People should take responsibility and not use beaches as a place to drink alcohol following an alleged brawl on a Dublin beach.  

That’s according to Labour Justice Spokesperson Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, who said the alleged brawl on Burrow Beach was “very unfortunate and extremely unseemly”.  

“There have been small issues with Burrow Beach going back a number of years,” he told Newstalk Breakfast. 

Deputy Ó Ríordáin alcohol was likely a “contributing factor” to the disturbances in North Dublin.  

“We need a recasting of the mind of what’s appropriate and what’s not appropriate,” he said.  

“If people want to enjoy alcohol, there are places where they can do that. 

“We, as people enjoying our beaches, have to take more responsibility – leave alcohol at home, don’t use beaches as a place to drink.” 

Gardaí

There is a responsibility on local council and law enforcement as well as regular beachgoers, however.

“We do have a situation where drinking of alcohol outdoors has been banned by council by-laws, and it just hasn’t been enforced,” he said.  

“Burrow Beach hasn’t been loved by Fingal County Council over the last number of years, and this really has brought things to a head.” 

The Dublin Bay North TD said there needs to be increased Garda presence in areas like Burrow Beach.  

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

“Gardaí are going to have a take a stronger look and control and surveil that part of Dublin.” he said.

“Which is unfortunate, but we can't let that happen again.

“If we allow a situation that continues consumption of alcohol on beaches, this sort of [fighting] is going to keep happening.” 

As Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has returned from maternity leave, Deputy Ó Ríordáin has called on her to deal with the issue as soon as possible.  

“She's just going to have to ramp up the number of Gardaí and give them the resources they need,” he said.  

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