Eyre Square in Galway re-opens today after a controversial three-year redevelopment project.
The work on the €9.6m city centre project was halted last June after the original contractor, Samuel Kingston Construction, pulled out. But another contractor – SIAC Construction – stepped in and the square is reopening to the public today.
The new square contains 20% more green space, new granite paving, 120 trees, and a children’s play area.
The Galway City manager Joe McGrath has said although some more redevelopment work needs to be carried out, the square will be reopened for the people of Galway.
Businesses in Galway city centre had complained loudly about the disruption caused by the long-delayed project, which began in February 2004.