It’s feared anti-social behaviour during the Ennis St Patrick’s Day Parade, could ruin the town’s reputation, if steps aren’t taken to prevent it this year.
Councillor Mary Howard claims visitors and spectators have been sprayed with shaving foam and silly string in recent years, while shop owners have been intimidated by young people blocking paths.
75 local businesses signed a petition calling for a greater Garda presence on the streets of the county town a number of years ago, amid concerns that visitors didn’t feel safe, due to the behaviour of teenagers.
Councillor Howard is asking business owners not to sell products to young people which could cause offence or upset to visitors:
Mary Howard is appealing to “all businesses, especially on the route of the St. Patrick’s Day parade be sensible as to whom they sell these products to”.
“Over the last number of years visitors to the town and spectators at the parade were sprayed with these products, plus shoppers and business owners are being intimidated, as these young people are blocking path ways, laneways and entrances to shops”.
“This is obviously having a negative economic impact on the town as nobody wants to stay in the town centre after the parade” continued Councillor Howard.
“Over the last number of years a number of local businesses closed their doors at 3pm as the town was deserted mostly due to this antisocial behaviour”.
“St Patrick’s weekend is one of the earlier festivals of the season and it is important that locals, visitors and businesses have a positive and enjoyable few days”, concluded Councillor Howard.
