KildareNet News

Courts will be given power to close bars, discos and fast-food premises creating public order problems, as part of a Fianna Fáil policy to get tough on street violence and late night disturbances. Cllr. Paul Kelly also stated that the Party will also publish new legislation to ensure that those who engage in violent and anti-social behaviour are dealt with quickly and effectively.

"Fianna Fáil will bring the same determination to bear in addressing street violence and public order offences as it did on organised crime and property offences – but it must have public support," he said.

"A heavy duty rests on the owners of bars, clubs, discos, off-licences and fast-food outlets to ensure that their premises are being run in a way that does not contribute to public disorder," he said.

"It is unacceptable to have dozens of young people in their late teens and early twenties discharged drunkenly onto the streets in the late evening or early hours of the morning. If premises are run in a manner which creates a problem, we will ensure that the Courts have power to close them down,” he vowed.

Paul welcomed the promise of the Minister for Justice to further strengthen the powers of the Gardai to ensure that they and the courts are given the powers necessary to quieten areas where there is a significant level of public disorder. Pubs and off-licences that sell alcohol to under 18's will continue to be prosecuted and closed down.

"Extra Garda resources and legislation alone will not solve this problem. The owners of public premises have a serious responsibility, and the campaign against public disorder and street violence needs public support. Intolerable behaviour must be treated as what it is - intolerable," he concluded.