[Press Release: January 15th, 2008]

Alcohol abuse needs to be addressed at local planning stage

Green Party Cllr Caroline Burrell has called on the Government's alcohol advisory group to examine giving local authorities more power at planning stage to curb alcohol abuse. Cllr Burrell said: "Justice Minister Brian Lenihan recently announced that the advisory group is considering raising the age limit for sale of alcohol in off-licences. I believe the advisory group should also examine how local authority planning can add to alcohol abuse in communities and how this problem can be addressed.

"A lack of facilities for young people and increased access to alcohol, whether from local stores or off-licences can often lead to large groups of people gathering to drink in public. Planning controls must be put in place, to identify specific areas where off-sales of alcohol may not be suitable under development and local area plans. I would hope that the task force will recommend new planning guidelines allowing local authorities to reject unsuitable applications that may be more likely to contribute to the occurrence of binge drinking in a community.

"I would also urge the Minister for Justice Brian Lenihan to reintroduce section 17 of the Intoxicating Licquor Act 2000, which requires that off licences label or stamp all product leaving their premises as having been purchased there. This section was dropped when the Act came before the Dáil and I consider this to have been an opportunity lost. I believe a system whereby alcohol products can be traced back to the retail outlets is essential in combating the illegal sale to minors."

The alcohol advisory group will examine issues such as below cost selling, special promotions and special exemption orders that allow longer hours of sale. Cllr. Burrell concluded: "The link between access to and abuse of alcohol is undeniable. Alcohol is often a gateway to more drug use and we have a duty of care in our community to ensure the problems are pre-empted before they even begin. I believe proper planning and ensuring the availability of suitable facilities is one step in the right direction."

  • Issuing of a licence to sell alcohol is within the remit of the Customs and Excise (Dept of Finance). However approval of an application for an off-licence is controlled by the Local Authority in accordance with the planning guidelines.

Alcohol Consumption in Ireland – The Real Costs

  • Irish consumers spend more income on alcohol than any other country in Europe according to the European Commission
  • Over a third of all fatal road accidents in the state include alcohol intake as a factor
  • Public order offences rose from 16,384 in 1996 to 51,099 in 2004, many of which are drug and alcohol related
  • In 2002, approx 200,000 patients attended Accident and Emergency as a result of alcohol related incidents.
  • Healthcare costs, alcohol related crime and loss of productivity at work are estimated to cost the state billions every year.

For further information please contact:
Caroline Burrell on 086-314 0453; email: burrell@wicklowgreens.org