A novel campaign is to be put on trial in Co Mayo this Christmas in an effort to reduce late-night rowdiness, while also promoting road safety.
Free lollipops are to be given to revellers as they leave nightclubs and bars across the county in the hope that they will be too busy enjoying the sweet treats to get up to no good.
The lollipops will also have road safety messages, such as 'Get home safely', written on them.
The scheme, led by Mayo County Council, is being put on trial after similar projects in the UK and Canada were successful.
The Road Safety Officer with the council said the "sucker punch" tactic is used to "placate aggressive, drunken men at the end of a night out."
"Like giving candy to a grumpy baby, lollipops are said to have similar effects on grown men and women. Moreover, arguments fuelled by drunken bravado and macho attitudes often escalate following verbal exchanges.
"But stick a lollipop in their mouth, and it becomes a lot harder to shout.
"In other countries police noticed an immediate decrease in rowdy activity and an increase in calming energy and awareness created around the message on the lollipop," he said.
The scheme is being supported by gardaí and publicans across the county.
