Petitions to save Galway’s ‘G’ launched as councillors seek meeting on controversial rebrand
Three petitions calling for the return of the Galway ‘G’ logo have emerged as councillors prepare to meet with Galway City Council’s Chief Executive over ongoing rebranding concerns.
Various petitions have been launched calling for Galway City Council’s rebrand to be halted and for a return to the original Galway ‘G’ - created in 1984 by Galway man Jimmy Conneely.
The facilitator of the “Keep the G” petition, which has garnered over 200 signatures, is International Tourism student Jesse Fallon.
“I started the online petition because I was disappointed when I saw the rebrand go through,” Mr Fallon told the Irish Independent.
“I’m not sure where the council is getting the opinion that people don’t recognise the logo because I think the logo is like a symbol for the city. Recognition is key for any destination.”
Elements of the Galway City rebrand. © Galway City Council
“People associate themselves with the [logo] a lot more in Galway than other places in Ireland. The previous design had been around for decades, and it was something that my parents would have grown up with, or my grandparents would have grown up with even,” he added.
With no goal in mind for how many signatures it should reach, Mr Fallon said that once the petition closes, he will send an email to elected representatives and some executive staff at Galway City Council.
“I have three main points that I’d like to raise with them. Number one: to respect the wishes of [the people]. I’d like to see the G reinstated as the primary logo of Galway City Council and of Galway city.”
“I’d like the council to recognise the deep connection between the people of Galway and their council. Also to be transparent in funds and why they want to resort to such ‘corporate minimalism’, I’d like to call it.”
“We’re a city of culture,” Mr Fallon added.
Two other petitions are currently live opposing the council’s rebrand – one of which has achieved it’s 1,000 signature goal in the two weeks since it was launched
Separately, a meeting will be scheduled between Chief Executive Leonard Cleary and councillors to “flesh out” unresolved issues over the rebranding.
Mayor of Galway City Council Cllr Helen Ogbu told the Irish Independent that councillors have a lot of questions for Mr Cleary.
She added that it is important the public understands the difference in decision making powers between the Chief Executive and councillors. Equally, “the Chief executive should respect the people and the councillors.”
The new logo on the Galway City Council website.
While some external consultation was done, rebrand decisions are an executive function and are not voted on by councillors.
Cllr Alan Cheevers plans to put forward a motion at the upcoming meeting calling for the retention of the ‘G’ logo, echoing concerns raised by a number of other elected members.
“Maintaining a consistent and recognisable brand will provide continuity, avoid unnecessary expenditure associated with rebranding, and ensure that a familiar identity remains visible throughout the city,” the motion reads.
A date has not been scheduled for the meeting at this time.