Galway County Council’s regeneration project at Tobar Mhuire in Ahascragh has been named a category winner of the ‘Building Communities’ category in the 2025 Community Housing Awards.

The awards, organised by the Irish Council for Social Housing (ICSH), recognise innovation and sustainability in public and community housing.

Led by Galway County Council and funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the project involved demolishing 10 existing homes, building 12 new units and refurbishing six others, along with associated site works.

The project design team included Vincent Hannon Architects and Tom McNamara & Partners, and the scheme was constructed by C&N Higgins Construction.

Cllr David Collins, Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, said the award demonstrates the role of local authorities in supporting community renewal.

“Tobar Mhuire is an example of how regeneration can deliver lasting benefits for residents and rural towns across the county. I want to congratulate the council’s housing department and the project design team on their work and on receiving national recognition,” he added.

Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council, said the project reflects the council’s wider strategy to accelerate housing delivery through regeneration while larger infrastructure projects remain in development.

“The transformation at Tobar Mhuire has turned a 1970s estate with ageing facades and overgrown spaces into a modern, resident-focused neighbourhood,” he stated.

“The project shows what can be achieved through good design and collaboration, meeting the highest standards in usability, management and sustainability.”

According to Damien Mitchell, Director of Housing with Galway County Council, “The Tobar Mhuire scheme is a strong example of how targeted regeneration can deliver high-quality housing within existing communities.”

“Funding support from the Department has been central to the project, and we look forward to exploring similar developments across County Galway alongside our ongoing programme of new builds.”

Margaret O’Brien, a tenant of Tobar Mhuire, said the transformation of the estate “is remarkable” and that what was once outdated housing is now a “vibrant, welcoming community.” She added that she feels “incredibly lucky” to be part of the newly developed estate.

Kevin Greene of Topline, a building provider and agricultural merchant business adjacent to Tobar Mhuire, praised the positive impact the development has had on Ahascragh’s housing landscape.

He commended the local authority’s practical approach to housing support and its collaboration with local businesses in delivering the scheme.

“By encouraging local sourcing and supporting small enterprises, they have helped to strengthen the economic and social fabric of our area,” he said.

Now in its 10th year, the Community Housing Awards is sponsored by IPB Insurance, which describes the programme as a celebration of “social, affordable and sustainable community housing,” highlighting collaboration between local authorities, housing bodies and state agencies. See www.icsh.ie for more.

 Is your shed overflowing with leftover paint cans? Are old chemical sprays and containers lurking under your sink? Don’t let these hazardous items pose a risk to your family or the environment any longer.

The Regional Waste Management Planning Offices and Galway County Council are teaming up to host a free Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day on Saturday, November 15, from 9:00am to 1:00pm at Gort Mart.

This initiative lets you safely bid goodbye to those lingering products tucked away under the sink or gathering dust in the shed.

Think leftover paint tins, harsh cleaning chemicals, bleach, garden herbicides, and forgotten aerosol cans – gone in one clean sweep, with peace of mind.

Why is this so important? Throwing hazardous items like bleach, paints, or aerosol cans into your general waste bin or pouring them down the drain can have serious consequences.

These substances can contaminate our soil and water sources, harming wildlife and potentially entering our drinking water supply.

They can also pose risks to waste collection workers and cause dangerous chemical reactions or even fires in waste facilities. This collection day provides a safe, responsible, and environmentally sound alternative.

What You Can Bring (Household Items ONLY):

The collection day will accept household items that contain potentially harmful components. Please ONLY bring the following:

• Household Chemicals: Disinfectants, detergents, bleach, oven cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, and other potent cleaning agents

• Personal Care Products: Nail polish, nail polish remover, aerosols, and other chemical-based cosmetic products
• Garden Chemicals: Pesticides, herbicides, and other chemical treatments used in lawn and garden care
• Paints: Leftover paint and paint related products such as paintbrushes and rollers.
• Solvents: Varnishes, thinners, strippers, inks, glues, resins, and other solvent-based products
• Automotive Products: Used motor oil, petrol, diesel, antifreeze, surface polish, and other automotive fluids

Important Reminders:

