Why Galway teenagers using a library unsupervised may soon be deemed 'unacceptable behaviour'

"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."

""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.""

The county's action plan read at the December meeting aims to encourage customers to be central to council operations. Its code of conduct lists leaving children under 16 unsupervised in council facilities as unacceptable behaviour. Libraries are classified as council facilities, meaning 3rd, 4th and 5th year students could be barred from study areas and resources unless accompanied by an adult. Tuam councillor Karey McHugh Farag supported lowering the unsupervised access age to 12, noting teenagers' growing independence. Councillors warned that removing library access would reduce services for young people amid concerns raised by the Planet Youth report about a shortage of safe spaces and rising substance use trends.

Read at Irish Independent