Independent Councillor Declan McDonnell - the most experienced elected member of Galway City Council - has confirmed that he will be standing for re-election in June.
First elected to the Council in 1991 and returned at each subsequent election in the Galway City East electoral area - which stretches from Ballindooley Cross to Doughiska.
Cllr. McDonnell lives at Tara Grove, Wellpark. He and his wife Mary (née Long ) have four children, Jeannette, Noel, Marie and Brian.
He has twice served as Mayor of Galway and has chaired a number of key Strategic Policy Committees of Galway City Council. For the past 20 years, he has been a member of the European Committee of the Regions, the voice of local and regional authorities in the EU, which advises on new laws that have an impact on regions and cities.
“During my time on the City Council, I have built up a wealth of experience in the area of local government and helping my community.
“I have helped to deliver several major projects in the Galway City East electoral area, such as:
I have helped people with housing issues all over the East Ward over the years, particularly many people who needed to secure disability grants and grants for the elderly.
The development of a regional sports centre at Mervue United which is used by more than 4,500 people of all ages every week, and is available to all sports, including GAA, rugby, tag rugby etc, and not just soccer; I was instrumental in obtaining over €2m in sports grants. This facility is used by people from all areas of the East Ward.
The provision of lighting for the new public walkway at O’Sullivan Park, Galway City Council have obtained €220,000 for this project following my representation. This is a huge addition for the community on the East Ward;
Upgrades to the roads and footpaths throughout Mervue, using my Local Improvement Scheme funding;
In my early days on the Council, securing a site and €1.1m in funding for the Little Acorn community crèche beside the church in Mervue, which caters for children from more than 120 families.
A 200-metre running track, training area and pitch on the grounds of Cluain Mhuire, which is open to the community, and to clubs of all sports.
Helped Mervue Credit Union to secure the site at Michael Collins Road, for the facility which serves everyone in the community.
I have many supported projects in Ballybane, Doughiska, Roscam, Renmore, Riverside and Headford Road/Baile na Choiste
I have secured the commitment from Galway City Council to progress the tender stage for St James’ GAA new All-Weather.
“Too many people, both young and old are entitled to many grants that they are not accessing, often because they just don’t know how. Using my experience, I have been able to help these people to get their entitlements, from stairlifts, extensions and wet rooms to housing, grants for college, and medical cards.
“I have worked with a lot of community groups, residents’ groups and individuals in the area when any difficulties arose.
“I have spent decades of my life carrying out community work and charity work, to help people and organisations throughout the Galway City East electoral area who needed assistance and look forward to continuing that work into the future,” he concluded.
