€13M FINE FOR FLYING GALWAY FLAG
Council’s bizarre threat to sports-mad shopkeeper Joe
A HURLING-MAD shopkeeper has been threatened with a €12.7million fine and jail for flying Galway flags ahead of tomorrow’s All-ireland final.
Joe Quinn was left stunned when planning chiefs warned of prosecution over the banners at his Salthill store Bon Bon.
He said: “This is absolutely ridiculous.”
A SHOPKEEPER told of his shock after being warned of a €12.7million fine for putting up Galway GAA flags ahead of tomorrow’s All-ireland final.
Joe Quinn was informed he was violating planning laws by hanging the county’s colours for sale outside the Bon Bon in Sandhill.
Galway City Council also said he could face two years in jail and additional penalties of €12,700 a day if he doesn’t back down.
Mr Quinn hit out at the “ridiculous move” by the authority.
He added he had no intention of taking down the flags and bunting as the Tribesmen’s minor and senior hurling teams go for glory at Croker.
Mr Quinn said: “This is just plain stupid. I mean, surely the council has more important things for doing than coming out and issuing the ultimatum like this.
“I’ve been inundated with support from locals, I don’t see any harm in what I’m doing and everybody is telling me to stand my ground on this one.
“It was a shock to receive the letter with the huge fine threat, I mean, €12million, that would shut any business down of course.
“I thought I was getting into the spirit of things and now I’m being taken on by the council, it’s not fair.”
The centrepiece of the display is a banner flag featuring superstars Joe Canning and Johnny Heaney.
Following a visit by a community warden, Mr Quinn received a letter from the council demanding he complies with planning regulations.
It also restated the penalties it can impose if he doesn’t comply with the strict order.
The letter from the authority is threatening in tone and content.
It states: “Dear Sir, It has come to the attention of the Galway City Council, unauthorised development is being carried out by you in contravention of Section 34 of the Planning & Development, 2000, at Bon Bon, Upper Salthill in the townland of Cappaghnaveagh.
“I am to inform you this development is considered by the planning authority to be unauthorised.
“The unauthorised advertising flags on the roof of the premises and all merchandise and advertising materials on the public footpath to the front of the premises are to be removed immediately.”
It then goes on to issue its threat, adding: “The Act further provides a person who is guilty of an offence shall be liable on conviction on indictment to a fine not exceeding €12.7million or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to both.
“Also if the offence is continued after conviction the person shall be liable to an additional fine of up to €12,700 per day or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or both.”
Galway City Council refused to comment on the letter but confirmed it was issued.
I thought I was getting into the spirit of things & now I’m being taken on by the council
JOE QUINN GALWAY YESTERDAY