Extra gardaí will be deployed in Carlingford this weekend

Gardaí have warned visitors to the popular seaside resort of Carlingford over Easter to "respect the village" as they step up patrols amid fears of disorder during an expected influx.

The warning follows claims at a Louth County Council meeting earlier this week that residents are living in fear of public drunkenness during the bank holiday weekend.

Local Sinn Féin councillor Antóin Watters has said drinking and anti-social behaviour has become a problem in recent years, and called for a cross-border response as "a lot of the buses are coming from the North".

Mr Watters appealed for Louth County Council to work with Newry, Mourne and Down council to highlight the council's by-laws that ban public drinking in Carlingford. Under these by-laws offenders face fines of up to €2,500 on conviction.

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Gardaí said while there is no specific event or festival planned for this weekend in Carlingford, traditionally, Easter Sunday sees a large influx of visitors "including large numbers from Northern Ireland. "

“Public drinking and associated public disorder has been an issue at times in the past over this particular holiday weekend,” a Garda spokesman said.

“Additional gardaí will be deployed in Carlingford this weekend to ensure the safety of all in Carlingford, visitors and residents alike.”

The spokesman added: “The message to the visiting public is to enjoy their visit to Carlingford but to respect the village and it’s residents.”