Last orders for pub signage as planners get tough

An illuminated green sign along with the symbol of a shamrock on the front of a city centre pub must be removed as planners have deemed them unsightly.

The signage above McGettigan’s pub on Eyre Square must now be removed as An Bord Pleanala have refused planning permission for the retention of the signs.

Earlier this year, planning permission was refused by Galway City Council for the signage and this decision was then appealed to An Bord Pleanala, who have now affirmed this ruling.

In its decision, the Planning Appeals Board said that Eyre Square is designated as an Architectural Conservation Area in the City Development Plan.

It considered that the retention of the illuminated signs, their colouring and the addition of a corporate shamrock symbol would constitute a conspicuous and unsympathetic visual impact.

An Bord Pleanala went on to say that the signs would be injurious to the character of the area and would be inconsistent with the recommendations set out in the shopfront and signage design guidelines issued by Galway City Council.

In its appeal, Rocco Stone Limited, the owners of McGettigan’s, said that when it purchased the premises – previously The Bentley – there were four signs on the front elevation. It says that the new signs are neater and more presentable.

It has disputed the suggestion that the pub is located on Eyre Square, but on an adjoining street (Prospect Hill).

“The proposed development should be assessed in light of the location at the edge of an Architectural Conservation Area and it does not injure the amenities of Eyre Square,” it is stated in the appeal.

The appeal goes on to state that the applicant wants to create awareness of the McGettigan brand with the nature of the signage in addition to identifying the premises as it is part of a themed chain of entertainment venues.

It was also said that the building is located in a commercial area where signage is accepted as appropriate to the street scheme.

“The signs and the building is more restrained by the myriad of signs in the vicinity”, it was stated.

In response, city planners said that good design was very important for this site location to compliment the character of the street.

They added that the retention of the signage in combination with additional unauthorised works (two logo signs and shopfront alterations) was a significant deviation from the street scene character.

City planners also said that they reject the suggestion that the current façade is much better and also said that the previous signage was more discreet.