Concerns staffing shortage in Galway may inhibit two major initiatives
Concerns over staffing at Galway County Council have prompted councillors to question whether two major initiatives can be delivered effectively this year.
Both the newly created Outdoor Recreation Committee and the Above-the-Shop grant were called into question this February at a plenary meeting with concerns raised over proper staffing to propel both projects forward.
Councillor Evelyn Parsons has repeatedly called on executives to provide an action plan for staffing, specifically in the Ballinasloe area, saying: “We have a manpower problem, and we are down engineers.”
The Outdoor Recreation Committee was introduced this month with the responsibility to manage the coordination of delivering sustainable trails, parks, and waterfronts through the county.
The first meeting was held on February 5 where priorities were set for the year aiming to expand outdoor recreation.
Along with the committee was the creation of a separate Galway Outdoor Recreation Project Team. This team will spearhead initiatives aligning with the Galway County Outdoor Recreation Strategy 2026-2030 and is funded by the Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Department.
Both were brought in to question over how efficient the teams can run if not fully supported with council staff.
In response, Galway County Council Chief Executive Liam Conneally said the council is “constantly looking for additional staff” and there is “significant recruitment going on”.
However, he added proper staffing must be done in a “planned way”.
On the other hand, the same concerns go for the Above-the-Shop grant that is likely coming to fruition in March for Galway.
Councillor Andrew Reddington enquired with Galway County Council executives if there is a plan in place for increased staffing when the new grant becomes available.
“When this grant comes into Galway County Council, a fair number of towns will be coming in for that,” he said at the February plenary meeting.
Cllr Reddington has confirmed with the Irish Independent that an application for new staffing is heading to the department to assist in the introduction of the scheme.
Earlier this year, under a series of increases to mediate vacant and derelict homes, a new Vacant Above the Shop Grant was launched.
Under this initiative, residential units located above active commercial premises may qualify for up to €140,000 in funding. Up to €95,000 will be available for a single residential unit above a commercial space, with increased allocations for additional units.
A €5,000 boost is available for property owners who seek expert advice on planning and refurbishing homes above the stores.
“The council will provide further information on eligibility criteria, application steps, and any locality-specific variations as soon as details are finalised,” Cllr Reddington added.
“Community members, shop owners, and developers are encouraged to stay informed and consider how above-the-shop spaces might contribute to local housing solutions.”