Noel Thomas: “22% of Galway City Living with Disability – Government Cannot Keep Ignoring the Reality”

Independent Ireland candidate Noel Thomas has said the latest disability profile data for Galway City exposes a clear gap between Government rhetoric and the lived experience of families across the constituency.

According to figures compiled by the Disability Federation of Ireland (Census 2022), 22% of Galway City’s population – 18,715 people – are living with at least one disability .

“This is one in five people in our city,” Noel Thomas said. “When you include parents, carers, SNAs and extended families, disability services affect almost every community in Galway.”

The data shows:

• 5,797 people living with psychological or emotional conditions 
• Just 37.5% of people with disabilities over 15 are at work 
• 16.61% are in social housing 

He said the figures must also be viewed in the context of ongoing waiting lists for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).
“When almost 6,000 people in Galway City are living with psychological or emotional conditions, we cannot ignore the reality that many children and teenagers are waiting months — and in some cases far longer — for CAMHS appointments. Parents are being told to wait. Schools are trying to cope. SNAs are doing their best. But the system is stretched beyond capacity.”
He said early intervention is critical.
“If a young person is struggling, they need support when they need it — not after months on a waiting list. Delays can have lifelong consequences.”
Noel Thomas said continued budget surpluses and record corporation tax returns remove any financial excuse.
“We are repeatedly told the public finances are strong. If that’s true — and the Government insists it is — then disability supports, CAMHS services and SNA allocations should be among the first priorities, not the last. This is not about money anymore. It’s about political will.”