‘Firework season’ raises concerns about behaviour
By Aideen O'Flaherty
A COUNCILLOR is reiterating his call for CCTV on a section of Bancroft Park at the back of Scoil Aonghusa as ongoing issues with anti-social behaviour, including bins being set alight and fireworks being thrown at nearby houses, show no signs of abating.
Independent councillor for Tallaght Central, Mick Duff, raised the issue at the Monday’s monthly meeting of the Tallaght Area Committee, where he outlined his concerns about anti-social activities at the bridge and pathway at the rear of Scoil Aonghusa.
Ongoing issues of anti-social behaviour in Bancroft Park
These activities include the daily selling and storing of illegal drugs, bonfires of stolen household rubbish and recycling bins, and large gatherings of gangs, according to Cllr Duff.
Cllr Duff told The Echo: “Particularly now that we’re in what I call ‘firework season’, there continues to be the burning of bins and people firing rockets at people’s houses.
“It mainly happens on the weekends, at night time.
“They’re destroying a good area, and they’re ruining peace of mind for a lot of people for what they think is a little bit of mindless fun.
“It’s causing an awful lot of stress for people in the area.”
Cllr Duff previously tabled a motion at a Joint Policing Committee meeting last February calling for CCTV at this location, and even though the motion was carried the cameras have not yet been installed.
“We need to have a multi-agency approach,” explained Cllr Duff, “and residents are calling for greater protection.
“I continue to call for CCTV, I think it’s a deterrent that could work.”
In response to Cllr Duff’s motion at the area committee meeting, South Dublin County Council stated that they had noticed an increase in anti-social behaviour at this location since they temporarily shut the Castletymon Road and Tymon North Gardens entrance of the park for the development of the new library.
The council spokesperson added: “The Public Realm Section will consider further improvements which local residents and elected representatives have suggested such as the installation of some public lighting in this part of the park.
Such works could be considered for inclusion in the minor improvement works programme for 2020.
“Bancroft Park was listed as a walking and cycling route as part of cycle network plan for the area. Subject to funding being available if this project was to proceed it would incorporate public lighting along the route through the park.”
