Dunphy Communications

27/08/2026

County Clare is European Volunteering Capital 2027 — and on 24 September we’re kicking things off with the Official Launch in Ennis.

Join us at Treacys West County Hotel at 6 p.m. for a first look at what’s ahead for 2027.

The evening will include the launch of clare2027.ie, volunteer stories, a preview of the 2027 programme, the European Volunteering Capital 2027 Ambassador Programme, a panel discussion, and an opportunity to share your ideas and help shape the year ahead.

You’ll also have the chance to meet organisations from across Clare and find out more about volunteering opportunities.

📅 24 September 2026
🕕 6 p.m.
📍 Treacys West County Hotel, Ennis
🎟️ Free event
🤟 ISL interpreter available

Reserve your place using the link below 👇

27/08/2026

10/08/2026

**𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝘂𝗻𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁**

Three of the largest business organisations in the west of Ireland have called on the Government to fast-track transport investment in the region to support economic growth, improve connectivity and promote balanced regional development.

Galway Chamber, Shannon Chamber of Commerce and Limerick Chamber said urgent investment in roads, public transport, rail and aviation is needed to create a better-connected western region. They said the projects are essential to supporting housing delivery, labour mobility, business investment and international competitiveness.

The joint call forms part of separate pre-Budget 2027 submissions from the three Chambers, which have been submitted to the Department of Finance and the Department of Public Expenditure.

The business groups are also calling for increased investment in regional airports, highlighting the importance of international connectivity to economic growth, indigenous enterprise, foreign direct investment and tourism. They said investment in airports must be matched by improvements to the wider transport network to provide efficient access for businesses, workers and visitors.

The Chambers Ireland members are also calling for the accelerated delivery of strategic road projects, including the N19 Shannon Airport Access Road. They are seeking increased investment in public transport, including faster delivery of BusConnects in Galway and Limerick, as well as more integrated services linking cities, towns and communities across the region.

The Chambers said continued investment in rail was also essential to a balanced transport strategy. They are calling for progress on a feasibility study for the proposed Shannon Rail Link, along with continued investment in the Western Rail Corridor to improve connectivity and support future sustainable transport needs.

The business groups said the economic success of the western region depends on better connectivity between Galway, Shannon and Limerick.

They said an integrated transport network combining roads, public transport, aviation and rail would help unlock the region's economic potential and strengthen its competitiveness nationally and internationally.

23/07/2026

A proud milestone for Fidget Feet Aerial Dance as the company unveiled its Strategic Plan 2026-2029 during the 17th Irish Aerial Dance Festival in Letterkenny.

The strategy sets out an ambitious vision for the next three years, expanding international touring, forging new creative partnerships and growing audiences at home and abroad as Fidget Feet approaches its 30th anniversary in 2028.

It also reinforces the company's commitment to the Mid-West by establishing Limerick as its permanent creative hub, while continuing to grow the Irish Aerial Dance Festival into one of Europe's leading events for aerial arts.

Founded by Donegal native Chantal McCormick and Jym Daly in 1998, Fidget Feet has become a global ambassador for Irish aerial dance, creating more than 38 productions and performing across Europe, North America, Australia, Africa and Asia.

Congratulations to everyone involved in developing this exciting roadmap for the future.

Find out more: https://fidgetfeet.com/

📸 Pictured at An Grianán Theatre , Letterkenny, for the launch of the Strategic Plan 2026-2029 are (from left): Paul Thompson, General Manager; Gerard Dollard, Chair; Jym Daly, Founder; Danilo Pacheco, Aerial Artist (Brazil); Chantal McCormick, Founder and Artistic Director; Shauna Maunsell, Aerial Artist and Board Member; and Traolach Ó Fionnáin, Arts Officer, Donegal County Council.

09/05/2026

Community groups and volunteers from across County Galway were honoured at the Cathaoirleach’s Awards in the Raheen Woods Hotel on Friday night (8 May).

The event, organised by Galway County Council in partnership with the Galway County Public Participation Network, recognised the work of individuals and organisations making a difference in their communities.

Hosted by Cathaoirleach Councillor David Collins, the ceremony brought together nominees, their families and supporters. MC Ronan Lardner of Galway Bay FM entertained a full house, while others tuned in via a live stream on the Council’s page.

Among the winners on the night were Make A Difference Youth Club, John Tarpey, the Ballinderreen Heritage Publication, Belmont National School, Pop Up Gaeltacht Chinn Mhara, Brian Healy, Eyrecourt and District Community Development, St Colman’s Camogie Club, Oranmore Tidy Towns, Portumna Tidy Towns, Tuam Women’s Shed and the Fionn Science Project.

Each recipient received a specially commissioned award designed and crafted by Craughwell artist Seán Mahony, along with a certificate and a €500 prize to support their work.

Two additional honours were presented on the night. The Cathaoirleach’s Special Recognition Award was awarded posthumously to Damien Delaney of Lackagh, Turloughmore. He was remembered for his commitment to his community, his involvement in local activities and his support for heritage initiatives.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Jarlath McDonagh from Turloughmore. A former teacher and public representative, he has made a significant contribution to community life, education and sport over several decades, including his work with Galway County Council and Seanad Éireann.

01/05/2026

Galway County Council, in association with Highgate Properties Limited, has announced the delivery of 106 affordable homes at the Fearann na hEascrach development in Athenry.

The homes, located on the Raheen Road near the town’s train station and local amenities, are being delivered under the Government’s Delivering Homes, Building Communities policy.

The scheme will be completed in three phases. The first phase, now nearing completion, includes 33 homes made up of 32 three-bedroom houses and one four-bedroom unit.

A further 48 homes in the second phase are due in the second quarter of 2027, with 25 more to follow in the third phase in the third quarter of that year.

Applications for the affordable homes will be accepted through an online portal, which will open on Thursday, 21 May at 10am. The application window will remain open until 11 June.

An information evening for interested applicants will take place at the Raheen Woods Hotel on Thursday, 14 May at 7pm.

20/04/2026

Galway County Council is inviting members of the public to have their say on plans to upgrade visitor facilities at the Battle of Aughrim Visitor Centre, located on the site of the most significant and bloodiest battles in Irish history.

The local authority is undertaking a feasibility study into the proposed upgrade of the existing interpretive centre, which commemorates the 1691 battle between the forces of William of Orange, James II and Louis XIV.

An estimated 35,000 soldiers from eight European nations took part in the conflict, which helped shape the course of European history.

Often referred to as “Ireland’s Gettysburg”, the Battle of Aughrim took place on 12 July 1691 during the closing stages of the Williamite-Jacobite War. It is estimated to have claimed around 5,000 lives, the highest loss of life in any single battle on Irish soil.

Galway County Council has engaged consultants to carry out a feasibility study into enhanced visitor facilities at the site, with the aim of transforming the centre into a sustainable, accessible and educational heritage attraction.

The project is being co-funded by the Government of Ireland, Fáilte Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund.

As part of the process, the consultants are seeking to engage with the local community and hear views on the proposed development.

A drop-in information session will take place at the centre on Wednesday, 29 April from 11am to 1pm.