Listowel gardaí set to roll out ‘Challenge 21’ initiative at the racecourse

Sergeant Diarmuid O’Brien of Listowel Garda Station is making an appeal to the public ahead of the Listowel Harvest Festival, which gets underway this coming Sunday (September 20).

Each year during the races An Garda Síochána works in collaboration with the management of Listowel Race Company, local schools, bus companies, businesses, local media, and the wider community in order to minimise anti-social behaviour and disruption during the seven-day festival.

The Listowel Races is one of the most anticipated meetings in the racing calendar, incorporating both flat and National Hunt codes.

The week-long meeting is estimated to bring in around €15 million annually for the local economy in North Kerry, with visitors seeking accommodation in Tralee, Ballybunion, and Killarney.

As in previous years, awareness around anti-social behaviour and underage drinking is given priority. Sergeant O’Brien said that while Ladies Day is one of the busiest days of the meeting and attracts large numbers of young people, the objective is for everyone to enjoy the event.

Incidents of underage drinking and anti-social behaviour have previously resulted in youths being brought to Listowel Garda Station and parents being contacted, placing significant demands on the garda resources during what is already a busy period for the town and region.

Since 2018, when there were 18 arrests on the Friday of Race Week, collaboration between gardaí and key stakeholders has helped significantly reduce incidents, making Ladies Day more enjoyable and safer for everyone.

“I have liaised with schools in the North Kerry and West Limerick areas, outlining the legislation relating to underage drinking and requesting teachers to reinforce the message,” Sergeant O’Brien told The Kerryman.

“Separately, I will be speaking with the bus drivers in these areas and letting them know that gardaí will be carrying out spot checks at pick-up locations, ensuring that no alcohol is brought onto the buses and that no young person has consumed alcohol. If so, they will not be allowed on the bus.”

An Garda Síochána says it will also operate a stop-and-search policy at the entrance to the racecourse. For the third consecutive year, the ‘Challenge 21’ initiative will be in operation at the racecourse in conjunction with licensed premises.

Under the initiative, anyone who appears to be under 21 will be required to produce valid identification. Gardaí are also reminding patrons that anyone aged between 18 and 21 is required to carry valid ID when attending licensed premises.

Gardaí are again asking parents and guardians to take personal responsibility for the welfare of their children. Where under-18s attend the races unaccompanied by an adult, parents and guardians are asked to know where they are throughout the day and to make arrangements for their collection after the final race.

Children under the age of 15 will not be permitted to enter the racecourse unless accompanied by an adult. Gardaí are also reminding the public that underage persons will not be permitted to enter licensed premises in the town following the races.

“During the races, gardaí will fully investigate any youths found committing an offence in relation to underage drinking or anti-social behaviour. Referral to the Juvenile Diversion Programme or prosecution through the courts will be implemented,” said Sergeant O’Brien.

“In 2025, crowds were up on most days of the races and we received overwhelmingly positive feedback. Incidents of public order offences and drunkenness were greatly reduced, particularly among young people. This was especially evident on Ladies Day,” he added.

Sergeant O’Brien is also reminding racegoers to plan ahead if consuming alcohol by nominating a designated driver or arranging alternative transport. Additional roads policing resources will be deployed to the Listowel area by the Divisional Roads Policing Unit in Kerry and Listowel District Gardaí.

An Garda Síochána is urging all attendees to have a safe and enjoyable experience by taking sensible precautions. Racegoers are advised to be vigilant against pickpockets, lock their vehicles when unattended, avoid leaving valuables on display and take care of their personal safety and belongings throughout the event.

Lastly, Listowel gardaí are advising racegoers to expect increased traffic volumes around Listowel and the racecourse on race days. There will be no road closures, but non-race traffic is encouraged to avoid routes used by race traffic where possible.

Racegoers are strongly advised to use the new Listowel Bypass, which provides access to all racecourse car parks, including those at Greenville, Tralee and Barrett’s Field. Parking is also available in Listowel town, although restrictions will apply in residential areas.

Drivers are reminded that illegally parked vehicles may be towed and fixed penalty notices issued. All motorists are asked to show care and consideration to other road users.

Accessible parking is available via the Tralee Road entrance. Taxis and buses should use the Greenville entrance for drop-offs.

All patrons are asked to follow the directions of the gardaí and race stewards to ensure the safe and smooth running of the event.