Tackling ongoing traffic congestion issues in Galway City and bringing vacant and derelict properties back into use have been highlighted as priority issues for the newly appointed Chief Executive of Galway City Council.
Speaking ahead of his first Council meeting at City Hall today (Monday, 13 June 2024), Leonard Cleary said his 10-year term in the position would begin with a listening process involving the Mayor, Elected Members, local authority staff and stakeholders, including the public.
A native of Corofin in North Clare, Mr. Cleary assumes the role held by Brendan McGrath from 2013 until his retirement in 2023.
Mr. Cleary said, “The traffic congestion issue is foremost in my mind, and this will involve continuing plans already underway to develop transport alternatives and green infrastructure and putting our shoulder to the wheel for the N6 Galway City Ring Road.”
“We need to double our efforts to deliver the Ring Road project in a spirit of partnership and collaboration that incorporates the views of everyone in Galway City and surrounding areas.”
Mr. Cleary told Elected Members that he has already commenced a process of engagement with relevant government departments and that his “early discussions have focused very much on the priority of housing.”
He continued, “A key focus for me is urban regeneration, particularly renewal and repurposing of vacant properties for social and economic functions, as well as underutilised spaces for mixed use, housing and cultural activities.”
“I have secured strong commitments from the Department that it will continue the good work already underway and help us with some of the challenges ahead.”
Galway has a skilled workforce and a start-up community which is well positioned for digital innovation and economic diversification he added.
Mr. Cleary has over 26 years of experience in local government having held several senior leadership roles in Clare County Council, including in Housing, Tourism, Human Resources, and Community and Rural Development.
He was also Ennis Town Clerk in Ennis Town Council with a significant interest in urban economic regeneration.
Under Mr. Cleary’s stewardship as Director of Service, Clare County Council was the first local authority in the country to produce a Rural Development Strategy supported by a full Directorate.
Subsequently, he led the first dedicated Tourism Development Directorate in a local authority in the country guided by a ten-year County Tourism Strategy.
