'That is not on'

Parents and guardians have to “wake up” and realise that their children and teenagers are quite intoxicated in Cork city on a Saturday nights.

That was the stern message from Chief Superintendent Barry McPolin as he addressed an online Cork City Joint Policing Committee (JPC) meeting on Monday about recent activity in the city centre involving young people.

His comments came after Independent Councillor Kenneth O’Flynn brought the topic up for discussion and asked the chief superintendent what was being done to deal with the issue.

Cllr O’Flynn said he was aware of videos of fights being circulated on social media. He said it was “deeply concerning” as some of the videos were going somewhat viral with 4,000-5,000 views and comments and it would damage the city’s reputation as a destination for hotels and restaurants.

Chief Superintendent McPolin told the JPC meeting: “We have issues over a number of weekends particular on Saturdays with youngsters as young as 12 years of age and up to 17 and 18 years of age coming into the city. Not all of them are consuming alcohol but some are and are becoming quite intoxicated.”

He continued: “I have to pose the question ‘do their parents know where their youngsters are?’ They are coming into the city and hanging out in small groups and gangs up until 12.30am and 1am in the morning. That is not on. People have to wake up now and realise that their youngsters are out there. They are vulnerable themselves.”

Chief Superintendent McPolin also said there has been a number of assaults involving young people as well as incidents of public disorder on the streets where they gather. “We are out there in strength. We have very active teams and operational plans in place throughout the week but particularly at the weekend. We are proactive about getting in there before any incidents occur,” concluded the chief superintendent.