Eoin Madden
A tireless rural progressive, who wants to bring positive lasting change to Galway County.
I live in rural Athenry with wife Shelly and 3 young children. I'm passionate about building a safe and sustainable future for my children in this community, where they can be happy and have opportunities.
I love rural Galway; it has always been my home. We are facing challenges with a changing climate, new ways of working and global conflict, but I am an optimistic environmentalist. I know if we work together, Athenry Oranmore can adapt and thrive. For the past ten years, I’ve campaigned on many different social and environmental issues, talking to people at the side of the hurling pitch and on their doorsteps; I see the hunger for positive change is here.
Public Transport - I’ve been a regular user of the train, with my folding bike, from Athenry for the past 15 years.
The Green party in government brought about the first fare price decrease in the history of the state. We’ve now begun construction on a huge redesign of Ceannt Station, the first expansion since 1895. The Bus Connects project, spearheaded by Eamon Ryan, will bring busses every 15 minutes to Oranmore, with new busses and new bus stops. I’ve been campaigning for the past 15 years for double tracking between Athenry & Oranmore. I will continue to work on this issue but also more carriages, integrated (bus & train) ticketing and a 90 minute €2 fare for county Galway.
Health - As a director of the Irish Kidney Association, I’ve been involved nationally in promoting Organ Donation on TV and radio. The IKA is Ireland’s largest patient led charity. When I joined some years ago as a voluntary national director, I was one of the youngest, and at that time, the only on home dialysis. I am a strong advocate for treatment at home.
When I ran for election in 2020, I was the first person in the world to run for parliament while on dialysis. I was extremely ill and low energy, but I still ran a positive campaign. This time I have far more energy, and I’m able to spend more time meeting thousands of people on the doorstep.
I strongly believe more treatments can be provided in Primary Care and at home, with lower cost and better outcomes.
Safer Roads - Galway County Council needs to make our roads safer by delivering improved footpaths and new cycleways, such as from Athenry to Oranmore and Athenry to Tuam. The state of the footpaths in our towns is dire. Pedestrian crossings are few and far between. Separated routes make walking & cycling more pleasant, and also make life easier for motorists.
Encouraging safe cycling will benefit health, traffic, tourism, and the environment.
Experience
I work a Senior Manager in the University of Galway, my unpaid voluntary work is my real passion; I am a board member of one of Ireland’s largest charities, I coach coding to children in Athenry every Saturday and during the week I coach kids hurling in Killimordaly. Bringing them to Croke Park recently was one of the best days of my life. I am PRO of my local rural Community Alert group, every year I coordinate a huge litter pick with dozens of volunteers.
In 2015 I led the Marriage Equality campaign in Athenry. I’ve been involved in many such socially progressive campaigns since then.
I am used to being the underdog; when I ran for election last, I was extremely ill and hooked up to a dialysis machine every night for 8 hours. Now, thanks to a kidney transplant from my wife, I am full of energy and want to use that power to work for my community.
Help my campaign
We need volunteers on the ground to canvass, deliver leaflets and take part in local events. You can come along to one of our branch meetings if you’re interested in getting involved. Get in touch to find out more.
Donations allow me to connect with people and get the message of social equality and climate action out there. Please donate to help me work towards a better future for us all.
