Galway City Council has said it is not in a position to discontinue the contract of French multi-national Veolia, despite a majority vote by councillors. Cllr Billy Cameron had called on the council not to renew the company's contract as a result of Veolia's involvement in a controversial tramway project that would connect Israeli-West Jerusalem with illegal Israeli settlements on occupied Palestinian territory (OPT).

Stockholm Community Council have already decided not to renew their contracts with the company because of the project and councillors at Monday's meeting of Galway City Council voted 12-2 in favour of following their example.

"I believe the French conglomerate has serious questions to answer with regard to its involvement in Israel and OPT but I am not alone. Councillors were inundated with emails in the last week from activists from all over the world urging them to support my motion. The Irish Government and the UN do not recognise Israel's annexation and occupation of East Jerusalem and have repeatedly stated their views that the Israeli settlements in east Jerusalem and the West Bank contravene international law. The International Court of Justice have stated that Israel should dismantle settlements built in the OPT but instead the process has accelerated. Veolia are deeply embedded in this process as a result of their involvement in the controversial tramway project," said Cllr Cameron.

"I firmly believe that the movement to blacklist Veolia is only beginning and the message must go out to companies that international law and human rights take precedent over profit."

However, City Manager Joe MacGrath warned prior to the vote that the council were not in a position to terminate the contract, as they are bound by public procurement.

A spokesperson for Veolia was unavailable for comment on the issue.

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