Limerick visitors to flock to Listowel for the races
Listowel Races and Harvest Festival takes place from September 20 until September 26
AS THE Listowel Races and Harvest Festival kick off this Sunday, September 20 until September 26, people will flock to Kerry from West Limerick, North Cork and further afield.
Anyone travelling there is advised to use the Listowel Bypass which will allow them to access the Listowel Races car parks.
Sergeant Diarmuid O’Brien stressed that a lot of young people attend the races, particularly on Ladies Day and while all young people are welcome and it’s hoped they will enjoy themselves, the schools, bus companies, businesses and racecourse committee will work together to create more awareness about anti-social behaviour and underage drinking.
Gardaí will carry out spot checks at bus pick up locations to ensure that no alcohol is brought onto buses or that anyone underage has consumed alcohol.
There will also be a stop and search policy at the racecourse and anyone who looks under the age of 21 will be required to produce ID.
Sergeant O’Brien said: “We are again this year asking parents to take personal responsibility for their children. If under 18’s are attending the races unaccompanied by an adult we ask parents to know where they are throughout the day and arrange collection after the last race. “Youths under 15 years will not be allowed entry to the racecourse without being accompanied by an adult. Also underage persons will not be allowed into licence premises up the town afterwards.”
Adults intending to drink alcohol are also asked to ensure they have a designated driver or alternative transport home.
Additional resources will be deployed by the divisional roads policing unit in Kerry.