Ballgames and climbing trees to be banned under Council bylaws

You can smell the flowers in Galway City … but if you dare to snip one for a lover, the gesture may cost you a whopping €75.

Under radical new proposals contained in draft bylaws to govern parks, open spaces and beaches, simple childhood pursuits such as climbing trees or flying model planes are banned.

Rollerblading along the Prom or simply having a kickabout in the park or on the beach with mates will leave Galwegians and their visitors open to prosecution.

And the long-time practice of allowing dogs to have a run about in parks will be a thing the past, with these bylaws copper-fastening the use of a leash for all pet mutts.

In fact, every aspect of regular civic life is subject to regulation in the proposals that have now gone out for public consultation.

The draft bylaws were prepared by the Recreational, Amenity and Culture Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) and presented to the July meeting of Galway City Council where 13 councillors voted in favour of allowing the proposals to go out to public consultation until October 6.

The proposed new bylaws state that people are not allowed to “climb any tree or shrub in a park or open space or climb any fence, railing or wall in a park or open space…operate in a park or open space any model aircraft, model sailing vessel or any model mechanically propelled vehicle save with the permission in writing of the Council”.

For the full details of the new bylaws and reaction to the proposals, see this week’s Galway City Tribune