Concerns over anti-social behaviour at playground
By Aimee Walsh
ONGOING anti-social behaviour at a local playground has been an issue of concern for residents, leading to a local councillor to request more visibility in the area.
The playground is situated on the green space in Carrigwood in Firhouse and has been an area that has received constant complaints of anti-social behaviour and littering, according to local councillor Alan Edge for Firhouse-Bohernabreena.
Reports of anti-social behaviour in Carrigwood
It is a regular occurrence for residents to arrive at the playground to find glass bottles and cans thrown everywhere on weekend mornings.
Residents have called the behaviour a ‘disgrace’ and said the play space has become a ‘place to party’ for teens.
“Very frequently I get reports from residents, it’s usually on a Friday night. On Saturday I get reports then that it is in a really bad state. It’s unfortunately a situation that keeps happening, and the big concern with it being a kid’s playground is the broken glass, as it seems to be used as a drinking spot.” Cllr Edge told The Echo.
Cllr Edge requested a motion for the hedge that runs along the green space on the Killininny Road to be cut down to increase visibility at an area committee meeting on February 9.
“It is something I have raised a few times. The solution that I put forward was to see if we could get a bit more visibility from the road by cutting back the hedge.
“That is technically difficult to do because of the way that the hedge is cut. I am encouraged that they are looking at an alternative.
Reports of anti-social behaviour in Carrigwood
“It is such a shame because it is a really lovely amenity. There are teenagers that are hanging around who aren’t doing any harm, but unfortunately there is a small cohort who are leaving the place in a terrible state and ruining these amenities for other people. It is not right to blame all teenagers.
“I think the problem really here is just the lack of respect for public amenities, I think it would be great for Gardai to be looking at the situation and also for parents to talk to their children to make sure they know where they are.”
The council responded to the request to cut down the hedge by saying it is not possible to cut down as it is growing behind a high railing, which would prevent it being cut down below it’s current height.
The Council added that they hope a solution to the anti-social behaviour will be found, such as the possibility of lighting the public playground from public lighting or cutting the hedge on either side of the kissing gate that allows access to the green space from Killininny Road.
By subscribing to The Echo you are supporting your local newspaper Click Here: Echo Online.
TAGS news
