LITTER AND PARKS BYE-LAWS A SHOCKING ATTACK ON CIVIL LIBERTIES

Wednesday August 27, 2003 16:51

by Connolly - Galway Labour Party

Cllr. Connolly voices her objections to the proposed bye-laws in advance of tonight's Public Meeting at Menlo Park

Labour Party City Councillor, Alderman Catherine Connolly has described as an ‘attack on civil liberties’ the proposed bye-laws on litter and parks and open spaces. Speaking ahead of a public meeting on the new bye-laws in Galway tonight, Cllr Connolly said the changes would criminalise positive activities in the city and clamp down on people’s right to assembly.

“The proposed prohibition on the distribution of leaflets and handbills in Galway city is draconian in the extreme and is an affront to the constitutional right to freedom of expression. Community or political groups will not be able to distribute leaflets about public meetings or other events”, she said.

“Similarly, the proposed Parks and Open Spaces Bye-Laws 2003 will have the effect of criminalising positive behaviour by citizens. For example, it will be a criminal offence, other than in designated areas, to swim, to roller-blade, or to participate in any musical performance under these proposals. As of today, no areas have yet been so designated.

“These plans by Galway City Council are unique in local Government in Ireland. If there are concerns about littering and other problems, this is the wrong approach to adopt on the part of the local authority. The public meeting tonight is designed to galvanise public opposition to these proposals.

“The Parks and Open Spaces Bye-Laws will come before the Council for discussion on 7th September and the Labour members will be opposing them in their totality. This is an attack on civil liberties and an attempt to make criminals out of law-abiding citizens who wish to use the public space for peaceful activities”, she added.