Ban on public drinking now in force
Move welcomed by community groups
THE NEW bylaws banning the consumption of alcohol in public places in Tuam went live yesterday (Tuesday).
They have been introduced after ongoing complaints of drunken and anti-social behaviour in amenity areas in Tuam such as Rory O’Connor Park near the river, but will apply across the Tuam Municipal District.
Gardaí and community wardens now have the power to confiscate alcohol or hit individuals with a €75 fine should they refuse requests to stop drinking or leave the area peacefully.
The bylaws were approved by councillors at last month’s meeting of the Tuam MD. They have been welcomed by many community groups, including Tuam Tidy Towns.
“It takes us a lot of time collecting and sorting all these empty cans and bottles of alcohol, time we could be using doing other jobs or projects around Tuam,” Helen Gillard of Tuam Tidy Towns told The Tuam Herald.
“We did a litter pick last year where we collected 20 bags of rubbish that had been left in the river, several bags were filled just by empty bottles. This is a river that is supposed to be full of salmon and the pollution is affecting other plants and wildlife too.
“We are delighted to see these new bylaws introduced. Hopefully the potential fines will mean less people littering their cans and bottles of drink. The fines are a power the Gardaí desperately needed to address littering and anti-social behaviour.”
Offenders will have 21 days to pay the fine or it will increase to €150. Should they refuse to pay within 56 days, a person would be liable to a fine of €1900.
The ban will apply to anyone drinking in areas across the Tuam MD that the public can have access to, such as churches, churchyards, cemeteries, public parks, green spaces, beaches or canal and riverbanks.
“Increasing public awareness and understanding of the bylaws will be a key part of this process,” commented Garda Superintendent Ollie Baker, who has responsibility for the Galway East Community Engagement Area.
“By working together, we can help ensure people understand their purpose and the positive impact they can have in supporting safer, more welcoming public spaces for everyone.
“We appreciate the engagement and cooperation from all involved in developing these measures and look forward to seeing the benefits they will bring across Tuam MD.”
Galway County Council has also confirmed that exemptions may apply to the bylaws for approved festivals and public events.
Event organisers who wish to apply for an exemption should contact the council in advance.