No decision on Council merger until next Spring

A decision on any merger of Galway City and Councils – or on extending the urban boundary – now seem destined to be ‘kicked to touch’ until after the Spring General Election.

The report of an independent statutory committee to examine either the possibility of a unification of the two councils – or an extension of the city boundary – was scheduled for completion this month.

Mayor of Galway, Cllr Frank Fahy, said that he envisioned ‘absolutely no gain’ by amalgamating the County and City Councils, given both the geographics and demographics involved.

“As a City Council we really do have enough of a job on our hands to stay focused on a rapidly growing city rather than try to embrace issues in places as far apart as Clifden and Portumna.

“Just on one practical issue along, just look alone at the cost that would be involved in constructing a new Council Chamber to accommodate nearly 60 councillors . . . and all for what gain,” said Mayor Fahy.

According to the Chairman of Galway County Council, Cllr Pete Roche, the possibility of any progress being made on those issues was ‘practically nil’ in the run-up to the General Election.

For more on the potential merger and its implications, see this week’s Galway City Tribune