• This collection is for household hazardous waste only. Commercial/farm waste CANNOT be accepted
• Medicines, medical waste, waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and gas canisters will not be accepted
• There’s a 10 can/tub limit per customer for leftover paint
• There’s a 25 litre per customer limit for motor oil
• Please plan your visit accordingly, as materials can only be accepted between 9:00am and 1:00pm on Saturday November 15, and entry is permitted only for those who have registered online to pre-book their spot
• Opening hours are dependent on capacity limits to maintain safety and operational efficiency

Ann Dolan, Senior Executive Scientist of Galway County Council, said, “Proper disposal of household hazardous waste is crucial to protecting Galway’s natural environment.”

“If these hazardous waste items end up in general waste bins, they can cause serious pollution, additionally health and safety issues.”

“This event offers a convenient and free way for residents to safely get rid of harmful materials, helping us keep our communities and ecosystems clean and healthy. We urge everyone to participate and make a positive impact.”

“Mishandling hazardous waste poses serious risks not only to our environment but also to public health,” says Carol Sweetnam from the Regional Waste Management Planning Offices.

“Improper disposal of hazardous waste can harm both ecosystems and local communities. This collection event aims to provide householders with an easy and convenient way to safely dispose of these materials, helping us protect and preserve a clean, safe environment for all.”

Don’t miss this chance to properly dispose of your household hazardous waste for FREE. Register here to pre-book your spot — only registered attendees will be granted entry.

Just remember to bring items in their original containers with legible original labels. For a complete list of accepted materials, visit www.mywaste.ie.

From AI to allergies and dopamine to the deep sea, short science videos made by young Irish filmmakers have been celebrated at the 13^th Annual ReelLIFE SCIENCE Awards in University of Galway.

The event took place on Sunday as part of Science Week 2025 and the 27^th Galway Science and Technology Festival.

More than 200 short science films were entered into the competition created by 1,800 young science enthusiasts in 86 schools and youth groups taking part across the island of Ireland.

Winning videos were selected by a panel of guest judges including science communicators Mark Langtry – The Science Guy; Amy Hassett, University College Dublin; and the 2025 BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition winners, Ciara, Saoirse and Laoise Murphy, from Presentation Secondary School, Tralee, Co Kerry.

ReelLIFE SCIENCE Winners – Primary

1^st Prize – Twenty-three talented sixth class students from Gaelscoil Riabhach in Loughrea, Co Galway, along with their teacher Brian Ó Meacháin, won the €1,000 first prize for their animated video ‘An Fharraige Dhomhain’ exploring The Deep Sea.

Runners-up – Inspired by an episode of Fr. Ted, teacher Thomas Egan and sixth class students from Sooey National School in Sligo explained the workings of the eye in their humorous video ‘Small or Far Away?’

Finishing third, and led by teacher Tommy Buckley, fifth class students from Killorglin National School in Kerry made a science music video entitled ‘Why do Cats Always Land on their Feet’.

Teacher Clíodhna O’Donnell and 28 sixth class students from Abbey Primary School in Boyle, Co. Roscommon came fourth for their study of levers and pulleys, ‘Machine Made Possible’

ReelLIFE SCIENCE Winners – Post-primary

1^st Prize – Seven first and second year students from Coláiste Ghobnait on Inis Oírr, Co na Gaillimhe, won the €1,000 first prize under the guidance of science teacher Rebecca Ní Chríocháin, for their video ‘Céard is cúis le ailléirgí?’ explaining the causes of allergies through Irish.

Runners-up – Sixth year students Shaun Irimpan and Gabriel McCrystal from Coláiste Na Mí, Navan, Co. Meath, highlighted the negative impacts of artificial intelligence in their video ‘What Happens When Everyone Uses AI?’

The third-place prize went to Transition Year students Evanna Moneley, Jasmine Zhang and Asia Aru from Alexandra College in Dublin for their video ‘Everything we need to know about Dopamine’.

Fourth place was awarded to Saipresha Paraneetharan, Alannah McCarthy, Zara Jaiby and Lily Hutton from Tullow Community School in Carlow for their science music video ‘Why do we Hiccup?’.

