Anti-social vandals in Clondalkin remove boulders aimed at preventing joyriding
By Maurice Garvey
BOULDERS in place to prevent joyriders accessing a troubled park in Clondalkin, are repeatedly moved by vandals.
A boundary wall around St Cuthberts Park – approximately 1,520 meters long – is currently in place, but cars are either flipped over the wall, driven in over planks, or in recent cases, boulders are moved out of the way.
The park is frequently subject to burnt-out cars, illegal dumping and intimidation.
South Dublin County Council are examining options, as they say it is “not viable to repeatedly repair and reinstall fencing at these locations.”
In June, Sinn Féin councillor Mark Ward, asked SDCC for estimated costs of raising the perimeter barrier around the park – which were reported to be in the region of €600,000.
“I don’t think we can justify that cost in the current climate, but we still need investment for the park, whether that is new railings or whatever that may be,” said Cllr Ward.
“Stuff gets broken or vandalised, the council clean it up/replace it, and it gets vandalised again. It’s an ongoing battle.”
Mary Maguire, SDCC Senior Executive Officer in Environment, confirmed recent footage of youths destroying and moving the boulders on Melrose Green, “which yet again, provides for the ease of access into St Cuthbert’s Park.”
Ms Maguire said: “This is a most disappointing development, but regrettably it is just one of a number of locations within the Clondalkin environs where we have become aware of several recent encroachments through perimeter fencing onto lands for anti-social behaviour purposes.
“The council is currently examining its options in this regard, as it is not viable to repeatedly repair and reinstall fencing at these locations.”
Cllr Ward is involved in Friends of St Cuthbert’s, local stakeholders who want to restore the park back to its previous condition.
He continued: “We had our first meeting on Monday, and have identified a couple of sites in the park, where bonfires and bonfire material has been located too close to homes. Gardai will be present at the next meeting.”
The next Friends of St Cuthbert’s meeting takes place in the Clondalkin Civic offices on Wednesday, September 20.
