City Council closing off area where large crowds gathered Monday

Galway City Council is closing off the area between the Wolfe Tone Bridge and Claddagh Quay where massive crowds were seen this week.

There was widespread condemnation this week of scenes on Monday night where hundreds of people packed in the ‘Middle Arch’ quay area near Spanish Arch and the Claddagh Basin, breaking COVID-19 restrictions on social distancing.

Gardaí were forced to disperse the large crowd, which came as students started their first full week back in college.

The Council has said that, following consultation with the Gardaí, that it is closing off part of this area until further notice.

“Galway City Council has this morning been requested to provide assistance in relation to social distancing under COVID-19 restrictions in the area between Claddagh Basin and the River Corrib.”

“Specifically, at the request of the Gardaí, Galway City Council staff will close the pedestrian access from Wolfe Tone Bridge through to Claddagh Quay from early on Thursday morning, 1st October, until further notice.”