Galway residents too afraid to report anti-social behaviour on the streets

Fears over confidentiality are preventing reports of anti-social behaviour from coming forward, Galway County Council has heard.

Published 6th Jul 2026, 07:00 BST Connacht Tribune Fears over confidentiality are preventing reports of anti-social behaviour from coming forward, Galway County Council has heard. 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.

Councillors warned that fear of repercussions is preventing the full extent of anti-social behaviour in some communities from coming to light.

The issue arose during this month's meeting as councillors considered the Draft Anti-Social Behaviour Strategy 2026–2031.

Cllr Alan Harney (FG) said the problem must be "stamped out".

"People are living in fear in their communities, older people are in fear in their own homes," he said.

"They ask me not to call to their house in person as their neighbours will know that they are speaking up and raising issues. We can't continue to tolerate this and these issues need to be stamped out.”

He called for stronger enforcement against local authority tenants who breach their tenancy agreements.

"We need strong action on tenants who are in breach of their tenancy agreements,” he said. “We can't sustain this going forward."

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Sinn Féin Cllr Dermot Connolly said he feared councillors were not hearing the full picture because some residents were too afraid to come forward.

"Given what is taking place, what worries me is that there are people who will not pipe up for fear of what will come back on them," he said.

He also questioned whether the housing section has sufficient resources to deal with anti-social behaviour.

"Those dealing with unpleasant situations need to have resources, it is not the most pleasant job," he said.

"Some people in our community are in intolerable situations."

Other councillors also voiced concerns over the impact of anti-social behaviour on residents.

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Fianna Fáil Cllr Mary Hoade said a robust anti-social behaviour strategy is needed and that it is "terrible to think that people in estates are living in such fear".

Independent Cllr Dr Evelyn Francis Parsons raised concerns about confidentiality, saying that "every opportunity must be given to protect people who want to come forward".

Meanwhile, Independent Cllr Geraldine Donohue highlighted the importance of every household having a domestic refuse collection, saying that not having one is "not neighbourly".

She also questioned the powers available to the local authority to evict tenants who engage in anti-social behaviour.

Councillors approved the adoption of the Draft Anti-Social Behaviour Strategy 2026–2031, which outlines measures aimed at prevention and early intervention.

The strategy also sets out the complaints and investigation procedures, as well as the council's public sector equality and human rights obligations.

Responding to concerns raised during the debate, officials assured councillors that every complaint is dealt with on an individual basis and that confidentiality is maintained throughout the process.

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