Fresh demands have been made for Galway City Council to take stronger action against the ongoing scattering of porridge oats across parts of the city, amid growing concerns about public safety and environmental impacts.
The issue, which has persisted for several months, has led to large gatherings of pigeons and seagulls in a number of locations. Local representatives have repeatedly raised concerns about the consequences of the practice, including increased slip hazards, the attraction of vermin, and potential effects on urban wildlife.
The matter returned to the spotlight during the council’s monthly meeting on Monday, where Fine Gael councillor Shane Forde urged officials to adopt a more urgent response.
“City centre GPs are at their wits’ end,” Cllr Forde told the meeting, citing reports of increasing numbers of patients seeking medical treatment after slipping on oats left on public streets.
He highlighted the case of one woman who reportedly suffered a broken hip following a fall and warned that older residents were particularly vulnerable to injury.
According to Cllr Forde, current efforts to address the problem have fallen short. He argued that the council should classify the issue as a public health emergency and take more proactive measures to prevent further incidents.
The council previously agreed a motion in September 2024 calling for urgent action to curb the distribution of porridge oats in public areas. Despite that decision, the practice has continued, prompting renewed frustration among councillors.
Officials have previously indicated that they would engage with the Health Service Executive (HSE) and other relevant agencies to explore possible solutions. However, when Cllr Forde sought an update at this week’s meeting, he was informed that there had been no significant developments since the commitment was made.
The continuing presence of oats on city streets remains a source of concern for local representatives, who are pressing for stronger intervention to safeguard public safety and address the wider environmental issues linked to the practice.
