Gardaí called to 900 house parties in Galway City
From this week's Galway City Tribune - Gardaí were called to almost 900 house parties in Galway City since Covid restrictions were introduced 12 months ago, leading to ‘a drain on Garda resources’.
Following a question from Cllr Níall McNelis (Lab) at a City Joint Policing Committee (JPC) meeting this week, it was confirmed that Gardaí were alerted to some 739 parties in Galway City and a further 144 in Salthill between March 13, 2020 and March 19, 2021.
In addition, since legislation was introduced to clamp down on those flouting the ban on gatherings in January, 198 Fixed Charge Notices (FCN) have been issued.
Chief Superintendent Tom Curley told the JPC that fines could only be issued since legislation was introduced on January 29, but that all those in attendance at house parties were now liable.
“If there is a person in charge, they can be issued with a ticket. That’s normally whoever is renting the house. But all those in attendance can be issued with tickets,” said Chief Supt Curley.
Speaking after the meeting, Chair of the JPC, Cllr McNelis, said the figures were ‘quite startling’ and despite the notion that ‘we’re all in it together’, there was a significant cohort of people ignoring restrictions.
(Photo: Chief Supt Tom Curley) This is a shortened preview version of this article. To read the rest of the story and for more coverage of the Joint Policing Committee meeting, see this week's Galway City Tribune. You can buy a digital edition HERE.