Two women had to be hospitalised after being bitten by seagulls in Eyre Square in recent weeks.

The incidents come amid a growing problem of gulls in the city centre – exacerbated by poor waste disposal practices and members of the public actively feeding these birds — according to a local councillor.

Cllr Níall McNelis (Lab) said he had received several representations about the problem and last week, he was contacted by two separate individuals who were left requiring medical treatment after being swooped on in the city centre.

“I got phone calls during the week to tell me that this had happened. One was a visitor to the city and the other woman was a local.

“This is a growing issue in the city and we really need to look at the solution,” said Cllr McNelis.

“We have to address a situation where people are actually suffering injuries in our city because we have allowed this problem to get out of control,” he added.

In addition to the injury risk, Cllr McNelis said the number of gulls nesting in the city centre was also causing issues, leaving businesses and homeowners out of pocket.

“A number of residents and businesses have contacted me to explain that they have to get their roofs redone because of the damage that is being caused.

“Some businesses are also complaining that they can’t have people outside because the seagulls are attacking their customers,” he said.

Pictured: Seagulls keeping an eye out for food in Eyre Square. PHOTO: JOE O’SHAUGHNESSY.