Figures released by Galway University Hospitals (GUH) for 2024 demonstrate a sustained increase in activity and a reduction in waiting lists.

Despite an incredibly busy year GUH has said that significant progress has been made in reducing wait lists. 

In total, there were 316,279 outpatient appointments (new and return) in GUH last year, an increase of 7,223 on the previous year.

Despite these challenges, OPD wait lists decreased by 16% with a 42% decrease in those waiting more than 15 months.

The overall number of patients waiting more than three years across all specialties, including outpatients, inpatients and day cases, reduced significantly by 54%.

Galway University Hospitals, however, continued to see high attendance across 2024, with a particular rise in older patients who were admitted for care.

In the Emergency Department, the hospital saw an increase in older people (aged 75 and over) both attending the ED and requiring admission to hospital last year, these figures increased by 10% and 8% respectively in 2024.

Total attendance at the emergency department last year reached 80,726, a 7% increase from 2023.  

However, despite the challenges of increased attendances, particularly in caring for our older population who can have complex care needs, the hospital achieved a 4% reduction in the number of patients waiting on trolleys each day at 8am.

Welcoming the reduction in waiting lists, Hospital Manager Chris Kane added, “It is good to see a reduction in the OPD waiting lists and that the initiatives we introduced have been positive. We hope to make further progress in 2025.

“We will continue to work with our community colleagues to ensure timely discharge of patients who can continue their care at home or in the community, allowing us to focus on patients’ urgent care needs.”

Ann Cosgrove, Integrated Healthcare Area Manager for Galway and Roscommon commended staff across the hospital for their ongoing work in reducing wait lists and improving the patient journey through the hospital.

“Galway University Hospitals remains incredibly busy, both in terms of those attending for acute care and for our patients awaiting follow up procedures.”

“We continue to focus on providing the best access to care we can and will work hard to capitalise on these improvements. Working closely with community services will allow us to ensure our patients are receiving the best care in the right location.”

A young man has died following a three car crash near Barna on Sunday night, with the road remaining closed this morning.

Gardaí and emergency services were alerted to a collision involving three cars on the R336 at approximately 11:25pm last night.

The driver of one of the cars, a man in his 20s, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

His body was removed from the scene to the mortuary at University Hospital Galway, where a post-mortem examination is due to take place.

There were no other injuries reported as a result of this collision An Garda Síochána has said.

The road between Bearna (Barna) and Na Forbacha (Furbo) remains closed this morning to facilitate an examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators.

Local diversions are in place, and motorists are encouraged to take the N59 route.

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward.

Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area at the time are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Bóthar na Trá (Salthill) Garda Station on 091 514 720, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Galway City Council workers will protest outside City Hall next Monday against the move to the proposed Crown Square site in Mervue.

Forsa trade union has said that if the council moves to the Crown Square site, it will make it more difficult for people living in the city to access services, while also generating more traffic.

The union has organised a lunchtime protest at the council premises on Monday (10th March @1.30pm), ahead of a meeting of the council at 3pm.

In a recent survey of members, Fórsa said the view of council staff is that the proposed relocation is not in the best interests of service users and has criticised the lack of consultation with staff and other stakeholders about the move.

Three quarters of the staff surveyed confirmed the move would make them consider applying for posts outside of the council.

Fórsa official Padraig Mulligan said, “Galway City Council has made a very serious error of judgement by pushing ahead with a move that nobody wants.”

“It failed to consult its own staff, it failed to consult its own councillors in any meaningful way, and it is failing the people of Galway City by ignoring their needs.”

Fórsa said that the move would “hollow out our city centre and force staff and service users onto heavily congested roads to access services in a business park with limited public transport.”

The survey of members at the council found that two-thirds of staff said the move would increase their journey time to work.

Almost half of the council staff said their journey time would increase by 30 minutes to an hour, while a similar number confirmed it would increase their commute costs and necessitate a change to how they travelled to work, most of whom said they would need to drive a car to work.

