Galway City Council Approves Urgent €160M Budget for 2026

BREAKING: Galway City Council has just adopted a substantial €160 million budget for 2026, marking a pivotal moment for the city as it aims to focus on essential service delivery. During a meeting held earlier this week, council members voted to approve a budget of €159,251,136, emphasizing a “back to basics” approach to community services.

Mayor of Galway, Cllr Mike Cubbard, expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts leading up to this decision, stating, “It was a difficult process, but the decision of the Council positions us now to continue targeted delivery of services in 2026 for the people of Galway City.” This budget is crucial as it directly impacts the city’s ability to meet the needs of its 84,000 residents and over 2 million annual visitors.

Key changes in the budget include an adjustment in the Annual Rate on Valuation (ARV) to 0.2369, projected to generate an additional €1.3 million in revenue for the year. Despite this increase, the council assures that Galway’s ARV remains lower than those in Dublin, Limerick, Cork, and Waterford, providing a measure of relief amid rising costs.

Parking charges will see a slight increase, with rates set to €2.50 per hour and daily rates in long-term car parks at €10. Monthly parking will remain unchanged at €100, aligning more closely with commercial operator rates in the city.

Members of the council are also exploring potential new funding sources to sustain service delivery, including levies on derelict sites and charges on newly valued commercial properties. The council anticipates that these measures could enhance revenue and support critical city services.

Leonard Cleary, Chief Executive of Galway City Council, emphasized the importance of this budget in maintaining essential services. “The adoption of the 2026 Budget Book positions Galway City Council to continue provision of essential core public services in the year ahead,” he stated. He noted that nearly 30% of workers in the Western Region reside within Galway’s catchment area, underscoring the city’s role as a key economic driver.

Immediate areas of focus for the 2026 budget include:

– **Housing and Urban Development:** A commitment to delivering new housing, maintaining existing stock, and addressing dereliction.
– **Public Services and Community Infrastructure:** Increased street cleaning, maintenance, and support for community facilities, all aimed at elevating Galway’s status in the upcoming 2025 National Tidy Towns Awards.
– **Sports and Recreation:** Ongoing development of sports facilities and parks, alongside expanded sports grants.
– **Economic Initiatives:** Investment in retail plans and local festivals to bolster community engagement.
– **Workforce Redevelopment:** Enhancements in service digitization to streamline processes.

The council has decided to pause certain work areas, like the Joint City and County Economic Strategy and climate action retrofits, to prevent a deficit until the new revenue sources materialize.

As Galway navigates these financial adjustments, the council continues to engage with national government for funding allocations that reflect the city’s growth and economic pressures. The community’s need for robust services highlights the urgency of these developments, as Galway positions itself for a sustainable future.

Stay tuned for more updates as the Galway City Council implements this critical budget, impacting all residents and visitors alike.