With NPHET declaring that 2021 will be an “outdoor summer” and many restrictions likely to remain in place, a senator is calling on the City Council to arrange a schedule of outdoor events for June, July, and August.
Fianna Fáíl Galway senator Ollie Crowe is calling for the a programme of concerts, outdoor film screening, comedy shows, and children’s entertainment - some weekly or bi-weekly, others as one off events - that will allow people to “socialise in safe settings” during the summer months.
He has already raised the issue with the Minister of State at the Department of Tourism, Jack Chambers, and said funding “could be sourced” from the Department “if a suitable proposal is put together”.
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Sen Crowe acknowledged there was a “small timeframe” within which such a programme could be put together, but said Galway was “fortunate to have some potential venues”owned by the Galway City Council which would be suitable for these activities.
“There is huge potential to host outdoor events in these areas, but we need to put together a plan now,” he said. “Many of these areas are considerably large, so allow the flexibility needed in terms of attendance, allowing events to scale up closer to the time if suitable.”
'The city has been very quiet over the last year due to the pandemic. Hosting outdoor events can help to regenerate the city and boost our local economy'
He said that where land is jointly owned between the Galway city and county council, there was an “opportunity for the two local authorities to work together” to coordinate events.
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Sen Crowe also said such a programme would support the local hospitality businesses, by “allowing them to cater at such events if possible” and support those working in the arts, “by providing them with opportunities”.
“The city has been very quiet over the last year due to the pandemic. We should not assume people will automatically return, but give them reasons to do so,” said Sen Crowe. “Hosting outdoor events can help to regenerate the city and boost our local economy. This summer they would be on a smaller scale, but they can still be a significant boost.”
