Future of unauthorised 1916 monument in Galway to be reviewed

Galway's city manager is "reviewing" the unauthorised installation of a 1916 monument at Mervue following an appeal from local residents.

The Mervue 1916-2016 stone was placed at Connolly Avenue before last month’s Easter 1916 commemorative events.

However, Fine Gael councillor and former mayor Pádraig Conneely called for its immediate removal, stating that it had no planning permission and that it was "republican propaganda".

The stone includes an image of an Easter lily, introduced in 1926 by Cumann na mBan but used as an Irish republican emblem in recent decades, and by Sinn Féin.

However, Sinn Féin has said it did not erect the stone.

The stone was initially cordoned off and was recently defaced with paint. After a long discussion on a motion relating to its removal at Galway City Council this week, city manager Brendan McGrath confirmed he had received correspondence from residents in the area requesting its retention.

A city council spokesman said Mr McGrath is reviewing the situation and will report back to councillors.