*Cait Noone addressing attendees.
REPRESENTATIVES of Galway City Council, Galway County Council and Galway Chamber held a high-level meeting on Wednesday to discuss opportunities to collaborate and engage on strategic opportunities for Galway city and county, including the delivery of largescale infrastructure projects such as the N6 Ring Road.
Elected representatives, senior management and staff of the three organisations met at the Galmont Hotel to begin the process of developing a shared approach to regional development and delivering services and advancing projects across the Galway Metropolitan Area.
“This meeting of key local government and business decision makers is significant in terms of both those who were present and also the commitments given for greater collaboration on a range of issues,” commented Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Peter Keane (FF).
Opening the event, Mayor Keane said, “With the start of the new five-year term in local government, newly appointed Chief Executives in City and County, and a new President of Galway Chamber, this meeting offers a fresh start and a renewed approach to cooperation and engagement for the benefit of Galway City and County, “Working together towards a shared goal, this collaborative approach ensures that Galway remains a dynamic hub for innovation, investment, and growth, paving the way for a prosperous future for businesses and the wider community”.
Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, Cllr Albert Dolan (FF) stated, “I very much welcome the commitment expressed by everybody present to achieving closer cooperation between the City and County councils and Galway Chamber on issues of strategic, economic and social importance. A thriving Galway City benefits the wider county while investment in the county can equally act as a driver for economic growth in the city. I look forward to further engagement happening between the local authorities and their Elected Members and the Chamber as we work to establish a collaborative approach to attracting multinational investment, planning and delivering for all citizens of the county and those who work and visit here, and investing in vital infrastructure projects”.
Leonard Cleary, Chief Executive of Galway City Council highlighted the recent restructuring of Galway City Council and the new directorate structure, with the goal of capitalising on the city’s economic, social and environmental assets. “The joint meeting represents a commitment by Galway City Council to collaborate and cooperate with Galway County Council and Galway Chamber – together, we have the building blocks to harness the talent, ambition and assets of our region, and to capitalise on the role of Galway as the only city in the western region, with our essential interrelationships with the County,” he explained. “In particular, the N6 Ring Road is a key focus for the group and must be delivered to ensure the sustainable development of the region.”
Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council said, “There is broad agreement amongst the Elected Members, Executives of both local authorities and Galway Chamber about the need to operate a shared approach to regional development and delivering services and projects across the Galway Metropolitan Area. Such an approach is particularly important regarding the future use of the Galway Airport site, supporting the delivery of the Galway East Main Drainage Scheme and the N6 Galway Ring Road. The Strategic Economic Corridor from Oranmore to Athenry is currently being upgraded with new rail infrastructure at Oranmore and is the subject of a 1000-job investment by Dexcom in Athenry. Galway County Council looks forward to future and ongoing engagement with Galway Chamber and our counterparts in the City Council in the months ahead”.
According to Deirdre Mac Loughlin, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Galway Chamber, “Galway Chamber remains focused on the priorities and opportunities identified by our members in our published ‘Call to Action’. At the core of these priorities are the infrastructure needs of housing and transport, road, rail and port, that are needed to stimulate economic growth, deliver higher value jobs, drive urban regeneration and boost tourism”.
Ms. Mac Loughlin continued, “The growth and support of thriving communities in Galway City, County and the greater Region hinges on the timely delivery of such infrastructure as well as enriched cultural and recreational facilities. Central to that vision is the concept of sustainability and the desire for all stakeholders to work collaboratively for the enhanced social, economic and environmental resilience of a Greater Galway.”
Cáit Noone, President of Galway Chamber said “This meeting marks an important step in strengthening the collaborative efforts between Galway City Council, Galway County Council, and Galway Chamber. Together, we have a unique opportunity to drive growth and innovation across the entire region, ensuring that Galway remains a vibrant and vibrant hub for investment and development. However, it’s essential that we achieve balanced regional development—where all regions thrive equally. This balance will be key to sustaining long-term growth and social cohesion. Galway Chamber is committed to working on behalf of our members to ensure their voices are heard at both a local and national level”.
