Calls for CCTV at Ballybay park

An update on CCTV for Ballybay was sought by Cllr Seán Gilliland in a bid to stop vandalism at a local amenity.

Cllr Gillliland was eager to find out if it could be installed near the changing area beside the Lido in Ballybay Town Park, as there had been instances of criminal damage to the facility by “a group of undesirables” whom he alleged were drinking and setting fire to items.

The Fine Gael representative was well aware of the cost of refurbishing the changing rooms, but he wondered if it could be repurposed or moved because people didn’t want to use it due to “a sense of insecurity caused by a group of thugs”. Cllr Gilliland said he knew of break-ins to cars in the park.

He went on to acknowledge that it was a public order issue and hard to police, and that’s why he asked about CCTV.

“I’m aware a bit of intimidation is going on as well. It’s a ghetto of thugs in the evening. I don’t believe people are using it because of what’s happening,” he asserted.

He added he was not one for removing hard-won infrastructure.

District Coordinator Matthew Lambe said the MD had progressed the CCTV scheme for Ballybay as far as they could and it was now with the Gardaí, who he understood were experiencing some difficulties at their end too.

Contact had been made with An Garda Siochana regarding the changing area and vandalism of the water fountain in the same park.

“We are having a lot of dialogue with the guards around this location,” Mr Lambe confirmed. It is understood that the town park is included within the scope of the Ballybay CCTV scheme.