SENIOR OFFICIALS and Elected Members from Galway City and County Councils and Galway Chamber of Commerce met at The Galmont Hotel on Wednesday morning to discuss opportunities for leveraging government support for key strategic priorities for Galway and the wider North-Western Region.
The joint briefing and workshop event follows an opening meeting held in October 2024 and featured presentations from the Chief Executives of the three organisations on the priority lists prepared for the recently published Programme for Government.
Shared priorities include the N6 Galway City Ring Road, East Galway Main Drainage Scheme, Galway City Flood Defence Scheme, BusConnects Galway, the upgrade of the N-59 from Clifden to Maam Cross and a Masterplan for the Galway Metropolitan Corridor, including the Athenry to the City environs (Oranmore) Strategic Economic Corridor.
The Cathaoirleach of Galway County, Mayor of Galway City and President of Galway Chamber were in attendance along with Elected Members and Officers from the local authority’s Corporate Policy Groups (CPG) and Strategic Policy Committees (SPC) and representatives of Galway Chamber.
Speaking following of the joint briefing and workshop event, Cllr Martina Kinane (FF), Cathaoirleach of Galway County said, “I welcome this joint briefing and look forward to ensuring that the priorities as agreed are promoted and delivered upon within the lifetime of this new government. I am also committed to hosting a follow up event in the county to track progress and ensure ongoing updates are provided”.
Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Peter Keane (FF) commented, “As Ireland’s fourth largest city, Galway is a key driver for socio-economic development along the Atlantic Economic Corridor, with close ties and significant overlapping priorities with Galway County. This briefing makes explicit our shared ambitions and initiates a process of seeking government investment to realise these priorities for the people of Galway City and County”.
Cáit Noone, President of Galway Chamber stated, “Galway Chamber welcomes the strong commitment shown by Galway City and County Councils in working together to advance these critical infrastructure priorities. A thriving Galway depends on strategic investment, and it is essential that we maintain momentum to secure the necessary government support. By uniting the business community, local authorities, and elected representatives, we can ensure that Galway remains a competitive and dynamic place to do business, driving economic growth and opportunity for the entire region”.
Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council said he welcomed the opportunity to build on the previous join briefing, adding, “Our collective focus is to ensure the priorities for Galway and the West of Ireland are known, understood and fully implemented within the lifetime of the new government. This briefing expands on the priorities and our shared commitment to working collectively and collaboratively to deliver for the people of Galway and the West”.
Leonard Cleary, Chief Executive of Galway City Council stated, “Galway City Council, Galway County Council and Galway Chamber recognise the importance of a collaborative approach to ensure flourishing communities, strong employment, and investment in infrastructure, while safeguarding our natural resources and environment. While local authorities may have distinct boundaries, our communities’ lives are greater and more interlinked than lines on a map, so collaboration and dialogue is essential”.
Deirdre Mac Loughlin, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Galway Chamber, added, “As a Chamber, our role is to advocate for our members and the wider business community, holding local and national government accountable to ensure the delivery of key infrastructure priorities for Galway. A strong, competitive city depends on investment in infrastructure, connectivity, and strategic development—needs that are central to our members’ ability to grow and thrive. To secure Galway’s future, we must take a collaborative approach, ensuring clear visibility and driving timely delivery on these critical projects”.
