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Dangerous and anti-social house parties in Belfast\u2019s Holyland student district will not be tolerated, Northern Ireland’s health minister has said.<\/p>\nDangerous and anti-social house parties in Belfast\u2019s Holyland student district will not be tolerated, Northern Ireland’s health minister has said.<\/p>\n
Footage showing groups of young people congregating and drinking in the area of terraced housing near Queen\u2019s University was \u201cdeplorable\u201d, Robin Swann said.<\/p>\n
Coronavirus restrictions in Belfast became legally enforceable by police on Wednesday and repeat offenders face fines of up to \u00a3960 (\u20ac1,053).<\/p>\n
There was a strong police presence in the area on Wednesday evening, which appeared quieter than previous nights earlier in the week.<\/p>\n
The minister said: \u201cIt is important that we take swift action because the scenes from last night demand it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Holyland situation does require urgent and coordinated action by the authorities, city council and universities.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are on a knife edge. The new regulations are an attempt to strike the right balance.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Swann said the actions were deplorable but did not represent all students or young people: \u201cI do not think they represent young people across Northern Ireland who have made sacrifices themselves.<\/p>\n
\u201cI do not want young people to be the scapegoats for the increase in Covid-19 in Northern Ireland.\u201d<\/p>\n
A special group including Stormont ministers, police and senior public health experts is meeting to consider their next move.<\/p>\n