The Mayor of the City of Galway has formally demanded the city’s ancient coat of arms be included in any rebranding of the city council.
Councillor Helen Ogbu has written to the local authority’s chief executive, Leonard Cleary, expressing deep concern that new logos and liveries for council communications, vehicles and events, may omit the historic shield and crest associated with the city for centuries.
The Labour Party councillor blasted management in City Hall for allocating “our limited resources” to considering experimental, modern designs, when officials are poised to propose increases in commercial rates and other charges at next month’s annual budget meeting.
Sample graphics, on display in City Hall’s staff canteen last week before a final decision was made today, have so far costed the council €28,000 before advertising costs.
“If we are asking communities and businesses to contribute more, I think it is important that we are also able to demonstrate that every area of expenditure is being carefully considered in terms of necessity, timing, value for money and the benefit it delivers,” thundered Ogbu.
In correspondence seen by the Galway Advertiser, Ogbu - who holds an office 542 years old - wants to know why the city manager - a position 40 years old - is considering scrapping the city’s current coat of arms, thought to be 448 years old.
“Is this the right time to prioritise expenditure on a branding exercise when communities across Galway are raising urgent concerns about infrastructure and essential services?” she asks.
The council’s current coat of arms was refreshed 19 years ago, but remains influenced by antique heraldry. Its sailing ship on a silver background signifies trade, while a lion on the ship’s mast is thought to refer to the city’s ancient legal privilege of self government, and the right to bar entry to tax officials.
Last Friday, Councillor Alan Cheevers (FF ) submitted a motion for next month’s plenary meeting of all 18 councillors to retain the iconc ‘G’ branding of the city council. It was designed by Bohermore man, Jimmy Conneelly, a part of the city’s quincentenary celebrations, in 1984.
The City East councillor wants to bind officials to using the ‘G’ for all council-owned vehicles, machinery, stationary, communications, buildings, facilities, signage and promotional materials.
“Maintaining a consistent and recognisable brand will provide continuity, avoid unnecessary expenditure associated with rebranding, and ensure that a familiar identity remains visible throughout the city,” reads Cheevers’s motion.
It is understood only three of Galway’s 18 city councillors are strongly supportive of a council image redesign, so it is expected that Cheever’s motion will pass, although city management is likely to argue that corporate rebranding is an executive function over which councillors have no reserved powers.
Public reaction
In an unscientific vox pop of commuters at Ceannt Station yesterday, every single commuter the Advertiser spoke to deplored the proposed new logos.
“That one reminds me of the tentacle ghost sprite in Pacman, or [sentinel] machines in the Matrix films” said Tay Harrison (51 ) on vacation from Rockford, Illinois.
“It’s like the Wella hair logo from the salon next to Tesco in Knocknacarra,” said Miriam (26 ), catching a train to Athlone.
“It makes me want to like murder people, like in Squidgames, or maybe it makes me think of the big sign yoke outside the G Hotel; kind of turned into a sperm?” said Aidan (30 ), from Claregalway, but living in Dublin.
“I’m seeing Mike Wazowski from Monsters Inc,” said a train station security guard.
“No they’re not going to be council logos. Is this a joke? You should be ashamed of yourself: spreading fake news,” said one woman, who refused to give her name.
