Concerns over vandalism at playground in Clare village

VANDALISM in the local playground has prompted a staff of Clare County Council to contact Crusheen Gardaí.

The matter was raised by the incoming Cathaoirleach of the Killaloe Municipal District when members held their July meeting. Councillor Alan O’Callaghan said he had been asked by locals in Crusheen to raise the issue. He tabled a motion calling for lighting or other works to stamp out the problem. 

 “There have been a few incidents of anti-social behaviour recently within the playground,” he said. “I think that a few lights leading into the playground would be ideal.”

The Kilmurry man thanked Community Playground Coordinator, John Treacy for a reply to his motion. He said the problem of anti-social behaviour wasn’t widespread, but that there were concerns in Crusheen. “There are a lot of lovely playgrounds, on some occasions, anti social behaviour happens,” he said. “We don’t have too much of it, but the problem is rising in Crusheen area and I hope we can stop this.”

Councillor Pat Hayes seconded the motion and passed on his compliments to community group in Crusheen who run the playground. “We need to strive to get to level where the County Council supports all playgrounds,” he said.

“I would like to see a role here for the County Council. This playground is kind of isolated from the village and that brings its own challenges. There is a lot houses being built in Crusheen, but not a lot of facilities. That’s another issue.”

In a written response to Councillor O’Callaghan’s motion, Mr Treacy said the Rural and Community Department had made contact with local Gardaí.

“… There is ongoing discussion to identify suitable solutions to help the local Community Playground Committee to mitigate against events of anti-social behaviour at the playground,” the reply stated. “Crusheen Playground is not a Council-owned playground, it is managed by the local community committee,” the response added.