Ahead of the bank holiday weekend University hospital Galway is advising of long wait times in the Emergency Department (ED).

The ED has been extremely busy over the past few days, and further high attendances are expected over the bank holiday weekend.

As of this morning, there are 97 patients in the Emergency Department, with 31 patients on trolleys awaiting admission to an inpatient bed. Yesterday, Tuesday, 21 October, 305 people attended the Emergency Department.

Maria Molloy, Deputy Hospital Manager, said, “We are doing everything we can to improve the flow of patients through the ED and reduce delays for our patients and would ask the public to consider all healthcare options before attending the ED.”

“We are 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, unfortunately, may be waiting longer.”

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

Urgent, time sensitive cases are being prioritised. Patients are being contacted directly if their procedure is being postponed.

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 at the earliest opportunity for patients who need to be admitted.

People are being asked to consider their local pharmacy, GP, or out of hours GP in the first instance for healthcare needs.

The Roscommon Injury Unit is also open from 8am to 8pm every day and can treat a wide range of breaks, sprains, burns and minor wounds.

A consortium led by Galway startup Fortis Medical Devices has secured a €2.1 million government grant to accelerate the development of breakthrough stroke rehabilitation technology.

The funding will accelerate the development of cueStim-Stroke – a new wearable device for patients affected by post-stroke gait irregularities, a major unmet clinical need.

University of Galway spin-out, Fortis Medical Devices, is based in Spiddal and a client company of Údarás na Gaeltachta.

Also involved in the consortium are RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences and Smart Electronics in Shannon.

The €2.1m grant was awarded through the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment’s Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund (DTIF).

The project will directly address a pressing healthcare challenge, with nearly 20 million stroke patients worldwide affected by long-term gait impairments, despite rehabilitation.

Stroke-related treatment and care costs are projected to reach €86 billion a year in the EU by 2040, underscoring the urgent need for transformative technologies.

The consortium will also create a connected health ecosystem to support home-based rehabilitation, providing clinicians with real-time data on gait performance, patient progress, and adherence, enabling continuous improvement in patient outcomes through data-driven insights.

Thomas Gutierrez, Chief Executive, Fortis Medical Devices, said, “Our mission is to significantly improve the quality of life for stroke survivors. With this DTIF award, we can accelerate the development of cueStim-Stroke to bring real-world solutions to patients and clinicians.”

Fortis Medical Devices was established as a neuroscience and cardiovascular spin-out from University of Galway in April 2024.

Gearóid Ó Laighin retired as an Established Professor of Electronic Engineering and took on the role of Chief Scientific Officer in the new company.

Fortis brings world-leading expertise in wearable rehabilitation technologies and plans to extend its patented platform stimulator technologies to other chronic illnesses.

The cueStim-Stroke product will complement Fortis’ Parkinson’s disease Freezing of Gait reduction technology, which is currently in late-stage development, and which has been designated a Breakthrough Device by the FDA in the United States.

As a University of Galway spin-out, Fortis has licensed a suite of patents from the University and is planning to apply this patent portfolio in the treatment of a range of chronic conditions, in addition to post-stroke gait impairments and Freezing of Gait in Parkinson’s disease.

Professor Lokesh Joshi, University of Galway Vice-President of Research and Innovation, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Fortis Medical and a great example of a successful University of Galway research-led spinout from the University ecosystem.”

He added that the company will “deliver disruptive ground-breaking technology for post-stroke gait rehabilitation, which will make a major impact for patients.”

RCSI will contribute its expertise in stroke medicine, patient management, and rehabilitation, while Smart Electronics Ltd will leverage its advanced capabilities in manufacturing wearable devices and managing global supply chains.

HSE West and North West is advising people in Galway and Roscommon to be aware of their healthcare options this October Bank Holiday weekend.

