Fears that Galway has been brought one step closer to a county wide lockdown emerged last night after large groups of students were gathering to celebrate Fresher's Week, in defiance of public health guidelines on social distancing.
The incidents took place on Monday night and have led to the Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, Independent councillor James Charity, to call on the gardaí, NUI Galway, and GMIT to "respond" and "face up to" a situation which "could potentially have ramifications across County Galway".
His call comes as a decision is expected this week on whether to increase Covid-19 restrictions in Louth, Cork, Wicklow, and Galway amid rising numbers of Covid cases in the four counties.
'The scenes from last tonight are very disappointing. We must all collectively fight Covid-19 and act in the best interests of society and our county'
Cllr Charity has written to the management of GMIT and NUIG, as well as the Chief Superintendent of An Garda Síochana, to meet with him and examine "how these scenes can be avoided in future".
"We've been trying to enforce the message that steps need to be taken locally to reduce social contacts and assist in preventing a potential move to Level 3 restrictions," said Cllr Charity. "The scenes from last tonight are very disappointing. I am asking the heads of GMIT and NUIG, as well as the Chief Superintendent, to meet with me to examine measures to ensure we don't see a repeat of this evening's events in Galway. This is crucial as we all collectively fight Covid-19 and act in the best interests of society and our county."
