Aontu party leader delivers letter to Galway over street porridge - 'Making a mockery out of the local authority'

Aontú party leader Peadar Tóibín TD wrote to Galway City Council criticizing the lack of progress in addressing oat spreading on city streets. He questioned why a taskforce announced in May 2025 had not produced results and demanded transparency about money spent. He described the situation as outrageous and said it makes the local authority look ineffective, comparing it to a fictitious village comedy. The oat spreading issue has persisted for nearly ten years, with public health and environmental concerns raised. Councillor Frank Fahy said multi-agency talks were “horse manure” and claimed the city was being held to ransom by one person. Galway City Council officials stated the issue is receiving attention, that staff are investing significant money and effort, and that fines have been issued as an interim measure.

"“The 'task force' was announced last year, and I understand there is only one culprit when it comes to this type of littering, and yet there is nothing to show for it,” he said in the letter seen by the Irish Independent."

"He further called for the local authority to reveal the amount of money spent “for the sake of one individual.” Calling the issue “outrageous”, he claimed, “the issue is making a mockery out of the local authority” and compared it to an episode of Killinaskully, a 2004 comedy series taking place in a fictitious Irish village."

"At a recent meeting in the Galway City chamber in May, Councillor Frank Fahy once again made the topic his war call, saying talks of the multi-agency team finding solutions was “horse manure.” “The city is being held to ransom by one person,” he said. “How are we to benefit from Galway Tidy Towns if this is happening?” Cllr Fahy asked."

"Galway City Council's Director of Services Patrick Greene and Chief Executive Leonard Cleary confirmed that the oat spreading on the city streets is getting attention, that “a lot of money and effort” is being put in by staff and that a number of fines have been issued as an interim measure. Chief Executive Leonard Cleary added that they continue to invest in street cleani"

Read at Irish Independent