Ogbu Secures Progress While Fighting for Better Galway Infrastructure
Ogbu Secures Progress While Fighting for Better Galway Infrastructure - The Labour Party
- Cllr Helen Ogbu calls for urgent investment in estate roads and local infrastructure
Councillor Helen Ogbu, Labour candidate in the Galway West by-election, has called for urgent investment in road and infrastructure repairs across Galway City after raising concerns at Galway City Council about the deteriorating condition of roads in residential estates.
In a formal question submitted to Galway City Council in March, Cllr Ogbu sought clarity on the current cycle or average timeframe between road resurfacing works across Galway City, the criteria used to prioritise resurfacing projects, and whether the Council could provide a ward-by-ward list of roads scheduled for resurfacing under the current and upcoming programme. The move was aimed at pressing the Council for greater transparency and highlighting the growing concerns being raised by residents about deteriorating roads across the city.
In its response, Galway City Council confirmed that the timeframe between resurfacing works varies depending on available funding from the Department of Transport, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, and Galway City Council’s own resources. The Council stated that roads are prioritised based on pavement condition, associated drainage issues, traffic levels, and the need for early intervention before major structural deterioration occurs. The Council also acknowledged that resurfacing schedules are dependent on available funding and ongoing utility works, with the final 2026 resurfacing programme currently being finalised following engagement with Uisce Éireann.
The Council also confirmed that the final list of roads scheduled for resurfacing in 2026 is still being finalised following notification from Uisce Éireann regarding planned works across the city.
Responding to the Council’s reply, Cllr Ogbu said the response confirmed what many residents already know – that Galway’s road network is under growing pressure and that stronger investment is urgently needed. She said communities across Galway are increasingly frustrated by the poor condition of roads and the lack of investment in residential estates, but that continuing to raise these issues publicly is important in securing progress and accountability.
Councillor Ogbu said:
“I raised this issue directly with Galway City Council because people across Galway are increasingly frustrated by the condition of roads in their communities. While we secured dedicated funding for footpaths, we now also need a much stronger focus on roads within estates across the city.
“In areas such as Renmore, roads are literally coming apart. Residents are dealing with damaged surfaces and roads that clearly have not received the maintenance they need. These are not isolated problems. Communities across Galway are raising the same concerns about deteriorating infrastructure and a lack of investment in local roads.
“It is important to recognise the progress that has been achieved. I strongly welcome the remedial works being carried out at Abbey Church on Francis Street following concerns raised by local residents. I raised this issue on behalf of the local community and it shows what can be delivered when communities speak up and the Council responds.
“We also fought to secure dedicated funding for footpaths, which has made a real difference for older people, parents with buggies, and wheelchair users across the city. But estate roads have been neglected for too long, and people can see that clearly in the condition of streets across Galway.
“The reality is that Galway City Council is being asked to do more and more without the funding required. The impact of Tier 5 funding continues to leave Galway at a disadvantage when it comes to delivering road repairs and infrastructure upgrades. If elected to the Dáil on May 22nd, I will continue raising the issue of Galway City Council funding directly with Government and pushing for the increased investment our city urgently needs.
“Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, and the Independents in Government now need to step up and provide Galway City Council with the funding needed to properly maintain roads and deliver the standard of infrastructure Galway communities deserve.”
Cllr Ogbu said continued investment in local infrastructure is essential not only for road safety, but also for improving quality of life for residents across Galway City.
ENDS
Link to the question and answer with Councillor Helen Ogbu and Galway City Council here: https://labour.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Q2_2026-Cllr.-H.-Ogbu-Response.pdf