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The University of Limerick has been urged to introduce a “zero tolerance” policy for students who meet in violation of public health regulations.
Three men in their 20s were arrested after Gardaí broke up a street party in Castletroy, Co Limerick.
Since then, one of the detainees has been charged in connection with the incident and is due to appear in Limerick District Court on March 22.
Another man was released without charge and issued a fixed charge notice for public order offenses.
A third man, who was arrested under the misuse of drug laws, is still being held at the Henry Street Garda station.
More than 50 FPNs were issued in connection with Health Law violations after the Gardaí were summoned to Carysfort Avenue, College Court, which is located near the University of Limerick, following reports of large numbers of people being they had gathered in contravention of public health. regulations.
Several videos emerged on social media of widespread antisocial behavior during which a series of flares and fireworks were activated.
Councilor for Labor Elena Secas said the university needs to communicate the policy to all students and “establish strict rules and enforce them.”
Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Cllr Secas said the behavior was not acceptable and that local people “don’t feel safe outside.”
She said residents have raised concerns after previous incidents, but this is the largest gathering that has ever taken place.
A significant number of Gardaí attended a public order incident in Castletroy tonight. Three arrests and more than 30 FPNs for breach of Covid regulations. Ongoing investigations to establish street party organizers. pic.twitter.com/xNE0AzBpDI
– Garda Information (@gardainfo) March 2, 2021
In a statement, UL said it would “take strong disciplinary action against any student who has violated public health guidelines.”
“UL students are bound by a Code of Conduct,” he concluded.
UL President Professor Kerstin Mey was scheduled to meet with key Garda representatives today.
He said it is clear that “there is a small minority among our 16,500 students who live in off-campus properties that consistently ignore government and institutional guidelines.
“Students who have violated the UL Code of Conduct will face the full rigor of our disciplinary process, including temporary suspension and possible expulsion.
“We fully support An Garda Síochána and remain grateful for a close cooperative partnership with them.”
Taoiseach Department Under Secretary General Liz Canavan has urged everyone who participated in last night’s events in Limerick to come forward for tryouts if they have any concerns.
At the Covid-19 government briefing, he said that “it would be easy to generalize, but it would not be fair or accurate” and “most young people are doing very well and have missed a lot.”
“Most of the young people are doing very well and have missed a lot,” said the undersecretary of the Taoiseach Department. Liz Canavan appealed to people who were in a meeting in Limerick last night to come forward for Covid testing | https://t.co/YHJw0Oqpas pic.twitter.com/Zmi70nhEff
– RTÉ News (@rtenews) March 3, 2021
The Minister of State of the Department of Higher Education and Fianna Fáil TD of Limerick Niall Collins said that the scenes of the street party were “shocking beyond belief”.
Collins said responsibility must be assumed at multiple levels, including personal and parental.
“It is an insult and a slap in the face to people across the country who are complying with Covid rules and regulations.”
Speaking about RTE’s Today with Claire Byrne, Collins said that many students are unable to take advantage of the campus experience, but a small minority of people are “discrediting the whole system.”
He said that a clear plan and guidelines were given to all colleges of education in terms of who can be on campus and why they are allowed, and only about 2.2% of students are on the UL campus.
He said that everyone’s life has been inhibited during the pandemic and people are tired and frustrated, but said he did not accept the excuse that “a different regimen can be applied to students because they are students.”
A Limerick-based GP said older residents of the Castletroy area are choosing to use the shops and services in neighboring Tipperary out of fear that they are putting themselves at risk of contracting Covid-19.
Dr. Yvonne Williams said that patients report that they are afraid to use their local store in Castletroy due to the high level of Covid-19 among the population in the area.
Speaking about the same program, Dr. Williams said she hopes UL will take “serious action” on the incident.
“The measures taken to date have not been enough for young people to follow the line,” he said, expressing concern about the number of students who can go home for Mother’s Day on March 14 and can infect family members. .
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