Ecologists must be hired by Galway County Council before and during dredging works on local rivers.

Senior engineer Enda Gallagher said the local authority can’t just dredge a river without getting expert advice due to ecological concerns.

Executive Engineer Gerard Haugh said dredging cannot be carried out without first getting an ecologist, and an ecologist must be present during the work.

This was in line with national legislation and requirements including to protect biodiversity and habitats.

At this week’s meeting of the Loughrea Municipal District, County Councillor Geraldine Donohue (Ind) said there appeared to be a change of direction in recent years with regard dredging local rivers.

She insisted that dredging and clearing silt from a local river can “bring back so much life” when it’s done.

Councillor Donohue was supportive of biodiversity,

but said many rivers were blocked by plastics and other rubbish.

She wondered whether the Council’s Biodiversity Officer could become involved in devising a way of clearing rivers that was not impacting negatively.

Mr Haugh said every year the Council drains a section of the Dunkellin River from Craughwell to Kilcolgan. They are only allowed to remove a buildup of silt and cannot widen or deepen the route, he said.

Mr Haugh said it was difficult to get landowners to agree to allow the Council to dredge the river because it involved removing fences and placing material from the river basin on their fields.

He appealed to County Councillors to contact them with the names of any landowners who were willing to allow their land to be used for this purpose.

Pictured: Cllr Geraldine Donohue…change of direction

A rural Galway community is planning a number of celebrations to mark the retirement of their beloved parish priest of 32 years who is stepping down from ministry after a rewarding career.

Fr Michael Finneran, who is parish priest in Clontuskert, near Ballinasloe, is looking forward to his retirement, although there is no doubt that due to declining clergy numbers, his services will be called upon – a call he says he is always willing to accept.

Fr Michael, a native of Taughmaconnell, Co Roscommon, was ordained into the priesthood on June 18, 1967 – and he said that over the past three decades he has been proud to be part of what he described as the most welcoming community in which anyone would love to serve.

The former Garbally College, Ballinasloe, student told the Connacht Tribune that it was both an enjoyable and rewarding experience and was described as “a guiding light” by parishioners in Clontuskert in several tributes that have been paid to him in recent days.

In his youth, he was a gifted athlete as well as captaining the Roscommon minor team and winning three county medals with St Peter’s. He also discovered a love for rugby during his time at Garbally College, later playing as scrum half for Ballinasloe Rugby Club.

“At the moment, the one thing I am looking forward to is the Galway Races. I rarely miss it,” he said as he went on to reflect on the many ups and few downs during his life in the priesthood.

“While I will be saying my final Mass as parish priest at the end of the month, I will always be available to the community who have supported me well during my many years here.

“And I will continue to serve whenever the need arises as I am conscious of the fact that there is a lack of available priests in the area and I am more than willing to help out,” Fr Finneran added.

In the Clontuskert Community Noticeboard it stated: “After 32 years of dedicated service to our parish community, Fr Michael Finneran is now set to retire soon. His retirement marks the end of an era, and he will be deeply missed by all who have had the privilege of knowing him.

“We extend our deepest thanks for everything Fr Michael has done over the years. His unwavering commitment to the parish was evident in countless ways . . .from learning to live stream Masses on Facebook during the COVID lockdowns to ensuring no one ever felt disconnected from the Church community.

“That determination spoke volumes about the kind of man he is: devoted, humble, and full of heart.

“We know many cherished memories and stories will be shared in the days and weeks ahead, as we celebrate the incredible impact Fr Michael has had on all our lives.

“Thank you, Fr. Michael, for your years of faithful service, for remaining with us well beyond your official retirement, and for being a guiding light in our community. We wish you every joy and blessing in your retirement. You have more than earned it.”

Fr. Michael’s final Mass as parish priest of Clontuskert is June 29 at 10am, and all are warmly invited to attend and mark this special occasion.

Pictured: Fr Michael Finneran PP Clontuskert. Photo: Gerry Stronge, Ballinasloe.

Water Safety Ireland has strongly condemned the recent act of vandalism involving the deliberate removal of multiple ringbuoys from their designated yellow housings in Galway.

Water Safety Ireland Deputy CEO Roger Sweeney said he was ‘shocked and appalled that people tampered with these ringbuoys’.

“It is not a harmless prank—it is dangerous and irresponsible and puts lives at immediate risk. These devices are there to help save people from drowning. If they are missing when someone needs help, the consequences could be fatal,” he said.

He was joined at the Spanish Arch by Deputy Mayor of Galway City, Cllr Neil McNelis, and Mike Swan of the Galway Lifeboat RNLI, who echoed the call for greater respect and vigilance around life-saving equipment.

