Thumbs down for funding of repairs to Galway’s Fisheries Tower bridge

Date Published: 19-Dec-2011

By Bernie Ní Fhlatharta

A proposal to renovate Galway’s inconic Fisheries Tower next to Wolfe Tone Bridge and rebuild the pedestrian bridge leading in to it has been rejected by Fáilte Ireland.

The news is a huge disappointment to the Natural Environment and Waterways Committee of Galway City Council, who have helped write seven applications in relation to the bridge.

The Committee has now called on an urgent meeting with representatives from Fáilte Ireland Dublin to establish what is the criteria for making such applications for funding towards projects aimed at attracting tourism.

Councillor Catherine Connolly said it was frustrating to have been encouraged by the tourist organisation but then to be rejected again without being told why.

“There is money there for such projects and it was Fáilte Ireland themselves who suggested that we expand the project to include walkways and a renovation of the Tower itself.

“This is an iconic building and it should be re-opened. It has been closed for three years because the bridge became unsafe but the longer it’s left, the more it will deteriorate,” she said.

The Capital Investment Advisory Committee, who met two weeks ago, hadn’t shortlisted the Galway project to be considered by a national committee meeting of Fáilte Ireland last Wednesday.

Read more in today’s Connacht Sentinel