Teenage gangs on rise in city, warns report

TEEN gangs who engage in underage drinking and drug abuse are on the increase in an affluent Cork suburb, according to a report by a leading academic.

A survey of teenage needs and attitudes in Douglas, outside Cork city, has uncovered a gang culture, with up to 10 teen gangs in the suburb, some of which are up to 50-strong.

The author of the report, University College Cork academic Bev Cotton, said he was told by teenagers that they were expected to join gangs, which congregate in out-of-the-way places, for both "protection" and "friendship".

He said gardaí estimate that up to 80% of gang members are drinking alcohol and many of them were underage.

"A minority are also dealing in, or taking, illegal drugs," Mr Cotton said.

In his survey, funded by the Department of Health, he claimed some of the girls drinking were of national school age.

Cork county councillor Deirdre Forde said the social problems which arose from gang membership were exacerbated by a lack of proper social outlets for youngsters. Ms Forde was among the community leaders who requested the study.

A total of 263 teenagers were surveyed.

When it came to facilities, teenage girls felt especially left out. Mr Cotton said the kind of activities they enjoy such as tennis, swimming, dance and drama were not well-catered for in the area.

"Alarmingly, the disaffected teenage girls were consequently the most likely to say that they go to the pub or drink alcohol," the report stated.

Younger children highlighted their fears about going to Douglas Park. They said that after 3pm it was invaded by older children and "drunks", making it unsafe to use.

However, on the whole, the majority of teens said Douglas was a nice place. But apart from the cinema, shopping centres and some sporting outlets they didn't have much to do.

Ms Forde, who along with local leaders, is now studying the report, said urgent measures were needed to address the issue.

"Kids don't feel safe unless playing in their own areas. I think we also need more community gardaí. We must provide sufficient amenities tailored to meet the needs of young people," she said.

Ms Forde is to give the report to the County Development Board, the council's planning unit and developers.