Concerns in Galway that new draft protocol would prevent Palestinian flag from flying on council buildings
A draft protocol for flags and lighting outside of Galway County Council’s civic buildings left councillors with more questions this week.
At the June Plenary meeting, councillors expressed concern that the new draft protocol might reverse last year’s decision to display the Palestinian flag in the chamber as a symbol of Galway’s solidarity.
While three flagpoles outside the county council building accommodate various national and local flags, the discussion focused on the Palestinian flag displayed within the chamber.
Cllr Karey McHugh Farag presented the initial proposal “as a sign of solidarity with the people of Palestine”.
“It was a unanimous decision; it was supported by all the councillors in the chamber at the time.”
The protocol outlines some guidelines for the displaying of flags and lighting around council buildings throughout County Galway, as well as an application process for community groups to participate.
Standard arrangements suggest the placement of the National Flag, Galway County Flag, and the flag of the EU, on the three flagpoles outside Galway County Council buildings.
Any other flags would require approval, raising questions about the status of flags previously agreed upon. Eileen Ruane, Director of Services, noted that no formal protocol existed before this draft.
Cllr McHugh Farag said: “I am happy to support a policy that there is a method and a process and a roadmap for it but not where end decision is taken away from us [the council] and made by a director of a district or by the county secretary, and not if it undoes the flying of the Palestinian flag.”
When the protocol was proposed, Cllr James Charity expressed that it “would be regrettable if we couldn’t show our solidarity” if it meant that the flag could no longer be displayed.
“I think that flying the Palestinian flag, happening right across the country of Ireland, in our council, and indeed other councils, it’s an important show that while yes we are members of the European Union, we’re not afraid to put ourselves forwards and also take a stronger line that what the EU is taking to the atrocities that are being committed.” said Cllr McHugh Ryan.
Councillors ultimately ruled in favour of sending the draft back to the Strategic Policy Committee for further clarification to the protocol and to their questions.
Cllr Dermot Connolly said that sending the draft back to the SPC will give “more time and a bit of breathing room to get it right”.
“People are well qualified in this country to understand when the superpowers or colonial powers try and squeeze on those that have very little resources.”
Displaying the flag inside the chamber serves as a constant reminder of Galway’s support for Palestine in keeping it “fresh in people’s minds in this country, what’s right and wrong.”