I welcome confirmation given to me by the Galway City Council that demolition of the old Corrib Great Southern Hotel building will commence in early December.
I have been working for this day for many years throughout my time on the last council right up until today. I have met with, and spoken to, the owners and their representatives many times, and communicated to them the wishes of all the local residents that the building be knocked and removed. Thankfully, they have now agreed to this.
In parallel with this I have also had numerous meetings over the years with officials in City Hall working to move things long. In order to progress this agreement between both sides was necessary.
A real nuisance in the area
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The dilapidated building has been a real nuisance in the area, and we are all aware of the countless fires that have occurred along with many other incidents of anti-social behaviour. It is past time that the owners have taken responsibility and moved to address these problems in a meaningful manner which will ultimately result in the site being cleared.
'To demolish and remove a building of this size requires careful planning with the health and safety of all people being the highest priority'
I would also like to warn residents in the area that these removal works will cause some disturbance particularly loud soundings and some people might find this a little disturbing. However, this short-term inconvenience will be worth it to see the building and its debris completely removed from the site.
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I think it is also important to highlight and thank Helen McDonagh and the team in the Environment Section of Galway City Council who have been to the forefront in reaching an agreement for these works. To demolish and remove a building of this size requires careful planning with the health and safety of all people being the highest priority.
Planning application will be forthcoming in 2021
Such a job cannot be done without the relevant local authority staff working diligently to ensure this is and will be the way. I would like to thank all the staff who have helped to bring to fruition this progress. It is very important to people who live on the east side of Galway city.
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I have first-hand knowledge of the difficulties experienced by the residents that live in Woodhaven, Lurgan Park and along the Ballybane Road. This news will be very much welcome by them. Moving forward, their concerns will also have to be factored into any proposed new development for the site.
I imagine a planning application will be forthcoming sometime in 2021. Depending on the precise nature of the proposed development this application may go directly to An Bord Pleanála instead of Galway City Council, but I will be monitoring the same and ensuring residents are kept full up to date. This is very important.
Mike Crowe is a Fianna Fáil councillor for Galway City East.
