More Gardaí needed to combat anti-community activities - SF

Recent vandalism in Bailieborough has prompted a Sinn Fein councillor to call for a greater Gardaí presence in the town to combat the desecration of community facilities. Cllr Paddy McDonald says that in addition to the cost to the public purse, the upsurge in vandalism is causing the community "anguish". "As chairman of Bailieborough Community Association I would like to condemn the recent vandalism that has happened around our town," said Cllr Paddy McDonald. "These areas are a huge attraction for the community, but each act of vandalism is an expense and causes undue anguish to all." "In the past year Bailieborough Community Association, with the help of Cavan County Council, developed and regenerated an area that was a dumping ground beside the Church of Ireland on the entrance to the Woodview Estate but this has fallen prey to vandals in recent months. "There was fencing erected, a picnic area put in place in the middle and some benches were put in so that people could sit down, relax and enjoy their town and community. Unfortunately over the last few months this area has been abused by people to drink and has become a den for antisocial behaviour. In recent times, we have seen the fencing and the benches being broken and some of the kerbing has suffered a similar fate. Repairs have been carried out to the area by the Association but because of budget cutbacks, these will inevitably cease. "Similarly, other landmarks in the town, like the community centre, have suffered abuse and this came to a head on Halloween night when downpipes, wastewater pipes and outside lighting were pulled down. The inconsideration of these vandals to the fact that these facilities, their maintenance and upkeep cost money and that damage to them is a blow to the community is truly shocking. "It is tragic and alarming that this type of activity is becoming so wide spread and it brings the name of young people in areas into disrepute despite this behaviour being down to a small minority. This behaviour impacts on the quality of life of residents of all ages in our community and should not be accepted. "Real community policing requires the presence of community Gardaí based full time in their local districts. The value of getting to know the community cannot be overstated in terms of both crime prevention and crime solving. "There needs to be a zero tolerance regarding these anti-community activities. I am calling for more Gardaí to be put on the beat and to be more vigilant in areas where this vandalism and damage is taking place."