UCC and CIT issue joint letter addressing anti-social behaviour row in student housing areas

The Presidents of UCC and CIT and the Presidents of both Student Unions have issued an open letter to students following extended protests held by locals from Magazine Road and the surrounding areas.

The residents say large house parties are taking place in the area, which has high numbers of houses normally rented to students. 

Residents believe that many of the young people who have been having house parties have only recently moved to the area. They fear this activity is putting people at increased risk of contracting Covid-19.

A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána told The Echo they have attended approximately 10 incidents concerning house parties in the College Road/Magazine Road area in the last 10 days.

In the letter, the colleges acknowledged there have been ‘distressing incidents of anti-social behaviour in our local community, particularly in the College Road and Magazine Road area’.

“We understand that many of these incidents did not involve UCC and CIT students,” they wrote. “However, we are writing jointly today to urge students to adhere to national health guidelines and act responsibly and respectfully at this anxious time.

“Many students living and working in the local area have been respectful towards the local community, but this has been a distressing time for local residents. We have a shared responsibility to ensure we protect our ourselves and our community, and, while term has finished, students acting irresponsibly are reminded that they are still subject to disciplinary procedures.

“This has been a time where normal patterns of life have been disrupted. You have shown remarkable resilience these past few months and we encourage you to demonstrate and encourage behaviour that protects you and our community.” 

They went on to say that both colleges are working together with the Gardaí and the local authorities on this issue.

“Our strength comes from our local community and we must respect and support it through responsible behaviour,” they added. “Respect for our neighbours is respecting ourselves also.”