Children feel intimidated
LIMERICK County Council is considering introducing by-laws to limit the age of children permitted to use playgrounds.
A motion was raised by Newcastle West Cllr Damien Riedy FG, who asked that the laws be introduced to prevent adolescents over the age of 12 from loitering in playgrounds and using the equipment.
“The equipment is designed for young children,” he told a meeting of the council.
“Another issue is the lack of amenities for teens.
“If they’re not into sport they have nothing to do, so we should look at creating more facilities for them”.
Cllr Bill O’Donnell FG agreed that this was an issue in the county and that younger children can be intimidated by the presence of teens at the facilities.
“The problem is the same in many playgrounds.
“Older people are causing all the trouble and creating an unsatisfactory environment for younger children”.
Supporting the motion, Cllr John Sheahan FG, said that, from his experience in Glin, the problem had passed once the novelty of the new playground in the area had worn off for teens.
Cllr Jerome Scanlan FG suggested that the community form a system to keep an eye on the playgrounds and ensure that behaviour is above board.
Cllr Michael Sheahan FG, believes that the real issue is a lack of amenities for older children.
“There are no facilities for teens.
“We should look at the playgrounds in Northern Ireland where they have facilities for teens.
“They’re entitled to have something to be provided for them”.
Deputy county secretary Tina Knox, said that there were currently no by-laws in place to control the use of playgrounds.
“Limerick County Council may make by-laws for the use of playground to benefit the community,” she said.
The matter will be brought to the next meeting of the Community SPC,