• Please stay safe on the roads, slow down and take care
• Emergency departments will be busy with long wait times
• Go to a HSE injury unit for breaks, sprains and minor wounds
• Out of hour GP services are open all weekend but you must make an appointment
• Your local pharmacy has expert advice on a wide range of conditions
• Ensure you are up to date with flu and COVID-19 vaccines

If you do get sick this bank holiday weekend there are a number of healthcare options available; plan ahead, know your options and stay safe.

Ann Cosgrove, HSE healthcare manager for Galway and Roscommon, said, “Unfortunately, our emergency departments tend to be busier at holiday weekends than at other times of the year, but we have plans in place to manage high attendances.”

“We have senior clinical decision makers rostered throughout the weekend and we are doing everything we can to improve the flow of patients through the ED to minimise delays for people.”

“Many common illnesses can be treated at home, but if you need an urgent GP appointment over the weekend, the out of hours GP service in this region is called Westdoc. The service is open all weekend, but you do need to make an appointment in advance.”

“Your local pharmacy can also offer expert advice on a wide range of common illnesses and complaints.”

“At this time of year we expect to see an increase in flu and COVID-19, please ensure you are up to date with your vaccines to reduce your risk of serious respiratory illness this winter.”

People are also advised that the Roscommon Injury is open from 8am to 8pm every day of the year.

This unit can deal with many of the maladies that many people go to the emergency department for, including x-rays.

An appointment is not required for people to attend the Roscommon Injury Unit.

“In an emergency, it’s really important that you do not delay and that you either come to the ED, or dial 999/112. Please stay safe and look after your mental health as well as your physical health this long weekend.”

University of Galway has celebrated the achievements of more than 2,400 graduates during its autumn conferring ceremonies.

Graduates, including 48 who qualified with a PhD, from across the University’s four Colleges were conferred with postgraduate and undergraduate degrees.

The autumn conferring took place in a series of ceremonies on campus, with the new graduates joining the ranks of over 131,000 University of Galway alumni worldwide.

The celebrations took place on campus in Galway City from October 15th to 21st.

Professor David Burn, President of University of Galway, said that the conferring week is one of the highlights of the university calendar.

He described it as “A time to recognise the hard work, dedication, and excellence of our students, and the commitment of our staff who have supported them along the way.”

“We are very proud of our graduates as they embark on the next stage of their journey.”

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Going for Growth – the business development programme for female entrepreneurs – is partnering with the University of Galway Innovation Office and IdeasLab to host a roadshow event at University of Galway next month.

The Going for Growth: Inspiring Roadshow will take place at the O’Donohue Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance on the university campus on November 4. Doors open at 6pm. The event will run from 6.30pm to 9pm and includes time for networking and refreshments.

The Inspiring Roadshow is one of a series planned in Dublin and Galway which are designed to provide information and encouragement to businesswomen at any stage of their entrepreneurial journey.

Alongside an array of special guest speakers, there will also be information on supports, like Going for Growth, an initiative for those aiming to increase revenue, create employment, and explore new market opportunities.

National Director of Going for Growth, Paula Fitzsimons, said, “We’re delighted to bring our Going for Growth Inspiring Roadshows to Galway and Dublin in November.”

“We hope the information provided at these evenings, along with the contributions from our guest speakers, will encourage female entrepreneurs to be more ambitious in their business development goals.”

“We also hope that it might inspire women currently in business to sign up for Going for Growth, a programme designed to aid those hoping to increase revenue, employment, and growth into new markets.”

“The deadline for applications for the 18th cycle of Going for Growth is midnight on Friday, November 21, so Inspiring Roadshows come at just the right time for anyone who may be considering signing up.”

Speakers at the University of Galway event include Evelyn O’Toole, founder of sampling and testing service Complete Laboratory Solutions (CLS); Niamh Ryan, founder of skincare company Ella & Jo; and Louella Morton, founder of TestReach, an online assessment solution.

Evelyn O’Toole founded CLS in Ros Muc, Connemara, in 1994 and over three decades has turned the company into the largest privately-owned contract laboratory in Ireland, delivering accredited sampling and testing services in food safety, environmental monitoring, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals.

