TD quizzes push for Dublin late opening hours but Garda resources are too stretched for Puck Fair

A TD has asked the government if Garda resources are so stretched that they can’t afford extra hours during Puck Fair.

Speaking in the Dáil, Deputy Danny Healy-Rae made a plea to ensure the tradition of late opening hours during the festival could continue.

At a sitting of Killorglin District Court in Cahersiveen last week, Judge David Waters refused an application from 14 pubs in the town, to stay open until 3am.

An Garda Síochána objected to the exemption on grounds including that it would put additional pressure on limited garda resources.

Deputy Healy-Rae asked how Dublin is pushing for a night-time economy, but pubs can’t stay open late during Puck Fair.

He made this plea:

In response, the Taoiseach Mícheál Martin gave this reply: