Increased Garda Presence set for Castletroy

by Chloe O’Keeffe

There will be increase garda presence put into place for the Castletroy area over the next few days.

The news was announced by national media yesterday evening, and confirmed by University of Limerick President, Professor Kirsten Mey in an email to students and staff at the University this afternoon.

“In light of increasing concerns about student gatherings in the private housing estates in the vicinity of UL and given the rising number of cases as a result of community transmission, UL is now funding high visibility COVID-19 Garda policing to be carried out.”

In the email Professor Mey confirmed that this would result into an additional 310 additional policing hours.

There will be an increase in nightly Gardaí patrols in both off and on campus residences.

As per government guidelines, on the spot fines will be issues for any breaches of the regulations.

€100 fines can be issued for anyone leaving their home without a valid excuse, whilst a €500 can be issued to anyone thought to be arranging a house party.

Those in attendance to house parties will be fined €150.

This crackdown comes after a report by RTÉ last evening with UL students being interviewed and some admitting mixing with other households.

Professor Mey stated whilst the University are doing their utmost to put every preventative measure in place the most powerful is “ultimateyly you and your own behaviour.

“To the minority of you who still believe there is no harm in continuing to gather- you are endangering yourselves, your friends, your families, your community and your university.”

Registration for a COVID-19 test for the students of the University closes tomorrow, Friday 26 February at 12noon.

No symptoms are required, and students are encouraged to go.

“If you tested negative in the past number of weeks do not assume you are clear.”

Students who registered will be given an appointment times via text, and should only attend at their attended time.