A special meeting of local politicians, officials and business representatives from Galway met this week to collaborate on the delivery of infrastructure projects across the county.
Representatives of the Galway City Council, Galway County Council and Galway Chamber held a high-level meeting at the Galmont Hotel to discuss developing a shared approach to regional development and service delivery across the Galway Metropolitan Area, such as the N6 Ring Road.
“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,” says Mayor of the City of Galway, Councillor Peter Keane (FF ). He said he wants Galway to remain 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, Councillor Albert Dolan (FF ) said he welcomed closer ties between city and county.
“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."
Chief executive of Galway City Council, Leonard Cleary, highlighted the recent restructuring of the city’s local authority committees and directorates.
“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.”
Chief Executive of Galway County Council, Liam Conneally, said there was broad agreement amongst both local authorities and Galway Chamber about the need to operate a shared approach to regional development.
“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 1,000-job investment by Dexcom in Athenry,” he said.
According to Deirdre Mac Loughlin, interim CEO 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.”
Cáit Noone, president of Galway Chamber, said the meeting marked an important step in strengthening relationships. “Together, we have a unique opportunity to drive growth and innovation across the entire region, ensuring that Galway remains a 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.”
