Cork's 'no-go' streets: How safe is the city centre?

Sarah Horgan took to the streets of Cork to talk to businesspeople, gardaí, and members of the public about a rise in drunkenness, drug-taking, and antisocial behaviour

Revellers enjoying the nightlife on Oliver Plunkett Street during the Jazz Festival in Cork. Picture: David Creedon

From hot tea in the face to relentless intimidation, some business owners in Cork city centre say they feel as if they are on the frontline of a war against antisocial behaviour.

A recent meeting of Cork City Council heard parts of the city branded as "no-go areas", with MacCurtain Street, which underwent a multi-million euro revamp last year, and Mary Elmes Bridge highlighted as some of the worst affected by the antisocial behaviour.