Communities in West Clare are on red alert after it emerged that “significant plans” are in place for Monday night when the Leaving Certificate results are released.

Up to nine people were arrested by Gardaí at the beginning of August following a mass gathering with up to 200 teenagers drinking and breaching COVID-19 guidelines on social distancing.

With nightclubs and pubs closed, arrangements are being put in place by teenagers to organise a gathering to celebrate the release of Leaving Certificate results which were marked by predictive grades for the first time. Family holiday homes and mobile homes in Kilkee, Lahinch and Spanish Point have been mentioned as locations identified for such gatherings.

Speaking at Tuesday’s meeting of the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) noted of the staycation period, “We were caught on the hop on a few occasions, I don’t think we expected the level of business we got”.

He issued a word of warning that the level of activity has not subsided. “It is not over yet, there are significant plans for parties in West of Ireland to celebrate Leaving Cert results next Monday. I hope Gardaí will be ready, forewarned is forearmed. The behaviour that happened before will not be tolerated. What we do won’t be wasted time,” the Kilkee representative stated.

Meetings have been held with Council officials and the Gardaí in Ennistymon to see how issues with regard to wild camping and underage drinking could be enforced. An increased Garda presence has been sought for Monday night.

“While we all empathise with the situation our young people find themselves in regarding COVID, it is entirely inappropriate to countenance their being packed off to places like Kilkee, Lahinch, Spanish Point etc in large numbers for what will inevitably be house parties and large gatherings in complete non adherence to health guidelines,” a statement from councillors Murphy, Shane Talty, Joe Killeen and Joe Garrihy outlined.

An assessment of the positive and negative impacts of the staycation period was sought by Cllr Joe Killeen (FF). The Tourism Taskforce is to carry out this review. “We’ve had a huge number of tourists, people in the industry were pleased with the advertising put in place by the Council. Tourism is different because of COVID, we’ve had huge crowds in Lahinch, people are looking for other areas and other experiences,” Killeen stated. He believed a critical appraisal was required to prepare the county for 2021.

His motion was seconded by Cllr Shane Talty (FF). “It is a topic we will be reflecting on for the next six months for next year. There is a broader multi-agency review required to see what lessons could be learned for the year ahead”.

Acting senior executive officer, John O’Malley noted that the tourist season has changed as people viewed a different side to the West of Ireland. “A whole new cohort of people have seen what the West of Ireland has to offer. We’re putting together a plan,” he confirmed.

Related News

chloe jake corry 1
Record number of 350 cyclists for Odd Socks Cycle in Clare
maxresdefault
Clare-based podcast ‘Weshtern Philosophy’ returns for season 3
galway arts centre 1
Six month pilot launched to provide greater access to arts & culture
fire harmony row 02-04-25
Emergency crews tackle blaze in Ennis

Advertisement

Latest News
clare v limerick minor 18-04-24 graham ball 1
Clare minor hurlers looking to make their mark as championship commences
diarmuid mcmahon
McMahon to become Ennis Chamber President for second time
galway arts centre 1
Six month pilot launched to provide greater access to arts & culture
clare v waterford u20 04-05-24 james organ 1
Organ helps Clare grind out win over Waterford
fire harmony row 02-04-25
Emergency crews tackle blaze in Ennis
Premium
claire joe collins 1
'Check upstairs & outside' - inquest hears details on death of Kilnaboy couple
john carmody 2
Antrim were deserving league winners says Carmody as Clare fall short
clare v cork u20 26-03-25 diarmuid stritch 1
Clare target better shooting efficiency & first championship win for Déise date
cork v clare u20 01-05-25 evan cahill 1
Clare's U20 footballers lose by nine points to Cork in Quilty
clare v limerick u20 22-03-25 luke pyne 1
Clare U20 footballers 'relishing chance' to play three more games in Munster

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.

Advertisement