Concerns at increase in drugs use at ‘Little Vietnam’ in park

A SECTION of Sean Walsh Park that backs onto Cill Cais in Old Bawn has become littered with drug paraphernalia, including used syringes, leading a resident to avoid the area due to safety fears.

The resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said issues with drug use in that section of the park have escalated in recent weeks.

He added that he and other park users have been approached by people who are trying to buy drugs.

The affected section of the park is a walkway adjacent to Firhouse Road West that’s secluded as a result of being surrounded by trees and shrubbery.

The resident is fearful that children using the park might accidentally stumble into the area.

Needles found in Sean Walsh Park are causing concerns for residents living nearby

“If some little kid wandered in there, they could end up standing on a syringe or a crack pipe,” the resident said.

“The council needs to clear it up, pull the trees down and take the rubbish out.

“There’s people going in and out of it all day long. They blatantly ask people, ‘Do you know anyone who has any drugs?’ when you’re walking in the park or around Cushlawn.

“Then when they get what they want, they go down to that little spot to take it.”

Local councillor and drug project manager Mick Duff said the issue with drug use in that section of the park had been raised at an area committee meeting several years ago, and that it’s known locally as ‘Little Vietnam’.

The Echo contacted South Dublin County Council to ask them if they were aware of the issues with drug use in the park and if the removal of the trees and shrubbery in that section of the park could be considered, or would there be environmental considerations that would prevent them from doing so.

In response to The Echo’s query, a council spokesperson said they would not issue a comment on the matters raised.

A garda spokesperson was contacted for comment, but a response wasn’t received in time for print.