CITY residents have hit back at claims by Fianna Fáil councillor Kieran O’Hanlon that off-licences are to blame for anti-social behaviour in the vicinity of St John’s Cathedral.
Speaking at last month’s Metropolitan District meeting, Cllr O’Hanlon called for Limerick City and County Council to consider bye-laws which would prohibit off licences operating in certain areas of the city.
This came on the back of concerns raised by the City North representative over street drinking, anti-social behaviour, and intimidation around St John’s Cathedral.
Now, The Brennan’s Row Residents Group have taken issue with the councillor’s claims that such businesses should face tighter controls.
The group told this newspaper that their local off-licence “operates under strict management and maintains full compliance with licensing regulations. The owners act responsibly and enforce all legal requirements regarding alcohol sales.”
Residents maintain the real issue lies elsewhere, namely around bars selling alcohol for takeaway, which the locals claim contributes to disorder and anti-social behaviour.
The city group said the locals “frequently witness disturbing scenes, including public intoxication, drug use, indecent sexual acts, vandalism, and harassment”.
“Some have even been attacked, while others wake to find people passed out in their doorways or sleeping under cars. The situation has become deeply distressing for families living nearby.”
Speaking at September’s Metropolitan District meeting, Cllr O’Hanlon told the Council executive that he has had discussions with clergy members and those who manage the upkeep of St John’s Cathedral.
“Their hearts are absolutely broken with people who are drunk and intimidating people going to weddings, funerals, and christenings and everything else,” he insisted, citing the availability of drink and off licences.
He told Council members that “we’re going to have to look at it as a Council where off licences operate from”, especially if they are located in culturally significant areas or nearby schools.
“It’s fine if people want to have their six packs or whatever, they can take them away. But they shouldn’t be using the fountain in St John’s Square as a gathering area for their drinking and everything else,” he told the meeting
The Brennans Row Residents Group say they have repeatedly raised their concerns with Cllr O’Hanlon and other public representatives, but with limited success.
“Cllr O’Hanlon dismissed our concerns, saying this was simply ‘the joys of living in the city’ and that such drinking behaviour was normal,” the group said.
Despite the lack of political support, the group says they have submitted multiple objections regarding licensed premises they consider to be sources of anti-social behaviour.
“The residents of this area deserve to feel safe in their homes and to have this matter taken seriously by both local representatives and the relevant licensing authorities,” the group said.
