I have up to now remained silent on what occurred last Sunday as I have been trying to find a solution to the issues faced by so many with 'Salthill Sundays'
I have always been a solution-based person and knew that many others would offer their opinions, so adding mine to simply get air time earlier in the week would have served no purpose.
Just to inform you, I had regular email contact with the organisers of the event a number of weeks ago and agreed to meet with them to hear what they had planned in terms of an organised and controlled event.
In fact, I met with a number of representatives from another car enthusiasts’ group a few months ago to try deal with issues for residents in the Bohermore area who are subjected to this on a regular basis. They advised me of other planned events around Ireland that were successful. I asked about the lands used, liability insurance, Garda engagement etc. They were to come back to me with this information but they never did.
The meeting I offered these past few weeks to the current organisers did not happen but my door remains open.
On seeing images from last Sunday, I immediately contacted the group and requested that they meet with me and I further asked that they plan no further events until a conversation takes place with the Gardaí and the council. This email was not responded to.
I now see on their social media that they plan to meet on Sunday and state they 'will do until they get what they want'
I cannot understand how they expect to get anywhere or 'what they want' if they won't sit around a table and tell us?
As I say, I am and have been solution based. I realise there are plenty of people who are genuine car enthusiasts and not determined to upset residents.
I am realistic and know the guards cannot be on the motorway to turn away anyone who someone decides 'we don't want' in the city.
This is why I remained silent to now as I tried to reach out. I tried to deal with the problem rather than just talk about it. By being proactive mature and reasonable we can find a solution here that ensures residents and local businesses do not see a repeat of what they were subjected to on Sunday last.
Therefore, this is an open call to anyone involved in these events. Get in touch with me and I will listen to your plans and ideas and then work with all those who can potentially make it possible in a way that does not bring Galway to a standstill again.
The simplistic solution of just saying 'we don't want them' does not work. We need to tackle this head on and now with practical solutions.
If those organising want respect, I'd advise to show a level of maturity now and step up to the plate, as I said - my door remains open.
