Eight metal supports from the Volvo Ocean Race temporary bridge remain in the water between the Claddagh Basin and Spanish Arch and pose a significant danger to boats and canoeists.
This is the view of Independent city councillor Catherine Connolly who has strongly criticised Let’s Do It Galway for not honouring its commitment to remove the bridge structures after the event, which took place three months ago.
The metal supports were put in place to hold the temporary bridge erected between the Spanish Arch and the Corrib Navigation Trustees property opposite Claddagh Church.
When the temporary bridge was removed, the supports were cut but left in position and can clearly be seen protruding from the water at low tide. In addition there is a further substantial metal construction which remains in the water at Nimmo’s Quay
Cllr Connolly said the failure to remove the supports is in “utter contravention of the commitment” given by Let’s Do It Galway. She added that the “danger posed to boat users and canoeists” by the protruding metal structures is “particularly serious”.
She also warned that if any water users were to be injured by the supports it could leave both the Galway City Council and Let’s Do It Galway open to court proceedings.
Cllr Connolly has raised the issue verbally and in writing with the city council which has confirmed that it has been in touch with Let’s Do It Galway but “to no avail to-date”.
The Independent councillor said this was “an extraordinary situation” and she has again written to the City Hall regarding her “very serious concerns” about the matter. It is also understood that the harbour master, Capt Brian Sheridan, has issued a warning to boat users/canoeists in relation to the danger posed by the metal supports
