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.

Nighttime water restrictions in Tully/Tullycross have been lifted by Uisce Éireann this week.

Uisce Éireann imposed water restrictions Tully/Tullycross Public Water Supply on December 30.

This was a result of a drop in the raw water quality entering the local treatment plant, which saw reservoir levels fall.

However, following works at the plant and local efforts to conserve water, the restrictions have been lifted.

Uisce Éireann’s Tony Kelly praised the community for being mindful of their water use and explained that water levels continue to be reviewed daily.

“Water reserves have recovered and are currently sufficient to ensure a continuous water supply.”

“There is no guarantee we won’t need to reintroduce nighttime restrictions, but for now we will continue to monitor and maintain the supply.”

“While the restrictions might be lifted, I urge the community to be mindful of their water use – it is a precious resource.”

Since its launch in April 2024, the COPD Virtual Care Pathway has significantly improved patient outcomes while reducing pressure on hospital services.

The innovative programme has been developed by Galway University Hospitals (GUH) in partnership with the Galway City Integrated Care Hub and the HIVE Laboratory, University of Galway,

This programme is aimed at transforming how care is delivered to people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The Virtual Care Pathway is reducing hospital attendances, preventing unnecessary admissions, and saving hundreds of bed days.

To date, the service has delivered 139 episodes of care, saving more than 1,000 hospital bed days.

Patients participating in virtual care now have an average length of stay of 5.3 days, representing a 53.57% improvement compared with the national inpatient average.

By using secure digital technology, the service allows patients to receive high-quality respiratory specialist supervision from home while remaining under the care of their treating doctors and respiratory team.

The pathway provides structured daily monitoring through a user-friendly app, where patients record daily symptoms, optimise self-management skills and use monitoring devices to track key health indicators such as oxygen levels, respiratory rate, temperature, blood pressure and heart rate.

Any concerning changes trigger real-time alerts, enabling clinicians to intervene promptly and tailor treatment plans before issues escalate.

The virtual care option also supports patients who present to the Emergency Department with stable COPD exacerbations, offering a safe alternative to hospital admission and helping to shorten stays for those already admitted.

Emma Burke, Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Respiratory and Nursing Lead for the COPD Virtual Care Pathway, said, “This Pathway is transforming how we deliver care to patients with COPD.”

“By combining clinical expertise with innovative digital tools, we are improving outcomes, enhancing patient confidence, and reducing the need for hospitalisation.”

“The feedback from patients has been overwhelmingly positive, and the impact on hospital capacity has been hugely significant.”

“The Virtual Care Pathway is enabling us to intervene earlier, treat more effectively, and ultimately keep patients well at home,” added Professor Sinead Walsh, Respiratory Lead for the Galway City Integrated Care Hub.

“It represents a major step forward in how we manage chronic respiratory disease and ensures our services are used where they are needed most.”

Professor Derek O’Keeffe, Director of the HIVE Laboratory, said, “The GUH COPD Virtual Care Pathway has shown how innovative clinical models, powered by digital health technology, can redefine and significantly improve patient care.”

Speaking about her positive experience of the service, Maureen Foley said, “The Virtual Care Pathway is a wonderful service. The support I received has helped me stay out of hospital and manage my COPD with more confidence.”

“I can call Emma anytime and get her advice and help. The breathing exercises help reduce my breathlessness so I can go about my daily life more comfortably. Thank you so much.”

This virtual healthcare initiative continues to demonstrate how digital innovation can empower patients, enhance clinical oversight, and significantly reduce demand on acute hospital services.

Athenry Community Playground will be undergoing over €150,000 worth of major upgrades in the new year with help from funding from LEADER.

Volunteers from Athenry Community Playground Group spent 2025 fundraising for the upgrades by hosting community events like Athenry’s Big Day Out, and raised over €25,000 toward the renovations.

Galway County Council also promised €40,000 of local property tax, which is used as match funding for the grant.

Athenry Community Council and Galway Rural Development worked with the group to get €122,992 through the LEADER programme 2023-2027.

The community-owned playground is over 20 years old and missing key equipment, which had to be removed for safety reasons after it began rotting.

“Children will soon be able to enjoy the playground in its full capacity,” said Dr Michelle McMahon, treasurer of ACPG. “The new equipment will have something for everyone, with special sensory and mobility elements for children with differing abilities.”

