This article is from page 26 of the 2007-10-09 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 26 JPG
THE possibility of passing a by-law, with a view to putting an end to ball playing and ‘loud’ behaviour in cer- tain parts of Shannon was the sub- ject of a discussion at a meeting of the town council last week.
Fianna Fail councillor Sean Hillery, who raised the issue, said Some areas of the town were “conducive to ball playing”.
“Old people are annoyed. If it is possible, could we pass a by-law that certain activities would be prohib- ited at certain times,” he said.
Independent Councillor Gerry Flynn said he has received com- plaints about anti-social behaviour
and ball playing.
‘There 1S an onus on us, as a coun- cil, to provide adequate playing ar- eas,” he said.
He pointed out that, across the country, thousands of houses are be- ing built, but there are no facilities available for children.
CiUlr Tony McMahon (Labour) said some of the activity constitutes anti- social behaviour.
“It needs a community garda to liaise with the residents. That is the way we need to solve it. It has to be a change in attitude. Either direct the people to some place else or ask 1s there a need for other activities,” said Cllr McMahon.
He added that it was very unfair to
local residents, to have to “suffer that ongoing annoyance”.
His Labour colleague, Cllr Greg Duff made the point that while a by- law could be brought in, young peo- ple need some sort of pastime.
“There are always going to be young people playing ball. We can bring in a by-law, but we also need to have some sort of alternative,’ he SrHLO
Independent councillor Patricia McCarthy said young people could be doing a lot worse than playing ball.
‘I do agree you can’t have the older teenagers causing a nuisance. I’d rather see them playing ball than hanging around an off-licence,’ she
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Cllr Mike McKee (Ind) agreed with Cllr McCarthy’s comment and asked where would the line be drawn, if a by-law was introduced.
“If you pass a by-law, will the guards come scooting down five- year-olds playing?” he asked.
“If you make a law, you make it for everyone, but in this case, it’s a very dodgy one,” said Cllr McKee.
Cllr Hillery closed the debate by pointing out, “No way would I ever intend to correct the smaller children. We do have some areas we have ne- elected.” He said some youths were travelling quiet a distance to play ball in other housing estates and this was causing annoyance to old people.