Niamh Ryan co-founded Ella & Jo in Ballina, Co. Mayo, in 2017. She is a former brand manager with Unilever who has leveraged a master’s in marketing from DCU and the University of Illinois, and qualifications in advanced skin therapy, to create an innovative multi-purpose skincare brand that exports to 50 countries worldwide.

Louella Morton founded TestReach in 2014. The company provides an end-to-end online exam management system to professional bodies, educational and training organisations, and corporations in the financial services, pharma, and aviation sectors. TestReach employs more than 200 people, plus a further 200 exam invigilators.

These Inspiring Roadshows are taking place while the call for applications for a new cycle of Going for Growth is open, so enterprising women, at various stages of their entrepreneurial journey, can learn what is possible from the experience of other women.

Registration is free and on the home page of the www.goingforgrowth.com website under ‘News Updates’.

That vibrant carpet of pink and yellow flowers blanketing Mediterranean cliffs might look beautiful in holiday photos on a social media feed.

But scientists have discovered these same Instagram snapshots are revealing how one of the world’s most destructive coastal plants is taking over new environments by extending its flowering season and threatening native biodiversity.

An international team of researchers analysed more than 1,700 photographs from social media and citizen science platforms to track Carpobrotus species – commonly known as ice plants or sour fig – across South Africa, Argentina, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain and the US.

These fleshy evergeen succulent plants are native to South Africa but now smother coastal ecosystems from California to the Mediterranean and transform ecosystems.

A single Carpobrotus plant can cover up to 50m², suffocating everything beneath it. They change soil chemistry and monopolise pollinators with their showy flowers, disrupting local ecosystems.

The findings published in Ecological Solutions and Evidence are the result of a global study conducted by University of Galway, Institute of Botany of the Czech Academy of Sciences, University of Santiago de Compostela in Spain, Experimental Station of Arid Zones in Spain, Charles University in the Czech Republic, Macquarie University in Sydney, Stellenbosch University in South Africa, and Penn State University.

Dr Susan Canavan, lead author and Honorary Researcher with the College of Science and Engineering at University of Galway, said, “We realised thousands of people were unknowingly documenting these invasions in the background of their beach selfies and cliff-top sunset photos.”

“This gave us observers across the globe, from California’s Big Sur to New Zealand’s coastlines to Portugal’s tourist beaches.”

For the research team, California’s tourist hotspots provided nearly three times more usable photos than other regions, while remote locations in South Africa and the Azores relied entirely on dedicated naturalist platforms like iNaturalist.

The team discovered that the Carpobrotus populations flower longer than native ones, potentially producing more seeds and increasing their spread.

In their native South Africa, the plants show a short, concentrated flowering peak. But in invaded regions, they bloom across extended periods. This reproductive advantage may help to explain their invasive success.

They also found that local environmental conditions override genetic differences in determining flowering timing. The plants adapt to bloom during the local spring season, such as October in New Zealand and May-June in California and Europe, rather than maintaining the flowering patterns from their native range.

For coastal managers battling these invaders, the findings offer practical guidance – by revealing peak flowering times in the invaded regions, the research will help them to time removal efforts to prevent seed production.

Dr Canavan added, “Tourist destinations were goldmines of data. Every scenic overlook with Carpobrotus had hundreds of Instagram posts.”

“But this also showed us the bias in social media data. Remote invaded areas remain invisible without citizen scientists actively documenting them.”

“The study also demonstrates how the digital age is transforming ecological research. What began as vacation photos and nature observations has become a powerful tool for tracking biological invasions.”

Dr Ana Novoa, co-author and project lead from the Institute of Botany of the Czech Academy of Sciences, said, “These plants are notoriously difficult to control because they spread both by seed and by fragments.”

“Even a small piece can regrow into a new colony. Knowing exactly when they flower in each region means we can strike when they’re most vulnerable, before they produce the thousands of seeds that ensure subsequent invasions.”

Traffic on the N63 will be affected by one week of roadworks getting underway on Wednesday.

