The political landscape of Galway County Council has undergone significant change with the co-option of new councillors and the nomination of a new Cathaoirleach following the election of Louis O'Hara (SF ), Pete Roche (FG ), and former Cathaoirleach Albert Dolan (FF ) to the Irish Dáil.
Fianna Fáil Councillor Martina Kinane has been appointed Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, succeeding her party colleague Albert Dolan following his recent election to the Dáil. Cllr Kinane's appointment to the role took place during Galway County Council's final plenary meeting of the year on Monday, December 16.
"It is with great pride that I sit here before you and accept the position of Cathaoirleach," said Cllr Kinane following her appointment.
"Galway is a rich community, and as Cathaoirleach my focus will be on fostering stable development, supporting local businesses and ensuring that our local communities have the resources available to ensure that Galway is a place where people of all ages can live a long and happy life. Together, we will continue to build Galway.
"I look forward to working with my fellow councillors to shape a prosperous future for our constituents. Our strength lies in our unity and by working together, we can achieve great things."
Cllr Kinane has been an appointed member of Galway County Council since 2014 representing the Gort-Kinvara electoral area.
Cllr Kinane went on to thank her family, friends and all those who have supported her over the past decade of her political journey, before finishing her speech by saying, "Let us all move forward with optimism and dedication and ensure that we keep our community at the heart of everything we do."
Coopted new councillors take their posts
In addition to Cllr Kinane's appointment, the meeting saw three new councillors take the seats vacated by O’Hara, Roche, and Dolan—who represented Sinn Féin, Fine Gael, and Fianna Fáil, respectively. These new councillors, Siobhan McHugh-Ryan (FG ), Seán Broderick (FF ) and Martin McNamara (SF ) were appointed at the meeting on Monday, December 16.
As per the Local Government Act of 2003, councillors elected to the Dáil must give up their council seat. When a council seat becomes vacant for this reason, it is filled during a process called co-option. According to this process, the political party of each outgoing councillor nominates someone to take the seat, this new councillor is then later formally appointed by council resolution. The newly appointed co-opted councillor will serve in the role until the next local election.
With three out of the four seats in the Galway East Dáil constituency won by then-sitting members of Galway County Council, there has been much curiosity about who will replace O'Hara, Roche and Dolan in their roles.
Cllr Siobhan McHugh-Ryan
A daughter of former county councillor, Tom McHugh, Cllr McHugh-Ryan is a native of Tuam and co-owner of the family business, the Ard Rí Hotel, Tuam which employs 64 staff members. Married to John, Cllr McHugh-Ryan is mother to Eric and Lucy.
Cllr Seán Broderick
A native of Colmanstown, Cllr Broderick beat former Oranmore / Athenry councillor Shelly Herterich-Quinn by four votes atthe Fianna Fail selection convention party for the seat last week. Having recently retired, Cllr Broderick will be familiar to many for his work in Galway Rural Development leading the Rural Social Scheme and the TÚS Schemes across East Galway.
Cllr Martin McNamara
Athenry native, Cllr McNamara is an agricultural science teacher at Mountbellew Agricultural College. A longstanding member of the Sinn Fein party, McNamara's interest and knowledge of ecology and agriculture quickly became apparent during Monday's meeting, with Cllr McNamara sharing his concerns about noxious weeds in the council's Galway County Heritage and Biodiversity Plan for 2024 to 2030.
Final remarks by Galway's new TDs
Addressing the council for a final time, Louis O'Hara thanked his former colleagues for their support.
"I was only here for a short time, but it was a pleasure," said Deputy O'Hara, adding, "I would like to thank my colleagues and council executives and staff, who went above and beyond for my constituents. I look forward to working with you in my new role."
These sentiments were echoed by Deputy Dolan who described his time as Cathaoirleach as an 'incredible experience' which provided him the opportunity to meet 'incredible groups in the community and on the ground'.
"I wish the incoming Cathaoirleach the very best of luck and want to thank the council's executive team for all they are doing to prioritise this county on a national level."
"People depend on us to push the agenda forward for Galway."
