Council cracks down on feeding pigeons as feathers ruffled

GALWAY City Council has vowed stronger enforcement action against the dumping of porridge oats in the city centre amid rising anger over birds, rats and street cleanliness, after Cllr Frank Fahy (FG) said he was “being fed a load of horse manure” about the issue.

Published 23rd May 2026, 06:00 BST Feathers ruffled at City Council meeting as Cllr Frank Fahy (FG) said he was “being fed a load of horse manure” about the spreading of porridge oats. | Brian Nolan GALWAY City Council has vowed stronger enforcement action against the dumping of porridge oats in the city centre amid rising anger over birds, rats and street cleanliness, after Cllr Frank Fahy (FG) said he was “being fed a load of horse manure” about the issue. Sign up to our Connacht Tribune Today daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Connacht Tribune within your account.

At the monthly meeting of Galway City Council, Director of Services Patrick Greene confirmed that enforcement proceedings have resulted in several fines being issued and that the council has adopted a firmer approach.

“A lot of work, money and effort are taking place to keep the streets clear,” said Mr Greene.

“We will continue with that process of enforcement. It takes time and we are taking a more direct approach. We have been for the last number of months.”

Oats are spread across the city centre | Brian Nolan However, Cllr Fahy again raised concerns about the feeding of pigeons and seagulls in the city and said that “nothing is happening”.

He highlighted what he described as the escalating nature of the issue, stating that 12 videos and photos had been sent to him by members of the public since the meeting began.

He said this was a daily occurrence, “morning, noon and night”.

“When are you going to do something about the state of the streets of Galway?” said Cllr Fahy.

When are you going to do something about the state of the streets of Galway? I am being fed a load of horse manure on the issue.

“There is one person holding the city to ransom. I am being bombarded and yet nothing is happening. We are not keeping our streets physically cleaned.

“Seagulls and rats are rampant in the city. I have received emails from residents in Shantalla about live rats in the middle of the day.”

READ NEXT: Bradley Bytes: Will Galway West Bye-Election candidates get enough votes to get expenses back?

Independent Cllr Terry O'Flaherty also called for action on the issue and said it needed Garda intervention. She also requested additional cleaning staff.

“We need a garda presence. It has to stop. It is just disgraceful. A softly softly approach is not working. It's in every corner and it is about time. Something needs to be done. We need someone going around with a sweeping brush.”

READ NEXT: Taoiseach condemns Israel over "disgusting" and "disgraceful" treatment of Flotilla activists

In response, Chief Executive Leonard Cleary said that an additional cleaning crew should be considered in Budget 2027.

Locally on the ground, tour guide Brian Nolan of Galway Walks said the issue was affecting tourism and described the consequences of the “wilful spreading of kilos of oatmeal every day on the city streets”.

“I've had guests on my tours, and myself, struck by bird droppings every day this week alone,” he said.

“It ruins their and my day. There may be eight such occurrences a week. The seagulls should be out fishing in the bay not terrorising the city.”

Related topics: Galway City Council Seagulls Tourism Galway Sign up to our Connacht Tribune Today daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Connacht Tribune within your account.