A high pitched sonic device is being used to deter anti-social behaviour among young people.
Marketed as the ultimate way to prevent teenage gangs loitering in public places the "Mosquito" device has been installed at hundreds of business premises around the country. A number of local authorities are examining its potential use.
The Four Lanterns fast food restaurant in Letterkenny, County Donegal is just one of hundreds of business who are using the Mosquito device to deal with young people loitering on or outside the premises.
Kevin Grimes of The Four Lanterns says that the premises has experienced threatening behaviour from youngsters and hopes the device will help to protect his staff and customers from such abuse.
The mosquito emits a piercing high frequency sound audible only to teenagers.
Manufacturers of the device say that there is no medical evidence to say that it can cause physical harm or damage a person's hearing. A group of girls outside The Four Lanterns describe it as a sharp beeping noise and say that they would not be able to put up with it for too long.
A number of towns and county councils are considering installing the devices to combat anti-social behaviour. However, the growing use of the Mosquito is causing concern among those working in the youth sector and amongst teenagers themselves.
Lorraine Thompson describes the device as derogatory and anti-young people. Sellers of the device say that it is not anti-teenager and is generally installed as a last resort.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 20 March 2007. The reporter is Aisling Bastable.
