Galway Bay fm newsroom – A controversial 1916 monument at Mervue is set to be removed by the City Council.
Chief Executive Brendan McGrath has revealed that a decision has been reached to move the stone – as no approval was sought or given for its placement.
Previously described as ‘republican propaganda’ by Councillor Padraig Conneely, the Mervue 1916-2016 stone was unveiled to a strong crowd at Connolly Avenue almost three weeks ago.
However, the event was somewhat dampened by the presence of wooden hoarding – which was erected by the City Council after it emerged that no permission had been sought for the plaque.
Chief Executive Brendan McGrath has now informed a meeting of the Corporate Policy Group that the unauthorised monument is set to be moved.
He told attendees that it is not yet known who erected the stone – but he accepts that Mervue Residents Association was not responsible.
Mayor Frank Fahy noted that the Shantalla plaque, which was unveiled on Easter Monday, is an appropriate example of engaging with the council to commemorate the events of 1916.
The monument remains in place at Connolly Avenue for now – but it’s not yet known what will happen the plaque once it’s removed by the local authority over the coming days.