SIPTU and Connect trade unions have joined Fórsa in its opposition to Galway City Council’s plans to relocate from its current location at College Road to Crown Square, Mervue.  

Both unions have confirmed they’ve now withdrawn from the working group set up by Galway City Council management to address staff concerns about the planned move. Fórsa has sought a hearing on the issue at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).  

More than a hundred Fórsa members protested outside Galway City Council at its March meeting, calling on the Council to change course on its proposed move to Crown Square, and joined by local politicians from across the political spectrum. 

Members are concerned that services will be more difficult to access for many citizens if the council proceeds with its decision to move out of Galway City.  The move is expected to increase Galway City’s traffic congestion, and to reduce footfall to local businesses in the city.  

In a recent survey, three quarters of the staff surveyed confirmed the move would make them consider applying for posts outside of the council.   

Speaking to local media in Galway, Fórsa official Padraig Mulligan said the Council had failed in its obligations to consult staff, or the public, prior to purchasing the new Crown Square building, and said Fórsa had left the working group because of the lack of information provided by the Council. 

He added: “Our members are most affected by the move. We demanded answers that they wouldn't give us,” and said it may become necessary to ballot for industrial action. 

Councillors in Galway have expressed concerns about the costs associated with fitting out the building, and that Council borrowings of more than €45m would be insufficient to complete the work. 

Padraig said the unions continue to demand more detail on the Council’s five-year plan to meet Galway City’s future service needs: “The plan anticipates significant population growth, and management is required to advise unions on details like existing posts, current gaps in the system, and any new posts planned for the next five years. This includes details of staff training plans and career progression for the grades we represent.” 

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