Public drinking ban is mooted for Athenry-Oranmore MD

A DRINKING ban is being planned to be brought into the towns of Athenry, Oranmore and Claregalway.

This follows similar drinking bylaws introduced in Tuam Municipal District that restricts the consumption of alcohol in defined public places.

Athenry Councillor Martin McNamara suggested that Athenry MDC should communicate with Tuam MD to understand how the bylaw might be applied to other districts.

He said that the bylaws would be “a bit of power for fineable offences and enforceable offences”.

Director of Services Liam Hanrahan explained that such changes would have to be proposed and would also require the drafting and advertising of the proposed bylaws for public consultation. The gardaí need to be involved as well, he said.

Cllr Cillian Keane noted that such changes would need to be brought in partnership with Loughrea Municipal District as it “covers one-third of Oranmore while the other two-third is in the Oranmore-Athenry MD”.

Cathaoirleach of Athenry-Oranmore MD, Cllr Tomás Grealish said that the council will have to work with Loughrea MD and make sure it comes at the same time.

“It would be really good to have the whole of Galway aligned on this,” he added.