He may have been the most outspoken and vociferous opponent of the Eyre Square renovation, but that does not mean Pádraig Conneely believes Eyre Square is not worth celebrating.
The controversial Fine Gael city councillor is calling for the city to celebrate the 300th anniversary of Eyre Square which falls this year.
The area that is now Eyre Square was originally an open space in front of town gate, known as The Green. During the mediaeval period The Green was used as a market space. In 1631 the area was made into more of a park when ash-trees were planted and the area was enclosed by a wooden fence. Then in May 1712 the then mayor of Galway, Edward Eyre, handed over the area to the Galway Corporation, and the evolution towards Eyre Square began.
Cllr Conneely said “this 300th anniversary should not be lost on the city and the occasion should be honoured with a civic and cultural event.”
He also said that the Galway City Council “has a duty to mark this occasion” after spending millions on the controversial refurbishment scheme.
“A co-ordinated effort should now be launched with all stakeholders in the city,” he said, “and I will be urging city manager Joe O’Neill to take a lead on this project.”
