Galway County Council Seeks Additional €4 Million to Sustain Services

Galway County Council requires an additional €4 million next year to maintain its current services amidst rising construction-related inflation. During a recent meeting of the Loughrea Municipal District, the council’s Head of Finance, Katie O’Connor, highlighted the financial challenges facing the local authority as she presented a draft budget for 2026. The final budget figures will be determined at the full Council’s annual budget meeting scheduled for November 14.

O’Connor explained that, despite a forecasted increase of over €800,000 in revenue, the escalating costs of materials and services are diminishing the value received for public funds. “We’re getting very little value for our money these days,” remarked Cllr Gerry Finnerty of Fianna Fáil, underscoring the context of rising expenses.

The financial landscape is complex, with O’Connor stating that the council faces a gap of more than €11 million between income and expenditures for the coming year. She noted, “It would cost €4 million this year just to stand still.” This significant gap necessitates urgent measures to close the budget deficit, as legislation mandates a balanced budget.

Urgent Financial Measures Required

As the council prepares for the budget meeting, O’Connor emphasized the necessity of addressing the financial shortfall. “The numbers in the Loughrea Municipal District Budgetary Plan are not set in stone. We do have a gap in the budget to date, and we need to get that gap closed come November 14,” she stated. The council’s commitment to fiscal responsibility will be paramount in the upcoming weeks as they strategize to meet their financial obligations.

In addition to the budgetary concerns, Cllr Martina Kinane, also from Fianna Fáil, raised issues regarding the funding designated for maintaining the council’s outdoor recreational spaces, specifically the €10,000 previously allocated for Cow Park in Clarinbridge. Kinane expressed her concerns over recent damage to the boardwalk area, which is currently under investigation by local authorities. “Maintenance is very important,” she asserted.

O’Connor reassured the council members that there may be separate funding avenues available to address the damage once the investigation concludes. “There is an amount incorporated into parks and open spaces for maintenance,” she added, indicating a proactive approach to managing the council’s assets.

The challenges ahead for Galway County Council reflect broader issues many local authorities face in balancing budgets while meeting community needs. As inflation continues to impact costs, the council’s ability to adapt will be crucial in maintaining essential services for residents. The upcoming budget meeting will be a pivotal moment in determining how the council plans to navigate these financial hurdles.