11.1 Trespass
Many schools have recurring trouble with trespassers. Trespassing is not a criminal offence. Unless criminal damage is done while trespassing, the trespassers cannot be prosecuted by the Gardaí. In reality, the only option available to a Board to prevent trespass is to seek, through the Courts, an injunction to stop a particular trespasser. This is an expensive process and one which should only be contemplated in the most exceptional and extreme cases.
The posting of notices, such as “Trespassers will be Prosecuted”, may deter some from trespassing, but in reality has little or no legal relevance.