Crumlin residents do not feel safe in local parks, a recent survey found

The majority of Crumlin residents say they do not feel safe in their local parks, according to a survey conducted by the D12 Local Policing Forum.

The forum, which consists of local residents and stakeholders in the community, say that a recent survey found that 90% of respondents said they did not feel safe when at their local park.

In a recent statement submitted to Dublin City Council’s South Central Area Committee, the forum said that “drug dealing in the public parks still prevalent and easily observed by the public and children using the park.

“Drug litter still an issue, more so empty blister packs from tablets and cannisters from Nitro Oxide,” it said.

The group asked the council to consider “reinstating a Park Warden in the Dublin 12 area, as we feel this would help residents and users of the park to feel safer and a link with local community Gardaí would be a benefit to us all.”

There is currently a Community Crime Impact Assessment (CCIA) being piloted in the lower Crumlin area by the forum to determine the extent of the anti-social and criminal behaviour and how it is affecting the local community.

Local Sinn Fein councillor Daithí Doolan said that more needs to be done to make Crumlin parks safer for its residents.

“Our parks must be open and safe for everyone,” he says.

“All our residents need to feel welcome in Crumlin’s parks.

“It is shocking that 90% of the public do not feel safe in our parks.

“This is unacceptable and must change.”

Doolan says that “public spaces cannot be abandoned” to anti-social behaviour and if occurs, “then we have lost all control.

“I intend to raise this important issue at the next Joint Policing Committee meeting.

“I will be demanding a concerted effort from Dublin City Council, Gardaí and youth services.

“It is only through a real inter agency approach will we take the parks back.

“The message must be loud and clear. Our parks are safe places to rest, walk and play in.”

Dublin City Council told Southside People that it’s Parks Division was not aware of the survey conducted by Dublin 12 Local Policing Forum but will be working to find solutions to the ongoing problem of anti-social behaviour in local parks.

“Dublin City Council’s Parks Division has not seen the survey referred to but will request a copy,” the council said.

“It will consider the outcome and consult with the Gardaí to establish where problems exist and examine what can be done to address any issues that are in the remit of the Parks Service to resolve.”

The council did not say if it will be reinstalling a park warden for Crumlin public parks.