Councillor Helen Ogbu, Labour candidate in the Galway West by-election, has called for urgent investment in road and infrastructure repairs across Galway City after raising concerns at Galway City Council about the deteriorating condition of roads in residential estates.
In a formal question submitted to Galway City Council in March, Cllr Ogbu sought clarity on the current cycle or average timeframe between road resurfacing works across Galway City, the criteria used to prioritise resurfacing projects, and whether the Council could provide a ward-by-ward list of roads scheduled for resurfacing under the current and upcoming programme. The move was aimed at pressing the Council for greater transparency and highlighting the growing concerns being raised by residents about deteriorating roads across the city.
In its response, Galway City Council confirmed that the timeframe between resurfacing works varies depending on available funding from the Department of Transport, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, and Galway City Council’s own resources.
The Council stated that roads are prioritised based on pavement condition, associated drainage issues, traffic levels, and the need for early intervention before major structural deterioration occurs. The Council also acknowledged that resurfacing schedules are dependent on available funding and ongoing utility works, with the final 2026 resurfacing programme currently being finalised following engagement with Uisce Éireann.
The Council also confirmed that the final list of roads scheduled for resurfacing in 2026 is still being finalised following notification from Uisce Éireann regarding planned works across the city.
Responding to the Council’s reply, Cllr Ogbu said the response confirmed what many residents already know — that Galway’s road network is under growing pressure and that stronger investment is urgently needed.
She said communities across Galway are increasingly frustrated by the poor condition of roads and the lack of investment in residential estates, but that continuing to raise these issues publicly is important in securing progress and accountability.
