1916 plaque put in the shade – by Starbucks

The world’s biggest coffee shop chain has plans to erect its signage on Ceannt Station – just feet from the spot campaigners battled for the return of a 1916 Rising commemoration plaque.

The proposal has been slammed as “extremely disrespectful” to the leaders of the Rising.

The type of sign proposed for the train station

Megdo Ltd – which opened a coffee shop in the station last year – has sought permission for an illuminated ‘Starbucks’ disc sign with a 61cm diameter on the front of the building, which is a Protected Structure.

In a letter to planners, CIE’s Group Property Manager, Niall Grogan, consented to Starbucks making the application for the new signage.

When told of the plans, Damien Quinn – a member of the Éamonn Ceannt Galway Action Committee – told the Galway City Tribune: “It’s extremely disrespectful. Do we think so little of our heroes? This is a very important commemorative plaque, and the Starbucks sign will be bigger and put it in the shade.

“This is a sacred spot. The plaque was put up 50 years ago, and the area has a history in itself – it’s not just a plaque.

“The strong socialist ethos of the signatories [of the Proclamation] has been completely lost in 100 years. Capitalism rules, it seems,” said Mr Quinn.

The Ceannt plaque was re-erected at its original place by the entrance to the station last week – just six feet from where the proposed Starbucks sign will be located.

The train station Starbucks outlet is owned by brothers Colum and Ciarán Butler from Dublin, who operate the Irish arm of Starbucks. Their other Irish business interests include TGI Fridays and the Hard Rock Café.

For more on this story, see this week’s Galway City Tribune