Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

This is a city that is struggling. It is a thriving and beautiful city. Is cathair dhátheangach í agus tá a lán fostaíochta inti. Tá baic ann, áfach, ó thaobh infreastruchtúir agus ní inniu ná inné ó bhí na fadhbanna sin againn. We have struggled for quite some time. I am reassured, maybe foolishly and innocently, that the Tánaiste tells me there will be an emphasis on capital infrastructure because I have heard that, but what I am trying to highlight here today is that the city council is openly telling us that if the flood defences do not go ahead in a timely manner and are not funded, other development is off the table.

I have a particular view that Galway should be chosen as a pilot city for sustainable development and an integrated public transport rolled out with a light rail system put in. The feasibility study confirmed it is possible. Build public housing on public land and so on. I have my own personal opinions, which I am not shy in sharing, but the serious lack of infrastructure I highlight here today is a major obstacle.

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