents well ahead of time, while local and emergency traffic will always be maintained.

The works may also involve some short-term water interruptions; affected customers will be given a minimum of 48 hours’ notice before any planned interruptions.

The works will also involve laying new water service connections from the public water main in the road to customers’ property boundaries and connecting it to the customers’ water supply.

One man has been arrested in connection with raids on cannabis growhouses in Ballinsloe and Athlone, where €432,000 worth of cannabis plants were seized this week.

As part of an ongoing investigation targeting the sale and supply of drugs in the region, Gardaí in Co. Galway conducted a planned search of a residential property in Ballinasloe on Friday, April 25.

During the course of this search, the Divisional Drugs Unit discovered a sophisticated growhouse operation within the premises.

Gardaí seized 160 suspected cannabis plants worth approximately €128,000 (pending further analysis).

A man aged in his 30s was arrested at the scene and detained at a station in the Garda North Western Region under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996.

In a follow-up search, Gardaí in Co Westmeath searched a residential property in Athlone and discovered another sophisticated growhouse.

This contained a total of 381 cannabis plants, with an estimated value of €304,800 (subject to analysis).

The man was subsequently charged to appear before a special sitting of Galway District Court today, Sunday, 27th April, at 11:30am.

Roadworks on the N67 near Clarinbridge will cause traffic disruptions for two weeks starting from next Monday.

Galway County Council is carrying out wall rebuilding works on the N67 on the northern approach to Clarinbridge.

The works are due to get underway on Monday, April 28 and continue until Friday, May 9.

Road Users are advised traffic restrictions will be in place during this time, with single lane traffic permitted only between 9.00am – 5.00pm each day.

Alternative routes around Clarinbridge should be considered while traffic restrictions are in place.

Galway County Council has announced details of a new funding scheme for organisations, businesses and communities of Oileáin Árann (The Aran Islands) that are interested in developing projects and initiatives focusing on addressing climate change.

€60,000 is being made available through this new pilot Climate Action Fund for community led projects.

Oileáin Árann, consisting of the three islands of Árainn (Inis Mór), Inis Meáin and Inis Oírr, was designated as the Galway County Decarbonisation Zone in the Galway County Council Climate Action Plan 2024-2029.

A Decarbonising Zone (DZ) is a chosen area where local authorities and communities work together to reduce the amount of carbon produced by their everyday activities.

By looking within the community for ways to live and work more sustainably, these zones can find local solutions to global problems.

The main objective of a Decarbonising Zone is to find innovative but achievable ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The fund will support climate action projects in four key theme areas, namely Energy, Travel, Food and Waste, and Local Environmental Action.

The fund will be opened to applications starting from this coming Monday, April 28.

Councillor Martina Kinane, Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, celebrated the launch of this Pilot Fund, which she says, “builds upon the remarkable dedication of the communities of Oileáin Árann in the areas of climate action and sustainability”.

Welcoming the opening of the funding scheme, Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council, noted that, “This new fund will hopefully be the start of financial assistance to help our island communities to reduce the use of carbon in their day to day lives.”

“The Fund should also help to empower the communities of Oileáin Árann, cultivating stronger, more sustainable and resilient islands”.

He added, “The fund will create learnings that can be shared with communities across the County.”

Uinsinn Finn, Director of Services at Galway County Council, acknowledged the existing commitment and strength of community involvement on the islands.

Local communities have established a local Comharchumann Fuinneamh to support their goal of increasing the sustainability of their homes and transport while protecting their unique ecosystem.

The closing date for applications to the Oileáin Árann Climate Action Fund is Friday 30^th May.

Further information is available on the county council website or from Rebecca Mooney, Climate Action Officer at climateaction@galwaycoco.ie / 091 509302.