Calls for designated outdoor drinking spaces

Tuesday, 8 June 2021 09:54

There are calls for designated public spaces in cities for outdoor drinking.

It follows unrest over the Bank Holiday Weekend which saw 55 people arrested and three Gardai injured.

26 people were arrested over the weekend in Cork city, primarily for public intoxication offences.

There were a total of 6 arrests for public order offences on Friday, 12 on Saturday and 8 on Sunday.

The Port of Cork fenced off sections of its quays ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend in an effort to prevent large crowds from gathering and to accommodate commercial shipping traffic which they say is in operation 24/7.

Calls are now being made for controlled spaces for public drinking in places like Ohio and Vancouver.

Fianna Fáil Councillor for Galway City East Alan Cheevers, thinks it would be safer if it was also implemented here.

"I think if we have a proper designated area, with proper toilets, which would be allocated for people for outdoor drinking, a safer environment.

"I think it possibly would make it easier as well for the Gardai, but I think also we need to have proper engagement with all the stakeholders."