The Mayor of Galway, Cllr Mike Cubbard said he has “every confidence” Galway will be open for business in the coming weeks, with new opportunities “to enjoy some of our amazing eateries and pubs in a new way”, as well as cultural events.
He said it will be achieved via the Fáilte Ireland Outdoor enhancement scheme which can provide the Galway City Council with a fund of €200,000. This will support plans by the council to introduce measures in the city centre and Salthill, which will permit outdoor dining, outdoor arts performances.
“I believe these changes will be a game changer for our local hospitality sector and it will give them a fighting chance of survival this year,” said the Mayor.
Outdoor dining, outdoor arts
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The measures which will allow for outdoor dining, while also adhering to social distancing and public health guidelines, will involve parking restrictions and traffic flow changes in order to allow for footpath extensions for businesses to cater for customers outside.
This will happen in Cross Street, Middle Street, Dominick Street Upper and Lower, Small Crane, Ravens Terrace, Salthill, and Woodquay, with an additional application from Forster Street also being considered. The council has engaged with business groups and the emergency services to ensure the required changes can be done in a safe manner.
'We need to be brave and make bold decisions to bring the talented artistic community to the people of Galway'
The council has also engaged Galway’s arts and culture community and once the department approved, will tender to deliver mobile stages, tents, festival flooring, and improved facilities for events, festivals and local community activities.
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“We need to be brave and make bold decisions to bring the talented artistic community to the people of Galway,” saud the Mayor. “These measures will allow for this over the coming months, both in the city center and at a community level.”
Facing the challenges
The Mayor acknowledged that the new measures will pose challenges, particularly for inner-city residents. As a result, he has requested that the council engage with such communities as part of the overall plan. He also said adequate toilet facilities must be in place citywide, “if we are to ensure outdoor dining in Galway is to work”. He added: “We cannot have a situation develop where the residents of Claddagh or the local Church find their property becoming a public toilet yet again.”
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The Mayor also raised the issue of water safety, and he called on the council to launch a public awareness campaign on the issue. He said a “strong visual campaign” is needed to highlight extra safety around water. He has also requested extra staffing measures within the council’s street cleaning crew be delivered.
“I believe, and hope, we will see our city center transform over the coming weeks and months,” he said. “Like all changes, challenges will arise but with a positive mindset and a willingness to work together across all sectors, we can send a message loud and clear that ‘Galway is open for business’.”
