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Thugs force early park closure

Thursday, 12 June 2008

AN ONGOING problem with anti-social behaviour has caused officials to change the opening times for a popular Northside park.
Poppintree Park will now shut at around 4.30pm after the summer months in an effort to tackle the worrying behaviour which has plagued the park for several months.
According to Eileen Dennan of Ballymun Regeneration Limited, the problems have sparked a large volume of complaints from adjoining residents and local gardai.
“It seems the main problems are with young fellas who are throwing stones from the park at neighbouring houses,” she told Northside People.
“These problems have intensified recently and I think concerns were heightened when 14 houses nearby recently went on fire and were considerably damaged.”
According to Ms Dennan, the pros far outweigh the cons when it comes to limiting the park’s opening hours.
“It will become an easier place to manage and it should ease the concerns among local residents with youths,” she explained.
“It will make the area safer. However, due to the fact that the pedestrian route across the park is used by a large number of people accessing schools, employment and bus services on the opposite side of the park, it has been decided to open the park from 7am in the mornings until the alternative pedestrian route alongside the Sillogue 4 housing is opened.”
It has yet to be decided if Poppintree Park will remain open for a longer period during the summer months.
According to local councillor Andrew Montague (Lab), there will be a mixed reaction to the recent BRL announcement.
“It’s not a good thing but unfortunately it is something that has to be done to get to grips with the level of anti-social behaviour associated with the park,” he told Northside People.
“I don’t know if these troublesome youths were responsible for the fire as throwing stones is one thing but starting a fire is anti-social behaviour at a whole other level.”
According to Ms Dennan, the changes to the park’s opening hours will take effect in mid June.
“BRL will be notifying people by way of signage and a leaflet drop in advance of the gates being locked at night,” she concluded.

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