The new play elements pull from Athenry’s heritage town. “The playground is in the centre of town, between the Athenry Castle and the priory. It was important to us that the playground didn’t detract from the surrounding scenery,” said Erin Maglione, chairperson.

The new equipment, provided by Kompan, will include long-lasting weather resistant timber in a medieval theme, with a large castle climbing frame for older children and a medieval town styled junior play area.

Swing sets will also be upgraded to include multi-use swings, which will encourage parents to participate in play with their children.

This upgrade is just the beginning for Athenry, according to the group, who are actively working with Athenry Community Council to provide additional space for a teen-oriented amenity and has approached Galway County Council for help.

Unlike council owned playgrounds in Tuam and Loughrea which have designated teen spaces, Athenry playground does not currently offer any such amenity because the county council who insure the playground, will not insure a designated teen space.

“It’s an issue of ownership,” explained Shauna Coll, ACPG secretary. “There is no county council owned property in Athenry that can be used and insured as a teen space.”

“As excited as we are to be able to upgrade the playground, we acknowledge that there is a large group of our community still lacking a social space, and we want to work to remedy that.”

The group hopes the Town Centre First Programme and Galway County Council will be able to provide something for teens in Athenry.

The LEADER funded renovation is the first step for Athenry Playground and a major boost to the community, according to ACPG, but they are not stopping there. For more information on their plans visit athenryplayground.ie.

Households in Galway looking to get rid of their Christmas trees can avail of free recycling services at multiple locations in the city and county.

Both Galway City and County Councils are offering free disposal of Christmas trees up until Saturday, January 10, inclusive.

This recycling service is for domestic households only. Christmas trees can be disposed of at the following locations.

Galway City

• Hunters Depot, Lough Rusheen on the Barna Road
• Merlin Woods Depot in Doughiska

These will be open from 9am to 3pm daily.

Galway County

• Athenry: Public Car Park beside Kenny Park
• Ballinasloe: Civic Amenity Site, Poolboy, Ballinasloe H53VH95 – Open 3rd, 6th, 8th and 10th January only
• Clifden: Beach Road
• An Cheathrú Rua: Halla Éinne Car Park H91RX2X
• Gort: Lough Cutra Quarry, Bunnasrah, Gort
• Loughrea: Fairgreen, Courthouse Road
• Mountbellew: Black Quarry, Mountbellew – Ballinasloe Road (Near 50km speed limit sign)
• Oughterard: Car Park, Oughterard
• Maigh Cuilinn: Behind the bringbanks on Mountain Road
• Portumna: Beside bring banks, Castle Avenue H53WN23
• Tuam: Civic Amenity Site, Athenry Road H54Y512
• Headford: Council Yard beside Mart
• Oranmore: Maree Community Centre Rear Car Park H91V12C

These sites will be open for recycling during regular business hours.

Nighttime water restrictions on the Tully/Tullycross Public Water Supply will continue to ensure a secure daytime water supply.

Restrictions were introduced last week as a result of a drop in the raw water quality entering the local treatment plant, which in turn caused reservoir levels to fall.

The nighttime restrictions are now necessary to allow reservoir levels to replenish and will continue until at least next Monday, 5 January.

The restrictions will be in place each night from 10.30pm to 8am the following morning to allow the local reservoir levels recharge.

Water levels are being reviewed daily and a decision if further restrictions are required will be announced on Monday, explained Uisce Éireann’s Tony Kelly.

“I want to thank customers on the supply for their water conservation efforts. I understand that nighttime restrictions are inconvenient, but I can assure customers that these measures are absolutely essential in order to preserve a full daytime supply for homes and businesses,” said Tony.

Customers can help conserve water by not running taps needlessly, taking showers instead of baths and postponing using dishwashers and washing machines where possible.

Customers can also find useful water saving tips on our website www.water.ie/conserve. This also includes an easy-to-use conservation calculator so you can work out how much water you are currently saving and how to conserve even more.

Clifden RNLI’s lifeboat volunteers have had an exceptionally busy year, between training exercises and rescues, the team have launched their lifesaving vessels 130 times in 2025.

The maritime search and rescue service established in 1988 covers a wide patch of the Atlantic coast, bordering County Mayo at Killary, as far as Carna in South Connemara and encompassing the islands of Inishbofin, Inishark and Inisturk.

