Public outcry leads to extensive changes on controversial bylaws

Following a massive public outcry, bylaws for the regulation of parks, open spaces and beaches have been overhauled by Galway City Council.

The controversial bylaws – first revealed by the Galway City Tribune in September 2016 – attracted an unprecedented response from the public, with 371 submissions.

In response, Parks Superintendent, Stephen Walsh, has presented a reviewed draft to the Council’s Strategic Policy Committee on Environment, Recreation and Amenity – including around 80 alterations and comments for the consideration of members.

Speaking at an SPC meeting, Mr Walsh said that during the redrafting process, he had sought to clarify points of confusion while also altering the proposals that sparked the most criticism.

“I have attempted to highlight areas that needed clarification and I have changed the wording in relation to feedback,” he added.

Mr Walsh said the bylaws were needed to deter anti-social behaviour, to uphold the Council’s responsibility to safeguard public property and to protect the local authority from litigation.

Amongst the changes, environmental groups who rallied against the ban on climbing trees secured a major win with the wording now leaving enough ambiguity to allow the practice, in certain circumstances.

Rather than an outright ban, it is now suggested that nobody should climb any tree or tall shrub, “without any due care or attention”.

In his clarifications and alterations, Mr Walsh pointed out that all laws would not be applicable to every park, open space and beach in the city.

Rather, specific laws would apply to selected areas included on “schedules” – which would be incorporated in the final proposal to be voted on by city councillors.
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