Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Peter Keane has launched eye catching new ‘circular’ seating at Blackrock Cottage, beside the popular Blackrock Diving Tower at Salthill’s Blue Flag Beach. The seating gives sea swimmers, prom walkers and world-watchers a peaceful spot to stop and take in the views of Galway Bay at this famous Galway City landmark, with a mix of spaces to suit people of all ages and accessibility levels, in simple, durable and sustainable materials.
The seating was developed by Galway City Council and McHugh Property Holdings, owners of the adjacent Blackrock Cottage, as a joint project between the local authority and a local business to put in place an amazing public space at a much-loved location.
Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Peter Keane, said, “Seating in public areas is one of those small elements that make the public realm more inclusive, welcoming and vibrant. These fabulous new seats are a space to rest, to pause and to engage with the environment and other people. I’m delighted to see this welcoming space being created in Blackrock, as a great example of collaboration between the local authority and private business in the city”.
Seán Dockry, from Seán Dockry and Associates, said, “The seating is designed to suit people of all ages and accessibility levels, recognising the diversity of people who use this space on a daily basis. There is an area reserved for wheelchair users, there are sections for persons of limited mobility with narrower seating with handrail supports, and there are deep sections to suit those who prefer to recline or cluster in low kneeling postures. The materials are selected for simplicity, durability and sustainability with the use of recycled plastic, stone and simple concrete products arranged to express the sea front, and nautical free form character. All this is set against a green hedge line beyond the limestone wall, in keeping with the character of the area. We are delighted to partner with Galway City Council and McHugh Property Holdings to deliver this space of tranquillity for a moment between the hustle and bustle, coming and going, and demands of everyday life. It is a design to be enjoyed by all”.
The new seating area was agreed at planning stage with the developers of Blackrock Cottage, with seating being provided on public lands as part of the agreement. The project is a collaboration with McHugh Property Holdings Ltd and Galway City Council.