Calls for Garda Patrols in Town Park amid anti-social behaviour concerns
Local Councillor Tony McCormack has urged An Garda Síochána to patrol the town park following recent bouts of anti-social behaviour.
The calls come amidst growing concern about incidents of vandalism and disturbances within the park.
In a motion to the February meeting, Cllr McCormack urged Tullamore Municipal District to implement improved lighting and increased CCTV coverage of the Town Park to ''minimise and combat potential anti-social behaviour. Furthermore, gardai should be requested to increase their patrols of the Town Park,” he said.
At previous council meetings, councillors highlighted the importance of the facility as a recreational space for families and residents in Tullamore.
They expressed their disappointment at the recent anti-social behaviour stating that it undermines the enjoyment of the park for everyone and creates an unnecessary sense of unease.
Cllr McCormack said Gardai had asked for the park to be locked at night and early in the morning. However, he said the council does not have the manpower to undertake this. So he said the next best thing is CCTV and better lighting.
The Fianna Fail councillor went on to say that he had recently visited Scoil Eoin Phoil in Tullamore and they also had concerns regarding the park, saying they felt intimidated. Cllr McCormack said he hoped the students would see that he did listen and brought it up at the council meeting.
Seconding the motion, Councillor Declan Harvey said the new toilets have already been broken into three times.
Prior to that people were subjected to verbal abuse while the much loved water feature was also damaged. Funding is currently being sought to fix the structure which was a highlight of any visit to the park and added to the overall enjoyment of the facility.
Adding his voice to the discussion, Councillor Neil Feighery, described the park as a gem in Tullamore. Cllr Feighery said ''we need to make all efforts to secure funding to deliver on this.''