This article is from page 11 of the 2011-06-28 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 11 JPG
ANTI-SOCIAL behaviour in a new playground in the Fair Green area of Ennis has settled down “significantly”, according to one local councilor.
The matter of improved monitoring of Tim Smythe Park was raised at the May meeting of the Ennis Joint Policing Committee (JPC).
Speaking ahead of the playground’s official opening, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) said there had been detailed discussions about anti-social behaviour at the new playground.
Local residents had raised concerns over anti-social behaviour, saying the activities of teenagers were causing disruption to elderly members of the community. They had also highlighted parking problems that emerged after the playgrounds opened in March.
Double yellow lines have since been installed and according to Cllr Flynn, CCTV cameras will be up and running in the area in the next few weeks.
He explained, “The CCTV has been installed but we are just awaiting approval for a connection with the Garda system.”
Cllr Flynn continued, “We had a very detailed meeting about it at the last Joint Policing Committee meeting. The gardaí are very committed to monitoring the Fair Green. It’s a public amenity and people should be able to live in peace and quite around public amenities.”
In May, Cllr Flynn proposed that fencing be erected around the playground “in order to protect both the significant investment in the facilities, its users and local residents from anti-social behaviour.”
Cllr Flynn said at the time that his daughter had been physically “struck” while at the playground.
Speaking yesterday, Cllr Flynn said that while the “situation seems to have settled down significantly”, a fence could still be installed if antisocial problems re-emerged.
He added, “The public being aware that there is significant Garda interest in monitoring the area should help.”
Cllr Flynn said the recent opening of the playground and The Junction youth and community resource building in Cloughleigh showed the Council’s commitment to providing facilities for young people in Ennis.
He added, “There has been almost € 1.25 million spent on amenities and social facilities for young people and people of all ages in the town since the start of the year.”