Security arrangements for St Patrick's Day in Dublin must be reviewed in the wake of last weekend's riots in the city, it was claimed tonight.
Fine Gael Senator Brian Hayes also called for the temporary closure of city centre off-licences during the celebrations.
"The rioting and looting which took place in Dublin last Saturday should be a wake-up call to the Minister for Justice and the Garda authorities," he said. "There are elements in this city that will seize any opportunity to cause mayhem, and they must be kept firmly under control.
"However, there is a level of complacency about the forthcoming St Patrick's Day celebrations in Dublin, and a serious under-estimation of the risks."
Mr Hayes said there was an urgent need for a comprehensive review of security arrangements for the St Patrick's Day holiday as it has been tarnished by yobbish behaviour in the city centre in recent years.
"The risks are even greater this year with the holiday falling on a Friday," he said.
"Much of the unsavoury behaviour is being fuelled by alcohol. I believe off-licences should be closed in the city on St Patrick's Day until at least 4pm, and consideration should be given to restricting pub opening hours on the day.
"If St Patrick's Day in Dublin is to remain safe and family-friendly there must be a high-profile Garda presence throughout the city during the whole weekend. The gougers must never again be allowed to take control of the streets," he added.