To: Fingal County Council, An Garda Síochána, and our elected representatives

For generations, Skerries Harbour Road has been one of the most cherished meeting places in our town. On warm summer evenings and sunny weekends, local residents, families and visitors have gathered to enjoy the harbour, meet friends and neighbours, and responsibly share a drink while appreciating one of the most beautiful settings in Ireland.

The recent incident in which a vehicle was deliberately driven into members of the public shocked our entire community. Our thoughts remain with everyone who was injured or affected by this appalling act.

Following this incident, An Garda Síochána has begun enforcing the existing public drinking bye-law on Harbour Road. While we fully understand the need to protect public safety, we believe the decision to strictly enforce the bye-law in these circumstances is a disproportionate response that unfairly affects the many law-abiding people of Skerries because of the violent actions of a small number of individuals.

For many years, Harbour Road has been a place where people have gathered responsibly without the bye-law being routinely enforced in this way. It has become an important part of the social fabric of our town, bringing together friends, families and visitors in a safe, welcoming environment.

We respectfully ask Fingal County Council and An Garda Síochána to review whether strict enforcement of the bye-law is the most appropriate response, or whether there are better alternatives that would protect public safety while preserving a long-standing community tradition.

In particular, we ask that, before relying on a blanket enforcement of the bye-law, every reasonable alternative is explored.

We believe the most effective solution is an appropriate Garda presence during the relatively small number of busy sunny weekends and evenings each year when Harbour Road attracts large crowds. This is something many residents would welcome. A visible Garda presence would deter anti-social and violent behaviour, reassure families and visitors, and allow responsible members of the public to continue enjoying Harbour Road safely.

Public safety and long-standing community traditions are not mutually exclusive. With appropriate Garda resources, sensible planning and effective policing, both can be protected.

Harbour Road is also home to several cafés, restaurants and hospitality businesses. The current enforcement of the bye-law means that customers dining outdoors may no longer be able to enjoy a glass of wine or a beer with their meal while seated at outdoor tables on the public footpath. This risks diminishing the visitor experience, placing local businesses at a disadvantage and adversely affecting the hospitality trade that contributes so much to the character and economy of Skerries. Over time, reduced trade could also affect local employment.

Many residents have also expressed the view that concerns about potential disorder had been communicated before the incident occurred. If those concerns were raised, we believe they should be reviewed so that any lessons can be learned and similar incidents prevented in the future.

Throughout Ireland, we do not abandon valued community traditions because of isolated acts of violence. If a serious assault occurred at the All-Ireland Football Final, nobody would suggest banning Gaelic football or closing Croke Park. Instead, we would expect appropriate security and policing to protect those attending. The same principle should apply in Skerries. Criminal behaviour should be addressed by targeting those responsible - not by unnecessarily restricting the freedoms of the peaceful, law-abiding majority.

We therefore call upon Fingal County Council and An Garda Síochána to:

• Review the current enforcement of the public drinking bye-law on Harbour Road.
• Explore practical alternatives before continuing a blanket enforcement approach, including an increased Garda presence during busy periods.
• Provide appropriate Garda policing on sunny weekends and evenings to deter anti-social and violent behaviour.
• Work with local residents, businesses and community representatives to develop a balanced solution that protects both public safety and community life.
• Engage openly with the people of Skerries to ensure future decisions reflect the needs of residents, visitors and local businesses alike.

Skerries has earned its reputation through its strong sense of community, civic pride and welcoming atmosphere. For decades, Harbour Road has brought people together in a safe and responsible way. We believe one appalling act of violence should not permanently change how an entire community enjoys one of its most treasured public spaces.

Please sign below if you believe every reasonable alternative - including adequate Garda policing - should be fully explored before the existing bye-law is enforced in a way that effectively brings an end to a long-standing Skerries tradition.