Garda patrols on busy Summer days are needed on Dublin's beaches following a mass brawl in north Dublin yesterday according to a local councillor.
The public order unit had to be called on Sunday evening as large crowds gather on Burrow Beach in Sutton. Footage of the incident, which has been making rounds on social media, shows a large crowd of youths exchanging blows on the beach.
Now local Labour councillor Brian McDonagh has called the incident "entirely predictable" following a number of issues with antisocial behaviour on beaches. He's also calling on Fingal County Council to take further action to protect Dublin's beaches.
Read more: Drivers fined as gardai warn unsafe parking could be putting lives at risk
He said: “While bye-laws are in place, we just don't have adequate enforcement on the ground. I know the Gardai are stretched but we really need proper policing when you have thousands of people on our beaches. It has worked before. If people who want to spend the day drinking know that they will get their booze seized, they are far less likely to bring it and it reduces the likelihood of fights. It really is that simple.
“As well as antisocial behaviour on Burrow beach we are dogged by three other serious problems - poor parking, litter and Sand Dune erosion. Poor parking is causing serious access problems for emergency services and residents. We issue hundreds of parking fines every year at Burrow Road so don't double park your car.
“The council spends thousands of hard working tax payers money on cleaning beaches and we have lots of dedicated volunteers but people really need to start acting responsibly and bring their rubbish home. Lastly, we need stronger action from the council to protect the Dunes from erosion as people continue to walk all over them. If you are going to the beach please stay out of the Dunes to protect our loved environment.”
A garda spokesman said about Sunday's incident: "Gardai from the Raheny District will continue to conduct high-visibility patrols in the area across the summer months as part of Operation Irene. Gardai in Raheny are appealing to any person who may have information in relation to this incident to contact them at Raheny Garda Station on 01 666 4300, or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111."
Read next:
Social welfare Ireland: Families to get extra cash boost in bonus payment
Dublin weather: Met Eireann's stunning bank holiday Monday forecast with sunshine and 20C temps
Join our new WhatsApp community! Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Sign up to the Dublin Live Newsletter to get all the latest Dublin news straight to your inbox.