ReelLIFE SCIENCE Winners – Youth Organisation

1^st Prize – A group of 12 young people from Athlone, Co Westmeath who took part in My Life Online workshops facilitated by Midlands Science and Foróige and supported by the Rethink Ireland TikTok Digital Future Fund, won the €1,000 youth group first prize for their video ‘Why is the Sky Blue’.

Runners-up – Brogan O’Donnell from Trident Swim Club in Carrick on Shannon, Co. Leitrim came second for his underwater video exploring ‘The Science of Swimming’.

Eddie Sweeney and Brooklyn Conroy from Ballybane Foróige in Galway were third for their science experiments video ‘My life as…a Scientist’, while six young people from Ballyphehane and Greenmount Foróige group in Cork finished fourth for their video ‘The Science of Coke and Mentos’.

Special Category Awards

All of the winning videos can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/ReelLifeScience.

The ReelLIFE SCIENCE programme challenges young people in schools and youth groups across the island of Ireland to engage with science and technology while developing their communication and digital skills, by producing short educational videos for the public.

Since being launched in 2013 by Dr Enda O’Connell and a team of scientists from University of Galway’s College of Science and Engineering, this challenge has been met by more than 30,000 young people, supported by teachers and staff in 825 schools and youth groups.

“Every year, we’re amazed by the imagination, creativity and curiosity shown by young people across Ireland,” Dr O’Connell said.

“Through ReelLIFE SCIENCE, they bring science to life in ways that are funny, thought-provoking and inspiring, making it accessible to everyone.”

“We’re incredibly proud of all the students, teachers and youth leaders who took part this year. A big congratulations to every one of them for sharing their passion for science with the world.”

ReelLIFE SCIENCE is supported by the Research Ireland Discover Programme, University of Galway’s College of Science and Engineering, the CÚRAM – the Research Ireland Centre for Medical Devices at University of Galway, the Cell EXPLORERS programme and Foróige.

The HSE is urging people in Galway to get the flu vaccine this winter season, to protect themselves and others as case numbers rise.

Influenza activity in Ireland is continuing to increase, with case and hospitalisation numbers both rising in the last week, according to new data from the HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC).

Case numbers increased from 144 in the last week of October to 174 last week. The highest number of cases this winter season to date was recorded among adults aged 65 years and older.

The number of influenza hospitalisations also increased, from 22 at the end of last month to 48 at the start of November. Different types of Influenza A and Influenza B viruses have been detected already this season.

According to Dr. Áine McNamara, Regional Director of Public Health HSE West and North West region, “Flu has started to circulate in the community and will continue to increase over the coming weeks.”

“If you’re eligible for the flu vaccine, now’s the time to act. You can get your flu vaccine from your GP or pharmacist. Protect yourself and your loved ones, book your flu vaccine today and help keep yourself and your community safe and well this winter.”

The HSE is offering free flu vaccines at participating GP clinics, pharmacies, and community health centres in Galway.

HSE vaccination teams will also provide the flu vaccine for people living in residential care facilities, including nursing homes, as well as to housebound patients.

The children’s nasal spray flu vaccine is also available for free for all children aged 2 to 17 years from participating GPs and pharmacies. The nasal spray flu vaccine is safe, effective, and painless.

Who should get the free flu vaccine

The flu vaccine is strongly recommended and free for:

• Everyone aged 60 years and older
• People with underlying medical conditions
• Healthcare workers (including students in healthcare and social care)
• All children aged 2-17 years
• Pregnant women (at any stage of pregnancy)
• Carers and household contacts of people at higher risk
• Residents of nursing homes and other long-stay facilities
• People with regular close contact with poultry, waterfowl or pigs

Traffic disruption is expected in the area around Carnmore Cross this week, where two days of roadworks will be taking place.

Galway County Council is installing anti-skid surfacing on the R339 at Carnmore Cross.

The works will take place from 9:30am to 4:30pm on Thursday & Friday, November 13 – 14.

To facilitate these works, a Temporary Traffic Management System will be in operation during these hours.

As a consequence, road users are advised to expect delays and, as such, should allow additional time for their journeys.

Two students from Coláiste Muire Máthair on St. Mary’s Road, Galway have secured their place in the SciFest National Finals in Dublin, following their impressive scientific research.

