Mayo man joins election race to win a seat on Galway City Council

Achill native Kenny Deery has ended weeks of speculation in Galway by officially declaring that he intends to run as an Independent candidate for Galway City Council in the upcoming local elections.

The decision by Mr Deery to add his name to the ballot paper in the Galway City West constituency brings an end to weeks of speculation following his shock decision not to seek an extension to his current contract as CEO of Galway Chamber, when it ends in early summer.

He will go before the electorate in the West Ward in the June 7 local elections – an area that takes in Salthill, Knocknacarra and Taylor’s Hill.

A native of Bunnacurry on Achill Island, Mr Deery has lived in Galway for the last ten years where he previously worked as Regional Engagement Manager for AIB in Galway before being appointed as Chief Executive of Galway Chamber of Commerce in 2019.

Launching his election campaign at Blackrock Pier early this morning, Deery said that his candidacy is born out of 'a deep frustration at how our city is being held back by the dysfunctionality of local government in Galway'.

“Right now, critical issues for residents, workers and families in Galway – like transport, housing and efficient local services – are not being tackled. Business opportunities are being lost to the city and expansion plans are stymied because vital infrastructure is not being delivered. Local councillors do not make all the decisions on infrastructure, but they have a powerful voice and they have a duty to use that voice fully to serve Galway’s needs,” said Mr Deery.

A prominent business leader in the city, Deery says he is passionate about the need for a ‘One Galway’ approach to local government in the city and county. He is vowing to effect that change from within, and urging residents, businesses and organisations across the constituency to put their trust in him.

“I am not interested in taking a seat for the sake of taking a seat; it is not a personal prize. I want to be elected so that I can effect change for you and for our city. We need a ‘One Galway’ approach, with everyone singing from the same hymn sheet.

“If elected, I will be the voice for unity and collaboration in the council chamber, but also for action. The time for talking and debating is over. We all know what the issues are, it’s time to see change in action. Galway deserves better from its city council, it deserves change. If elected, I will be that change,” he said.

Mr Deery continues to to be heavily involved with several organisations at home in Achill, and is a regular visitor to the area, where his sister Aisling, and parents Bernie and Hughie, still live.

Mr Deery served on the Board of Achill Tourism for seven years – three as Chairperson – and during this time, was central in the founding of Achill Half Marathon. He co-founded the Achill Experience in 2016, and has long been involved in charity work for a plethora of local and national organisations.

Kenny Deery, Independent candidate for Galway City Council in the upcoming local elections, with supporters at Salthill for his campaign launch on Wednesday morning. Pic: Mike Shaughnessy

He was recently appointed as the Chairperson of St Colman’s Care Centre, and has been involved in many fundraisers for the local group over the years. He is also Treasurer of Comhlacht Forbartha Áitiúil Acla, Chairperson of the Achill Cleveland Twinning Committee, Chairperson of Gteic Acaill, and a Board member of Achill Sheltered Housing.

On March 12 last, Galway Chamber issued a statement confirming that Mr Deery would not be seeking to renew his contract as CEO of the high-profile business organisation.

“Kenny has provided the Galway Chamber with remarkable leadership over the last five years. He has brought vision and been a strong voice of advocacy for our business community to the chamber. We are indebted to him for his work and his commitment to the role,” read the Chamber’s statement.

The statement went on to laud Deery for his many achievements during his term, including the establishment of the Greater Galway Forum – a cohesive leadership voice for Galway, a stronger voice in Europe – through funding applications, representation, meetings and advocacy in Europe.

Alongside his leadership of the Chamber, Mr Deery has also been the Chair of the CEO Forum of Chambers Ireland, and serves on several Boards locally and nationally, including Platform94, PorterShed, Chambers Ireland, and the Galway Culture Company.