Gardaí express concern over underage drinking in Kilkenny on Tuesday night

Gardaí in Kilkenny have raised concerns over potential under-age drinking in Kilkenny City and have called on local parents to be vigilant.

The concern follows Tuesday evening's Fusion Ball, a non-alcohol based disco held for secondary school children in Pegasus Nightclub, which according to Gardaí is a 'well run affair'.

"Kids as young as 14 and 15 are being transported into the city way in advance of the 8.30pm start. Further to this, clearly many of these children have met up for Pre Drinks or Prinks. Many of these met at locations including the Parade and Canal Square," a Garda spokesperson said.

Upon inspecting locations in the city, Gardaí found a number of empty cans left on the ground.

In a social-media post by the local Garda unit, they asked parents: "Do you know if your child of 14 or 15 was drinking last night?"

"If your kids are attending an event similar, do not let them drink alcohol in your house beforehand and do not facilitate bringing them into town way too early to meet others at unsuitable locations where they are going to be put in danger," they added.