Mayor of Galway city Councillor Eddie Hoare has said he is fearful that if violent incidents in the city continue, someone involved, or an innocent member of the community, will be killed.
His comments come as Gardaí confirmed they are investigating a "serious public order incident" at a car park on the Headford Road on Sunday evening, during which two men were assaulted and two more people were injured when a car was driven at speed into a group of people.
Speaking to RTÉ's News at One, Cllr Hoare appealed to those involved in the incident to consider the serious implications of their actions.
"I would ask for calm. If these incidents continue to occur we are going to see someone killed in our city. Either someone involved or an innocent bystander.
"I would ask for those involved to step back. Galway city is a city we are all proud of, and we want to keep it that way."
Cllr Hoare said Minister of Justice Helen McEntee had been appraised of the situation and had guaranteed the provision of any additional resources needed to address such disturbances.
He said he wanted to "strongly and outrightly condemn" the actions witnessed in the city over the last 24 to 48 hours.
"I think it sends out the wrong message for Galway. Galway is a friendly city with purple flag status and that is the image we want to protect.
"I spoke with Chief Superintendent Gerry Roche this morning, and he has given a commitment to meet with me and the Chief Executive of Galway City Council tomorrow morning. We will make sure that every resource is put in place to make sure that incidents like these are curtailed and are stopped.
"The Minister of Justice has given a commitment that resources will be put in place to address this. I am fully confident that the gardaí in Galway will address it."
"A public order unit is ready to be deployed on the city if required to address these ongoing feuds. I hope that this message resonates loud and clear with those involved.
"The Minister has been made aware of these activities, and hopefully we can bring a halt to it," Cllr Hoare added.
