Anti-social behaviour is turning sections of town into ‘no go’ areas
The level of public daytime drinking in Ballinasloe has escalated to the extent that visitors to the area are reluctant to walk in certain parts of the town centre.
And it has been claimed that such is the extent of kerbside drinking as well as the consumption of alcohol in the local church grounds that both the Gardaí and Galway County Council need to implement stricter controls.
The local business community are up in arms over the level of on-street drinking in the town and particularly because it is mainly in the full gaze of shoppers and the visiting public in general.
But it is not a recent problem. Drinking in public has been occurring around St Michael’s Square in Ballinasloe and on the nearby benches in the church. The public consumption of alcohol also occurs along some of the main shopping streets.
It is a matter that has now been addressed by Cllr Aidan Donohue, the newly-elected Cathaoirleach of Ballinasloe Municipal Council, who said that it was creating a very bad image for the town.
He said that some visitors to the town were shocked by the level of drinking on the streets and at The Square. He added that he was now raising the matter with both Galway County Council and the local Gardaí.
“It happens in the morning, during the day and again at night and this could be every day of the week in Ballinasloe. I am not saying that any of those who are drinking outdoors are causing any harm but it is terribly unsightly.
“They are down at the marina – in fact they are the first people meet when they arrive to Ballinasloe by boat – and are basically all over the town. I know other towns have a similar problem but I don’t think it is as obvious as it is in Ballinasloe,” said Cllr Donohue.
There is a problem with public drinking in the likes of Tuam, Loughrea and Portumna but this is mainly confined to park areas and away from ‘the public glare’ – however, it is still an issue with local residents in these towns as well as the Gardaí.
But now Cllr Donohue wants the laws prohibiting drinking in public places to be strictly enforced. “There is a major sewerage scheme taking place in Ballinasloe very shortly and this will be followed by a town enhancement project. We are also trying to market the marina but the problem with drinking in public places will prevent any progress being made”.
The Fine Gael councillor said that those who were responsible were not even trying to hide the fact that they are drinking in a public place. “They are sitting on the doors of some closed-up shops and on the benches in the church grounds and there is not a word being said to them. It is something that has to be addressed as a matter of urgency,” Cllr Donohue added.