COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

MOTION NO. 3

MOTION: Councillor E. Tuffy

Cathaoirleach's Business

"That this Committee notes ongoing concerns expressed by residents about the extent of anti-social activities in parts of Waterstown Park, Palmerston requests the Manager to provide a report on the actions taken to ameliorate this problem, including co-operation with An Garda Siochana."

REPORT:

Anti-social behaviour is an unfortunate aspect of our modern society. The majority of anti-social behaviour in Waterstown Park takes place during the hours of darkness after the parks have closed and our staff have finished work for the day. For this reason, the Council is limited in relation to the type of actions it can take to counter anti-social behaviour.

Physical measures that have been taken to tackle anti social activity in Waterstown Park include the provision of boundary walls and railings, installation of vehicle control barriers and kissing gates and routine patrolling by the Park Rangers. In addition to this the staff routinely remove cans and bottles as part of regular maintenance works undertaken in the Park. 

Instances of scrambler bikes being used in the Park are infrequent and where they do occur the Gardaí are informed.  Although they are not always able to respond with a patrol car at the time they commit to calling to the park once a car becomes available.

Reducing anti-social problems is something that can only be done with the assistance of residents and communities groups living in the area. It is important that anyone who experiences anti social activities should be encouraged to contact the Gardaí who have the powers to enforce the law under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act.  In addition residents should report incidences of anti-social behaviour to the Public Realm Section in order that the issues can be addressed where possible.