‘All-ages’ gig aims to get teens off the streets

The first in a series of gigs designed to entice teenagers off the streets of Cork City at weekends kicks off tomorrow.

Gardaí and Cork City Council have joined forces to launch the alcohol-free afternoon gigs in City Hall.

It is hoped the event will offer teenagers something else to do on a Saturday instead of gathering on St Patrick’s Street.

The weekend gatherings have become a major concern for city centre traders and shoppers. Groups of up to 40 young people, ranging in age from 14 to 17, have been congregating on parts of the city’s main street near pedestrianised streets, mostly on Saturday afternoons.

They have been accused of creating an intimidating atmosphere, and there have been a number of fights and assaults and several arrests for public order offences.

Supt Barry McPolin told a joint policing committee meeting last month that several people have been dealt with under the juvenile caution scheme. He said gardaí also wrote to the principals of Cork’s secondary schools outlining their concerns.

Over recent weeks, the gardaí and city officials have been working on a plan to give teenagers an alternative. It has culminated in the first ‘all-ages’ gig in City Hall’s Millennium Hall tomorrow.

The event is not-for-profit and any proceeds raised will go towards the provision of facilities for young people in the city.

The event, which is run by Dave Promotions, starts at 3.45pm; tickets are €10 and are available at the door on Eglinton Street.