Withholding support for future Rag Week events is not the way to challenge the drink culture among students or in Galway generally.
This is the view of Sinn Féin’s Galway City West candidate Tom Hanly after NUI, Galway withdrew its support for Rag Week after the events of last week.
Mr Hanly believes that instead of withdrawing support for the festivities, the following should be done: “As soon as the new term begins, a recruitment process should be initiated, organised by the college authorities, gardaí, and community groups, with the aim of training stewards for the Rag Week event. These students should also be responsible for litter management within the city.”
He feels that all businesses and premises that failed to cooperate with the student union and ignored its recommendations should be named and shamed.
Mr Hanly also said landlords need to be reminded that under the 2004 Tenancy Act, they have a duty to notify unruly tenants of their anti-social behaviour and if it recurs that their tenancy agreement can be terminated.
“Scenes of violence, abusive behaviour, and drunken goings on are not something restricted to Galway Rag Week,” he said. “In a few weeks time such antics will in no doubt be on display on St Patrick’s Day and Race Week. We must not forget the very essence of Rag Week which even this year saw €30,000 being raised for various charities.”
