The RNLI is launching its annual Christmas fundraiser, which helps support the vital work carried out by volunteers in Galway.

It comes as volunteers in Clifden and on the Aran Islands are among those preparing to spend Christmas on call.

The RNLI has been celebrating its 200th year in 2024, while Clifden RNLI has already marked 100 callouts this year.

Clifden Lifeboat Operations Manager Tony Casey has this message for the Galway public.

A Local MEP is urging the EU to review the animal transportation regulations with common sense.

MEP Ciaran Mullooly has stressed to the EU Agricultural Committee that Ireland has high animal welfare standards.

He also pointed out that Ireland has additional transportation challenges due to its location.

Independent Ireland MEP Mullolly has cautioned the Commission against overly restrictive measures.

A Galway City Councillor has slammed the government for what he has called their inadequate response to the social and affordable housing crisis.

Councillor Mike Cubbard said that as the city and county face a General Election, one lasting legacy of the outgoing Government has been its failure to deliver affordable homes for the people of Galway.

Recent figures have shown that Galway City has only seen 117 council houses allocated in the first nine months of 2024-an average of just 13 per month. Meanwhile, 23 vacant 'void' properties remain unoccupied because there is no funding available for essential repairs.

Councillor Cubbard added that the number of homeless families in Galway increased from 76 to 87 in the last three months while the number of children experiencing homelessness has risen from 149 to 155. A statistic that he said was stark.

Councillor Cubbard was speaking to John Mulligan

There are calls for the OPW to expand public access to Portumna's Dowager House.

Minister for Disability and Galway East TD Anne Rabbitte, has written to Minister Kieran O’Donnell TD on the matter.

The call comes following the successful opening of the house during the recent Shorelines Arts Festival in the town.

The Fianna Fáil TD says that proves there is significant public interest in engaging with this heritage site.

Galway County Council officials have issued a warning that trees overhanging on to public roads are the responsibility of the home or landowner

Councillor Andrew Reddington advised property owners to ensure their insurance policy protects them in the case of incidents involving trees that overhang public thoroughfares.

The issue was raised by Councillor Mary Hoade who expressed her shock and concern at the information she received as she feels that with the increasing number of storms, it's a growing problem.

An Taoiseach Simon Harris will be in Galway this afternoon where he will attend various events in Portumna, Loughrea and Tuam.

Cathaoirleach of Tuam Municipal District, and general election candidate, Cllr Pete Roche will officially welcome the Taoiseach when he visits the town at approximately 4pm.

Cllr Roche said he is looking forward to welcoming the Taoiseach to North Galway and said that he recognised the Taoiseach's commitment to local communities in Simon Harris' first official visit as Taoiseach to Tuam.

Councillor Roche told Galway Bay FM News that the visit was a resounding show of support for East Galway.