Neighbours in fear after Head Shops arson attacks

Date Published: 18-Feb-2010

Neighbours of some of the five Head Shops in Galway City have expressed concerns for their safety following alleged arson attacks on two Head Shops in Dublin in the past week.

City Councillor Niall McNelis is now calling on tighter regulations to govern not only what is sold in the Head Shops but where they are located.

Councillor McNelis said that he has been contacted by a number of concerned neighbouring businesses and residents living beside and above some of the city centre Head Shops.

“Following what has happened in Dublin in the space of a week, which is alarming, people here in Galway who either live above the city centre Head Shops or have businesses beside them are worried that they might be victims of arson.

“As a member of the Joint Policing Committee, I will be raising the matter next Monday and hoping that our Committee would call on the Minister for Justice and the Health Minister to introduce regulations to regularise them.

“Some of the products being sold in Head Shops mimic illegal drugs and have damaging physical and psychological effects on those who consume or inject those products.

“Because these shops are not illegal but are unlicensed and unregulated and can sell their products to minors as well as adults there is serious concern in city communities at the failure of the authorities to take action,” he said.

Read more in today’s Galway City Tribune