The wall at the end of the Prom

Mollie Breathna

(I'm about to rant so please forgive me.)
A structure that looks like some form of public urinal has been installed at the end of the Prom to collect money for charities. Allegedly, a grateful and generous public will put money into a slot having walked the Prom.

Let me count the ways this offends me:
1. It's ugly.
2. It's greedy.
3. It commodifies and monetises a quirky local custom.
4. It will date very, very quickly.
5. It's ugly.

Some local committee managed to convince some local councillor(s)that it'd be a good idea and City Council went ahead and installed it. Just because you have a good cause shouldn't give you the right to collect money anywhere, and through whatever means, you like.

I wish we really could give it and the people who installed it a good kicking.

Aaaaarrggh....f**tards!!
(Rant over)

fergiesfolly

Usually reserved for AH, but what the hell.....
Pics or GTFO

Mollie Breathna

fergiesfolly wrote: »

Usually reserved for AH, but what the hell.....
Pics or GTFO

Here's a small pic of the offending structure.
promcrop.jpg https://us.v-cdn.net/6034073/uploads/attachments/65285/204696.jpg

Ficheall

Was there on Friday for the first time in a while and we were saying the exact same thing. I certainly wasn't encouraged to donate any money.

snubbleste

This is an outrage to the recessed pampered soles of my brogues.
And yes it is hideous, it looks like it cost a fair bit of money. How long before there is one of these on every street corner?

wet-paint

You can give it a good kicking!

fergiesfolly

I said it in jest, but good god, thats an eyesore. Is that the best design they could come up with?

Mrs OBumble

Mollie Breathna wrote: »

Just because you have a good cause shouldn't give you the right to collect money anywhere, and through whatever means, you like.

So what criteria should be applied to how people collect money?

Church gate collections hugely offend me: churches should be places of spiritual refuge, not ones where people have to face their neighbours disapproving stares if they choose not to donate.

Collection jars in pubs offend me: just because someone has a good cause, they should not be preying on the unfortunate people who are drawn to spend time in pubs because of addictions that they cannot control.

Chuggers offend me: I should be able to walk down the street without being asked to hand over my bank account details to some random in a bright jacket.

Bag-packers in supermarkets offend me: no way do I want some stranger interfering with my purchases (and generally they have no idea how to pack so my bread doesn't get squashed).

But most people will tell me to get over myself. Or at least they might sympathise over the chuggers, but tell me to grow up re the rest.

The collection thing at the end of the prom is one of the least offensive ways of collecting that I know:  no enquiring eyes, jangling bucket or person asking.   As to whether it's ugly ... well the surroundings ain't that flash looking either.





(I'll leave it up to you to guess which of the above really do offend me. Hint ... it ain't all of 'em.)

pleasant Co.

JustMary wrote: »

(I'll leave it up to you to guess which of the above really do offend me. Hint ... it ain't all of 'em.)

Now that I would never have guessed :pac:

Lapin

JustMary wrote: »

Collection jars in pubs offend me: just because someone has a good cause, they should not be preying on the unfortunate people who are drawn to spend time in pubs because of addictions that they cannot control.

(I'll leave it up to you to guess which of the above really do offend me. Hint ... it ain't all of 'em.)

I'm guessing this one Mary.

Surely you don't think everyone who goes to a pub is an alcoholic, only there because they can't control their addiction. :eek:

Anyone that desperate for a drink wouldn't need the pub anyway. Off licences are cheaper.



As for this thing at the end of the Prom. I haven't seen it yet and won't get the chance to for at least a week.
Any chance of a pic from someone?

ladhrann

Mollie Breathna wrote: »

Some local committee managed to convince some local councillor(s)that it'd be a good idea and City Council went ahead and installed it.

Are you entirely sure that the structure was put there with City Council approval and have you complained about it? An article of that kind would probably have to have planning permission, did you notice any application for planning permission?

For certain articles including barriers, and street furniture I do not believe that the City Council has to apply for permission, however for work done on public land for a third-party I imagine they would.

Mollie Breathna

Lapin wrote: »

As for this thing at the end of the Prom. I haven't seen it yet and won't get the chance to for at least a week.
Any chance of a pic from someone?

Umm...here...https://us.v-cdn.net/6034073/uploads/attachments/65285/204696.jpg

roseagra

It does seem a pity to use such a nice tradition, I'd love to see them run this as the question in the advertiser and see what opinion is. Of course it's hard to fundraise but surely there are other ways to do it. I've seen some really creative ideas that give back to the community, of course you are relying on volunteers but surely if people are willing to give of their free time then it's a win win?

And yes, it's bloody ugly. As Bosco might say

confuseddotcom

It looks a brick Time-Machine ....

FlashD

I don't care if it's for a good cause, it's ugly and totally out of character.

I would normally say they should know better, but it's the council, nuff said.