Mr Mulligan described these findings as evidence of council management’s failure to consider the climate action implications of the move, because the inevitable increase in private traffic would increase emissions in the city.

A man in his 50s has died following a traffic collision involving a bus near Claregalway on Friday afternoon.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses following a fatal road traffic collision on the N83 (formerly the N17) at Claregalway, Co. Galway.

The collision between a pedestrian and a bus occurred at approximately 2:10pm yesterday.

The pedestrian, a male aged in his 50s, was pronounced dead at the scene.

A technical examination of the scene has been conducted by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators and the road has fully reopened.

Investigating Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward.

Any road users who were on the N83 at Cahergowan, Claregalway, between 1:50pm and 2:20pm on Friday 7th March and may have camera footage (including dash-cam) are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Oranmore Garda Station on 091 388030, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.

Researchers at University of Galway are leading a new €10 million project to develop paludiculture demonstration sites in Ireland, the UK and the Netherlands.

Paludiculture is sustainable agriculture and forestry on wet peatlands. It combines land use and crop production with the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

The four year Horizon Europe project, Palus Demos, is part of a European drive to help farmers diversify profitably while meeting climate goals.

Palus Demos researchers will explore new agricultural business models, develop markets for paludiculture products and increase employment while benefiting the environment and aligning with the European Green Deal.

The project brings together 26 international partners, including farmers, public research bodies, NGOs, commercial farms and industry to stimulate the market and provide policy recommendations to address potential challenges.

Palus Demos is the latest in a network of European-funded paludiculture projects. Support for the practice is growing, as wet farming presents significant opportunities for farmers to diversify into higher yield crop and biomass production.

Paludiculture products for the horticultural, construction and textile industries offer sustainable alternatives to materials such as peat and synthetic fibres.

The majority of Europe’s peatlands have been drained for agricultural use. Draining dries the peat, resulting in rapid decomposition and the release of carbon.

By managing the water table closer to the surface, the aim is to reduce emissions while allowing for commercially viable crops.

There are an estimated 1.5 million hectares of peatland in Ireland alone. Thus, turning a proportion of these lands over to paludiculture is an efficient way to meet our carbon targets.

Palus Demos researchers will test the scalability of a range of high value crops such as sphagnum moss, typha, blueberries and cranberries.

Palus Demos co-ordinator Niall Ó Brolcháin, University of Galway said: “It is great to take part in a European project that demonstrates new farming practices and should offer better incomes to farmers and rural communities while helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve the environment at the same time. We need to stop preaching at farmers while tying them up in red tape and to start presenting them with realistic, new, high value opportunities”.

One person was arrested and multiple weapons seized in connection with an investigation into violent disorder in Ballinasloe earlier this year.

Gardaí raided four properties in Ballinasloe this week as part of an investigation of violent disorder in St Michael’s Square, Ballinasloe, on January 14.

The raids were conducted by Gardaí from Ballinasloe, Loughrea and Oranmore, with the assistance of the Armed Support Unit.

During the raids, they found and seized a number of weapons including slash hooks, machetes and knives.

A man (aged in his 20s) was arrested and detained at a Garda Station in Co Galway under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.

He was subsequently released without charge pending the submission of a file to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Senior officials and Elected Members from Galway City and County Councils and Galway Chamber of Commerce met today to discuss major regional infrastructure priorities.

The meeting on Wednesday morning at the Galmont Hotel addressed opportunities for leveraging government support for key strategic priorities for Galway and the wider North-Western Region.

The joint briefing and workshop event follows an opening meeting held in October 2024 and featured presentations from the Chief Executives of the three organisations on the priority lists prepared for the recently published Programme for Government.