Galway County Council is carrying out roadworks on 350m of the N63 from Horseleap Cross to Briarfield National School.

These works are due to get underway on Wednesday, October 22 and take approximately one week to complete.

Traffic management and lane closures will be in place during the roadworks as needed from Wednesday.

Consequently, users of this road are requested to expect delays and as such should allow additional time for their journeys.

Galway County Council has announced a €762,000 Community Climate Action Fund aimed at supporting grassroots efforts to implement climate action projects across the county.

Launched during Climate Action Week, the initiative offers full financial support to not-for-profit organisations, including community and voluntary groups such as Tidy Towns committees, development associations and sports clubs.

Eligible projects will align with one or more of five key climate themes: community energy, sustainable transport, local food promotion, circular economy and waste reduction, and local environmental action.

To celebrate the launch, the Council hosted a showcase event at the weekend at Brigit’s Garden in Rosscahill, where attendees explored successful projects and received guidance on applying for the 2025 fund.

Applications are open this week via Galway County Council’s application portal galwaycoco.submit.com and will close on 16 December.

The 2024 round of funding backed 32 diverse initiatives across County Galway, from solar panel installations and energy-efficient lighting to cycling infrastructure, community gardens, and water refill stations.

Councillor David Collins, Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, described the fund as “a major opportunity for local communities to make a real difference.” He added, “From small rural groups to larger organisations, everyone can play a part in building a more sustainable future for Galway.”

Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council, praised the impact of the 2024 projects, noting the Council’s pride in supporting a wide range of climate-focused initiatives.

“The range and quality of projects supported in 2024 show the positive impact that communities across County Galway are having in addressing climate change.”

“These initiatives are also delivering tangible benefits for communities, helping to reduce energy expenses and enhance the comfort of community buildings.”

Uinsinn Finn, Director of Services with Galway County Council, highlighted the growing momentum behind local climate initiatives.

“The success of the 1st round of the fund highlights the commitment of communities and organisations across County Galway to circular economy practices, renewable energy and carbon reduction.”

“It also reflects the ambition of the Galway County Council Climate Action Plan 2024–2029,” he said. “We look forward to working with communities and organisations across County Galway in assisting them with their applications to the Fund.”

To further support applicants, Galway County Council has partnered with the Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board to offer a free online Climate Action Course on October 22nd and 29th.

The course will help community groups identify practical climate actions and navigate the funding process. Contact climateaction@galwaycoco.ie for more information or for assistance with Climate Fund applications.

The Reincarnation of Cornelius Agrippa, the debut play from Galway-born writer and actor Martin Sullivan’s Wilderland Productions, arrives at the hauntingly atmospheric St Nicholas’s Church, Galway, on November 1.

The story begins in 1519, in the town of Metz, Cornelius Agrippa achieved the impossible: he defended a woman accused of witchcraft and secured her acquittal, the only recorded instance of its kind in history.

Feared by the Church, reviled as a sorcerer, yet revered as a scholar, doctor, soldier and alchemist, Agrippa’s legacy is steeped in shadow and controversy.

Now, over 500 years later, he has returned. And this time, he must defend the condemned again.

The play, already touring Ireland since late 2024, unfolds across two gripping acts. The first reimagines Agrippa’s legendary trial, with arguments drawn directly from historical records.

The second explores the devastating consequences of his defence, both for Agrippa and those around him. Told from the present day, the story blurs past and present, with the audience themselves drawn into the mystery of why Agrippa has returned.

“St Nicholas’s is the perfect setting,” says Sullivan. “It’s medieval character, its history, and its sheer atmosphere make it a dream venue. A year on from our first performance, it feels only right to return for Halloween.”

Martin grew up in Galway and trained with Galway Youth Theatre and the University of Galway. He has also worked with the University of Bristol, attended classes at Visions Drama School in Dublin with Mary Murray, and trained with Run At It Shouting in London.

In 2015, he founded Wilderland Productions to explore storytelling with a focus on suspense and horror. The Reincarnation of Cornelius Agrippa is the company’s first play.