FlashD

JustMary wrote: »

As to whether it's ugly ... well the surroundings ain't that flash looking either.

That's a matter of opinion.

fishy fishy

Mollie Breathna wrote: »

(I'm about to rant so please forgive me.)
A structure that looks like some form of public urinal has been installed at the end of the Prom to collect money for charities. Allegedly, a grateful and generous public will put money into a slot having walked the Prom.

Let me count the ways this offends me:
1. It's ugly.
2. It's greedy.
3. It commodifies and monetises a quirky local custom.
4. It will date very, very quickly.
5. It's ugly.

Some local committee managed to convince some local councillor(s)that it'd be a good idea and City Council went ahead and installed it. Just because you have a good cause shouldn't give you the right to collect money anywhere, and through whatever means, you like.

I wish we really could give it and the people who installed it a good kicking.

Aaaaarrggh....f**tards!!
(Rant over)

you know you don't HAVE to put money in it. :rolleyes:

what do you think of the water tap there? It's so UGLY and to think...somebody might FEEL LIKE a drink if they want..the cheek of them. :rolleyes:

nuac

It is very ugly.

Kicking the wall may be a tradition, now we have something we really want to kick

c_man

Why do they keep messing with the Prom *sigh*

snubbleste

I heard people will be forced to pay a toll to utilise the prom or alternatively donate to charity :cool:

cfeeneyinterior

From looking at the pic, it says Salthill Rotary Club, so maybe they organised it? I have to agree and be in the same boat as JustMary, feckin hate all these charity things everywhere.
"Sponsor me" so I can go on a 2 week holiday to X to help deprived children in tropical country X.
"Sponsor me" so I can do a Bungee Jump in New Zealand. I will raise €5000 for said Charity (they will get €50 and the rest goes on expenses).

Give what you can direct to a charity, say Galway Hospice, and know that the money goes direct to the charity, not paying for ads on TV and the wages for collectors, charity directors, etc, et feckin cetera.
Rant over..

Its ugly

Placebo Effect

The ones that get on my nerves are the in your face ones outside Roches(or whatever it's called now) and outside the GPO in their illuminous yellow jackets...on huge commision therefore the hard sell, should be banned or at least should have to display actually how much goes to charity...very little you'll find.

Nicman

Ok lads - easy now!
I think what Mollie is trying to get across is the basic fact that a mere Councillor(s) can make a decision so lightly and without consequence, on something so important as a structure AND a local landmark. The issue here is not against charities - all the comments about charities are personal opinion (we all have varied opinions on charities - lets leave it that way).
The issue is this: WHEN ARE TDS AND COUNCILLORS GOING TO LEAVE OUR CITY - WHETHER YOU BELIEVE IT TO BE BEAUTIFUL OR NOT - ALONE! I've said it before, concillors sitting at a board meeting, discussing topics such as this on their agenda, and giving it a "yeay" or "neay" at the end of the night, really (for the most part) don't care about the fact that 'Mary Murphy' from Salthill has been kicking that wall for the last 70 years with her husband, as did her parents before her and so on.
Monuments for charities are great - when tactfully done & in an appropriate place. I don't believe appropriate OR tactful places for such charitable monuments (whether ugly or not) belong in front of, or obstructing, local landmarks and places of long standing tradition. Is that not what we are debating here? For God's sake we all support charities of our own preference - nobody should be making accusations here of lack of support for charities!

Paddyfield

Mollie Breathna wrote: »

(
4. It will date very, very quickly.

Too late.

I liked the idea of it before it was installed. It is not in keeping with the ambience of the Prom not that I have a better suggestion.

As JustMary suggests, it is a non personal way of raising charity money.

That said, I am sitting on the fence on this one.

Can we call it the Ugly Chugger?

Lapin

snubbleste wrote: »

I heard people will be forced to pay a toll to utilise the prom.........:cool:

I wouldn't have a problem with that if the proceeds went towards cleaning up the dog shít on the prom. Although I'd prefer to see that cost being met by dog owners who allow Fido and Rex to make a mess.

As for that thing at the prom wall. Regardless of what it is for, whoever chose the stonework its set in should have his eyes tested. Its completely at odds with its surroundings and I reckon the money it collects for charity won't cover the cost of cleaning the inevitable graffitti off it.

Mrs OBumble

Nicman wrote: »

The issue is this: WHEN ARE TDS AND COUNCILLORS GOING TO LEAVE OUR CITY - WHETHER YOU BELIEVE IT TO BE BEAUTIFUL OR NOT - ALONE! I've said it before, concillors sitting at a board meeting, discussing topics such as this on their agenda, and giving it a "yeay" or "neay" at the end of the night, really (for the most part) don't care about the fact that 'Mary Murphy' from Salthill has been kicking that wall for the last 70 years with her husband, as did her parents before her and so on.

Ahh ... when we stop electing them to run the city? :rolleyes:

I'm really looking forward to your decisions about how city governance should work.

