CASTLETROY residents have slammed UL ‘Charity Week’, claiming estates have been taken over by drunken youths.
However, UL Student’s Union responded that apart from a few isolated incidents, which have been dealt with, they are extremely happy with how the week has progressed. Following what was described as relative calm during last year’s event, residents allege that student behaviour is now as bad as ever.
“They are making life unbearable and while Gardaí are providing extra cover, they can’t contain everything.
“Whole estates have been taken over by students engaged in lawlessness that wouldn’t be tolerated elsewhere,” complained Joe O’Shea, Milford Grange resident, and chairman of Plassey Residents Association.
President of UL Students Union, Ruán Dillon McLoughlin, who has been part of late night student patrols, said:
“Things have been busier because of the good weather. We have been working well with Gardaí to curb students drinking on the street and students have been co-operative”.
Gardaí have implemented extra patrols in the area for the week and have issued many on-the-spot fines.
“It’s messy out there but thankfully, there have been no serious incidents.
“We have foot patrols and mobile patrols everywhere in operation but parties are springing up everywhere… as soon as we stop one, another starts”.
