Social Democrats by-election candidate Míde Nic Fionnlaoich has called on Galway City Council to clarify how many times it has used chauffeur services in the past after details of a €900 bill for transporting the mayor to and from Dublin Airport were reported this week.
Míde said:
“It is difficult to fathom why the council chose such an expensive travel option to bring Cllr Mike Cubbard – who was unaware of the cost – to and from Dublin Airport as part of an official trip by the mayor to Morocco in January.
“While the local authority is entitled to be represented by officials or elected representatives on foreign trips in the normal course of council business, the people of Galway should have a reasonable expectation that public money will be spent in a responsible way. You could buy a long-haul flight for less than the cost of chauffeuring the mayor to Dublin and back.
“It’s also worth pointing out that a coach service from Galway to Dublin Airport costs about €22 and runs twice an hour throughout the day and night. Why was this option not taken by the council?
“Following a review of the matter, Galway City Council has confirmed it will no longer sanction the use of chauffeur services for airport transfers. In addition, it has stated that public transport should be used in line with its commitment to value for money and sustainable travel.
“While the council’s change of heart is welcome, it is important – in the public interest – that it now comes clean on how many times it has used chauffeur services in the past, and how much this extravagance has cost.”
March 24, 2026