Ollie Crowe (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for being here. I will keep my contribution local because I only have two and a half minutes.

Over the past couple of years, I have repeatedly referred to the growing antisocial behaviour problem in Eyre Square. This issue has already had horrific and life-altering consequences. Indeed, a young woman recently lost the sight in one eye after fireworks were thrown at her when she was waiting for a bus. The situation is out of control. That such incidents are happening in Galway city in daylight without being addressed is simply unacceptable as far as I am concerned. I agree with the previous speaker that there are a range of issues to consider from the get-go, but I wish to raise this specific issue. Recently, a gentleman was attacked in the area in the evening. As the Minister of State is aware, Eyre Square is in the heart of the city, opposite the train station. It is the first impression that visitors get of our city. Galway has largely been a safe and happy place in which to live. We cannot allow the actions of a small minority to alter that. The problem is affecting the reputation of Galway and the tourist attraction that it is.

I was born and raised 250 yards from Eyre Square. I know the area well and deal with residents and businesses there on a daily basis. I have repeatedly raised the issue over the last 18 months to two years, and beyond that, when I was on the council for 11 years. The people in the area feel that the problem is being ignored. Residents talk about experiencing fear and anxiety, particularly at night. The Minister of State will appreciate that businesses are already operating in a challenging environment, without people being reluctant to come to an area. The situation got so bad recently that one of the shops on Eyre Square had to close because there was a gathering of groups and gypsies in the area. That is just not acceptable. Action is required now. RTÉ aired a programme about the problems on O'Connell Street in Dublin. We all agree that there is a problem there, but there is also a major issue in Galway. There is a tourism hub in Eyre Square that would be ideal for a Garda substation or hub. We need to look at that option. I genuinely believe the visibility of gardaí is a massive issue. It helps and it gives people confidence. The proposal needs to be looked at. I ask the Minister of State to raise the issue with the Garda Commissioner at the earliest opportunity and to get back to me.