Publicans join with gardaí to tackle street violence

PUBLICANS are joining forces to tackle street violence amid fears the problem is spiralling out of control.

Bar owners in Killarney, Co Kerry, are linking up with gardaí to tackle late night violence, and Mayo vintners are establishing a community watch scheme.

Statistics show there were more than 1,300 public order offences and 120 assaults in Killarney between February and December 2002. Around 20 of these assaults were classed as serious.