“These ringbuoys are not ornaments, they are not toys — they are lifelines,” said Mr. Sweeney.

“Ringbuoys give people in distress a fighting chance at survival. When someone removes or destroys one, they are directly endangering lives. I cannot comprehend the mindset of someone who would take such a risk with another person’s life.”

Across Ireland, incidents of ringbuoy theft and vandalism continue to threaten public safety.

In Dublin alone, over 30 ring buoys were reported missing in a single month, with an annual replacement cost exceeding €20,000. More critically, every missing ringbuoy represents a moment when someone in need may not get the help they desperately require.

“A stolen ringbuoy could mean a stolen life,” Mr Sweeney added.

“In an emergency, every second counts. When someone reaches for a ringbuoy and it isn’t there because of a senseless act, the consequences could be tragic. It’s the kind of impulsive, thrill-seeking behaviour that lacks consideration for the consequences.”

The organisation is calling on parents, educators and community leaders to address this as a serious public policy issue.

“We need to elevate this conversation within our communities as this is not harmless mischief. It is a civic and moral failure that undermines public safety,” said Mr Sweeney.

“Parents, schools and universities can help instil a sense of shared responsibility in young people. This isn’t just about protecting equipment — it’s about protecting people. We all share responsibility to ensure these lifesaving tools remain in place, ready to save lives.”

Water Safety Ireland urges members of the public to report missing or vandalised ringbuoys to their local authority or online at www.ringbuoys.ie.

Pictured: Roger Sweeney, Deputy CEO, Water Safety Ireland ( left), Deputy Mayor of Galway Councillor Neil McNelis and Mike Swan of the Galway Lifeboat RNLI at the Spanish Arch with the haul of recovered ring buoys. Photo: Mike Shaughnessy.

Three students from the Atlantic Technological University (ATU) in Galway, who developed a new app for sports coaches, have been honoured in a national awards programme.

The final-year Mechanical Engineering students won a Merit Award at the 2025 Enterprise Ireland Student Entrepreneur Awards for their sports coaching innovation, TactiCast.

The award-winning team — Alex Markey (Abbeyknockmoy, Co Galway), Arunas Pakalniskis (Derrymore, Co Westmeath), and Akeb Saleem (Roscrea, Co Tipperary) — developed TactiCast as part of their final-year Innovation and Enterprise module.

The project is a modern solution for sports coaches, replacing traditional tactics boards with a mobile app and battery-powered projector that allows real-time strategy sharing on the pitch or in the dressing room. David Keary, Lecturer at ATU said that the three students’ hard work, creativity, and dedication had shone through.

“Over the past 12 weeks, they have taken their idea from a sketch to a potential startup. It is a milestone for our department—this is the first time since 2016 that one of our Engineering Teams has reached the final ten of this national competition.”

The students received a €1,500 prize and presented their prototype during a two-day event hosted at Technological University Dublin. Now in its 44th year, the Student Entrepreneur Awards is one of Ireland’s longest running and most respected platforms for student innovation. The students were delighted to be involved in the event and remarked: Alex Markey from Abbeyknockmoy, Team Lead of TactiCast, said that being selected in the Top 10 of the Enterprise Ireland Student Entrepreneur Awards 2025 and receiving a Merit Award was an incredible honour.

“Showcasing TactiCast, our innovative sports coaching app developed through the Mechanical Engineering course at Atlantic Technological University, at the event in TU Dublin was a truly rewarding experience.

“It was a great opportunity to present our work, gain valuable feedback, and engage with other passionate student entrepreneurs and industry leading experts.”

Congratulating the team, Dr Orla Flynn, President of Atlantic Technological University said that the national Enterprise Ireland Student Entrepreneur awards, held annually, were extremely competitive. She also congratulated Dave Keary and all the ATU staff who supported them in their enterprise journey.

“Ireland needs graduates with strong entrepreneurial skills, and I’m delighted to see ATU’s progression in this regard,” she added.

Pictured: ATU Galway Mechanical Engineering students Arunas Pakalniskis from Westmeath, Akeb Saleem from  Tipperary and Alex Markey from Abbeyknockmoy demonstrating their TactiCast product at the Enterprise Ireland Student awards.

Former European Commissioner Mairead McGuinness is one of the key speakers at this year’s annual symposium that honours a trailblazer who was Galway’s – and these islands’ – first female vet.

The Aleen Cust Memorial Symposium 2025, a landmark event dedicated to the pioneering spirit of Aleen Cust, the first female veterinary surgeon in Ireland and the UK, will be held on Friday, July 4, at Mountbellew Agricultural College.

