CALL TO TACKLE CITY HOTSPOTS FOR TEENAGE DRINKING

Date Published: 15-Apr-2013

A city councillor has called for a fresh focus on teenage drinking hotspots in the city.

Cllr Niall McNeilis told this week’s Joint Policing Committee that the amount or volume of teenage drinking can bring an area down and that he and other Cllrs have met with Gardai in Salthill to discuss the issue.

Garda Superintendent Marie Skehill said gardai are aware of hotspots in Millenium Park and Mervue.

Cllr McNeilis also referred to derelict sites which he says are making life hell for some of the neighbours.

Cllr Donal Lyons highlighted a vacant house in the city where he said young people congregate and suggested the owner be given two options – to make it safe or demolish it.

Cllr Declan McDonnell said he is familiar with similar situations involving a derelict house and told the meeting that the legislation protects the owner rather than the people who have to live with it.

Speaking to Galway Bay fm news, Cllr McNeilis says certain actions could remedy the situation and all will be discussed.