The First Green Mayor of Galway –a Friend of the Forum

By Sandra Bunting

A focus on green issues is to the forefront in Galway at the moment as the city experiences its first Green Party mayor. Since taking up the post in the summer, Niall O’Brolchain has been working non-stop on changes to make Galway more tolerant and peaceful, energy efficient with a better transportation system.

Galway has recently joined ‘Cities Against Racism’. Mayor O’Brolchain says Galway has taken a lead in this area and is working hard to prevent racism here of any kind. Not afraid of controversy, the Mayor launched the Gay Pride Festival at the end of August as he believes it is right to support minorities. However, he would not launch the Salthill Air Show earlier this year because of his stance against war planes. “It is the duty of the mayor to represent the citizens of the city. I believe that it is a majority view in the city. (not to support war planes).”

Energy Conservation is another issue the mayor feels strongly about, aiming for the city to be a symbol of fuel and energy efficiency. City Council vehicles are now running on 5 per cent bio-fuel and heating at city hall and street lighting are being looked at to see if they can be more energy efficient while at the same time more cost effective. With these measures in place, Galway will consider applying for the European Energy Awards.

O’Brolchain was well-prepared and had done a lot of ground work before becoming mayor. As head of the Green Party, he was elected city councillor in the last civic election and had served on the Galway City Community Forum and on the Galway Environmental Alliance.

As Mayor, besides representing the people of Galway, his other priorities are transport, roads and traffic. He has been in consultation with the city manager and there are announcements pending. Parks are another issue he feels needs attention. “They have not been properly developed,” he said. Litter is also a problem although he says it is improving. The Galway Market has a special place in his heart and he would like to see hours of trading expanded.

There are highlights of being mayor on the one hand and on the other, things that take getting used to. With his heavy schedule, it is difficult for his family and for work as all other duties have to be put aside. His first few months have been non-stop. He has been on the go all the time. However, he finds it very interesting. “It is an honour to represent the city,” he said.

One of his most enjoyable tasks as mayor is attending community events and meeting people who are doing voluntary or community work. “Going where people are not often recognised for the work they do is a real highlight.” Those people include carers for the handicapped, the homeless and others. He also enjoyed the Westside Youth Festival, commenting that he thought it was magnificent. The Arts Festival and Project 06 were also a high spot so far. Stating that he thought both festivals worked well together, he said he just loved things on the street and mentioned the art exhibit along the river as well as a number of other outdoor events.

Not a stranger to the Galway City Community Forum, Niall O’Brolchain was a member since its inception as representative of the Galway Environmental Alliance and therefore qualified to criticise the group. “The Forum hasn’t lived up to its potential,” he said. “It needs more focus and to take more practical initiatives.” The Mayor said plans are made in the forum but are not carried out. He suggested that one or two things should be concentrated on each year and that applying for and setting up a community radio station in the city would be a worthwhile project. Praising the Forum for its facilitating networking within the voluntary sector, he hinted that it should do more as a group, rather than the initiative taken by individuals.

The perception of the Green Party has changed in Galway. The new mayor says he has nothing against tree-huggers but that is not only what the party is about. “We’re going from strength to strength. Galway has the second biggest Green presence in the country. There is huge energy and more and more people getting involved.” O’Brolchain added that the party is about a sustainable living, lifestyle and economy with a clear and genuine agenda.