Instead of closing the main entrance to the Westside Shopping Centre for eight weeks, the Galway City Council will install a temporary entrance adjacent to centre’s current entrance.
Last week the Galway City Council outlined its intention to temporarily close the main entrance to the Westside Shopping Centre as part of the major road works in the area.
The move caused great concern among the areas’ traders, who believed the closure of the main entrance to the retail park would have a detrimental economic impact on their businesses.
Fianna Fáil councillor Ollie Crowe, who called the council’s proposal “simply ludicrous”, met with City Hall officials to discuss concerns over the proposed closure.
“I discussed the matter with the director of services for transport and outlined the devastating impact the proposal would have on retailers and the local economy,” said Cllr Crowe. “I requested explore all other options.”
The council will install a temporary entrance and remove the traffic calming measure currently on the Siobhan McKenna Road for the duration of the works, as there will be an increase in traffic on this route. This will be reinstated once the main entrance is reopened.
Council officials also met a group representing the owners and traders.
“They have been made aware of the changes, and are satisfied with the revised plan,” said Cllr Crowe. “I am delighted the matter has been resolved to everybody’s satisfaction. I will now ensure that these changes are carried out and implemented in the manner agreed.”
