It’s Races time and for the second year in a row, Galway City Council, the gardaí, and Diageo will organise the safety initiative, which includes a glass free zone and a litter management plan, in an effort to keep the streets clean and the people of Galway safe.
The Galway Races are renowned worldwide and are a hugely successful event in the calendar year, bringing huge benefits to the Galway region. Record numbers of people attend the Races each year and 2008 will undoubtedly be no different.
2007 was the first year when a public safety plan was enforced to ensure that any necessary emergency is handled in a timely, orderly, and effective fashion. In order to guarantee the continued enjoyment and safety of race-goers, a similar plan will be implemented this year.
The safety initiative will see designated specific ‘glass free zones’ in public areas throughout the city, where it will be prohibited to carry glass, bottles, or cans of any type, open or closed. The first and primary reason for the ban is safety but it also decreases the amount of litter and clean-up.
All entry points will be manned by gardaí and stewards. There will also be plastic receptacles provided at each of the entry points, as well as waste disposal bins. Only plastic cups are allowed in the main pedestrianised areas within the city centre, including High St, Quay St, Kirwan’s Lane, and Cross St Upper and Lower.
A Red Bull Wings Team will also proceed in convoy through the city for the duration of the week, stopping at various locations to give energy to all of the tired race-goers. They will be stopping today (Monday ) on the Dublin Road at 2:30pm just outside the Huntsman and stopping traffic. The ‘Red Bull Dodge’ is a 1944 military vehicle that was once a World War II ambulance - until Red Bull modified it. It's equipped with decks, PA, plasmas, and an XBOX. It will be situated outside Busker Browns and the Living Room on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday nights.
The Races take place from Monday July 28 until Sunday August 3.