The Reincarnation of Cornelius Agrippa will take place at 7:30pm on Saturday, November 1 at St. Nicholas’ Church. Tickets are €20 (plus booking fee) via Eventbrite or on the door. Book here.

Bord Bia has recognised 136 Irish food and drink companies for their sustainability performance in 2025 with Origin Green Gold Membership, including five Galway companies.

Gold Membership is awarded to Origin Green verified companies if they make significant improvements in their sustainability target areas.

Target areas can include raw material sourcing, water and energy efficiency, emissions, waste reductions, packaging, and social sustainability.

The Gold Members were formally acknowledged at Bord Bia’s annual Origin Green Sustainability Seminar on Tuesday, which was addressed by Noel Grealish T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

This year’s 136 Gold Membership companies come from 26 counties across Ireland and represent sectors including dairy, meat, seafood and aquaculture, grocery, bakery and confectionary, beverages, and horticulture.

Five companies from Galway have been awarded Gold Member status this year, underscoring the huge strength of the food and drink sector in Galway.

• Connemara Distillers Ltd T/A Micil Distillery
• Connemara Organic Seaweeds Ltd
• Builín Blasta
• Divilly’s Ltd
• Sean Loughnane (Galway) Limited

Just over three-quarters of the overall Gold Member companies are small or medium-sized enterprises, while one quarter are large firms. This year, 17% of the companies were first time recipients of Gold Membership.

Martin Hofler, Senior Sustainability Manager, Origin Green at Bord Bia, said, “Every year, Origin Green raises the threshold to meet Gold Membership status in order to help drive continuous change and improvement across the Irish food sector.”

“The record 136 companies awarded Gold Membership this year underscores the huge desire of the Irish food and drink sector to future-proof their business as they continue to increase their sustainability actions.”

“By formally acknowledging the efforts and performance of these 136 outstanding food and drink companies, we are not just rewarding sustainability, but also fundamental business changes and improvements that will be a key driver to their long-term success.”

“We’re also very conscious that these annual awards inspire other companies to make their own changes, to both improve the environment, and also to set their business on the right path.”

“I would like to congratulate all 136 Gold Members and I look forward to seeing them continue to prosper and to champion sustainability in the coming years.”

Addressing the Sustainability Seminar, Jim O’Toole, CEO of Bord Bia, said, “I’m delighted to see a record number of companies achieving Gold Membership today, as it shows their strongly-held commitment to setting and meeting key sustainability targets.”

“But it is also important to remember that these efforts are not just about meeting targets, they are about creating real value. Value for customers, value for employees and value for suppliers.”

“Because sustainability is no longer a peripheral concern, it is a central driver of business resilience, innovation, and long-term success. Sustainability is non-negotiable, it should be embedded into the DNA of every Irish food and drink business.”

“Bord Bia remains deeply committed to evolving Origin Green to meet the needs of our members and also the challenges of the future. We will continue to provide the tools, the insights, and the partnerships that enable Irish food and drink businesses to lead globally in sustainable production.”

Traffic on the N83 will be affected by three weeks of roadworks which have gotten underway this week and will continue into early November.

Galway County Council is carrying roadworks on the N83 Claregalway to Parkmore Junction from Galway Corinthians Rugby Club towards Parkmore for 600m.

These works have commenced and will run for three weeks from this Wednesday, 22nd October.

Traffic management and lane closures will be in place during the works as follows:

Wednesday, October 22 to Friday, Nov 7 – Full lane closures in place with stop go system in place.

Motorists travelling to Galway are advised to divert from Claregalway towards Oranmore and use the M6 Motorway via exit 19.

Motorists travelling from Galway to Claregalway are advised to divert via Galway City by the M6 Motorway and exit at Junction 19.

Consequently, users of this road are requested to expect delays and, as such, should allow additional time for their journeys.

University of Galway and Atlantic Technological University have renewed a partnership for the provision of teacher education.

Both universities re-committed to the Western Institute of Studies in Education (WISE) as the Centre of Excellence of Initial Teacher Education in the West and North-West region.

