Galway Bay fm newsroom - There are calls for wardens to be on the ground in the city’s main parks seven days a week to combat prevailing anti-social behaviour issues.
Fianna Fáil Councillor Imelda Byrne proposed the motion at this week’s City Council meeting- adding that the measure aims to keep the amenities safe and well maintained for the benefit of the public and biodiversity.
The motion put forward by Councillor Byrne calls for wardens to be in place at Terryland and Merlin Parks and Barna woods seven days a week.
The motion further seeks to have wardens on site throughout the evening and into the night.
Speaking at this week’s meeting Councillor Byrne said that other Local Authorities around the country have similar staff in place and that Galway City’s amenities are being severely damaged by uninterrupted instances of anti-social behaviour.
Her concerns were roundly supported by most Councillors, with Independent Declan McDonnell citing a recent instance where syringes were left at a playground in Mervue after an all night party.
In response to the motion, Director of Services for Housing Dermot Mahon said while he supported the intention of the proposal, there are a number of factors that must be overcome before such a measure could be enacted.
He said Government would have sanction to it and the cost of running the service would have to come from somewhere else in the City’s budget.
The City Manager Brendan McGrath supported Mr Mahon’s comments, adding that it would not be possible to implement this year and suggested to Councillors that his staff would be produce a report detailing the finer points needed for such a service.
Discussion on the motion is scheduled to resume at next week’s Council meeting.