First year students Liya Walsh and Crystal Quinn impressed judges with their project ‘Biovolt: The Moss Power Revolution’, which focused on ‘harnessing nature’s soft power for a sustainable future.’

The project has already secured Liya and Crystal a prestigious EirGrid Cleaner Climate Award following the regional competition in Atlantic Technological University, Galway earlier this year.

Liya and Crystal will now compete against fifty other students from thirty schools nationwide in the national finals for a chance to represent Ireland at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in May 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

SciFest@College is a programme of STEM fairs for second-level students, taking place in 16 regional colleges across Ireland.

For two decades SciFest has been a platform for second-level students to showcase their creativity, innovation and research skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

EirGrid, the operator and developer of Ireland’s electricity grid, partnered with SciFest to develop the EirGrid Cleaner Climate Award as recognition of the critical role young people play in shaping a sustainable future.

The award celebrates second level students who research and design projects to address challenges posed by climate or energy focused issues.

Wishing the students the best of luck for the national finals Orlaith Diamond, Head of Sustainability with EirGrid, said, “As the next generation of changemakers, students bring fresh perspectives to the challenges we face surrounding climate change and energy.”

“The evolution of energy production depends on creative thinking and pioneering solutions in renewables, and it’s inspiring to see young minds like Liya and Crystal leading the way.”

“We’re proud to stand alongside SciFest in championing STEM education and encouraging young people to speak up, explore and innovate.”

The SciFest National Final 2025 will take place on Friday, November 21 at the Marino Conference Centre.

Nearly 5,000 students will be officially graduating from Atlantic Technological University this week in the latest round of conferrings across Galway and Mayo.

ATU will host its next series of conferring ceremonies in Mayo, Connemara, and Galway City this November, following the celebrations in Donegal and Sligo at the end of October.

These events mark a significant milestone for graduates across a wide range of disciplines.

ATU Mayo’s conferring will take place this Thursday, 13 November on the university’s campus in Castlebar from 12pm.

Connemara’s conferring will take place the following day, Friday, 14 November on the university’s campus in Letterfrack from 1pm.

The last of the Class of 2025 conferring will take place at the Galmont Hotel, Galway City, on November 18 & 19 from 10am.

Last month, ATU conferred 1,235 graduates in Donegal and 1,735 graduates in Sligo, bringing together families, staff, and communities to celebrate achievement.

The upcoming ceremonies will see 229 graduates in Mayo, 50 graduates in Connemara, and 1,390 graduates in Galway City receive their awards.

These ceremonies will bring together graduates, families, and staff to celebrate academic success and the contribution of ATU graduates to their communities and industries.

With over 4,600 graduates conferred across all campuses this season, the events highlight the scale and diversity of ATU’s impact across the West and North West of Ireland.

Locals in Galway have generated 34,343 Christmas shoebox gifts for children affected by poverty over the last three years – and helped a charity pass the 3 million mark nationally in time for Christmas.

Since 2010, Team Hope has delivered over 2.8million shoebox gifts from Ireland to countries across Africa and Eastern Europe – and will ship off its three-millionth in the coming weeks.

The charity’s figures show that in the last three years, kind-hearted donors in Galway have created almost 34,500 gifts.

And there is still time to increase that total – with drop-off points open around the county until November 15.

“The support we have received from the people of Galway since 2010 has been incredible,” said Team Hope CEO, Deborah Lowry.

“But there’s always a need for more shoeboxes so it would be great if schools, parents, businesses and community groups across the county can come together for one last push to create their own.

“They are often packed by children for children and carry not only toys and treats but also the invisible gifts of love and hope.

“That kindness, travelling across oceans, reminds a child that they are not forgotten – that someone, somewhere cares about them.”

Surpassing the magical 3million shoebox mark ties in with the charity’s 15th anniversary of bringing happiness to children in some of the poorest parts of the world, many of whom have never experienced the joy of Christmas.

Everyone in Galway is urged to continue the effort – filled shoeboxes can be dropped off until November 15 at these locations in the county and nationwide: teamhope.ie/christmas-shoebox-appeal/drop-off-points/.

