An Taisce feels Salthill Prom is a protected structure

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Written by Administrator

Wednesday, 25 July 2007

Dear Editor,

The latest crisis to emerge from Galway City Council, the public furore over re-surfacing Salthill Promenade, indicates a malaise which is at the heart of local governance in Galway.

That is the arrogance which allows certain public officials make important decisions, such as this was, without first engaging in any form of public consultation. This displays a serious level of contempt for the democratic process and it is something the new Minister for the Environment should look at quickly while he is considering local government reform.

While we have no doubt that the offensive yellow colour of the Ecoflex used will tone down somewhat with weathering, it is rather odd to have one side of the Seapoint prom coloured, and on the other side of the road the newly laid paving beside the stone walling remain the traditional black shade of tarmac.

An Taisce takes the view that Salthill’s promenade is a protected structure and, as such, any changes proposed should have first been properly discussed at elected council level, and, then be fully advertised for the public to make comment - before any work was carried out.

Salthill prom is listed on the Register of Protected Structures at No. 8900. We also think that it is time for the council to revisit to the Frank L. Benson & Partners plan of some years ago, which set out a plan for the refurbishment of Salthill and its promenade. It is past time that we in Galway were given the opportunity to see what sort of changes could be made which would enhance the prom, not destroy it.

We have seen many examples on the continent and in the UK, where promenades, such as we have in Galway, were upgraded with decorative railings, beautiful flower beds, and a separation of lanes for the convenience of those who choose to walk and those who wish to cycle or jog. There is, with a little thought, plenty of room for both.

And by the way, on the island of Ibiza the town of Santa Eularia has a wonderful pink and white marble paved promenade, complete with flower gardens, fountains, cast iron decorative railings and toilet facilities for humans, as well as for their pets (the Spanish islanders have a love of their pets, and enjoy walking or carrying them on their evening stroll along the prom). I have no need to mention the likes of Eastbourne, Brighton or Hastings and the hundreds of other British seaside places far better equipped than we. We kid ourselves if we believe Salthill could not, or, should not be improved!

Yours faithfully,
Derrick Hambleton,
Chairman,
An Taisce - Galway Association,
Kingston,
Galway

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