There have been further calls on Galway City Council to address issues arising from the scattering of porridge oats on the city’s streets.
The foodstuff is being scattered in various areas and is attracting large numbers of pigeons and seagulls.
It has been the subject of ongoing discussion at meetings of the local authority, with councillors citing concerns about slip hazards, vermin and impacts on urban wildlife as a result of the practice.
At this afternoon’s monthly meeting, Fine Gael councillor Shane Forde said city centre-based GPs were “at their wits’ end” given the number of patients presenting for treatment after slipping on the oats.
He said one woman had broken a hip as a result, and that the issue was of particular concern for older people.
Cllr Forde said efforts to deal with the problem were not proactive enough and that the council needed to treat it as a public health emergency.
Councillors approved a motion in September 2024 calling for the distribution of porridge oats to be tackled urgently.
However, the issue has persisted since then, with officials committing to liaise with the HSE and “relevant authorities” in an effort to address the matter.
Cllr Forde was told there was no further update on the issue in response to his queries this afternoon.