Vol. 519 No. 5
272 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands her views on the need for restrictions and by-laws to prevent drinking on city stretches of the Royal Canal in Dublin 9; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14380/00]
As I indicated in reply to a similar Question No. 722 on January 28 1998, I am aware that alcohol abuse is a major problem in some areas of Dublin City, including some stretches of the canal which are open for public amenity use. People who engage in drinking on canal property present a danger to themselves with perhaps the risk of drowning. They may also cause a nuisance or threat to local residents, walkers and other canal users. In such circumstances the assistance of gardaí is sought whenever a public order problem is reported.
Under section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994, there is provision for the seizure of alcohol by the gardaí from a person who is intoxicated in certain circumstances in a public place. I believe that the enforcement of this legislation offers the best way to tackle the problem.
I also refer the Deputy to a reply that my colleague the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform gave in relation to Question No. 115 on Thursday, 18 May 2000.