The partnership builds on the historic collaboration between Atlantic Technological University and University of Galway to strengthen teacher education in the region.

This includes the development and delivery of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, research and broader educational initiatives.

WISE collectively serves 1200 Initial Teacher Education (ITE) students in both undergraduate B.Ed and postgraduate Professional Master of Education programmes.

President of Atlantic Technological University, Dr Orla Flynn, said, “Our purpose in ATU is to enhance the quality of life in our region, through excellent education and research, working collaboratively with partners like the University of Galway.”

“The renewal of this MOU is a strong signal of our collective commitment to supporting the educational needs of young people in our region, and no doubt we will see further innovative initiatives together with the University of Galway in the years ahead.”

Professor David Burn, President of University of Galway, said, “The EU classifies the north-west of Ireland as a ‘lagging’ region. The University has to be part of changing that, with partnership being central to our approach.”

“We greatly value this reinvigorated partnership with Atlantic Technological University which will significantly contribute to improving outcomes in the region, through initial teacher education and related initiatives.”

The renewed partnership was confirmed with the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding by University of Galway and Atlantic Technological University.

The signing recognises the autonomy of each institution as a recognised ITE provider to develop programmes in their respective areas and ensuring the region’s needs are met.

The Western Institute of Studies in Education (WISE) is underpinned by a shared commitment to academic and educational cooperation. It is considered a key vehicle through which the Atlantic Technological University and University of Galway will continue to contribute to growth in the region.

The teacher education partnership is in line with recommendations of the Northern and Western Regional Assembly and the European Commission.

This includes addressing rising regional socio-economic inequalities through the provision of a skilled workforce, supporting research and innovation, the encouragement of partnerships and collaborations, and a focus on efficiencies and productivity.

The Radiotherapy Department at University Hospital Galway (UHG) recently hosted a Big Pink Breakfast to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October), raising an incredible €2,736 in support of the Irish Cancer Society’s Breast Cancer Services.

This generous contribution will make a real difference to patients and families affected by breast cancer. The funds raised for the Irish Cancer Society are equivalent to:

91 lifts to and from treatment using the Irish Cancer Society Transport Service
45 Irish Cancer Society counselling sessions to help someone deal with a cancer diagnosis
More than 5 nights of Irish Cancer Society Night Nursing care for patients at home

Speaking about the event, Stephen Coyne, Radiotherapy Services Manager, said, “Every euro raised through the Big Pink Breakfast directly supports the Irish Cancer Society’s life-changing breast cancer research, essential patient services, and free care for those in need.”

“This donation is a testament to the generosity and compassion of the UHG Radiotherapy team and the wider hospital community. Together, we’re helping ensure that no one in Ireland has to face breast cancer alone.”

Edel O’Toole, Clinical Specialist Radiation Therapist, added: “We were delighted with the incredible response to this year’s Big Pink Breakfast. It was wonderful to see so many colleagues and departments come together in support of such an important cause.”

“The generosity shown by staff and visitors alike will help bring comfort and care to patients and families across Ireland affected by breast cancer.”

“We would like to express our sincere thanks to everyone who contributed, sponsored, attended, and supported this meaningful event.”

Glenda Ryan, Director of Fundraising and Marketing at the Irish Cancer Society, said, “We’re so grateful to everyone in the Radiology Department in University Hospital Galway for hosting a Big Pink Breakfast, and to everyone across the hospital who supported them by donating.

“The funds raised at the Big Pink Breakfast will make an enormous difference to people right across Ireland who are affected by breast cancer.

“It will help to fuel the Irish Cancer Society’s vital support services, like Night Nursing, our Daffodil Centres, our Support Line and counselling. It will also be used to fund ground-breaking breast cancer research.

“The Irish Cancer Society typically receives just 5% of our funding from the Government, so your support for the Big Pink Breakfast is vital and makes a huge difference to so many people who are affected by breast cancer. Your generous donations help to ensure no one has to face cancer alone.”