Why Galway teenagers using a library unsupervised may soon be deemed ‘unacceptable behaviour’
Galway County Council has adopted an updated customer service action plan that contains restrictions to teenagers under 16 from accessing council facilities without adult supervision, including libraries.
The plan, read aloud at the December meeting by Director of Services Michael Owens, aims to “encourage customers to be central” to council operations. However, its code of conduct lists “unacceptable behaviour” as “leaving children under 16 unsupervised in council facilities.”
The action plan, read aloud to the chamber at the December meeting by Director of Services Michael Owens, aims to “encourage customers to be central” to the operations of the county.
Within the code of conduct lists the markings of “unacceptable behavior” which includes “leaving children under 16 unsupervised in council facilities.”
Tuam councillor Karey McHugh Farag highlighted that all library services fall under council facilities, meaning 3rd, 4th and 5th year students could be barred from study areas and resources unless accompanied by an adult.
“At that age, they are two years off from being able to vote, two years off from being able to buy a pint, one year off from driving,” Cllr McHugh Farag said, supporting a proposal to lower the unsupervised access age to 12.
Councillors who understand the challenges and blessings of having teenage children, recognise that they often aren’t eager to have their parents or guardian with them. Especially while doing their studies.
Cathaoirleach David Collins added: “When they get to 14 or 15, they are too cool for having a parent with them.”
“If we are going to remove services because of behaviour issues, then we should get rid of pubs. No area is without issue,” Cllr McHugh Farag said. “It’s very unfair to take away library services for people in that age. We are going to remove a service from people when this chamber cries out for more facilities for young people to go to.”
Council members also referenced last month’s Planet Youth report, which highlighted a shortage of safe spaces for young people and concerning trends in drug and alcohol use, phone dependency and mental health.
Elected members agreed to defer the discussion for a month to allow feedback to library services, asking them to review the age limit. Mr Owens said the restriction is based on national guidance and clarified that the rule was introduced to protect children, not because of inappropriate behaviour by them.
The customer service plan was adopted, covering wider council operations beyond libraries. A proposal by Cllr McHugh Farag to reduce the age limit to 12 was seconded, with the matter set to return in January.