LIMERICK councillors are calling for an urgent increase in community policing in the People’s Park and suburban neighbourhoods in the city where anti-social behaviour is on the rise.
Sinn Féin councillor Malachy McCreesh has this week written to Limerick Garda authorities calling for immediate action in the People’s Park following numerous complaints about “regular bouts of anti-social behaviour”.
In one incident, he claims, a child was injured by a gang of children as young as 8 and 12-years-old. A young man confined to his wheelchair was also robbed in broad daylight on nearby Parnell Street recently.
According to Cllr McCreesh, local residents are also concerned over claims of drug taking and drinking in the park and surrounding area.
“The portable toilets on Lower Mallow Street are being used by addicts to shoot up. Apart from the anti-social aspect, there is the added danger to the many children who use this toilet facility on a daily basis,” warned the City West councillor.
In his letter to the Gardaí, McCreesh called for an increase in community policing in the People’s Park as a matter of urgency. He insists it is vital anti-social elements get the message that the People’s Park is a public space that “belongs to all of us and must be respected”.
“Young people and families should be able to enjoy the park at any time during opening hours. A greater Garda presence is required to ensure the public feel safe when visiting this most important amenity,” he said.
Meanwhile, Labour councillor for City East, Elena Secas, has also called for a greater Garda presence on the Old Singland Road due to anti-social behaviour problems. According to Cllr Secas, residents in the area are living in fear due to the growing problem of young gangs.
The Limerick Post reported last week that ongoing drug use and dealing is plain to see in broad day light in the Springfield estate on the Old Singland Road, and that underage drinking in the area has now become “rampant”. One concerned resident was also threatened at knifepoint when he asked a teenage gang to clean up their mess
“It is a nice community and people should not feel threatened or should not have to drive to the shop which is within a hundred meter distance from their home, because they fear what might happen to them if they walk”, said Cllr Secas.
“Anti-social behaviour is growing and is bringing what used to be a nice area into decline,” she concluded.
According to a Garda spokesman, Gardaí have been paying particular attention to the People’s Park and are working closely with the local authority, and in particular the Park Rangers in relation to anti-social activity that they may encounter in the course of their duties.
In regards to the situation on the Old Singland Road area, a Garda source commented, “Gardaí in Limerick are aware of the concerns of the public in the Old Singland Road area. Extra Garda patrols have been deployed in this area in an attempt to ensure everyone’s safety and welfare.”
