Galway residents raging as vandals leave trail of destruction in their wake
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FEARS are growing for families in the Corrib Park area after a series of alarming incidents involving the burning of household waste and illegal dumping in the area.
Local resident and Galway City Councillor Josie Forde (FF) has called for an increased Garda presence this week, describing the situation as “deeply concerning” and “completely unacceptable”.
“What I would like to see happen is a heavier Garda presence around the estates,” she proclaimed.
“Our community garda is fantastic, but we need a stronger presence.
"Galway City Council should also carry out door-to-door checks to ensure households have a registered waste collection account. Everyone should have it.”
She was speaking in the aftermath of the spate of vandalism which saw rubbish burned out on walkways and green areas throughout the estate.
That has left hazardous debris scattered in its wake, raising safety concerns for residents, particularly older people and young families.
Cllr Forde warned that the incidents could have had serious consequences.
We don’t know what they are inhaling. The Council should not have to clean it up, and it is not fair on them
“This could have taken someone’s eye out,” she said. “You just don’t know what the repercussions would be. It is not fair.”
She also highlighted concerns about the potential health risks from toxic fumes.
“Our children should not be subjected to that,” she said.
“We don’t know what they are inhaling. The Council should not have to clean it up, and it is not fair on them.”
A long-established community, Corrib Park is home to generations of families.
Cllr Forde, whose own parents lived in the estate and who has returned to live there with her own family, admitted it was upsetting to see the area affected in this way.
“Corrib Park is a proud community, and it is extremely disappointing to see it treated like this,” she said.
“Burning waste in public spaces is dangerous; it is illegal, and it shows a complete disregard for neighbours and the wider community.
"I don’t know where this anti-social behaviour is coming from. I don’t recall it ever happening before.
"You can’t steal someone’s bin and burn it out. It is not acceptable,” she added.
She confirmed that both Galway City Council and An Garda Síochána have been notified.
And she is now calling for immediate and decisive action to prevent further incidents of this nature.
“This behaviour will not be tolerated,” she said.
Residents have a right to feel safe and to live in a clean and healthy environment
“Residents have a right to feel safe and to live in a clean and healthy environment.
"Corrib Park deserves respect, and I am committed to working with residents and the relevant authorities to ensure this situation is addressed.”
Members of the public are urged to report any incidents of illegal dumping or burning to Galway City Council or An Garda Síochána.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.