TWO public representatives have met with Gardaí in relation to a significant increase in crime and anti-social behaviour in the Castletroy and Annacotty areas.
Fianna Fáil TD Willie O’Dea and party colleague Cllr Joe Pond organised a meeting between a number of resident associations in the Annacotty and Castletroy areas and Gardaí from Castleconnell about the issue.
“I was shocked at the level of intimidation and fear residents were feeling and expressing at the meeting,” Deputy O’Dea told the Limerick Post.
“People talked about gangs of youths terrorising the area, random assaults and robberies. They said that the new greenway is becoming a no-go area, particularly in the evenings and night time. Even the park in Castletroy has become a focal point for anti-social behaviour, with families now very nervous about using this facility.”
According to Deputy O’Dea, Gardaí gave assurances during their meeting that they are taking the issue very seriously and will be taking action to deal with the issues raised.
“The need for a Garda station in Castletroy is one of the most significant issues raised by the local residents. Senior Gardaí have told me that the provision of a Garda Station is under serious consideration, as a business case has been made for a new Garda station in Castletroy and it is with the Garda Commissioner for a decision,” Deputy O’Dea explained.
“We also need to use CCTV to apprehend and prosecute those responsible for anti-social behaviour. At present, the ability to use CCTV in areas like this to prosecute crimes has been appealed to the Supreme Court. Hopefully the Court will soon allow for existing and new CCTV cameras to be used to prosecute anti-social behaviour in Castletroy, Annacotty, and other areas.”
Deputy O’Dea’s party colleague, Cllr Joe Pond, pointed out that the Castletroy-Annacotty area is expanding rapidly with the provision of very welcome new houses, but insists it must be ensured that it doesn’t just become a concrete jungle.
“I will be making the case to the Planning Department of the Council that all new planning applications for housing estates in the Castletroy-Annacotty area have adequate provision for recreational facilities for children and youth,” the City East representative commented.
Deputy O’Dea is now calling on Justice Minister Helen McEntee to legislate to ensure the parents of juveniles convicted of behaving in a threatening or anti-social manner are required to pay compensation where it can be shown that wilful parental negligence was a key factor.
“All too often we see the victims are far worse off than the families of the perpetrators. Our street crime crisis is not born out of social deprivation or poverty, it is a result of a culture of impunity. One where a small few believe they can get away with anything they want. Society must show them they cannot,” the former Defence Minister said.
