A major Garda investigation into serious allegations of fraud perpetrated against Galway City Council is still ongoing.

The Galway City Tribune understands that the painstaking investigation by a team of Gardaí was commenced seven years ago after two probes at City Hall uncovered evidence of wrongdoing.

City Council management hired an external team to carry out an independent review after its own investigation concluded. The case was then referred to Gardaí in 2018.

The Council’s own report on the matter, and that of the external team, have remained under wraps.

The allegations related to alleged fraudulent activity against the local authority in early 2017 and years before that.

It is believed the alleged fraudulent activity may have cost the Council tens of thousands of euros.

Former Chief Executive of Galway City Council Brendan McGrath referred the matter to Gardaí after April 2018. His successor, Leonard Cleary, is up to speed on the matter.

He recently confirmed to the Council’s audit committee that, “Galway City Council continue to engage and support An Garda Síochána throughout the ongoing investigation process”.

A Garda spokesperson confirmed to the Tribune this week that, “Gardaí are investigating a complaint of alleged fraud against a local authority in the Western Region”.

“A file will be prepared for the DPP (Director of Public Prosecutions). Investigations are ongoing,” the Garda Press Office added.

Mary Keaney, Local Government Auditor, in her 2023 audit of City Council finances, signed off last November, referenced the “Garda investigation”.

“The 2017 audit report advised that an internal investigation into alleged breach of procedures was initiated by Galway City Council in January 2017.

“The 2018 audit report advised that the Council appointed an external team to carry out a review of the matters arising from the internal investigation and that this team compiled a report in April 2018. Following a review of the findings of this report, the case was referred to An Garda Síochána by the Council and I am advised that this investigation remains ongoing,” Ms Keaney said.

The auditor’s report of the Council’s finances in 2017 noted an “alleged breach of procedure”, was being investigated internally since early January of that year. When the 2017 audit was signed off, the auditor said the matter had “not yet been brought to a conclusion”.

Pictured: Former Chief Executive of Galway City Council Brendan McGrath referred the matter to Gardaí in 2018.