MEMBERS OF THE garda public order unit will be out in force during patches of fine weather to crack down on problem drinking.

Under Operation Irene, which was trialled last year, gardaí will be dispatched to areas which have seen anti-social behaviour during warm weather.

Portmarnock beach, Howth, and areas of the inner city will all be patrolled by uniformed officers.

A number of incidents in the last two years culminated in garda callouts to beaches and parks.

Dublin City Council, in partnership with senior garda members, have decided that it would be in their best interests to continue the operation which ran last year from 1 June to the end of August.

According to gardaí: “Operation Irene is targeted to combat underage alcohol consumption and consumption of alcohol in a public place.

Enforcers

“Gardaí will enforce legislation regulating the sale, supply and consumption of alcohol as well as relevant public order legislation.”

Chair of the JPC, Daithí De Róiste, said a zero tolerance approach like last year is what’s needed.

There have been violent scenes at some of Ireland's beaches in recent years. RollingNews.ie RollingNews.ie

He told TheJournal.ie: “This really helped things last year so we’re looking to get it done again. Everyone wants to use communal facilities during the good weather. The last thing families need to see is drunk teenagers getting sick and fighting each other. It’s not on.

“What this operation is doing is looking to tackle those people who use the good weather as an excuse to get out of their mind drunk in public places. There needs to be a point where we say ‘enough is enough’.

“You cannot have a situation whereby people are afraid to go for a walk in the evening because they fear that there will be a big gang of drunk children hassling them.”

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