This symposium, themed “Cultivating Change in Veterinary and Farming Practices,” aims to honour Aleen Cust’s remarkable contributions to veterinary medicine and her enduring legacy.

The symposium will feature a series of insightful lectures and discussions led by prominent figures in the fields of veterinary science, agriculture, and heritage.

ATU President Dr. Orla Flynn will perform the official opening and keynote speakers also include Dr. June Fanning, Chief Veterinary Officer at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine; Dr. John Cunningham, Associate Professor in History, University of Galway and Dr John Flaherty, an expert in Agricultural Heritage.

Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with experts, view community heritage and vintage exhibitions, and earn CVE credits approved by the Veterinary Council of Ireland.

Aleen Cust became the first female veterinary surgeon to work in Ireland – and indeed the world – in 1900, first in Athleague, Co Roscommon, and then five years later as a Local Authority Veterinary Inspector for the Mountbellew district.

‘Miss Cust’ or ‘Vet Cust’ as she was known rode a white Arabian stallion in her earlier years at work and is remembered in Galway and Roscommon for her integrity, intelligence, wit, charm, determination.

She remained in Mountbellew until 1915 when she drove her own car to France to assist the treatment of injured horses during World War 1.

Brendan Gardiner and Donal Connolly of the Aleen Cust Society said they were proud to honour her legacy.

“Her determination and courage continue to inspire generations of veterinary practitioners. Aleen’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of challenging societal norms,” they said.

The Aleen Cust Memorial Society, a dedicated group of retired and semi-retired veterinary practitioners, has been instrumental in organising this symposium in partnership with the Heritage Office, Galway County Council and Mountbellew Agricultural College/Atlantic Technological University.

Their mission is to remember and celebrate the life and achievements of Aleen Cust, who overcame significant barriers to become a trailblazer in her field.

“Aleen Cust’s contributions to veterinary medicine and her pioneering spirit are an integral part of our heritage. This symposium not only celebrates her achievements but also highlights the importance of preserving and promoting our cultural history,” said Marie Mannion, Heritage Officer, Galway County Council/

For more information and to book your place at the symposium, visit Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/aleen-cust-memorial-symposium-tickets-1396540834229?aff= oddtdtcreator.

Pictured: Aleen Cust in Kensington Gardens, London in May 1923. Photo: Smith Archive

An urgent call has been made for improved safety measures at an East Galway primary school where pupils have to cross a busy national road to access playing facilities.

Ballaghlea National School, just two miles from Ballygar, is located on the main N63 Claregalway to Roscommon road, which is heavily trafficked on a daily basis.

Now, Galway County Council have been asked to seek funding from both the Department of Transport and the National Roads Authority to carry out immediate safety works at this location.

The matter was raised at a meeting of Ballinasloe Municipal Council by Cllr Michael Connolly (FF) who said that children were taking their lives in their hands trying to cross the main road several times a day.

He explained that the school is located on one side of the N63, while the pupils’ playing facilities are situated across the road, which he described as potentially lethal situation.

“We need traffic calming measures to be put in place or any other solution that would make it safe for the children to cross the road,” he said.

“There have been suggestions of an underpass being provided and while this would be a solution, the chances of the National Roads Authority or any other body funding this are remote.

“The pupil numbers are increasing because it is recognised as a great primary school in terms of both education and sporting achievements, but the safety of pupils has to be paramount,” Cllr Connolly added.

He was supported by Cllr Alan Harney (FG) who said that Leitrim National School, which is around five miles from Loughrea, had implemented several road safety measures, including reducing speed limits and promoting safe routes to school.

Cllr Harney suggested that a designated pedestrian crossing at Ballaghlea NS could well improve the situation for pupils but urged Galway County Council to progress this serious issue as soon as possible.

There was a suggestion from Cllr Declan Geraghty (Ind) that a barrier be put in place, similar to those used at railway crossings, to allow the pupils cross the road safely.

“We cannot leave these children vulnerable to passing traffic on what is an incredibly busy stretch of road. They are taking their lives in their hands,” the Williamstown councillor added.

Senior Executive Engineer Derek Troy said that he had met with teachers at the school to ascertain what can be done regarding the current situation.

He explained that it would cost a huge amount of money to implement safety measures and that the Council were not in a financial position to carry out these works.

However, Mr Troy gave an undertaking to engage with the Department of Education with regard to financing such a project as landowners in the immediate area would have to be consulted as there was very little space on one side of the road for safety measures to be provided.

Pictured: Cllr Alan Harney