Alcohol bye-laws combined

BYE-LAWS covering the consumption of alcohol in public places are set to be consolidated throughout Louth, it emerged this week.

The issue was raised at the monthly meting of Louth County Council where councillors heard that there are four sets of bye-laws currently operating in the county covering Dundalk, Drogheda, Ardee and the remainder of the county.

Director of Services, Joe McGuinness explained that through the Louth drugs and Alcohol Forum, a process was enacted to amalgamate these bye-laws into one.

A new draft set of bye-laws was agreed which will now go to public consultation.

The Director of Services explained that the bye-laws can be suspended for specific reasons.

This could include the hosting of the Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann taking place in Drogheda this August.

An application for a suspension would go to An Garda Siochana prior to the event being held.

The Director explained that a recent meeting of the Louth Drugs and Alcohol Forum had also seen concerns raised about other matters, including the possession and use of prescription drugs by persons not prescribed with those drugs.

Legal advice was sought on the matter, and the forum were informed that the matter is dealt with under the Misuse of Drugs Act (2017).