And the explanation of how exactly this charity-what's-it is stopping Mary Murphy from kicking the wall the way she always has.

I know ye Irish aren't big on change, and that this is a rant thread ... but sheesh!!!!!

_petulia_

Mollie Breathna wrote: »

(I'm about to rant so please forgive me.)
A structure that looks like some form of public urinal has been installed at the end of the Prom to collect money for charities. Allegedly, a grateful and generous public will put money into a slot having walked the Prom.

Let me count the ways this offends me:
1. It's ugly.
2. It's greedy.
3. It commodifies and monetises a quirky local custom.
4. It will date very, very quickly.
5. It's ugly.

Some local committee managed to convince some local councillor(s)that it'd be a good idea and City Council went ahead and installed it. Just because you have a good cause shouldn't give you the right to collect money anywhere, and through whatever means, you like.

I wish we really could give it and the people who installed it a good kicking.

Aaaaarrggh....f**tards!!
(Rant over)

I thought you said it is for charity

It is my opinion that, with times being as tough as they are, if charities can gain by having this donation box at the end of the prom I'm willing to forsake the sacred wall - I'm willing to overlook aesthetics for the bigger picture.

Besides it allows people to feel twice as good - they get exercise and they get to help out worthy causes.

Win-win.

Get over it!

Rob A. Bank

I must agree with the OP... Its an ugly stone carbunkle.

Normally the restoration of the walls on old structures demands a sympathetic regard for the work of past centuries, and at least an effort to match the stonework. No such effort was made here !

They seem to have picked one of every colour stone available and cobbled together something that resembles a cheepO 1960s fireplace.

Get rid of it !

FlashD

Nina_G wrote: »

Get over it!

Eh NO!

If everyone accepts this then before you know it they will have 40-50 of the yokes placed all over the city, then that will extend to every town and village in Ireland, everywhere there is a possibility of milking a few quid from the people you will see one.

Bit like the housing boom, one badly planned housing estate turned into a more than a few thousand.

Start learning to say 'No'.

CrimsonTrout

No offense guys, but you do know what you got on your main square, right...?

Lapin

CrimsonTrout wrote: »

No offense guys, but you do know what you got on your main square, right...?

Whats this, a game of I spy ?

The square is full of all sorts of stuff.

_petulia_

FlashD wrote: »

Eh NO!

If everyone accepts this then before you know it they will have 40-50 of the yokes placed all over the city, then that will extend to every town and village in Ireland, everywhere there is a possibility of milking a few quid from the people you will see one.

Bit like the housing boom, one badly planned housing estate turned into a more than a few thousand.

Start learning to say 'No'.

You sound like a drama queen.

Milking a few quid? That's an expression I associate with my corner shop when they charge over the odds for cereal or some such - not with a donation box. How cynical.

I know that Ireland is going through a tough time at the moment but we still need to be able to see sense and not assume that everything is trying to squeeze a few quid out of us ... That supposed eyesore is collecting money for a variety of good causes! What's it's crime? - that it doesn't look nice - well I'm sorry for anyone who is offended by such an inoffensive gesture but times are tough. Get a grip!

We still need to remember others less well off or in need of assistance. I'm sure your walk won't be too inconvenienced.

Ficheall

I'd be curious to see how much money is donated there.

And how much it cost to design, propose, discuss, approve, build and install the structure.

thesandeman

I think its a good idea. Especially as the charity will change regularly.
It does look awful though. A bit more thought could have been put into the design.

jkforde

c_man wrote: »

Why do they keep messing with the Prom *sigh*

ha, I'm thinking that locals back 100 years ago also bemoaned the fact that their Salthill was being messed with to build the prom and again in the 50s when the new section to Grattan Rd. was built.. I'm more interested in the lack to consultation about this (didn't see any notices up on the prom, did ye?), or does the Rotary Club have a 'thou shalt...' inside line to the council?

c_man

Fair enough point. Though I think we could all agree that the locals moaning which stopped the yellow brick road a few years ago was worth it!

joeKel73

It's not as bad as the notice on the barrier right next to it last week. I refused to pay the €2, and no I haven't seen my teddies alive since.

thesandeman wrote: »

I think its a good idea. Especially as the charity will change regularly.
It does look awful though. A bit more thought could have been put into the design.

Agreed with this. I think it's a great idea but the execution is poor. I don't agree with having it covering where people traditionally kick the wall either - it should have been placed to one side.

jkforde

JustMary wrote: »

I know ye Irish aren't big on change, and that this is a rant thread ... but sheesh!!!!!

come come Mary, the ole generalisations are certainly handy but are ultimately lazy and insidious, just like us Oirish are all feckless, corrupt, design-challenged pissheads. :eek:

but have to agree that it has taken something from that area as it now looks like its been branded by the red hot iron of the Rotary Club who had no right to do that, even if for good causes