Galway pub owner fuming over new council idea
He apologised for the ‘rant’ but said it needed to be called out
Fergus McGinn of McGinn’s Hop House said that not only are the council looking for an extra 15% in business rates for pubs and restaurants across the city - they have also scrapped the traditional G signage from its logo.
He further blasted the new proposed signage which he said was being created by someone outside of Galway and looks like it was done using artificial intelligence.
He said: “I’m not one for ranting or giving out but I feel like this is something that has to be said and called out.
“At a time when hospitality, pubs and restaurants are closing their doors all around the country, with prices, fuel, food all going through the roof - our council are looking for a 15% rise in business rates again this year.
“And in their wisdom, they have also decided to scrap our Galway G. This G was designed by a local man in Bohermore, Vinny Conneely of Cooke’s Terrace.
“Served his time down in O’Gorman’s; was a part-time fireman and an art teacher up in St. Mary’s where he is fondly remembered. Married locally and settled in An Spideal.”
He continued: “The design was made to mark the quincentennial 500 years of the city with the new bridge named at the same time - there’s art and culture put into this.
“At a time where our culture is being eroded, we’re getting rid of a local man’s design with an outside consultancy company not from Galway being brought in with an estimated €28,000 for their consultant designs.
“They are like something you would make with AI.
“By the time they rebrand the bins, the vans, the plaque on the wall - including the Mayor’s chain I assume - how much is going to be squandered on this?
“All the while the city is looking for 15% for business rates. Sorry for the rant but it has to be said. Thanks for listening.”