The future of Menlo Castle is up in the air as divisions between city councillors and City Hall officials over whether or not to redevelop the ruin continue to widen.
Council officials want to see the castle redeveloped and renovated, however most city councillors fear this will lead to parts of it being off limits to the public. As a result they would prefer to see the site preserved and conserved as a ruin.
A number of years ago, City Hall held discussions with developer Noel Smith who was interested in renovating Menlo Castle and its grounds as a space for the public to use. However he asked that in return he be allowed have the use of the upper section of the castle as a private dwelling.
Councillors were concerned by this and last November Labour councillor Derek Nolan proposed that Menlo Castle be preserved as a ruin with its surrounding grounds turned into a public park for the city.
His motion was accepted by councillors and entered into the draft Galway City Development Plan. However when the plan went on public display a submission was received calling for Menlo Castle to be renovated and restored.
At Monday’s city council meeting Fine Gael Cllr Pádraig Conneely said it made no sense to preserve Menlo Castle as a ruin and that it should be renovated. However Cllr Nolan and Independent councillor Catherine Connolly accused him of speaking for Noel Smith on the issue.
“I never mentioned Noel Smith or private apartments,” Cllr Conneely said, before calling Cllr Connolly the “Queen of spin” over her remarks.
A final decision on whether or not to renovate the castle will be taken in September.