Shared priorities include the N6 Galway City Ring Road, East Galway Main Drainage Scheme, Galway City Flood Defence Scheme, BusConnects Galway, the upgrade of the N-59 from Clifden to Maam Cross and a Masterplan for the Galway Metropolitan Corridor, including the Athenry to the City environs (Oranmore) Strategic Economic Corridor.

The Cathaoirleach of Galway County, Mayor of Galway City and President of Galway Chamber were in attendance along with Elected Members and Officers from the local authority’s Corporate Policy Groups (CPG) and Strategic Policy Committees (SPC) and representatives of Galway Chamber.

Martina Kinane, Cathaoirleach of Galway County said, “I welcome this joint briefing and look forward to ensuring that the priorities as agreed are promoted and delivered upon within the lifetime of this new government.”

“I am also committed to hosting a follow up event in the county to track progress and ensure ongoing updates are provided.”

Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Peter Keane commented, “As Ireland’s fourth largest city, Galway is a key driver for socio-economic development along the Atlantic Economic Corridor, with close ties and significant overlapping priorities with Galway County.”

“This briefing makes explicit our shared ambitions and initiates a process of seeking government investment to realise these priorities for the people of Galway City and County.”

Cáit Noone, President of Galway Chamber stated, “Galway Chamber welcomes the strong commitment shown by Galway City and County Councils in working together to advance these critical infrastructure priorities.”

“A thriving Galway depends on strategic investment, and it is essential that we maintain momentum to secure the necessary government support.”

“By uniting the business community, local authorities, and elected representatives, we can ensure that Galway remains a competitive and dynamic place to do business, driving economic growth and opportunity for the entire region.”

Deirdre Mac Loughlin, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Galway Chamber, added, “As a Chamber, our role is to advocate for our members and the wider business community, holding local and national government accountable to ensure the delivery of key infrastructure priorities for Galway.”

“A strong, competitive city depends on investment in infrastructure, connectivity, and strategic development—needs that are central to our members’ ability to grow and thrive.”

“To secure Galway’s future, we must take a collaborative approach, ensuring clear visibility and driving timely delivery on these critical projects.”

Galway Divisional Gardaí have launched their 5th Annual Garda Youth awards, which will take place on May 8, 2025.

The awards celebrate and acknowledge young people aged between 13 and 21 and recognise the very positive contribution that they are making in their communities in Galway city and county.

There are four award categories: a Group Award which recognises a group that is making a positive contribution to their community; a Community Safety Award which recognises an individual/group that is making their community a safer place to live; a Special Achievement Award in acknowledgement of commitment that deserves recognition; and an Individual Award for a person who is making a positive contribution to their community.

Chief Superintendent Gerry Roche of the Galway Garda Division said: “All too often we do not hear of the good news stories regarding our young people, making a difference to their families, community, having overcome personal obstacles, displayed emotional resilience despite challenges of a physical, emotional, social nature.

The event was launched by All Ireland-winning Kilkerrin Clonberne Ladies Football captain Louise Ward at Fays SuperValu Oranmore. SuperValu are main sponsors of the awards.

Galway Gardaí and SuperValu recognise that there are many young people in every community – throughout the whole Galway Garda Division – who are involved in many positive activities, and too often their contribution to society goes unrecognised.

Supt. Roche said, “The nomination process is open to everyone, so if you know of a young person who is committed to making a difference to their community, please put them forward, as every nominee will receive a certificate, even if they do not win an award.

“This way, all nominees are recognised for their efforts, and the certificate is a very valuable item to have on a young person’s CV into the future.”

A presentation ceremony will take place on May 8 in Galway Racecourse at 7pm, where an overall winner will be announced in each category. These four winners will go forward to a second judging panel for the National Youth Awards.

The nomination process is now open, and An Garda Síochána in Galway are inviting the public to nominate a young person they know who is committed to making a difference to their community.

Nomination forms are available from Community Gardaí or from ciara.m.moran@garda.ie

The Marine Institute in Galway today welcomed a delegation of nine ambassadors from EU countries for an official visit aimed at strengthening ties.

