Salthill Prom battered by harsh weather

Galway’s most iconic attraction, the Promenade in Salthill is beginning to look its age – battered by harsh weather wear and tear.

The Prom, immortalised in song and a firm favourite with locals and tourists, is in urgent need of a facelift, a local representative has said.

City councillor Donal Lyons, a daily user of the Prom, says that several locations along the coastal walkway are dangerous, unsightly and in need of repair.

The Independent Knocknacarra-based representative has submitted a notice of motion to Galway City Council appealing for funding to be made available to carry out the repairs.

He has requested that funding be ring fenced in the 2014 Council Budget so repairs can be done next year. He has also requested the Council would “undertake a report on plans associated with having the Prom upgraded”.

He said that prior to the first Volvo Ocean Race in 2009, the Council carried out repairs at his behest.

Since then, however, harsh winters have taken their toll, he said, and it needs attention and investment again.

“In particular, the heavy frost of 2011, it has caused damage. The damage is superficial but it is also dangerous in places. The Prom is used by Galwegians and visitors young and old, able bodied and people with disabilities. It is difficult in places for people to walk on and also for wheelchair users,” said Cllr Lyons.

The Council’s street-cleaning sweeper machine also appears to be causing damage to the surface of the Prom, he said.

He said it is Galway’s most used free amenity, with thousands of users every day – it shouldn’t be taken for granted and needs investment.

In some places cracks and crevices have appeared, in other areas the surface has crumbled and is flaking away, he said.

“The longer the repairs are left the worse it will get,” he said.