Frustration in Galway as staff shortage slows down town’s key projects – ‘It’s a gross injustice’
Galway councillors have warned that staff shortages in Ballinasloe are leaving the town struggling to keep pace with key projects.
At a municipal district meeting this week, members voiced concern that Ballinasloe is being left behind, even as the county budget outlines potential funding for a new project management office.
Ahead of an update on district activities, Councillor Evelyn Parsons said the local workforce was operating with “a man down.” She pointed to the ongoing roads programme, community recognition funding, and repeated vandalism at the Dunlo running track as examples of where progress is stalling.
“I am aware they do not have enough resources,” Cllr Parsons told the chamber. “But why is Ballinasloe falling behind in these projects? Why is it falling between two stools?”
She argued that temporary staff could fill the gaps, or existing staff could be reassigned to cover missing roles. With the county budget due to be discussed and approved on November 14, she said funding should be directed to support these posts.
Existing staff, she added, “know the land, know the personnel” who work with the town every day.
“It’s really not fair. It’s a gross injustice on our staff, and particularly on our public. Ballinasloe should not be missing out.”
In recent weeks, Ballinasloe has faced repeated minor vandalism at the Dunlo running track which left councillors warning that damage could escalate. Cllr Parsons further highlighted the lack of progress on the proposed water recreation park for the river Suck.
Her colleague, Councillor Alan Harney, backed the call for greater focus on amenities, noting Ballinasloe has no public park. He said funding in the upcoming budget must be directed towards project management in the town.
Director of services Damien Mitchel acknowledged that understaffing is a wider issue across the local authority and said it has been raised with HR and management. He praised the work of existing staff, describing it as “high quality.”
“There is a lot done, and a lot more to do,” he said.