Feuding groups who contributed to the series of violent incidents in and around the city centre last weekend have been told by the Mayor to “calm down, step back and take responsibility before anybody loses their life.”
Mayor Hoare was speaking last evening in the aftermath of the announcement that five men were to appear in court in connection with the incidents, which shocked and horrified all who witnessed them over the past week.
Speaking to the Advertiser, Mayor Hoare said that he is very firm in his condemnation of the incidents which took place in and around the city last week.
“This is not something we want to see on the streets of our city. These incidents and the videos online are not doing Galway’s reputation any good. It is a poor reflection on our welcoming and friendly city and it is important that every effort is now made to protect that reputation.”
He said that after meetings with Chief Supt Gerry Roche and Galway City Council that he has been given assurances that sufficient policing is available to make Galway a safe place to work, live, study and socialise.
Mayor Hoare said that he will be meeting Justice Minister Helen McEntee in the coming days to reiterate the need for extra garda resources in Galway city to ensure that “this situation is nipped in the bud.”
“We need a commitment that garda resources in Galway will stay in Galway,” he said, a day after reports emerged that officers from Galway were deployed to central Dublin to combat its recent policing issues.
Senior officers including Chief Supt Roche met with the Mayor and interim CE of Galway City Council, Patricia Philbin at City Hall to reinforce their joint commitment to close co-operation to address serious issues, including social disorder, and to maintain the reputation of Galway City and that of its people, as a safe and welcoming city.
Speaking to us afterwards, Mayor Hoare welcomed the confirmation by An Garda Síochána that arrests have been made, and that he has full confidence in both An Garda Síochána and our Courts system in dealing with the on-going issues.
“Galway has an exceptional reputation around the world, and it is important that this reputation is protected. I would ask those involved to exercise calm, to step back, and to take some responsibility for their actions. The last thing anyone wants is a loss of life and if it continues to escalate, I would be fearful that that would be the case.
“I take comfort in the progress of the investigation and have full confidence that the courts will deal with the incidents. I look forward to continuing to work with fellow members and the executive of Galway City Council, and An Garda Síochána, in ensuring order is restored in our city,” he said
Gardaí in Galway confirmed yesterday that they have made a further arrest in connection with a public order and endangerment incident that occurred on Sunday.
A man in his late teens was arrested in Galway on Tuesday evening and was last evening being held at a Garda Station in the Western Region under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.
The arrest follows an altercation involving a group of individuals in the car park at Galway Shopping Centre.
The man was the ninth person to be arrested and detained as part of the investigation following a series of search and arrest operations in the Galway area in recent days.
At time of going to press yesterday (Wednesday ) five of the individuals arrested were expected to appear before a sitting of Galway District Court charged in connection with the investigation.
Gardaí in Galway continue to appeal to anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward. They are particularly appealing to those who were in the College Road and Headford Road areas in Galway between 5.45pm and 6.45pm on Sunday evening and observed any violent behaviour, to contact them.
Additionally, individuals with camera footage, including dash cam recordings, from the area are urged to provide this material to the Gardaí.
