Lucan playground blaze sparks Garda calls

A local Sinn Féin representative has called for more Garda resources and a clear strategy to tackle rising anti social behaviour in Lucan and Clondalkin after an arson attack on the children’s playground in Castlegate Park last Wednesday night.

Derren Ó Brádaigh said the blaze, which broke out beside homes that face onto the green, has shaken residents and upset children because it is the only playground in the area.

“Last night’s incident occurred in a playground that is situated in very close proximity to homes that face directly onto the park and playground space.

“This incident has shaken residents and upset children, with this being the only playground in the vicinity.

“What’s worse still is that the playground only received significant upgrades and resurfacing last year after a lengthy wait and after I had a motion tabled on behalf of residents in September 2023,” he said.

He criticised the Government for not providing Gardaí with resources to match population growth in west Dublin and said frustration is mounting at the surge in anti social behaviour and criminality.

He said illegal dumping continues at known black spots despite calls for CCTV and warned that gaps in deterrents are feeding problems.

Ó Brádaigh referenced a violent incident during the summer in Airlie Park after an unsupervised event went ahead without permission.

He said an attempt to stage a similar event at the same location was met with local opposition after he wrote to Gardaí and South Dublin County Council, and that the event did not proceed.

Shop workers are also facing increasing pressure, he said. “Just speak to any local shopkeepers about the serious issues their staff are subjected to on a near daily basis.

“Everything from assaults on staff, shoplifting and intimidation.”

He added that the growing use of e scooters and e bikes is placing emergency services under strain and that masked youths are using them to facilitate drug dealing, break ins and shoplifting, creating a fresh challenge for policing.

“This is not acceptable for any community to have to endure,” he said.

Ó Brádaigh said local community Gardaí are doing their best but insisted that more officers are needed, with greater visibility to reassure the public.

“Local community Gardaí are doing their best and whilst I appreciate that there have been some moderate increases in numbers in certain districts, we need more Gardaí overall, with greater visibility on the ground and providing reassurances to people going about their lives.

“Furthermore, we need deterrent measures put in place, leading to greater accountability from parents of teenagers.”