Gardai warn Galway students of ‘zero tolerance’ during Rag week

Gardai have warned Galway students that they will be taking a “zero tolerance” approach to any anti-social behavior during the local colleges’ Rag weeks.

Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) is going ahead with Rag week this week despite college authorities having withdrawn their support for the event.

NUI Galway has replaced Rag week, which usually runs for the last week of February, with “College week” which will take place during March.

The changes are a result of widespread public disorder during Rag week last year. A total of 42 students were arrested and 31 were admitted to University College Hospital Galway for alcohol related injuries and illnesses during the event.

Superintendent Tom Curley of Mill Street Garda Station described last year’s incidents as “absolute skulduggery of the highest order”.

A number of assaults and damages to property were reported and in one incident a car was overturned and the wing mirrors of a Garda car torn off.

“There were people highly intoxicated from half ten in the morning shouting, vomiting, defecating… showing no respect for the local businesses or community,” Supt Curley said.

Local Gardai have met with the students’ unions and college authorities to warn them they will not tolerate similar trouble this year.

Supt Curley said, “In the past we handed out cautions, which would not affect a person’s record or ability to apply for visas, but if we experience similar problems this year we will be charging people and bringing them to court.”

Gardai will be operating at high visibility throughout the week with all large gatherings being dispersed, and any alcohol being consumed in public will be seized “in the interest of public safety.” The organisers of foam parties have also been contacted to request that they be cancelled following problems at them last year.

GMIT has denied students the use of their campus for Rag Week events which has led to concerns that students will organise unofficial events themselves.

President of the Students’ Union, Patrick Bonner said: “It is unfortunate that the college are not supporting the Raise and Give Week. The on-campus events are the best fundraisers and are all non-alcoholic. It is a real shame.”