A lack of playing pitches, playgrounds, and youth facilities is one of the most pressing social problems on the city’s east side and needs to be taken seriously by the Galway City Council.
This is the view of Fine Gael Galway City East candidate Margo Kelly, who said a large number of housing estates in the ward “have no real amenities”.
“Exercise facilities and play areas for children to deal with the obesity problem,” she said. “Access to community centres by groups working with young people is an issue.”
She said local groups must have the “first call on usage” of local community centres and that the Galway City Council must begin to develop new pitches and play areas in the region.
Ms Kelly also raised concerns over services and issues of security for the elderly, and she has welcomed the text alert and neighbourhood watch in all areas. However, she said loneliness remains a problem.
“If you cannot leave your home for fear or inability life becomes very isolated and lonely,” she said. “Age Action Ireland and Cope and other groups carry out brilliant work with elderly people. However, they cannot do it all by themselves. They are deserving of our support.”
