Galway City Council and Galway County Council, supported by Grant Thornton, have launched a public consultation to inform the development of a joint Economic Development Strategy for Galway City and County. This strategy will help shape the growth of Galway City and County over the next decade and beyond and inform decisions on key economic areas including job creation, enterprise and cluster development.
The strategy will also consider wider place-based factors that influence and impact economic growth and opportunity including infrastructure, connectivity, research skills and sustainable development of our city, towns, villages and rural areas throughout the County. The strategy will also frame the investment needed to achieve the ambition. Stakeholders, including local businesses and residents are encouraged to share their perspectives to help shape a plan that leads to long-term and inclusive prosperity across of Galway City and County. The strategy will also frame the investment priorities needed to achieve this ambition and further grow the economy with a current value in excess of €16.4 billion.
Cllr. David Collins, Cathaoirleach Galway County Council, said “This is an exciting initiative, and the final strategy will be used to leverage funding to support economic development goals across the City and County”.
Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Mike Cubbard said, “The joint Economic Development Strategy reflects a strong partnership between City and County Councils, aligned around a shared ambition for Galway. It will set out a resilient and deliverable plan to meet emerging challenges and maximise opportunities for long-term prosperity.”
The consultation is part of a wider body of work in the strategy development led by Grant Thornton including economic analyses, consultations with policy makers and stakeholders on a local, regional and national level as well as consideration of wider macro-economic trends and their implications.
Transparency and participation are fundamental tenets of the process and whilst businesses are an important stakeholder, the councils are also keen to have the views of residents from across Galway City and County.
Leonard Cleary, Chief Executive, Galway City Council commented, “This joint Economic Development Strategy is a real opportunity to shape Galway’s future - addressing today’s challenges while unlocking new opportunities for the years ahead. I am encouraging people to engage and have their say so that our Councils will deliver a strong, ambitious plan for a vibrant, inclusive, and resilient region .”
Galway County Council Chief Executive, Liam Conneally said; “This strategy will send a clear signal to businesses that Galway city and county, as the economic engine of the region, is prepared and open for business.”
The online consultation period runs for a period of 4 weeks and will close on 22 May 2026.
Online resident and business surveys can be accessed at:
Printed surveys are available by contacting the Forward Planning Departments of either Galway City or Galway County Councils.
It is anticipated the strategy will be launched in Q4 2026.