Residents fearful at rise in anti-social behaviour

A BUS stop adjacent to the Square Shopping Centre that is a magnet for anti-social behaviour has “gotten worse in recent months”, according to a local councillor.

Videos that circulated on social media in recent weeks showed an altercation between a group of youths and adults on a bus at the stop, but issues with anti-social behaviour there have been longstanding.

Cllr Dermot Richardson (Ind) said the problem extends to the nearby apartment blocks, and he’s aware of a former resident in one of the blocks who moved out because of the problem.

“I know someone who lived there, who recently moved out because of problems with anti-social behaviour,” he told The Echo.

“They were on the third or fourth floor and people were throwing bottles and stuff up onto their balcony.

“They know they can’t get away with doing that stuff in the Square, because they have security there, so it’s outside the Square where it’s happening.

“I think, over the last few months, it’s gotten worse in the area outside the Square and the apartments but the anti-social behaviour there has been happening for a while.”

Cllr Richardson added that many people feel “uncomfortable” using the bus stop adjacent to the Square due to the issues.

“It is uncomfortable for people coming home from work or shopping, they don’t want problems at the bus stop,” he said.

“People are fearful of the repercussions of sitting at that bus stop, because it can feel isolated.

“I do think we need more guards, but I’m not trying to blame the guards – there’s a resourcing issue and we need more guards.”

A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána told The Echo: “Gardaí at Tallaght remain dedicated to providing a comprehensive policing service to residents in the Tallaght area.

“All reported incidents of anti-social behaviour are promptly addressed with an appropriate policing response.”