Thugs use angle grinder to remove gates at park
By Aideen O'Flaherty
THE MOVING sections of two kissing gates in Killinarden Park were removed by people using an angle grinder last week, according to a local resident, who added that after the gate was removed the park “was like a speedway track”.
This marks a continuation in protracted issues with anti-social behaviour in the park, with The Echo recently reporting that the total number of cars that have been burned out in the park this year alone has reached 14.
The kissing gate removed by an angle grinder at Killinarden Park
Attempts to secure the boundary of the park have been repeatedly breached, and the removal of the moving portions of the kissing gates last Tuesday gave clear entry for scrambler bikes to access the park.
A local resident, who asked to remain anonymous, was watching an U16s football match in the park when he noticed a suspicious noise.
“I heard a noise like a leaf blower for a few minutes, but I thought nothing of it,” he told The Echo.
“Then one of the spectators on the sideline said, ‘they’re using an angle grinder to cut the gates’.
“It took them about 10 minutes, then the cut-out gate got thrown in the grass. The park was like a speedway track that night.”
South Dublin County Council confirmed that two kissing gates at Killinarden Park were removed last week.
A council spokesperson told The Echo: “I can confirm that two kissing gates situated in Killinarden Park were illegally removed last week.
“The council retrieved both gates and repairs are being carried out to the gates, we hope to have them fully refitted and operational [this week].
“If anyone has any information on this incident, we would urge them to make contact with the gardai.”
Anyone with information about the removal of the kissing gates can contact Tallaght Garda Station on 01 666 6000.
