Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I support the amendments wholeheartedly. Autonomy and decision-making start at home. The Galway councillors have exercised their view which should be respected. A runaway train should not leave the station without consultation. Consultation is required. Plebiscites are provided for in the Bill. I do not see any reason a plebiscite cannot be held in Galway before any decision is taken. That is what happens in other jurisdictions when local government is restructured, particularly if two large councils are being amalgamated, as is proposed in the Bill. The amendment is very sensible, simple and effective and I fully support it. There is no need whatsoever to include Galway in the legislation. Time and space should be afforded to the people of and councillors in Galway to make their own informed decision first, which we should then respect.