The Social Democrats have welcomed the co-option of Alan Curran to Galway City Council taking place on Monday afternoon.
Alan Curran was nominated to fill the vacant seat left by Owen Hanley by the Galway West branch of the party last week.
He is expected to be officially elected at today’s meeting of Galway City Council.
Owen Hanley had stepped down from his seat in January following allegations made against him.
Speaking about his appointment, Curran said that he is honoured to represent the Social Democrats on Galway City Council at an “exciting” time in the party’s history.
“Like many members, I share the sense of optimism that has greeted the arrival of Holly Cairns as our new leader.”
“In the meantime, I intend to get started on my work as a councillor immediately and focus on practical solutions to make the east side of Galway more liveable and family-friendly — with better transport solutions and improvements to our parks and playgrounds.”
A secondary school teacher at Coláiste Éinde in Salthill, Alan Curran is best known as the founder of the Galway Cycle Bus.
This is a community initiative enabling children to cycle safely to school. He is also a member of the Galway Cycling Campaign.
Holly Cairns TD, new leader of the Social Democrats, offered her congratulations to Alan on his new position on the city council.
“He will join a 21-strong team of dedicated, hard-working councillors in our party and I’m confident he will be a valuable addition to the council.”
“Alan is ambitious for the future of Galway and I know he will work tirelessly as a councillor to make his vision for this wonderful city a reality.”
Niall Ó Tuathail, Chairperson of the Galway branch of the Social Democrats, added, “We’re very grateful to Alan for putting himself forward.”
“He has great experience in turning practical ideas into positive change for people’s lives and we’re excited to see what he can do as a councillor.”
The married father of three is also an underage coach for St Michael’s GAA; a coach for the school’s U14 and Junior rugby team; and assistant coach to the school’s athletics team.
He is a member of the Galway branch of the Native Woodland Trust and was active for eight years with the Galway Mountain Rescue Team.
