Local government in Ireland plays a central role in shaping communities, and Galway County Council is no exception. With 39 elected councillors, the council makes decisions on housing, roads, planning, environmental services, and community development.
Since the local elections on June 7, 2024, Galway County Council has seen five members vacate their seats after being elected or nominated to other roles. The first wave followed the general election in November, when three councillors, Albert Dolan (FF ), Louis O’Hara (SF ) and Pete Roche (FG ), won seats in the Dáil. They were replaced through co-option by Seán Broderick (FF ), Martin McNamara (SF ) and Siobhán McHugh-Ryan (FG ).
In February, councillors Shane Curley (FF ) and PJ Murphy (FG ) were elected to the Seanad, and Micheal Reagan (FF ) and Lawrence “Laurie” Harney (FG ) were co-opted in their place.
What is co-option?
Co-option fills vacancies that arise when councillors resign, take up another public office, or cannot continue in their role. It ensures representation without requiring costly by-elections.
Under the Local Government Act 2001, the departing councillor’s political party nominates a replacement, who is then ratified by the council. If the outgoing member was independent, councillors vote on a nominee, with negotiations often shaping the outcome.
How it works in Galway
Once a seat becomes vacant, the council’s corporate services department places the co-option on the agenda of the next meeting. The party or councillors put forward a name, which the full council votes to approve. New councillors then assume full responsibilities, including committee work and voting rights.
Parties often choose candidates with strong local ties or those who narrowly missed election, using co-option to maintain continuity and build future political strength.
Why it matters
Co-option allows parties to preserve the electoral mandate while keeping the council fully staffed. Critics argue it denies voters a direct say, but supporters note that by-elections would be impractical at the local level.
In Galway, co-option highlights the fluid nature of politics, where seats shift quickly, but also the need for stability in local governance.
