Traders in Galway have called for the introduction of weather-proof shopping before 24-hour pedestrianisation is introduced in the city centre next January.
Mr Ray O'Brien, a spokesman for the William Street traders, said that the provision of a translucent canopy would not involve a massive expenditure.
He said it was vital that multi-storey car-parking, weather-proof covering and a massive retail development should all be completed before the introduction of full pedestrianisation.