TD says he has seen no evidence that later Puck Fair closing times lead to anti-social behaviour

A Kerry TD says he has seen no evidence that late pub closing times at Puck Fair have led to anti-social behaviour.

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

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

The decision is to be appealed to the circuit court.

Deputy Michael Cahill says the ruling has come as a great disappointment to publicans and locals alike.

The Fianna Fáil TD believes Puck Fair is predominately a family event, and the later hours allow for safer dispersal of attendees.