NUI Galway has secured over €23 million in research funding under PRTLI Cycle 4 - the Programme for Third Level Research in Third Level Institutions, announced today (Friday, 3 August), by Minister for Education and Science Mary Hanafin T.D. Research areas to benefit from this funding include the Humanities; Social Sciences and Innovation; High End Computing; Biophotonics; Biomedical Sciences and an Environment Graduate Programme. The funding brings to €91 million the total sum awarded to the University under the PRTLI initiative. Welcoming the announcement, Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh said: "I am delighted to welcome this very substantial support for NUI Galway s research activities. It is particularly gratifying to note the broad spread of the funding across projects in the Sciences and in the Humanities and Social Sciences. This support will enable NUI Galway to continue to develop the infrastructure and graduate education programmes which will support the Government s policies on national competitiveness." Professor Nicholas Canny, Vice President for Research at NUI Galway, described the funding award as "extraordinary" and highlighted the collaborative nature of each of the proposals with other Universities within the State. NUI Galway's research policy prioritises an interdisciplinary focus on specific areas of excellence towards the development of world-class research institutes and centres. ENDS

Tharla tine bheag in íoslach Leabharlann Shéamais Uí Argadáin in Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh ag thart ar 9.30pm Dé Céadaoin, 26 Meán Fómhair 2007. Cuireadh plean dóiteáin na hOllscoile i bhfeidhm láithreach bonn agus aistríodh na comhaltaí foirne agus na mic léinn ar fad amach as na foirgnimh éagsúla. Níor gortaíodh duine ar bith. Bhí an bhriogáid dóiteáin i láthair mar aon le Comhaltaí Foirne Slándála na hOllscoile. Tá Oifig na bhFoirgneamh agus Bord Soláthair an Leictreachais i mbun an damáiste a mheas faoi láthair. Beidh Leabharlann Shéamais Uí Argadáin, An Bhialann (ceaintín na mac léinn agus na gcomhaltaí foirne) agus siopaí Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn dúnta go gcuirfear a mhalairt in iúl. Tá léachtannna ag dul ar aghaidh mar is gnáth. Seo a leanas a bhí le rá ag Keith Warnock, An Leas-Uachtarán um Acmhainní Fisiciúla, "Táimid i mbun an damáiste atá déanta a mheas, ach is léir ag an bpointe seo go mbeidh an Leabharlann agus na foirgnimh eile a bhfuil damáiste déanta dóibh dúnta as seo go ceann roinnt laethanta. Cúis díomá dúinn a bheith ag cur isteach ar obair na hollscoile, ach tá sé tábhachtach a lua freisin gur déileáladh go héifeachtach leis an eachtra seo agus nár gortaíodh duine ar bith. Cuireadh an plean éigeandála dóiteáin i bhfeidhm gan deacracht, agus thar ceann phobal na hOllscoile, ba mhaith liom buíochas a ghabháil leis an mbriogáid dóiteáin agus ár gcomhaltaí foirne slándála as an dea-obair a rinne siad." Cuirfear an t-eolas is déanaí ar fáil daoibh i rith an lae. DEIREADH

A small fire occurred in the basement of the James Hardiman Library of the National University of Ireland, Galway at approximately 9.30pm on Wednesday, 26 September, 2007. The University's fire plan was put immediately into action and all staff and students were promptly evacuated, with no injuries. The fire brigade attended the scene along with University Security. The Buildings Office and the ESB are currently assessing the situation and as a result the James Hardiman Library, An Bialann (student and staff canteen) and Student Union shops will remain closed until further notice. Lectures have not been disrupted. Keith Warnock, Vice-President for Physical Resources said, "We are reviewing the situation, and initial indications are that the Library and other buildings affected will be closed for several days. While the disruption to university activity is disappointing, it is important to recognise that the incident was met with a very effective response, and there were no injuries. The fire emergency plan was carried out smoothly and effectively, and on behalf of the University community, I want to thank the local fire brigade and our own security staff for their professionalism and dedication." ENDS

- Invitation to come closer to the Creative Arts - NUI Galway has launched a new Arts in Action Programme for 2007 – 2008. The programme will seek to cultivate awareness of the Creative Arts, where each student will have the possibility for increased engagement in the various creative arts forms. This programme is specially designed for the 2nd and 3rd year undergraduate students in the College of Arts & Celtic Studies. It includes illustrated performances and lectures in art forms such as: Theatre, Traditional Arts, Architecture, Literatures in English and Irish, Dance, Music, Opera, Visual Art, Film, Circus and Street Spectacle. Mary McPartlan, Director of 'Arts in Action Programme' for the College of Arts & Celtic Studies at NUI Galway, said: "We are creating a new inclusive arts programme which demonstrates the University's commitment and recognition of the creative arts. This programme will provide opportunities and accessibility for students interested in creative arts, to enjoy and experience specific performances, in a specially designed programme, and also opening up possibilities for further studies in the creative industries." The programme starts this month when Druid Theatre Company present Long Day's Journey into Night directed by Garry Hynes and starring Marie Mullens. Literary Manager Thomas Conway will be guest speaker on the night. The Huston School of Film and Digital Media will present a master class in October by Italian Ensemble Gatto Marte, presenting the original score and screening of the F. Murnnau film Faust. The final event in semester one will be a workshop opportunity for students with Rod Stoneman and Mary O Malley (Huston School of Film & Digital Media) on how to prepare a portfolio for postgraduate study. In semester two, the programme includes a Con Tempo concert and lecture with Dr Jane O Leary; a traditional concert and talks by leading artists such as Frankie Gavin, Roisin Elsafty, Roisin Ni Mhainin, Ronan Browne and Máirtín O Connor; and a field trip to the Irish Museum of Modern Art and a production at the Abbey Theatre Dublin. Each student attending four or more events, and who complete two 500 word reflections on two events of their choice will be presented with a 'Certificate of Attendance and Participation' by Professor Kevin Barry, Dean of Arts at NUI Galway. ENDS