Galway councillors question traditional US trip after decades - ‘Is it worth looking at changing?’
Some Galway councillors are preparing for their annual trip to twinned communities in the United States, but the decades-long tradition of travelling across the Atlantic had its “value for money” questioned at Galway County Hall this week.
The democratic process of local politics takes a brief pause during August, and a group of delegates from Galway City and County councils will travel to Milwaukee and Washington County, Wisconsin, later this month. While in the mid-west, officials will engage with government, tourism, cultural, and business leaders.
This year’s trip, which was approved by the elected members at Galway County Council’s July plenary meeting, prompted questions about its benefits for the wider Galway community.
Traditionally, the delegation has included the Mayor of Galway City and the Cathaoirleach of Galway County, along with a number of councillors from both local authorities.
At the July meeting, Galway County councillor Jimmy McClearn requested that delegates provide a report on their return, a practice that has been followed after previous visits.
“There are a lot of other places we could go to in America and Britain,” he told chamber colleagues last week. “We have been doing this for more than 20 years. Is it worth looking at changing?”
Councillor Michael Regan agreed that alternative locations which could provide greater benefits to Galway should be considered.
While County Galway does not have any official twin cities, a number of towns maintain twinning arrangements with communities abroad. Tuam, for example, is twinned with Straubing in Germany.
Galway city, meanwhile, is twinned with nine cities around the world, including Milwaukee.
Despite the questions raised, maintaining relationships with twinned communities and the educational and cultural benefits they provide remains important to many councillors.
Cllr Mary Hoade suggested a broader review of overseas trips and their benefits over the term of the current council, including an assessment of this year’s visit.
In August 2025, Mayor of the City of Galway, Councillor Mike Cubbard, Leas-Chathaoirleach, Councillor Mary Hoade, along with city and county officials made the trip during the Milwaukee Irish Fest, connecting with the large Irish diaspora represented there, and in Chicago.
While the itinerary has not been announced, the dates have been confirmed from August 10 through August 17.