Home > Lack of facilities puts teenagers at risk of alcohol abuse

A meeting in Ballymascanlon attended by Louth Junior Council and representatives of the Gardai found that a lack of facilities was a primary reason for young people drinking or experimenting with drugs. Garda Ciaran Clarke, who works with young offenders, reported that almost 80% of those who “get into trouble don’t take part in sport of are not in a youth club.” David Heaney, Chairperson of Louth Junior Council, complained that the Garda ID scheme was not being enforced. Sergeant Brian Mohan of the Garda Drugs Squad stated that most children are likely to be introduced to drink or drugs by their best friend and that the biggest problem that Gardai encountered was abuse of alcohol rather than drugs.