Galway Council considers 'ban on bushing' in Athenry, Oranmore and Claregalway
Galway County Council is to consider introducing a ban on drinking alcohol in public places in Athenry, Oranmore and Claregalway.
New bye-laws forbidding alcohol consumption in public places in the Tuam Municipal District were introduced this week.
Now, Councillors in the Athenry/Oranmore Municipal District plan to introduce similar restrictions in their area which includes the towns of Athenry, Oranmore and Claregalway.
At the latest meeting, Councillor Martin McNamara (Ind) said the local authority should consider extending the bye-laws from Tuam MD to Athenry/Oranmore MD.
He said a fineable offence would be a preventative measure and a ‘bridge’ before it becomes a public order offence.
Director of Services Liam Hanrahan said the Council would have to consult with Gardaí before introducing new bye-laws. The public would also have to be consulted, he said.
Councillor Cillian Keane (FF) cautioned that any changes would have to be done in conjunction with Loughrea Municipal District.
He said one third of Oranmore was in Loughrea MD and two thirds of it was in Athenry/Oranmore MD.
Without Loughrea councillors also approving a bye-law, Oranmore could face a situation where drinking is permitted on one side of the Maree Road but prohibited on the other, Councillor Keane warned.
Cathaoirleach of Athenry/Oranmore MD, Tomás Grealish (Ind) said it was his understanding that Councillors in Loughrea MD also planned to follow Tuam MD’s lead.
The Tuam MD Bye-Laws come into effect in July, across the MD including Headford and Dunmore.