Fianna Fail and Fine Gael coalition Governments have effectively abolished local Government structures nationwide.

That's according to local MEP Ciaran Mullooly, who's raised the issue in the EU Parliament.

He claims the removal of urban district and town councils was a serious blow to local democracy, and to vital links with the people of rural Ireland.

In Galway, there was seperate town councils for Tuam, Loughrea, and Ballinasloe - but these were all abolished by 2014.

Independent Ireland MEP Mullooly says they should be returned.