Middle Arch in Galway City is closed once again from this morning after Gardaí broke up a large gathering of people around the Spanish Arch yesterday evening.
The decision was taken by Galway City Council to close down the area between Wolfe Tone Bridge and Claddagh Quay after being advised to do so by Gardaí – just eight days after it reopened.
The move was met with some criticism on social media, with Galway City Councillor Owen Hanley saying that the decision will lead to more indoor activity.
“When we are supposedly promoting an outdoor summer I do not believe this is the right thing, and it will force people inside and to high transmission activity,” said Cllr Hanley.
“While we are still in a pandemic health restrictions should be followed.
“Litter, disturbances to residents and large gatherings can and should be managed. Instead, limited public space is shut down for the rest of us just trying to live our lives.”
Cllr Hanley added that one of the problems with a ‘heavy policing approach’ is that it has no end point.
“Closing Middle Arch will only force more people on to the Spanish Arch,” he said. “We need more space not less.”
Fine Gael Councillor Eddie Hoare said that this decision is likely to remain in place until the week beginning 7 June.
