The Local and European Elections will take place on Friday June 5th all over the country.

This year we are spoiled for choice in the Claregalway and Carnmore area as there are four canidates from our own area seeking elections for our Oranmore Electoral Area.

The local canidates are :

• present Councillor Jim Cuddy - Independent
• Josette Farrell - Labour
• Malachy Noone - Fianna Fail
• Eamon Fox - Fianna Gael

All four canidates and their supporters are busy canvasing the area. Make sure to take their leaflets and either on the day or by way of their contact details bring up the issues that you would like action on. Ask them for their plans and aspirations if elected and how they can serve you.

Use this opportunity to make an informed decision.

Further and Useful Links

Citizens Information Website - explanation of elections

Galway County Council Register to Vote Campaign

Online Checking of your entitlement to Vote - Registers of Electors

Local Elections are to elect members of Council Councils.
Galway County Council is responsible for the administrative area of County Galway, excluding Galway City and Ballinasloe Urban District. The Council is responsible for the planning, design and construction of important infrastructures, such as roads,water supply, drainage facilities and certain social and quasi-social services, such as housing, fire stations, libraries and burial grounds.

It is the custodian of the environment and through its planning and environment policies seeks to enhance the county while protecting its unique character and atmosphere. It also plays an active role in the development of the county’s industrial, business, social, arts, heritage and cultural affairs.

Services Provided by Local Councils

The Councils are responsible for a huge range of services in your area.

These include:

- Waste and Water Services

- Housing

- Planning and Development

- Fire and Emergency Service

- Environmental protection

- Leisure and Amenity Services

- parks, pools, playgrounds

- Motor Tax

- The Library service

- Building and maintenance of local roads

- Public lighting

Local Authorities are also concerned with the promotion of the general economic, social and cultural development of their areas and work with other agencies and interests to promote development.

Local government has a huge effect on the day to day lives of your area than most other areas of public administration. But it is different than say the Revenue Commissioners or the Department of the Environment for example in that Local Government is democratically elected.