GALWAY CITY Council will decide on a controversial rezoning proposal which would pave the way for a €35 million hypermarket and petrol station on the west side of the city when it votes on the issue for a second time on Monday.
The proposed rezoning of a site owned by former Fianna Fáil mayor Micheál Ó hUiginn split the council when it came to a vote last January and following a legal challenge has divided the local community in recent weeks.
Local residents have called on Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin to urge the three party members on the local authority to reconsider their support for the change of designation.
Residents opposed to the rezoning have concerns over increased traffic levels and claim a proposed hypermarket would not be in keeping with a residential area.
The council voted 7-7 on the rezoning in January, but it was blocked by the casting vote of the then deputy mayor, Brian Walsh, who is now a TD for Galway West.
However, some councillors who previously backed the plan have said they will reconsider their position over the weekend.
Strong views, both for and against the proposed rezoning, were expressed during a heated meeting at the Ardilaun Hotel on Wednesday attended by 13 of the 15 city councillors.
More than 120 people, including Mr Ó hUiginn, attended the meeting, which was organised by residents’ associations in Maunsells Road, Maunsells Park, Highfield Park and Shantalla.