Taoiseach expected to visit Galway as wastewater project stalls over funding row
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has given a commitment to meet with Galway County Council to discuss the match funding the local authority does not have to proceed with wastewater services in Craughwell and Clarinbridge.
During a debate in the Dáil on March 3, Galway East TD Albert Dolan sought confirmation from the Taoiseach that “there will be support to finish the project” after three years of an ongoing battle to find funding.
The Taoiseach shared Deputy Dolan’s frustration over the matter but emphasized a recent increase in funding and, subsequent, decrease in the expected match funding required by Galway County Council.
In addition, he made a commitment to schedule a meeting with Galway City Council’s Chief Executive to discuss solutions.
Originally, around €20 million was allocated in December 2023 with the expectation Galway County Council would match 15pc of that in order for the project to begin. The funding allocation was then increased by Minister Browne to ease the pressure off the local authority, bringing it to nearly €30 million, asking the council to cover 8pc (€2.4 million).
“It is not good enough,” the Taoiseach said. “There has to be a developmental will, a will to do things, take risks and go for it. Too many are taking soft options here and are overly dependent on the Government for everything.”
Galway County Councillor Martina Kinane asked Minister James Browne and the Taoiseach in November for direct intervention on the deadlocked process, and to ultimately remove any match funding requirement.
Now she welcomes the news of the potential meeting, hoping it brings positive results for Craughwell and Clarinbridge.
“I don’t want it to become a blame game either,” Cllr Kinane told the Irish Independent, adding that the decrease in the necessary contribution from the council is accepted but does not solve the problem. “The issue hasn’t gone away that Galway County Council does not have the money,” she said.
Cllr Kinane also pointed to the new developer led wastewater service initiative announced earlier this month by Minister Browne which will allow developers who work with Usice Éireann to design and construct wastewater treatment solutions with new housing developments.
Putting this idea forward is a “last resort,” she said, noting the unanimous support she will need from her chamber colleagues to table the motion.
At this time, no meeting has been scheduled between the Taoiseach and the local authority.
Director of Services at Galway County Council, Uinsinn Finn confirmed with the Irish Independent that a meeting is actively being arranged “to discuss a number of strategic issues.”
This article was amended on March 13 to include a response from the Director of Services.