Calls for CCTV at playgrounds
Some playgrounds in the north Monaghan area are being used as venues for public drinking and anti-social behaviour, it was claimed at the July meeting of the Monaghan Municipal District.
Cllr Pauric Clerkin (FG) said he has been contacted by constituents asking that the play parks in Emyvale and Ballinode be equipped with CCTV because of anti-social behaviour and people over 18 hanging out there. “I have received reports of people drinking in play parks and that is completely unacceptable,” Cllr Clerkin stated.
He said the Ballinode astro pitch had to be temporarily closed because of people drinking there. An appeal was issued for the behaviour to cease, the pitch was reopened and the same thing happened.
Cllr Clerkin added that parents have also told him that some play parks aren’t safe enough and he finds that very concerning.
Co-ordinator Martin Taylor said such behaviour is a violation of the byelaws governing playgrounds and he will contact the Gardaí in relation to the complaints.
The Cathaoirleach, Cllr Alan Johnston said he has proposed that the MD establish a sub-committee to track such anti-social behaviour “so we get the message out that anti-social behaviour is not acceptable and will be dealt with.”
Cllr Johnston said all relevant stakeholders need to be involved in the new body, including Tidy Towns groups and especially the Gardaí. “People should be able to go about their daily lives without worrying about anti-social behaviour,” he added.
Cllr Seán Conlon (SF) stated: “We must not let CCTV become the be-all and end-all in monitoring anti-social behaviour. The Gardaí have a job to do – CCTV has a role to play but we need more Garda visibility not only in our towns but our rural villages.”
Cllr Bronagh McAree (SF) said that public drinking in play parks is not acceptable.
It was stated at the meeting, in response to a written question submitted by Cllr Clerkin, that 18 anti-social behaviour incidents at local authority owned properties in the MD area have been reported so far this year. A total of 32 complaints of this nature were made in 2025.