The area has been closed at the request of Gardaí.
Galway City Council has announced that a popular pier in the county will temporarily close due to “large crowds gathering” in recent days.
At the request of Gardaí “in the context of ongoing Covid-19 restrictions”, Galway City Council has reinstated restrictions to the area known as the ‘Middle Arch’ – between Wolfe Tone Bridge and Claddagh Quay.
Galway City Council has closed off access at Wolfe Tone Bridge and at Claddagh Quay opposite St. Mary’s Church from early Saturday morning.
The Council has said the closure is “in the interest of public safety” and will provide assistance in relation to social distancing.
The temporary closure will be in place for a number of weeks.
At the request of An Garda Síochána in the context of ongoing Covid-19 restrictions & with large crowds gathering over recent days, Galway City Council has reinstated restrictions to the ‘Middle Arch’ – between Wolfe Tone Bridge & Claddagh Quay – in the interest of public safety. pic.twitter.com/D2IqwYn1NJ
— Galway City Council (@GalwayCityCo) May 29, 2021
When reached out to by JOE for comment about the closure, a Garda spokesperson stated: “The management of public spaces is a matter for local councils.”
The pier is known to be popular with locals. Similar restrictions were put in place last September.
In reaction to the news, Social Democrats Councillor for Galway City East Owen Hanley wrote on Twitter: “Sadly Galway City Council on advice from Gardaí will be closing Middle Arch from tomorrow morning.
“When we are supposedly promoting an outdoor summer I do not believe this is the right thing and will force people inside and to high transmission activity… We need more space not less.”
Image via Galway City Council
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