There are 79 individuals vying for a total of 39 positions in the seven local constituencies of the Galway County Council. In the previous 2019 election, Fianna Fáil emerged victorious by securing 32.8 per cent of the votes which translated into 15 seats. In comparison, Fine Gael and independent representatives claimed 11 seats each.
Echoing the concerns of their constituents, the running candidates have noted that critical issues include traffic management, park and ride systems, the state of the transportation infrastructure, especially the safety issues concerning the N17 where multiple serious collisions have occurred. Housing and health matters such as access to primary care services and carers’ allowance are also being highlighted.
Citizens are advocating for an increase in amenities like sports complexes and swimming pools. The shortage of school places and after-school and child care facilities are other concerns surfacing in densely populated areas, although immigration isn’t a prevalent issue.
Seeking re-election, Cllr Alastair McKinstry represents the Green Party, which has six candidates participating across the area. In 2019, six Sinn Féin candidates contested, managing to secure 4.8 per cent of the votes and a single seat for Dermot Connelly in Ballinasloe. With Connelly and nine others participating, the party is expecting a stronger performance in the upcoming elections.
Distribution of seats in various areas are as follows: Athenry – Oranmore (7), Ballinasloe (6), Conamara North (4), Conamara South (5), Gort – Kinvara (5), Loughrea (5), and Tuam (7).
Here is the overview of the 2024 elections including the European Election, Dublin, MNW, Ireland South, EU&I Voter App, Limerick Mayor, Local Elections, and the counties of Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Cork City, Cork County, DLR, Donegal, Dublin City, Fingal, Galway City, Galway County, Kerry, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Leitrim, Limerick, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Meath, Monaghan, and Offaly.
The list includes Roscommon, Sligo, South Dublin, Tipperary, Waterford, Westmeath, Wexford, and Wicklow. For a quick glance at the 2019 Galway County Council outcomes, just click on the link provided. Comprehensive reportage of the local and European elections are also available. The latest edition of the Inside Politics Podcast can be listened to, along with access to the most current political and public sentiment surveys.