Youths attacked in rocker bashing incident
By Maurice Garvey
GARDAI are expected to step up patrols in parks after two youths were hospitalised during an unprovoked attack last week.
The youths were targeted by a gang at a skate park in Griffeen Valley Park on August 5 – an incident described by locals as a case of “rocker bashing.”
Gardai have arrested two of the gang members, but increased levels of anti-social behaviour in the park and in nearby Ballyowen, have led to a commitment by gardai for increased patrols.
Local residents claim a gang of youths are targeting teenage boys “dressed in black with alternative dress sense.”
Horrified residents have blasted “acts of violence” at the skate park and cited numerous beatings and anti-social activity in recent weeks at the park and in nearby Ballyowen.
Lucan Garda Inspector Noel Moystn told The Echo: “One group attacked two youths on August 5 at approximately 8.30pm. The youths were set upon and had to go to Blanchardstown Hospital, their injuries are not thought to be serious.
“Two arrests have been made for assault, and we are awaiting the outcome of that.”
Mary Maguire, Senior Executive Officer with South Dublin County Council Environment Department, confirmed park rangers were alerted to the attack by members of the public.
Ms Maguire said: “It is alleged that a significant group of teenagers attacked two other teenagers. Those who were attacked were assisted in the short-term in the sports centre by council personnel until the gardai and ambulance service arrived.”
She continued: “It is understood that both youths were taken to Blanchardstown Hospital, and that an arrest was made by the gardai. South Dublin County Council and the gardai are working together to try to eliminate anti-social activity in the local parks and increased garda presence is anticipated.”
Meanwhile, Fine Gael Councillor William Lavelle said he has has been contacted by managers at Eurospar at Ballyowen Castle, and by many local residents regarding serious anti-social problems at Ballyowen Castle, Ballyowen Lane and the Hermitage Park playspace.
“I have spoken with the local Garda Superintendent and have passed on details of all feedback received from the community,” said Cllr Lavelle.
“Gardai have committed to increase patrols and attention of these areas.”
Latest news: Youths try to lure Garda patrol cars ‘to stone us out of it’…
Latest news: Charges to be brought over Jobstown protest
Latest news: Alternative proposals put forward for Letts Field in Neilstown
Read more latest news here: http://www.echo.ie/news
