WEXFORD: Wexford County Council wage war

Wexford County Council wage war

“I am becoming increasingly alarmed at the rate of growth in anti-social behaviour in our society and am calling now for this council to wage war on this trend. As it stands people are afraid to go out of their homes from early evening and are living in fear in their houses – many houses are raided when people are actually there,” he said.

“Dark areas have become a breeding ground for those abusing drugs, including alcohol. Cars and houses are being damaged and people are genuinely afraid to speak up even when they know who the perpetrators are,” he continued.

Cllr. Roche made reference to an incident at last week’s sitting of Wexford District Court: “A number of people who were drunk and high on drugs came to the court to support people who were facing charges.

They verbally abused three little girls from the convent on their way up there and a melee broke out outside the courtroom when Gardaí had to restrain a number of them on the ground.” Cllr. Roche finished with an ominous warning: “There is a danger that Wexford could be the next Limerick, or the next Dublin.”

Heads shook vigorously in agreement as he made his impassioned plea, and Cllr. Peter Byrne was the first to vocalise his support.

“People report incidences to their local representatives but are afraid to give their names for fear of reprisals. We have to take action against the people who are involved in this behaviour.” Cllr. Ted Howlin said that the council was being generous by deeming these acts merely antisocial:

“These are criminal acts. We are making it sound nicer than it is.” Cllr. Howlin said that friends of his had recently had an intruder in their home: “They were in bed at 6 a.m. and heard a noise in the kitchen. When my friend went to investigate he discovered a man in the kitchen. When he asked him what he thought he was doing and who he was the burglar proceeded to give him his name and address. He had only been released from prison the week before. All they are is begging asses.” Cllr. Declan MacPartlin made reference to a number of recent serious robberies in North Wexford: “There were seven robberies on the same evening from 7 p.m. including one where an 80-year old woman was terrorised. It is ludicrous how badly policed the county is but the Gardaí are operating without the necessary resources. We need to get tough on the boys at the top.”

Cllr. Michael Kinsella agreed: “Ten days ago there were nine robberies from Camolin to Carnew, not seven. These occurred along a mile stretch of road between 6.30 p.m. and 8 p.m. The perpetrators threatened to cut the toes of an elderly woman. They were able to do this without any fear of any description. We need to get resources in place.” Cllr. John Dwyer said that the wave of anti-social behaviour was not a local authority problem, but a policing problem: “We are being tough on criminals but are ignoring the causes of crime. We should demand that the Minister for Justice gets tough on crime and the causes of crime.”

Cllr. Anna Fenlon said that services for those with addiction were severely lacking: “These problems are often association with drugs and drink. There is not enough support for people with addiction.” Director of Services, Maeve O’Brien, said that Junior Minister for the Environment, Batt O’Keeffe had promised to do something in this area: “He has promised legislation that will tackle anti-social behaviour. He has said that he will define what it is in a local authority policy document and he has also pledged €8 million in funding to deal with anti-social activities.”

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