This article is from page 30 of the 2011-10-18 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 30 JPG
INCIDENTS of anti-social behaviour at an Ennis playground have “settled down considerably” since the introduction of CCTV, a meeting has heard.
There was praise for the set of measures implemented this year at a € 240,000 children’s playground in Tim Smythe Park at yesterday’s meeting of the Ennis Joint Policing Committee.
The playground was the focus of incidents of anti-social behaviour when it opened earlier this year.
Reports of vandalism, bullying and intimidation led to calls for improved security measures including CCTV and fencing.
Residents in the area also expressed concern over the high number of cars parking in the area when the playground opened.
Town Manager Ger Dollard told yesterday’s meeting at Waterpark House, Ennis, that the playground is now “operating to a standard that we would accept”.
Praising the impact of the new CCTV system, double yellow lines and pedestrian crossing, Mr Dollard described the overall development of the playground as a “success story”.
Welcoming the report, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) said the playground at Tim Smythe Park is a “world-class facility”.
He said that he acknowledged that initial concerns have now been addressed. He said that anti-social behaviour had “settled down considerably”.
Cllr Mary Coote Ryan (FG) said residents had been “very concerned in the early days” but are now happy that the problems had been addressed.
Mr Dollard told the meeting that good progress had been made over the past 12 months in the area of pedestrian crossings.
He said crossings are now in place at the Maid of Eireann, Tim Smythe Park and Ennis Golf Club while further work is expected at a number of sites around the town.
He also appealed for people using the Western Relief Road in Ennis to jog on the footpath. Mr Dollard said there had been reports of joggers jogging on the road at night.
He said that in the interests of safety, people should use the footpath and also wear appropriate clothing.