No plans for Galway to implement cursing ban

The amalgamated Waterford city and county councils attracted global attention by becoming the first local authority to outlaw “obscene or profane language” in public spaces.

It prompted observers to liken the move to something out of Father Ted and excited a rehash of old episodes featuring Father Jack Hackett and his famous swearing bouts.

One website predicted that Waterford residents would have to resort to cursing in code under the ‘no swearing’ signs, much like the picnickers who told Father Ted to “Fupp off ya grasshole” in a territory war on a seaside rock.

The byelaws were written up and adopted by councillors after a review of all regulations following the amalgamation of the two councils – something currently being considered in the case of Galway.

As well as banning swearing, there are restrictions on picking flowers, annoying other park users, or using model airplanes. Park-goers – other than council workers – are prohibited from skating, cycling, skateboarding or rollerblading. In fact all “non-motorised vehicles other than a wheelchair” are barred.

Also off limits are e-cigarettes, begging, gambling, behaving “indecently”. People are not allowed to have barbecues, bonfires or set off fireworks.

The byelaws will come into force on August 1 and signs outlining the new byelaws will be erected in public areas before then.

Those caught breaking the regulations face a fine of up to €1,270. They will be enforced by parks staff or by member of An Garda Siochána.

The new byelaws passed through council unanimously with no mention of the swearing clause during a six-week public consultation.

Cllr Peter Keane has drafted byelaws outlawing drinking in public places outside a designated licensed area.

The proposal would see lifeguards or community wardens given the powers to confiscate and destroy alcohol and issue on-the-spot fines.

The Fianna Fáil representative insisted Galway would “absolutely not” follow the lead of Waterford and its antisocial regulations.

“You cannot enforce whether someone curses in public or not. It’s a bit of a nonsense. While enforcement itself is a challenge, that is not a reason not to impose something, but there’s no point going to introduce something nonsensical,” he insisted.

“People aren’t allowed to have barbeque. I have no problem with somebody bringing a disposable barbeque to the beach providing they don’t open a flagon of cider with it.

“Look, come on – picking flowers! I have more important things to worry about if I’m to be honest.”

The alcohol byelaws are currently on public display and Cllr Keane has been holding information meetings with stakeholders in order to reach a consensus. The element which has attracted the greatest interest is giving power to lifeguards to seize and destroy alcohol.

“In last year’s hot season we almost lost control of our beaches to marauding gangs. Lifeguards are the custodians of our beach. If we introduce these in a high vis, high energy way, they will work,” he predicted.

“My byelaws centre around giving back public open spaces to people so they can use them with confidence and without fear and intimidation. If a group spends money in an off-licence and sits down to drink only to find it’s destroyed, they won’t do it again and will go home and drink in their sitting rooms.”

Under the proposals, if initial fines were not paid, those caught drinking on a beach or in a park could face a maximum fine of €1,500 on conviction.