Park joyriding escalates to crisis point for public
By Maurice Garvey
DISCUSSIONS are taking place between stakeholders to combat anti-social behavior at St Cuthbert’s Park in Clondalkin.
South Dublin County Council are aware of an “apparent escalation of anti-social activity in the park”, and are working with stakeholders to “develop a suite of proposals.”
Joyriding, quad bikes and illegal dumping are ongoing issues at the 35-acre park.
The Echo understands stolen cars are being tipped over a boundary wall to gain access to the park and set on fire after a joyride.
Clondalkin councillors had St Cuthbert’s on the agenda at the recent area committee meeting, whilst TDs Gino Kenny and Eoin Ó Broin say the situation has reached “crisis point.”
SDCC said discussions with stakeholders are taking place on dealing with the current problems, and this “may eventually lead to a new plan for the park.”
Sinn Féin TD Eoin Ó Broin said joyriding is causing “significant damage to the park” and to the taxpayer.
“Worse still, it is forcing local residents out of the park who no longer believe this valuable amenity is safe,” said Deputy Ó Broin.
“The situation has reached a crisis point. There is an urgent need for the council, gardaí, local politicians and the community to work together to reclaim St Cuthbert’s.”
Ó Broin believes immediate steps must include repairing the kissing gates, and increasing a garda presence at peak anti-social times.
He continued: “We need to look at access to the park and measures to tackle illegal dumping. There is also a need for changes in the law to deter people riding or driving illegally in the park.”
People Before Profit TD Gino Kenny says a regeneration of the park is required, citing stolen cars which are “breaching perimeter walls.”
Both TDs praised the work of the South West Clondalkin Community Safety Forum in organising clean-ups of the park, conducting a survey of park users, and appealed for all stakeholders to work together.