Ballinrobe by-laws

Calls for speedy introduction of by-laws in Ballinrobe

Claire Egan

CALLS have been made for the introduction of a series of by-laws in Ballinrobe town in an effort to prevent a further escalation of acts of anti-social behaviour.
A request for a greater Garda presence in the town has also been issued.
Following a series of random acts of vandalism perpetrated on a number of commercial and residential premises in the town during the past fortnight, coupled with an increasing rate of drink-fuelled anti-social behaviour incidents, a public meeting was held in the town last week to discuss the problems.
Speaking to The Mayo News, local area councillor Patsy O’Brien (pictured), who attended the meeting, said that locals have become increasingly concerned with recent events.
“There has been a lot of drinking taking place at the Bowers Walk and there is a serious issue with groups congregating in this vicinity. We have been working to redevelop this area but unfortunately it has turned into a place for drinking and for rubbish dumping. This has been going on for quite a period of time and in the past two weeks alone residential premises were vandalised and the signage for a number of businesses was pulled down,” said Cllr O’Brien.
Last week’s impromptu public meeting was well-attended by business people and residents in the town, and a series of further meetings are planned.
“We want to see an end to what has been going on, whether it is drinking in public places, destruction of public property, vandalism or racing in cars. We will have to raise the issue of by-laws at an electoral area meeting and discuss it further at county level. Furthermore, we would hope for a greater presence of gardaí within the town at peak times, such as weekend nights and at various times during the week,” said Cllr O’Brien.