Fountain outside Limerick cathedral has become haven for drinkers, says councillor

A COUNCILLOR has called for railings to be erected around the fountain beside St John’s Cathedral to stop people congregating there while drinking.

Fianna Fail’s Kieran O’Hanlon said the hearts of those who visit the Catholic cathedral are “absolutely broken” with the people who congregate at the square and drink.

He also claimed in some cases, they are “intimidating” to parishioners and tourists visiting the cathedral for Mass or funerals.

UPDATE: Gardai investigate gun attack at Limerick halting site

“There is a serious issue around that area. I think we need to engineer something until we get rid of the local drinkers from there.

“Engineer either railings or something that makes it uncomfortable to sit on the steps (beside the fountain),” he said.

The northside councillor made the comments at this month’s metropolitan district meeting in the context of a discussion on the city centre.

Already, Cllr O’Hanlon says, seating has been removed from St John’s Square due to anti-social behaviour.

“We spent a lot of money on St John’s Square. There was great work done there, and some lovely seating put in.

Unfortunately, I had to get onto council to have the seats removed due to the open air drinking, and people being intimidated,” he said.

He insisted he is not “anti-drink”.

“It’s fine if people want to have their six-packs and take them away. But not to be using the fountain as a gathering area for drinking and doing everything else,” he said.