NUI Galway should be proud of its wonderful record of planting and maintaining green areas over the last few decades.Gerry Lee, the Buildings Manager in the 1970s and 1980s was instrumental in initiating a programme of covering extensive areas of the university with trees and shrubs when many other contemporary institutions were going for the easy option of providing manicured lawns which 'zoned out' wildlife.
In my opinion, it has the greatest number of wildlife habitats of any third level campus in Ireland.
But 'bushing' and illegal dumping of all types of waste is seriously eroding the sustainability of its waterway and particularly its woodlawns. Large mammals will have no chance to create nesting areas in areas so used by drinkers and dumpers.
The photograph opposite was taken in the copse of trees near the Quincenntennial Bridge.
Quincenntenial Bridge underpass- NUIG
From the amount of material scattered along the walkway under the Quincentennial Bridge and the graffiti covering the concrete, I would surmise that this area is a popular late night drinking zone.
Beer Cans - Public Enemy No. 1!
The greatest amount of debris left in Galway's green zones consists of beer cans.
If the evidence that I found is anything to go by, Heineken and Budweiser are definitely two of the most popular drinks in the city with Bulmers close behind!
NUIG- Plastic Bags of Beer Cans Hanging in the Trees
I was surprised to see bags of empty beer cans hanging from the trees close to the two storey pre-fab building that is part of the Dept of Psychology.
NUIG - Dumping 'Down By the Riverside'
No place is safe from the scars from outdoor drinking. The lovely shoreline of the Corrib River is being despoiled by cans, bottles and food wrappings.NUI - Net Fishing along the River Corrib
The photograph shows pieces of nylon nets that was obviously used to ensnare fish.
As I also found the remains of a camp-fire nearby, it is quite possible that the fish caught were eaten on site.
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