Social Democrats councillors Alan Curran and Eibhlín Seoighthe have welcomed the launch of the Participatory Budget Scheme, a new initiative by Galway City Council that enables local communities to have a direct input into how public funds are allocated in communities.
It allows residents to create proposals for their local community under themes such as climate action, biodiversity and environmental enhancement, community safety, accessibility and age-friendly infrastructure.
Proposals will be shortlisted and put to public vote from which the winning projects will be decided.
Funding for this project will be €25,000 per year, starting in Galway City East and rotating between the three wards every year. This amount can be supplemented by councillors in each local area through their discretionary Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) funds, which have been increased to €30,000 per annum.
Galway City West councillor Alan Curran said:
“We’re delighted to see this scheme up and running by the team in community development. This was a Soc Dem proposal that was included in the package of community improvements as part of the local property tax increases.
“This scheme, which has been running successfully in other local authorities, boosts civic engagement and ensures that public funds directly address local needs.
Galway City Central councillor Eibhlín Seoighthe added:
“Applications are currently open and will close on February 7. I would encourage community groups, residents’ associations and anyone who has an idea on how to improve their community to have a look at the initiative and make a suggestion.
“A community orchard, a wall mural, a free library book bank, new bilingual signage, flowerbeds, and new seating are just some of the ideas that could be considered.”
January 21, 2025