The EU Med Group (Med 9) visit underscored the strong collaborative ties between Ireland and Mediterranean nations in advancing marine science, sustainability, and the blue economy.

The Med 9 is an informal alliance of nine Mediterranean countries within the European Union: France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Malta, Slovenia, and Croatia.

The group focuses on shared regional interests, including climate change, economic and energy cooperation, and security in the Mediterranean region.

Their visit to the Marine Institute reflects a commitment to strengthening international cooperation in marine research and innovation.

The delegation included:

• French Science and Education Attaché: Ms. Delphine Tessier
• Italian Ambassador to Ireland: HE Nicola Faganello
• Spanish Ambassador to Ireland: HE Ion de la Riva Guzman de Fruits
• Portuguese Deputy Head of Mission to Ireland: Mr. Henrique Souza de Azevedo
• Greek Ambassador to Ireland: HE Georgios Stilianopoulos
• Cypriot Ambassador to Ireland: HE Mr. Louis Telemachou
• Slovenian Ambassador to Ireland: HE Stanislav Vidovič
• Croatian Ambassador to Ireland: HE Davor Vidiš

Advancing Marine Research and Sustainability

Welcoming the visit, Dr Rick Officer, CEO of the Marine Institute, stated, “Ireland and the Med 9 nations share a deep connection with the ocean, and this visit highlights our mutual commitment to protecting marine ecosystems, fostering innovation, and supporting sustainable development across multiple blue economy sectors.”

“Through collaborative research and shared expertise, we can address ocean sustainability on a broader European scale and tackle the global challenges facing our seas.”

While the Mediterranean and Atlantic are distinct marine basins, they share common challenges and opportunities in areas such as climate change adaptation, sustainable fisheries, and marine biodiversity conservation.

Ireland and the Med 9 nations have a long-standing commitment to marine research and development, already collaborating on hundreds of marine and maritime projects.

These include projects advanced through Horizon Europe and networks such as the Joint Programming Initiative for Healthy and Productive Seas and Oceans (JPI Oceans), the Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership, and the European Marine Board.

These research collaborations span biodiversity, marine ecosystem services, marine pollution, circular economy, blue carbon, coastal resilience, citizen engagement projects, maritime navigation, and critical cooperation on marine research infrastructure projects.

The upcoming Ocean Pact presents a further opportunity to develop a European Research and Innovation strategy underpinned by investment at national and European levels.

Showcasing Ireland’s Marine Leadership

During their visit, the ambassadors were introduced to the Marine Institute’s leading role in marine science, its cutting-edge infrastructures, and state-of-the-art research vessels, the RV Celtic Explorer and RV Tom Crean.

Discussions focused on key collaborative initiatives between Ireland and the Med 9 nations, particularly the Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership and the AQUARIUS Project within the Mediterranean Sea Lighthouse Region.

Dr Officer added, “Today’s visit allows us to reflect on the progress and impacts of our collaborative projects to date and explore new areas for further cooperation.”

“The Mediterranean and Atlantic are part of one interconnected global ocean system, and international collaboration is essential to ensure the health and sustainability of our shared marine environment.”

“The Marine Institute looks forward to strengthening its partnerships with the Med 9 countries further and continuing to contribute to international marine research and sustainable blue economy initiatives.”

An innovative forum aimed at empowering young people to take an active role in addressing climate change was held at the BIA Innovator Campus in Athenry recently.

Galway County Council, in conjunction with Youth Work Ireland Galway and SAUTI-Youth, hosted the second annual Youth Climate Assembly, which was attended by young people from secondary schools and youth organisations across County Galway.

First hosted in 2023, the Assembly was instrumental in shaping the Galway County Council Climate Action Plan 2024-2029.

This year’s assembly focused on supporting participants to gain an understanding of the steps they can take to reduce their environmental impact.

