Galway County Councillor Thomas Welby has confirmed he will run in the upcoming bye-election as an Independent candidate.
He says he will be “free from party constraints and accountable solely to the people of Galway West.”
With twenty-two years’ experience as a public representative, Welby believes his record of hard work and delivery across both rural and urban communities is a solid foundation for the campaign. “I believe that housing and traffic are no longer abstract policy debates; they are daily realities for families and workers across Galway West.
“Young people are locked out of home ownership, renters are under crippling pressure, and commuters are losing hours every week sitting in traffic, and I want to play a part in resolving these problems.”
Despite record Government spending, Welby says housing policy is failing, with an outdated Affordable Housing framework that lacks review mechanisms, inflation-linked supports, and sufficient focus on delivering homes at scale.
It is Councillor Welby’s opinion is that the Department lacks vision and understanding to resolve the problem. “We need to have a realistic, affordable housing policy that will enable eligible people to own their own homes and provide certainty for their families in the long term,” he said.
Welby described the traffic congestion in Galway city and along key commuter routes as totally unsustainable. “Galway city is effectively paralysed by daily congestion, and people need clarity now as to whether the Ring Road will proceed or not? Endless delay is not acceptable, and it is costing this region dearly.”
Full support was reiterated by Welby for the N6 Galway City Ring Road, along with a call for immediate political pressure at the highest level to be applied to An Coimisiún Pleanála to bring the process to a conclusion, noting that a further information request was submitted by Galway County Council in April 2025 and that the people of Galway have waited long enough.
“Firstly, we need to know whether the decision on the planning is a yes or no. If it’s a yes, we need to proceed to the next level; if it’s a no, we need to explore alternative solutions. Galway city cannot be left in permanent gridlock,” he said.
“I am running to be a strong independent advocate for the people of Galway West, beyond housing and traffic, Galway West faces growing challenges around healthcare, rural isolation, planning delays, the rising cost of living and possible reduction in food standards. These pressures are forcing people out of their communities and placing enormous strain on families, farmers, and small businesses.
“If elected, I will be a strong, independent voice for Galway West and make sure our community’s voice is heard where decisions are made.”
