Ó Brádaigh criticises vandalism of new Lucan parks

Sinn Féin Councillor Derren Ó Brádaigh has condemned what he calls the “sheer wanton vandalism” of two newly opened parks in Lucan.

Ó Brádaigh noted that Lane Park opened last year and has seen some anti-social behaviour and the newly opened Airlie Park saw activity areas daubed in graffiti within 24 hours of opening to the public.

“This is completely unacceptable. Airlie Park was not even open a day before descended upon the much-needed new local community amenity, was vandalised with graffiti.”

“This new park opening has been long and eagerly awaited, with numerous members of the local surrounding community contacting me over recent months in excitement, and with queries regarding the excellent facilities the park has to offer. Indeed, so many clubs have been in contact, all interested in using the park and its all-weather pitch facilities on offer”

“The new park was due to open in early summer; however, this was delayed due to some initial seeding problems, followed by some drainage issues. So, when word finally came that the park would see a ‘soft’ opening ahead of an actual official opening date yet to be announced, this news was warmly received and welcomed by all.”

Ó Brádaigh said that parks are being “overtaken by a minority bent on destruction and anti-social behaviour.”

He said that graffiti ‘tagging’ is also becoming a huge issue throughout neighbourhoods in the area, which he says costs local authorities important financial resources needed elsewhere.

“Some of our parks are being used after dark for drug abuse, illegal fires, and general nuisance behaviour. We cannot allow a situation whereby our park facilities are overrun by certain individuals that have nothing to offer the community, and somehow feel their assaults on our communities will go unpunished.”

“Following this recent spate of graffiti daubing within both Airlie Park and on seating and benches in Tandy’s Lane Park, I have raised this matter with An Garda Siochana and have written to Lucan Garda Station, and they have passed this onto their community policing section and are committed to increasing Garda visibility in the vicinity now.”

He said that as a member of the Joint Policing Committee, he would also be raising the matter.

He called the anti-social behaviour “senseless” and it “needs to be confronted.”

“We must stand together in support of our communities and each other!”