Donors, if they prefer, can choose to send a personalised €25 shoebox online through Team Hope’s website, right up until Christmas Eve.

The 28th annual Galway Science and Technology Festival kicked off on Sunday with a full day of discovery, fun, and hands-on learning celebrating the wonder of science, technology, engineering and maths.

15,000 attendees from Galway, Roscommon, Mayo and Clare visited the University of Galway campus for a range of activities, including 25 live shows and workshops, plus over 100 interactive stands from local, national, and multinational organisations.

Exhibits included the newly-designed Medtronic Experience, the Medtronic Mystery Experience and the University of Galway’s ‘Explore the Wonders of Science’ exhibition.

Renowned Zoologist Dr Michel Dugon, founder of the Venom Lab at the University of Galway and creator of The Bug Doctor series, received the Galway Science Person of the Year Award.

Recognised for his over 14 years of inspiring children at the Festival and students across Galway and beyond with his live workshops on bugs, spiders, and snakes and important ongoing scientific research at the University of Galway.

A long-standing favourite among school groups and families, making science accessible, engaging, and exciting.

Speaking at the Festival, Senior R&D Director with Medtronic, Ronan Rogers, said, “At Medtronic, our story is one of continuous innovation.”

“From developing the world’s first leadless pacemaker, to today’s breakthroughs in robotics and minimally invasive therapies, and exploring how artificial intelligence will help predict and personalise patient care – science never stands still.”

“The Galway Science and Technology Festival remind us that every breakthrough starts with curiosity, and the next one could come from right here in Galway.”

Professor Becky Whay, Deputy President and Registrar, University of Galway, said, “As lead academic partner, we are proud to support and host the Galway Science and Technology Festival on our campus.”

“This collaboration reflects our commitment to inspiring curiosity and innovation in STEM and showing how these fields connect to real-world impact.”

“Congratulations to our colleague Dr Michel Dugon on being named Science Person of the Year, a fitting recognition of his passion for engaging and inspiring others through science.”

The exhibition once again underscored the importance of STEM learning and curiosity about the world around us.

The Festival team extends gratitude to all exhibitors, volunteers, sponsors, and visitors and looks forward to an even bigger celebration of science next year.

Don’t miss additional upcoming engaging events in November including ‘The Science of Women’s Health’ sponsored by Research Ireland, happening at the Black Box Theatre on Wednesday, November 12.

For a full list of additional events, workshops and walking tours, visit GalwayScience.ie.

For the winter solstice on 21 December, Samaritans Galway is calling on local businesses to light up their premises in green, marking the Longest Night and showing solidarity with those who may be struggling during the darkest time of the year.

The Longest Night campaign highlights that while the nights may be long, Samaritans’ volunteers are always there to listen, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for anyone who is in distress, struggling to cope or at risk of suicide.

Samaritans Galway, which will mark 50 years in Ireland in 2026, provides a unique and vital service: 100% human support, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Every call and message are answered by a trained volunteer, ensuring compassion, empathy and human understanding are always at the centre of the support offered.

Samaritans Galway is extending an invitation to those who may be considering volunteering. The role involves listening, without judgement, and offering compassion to people in need.

With full training provided, volunteers say the experience is one of the most rewarding and purposeful things they have ever done, whether they have given a few months of their time while living in Galway, or over 25 years of continuous service.

By turning their shopfronts, offices, and landmarks green, Galway businesses can help spread the message that support is available to everyone, day or night.

The initiative aims to spark conversations around mental health, encourage people to seek help when needed, and remind communities that nobody has to face their darkest nights alone.

“A simple act like lighting up in green can have a profound impact. It sends a powerful message of hope, especially on the longest night of the year, that Samaritans are always here to listen,” said a spokesperson for Samaritans Ireland.

“Volunteering with Samaritans is more than just giving time – it is about saving lives, offering comfort, and making a real difference. Many of our volunteers describe it as the most purposeful thing they have ever done.”

Find out more about volunteering and opportunities at www.samaritans.org/ireland. Anyone in need of support: Call Samaritans free on 116 123 at any time, day or night.

