Elderly pensioner pelted with eggs by gang of aggressive youths
By Maurice Garvey
GANGS of aggressive youths are causing major disruption on Ballyfermot Road – intimidating residents and even forcing one business to relocate due to the danger facing their clients.
The issue has been on the radar for some time now, and with the hordes gaining in size around the Golden Mile area, the situation is “getting worse”, according to Sinn Féin councillor Greg Kelly.
“Last week there was over 200 kids, aged eight/nine to 14 years of age – people walking up and down the road are getting abused,” said Cllr Kelly.
“I wouldn’t even go down to the shops there after 7pm and I’m a big fella. Most of the stores are closed at that time, but the Londis and Supervalu have both had to hire security guards. God knows what it’s like for the chipper.”
He continued: “Motorbikes are going up and down the path and road, businesses and customers are intimidated. The Sinn Féin office intercom was smashed. Some of the comments by the gang, particularly to women, are very nasty and sexist.”
The Echo understands the Dublin School of Hairdressing was forced to relocate from the Golden Mile to the Ballyfermot Sports Complex in Gurteen due to clients being threatened by aggressive youths.
Clients of the business, which was established by local woman Louise O’Brien in 2013, were being verbally abused and threatened by thugs at the front door.
On another occasion, the front door of the business was kicked in.
The Echo understands an elderly pensioner was pelted with eggs by youths, not all of whom are thought to be local.
“It’s not good, we need more gardai in the area,” said Cllr Kelly.
“You will always have kids hanging around, but this is another level. Up to 30 kids attacked a bus near Tesco. As the driver pulled away, they tried to run on at the same time and chased it up the road. The bus didn’t stop at the Gala, discommoding other passengers, but the driver had no choice.”
Independent Councillor Paul Hand said it was not just Ballyfermot, but cited “sinister” youth gang activity in Bluebell, Inchicore and Drimnagh.
“It’s unacceptable, but there is a garda operation in place at the moment,” said Cllr Hand.
Fianna Fáil councillor Daithí de Róiste said any plan needs to include “a garda presence on the streets.”
Dublin City Council area manager Peter Finnegan said the issue needs the inclusion of gardai and extra resources from the council may be deployed “if required.”
