Party’s over students
»»University to launch street bash inquiry »»Anyone who attended could face expulsion
STUDENTS who attended a street party could be expelled, it has been revealed.
These pictures show the aftermath of the gathering in Limerick which was attended by up to 100 people and saw three arrested and a number of fines imposed.
In a statement yesterday, University of Limerick said it “deplores” the behaviour and will punish all students who attended.
A spokesman added: “UL has consistently liaised and worked with gardai to remind students of their personal responsibility to follow government and institutional guidelines.
“UL deplores the behaviour of a small minority of students living in the off-campus estates in private rented accommodation.
“Following a policing operation and continued and orchestrated noncompliance with public health regulations and failing to comply with directions from gardai, gardai were forced to intervene in the situation.
“A number of individuals were arrested and fixed charge notices were issued.
“The university is conducting an investigation to identify any UL students who took part in the gathering, which represents a serious breach of both the public health restrictions and the institutional code of conduct.
“Students at UL are subject to a code of conduct.
“Any student found to have attended the gathering will face suspension, pending a full investigation, or possible expulsion.”
Shocking footage posted on social media shows a large group gathered in the College Court area.
Little or no social distancing was observed in the scenes posted online with music, cheering and even a flare appearing to have been set-off in one clip. Since being uploaded to the web on Tuesday evening the clips have been widely circulated on social media.
Gardai shared pictures showing the aftermath of the party, with cans and bottles strewn across the front lawns of houses on the street. Investigations
are continuing to find the organisers of the event.
Higher Education Minister Simon Harris described the scenes as a “slap in the face” to people.
He tweeted: “Students like everyone have suffered a lot with Covid-19.
“The scenes in Limerick are completely unacceptable and are a slap in the face to everyone sacrificing so much. It does a real disservice to all students who abide by the rules day in and out. I have spoken to UL.”
And in Galway, students who break Covid-19 rules will be slapped with a punishment essay. NUI Galway revealed students had already been hit with the 2,000 word essays for breaching public health advice.
The university said some students have been asked to write a “reflective essay” about the potential impact their actions could have on family, friends and society.
Following the street party, two men in their 20s were arrested under the Public Order Legislation and one man in his 20s was arrested under Misuse of Drugs Legislation.
Gardai issued a further 30 fines for breaches of lockdown rules at the scene. A spokesman said: “Officers have commenced an investigation into identifying the organisers of this event, and as with all breaches of the Public Health Regulations a file will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.”
While officers responded to the party, they were told about a number of suspicious activities involving men and a vehicle in the area.
Garda dog Bouncer helped to sniff out cocaine worth €17,500 along with €800 in cash.
Two men were arrested in relation to the discovery.
A spokesman added: “Two men were arrested at the scene and brought to Henry Street Garda station where they are currently detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice Act (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996. Investigations are ongoing.”