Calls for public drinking fines hike

GARDAÍ have not imposed any fines on people caught drinking alcohol in public places in north Cork, even though they could have used a byelaw introduced by Cork County Council.

The stark contrast in the use of the byelaw in different parts of the county emerged when councillors looked at figures from the south Cork region.

These showed, in total, 154 fines had been issued since the byelaw was adopted on April 22, 2004. The west Cork region hasn’t yet adopted the law, but in north Cork it is activated.

The report was sought by councillor, Deirdre Forde (FF), who wondered out loud if the people of north Cork were more abstemious, adding she doubted it.

“Maybe the byelaws haven’t permeated down to gardaí in that region,” she said.

Little more than a year ago, Ms Forde sought a similar report, which showed that nobody had received any on-the-spot fine anywhere in the county.

She said this time she was happy to see that some progress had been made, especially as gangs of teenage drinkers were intimidating elderly people in particular.

Councillor Tim Lombard (FG) also welcomed the increased number of fines, but he found backing from colleagues when he said fines should be increased from the present €30.

“The fine should be much more. It’s absolutely crazy, it’s the value of what some people would drink in a night,” Lombard said.

Councillor Tomás Ryan believed that the fine should be greatly increased and also wanted tougher action taken against off-licences and supermarkets found to be selling alcohol to underage youngsters.

Mallow-based councillor Noel O’Connor (FG) said he was very surprised to see that no fines had been issued in north Cork.

“It’s hard to explain why 154 fines were issued in south Cork and nothing in either Fermoy, Mallow or the other towns in our area. I have to say I’m not happy with the fact that no fines have been issued,” he said.

Of the 154 fines issued, 91 have been paid. A further 15 are awaiting payment before the 21-day deadline.

However, 48 unpaid fines have been recorded, and the gardaí will seek prosecutions in district courts.

Ms Forde said she hoped offenders would be made to do community service.

County manager Martin Riordan said that gardaí might be using a different approach in different areas.

“I wouldn’t necessarily judge the number of fines which were handed out as to effectiveness of crackdown on drinking in public places,” Mr Riordan said.