What is Participatory Budget: Have Your Say?
Participatory Budgeting is a democratic process that allows local communities to decide how a portion of the public budget is spent.
In 2026 Galway City Council will deliver a project or initiative, proposed by the community at a cost of €25,000. Proposals will be invited from communities and residents in the City Centre Ward, giving them an opportunity to propose projects that are of direct benefit to them. These proposals will be shortlisted and put to a public vote from which the winning proposal will be decided.
How does it work?
Galway City Council invited submissions to be made online by completing an application form. The link to submit an application closed on the 17th October 2025 at 4.00 pm.
Submitted proposals have been assessed by Area Councillors and Council staff based on community benefit and feasibility. Please find below a summary of the shortlisted projects. Galway City Council are now inviting the public to decide on the project which will be of most benefit to the local community.
Galway City Council will deliver the winning project directly in 2026 and provide updates to the community on progress and expenditure. (The amount allocated is not in the form of a grant to a community/resident’s association, rather the project will be delivered directly by Galway City Council).
Project Number 1 – Accessibility Enhancement Project, Westside This project aims to improve pedestrian access and mobility in the Westside area. The focus is on creating safer, more inclusive pathways and crossings, ensuring that residents with mobility challenges can navigate the area with greater ease and independence.
Project Number 2 – Playful Seating, Millennium Children’s Park & Mary Byrne Playground
This initiative proposes the installation of playful, youth-oriented seating in two centrally located public parks. The seating will provide welcoming spaces for children to gather, connect, and engage in positive social interactions, supporting inclusivity and community spirit.
Project Number 3 – Mural Extension and Lighting Enhancement, Cabbage Lane, Bohermore
A community-led proposal to extend the existing mural at Cabbage Lane and improve public lighting. The project seeks to enhance both the visual appeal and safety of the area, celebrating local creativity while making the space more inviting for residents and visitors.
Project Number 4 – Green Area Upgrades, Sliding Rock Park, Shantalla
This project involves the installation of a French Boules (Pétanque) area, alongside landscaping improvements such as benches, trees, and flower beds. The upgrades are designed to encourage outdoor recreation and create a more vibrant, welcoming green space for the community.
The shortlisted projects are then put to a public vote where residents decide on how the €25,000 will be allocated. Voting will take place online at www.galwaycity.ie from the 24th November at 9am, and the project with the highest number of votes will be declared as winner.
Voting Details
Online voting will open from 24 November at 9am. You can cast your vote for your preferred project via the following link: https://submit.link/4nO
Voting will close on 19 December at 4pm.
The project with the highest number of votes will be announced in January and delivered by Galway City Council in 2026.
For any queries in relation to the above please contact Natalie Coen, Urban and Community Development Officer at natalie.coen@galwaycity.ie or 087 1103209