Urgent need for CCTV
ROBBERIES at knife-point, drug talking and anti-social behaviour have made the Steamboat Quay area a crime haven, it has been claimed. Skateboarders and the business community, as well as residents, have expressed their fears. An online campaign has been launched to get the authorities to act.
There are reports of the rescue of one man after he was thrown into the river Shannon.
In recent weeks, a number of people using Mount Kennett skatepark had items stolen.
Jamie Fairbrother, 21, from Parteen, was a victim on three occasions.
“I had a needle put to my neck and I was also threatened with a knife. I’m lucky because that’s not even the worst of it”.
According to Jamie, two teens were attacked with pepper spray while in the skatepark.
“I’ve also seen people stabbed, and one man was thrown into the river; he was lucky enough to be saved by a passer by”.
Businesses on the waterfront have not escaped. Two drunks smashed the front window of Steamboat Music shop with an empty keg.
The owner told the Limerick Post:
“The keg damaged several instruments. Those responsible were so intoxicated they just sat on the bench on the Quay until Gardaí arrived”.
Local councillor Tom Shortt, is aware of the problems.
“There are thugs operating who are coming into the skatepark and relieving young people of their phones and money.
“In a time when we are extra vigilant about child protection and the safety of young people, we manage to expose them to harm”.
There is growing concern with casual street drinking and drug taking around the skatepark.
“We need zero tolerance, but more importantly we have to tackle the acceptance of open air drug-taking and public drinking”.
A petition has been started online to get the authorities to clamp down on crime in the area.
Over 200 have signed onto ‘Save Steamboat Quay from Crime’.
Businesses are tired of facing the litter of drug paraphernalia, empty beer cans and broken glass on their doorstep.
The campaigners have also called on City Hall to provide a security service.
One business owner said that there is an urgent need for CCTV.
Tom Shortt echoed this call.
“The camera situation needs to be sorted out and we need to see some serious activity from the Gardaí on Steamboat Quay, and we need an adult presence to discourage the kind of behaviour that’s taking place”.
He continued: “Years ago, skateboarders congregated on George’s Quay until they became the target of thugs and we’re persistently harassed and assaulted until they had to move on, and now that we have a designated area for them the same thing is happening”.
This reporter witnessed a group of men drinking on the benches outside the skatepark.
One decided to use the back of the skatepark as a toilet when a passing Garda patrol van stopped and cautioned him for urinating in public.
