Organised begging raises ire in city

There has been a significant increase in aggressive begging on the streets over the past month, with members of the public being accosted for money multiple times in the space of just 300 metres in the heart of the pedestrianised zone.

On foot of complaints from several members, the Galway City Business Association (GCBA) have contacted the community liaison with the Garda Síochána for a meeting to examine the issue.

The Galway Chamber of Commerce has also urged businesses who are concerned that it may be affecting their trade with the approach of the high season to report any incidents to the Gardaí.

Scores of reports on social media complain about several groups of beggars working in shifts demanding money to pay for a hostel bed. At least one of the women often unleashes a tirade of abuse if not given money.

There is also a group who harass tourists as they head into the Galway Cathedral.

This new wave of begging is thought to be rooted in drug addiction.

Chairman of GCBA Anthony Ryan said an increase in begging was a matter of concern to businesses in the town.

“There are some groups doing aggressive fundraising on the street, there are also other groups who are beggars, which could be related to drugs – but that’s just speculation,” he said.

“The thing to do is to liaise with the gardaí and just meet to see what exactly is the situation, see if it’s an issue and get to the bottom of it.”

General Manager of the Galway Chamber of Commerce Maeve Joyce said the city was internationally recognised as a safe city after dark following the award of the Purple Flag, so it was vital to ensure the daytime environment was equally inviting.

“There has been a noticeable increase. Any increase in begging is not on. We want a city where people feel safe and secure,” she reflected.

For more on this story, see this week’s Galway City Tribune