.
Gardaí in Tralee are appealing to parents in relation to events being held in Dingle on St. Stephen’s Night.
Gardaí are asking that parents make their children aware that the majority of venues operating within Dingle on St. Stephen’s Night are over 18s venues and under 18yr olds will not be permitted on these premises. There will be a zero tolerance policy on public drinking and underage drinking.
Central collection points have been arranged in the Tralee, Listowel and Killarney Districts. Security personal, supported by Tralee Gardaí, will travel from on busses to assist the bus operators.
Continued below…
.
Gardaí from the Listowel and Killarney Districts will also be providing assistance at various locations, as will plain clothes members of the Divisional Drugs Unit.
Roads Policing Units will be carrying out checkpoints and buses may be stopped en route to Dingle.
Drivers are reminded that large buses or taxis bringing passengers on the night are public places under the Criminal Justice Public Order Act – any offences committed on them can be dealt with by Gardaí. Any vehicle found overcrowding will also be dealt with.
Speaking at Tralee Garda Station today, Superintendent Daniel Keane said; “Previously we have had issues with large groups of youths arriving into Dingle on buses and are then left wandering the town, sometimes in a drunken state, creating a significant risk for the young person’s themselves.”
Continued below…
.
“This is not only disrespectful to the local residents, it can put huge pressure on Gardaí and other emergency services. We have been liaising with bus companies and stakeholders for a number of weeks and the private bus operators have agreed there will be no alcohol allowed on the buses and most of the service will only be available for those over 18 years of age.”
“We will have extra Gardaí on duty on patrol in Dingle for the night, supported by the Roads Policing Unit and Divisional Drugs Unit. Any incidents such as public drinking will be dealt with swiftly.”
“St Stephens night is a great night to meet family and friends, we would just ask that you be safe, mind your belongings and look after each other. Have a plan in place, how are you getting there, how are you getting home? On behalf of An Garda Síochána I wish the citizens of Kerry and visitors to the area a safe and happy Christmas.”
