Independent Galway West candidate and Mayor of Galway, Councillor Mike Cubbard, has said a wealthy State cannot justify poor investment in mental health services.
He was speaking after taking part in the recent Darkness Into Light 2026 walk in Salthill where he joined participants for the annual 5km walk, which supports people affected by suicide and self-harm and raises funds for Pieta.
Mr Cubbard said it was not sustainable that Pieta relies on public donations for around 80% of its funding. “That shows the strength of our communities, but it also highlights a serious gap in how we fund essential services,” he said.
He said the Government had failed to deliver the level of mental health services required, particularly for young people. “Waiting lists for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services have increased by more than 1,000 since 2020. That is not acceptable,” he said.
“We cannot have a situation where the health service is so underfunded that mental health has to compete with other areas for resources,” he said. “The Government’s approach to resourcing mental health services is lacking in ambition, detail and long-term planning.”
Mr Cubbard also referred to concerns raised by The College of Psychiatrists of Ireland. “They have made it clear that any increases in funding are being offset by rising demand and higher costs. That shows the scale of the challenge we are facing,” he said.
“Properly funded mental health services save lives. No one should be left waiting when they are at their most vulnerable,” he added.
He said that during canvassing, particularly in rural areas, he has heard from parents about a lack of social outlets for young people due to limited recreational facilities.
“The foundations of good mental health include social interaction and physical activity, yet too many young people do not have access to basic facilities in their communities,” he said. “For those who are already struggling, there is no quick access to support. Voluntary services are under pressure and public waiting lists remain far too high.”
“We have dedicated and caring staff in our health service, but they are being stretched too thin,” he said.
Mr Cubbard welcomed measures in Budget 2026 to fund Traveller specific suicide prevention initiatives developed with the Traveller community. “That is a positive step, but more needs to be done to address the barriers faced by priority groups in accessing care,” he said.
“A caring society is judged by how it supports its most vulnerable. We need real investment and real action to ensure mental health services are there when people need them,” he added.
