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You are > Home > Boyle Town Council wants get tough approach to anti-social behaviour adopted locally
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Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Boyle Town Council wants get tough approach to anti-social behaviour adopted locally
By Donal McMahon
Boyle Town Council is looking for an increase in Garda powers in a bid to combat anti social behaviour in the community. The council held a special meeting last week to discuss a motion which it hopes to put before the Association of Municipal Authorities of Ireland conference.
The rise in incidences of criminal damage in the town of Boyle was, according to members, linked to the consumption of alcohol. Cllr Keith Suffin proposed that a set of rules be implemented to give the Gardai the power to prosecute those people caught causing anti-social behaviour. Cllr Suffin said that it was about time that the Gardai got tough on street rioters and drunken hooligans.
“At the weekend the streets of Boyle bear the scares of drunken brawls and nothing is done about it. I propose that that a system of on the spot fines, at a minimum of €100, be introduced to curtail such behaviour on our streets. This is not just a solution for adults. If the offenders are under the legal age then their parents or guardians should foot the bill. It’s time to get tough,” said Cllr Suffin.
Cllr Doreen Caldbeck remarked that Gardai faced an up-hill struggle when it came to proving that a person was guilty of anti social behaviour. “This is something that can hopefully be resolved by strengthening the powers given to the Gardai,” said Cllr Caldbeck.
“An Anti-Social behaviour plan was due to be implemented some six months ago and has still not seen the light of day. The council now has an opportunity to highlight the slow implementation of these rules at the AMAI meeting,” added Cllr Caldbeck. Councillor Ray Maughan said that the victims of ASB abuses often became the subject of further victimisation through the treatment they had to endure in any potential court hearing.
“It has been my experience that far too often the people who are victimised by ASB are put through the rings as they can be criticised and ridiculed for their objections to the abuse. There has to be some law to protect the innocent victims, some of whom take the alternative and suffer in silence,” said Cllr Maughan.
Cllr Mary Clifford said that the area of ASB had no winners but only losers in all aspects of the abuse.
“Now with the smoking ban in public houses, people who wish to smoke are now in the habit of taking their drink onto the street, these glasses then end up being used as weapons. The publican must ensure that no one is allowed to leave the premises with a drink in their hand,” said Cllr Clifford.
“Only for those who identify those involved in anti-social behaviour the community would be run over with hooligans. I propose that an act of confidentiality be brought in to protect people from being identified,” added Cllr Clifford.
The motion for on the spot fines was carried by the council and will now be forwarded at the AMAI conference.
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