A call has been made for railings to be erected around the canal and river network in Galway city after a couple had to be rescued from the water in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The man and woman, both in their twenties, were treated for shock in University College Hospital after being taken from the water at Newtownsmyth around 2am.

The rescue follows an incident a week earlier, which has left a 23-year old Galway man fighting for his life after being taken from the water in the Claddagh area of the city.

Cllr Padraig Conneely said that action needed to be taken immediately or there would be loss of life. "It is particularly dangerous at this time of year. There are hundreds drinking on the canal and river banks every night of the week and, to be honest, I am amazed more have not been injured or killed.

"The solution is either to erect railings or police the entire area but that may be impossible as there is such a large area to cover.

"However, the Spanish Arch area seems to be particularly dangerous and we need to take action before somebody loses their life. We have had enough close calls," said the Fine Gael councillor.

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