The Galway Christmas Market has officially been cancelled to the sadness of many.
Plans in recent months suggested the annual festival would be going ahead but the Covid situation has ended any such hopes.
Galway City Council announced the news on Wednesday to the shock and sadness of many locals.
They said in a statement: "Following the public health guidelines and the release of the governments ‘Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19’ framework, Galway City Council has taken the difficult decision in the interest of public safety to cancel activities and events in Eyre Square in the coming months including the Christmas Markets and comedy festival.
"We understand this news will come as a disappointment to the general public, event producers and traders as well as the local businesses.
"Galway City Council would like to acknowledge efforts of the various event producers in adjusting their plans to comply with the latest and changing guidelines.
"However, Galway City Council has decided that in the interests of public health, there will be no organised events in Eyre Square for the foreseeable future.
"Galway City Council is committed to delivering a safe, socially distant Christmas experience in Galway this year and we are currently working with Fáilte Ireland on developing this concept.
"Galway City Council will also fully fund the city Christmas lights for 2020 and is working to ensure that Galway is an attractive and safe place to live, work and visit during the Christmas period. Galway City Council hopes to welcome, as soon as is safe and possible, events back to Eyre Square in 2021."
