Donegal County Council has been urged to implement security patrols in Letterkenny’s parks and walkways to deter antisocial behaviour.
Mayor of Letterkenny-Milford Kevin Bradley said there are serious issues linked to drinking dens in parks across the town.
“Underage drinking is a massive problem,” Cllr Bradley said in a motion to the Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District on Tuesday.
He said the effects of the behaviour impacts the whole community: “Wains are going out to parks to play in the middle of the day and there’s nothing but broken glass.
“Residents are in fear for their lives to go into the areas at night.”
The town’s two main parks – Ballymacool Park and Bernard McGlinchey Town Park – are closed at night and checked by a security firm after hours.
But Cllr Bradley pointed out that many small local parks are experiencing problems.
Cllr Bradley said he recognised that antisocial behaviour is a matter for the gardaí, but said that some responsibility should also be put on parents. He said that the dispatching of security personnel to the parks is a matter of urgency.
“With the long evenings, the weather will pick up and the parties will start happening,” Cllr Bradley warned.
Cllr Ciaran Brogan added that it would be an opportune time for the council to seek a meeting with gardaí to discuss community policing.
A spokesperson for the council said that CCTV cameras are in place in the Ballymacool Park and the Bernard McGlinchey Town Park and staff are present the majority of time during working hours.
“Any issues that arise are reported to the Gardai,” they said.
“Donegal County Council will liaise with the Gardai regarding enforcement and will discuss this issue at the next Town Forum meeting.”
