A row has broken out in Galway over the legality of a peace event planned as an alternative to this weekend's Salthill Air Show.
The new Green Party city mayor, Cllr Niall Ó Brolcháin, and his deputy, Cllr Billy Cameron (Lab), are due to attend the alternative event tomorrow involving the release of 99 balloons over the Claddagh by the Galway Alliance Against War.
It has been planned in protest over the use of military aircraft and in memory of the victims of the war in Iraq, according to the alliance. Mr Ó Brolcháin said he felt it would not be appropriate for him to attend the air show due to the military dimension.
Four Labour Party councillors will also not be in attendance.
However, Galway gardaí believe the peace event may be in breach of the Air Navigation Act due to the release of balloons. A spokesman said they were "aware of the proposed protest and are considering the matter".
The Irish Aviation Authority said no application had been made for the alternative event.
Between 50,000 and 100,000 people are expected to watch the 13th annual Salthill Air Show tomorrow from 3pm, when the Royal Air Force Red Arrows return for the sixth year in a row and the British aerobatic team, The Blades, are among the participants. The Air Corps will participate, and there will be military displays by the Army onshore. The Naval Service, Civil Defence and Royal National Lifeboat Institution will support the event.
An alternative kite-flying event will take place at Ballyloughane beach, Renmore. The mayor said he would also attend this later.
Traffic restrictions will be in place in Salthill from 1pm. There will be no parking along the promenade from 9am.
