Cork TD calls for 9pm teen curfew
Teenagers could be banned from congregating at designated areas around Cork city under plans proposed by Fianna Fáil TD Billy Kelleher.
Deputy Kelleher is in discussions with the Department of Justice to see how arrangements could be made for a system of curfews for under-16s between 9pm and 6am.
Under Deputy Kelleher’s proposals, anyone under-16 could not congregate in designated areas of the city.
“Residents, particularly those in housing estates, have complained to me that they are intimidated by groups of teenagers when they step outside their doors. The increase in anti-social behaviour in these areas is in large part due to the scope afforded to unruly teenagers to congregate in built-up areas,” Deputy Kelleher told the Evening Echo.
Within the proposed curfew zones, gardaí would have the power to break up groups of teenagers, ban those not from the area, and escort home those under-16.
It’s not yet clear if the curfew system could be introduced by Cork City Council, or if the Department of Justice would have to introduce a legal change to make it possible.
The Department is currently undertaking a review of youth justice, and the curfew proposal may be considered as part of this review.
Deputy Kelleher said that Cork City Council would be involved in designating the curfew areas, in consultation with the Department of Justice and the Garda Síochána.
“This would be targeted at areas where anti-social behaviour is a problem. It wouldn’t apply to areas where there isn’t a problem. It’s not an infringement of civil liberties. I think it’s more of an infringement of civil liberties to have people terrified in their own homes by gangs,” Deputy Kelleher said.
