Galway City Council closes off 'Middle Arch' due to concerns over gatherings The Council has said that the area will remain closed for several weeks. By Tadgh McNally Saturday 29 May 2021, 4:45 PM 1 hour ago 7,667 Views 5 Comments Middle Arch, Galway Image: Google Street View GALWAY CITY COUNCIL has closed off access to “Middle Arch” in the city centre, following requests from the Gardaí due to large crowds gathering there in recent days. The closure comes as Portobello Plaza in Dublin will continue to be closed for at least two more weekends until 11 June. The area of “Middle Arch” is located between Wolfe Tone Bridge and Claddagh Quay, and the area has been closed since early this morning.