Galway Bay fm newsroom - The City Manager has set out the criteria which must be met to provide for a designated outdoor drinking area in Galway.
City Manager Brendan McGrath says such a permission would require an application to a Garda Superintendent accompanied with a management plan, with at least three weeks notice, and must concern a major sporting event, civic event or festival.
The city chief's comments come as a major clean-up operation commenced on Sunday morning after large crowds gathered to drink and socialise at several large public amenity areas across the city including the Spanish Arch, the Claddagh, along canals, under Quincentennial bridge and at Merlin Woods.
This prompted outrage from local residents and many public representatives.
Speaking earlier this week, Mayor of Galway Mike Cubbard said the time had come to regain control of the city's public spaces, with a suggestion that a trial is carried out for zoned designated areas for outdoor drinking.
City Manager Brendan McGrath said the Local Authority has added 11 large capacity bins across the city recently, as well as 12 temporary toilets with more on the way.
Speaking to Keith Finnegan on Galway Talks Brendan McGrath said those found drinking on city streets are in breach of bye-laws.
