Plans to transform Eyre Square into a Continental Christmas Market are going full steam ahead after concerns over alcohol sale and consumption in the area were allayed at a recent meeting.
Representatives from promoters Market Place Europe Ltd were due to fly into Galway this week to begin preparations for the German style Christmas market which will be running from November 19 to December 19.
According to reports traders had begun to pull out of the event due to restrictions in the existing licensing laws on the sale and consumption of alcohol such as beer and mulled wine within the market area. However there was a successful outcome to a meeting held earlier this week between An Garda Siochana and the Galway City Business Association (GCBA ) and it is now expected that an application for a special events licence will be granted at a Galway District Court sitting on November 2.
Paul Faller, chairperson of the GCBA, said: “We are delighted to confirm that the outstanding requirements pertaining to the Christmas Market have been satisfactorily addressed. Galway Gardai have assured the Galway City Business Association that they are satisfied with the proposed market plan and it is now all systems go for this exciting addition to Galway’s schedule of fantastic family events. The Galway City Business Association wishes to record its sincere thanks to Galway gardai, city manager and officials for their wholehearted support for this event”.
The Galway Continental Christmas Market is similar to those held in mainland Europe and will be the first of its kind to be held in the west of Ireland. It is hoped that Eyre Square will be transformed into a magical winter wonderland.
The market will feature traditional Bavarian and Irish stalls, selling quality goods, to be enjoyed by all the family. Up to 70 wooden chalets will be constructed retailing food, beverages, and goods from all over Europe with more than a third of the chalets being occupied by local traders. The market will also house Santa’s Grotto with proceeds going to ISPCC and Enable Ireland.
