"The message is going out loud and clear that the Galway County Council is ready, willing and able to assist SME's and local communities in whatever way we can."
This is the view of Cathaoirleach of the county council, Independent councillor James Charity, who has welcomed the local authority's decision to "consider and assess" proposals from small businesses and communities, created in response to Covid-19. The proposals cover an array of measures and activities, ranging from social distancing to better cycling and pedestrian facilities.
.
Galway SMEs are calling for facilitation of some external space where appropriate to support business activities, such as ; altering traffic signal times to reduce pedestrian waiting/crowding, as well as automatic activation of some pedestrian phases to aid pedestrian movement and minimise contact with signal push buttons; temporary pedestrianisation of some streets to accommodate social distancing, particularly where this supports business activities; one-way systems to create space for footpath widening; additional temporary facilities for cyclists; and widening footpaths to allow for queuing outside shops and to enable social distancing.
SMEs also propose that, where licensing requirements to utilise public spaces and consequent fees are necessary, a simultaneous grant should be available to apply for to address the costs involved.
Cllr. Charity has welcomed the proposals. "Permitting outdoor tables and chairs on public spaces will be crucial for restaurants and public houses," he said. "Facilities for cyclists will have clear social and health benefits, and the message is going out loud and clear that the council is ready, willing and able to assist our SMEs and local communities, and to work with them to get the county moving again."
