Graffiti attack on stadium is slammed

MANAGEMENT at Tallaght Stadium is to look at a long term strategy to tackle future graffiti attacks.

It comes after highly offensive graffiti and crudely painted swastikas were scrawled onto the stadium’s outer perimeter wall last week.

South Dublin County Council was forced to paint over the graffiti after it was brought to their attention by local representatives.

However, stadium manager, Nicola Coffey, said the entire wall may have to be painted as a result, despite the council’s attempts to conceal the graffiti.

“The wall is pebble dashed so unfortunately removing the graffiti is not as straightforward as one might think,

? she explained.

“It is fairly prominent so we may have to arrange for the entire wall to be repainted.

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“The council’s attempt to paint over the wall may only act as a temporary solution so we will have to look at other long term solutions to prevent this from happening again.

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Deputy Sean Crowe (SF) condemned the racially motivated act.

“I condemn this antisocial behaviour in the strongest way possible,’ he sated.

“Tallaght is a vibrant multi-cultural area and any form of racism will not be tolerated. Every resident of the area has a right to live and work in peace, and to go about his or her life free from racism, or any form of discriminatory abuse.

He added:

“It is not yet clear who carried out this deplorable act, but their choice of Tallaght Stadium is particularly appalling. Since the stadium opened its doors to the public in 2009 it has been a fantastic amenity for all residents of Tallaght and South Dublin in general.

“Members from every ethnic, racial and religious background have been welcomed into the stadium to enjoy all the sporting and cultural events, which have been hosted there.

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Echoing Crowe’s comments, irigi

‘s Tallaght representative, Scott Masterson added:

“The right-wing graffiti which appeared on Tallaght Stadium in the last couple of days has caused outrage in the local community. Those behind the graffiti are completely out of touch with the community here in Tallaght and wider Irish society. They should hang their heads in shame.

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He added:

“Tallaght is a proud working class community made up of people of many cultures, colours and nationalities. Everybody has a right to live their lives free from the fear of harassment or intimidation because of their nationality, colour or religious belief.

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The incident has since been reported to gardai by management at the stadium.