Participants were invited to highlight the actions that Galway County Council can adopt to support young people to initiate positive change individually and through their school and community.

Cllr Martina Kinane, Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, emphasised the importance of youth involvement when considering climate and environmental policy.

“The Assembly empowers young people to play an active role in shaping our shared environmental future by encouraging them to learn about climate action and actively contribute to local environmental solutions”.

“Our first assembly demonstrated the power of young voices in shaping our Climate Action Plan,” added Cllr. Kinane. “This year, we once again heard innovative ideas on how we can support communities to make a tangible difference to their local environments.”

Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council expressed his support for the Assembly, describing it as “a wonderful opportunity to amplify the voices of community members and ensure their active participation in shaping a bright and sustainable future.”

“It’s only by working together that we can create a thriving and resilient community for generations to come.”

Uinsinn Finn, Director of Services with Galway County Council stated, “We had a fantastic line-up of speakers participating in this event. I wish to thank the schools and students for their active participation.”

“I also want to acknowledge Letizia Gorini Coady and the team at the SAUTI-Youth project and Youth Work Ireland Galway for their work in organising the event and for supporting young people in our community”.

Primary school students in Galway learned how they can take action in saving electricity during a recent An Taisce Green-Schools regional energy workshop.

Students and teachers from Tuam Educate Together National School and Scoil Mhuire Naofa, Menlough, Ballinasloe recently attended the workshop in the Ard Rí House Hotel in Tuam on Tuesday.

The event, which is one in a series being held throughout the country, brought together schools from Galway and Mayo working on the Energy Theme, to develop their awareness around energy conservation and how to effectively manage this important resource in our schools and homes.

The event saw the students and their teachers, Ms Grimes and Ms Mannion, engage in activities, artwork and experiments, which allowed them to learn more about where electricity comes from and how they can take steps to reduce energy consumption.

To close out the workshop, the students made lightbulbs and wrote energy pledges on them which they will aim to work on throughout the academic year.

Senior Project Engineer with EirGrid, John Gill spoke to students at the recent workshop about EirGrid’s role in leading the secure transition of our electricity grid to low carbon renewable energy.

“It was fantastic to engage with students and teachers here today about energy in all its forms, and to outline how EirGrid is playing its part in climate action, by working to decarbonise the electricity grid,” Gill said.

“It’s clear from the response from students that younger generations are enthusiastic about leading the charge to make a positive impact in their communities, and events like these present an incredible opportunity, empowering young people to reduce energy consumption and be part of the conversation.”

Rob Nelson, Green-Schools Energy Theme Co-ordinator, said: “It’s workshops like these, bringing schools together, that showcase the bright minds that will help secure our energy future.

“These energised, young change makers have learned how to lead the way in their schools, homes and communities.”

“We are thankful that EirGrid’s sponsorship allows events like these to happen, to help engage and empower young people to reduce energy consumption and spark the conversation,” he added.

Green-Schools officially relaunched its energy theme for primary and secondary schools recently, thanks to its new partnership with EirGrid.

During the 2023-24 school year, schools saved a combined 18 million kWh of electricity, enough to make 58 million cups of tea, due to their participation in the Green-Schools programme, proving that interest in energy is strong among Ireland’s school children.

To date, over 3,000 schools have been awarded the energy flag since the beginning of the Green-Schools programme in 1997.

Five people were hospitalised, one of them a child, after a serious three car collision on the N17 near Milltown yesterday.

The three-car collision on the road between Tuam and Milltown occurred at approximately 8:45am.

The occupant of one of the vehicles, a woman in her 30s, was airlifted to University Hospital Galway.

The occupants of the other two vehicles – two men in their 30s, a woman in her 30s and a child – were all brought by ambulance to UHG.

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward.

Any road users who were on the N17 at Kilcloony between 8:30am and 9am and may have camera footage (including dash-cam) are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Tuam Garda Station on 093 70840, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.