THE PSNI says it has budgeted around £100,000 for its policing operation relating to St Patrick's week in central Belfast and the Holylands area.
It emerged as police, universities and other agencies yesterday outlined their plans to help tackle Holylands anti-social behaviour.
Each year crowds of drink-fuelled revellers usually descend on the mainly student area of south Belfast during the St Patrick's holiday period.
Superintendent Muir Clark said he is not expecting trouble this year.
He said the cost estimate accounts for around 5,000 policing hours, but he said this operation is reduced from previous years.
The budget does not relate solely to tackling anti-social behaviour, he added.
Mr Clark said: "We will work in partnership with the residents, with the universities and with the students' unions in order to bring this type of anti-social behaviour to an absolute minimum."
He added: "Be safe, look after your friends, enjoy yourself, but in a way that is both respects yourself and the residents and the area that you are in."
Police said additional resources will be provided for the Holylands.
An 'alcohol recovery centre' will be opened in an attempt to take any pressure off hospital emergency departments.
Off-licences near the Holylands area will also voluntarily close if requested to do so by police.
Queen's and Ulster universities said they would also have staff on the ground in the Holylands to help address issues.
Both universities have scheduled the Friday before St Patrick's Day as a 'reading day', aimed at encouraging students to go home at the weekend rather than remaining at their student accommodation.
