Galway City Council has doubled down on the rollout of a new logo, following some criticism of the plan to replace its previous branding, in recent weeks.
A €28,000 re-design led to the unveiling of a new corporate identity a fortnight ago.
It suceeds the familiar capital 'G' design, the first iteration of which was introduced in 1984, to mark the city’s quincentenary celebrations.
The new logo has been found to resemble several other corporate brands.
Councillors have been told that the decision to proceed with the rebrand was an executive function of the local authority, meaning that elected representatives do not have the power to alter or reverse the decision.
The issue was discussed at a private meeting between officials and councillors last evening.
The council’s Chief Executive, Leonard Cleary told the meeting that the new logo was being formally trade-marked and that legal advice indicated there would be no problem in this regard.
In a statement afterwards, Mr Cleary described the rebranding exercise as a "once in a generation opportunity to refresh how Galway City Council communicates with our many stakeholders".
He also acknowledged a "groundswell of support" for the old logo and said he would like to see "an appropriate display and cultural interpretation of the emblem" in the new City Hall building or at Galway Museum.
The meeting was called after a number of councillors expressed concern at the manner in which the rebranding was being carried out, with some questioning the need for the authority to embark on the initiative.
Opposition to the move has also been reflected in a number of online petitions, calling for a reversal of the decision, along with the erection of flags bearing the retired branding and the slogan 'Keep the G'.
Officials say the decision was well flagged and that it forms part of a wider effort to ensure all services provided by the council are recognisable to the city’s citizens.
However, Fianna Fáil Councillor, Alan Cheevers, says he still plans to submit a motion at this month’s meeting of the local authority, calling for the decision to be reversed by the council executive.
He says the ‘G’ branding has served the city well and should be kept.
Cllr Cheevers wants the logo to remain in place on all council facilities, buildings and vehicles, as well as on official stationary and communications.
He maintains this would "provide continuity, avoid unnecessary expenditure associated with rebranding, and ensure that a familiar identity remains visible throughout the city".
