Funding has been approved for two South Galway flood relief schemes.

The OPW has allocated €13,600 for works at Circular Road Gort and €12,600 for works at Roo Tierneevin.

It will cover works including installing a new embankment with a waterproof barrier layer and relocating the entryway.

It will also fund the maintenance of the existing open channel and remove silt and vegetation flowing into the Streamstown River.

Galway East Independent Deputy Sean Canney hopes the works will begin early next year.

Local MEP Maria Walsh says the epidemic of mental health problems amongst farmers must act as a wake-up call for EU policy makers.

The Midlands North West MEP highlighted the issue at a recent with the European Commissioner for Agriculture, Christophe Hansen.

It has been revealed that in Ireland, one in four farmers face burn-out, and that farmers are a group at risk of developing mental health issues.

Fine Gael MEP Walsh says studies show that the issue needs to be dealt with:

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.