Volvo Ocean Race coming to Galway

[the crimson chin]

http://www.galwayindependent.com/vol...FQyD1QodqWu6CA

The round the world ocean race is making Galway one of its stop off points in May 2009.

Great news and it'll be wonderful to pull it off. However my main concern is that the Council is hoping to transform the docks from its current condition into an international racing marque and plaza in less than 1 month. I dont mean to be skeptical but there has been talk of moving the large oil tanks for years and are we certain they are going to be moved before the race (its kinda hard to build a plaza around them).

Also if they are moved, the council says it will start renovating the docks in April next year to prepare it for an event in May. From previous experiences with Eyre Square and Mutton Island, I dont have much confidence in such a large project to be completed in under 1 month. I fear if it is not completed and a second rate job is done, instead of having an event that will really put Galway on the map, we will have a disaster whereby Galway is depicted very negatively and we will have missed a great opportunity (as well as wasted a lot of money invested in this event).

I dont mean to be pessimistic because I really do hope this runs smoothly and Galway could possibly host the event in the future if it is a success. However I just hope the right measures are put in place and that it is done properly. Currently all involved seem a bit TOO optimistic as to how much they can achieve in such a small amount of time.

[johnfás]

It will be a great event, but having seen the docks in Galway and the fiasco of the redevelopment of Eyre Square I would share your worry as to whether or not they can pull it off. Well here is hoping nonetheless!

[thecretinhop]

Does anyone know what time on Sunday the boats are coming into Galway

[corelli]

Volvo Ocean Race Galway Ireland 2008 - 2009 - Galway Independent

The round the world ocean race is making Galway one of its stop off points in May 2009.

Great news and it'll be wonderful to pull it off. However my main concern is that the Council is hoping to transform the docks from its current condition into an international racing marque and plaza in less than 1 month. I dont mean to be skeptical but there has been talk of moving the large oil tanks for years and are we certain they are going to be moved before the race (its kinda hard to build a plaza around them).

Also if they are moved, the council says it will start renovating the docks in April next year to prepare it for an event in May. From previous experiences with Eyre Square and Mutton Island, I dont have much confidence in such a large project to be completed in under 1 month. I fear if it is not completed and a second rate job is done, instead of having an event that will really put Galway on the map, we will have a disaster whereby Galway is depicted very negatively and we will have missed a great opportunity (as well as wasted a lot of money invested in this event).

I dont mean to be pessimistic because I really do hope this runs smoothly and Galway could possibly host the event in the future if it is a success. However I just hope the right measures are put in place and that it is done properly. Currently all involved seem a bit TOO optimistic as to how much they can achieve in such a small amount of time.

Well, sceptic you will see, if you come to Galway today, that the oil tanks are well down, the tented village is erected, the town looks really good and Galway Corporation have done an excellent job.

[corelli]

Does anyone know what time on Sunday the boats are coming into Galway

Might be as early as Saturday, it is predicted. Depends on the prevailing winds, obviously.

[Tommy Tayto]

And don't forget the red arrows will be performing on Saturday 30th of May in Salthill as part of the Volvo Ocean Race!

[corelli]

And don't forget the red arrows will be performing on Saturday 30th of May in Salthill as part of the Volvo Ocean Race!

Don't start!! You will get the anti-war gang all riled up!! ( Oh, there is a Eurofighter doing a display after the arrows. Shush now, don't tell anyone!!

[kickoutthejams]

Well, sceptic you will see, if you come to Galway today, that the oil tanks are well down, the tented village is erected, the town looks really good and Galway Corporation have done an excellent job.

+1

Place is looking extremely well. Glad to see it's also a free event.

[galwayboy]

Well, sceptic you will see, if you come to Galway today, that the oil tanks are well down, the tented village is erected, the town looks really good and Galway Corporation have done an excellent job.

I kinda disagree, with one day to go they still have 50% of the work to do . Local businesses are a little put out that they have been told what to do rather than asked on board(forgive pun) and the decision of the boat fair to pull out and move on to Gottenburg was a pity. I still hope that Galway can pull it off but organisation has been haphazard to say the least. Atmosphere seems really good though.

[galwayboy]

Hope I didn't sound too harsh I still think that they can pull it off . It is a fantastic achievement to have brought it to Galway.