Throughout 2025, the crew carried out 23 search and rescue operations, including rescuing seven people who were cut off by the tide on Omey Island in August, rescuing a fisherman with engine trouble in July and recovering a submerged sailing boat in November.

Clifden RNLI have also participated in a number of joint agency operations with local emergency services and carried out four medical evacuations from neighbouring island communities.

Tony Casey, Lifeboat Operations Manager, said, “Our focus this year was to build resilience in the crew by strengthening our skills and accreditations across all ranks and roles. The individual and collective effort which the team have demonstrated towards this goal has been inspiring.”

“During 107 exercises this year, we have amassed several hundred hours at sea in conditions fairly typical to the West Coast. We train twice every week, fighting the wind, rain and big seas to ensure we are prepared and equipped to save lives at sea.”

“Our crew members are taking time away from family and work commitments to serve this community, and I am extremely grateful to each of them.”

“We said goodbye to five crew and had the great honour of welcoming 14 new members. I’d like to thank Owen Hayes, Nessa Joyce, Sinead Pryce, Andy Bell and Conor O Malley for their massive contribution to our lifeboat station and our community, over their many years of dedicated service.”

“I want to welcome our new recruits who have already shown huge commitment to their training plans and are making a big impact at the station with their enthusiasm and energy.”

The new recruits for the Clifden station are John Gavin, Conor Cadden, Jonathan Wallace, Dara Wallace ,Matthew Coohill, Ronan Mullen, Sean Pryce, Ciaran Maguire, James Golden, Liam Coyne, Michael Barrett, Sean Walsh, Selmin Seid and Seamus O Neill.

“I also must give a special mention to our wonderful fundraising branch who work extremely hard all year round to generate income for the RNLI. As a charity, we rely on donations to fund our lifesaving work and the generosity of our supporters is incredible.”

“Earlier this year we also had the privilege of awarding an RNLI service medal to Clifden GP, Dr John Casey Snr who has assisted the crew and supported the work of the lifeboat station for decades.

“As we look towards 2026 we will continue to save lives at sea with pride and professionalism, we thank our community for their continued support and remain on call 24/7 ready to assist anyone in danger on or near the water.”

With winter swimmers out in full force at the moment Clifden RNLI’s Water Safety Officer, Miryam Harris has some important advice.

“We know this time of year many people take part in festive and New Year dips or continue to take part in regular winter swims. So we are urging anyone entering the water to be aware of the dangers, check sea conditions carefully and to understand their own limitations.”

“The effects of cold water, combined with weather conditions and any personal health issues should be taken seriously before venturing in. Never go alone and always have a means of calling for help.”

“The most important thing to remember is if you are in any doubt, stay out of the water and if you or anyone else does get into trouble in or on the water please call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”

17 new speed camera zones will be operational in Galway from January 1, among nearly 400 new zones introduced nationwide.

390 new safety camera zones will become operational from 2026, bringing the total number of safety camera zones nationwide to 1,901.

The primary purpose of safety cameras is to reduce speed-related collisions, lessen injuries and save lives.

To date in 2025, there have been 186 road deaths. This is the highest level of road deaths on Irish roads in over a decade.

Safety cameras operate in areas where there is a history of speed-related collisions, known as speed enforcement zones.

All zones are available on the Garda website and available for GPS navigation providers to download here.

Assistant Commissioner Catharina Gunne, Roads Policing and Community Engagement, said, “The majority of drivers on Irish roads obey the speed limits, keeping themselves, their passengers and other road users safer.”

“There is a small persistent cohort of selfish, dangerous drivers who choose to drive in excess of the posted speed limit.”

“These drivers put themselves and members of their community at risk, particularly children, older people, cyclists and other motorists.”

“An Garda Síochána’s priority is to ensure that the vast majority of people who use the roads responsibly are not put in danger by this minority of reckless drivers who continue to drive at excessive speed.”

“GoSafe vans operate in areas that have a speed-related collision history where fatal, serious injury and minor injury collisions occur.”

“In addition, locations which have been highlighted by members of the community as being areas of concern, have been included in the new zones.”

“By identifying and targeting these high-risk areas, the aim is to reduce the number of fatal and serious injury collisions.”