New and even uglier automatic bollard installation

ooh, that paving looks really neat, akin fake cobbles

As the OP already described, this is the control box for the new bollards (which will be just out of frame to the left). Also, as the OP points out, this box is much bigger than the already obtrusive boxes at other entrances to the pedestrian zone, like this one nearby.

Sure, they could be decorated nicely, but if other countries can implement solutions where the box is underground, it is legitimate to ask why we have to have something that obstructs so much of the footpath.

Does it really need to be that big? Could it be underground?

Turn it into the Tardis!

Not familar with how these work but that's a huge structure - what exactly is in it?

Would have assumed these worked with electric motors under them but looks no way that size of a controller would be needed if that we the case. Are they Pneumatic?

Do you honestly believe that or are you just being argumentative for the sake of it?

Easily accessible underground control units have existed in other countries for years.

Is this for both sets of bollards - or do now have TWO BOX's here( existing one on Mainguard Street outside the SPAR shop )

😂

A senior employee at City Hall confirmed that the estimated total cost of the project, including the kiosk, “will be north of €200,000” when it is completed. Tribune

Great Headline - just as Galway City Council are planning to get rid of the ugly BLACK BOX on the Dyke Road they plonk another one right in the heart of the City.

I was in Poznan a few weeks ago. Beautiful city but one thing stood out, or rather didn't. The complete absence of these grey monoliths around the city. How do other cities manage without these random grey boxes dotted around the city?

They bury them underground

Engineers picked this because it satisfied the requirements. The engineer in me understand but the human in me with 2 eyes in my head wonders what they were thinking. The placement really magnifies how jarring it is aesthetically.

It's a pity Pateen Stephens isn't still around. It would be his equivalent of the Trump Ballroom.

They probably have a City Architect - Public Realm has always been vey weak and piecemeal here in Ireland