New council bye-laws to curb public drinking
Louth County Council’s new bye-laws aimed at curbing drinking in public places which come into effect next month, have been warmly welcomed by the Carlingford Residents Association.
The Association made the only submission received by the Council during the public consultation period.
The new bye-laws, which now includes passenger vehicles in the definition of a public place and prohibit the supply of alcohol for consumption in a public place, will cover the whole county.
In welcoming the bye-laws, the acting chairman of Carlingford Residents’ Association, Mr Kieran McCourt highlighted the problems which public drinking is causing the village.
‘It is a matter of record that large numbers of Gardai have been required in recent years to seize alcohol from passengers of minibuses coming into Carlingford from a northern direction.’
‘In spite of these efforts, incidents of excessive drinking, offensive disorder have still occurred and been widely publicised. These issues arise most acutely at Easter but are not confined to that holiday.’
The Association sent photos showing gardai, including the Armed Response Unit, called out to disturbances in the village, planters overturned, abandoned alcohol bottles and rubbish, a bin thrown into Carlingford Lough, and public urination and vomiting. They noted that they could have included more images as Carlingford is advertised as one of Ireland’s most popular ‘ hen and stag’ locations.
‘Incidents of drunken and lewd behaviour are commonplace but, for obvious reasons, we have not photographed them.’
They urged that publicans, the public and bus operators be made aware of the bye-laws when they come into operation, and called for a special effort to be made to notify bus operators coming from across the border.
‘Over time these efforts could greatly reduce the problem at Easter and other holidays; allow for better use of precious Garda resources; improve the experience of Carlignford for visitors and so improve the business offering and tourist trade in ways that are sustainable and socially responsible.’
The problem which large numbers of noisy visitors to the village is causing was also highlighted at the weekend by a local resident who posted on Facebook about how ‘stag and hen’ parties are making life hell for her.
The 68-year-old posted that she had returned to live in Carlingford a number of years ago but was having increasing problems due to noisy groups staying in rented accommodation beside her.
She detailed how they would be so drunk that they would knock at her door in the middle of the night and how she had found underwear at her front door.
One company which brings ‘stag and hen’ parties to the village has posted a list of ‘ dos and don’t’ on its website in a bid to remind groups on to how to behave.