A pilot programme to tackle drink-related public order offences which involves publicans, doctors, local authorities and gardaí has resulted in a significant reduction in assaults, a conference in Cork heard yesterday.
Assistant Garda Commissioner Ray McAndrew said the Cork Public Order Policing Model had resulted in serious assaults in the city being reduced by one-third and the number of minor assaults being reduced by a quarter between 2002 and 2004.
Mr McAndrew said the reduction in assaults had been achieved despite the increase in entertainment venues in the city centre which now cater for an extra 4,000 people a night compared to 2002.
The Cork pilot project involves gardaí working in partnership with publicans, nightclub owners, security staff, accident and emergency departments and Cork City Council to reduce public order incidents.
Mr McAndrew said studies have shown that young binge drinkers are three times more likely to be involved in public order offences.
