What the public thinks
Nancy Collins
Wyoming, US: "We've just arrived here in Galway this morning, a little over an hour ago, and it's lovely to be able to walk down here and see all this activity. Look at all the people here - doesn't that say something? Mind you, it does seem a little expensive to be spending so much money on a park."
Cillian Noone (15) Knocknacarra, Galway and student at the "Bish" secondary school: "It is good enough, yeah, but it is not worth the money - not worth 9.6 million. They could have done more with the money."
Bill Hilliard Mervue, Galway and Castlerea, Co Roscommon: "They spent an awful lot of money, bejaysus - first it was €2 million, then it was €4 million, then it was six, and it went on. The square was alright as it was before. I remember when it had railings, and the Tofts used to come here and set up entertainment for the summer. It was lovely.
"I'm going to be 88 on June 4th, I've seen a lot of changes, and I have to say that it doesn't look too bad, but it is an awful waste."
Pradeep Kumar Mor Kerala, India, and Doughuisce, Galway: "I'm a staff nurse at Merlin Park Hospital. I've only been here six months and they were just doing work when I arrived.
"It is a very nice place now, and it is lovely to be able to come here at weekends. Did I hear it cost 10 million?
"I am a little surprised that there aren't more here today, because in India if you had a festival like this you wouldn't be able to move for the number of people. You have a smaller population though, I suppose."
Joe Corcoran, Bernie Waldron and son Karol Headford Road, Galway city: "It is worth the money, it is bigger than what it used to be and it is far more accessible. It is great to see a children's playground. We were here during the vigil to save the trees over three years ago, and we really did fear for the trees but they seem to have left more than originally planned - and they have planted new ones. The big question is, could the money have been better spent?"