Galway City and county split over changes to the Triple Lock
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GALWAY’S city and county councils are at odds over Government proposals to reform the Triple Lock – which would alter how Irish Defence Forces are deployed overseas.
City councillors rejected moves to abolish or amend the safeguarding mechanism, while in the County Chamber, a similar motion was defeated on a casting vote after members were evenly divided.
At City Hall, a motion proposed by Independent Cllr Eibhlín Seoighthe opposing any change to the Triple Lock was passed at this month’s meeting following strong debate from Cllr Peter Keane (FF).
The Triple Lock requires approval from the Cabinet, Dáil Éireann and a UN mandate - either from the Security Council or the General Assembly - before Irish troops can be deployed overseas.
Cllr Seoighthe described it as a “democratic safeguard that ensures transparency” and said that “people demand a solemn commitment to protect neutrality.”
However, Cllr Peter Keane urged caution during a robust exchange.
The Fianna Fail councillor said that “we have to trust the Irish government and elected representatives of Dáil Eireann” and, he added, “there is a serious dilution of the mandate powers and sway of the UN”.
“For me to rely on Putin or Trump on where we send our troops is where I have difficulty,” he said.
“I share your spirit, but I cannot support a motion that seeks to express dismay at the legitimacy of a competent sovereign nation deploying its troops.
“I would sooner have seen Irish troops in Gaza than people marching up and down O’Connell Street or marching down on Jury’s hotel,” added Councillor Keane.
Despite the opposition, city councillors voted in favour of the motion.
Last month, however, members of Galway County Council rejected a similar proposal to oppose any changes to the operation of the Triple Lock.
The chamber was evenly split before the Cathaoirleach David Collins (FG) used his casting vote to defeat the motion.
“There is too much unknown here,” he said. “This is for national politicians, not for the Council Chamber.”
Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.