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Piss off!
Disgusted with public urination in Ireland.
Warning: This isn’t exactly the most inspiring article, but some things just need to be said!
What is the story with public urination in Ireland?!
I’m walking to work this morning, as my bike is in the shop. I am blessed with the dream commute - a leisurely stroll down the Salthill prom. This ‘commute’ (I can hear those who wilt away in their cars for hours every day grumbling), is exhilarating on sunny and brisk mornings, though a curse when the wind and rain that batters the west of Ireland like a relentless thug slaps me senseless the entire three kms into Galway City.
Today, fortunately, it was a case of the former, a morning peek from the ‘heat wave’ that has been reddening faces and inspiring an endemic strip tease across the length and breadth of the country over the past few weeks.
There I was sunglasses on, calm breeze blowing through my hair, checking out the amazing skyline and my amazing tan after two weeks hols in Italy. “Ahh, what a morning,” I thought. “Damn, I love my job and my commute,” I smiled inside!
There I was buzzing with happiness. What a happy fool! The buzz however, was shattered by another fool far more; hmm shall I say “out there” then myself. Turned my head to the right- jaw dropping sea view. Turned my head to the left - jaw dropping disgusting man in a suit pissing all over what looked to be the front tyre of his car that was parked right beside the prom! He was not discrete, drunk, or embarrassed. He stood proudly checking out the sea view himself. Who knows, maybe the sound and sight of the water helps him take care of business?! “Where does this broad daylight public pisser work? Is this really happening? Does this man have no shame, no decency?” I thought.
I’ve been living in Ireland for over two years now, and I am still taken aback by the regular sights and sounds of public urination. Boys and men of all ages, both day and especially night, seem to have no issue with using the streets of Ireland as public urinals. Walking through the streets of most places on a weekend night out, you have to dodge the streams and puddles of questionable liquid streaming from nearly ever pole, lamp, corner, and oh God, don’t even attempt an alleyway!
Is it time we erect signs, like the ones that warn of cleaning up after your dog, to address this? I’ve been told that offenders can be issued with an on-the–spot fine of a whopping €2. Wow, what a disincentive!
Am I being a prude? Am I being sexist? Perhaps, but last time I checked we lived in the first world where we have impeccable water and sanitation infrastructure. Let’s use it! Then again, Galway hasn’t sorted out its water, so why am I expecting major strides in sanitation?
Paranoid, prude or is public urination just plain rude? What do you think? Let us know in the SpunOut.ie forum!
By: Emily Crowley
