The Social Democrats have welcomed the co-option of Alan Curran to Galway City Council.
Alan has been a member of the Galway branch of the Social Democrats since 2018 and is the co-author of the party’s cycling policy.
Holly Cairns TD, leader of the Social Democrats, said: “I would like to congratulate Alan on his co-option to Galway City Council. He has joined 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.”
Alan said: “I am honoured to represent the Social Democrats on Galway City Council at such 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.
“I have no doubt that Holly will re-energise the party and build on the solid foundations laid down by Róisín Shortall and Catherine Murphy. I look forward to welcoming her to Galway in the near future.
“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.”
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.”
A secondary school teacher at Coláiste Éinde in Salthill, Alan Curran is best known as the founder of the Galway Cycle Bus – a community initiative enabling children to cycle safely to school. He is also a member of the Galway Cycling Campaign.
Sport plays a huge part in Alan’s life. He is 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.
Alan, a married father of three children, was nominated to take up the vacant council seat at a meeting of the Galway West branch of the Social Democrats in Renmore. He was officially elected at the March 6 meeting of Galway City Council.
March 7, 2023