The new city manager Brendan McGrath was given a warm welcome at this month’s meeting of the Galway City Council with many councillors pledging to work together for the betterment of the city.
It was the first meeting attended by Mr McGrath who comes to his new role having spent time as Meath county manager as well as having held positions in Kildare, Roscommon, and Wexford county councils and at Ballinsloe Town Council. Leading the salutations, city mayor Terry O’Flaherty hightlighted the 37 years of experience that the new city manager has under his belt in local authorities, including the 12 years spent in Ballinasloe where his three children were born.
Cllr O’Flaherty added: “There will be challenges and successes ahead but this council does work very well together and will continue to work very well”.
A number of other greetings came from around the chamber starting with Cllr Nuala Nolan, who on behalf of her Labour colleagues, welcomed Mr McGrath to the post.
“Brendan you are very welcome and I’m hoping that all councillors will work with you for the betterment of the city,” said Cllr Declan McDonnell (Ind ) who also led the tributes to outgoing interim city manager Joe O’Neill, saying he has “given 30 years to the city and is an excellent manager and director”.
These sentiments were echoed by Cllr Donal Lyons (Ind ) who wished Mr O’Neill well in returning to his role of director of services for Housing and Environment, and welcomed Mr McGrath.
On behalf of Fine Gael Cllr Hildegarde Naughton thanked Mr O’Neill for his service and congratulated Mr McGrath on his new position. On behalf of Fianna Fail Cllr Michael Crowe also thanked Mr O’Neill for his service.
Addressing the councillors, Mr McGrath thanked them all for their “warm welcome”. He added: “I hope that we can work together to make improvements for the city. I look forward to working with you over the next number of years”.
