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Garda operation to rein in chaos of Freshers’ Week
By Eoin English
Residents living near University College Cork are bracing themselves as a major Garda operation began last night in a bid to contain Freshers’ Week chaos.
Some 4,000 students are set to party this week to celebrate their first year in university.Up to 7,000 students are expected in the city centre for the social highlight of the week, Thursday’s night Freshers’ Ball, which coincides with Arthur’s Day.
The authorities have warned students they will face serious college disciplinary procedures, arrest, and possible court appearances if they step out of line.
The warnings follow a rise in complaints about drunken behaviour, antisocial activity, and out-of-control house parties around Freshers’ Week and Rag Week events in recent years.
Plans to contain the problems were discussed at the Cork City Joint Policing Committee this month.
Superintendent Barry McPolin said gardaí have prepared a “robust” policing plan for the week.
He said gardaí from Togher and Anglesea districts will mount extra high-visibility foot, bike, and car patrols in and around UCC, and on the roads leading from the university quarter to the city centre.
“We will be out in force and will be taking a no-nonsense approach,” he said. “You can enjoy yourselves and have a good time but not at the expense of your neighbours. You must take responsibility for your own actions.”
Gardaí will be issuing on-the-spot fines to anyone found carrying beer cans or bottles on the streets.
He warned students of the serious damage that can be done to long-term career prospects and international travel plans if they are arrested, charged, and convicted.
Gardaí have been advising UCC’s student union which is organising its own student patrol and litter pick teams.
SU president Eoghan Healy said all incoming first years were reminded during orientation briefings last week to respect UCC’s neighbours and to reflect on their drinking habits.
“And today, we will be distributing a flyer to residents in the area with contact numbers for SU officials who they can contact in the event of complaints,” he said.
“We will be working closely with the gardaí and we will also mount our own patrols from about 8pm to 3am each night this week.”
A UCC spokesperson said the university president, Michael Murphy, also used the briefings to remind students of their responsibility to the local community, and to enjoy themselves in a “reasonable and civilised manner”.
“For the first time ever, UCC incoming students were asked to pledge to uphold a ‘code of honour’, and to confirm that commitment in writing,” the spokesperson said.
“Amongst other things the code contains a student pledge to ‘always endeavour to show respect to fellow students, staff, and to all members of the wider community’.”
“Students will continue to be subject to the university rules and any breaches reported are considered and investigated initially by Campus Watch,” the spokesperson said.
“The gardaí and UCC continue to liaise to try to ensure that our students enjoy themselves in a safe and respectful fashion, including liaising with the students’ union to help develop a Student Community Support team.”