Sir, I write in support of a recent letter from a concerned Galwegian regarding attacks on tourists in Galway City. Sean O'Donnell in his letter (January 27th), highlighted the fact that the river walk in Galway city centre remains unlit at night. This factor no doubt contributed to the savage attack on the Australian tourist last summer.
The river walk remains unlit because the Galway Corporation have not taken possession of this particular piece of ground despite the fact that the nearby Waterfront residential complex will have been completed now nearly two years. The land has been made available to the Corporation some time back by the original land owners at no charge to the Corporation.
This failure by Galway Corporation to take charge of this much used walkway also has the consequence that the nearby waterway remains filthy. The Galway Civic Trust who deserve much praise for their improvement of the Galway waterways over the last few years have immediate plans to improve this waterway amenity. Similarly, because of the present private ownership of the land, they are unable to carry out this project.
Surely it is about time that the Galway Corporation act to rectify this, and with relatively minor expense to the public purse, could improve she safety of tourists and Galwegian is in this area as well as improving its appearance. Yours, etc., Bridge Street, Galway.