Groups on defensive over Byrne rebuke

ENVIRONMENTAL groups in Galway have defended their role in monitoring planning developments in the city after film star Gabriel Byrne said it was being “destroyed” by such works.

The chairperson of the Galway city branch of An Taisce, Derek Hambleton, said yesterday that campaigners had a history of raising concerns about such issues as the controversial refurbishment of Eyre Square by Galway City Council.

The works on the city’s centrepiece have been the subject of criticism over delays, costs and their impact on tourism.

Earlier this week Byrne questioned why the people of Galway had not become more involved in the planning process in their city.

During an interview on Galway Bay FM, Mr Byrne urged the citizens of Galway to take a more active role in the city’s development as he believed the city was being destroyed by bad planning and building works.

However, Mr Hambleton said various political and environmental groups, such as An Taisce and the Galway Environmental Alliance, were engaged in planning matters for over a decade.

“We certainly haven’t been sitting back and doing nothing,” he said.

Nevertheless, Mr Hambleton said the groups shared the actor’s concerns about the manner in which the refurbishment of Eyre Square was being handled.

“It has become a glorified roundabout,” he said.

An Taisce also criticised the level of public consultation conducted by Galway City Council.

“We have actively sought public consultation at all times but very little of the public’s concerns seem to be taken on board. For instance, the local authority did not provide an environmental impact statement on the Eyre Square site until we complained about the absence of one,” said Mr Hambleton.

An Taisce also criticised Galway City Council for its failure to employ a city architect who would have executive powers.