Car driven around park and then set on fire near houses
By William O'Connor
MEMBERS of the public are being encouraged to contact the Gardai after a car was driven around Jobstown Park and set on fire close to houses last Monday .
Both Dublin Fire Brigade and Gardai were at the scene at approximately 9pm after a car was set on fire at the Glenshane side of the park and a second car was also set alight at the entrance to the park close to houses.
The burnt-out car in Jobstown Park
The Echo understands that the car got through one of the barriers at the entrance to the park and considerable damage was done to the playing grounds.
While there have been no reports of cars getting into the park recently, local residents are disappointed as a lot of work has been carried out on the drainage in the park and the landscape.
“It’s really disappointing to see people driving these cars around the park,” said Councillor Brian Leech.
“Criminal damage is not acceptable in public parks. We have great people living in this area and they don’t deserve this.
“The cars were going around the park at night-time when people were walking – its extremely dangerous,” said Brian.
“A lot of work, in fairness, has been done by the council draining the pitch, as a BMX track is planned for the area,” he said.
There have been calls made for a bigger fence placed around the park, similar to the one along Cheeverstown Road.
The playing pitch was damaged in the park, according to Cllr Leech, with the rims of the wheels cutting into the grass.
“Both entrances were damaged and one of the cars was set on fire not too far from houses.
“We need to sort this issue out, we all need to work together,” said Brian.
The Echo understands that council workers were on the grounds on Wednesday afternoon accessing the damage done.
According to a council spokesperson: “The council has organised the removal of the cars and any other debris.
“Damage to the park is being assessed and the works required to reinstate the ground will be carried out as soon as possible.
“If any member of the public has any information that may enable us to contact the Gardai to initiate an investigation leading to prosecutions, the council would encourage them to come forward.”
There have also been problems with scramblers in the area and this is also causing concern for residents.
