There is a design with little more than a micro and an EEPROM whose data is already burnt in. Data is being read at regular pace.

In order to get the extra IO pin I need, I considered to hardwire the EEPROM's /CE pin to ground.

Is that objectionable?

In case you ask, no, human life does not depend of this design.(Maybe just my self esteem).

 

I don't see any problem with it, although your power consumption will likely be higher...

 

Unless the EPROM is in some sort of a shared bus system. It should not be any problems other than slightly increased power need.