Noel Thomas says Galway roads funding shortfall has left many communities disappointed

Independent Ireland councillor Noel Thomas has said many communities across County Galway will be deeply disappointed that important local roads have been left out of this year’s roads programme, and he said the blame lies with the continued failure of Government parties to properly fund Galway.

Councillor Thomas said that while the county roads programme has now been signed off, the reality is that there simply was not enough money available to include all of the roads that need urgent attention.

“A lot of people will be disappointed, and rightly so,” said Councillor Noel Thomas.

“There are roads across County Galway that badly need work but have not been included. That is not because the need is not there. It is because Galway is not getting the level of funding it needs from central government.”

Councillor Thomas said councillors fought to include as many roads as possible, but the funding available fell far short of what is required in a county the size of Galway.

“We fought to get as many roads as possible into the programme, but there is only so much you can do when the funding coming from Government is not adequate.

“The truth is that Galway has been left behind for years when you look at funding per head of population across a range of Government allocations. People in this county are entitled to ask why Galway continues to lose out.”

He said the underfunding of Galway has real consequences for families, businesses, farmers and rural communities who rely on the county’s road network every day.

“These are not luxury projects. These are essential roads that people use to get to work, bring children to school, move goods, access services and go about daily life safely.

“When roads are left out because the money is not there, communities are left frustrated and people feel neglected once again.”

Councillor Thomas said he will continue to press for a fairer share of funding for Galway and for the roads that could not be included this time.

“We have to fight for every euro and every cent that is available, and I will continue to do that. But the wider issue remains: Galway needs a far stronger deal from Government, because this county cannot keep being expected to do more with less.”