A NEW garda surveillance of the city’s parks located close to the river has been launched.
In recent weeks, the Limerick Post has highlighted anti-social activity in Arthur’s Quay and the skatepark.
Under the supervision of Sgt Ollie Kennedy, Operation Waterfront will tackle intimidation and bullying in the area around the skatepark on Steamboat Quay and Arthur’s Quay Park.
In co-operation with Limerick City Council, it will operate a daily patrol by park rangers and environmental inspectors in the area.
The Limerick Post reported on a number of councillors’ concerns regarding undesirable behaviour and rent boy activity in Arthur’s Quay Park, and complaints have been received from people who have allegedly, been intimidated.
Commenting on recent statements made by Cllr Kevin Kiely regarding Arthur’s Quay Park, Cllr Kathleen Leddin, who is adamantly against any plan to sell off the park for development, and is campaigning for a playground in the park, told the Limerick Post that she believes this would be a retrograde step.
“There are many other more appropriate sites for development, rather than builing on our parks I’ve spoken with a number of gardaí and the park doesn’t have any problems over and above the rest of the city. I walked through it myself on each of the past four evenings and chatted with other users when I was there, and there was nothing untoward happening.
“While petty crime may have been a problem in the past, it is now a red herring story and is being put about in order to suit a particular agenda. The sad thing is that when elected representatives make such negative remarks without providing any evidence to back them up, all they really do is drag the name of their city through the gutter.
“The park has beautiful views of the river and the old part of the city and it could be utilised a lot more. A modern playground there would certainly do much to bring people into it and make it a more accessible space for the people of Limerick and visitors alike.
“I stand by the proposal for the council to provide a playground at Arthur’s Quay Park. A number of people have contacted me and said they believe it would enhance the park itself, and help bring more people into the city centre, and that would be good for city centre businesses and the city in general”.