A Galway nursing home professional has been recognised among Ireland’s best at the NHI Care Awards 2025, the leading national celebration of excellence in nursing home care.

Kathryn Lavelle, from An Teaghlach Uilinn, Kilrainey, Moycullen, received the Quality Enhancement Award, sponsored by BDO Ireland.

Kathryn was honoured at the NHI Care Awards ceremony on Thursday, 6th November 2025, in the Round Room at the Mansion House, Dublin.

The event was attended by the Minister for Older People, Kieran O’Donnell TD, who also presented an award on the night. The ceremony celebrated exceptional care being delivered every day across nursing homes in Ireland.

There were over 250 nominations submitted from across the country, with 34 finalists selected by an independent judging panel representing nursing, academia, and the wider health and social care sector.

The evening brought together colleagues, families, and representatives from every corner of Ireland, with an atmosphere of celebration, positivity, and excitement filling the Round Room as winners were announced.

“The NHI Care Awards celebrate the extraordinary dedication of those who provide compassionate, person-centred care every day,” said Tadhg Daly, CEO of Nursing Homes Ireland.

“Kathryn Lavelle, reflects the innovation, quality focus, and resident-centred values that underpin excellence in nursing home care. Her commitment to continuous improvement and her contribution to enhancing the quality of life for residents represent the very best of our profession.”

“I also wish to extend warm congratulations to all those nominated across the country this year. Each nominee represents the compassion, commitment, and expertise that underpin quality nursing home care nationwide.”

“We extend our sincere thanks to Minister Kieran O’Donnell TD for attending and presenting an award on the night, and to all our sponsors for their continued support, in particular to Homecare Medical, our long-standing awards partner and key sponsor, whose commitment helps make this national celebration of care possible.”

The Nursing Homes Ireland (NHI) Care Awards, held in association with Homecare Medical, are the leading national celebration of excellence in nursing home care.

The NHI Care Awards honour the dedication, compassion, and professionalism shown by individuals and teams supporting more than 27,000 people living in nursing homes across Ireland.

The Awards recognise outstanding achievements and best practice in every aspect of care, from clinical excellence and innovation to teamwork, resident wellbeing, and quality improvement.

By highlighting these exceptional contributions, the NHI Care Awards showcase the vital role that nursing home care plays in enabling residents to live life to its fullest.

The Aran Islands RNLI Lifeboat Station welcomed multiple new members to its volunteer crew recently.

Avril Ní Shearcaigh, Stacy Ní Iarnáin, Fionn Ó Flaithearta and Peter Alan Joyce each passed their assessment on Tuesday afternoon by Coastal Lifeboat Trainer Sean Ginnelly.

Stacy Ní Iarnáin and Fionn Ó Flaithearta sat an assessment to successfully pass out as Launch Authority, a vital role to approve the launch of the lifeboat when requested by the Irish Coast guard, liaising with the coxswain and paging the lifeboat crew.

Peter Alan Joyce successfully passed out his Tier one Crew plan after many hours of training and hard work.

Peter Alan was assessed on anchoring, rope handling and local knowledge ensuring he has mastered the essential techniques and procedures required for this critical role.

Avril Ní Shearcaigh has joined the Aran Islands station as Lifeboat Operations Manager. Avril was a crew member at the lifeboat station for several years and has now returned to lead the station personnel and volunteers.

She will now be responsible for managing all operational activities at the station. Avril, who is a mom to four and the manager of Comharchumann Fuinnimh Oileáin Árann, brings a wealth of leadership and management experience to the station.

Commenting on her new role, Avril said, ‘I’m delighted to be joining the station as Lifeboat Operations Manager. It’s been a busy year for all our volunteers, with 56 launches so far this year.”

“The lifeboat is our lifeline, so I’m happy to be a part of the team that keeps it ready to respond whenever it’s needed and help continue saving lives at sea.”

“I would like to congratulate Stacy and Fionn and to Peter Alan for passing their assessments. Also, a big congratulations to Coxswain Afloat mechanic, Ciaran Doyle.”

“Ciaran has been training on Inis Mór for the past week and was passed out as a Severn Class Coxswain. We are delighted for him, and we’ll be looking forward to working with him in the near future.”