THERE has been a dramatic rise in crime and anti-social behaviour in one of the Northside's most popular public parks.

Cllr Anne Carter (Lab) has called on the gardai to respond to the threat and increase their presence in the park. She claimed that people are now afraid to walk through the amenity area for fear of intimidation or assault.

"St Anne's Park is an important facility for Northside residents," she said. "It is an open and spacious area which families and people of all ages should be able to use, take recreation in, or stroll through without fear.

"Sadly, in recently times, incidents of public drinking, drug abuse and other anti-social behaviour are becoming commonplace. The park is fast becoming a no-go area for local people.”

Cllr Carter added: "The park wardens, who are currently stationed there, simply do not have the resources or manpower to deal with this type of behaviour.

"Public order has broken down yet again on the Northside of Dublin, and the authorities appear to be turning a blind eye.

"I am calling on the Minister for Justice and the gardai to give this matter their immediate attention before any further major incidents occur."

The city councillor said she will be raising the situation in St Anne's Park at the next meeting of Dublin City Council as a matter of urgency.