This article first appeared on Galway Bay FM

Local councillors have passed a 12.8 million euro budget for the Loughrea and Gort/Kinvara area in 2026.

The annual budget covers the running of the municipal district – such as roadworks, social housing maintenance, public parks, and street parking.

Councillors raised concerns over the 311 thousand euro budget for council-owned housing maintainance – an area that can often go over-budget.

The meeting also heard requests for year-round maintenance of facilities used by sea-swimmers in the area.

The budget is provisional, until all 39 county councillors approve an overall budget in the coming weeks.