Councillors declare war on street violence

TOWN councillors in an area where 10 people have been arrested for street violence over the past two weekends have said they’ll enact by-laws forcing nightclubs to shut early, if disturbances continue.

More gardaí are to be put on weekend patrol to halt late-night violence on the streets of Enniscorthy, Co Wexford. Four gardaí have been injured while trying to break up fights on the streets of the town over the past two weekends. And 10 young people are expected before the courts shortly, charged in connection with such offences.

Five more men were arrested after disturbances in Enniscorthy in the early hours of Sunday morning. A garda injured in one attack was taken to Wexford General Hospital with concussion, a suspected broken nose and cuts which required several stitches.

Eight days ago several similar disturbances erupted involving up to 60 people in the Market Square area of the town, resulting in three gardaí being injured, despite back-up from Gorey and Wexford town. Garda patrols have been increased in Enniscorthy, while extra lighting and CCTV is planned. The Garda Representative Association is also to seek talks with members in the area.

Junior Marine Minister John Browne said that weekend garda patrols need to be increased in the area and is to raise the issue with Justice Minister Michael McDowell.

“However, if the violence doesn’t stop then the councillors are going to look at enacting a by-law which curtails late-night opening hours of nightclubs.”

A zero tolerance stance is being taken by business people in the town which has been rocked by violence since St Stephen’s night. Local politicians and businesses met last week to discuss the violence. Locals plan to lobby Government to have the legal age for consuming alcohol increased from 18 to 21 to halt the “thuggery”.

Fianna Fail councillor Keith Doyle said a “zero tolerance” stand had to be taken. He described those involved in street violence as “scum”.