This article is from page 10 of the 2011-06-14 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 10 JPG
NEW figures show that Ennis Town Council issued 11 fines against people for drinking in public places in 2010.
No fines have been handed out so far this year, while seven were issued in 2009 and 18 were issued in 2008. Town Clerk Eddie Power outlined the figures at last week’s meeting of Ennis Town Council.
Mr Power was responding to a motion tabled by Cllr Mary Howard (FG). Cllr Howard urged the council to compile a report on the amount of convictions under the council’s byelaws, with particular reference to recent difficulties with anti-social behaviour at Tim Smyth Park/Fairgreen.
Cllr Howard explained, “Over the past number of years, there have been problems with daytime and indeed night-time drinking.”
Cllr Howard added that the council erected a sign in the area to highlight the issue.
She said local people were concerned by the behaviour.
She told the meeting that groups of young people had been seen holding “drinking parties at night, sometimes by candlelight” near picnic tables in Tim Smythe Park.
Mr Power said, “The Garda Super- intendent has been contacted in relation to this matter and I will revert to you on receipt of his reply.”
Town Manager Ger Dollard said he had been told by gardaí that people caught drinking in public places have been dealt with under the public order act.
Concerns over anti-social behaviour at a new playground at Tim Smythe Park have led to calls for fencing to be installed.
Local residents say a six-foot fence, CCTV cameras and public lighting are required to prevent teenagers causing disruption.