CCTV sought for public park in Kildare following antisocial behaviour reports

The installation of CCTV is being sought for The People’s Park in Athy following reports of antisocial behaviour in the area.

The matter was brought to the attention of Kildare County Council (KCC) at the latest Athy Municipal District (MD) meeting, which took place on Monday, April 14 last.

Fianna Fáil councillor Veralouise Behan submitted the motion about the potential installation of CCTV, and this motion was seconded by the Mayor of the MD, Labour Party Cllr Aoife Breslin.

Cllr Behan explained to KCC that concerns had been voiced over antisocial behaviour in The People’s Park, and specifically told KCC that playground equipment in the park had been "dirtied or damaged" by a small cohort of people.

Athy Cllr Veralouise Behan, Fianna Fáil. Photo credit: kildarecoco.ie

KCC told Cllr Behan via its report at the meeting that it has no plans to install CCTV in the Peoples Park.

"There is no budget to provide it nor resources to monitor it," KCC added.

Cllr Behan then suggested that, failing the installation of CCTV, if KCC could erect signage with a contact number(s) for those who witness antisocial behaviour in The People’s Park.

Mayor Breslin praised Cllr Behan’s motion, and noted that local gardaí have given an undertaking to "put extra patrols" in the region.

"Gardaí have an interest in this area," she added.

RESIDENTS PRAISED

In addition, Mayor Breslin commended the work of local residents who regularly volunteer to keep The People’s Park tidy.

She also said: "Let’s use the Park for what it should be used for."

Following this, two other councillors voiced their support for Cllr Behan’s motion: Fianna Fáil Cllr Brian Dooley, who appeared at the meeting by virtual means, and Labour Party Cllr Mark Leigh, the latter of whom also expressed his support for the erection of signage with contact number(s) in the area.

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