There are calls for more Garda enforcement on the public consumption of alcohol, following an alleged brawl on a Dublin beach yesterday.   

Garda enquiries are underway following an alleged disturbance on Burrow Beach in Fingal, Co Dublin, yesterday evening.  

Gardaí were called to the scene, where they remained until the large crowds had dispersed. No arrests were made, and patrols in the area are continuing over the summer. 

Dublin-Fingal Councillor Brian McDonagh told Newstalk this is not a new issue and has been going on for years.   

03/06/2023 Dublin Ireland. People enjoying the hot weather at Burrow Beach Dublin. Photo: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie

“Almost invariably, alcohol is the common denominator here. We've been flagging this for years,” he said. “Since COVID, our beaches became more popular than they've been ever since the 80s.” 

“It's great to see people there but don't bring booze [and] bring a litter home.” 

The Labour councillor said there's an onus on beachgoers to behave appropriately when in public to avoid ruining the day for others. 

“There is a responsibility on people using the beach to behave in a way that works for everybody,” he said.  

Increased Garda enforcement

Cllr McDonagh also called for increased Garda enforcement of by-laws against public consumption of alcohol.  

According to by-laws enacted by Dublin City Council, the consumption of alcohol is not “in the interest of the common good of the local community” and “any nuisance should be controlled and suppressed” by Gardaí.  

Similar by-laws exist in other council jurisdictions across Ireland. Fines for public consumption of alcohol can range between €1,200 and €1,900 in Dublin.  

“We need to get the Gardaí to proactively seize alcohol and enforce those bylaws on the busiest beaches,” Cllr McDonagh said.  

“If you know that you're going to get your booze seized when you go to Burrow Beach or any other beach, then you won't bring booze and a whole heap of our problems will go down.”