(Photo caption: Evelyn Parsons Cathaoirleach photo: (L-R): Cllr Alan Harney, Leas-Cathaoirleach of Ballinasloe Municipal District; Cllr Michael Connolly; Cllr Evelyn Parsons, Cathaoirleach of Ballinasloe Municipal District; Cllr Dermot Connolly; Damien Mitchell, Director of Services at Galway County Council, and Cllr Dermot Geraghty.)
Independent Councillor Evelyn Parsons was unanimously elected as the new Cathaoirleach of Ballinasloe Municipal District for the 2026–2027 term following the district’s Annual General Meeting recently.
The Beechlawn resident takes over from outgoing chair Cllr Peter Keaveney (FG). Cllr Parsons previously served as Cathaoirleach from 2022 to 2023, becoming the first woman elected to the role in the history of the district. She later served as Leas- Chathaoirleach of Galway County Council from 2023 to 2024 and most recently as Leas-Chathaoirleach of Ballinasloe Municipal District.
Speaking following her election, Cllr Parsons said: “To serve as Cathaoirleach of the Ballinasloe Municipal District is both a great honour and a significant responsibility… I take up this role with a strong sense of purpose — focused on working collaboratively, supporting our communities and ensuring every voice is heard.”
She outlined her priorities for the year, saying she will be focussed on: “practical improvements in people’s daily lives…giving people a voice is, and will remain, my first priority”. Areas of focus for her will include: healthcare, community development, economic growth, tourism, recreation and accessibility, investment in local infrastructure, and the use of St Brigid’s campus.
Among the projects she highlighted were upgrades to the public toilets, due for completion by November 2026, the continued development of the town’s first public park, the Ballinasloe Linear Park, the council’s proposed purchase of the former St Brigid’s Nurses’ Home for use as a domestic violence shelter, and forming relationships with councillors in Roscommon, and across the wider Just Transition region.
Fine Gael Councillor Alan Harney was elected Leas-Cathaoirleach.
Councillors welcomed the presentation on the Town First Action Plan and discussed a range of issues affecting the town centre, including vacancy, footfall and opportunities to support local businesses. Cllr Harney highlighted ongoing work towards establishing a Joint Retail Taskforce.
In her remarks, Cllr Parsons also highlighted community safety as a key priority, pointing to the importance of tackling antisocial behaviour, expanding CCTV coverage and ensuring people feel safe in the town centre and surrounding communities. She further reiterated her commitment to restoring full maternity services at Portiuncula Hospital and to a domestic violence shelter, issues which continue to receive strong support from councillors across the chamber, reflecting a united front on matters of importance to the wider community. She added that the sale and redevelopment of the lands on the St Brigid’s campus represented a “significant opportunity” for the town.
Concluding Cllr Parsons said: “Our Municipal District has enormous potential: exceptional people, dedicated volunteers, vibrant sporting and community organisations, valuable natural assets and a rich heritage. I am committed to working with council staff, colleagues and communities to deliver a better quality of life for everyone.”
