Calls for removal of Eyre Square protesters

Independent Cllr Terry O’Flaherty has called on the Occupy Galway protestors to move from Eyre Square and allow the Christmas Market to function properly and safely.

“The Christmas Market traders are paying high rent for their sites while the protestors are paying nothing and have taken over a prominent portion of Eyre Square with tents protected by unsightly pallets and daubed with messages of protest. How many protestors actually use the tents over night and is there a need to have so many?” she said.

Cllr O’Flaherty also raised questions as to whether Galway City Council would be liable for any accident that may occur on the site and called on the local authority and the Gardaí to “take action as they would against illegal dumping, illegal parking and illegal advertising signs”.

“While I respect that everyone has the right to protest, I must say to the Occupy Galway group that Eyre Square belongs to the people of Galway and not the banks and therefore it is disingenuous of them to continue to occupy the people’s park.  Give the people of Galway back their park, as they have already given, and continue to give, too much to bail out unscrupulous bankers.”