Fianna Fáil European Election Candidate Senator Lisa Chambers, has taken a significant step towards addressing the governance and infrastructure challenges facing Galway City and County by formally requesting a meeting with the Minister for Local Government Darragh O'Brien to discuss an almost immediate plebiscite for a directly elected Mayor of Galway City and County.
Sen Chambers has proposed that the vote on whether Galway should or should not have a directly-elected Mayor should be held on either the date for the upcoming European and Local Elections in June or as part of an expected General Election date later this year or early in 2025.
A commitment was made in 2019 that such a vote would be held in Galway City, but this was later postponed to 2021 and three years on, is still pending.
Joined by local representatives, Galway City Councillors Peter Keane and Alan Cheevers, Senator Chambers said that the people of Galway deserve the opportunity to voice their opinion on the proposal for a directly elected mayor, similar to the model being implemented in Limerick City and County, where the Mayor has a staff and a budget of €4m, a point she made to Galway Chamber last week.
"It's crucial we facilitate a debate on Galway's future, addressing both longstanding and emerging issues that affect our community. This is about ensuring Galway has the leadership it needs to tackle critical projects like the Galway City By-Pass, improving our local health services, and addressing the housing crisis head-on," she said.
The proposal for a directly elected mayor includes extensive executive powers over housing, planning, roads, and corporate functions of the councils, aiming to bring about significant change in how Galway City and County is managed.
The model seeks to provide a single point of accountability, enhance visibility in local governance, and increase the efficacy of decision-making processes directly impacting the community's quality of life.
Cllr Cheevers said that this motion calling for legislation to facilitate a referendum on a directly elected mayoral office in Galway was previously unanimously supported by the council.
“At the moment, the Mayor is a token office. It’s a great honour, of course, but it has no real power. It’s really important we get this ballot paper, to give the people of Galway the option of a directly elected mayor.
"I’ll be pushing for that referendum. I think it’s really important. We need someone elected who is higher than a councillor and who can make real decisions and be held to account," he said.
Highlighting specific concerns, Senator Chambers pointed to the imperative need for progress on the Galway City By-Pass project, noting that "the people of Galway, particularly those in Galway City and Connemara, are bearing the brunt of unacceptable traffic conditions, partly due to unnecessary delays by local representatives of the Green Party.
"It's time for serious political leadership to cut through the filibuster and make substantial infrastructure improvements a reality."
The senator also underscored the pressing challenges in health care, particularly in mental health services and local cancer care improvements, showcasing her collaborative efforts with Professor Michael Kerins.
Additionally, the housing crisis in Galway demands bold solutions, such as the Galway Port project and the development around Ceannt Station, both of which promise to alleviate housing shortages and stimulate economic growth with the support of ISIF funding.
Supporting the push for a directly elected mayor, Galway City Councillor Peter Keane said Galway needs a transformation in political leadership, particularly at the city level.
"A directly elected mayor with clear, statutory powers could significantly improve how we address the issues facing our residents and local businesses.
"For too long, Galway's leadership has been preoccupied with ceremonial duties rather than substantive governance. There has been ineffective leadership and delivery on key issues because Fianna Fáil’s team haven’t been involved in the ruling pact in Galway City Council."
In addition to addressing current challenges, Senator Chambers is advocating for the development of a €10 million Centre of Excellence at the Galway Airport site, a project supported by Galway GAA, Galway LGFA, and Galway Camogie.
This initiative, aiming to provide state-of-the-art sporting facilities and potentially a multi-sport hub, signifies the broad scope of improvements a directly elected mayor could champion, enhancing community resources and fostering local sports talent.
As discussions progress, Senator Chambers, alongside local councillors, is determined to secure a plebiscite for Galway City and County, ensuring the community's voice is heard and that Galway can look forward to leadership capable of addressing its most pressing needs with vision and action.
