Street violence and teenage drinking have been given increasing prominence in regional papers for some time. Editorially, the Western People asks, rhetorically: "Why The Feigned Shock?"
It goes on to state that the news that "alcohol abuse amongst our teenagers is now the worst in Europe" should not come as a surprise.
The Connacht Tribune reports that "binge drinking amongst young people where the main aim is to end up in a semi-comatose state" was a growing problem, according to Fiona Walsh, who "heads a team of 14 addiction counsellors" with the Western Health Board.
The Sligo Champion says that if it were a case of natural youthful experimentation, it might not be so serious. "Unfortunately, what is emerging now is much more serious, sending alarm bells ringing among health professionals at every level."
The same paper reports that a Sligo teenager, Aleesha Byrd, from the Sligo Grammar School, "is helping to shape EU policy on youth problems, particularly in relation to alcohol abuse, at a major conference in Stockholm, Sweden".
An interesting insight into the problem is provided by Father Tom Cox in his column in the Longford Leader.
He recounts that three months ago in Athlone, in one of the church grounds, "you'd find the weekend discards of cider and lager cans, whiskey and vodka bottles and, surprisingly, even a champagne bottle on one occasion".
The local priest, apparently, mentioned this matter in his Sunday morning sermon and the problem ceased. Father Cox considers that far from being the "power of the pulpit" it was the "power of the parent" which brought about the transformation.
Another aspect of the widespread concern about the use of alcohol is reflected in the Donegal People's Press in its top frontpage report of "Outrage at pub approval in Letterkenny".
We are told that residents of Ballymacool in Letterkenny are up in arms following a Donegal County Council decision to grant planning permission to convert one of the gate houses on the Ballymacool estate into a pub. "We are very annoyed that the council have ignored our objections and have gone ahead and granted the permission," a spokesman for the objectors said. In regard to street safety the Kilkenny People reports: "The majority of people in Kilkenny do not feel safe walking the streets."
The report on the front page says most of the 600 people interviewed by the paper "agreed that judges had to start passing harsher sentences and imposing heavier fines following convictions".
The paper goes on to report: "No fewer than 14 gardai, a Garda Inspector, a judge, a District Court clerk, a solicitor and a probation officer waited in vain at Kilkenny Court on St Valentine's Day" for a man who was facing "more than 20 charges of assault, public order offences and possession of a surgical knife". The man eventually was located and was remanded in custody.
In the Munster Express considerable space is devoted to court cases involving motoring offences while under the influence of alcohol.
The Weekender, which covers the Meath area, reports on 15-year-olds drinking "in disco bars".
Bullying in the workplace is highlighted in the Echo, which covers the south Leinster area. Two pages are devoted to the subject, including case histories, and it promises a follow-up next week on "the cost to employers" of this phenomenon.
The Echo also reports on the decision of District Judge Joseph Mangan, in Wexford, who put "unruly defendants who misbehaved in court into a makeshift sin bin". Three young men were detained in the jury box. One had laughed and talked aloud, another "was penalised for not coming before the judge when his name was called and another was punished for allowing his mobile phone to ring during the session".
Evidence of change in Northern Ireland is reflected in a report in the Mid-Ulster Observer about the proposed closure of "half-a-dozen RUC stations in north Antrim and south Derry". The paper also reports that the RUC has warned Co Antrim residents "to put locks on their homeheating oil as a spate of fuel thefts (in the area) continue".
The paper reports: "Hundreds of gallons of oil were reported missing at Boyland Road, Ballymoney. It is believed the high cost of heating oil has made the fuel a popular target (for) thieves."
There is good news for readers of the Offaly Independent. A front-page report says Offaly County Council "is to increase staffing levels over a number of areas by more than 25 per cent as part of a Better Local Government Policy". The paper says local negotiations (with trade unions) concluded last Wednesday. The report adds that the negotiated proposals "were passed by councillors at their monthly meeting on Monday".
In an editorial the paper says: "It is very much a favourable time for those who might, otherwise, be out of a job and others who want to better themselves in life."