A SOUTHSIDE TD has called for urgent action to tackle a recent increase in antisocial behaviour in a Clondalkin park.
Deputy Eoin Ó Broin (SF) made the call after several weeks of joyriding and illegal dumping in the park.
“St Cuthbert’s Park is a valuable amenity for the local community,” Deputy Ó Broin said. “Unfortunately, it has been subject to ongoing illegal dumping and reckless riding of scram-blers for some time.
“During the last three weeks the situation has escalated to very dangerous levels. On three separate nights cars have been driven into the park, driven around at speed and then burnt out.
“This behaviour is causing significant damage to the park and significant cost to the council. Worse still it is forcing local residents out of the park who no longer believe this valuable amenity is safe for them or their children.
“The situation has now reached a crisis point,” he added. “There is an urgent need for the council, the gardaí, local politicians and the community to work together to reclaim St Cuthbert’s.
On a recent visit to the park, Southside People witnessed evidence of tyre tracks across the grass, mounds of litter thrown over bushes and damage to railings. In the distance we also saw a young man racing a scrambling bike around the park.
“I have contacted all of the relevant agencies with a view to sitting down and seeing what measures can be put in place to end the antisocial behaviour in the park and increase its usage by local people,” Deputy O Broin added
“Immediate steps must include repairing the kissing gates and increasing the Garda presence at peak antisocial times. In the medium term we need to look at the issue of access to the park and measures to tackle illegal dumping. There is also a need for changes in the law to deter people riding or driving illegally in the park.
“Ultimately, we need a longer term plan for the park to increase its use as a leisure, sporting and heritage amenity for local people. Great work has been undertaken by the South West Clondalkin Community Safety Forum in organising clean-ups of the park and conducting a survey of park users. We now need others to support this good work.”
A spokesperson for South Dublin County Council said they had met with elected representatives for the area working with the South West Clondalkin Safety Forum on a number of issues relating to St Cuthbert’s Park.
“The council will be in the first instance discussing the concerns raised with other relevant State agencies to assist in drawing up a viable and sustainable solution for the park,” a council spokesperson added.
