A local Fine Gael councillor has said Men's Sheds in Galway should apply for additional funding following an announcement by the Department of Rural and Community Development.

The announcement was made on Friday by Minister Dara Calleary, and Minister of State Jerry Buttimer who jointly announced a funding package to support Men's Sheds across the country.

The funding contribution for this year, together with funding provided by the department last year, will enable the Irish Men's Sheds Association to distribute up to €1 million in supports to their members with grants of up to €3,000 available.

This has been welcomed by Councillor Eddie Hoare, who is encouraging eligible sheds to apply and get funding to help with their operational costs.

Speaking to Galway Bay FM News this morning, Councillor Hoare said that Men's Sheds play a key role in the fabric of communities across the city and county.

Galway City Sports Partnership have launched Activity Play Hubs around Galway City.

The launch took place on Tuesday last and was performed by the Mayor of Galway City, Peter Keane.

The Hubs are a box-up system through an app that provides sports equipment to the public free of charge in order to increase physical activity and play across the city.

There are 7 systems currently in the city in Doughiska, Ballybane, O'Sullivan Park, Renmore, South Park, McGrath's Field and Salthill Park, and each has 6 units where the public can have access for up to three hours.

Declan Burke of Active Cities Galway joined John Mulligan in studio to talk about the hubs and upcoming plans for the summer. 

Community groups across Galway have been invited to come together to plant the 'seeds of sustainability' through the launch of a new platform called Nature Network.

The platform is designed to connect Galway's community groups so they can share practical knowledge and inspire climate action.

The 'Nature Network initiative' will connect like-minded groups, individuals and organisations who care about their community and would like to learn more about the environment.

The initiative is supported by SICAP, a targeted programme supporting community initiatives and those who are most in need, ensuring people receive tailored supports.

The launch event of the Network will take place on Tuesday at the Ard Rí House Hotel in Tuam from 7pm to 9pm.

CEO of Galway Rural Development (GRD) Steve Dolan said they are aiming to help groups become more environmentally aware.

A local MEP says changes to the CAP inspection regime will mean reduced red tape for farmers.

Ciaran Mullooly says under new measures, farmers will now be subject to a single inspection for payments.

He says excessive bureaucracy drives farmers "absolutely nuts", like duplicate and repetitive visits.

MEP Mullooly feels there's more work to be done, but this change to CAP inspections is a very welcome one.

The North Galway Vintage and Heritage Club are to host their annual vintage and heritage show in Glenamaddy on Sunday, the 25th of May. 

This year is significant on two fronts. It will be the first time a show has been hosted since 2019, and this year will also see them host the prestigious Irish Vintage Engine & Tractor Association National Rally which will bring visitors to Glenamaddy from all over the country. 

The show will take place at the Glenamaddy Equestrian Centre with a strong fundraising element as proceeds from a book published in association with the event will go to the Irish Kidney Association. 

PRO of the North Galway and Heritage Club Peter Greaney said the hope is that it will be a big event. 

Volunteers and Community Groups from across County Galway have been honoured at the annual Cathaoirleach's Awards that took place yesterday evening in Athenry. 

The ceremony, hosted by Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, Councillor Martina Kinane, celebrated the outstanding contribution of individuals and organisations who work tirelessly to improve life in their communities and was organised by Galway County Council in partnership with the Galway County Public Participation Network (PPN).

Winners across a wide range of categories were recognised for their impact in areas such as arts, environment, community development, inclusion, and heritage and each award winner received a specially commissioned handcrafted trophy by Craughwell-based artist Seán Mahony, a certificate of achievement, and a €500 prize to support their ongoing community work.

Cathaoirleach Kinane told Ollie Turner that it was important that age is not a hindrance in getting involved in your community. 

A Galway-based online learning platform for workplace skills has announced the graduation of its one millionth learner in the United States.

The Galway-based Alison was founded in 2007 and has grown into a global education pioneer offering over 5,500 free online courses across a range of industries - from IT and business to healthcare, education, and more.

With over 45 million registered learners worldwide, the U.S. represents one of its largest and fastest-growing learner bases, and this announcement marks a significant moment in its mission to provide accessible, CPD-accredited, skills-based learning for all, and highlights its expanding footprint across the U.S.A.

VP for Global Affairs Ciaran Cannon told Galway Bay FM News that this milestone is a powerful validation of the work they do every day. 

Frustration is being expressed over the delays to the Clifden Public Realm Scheme.

There are three parts to the scheme: the upgrade of the town centre and pier, and the development of an amenity park.

Funding was sought by Galway County Council several years ago, and An Bord Pleanála are now seeking more information on the planning application.

Connemara North Fine Gael Councillor Eileen Mannion says we need to see quicker movement on this vital project.

The Irish Chief Fire Officers Association is set to host its annual conference in Salthill later this week

The conference and fire technology exhibition will host hundreds of fire officers, industry experts and government officials

Topics that will be discussed include the risks associated with Lithium-Ion batteries which were at the core of a major incident at Claregalway Corporate Park in January

Other items on the agenda for Wednesday and Thursday at the Salthill Hotel include climate change and improving communication techniques

Galway's Chief Fire Officer Gerry O'Malley outlines the various equipment pieces that will be showcased at the trade exhibition

Concern has been expressed that additional rail infrastructure has not been included among the key enablers for the development of Galway City in the National Planning Framework.

That is according to Fianna Fail Deputy John Connolly who says that the absence of rail infrastructure to facilitate the City's development contrasts with Waterford, Cork and Limerick, where the NPF details enhanced use of rail infrastructure in all three cities.

In a Dáil contribution on the National Planning Framework, Deputy Connolly said this was a "puzzling and disappointing omission" given Galway City Council's NPF submission which highlighted the "potential for transport-orientated development along the rail track between Galway and Athenry".

Speaking this morning, Deputy Connolly said that it was is important that those projects are specifically mentioned in the review of the National Development Plan.