Calls are being made for an increased Garda presence in an Ennis housing estate to combat what’s been described as a growing trend of anti-social behaviour in the area.
A number of individuals are understood to be engaging in “daily drinking” at the entrance to Elm Park, leaving some residents feeling “intimidated” and fearing for their children’s safety.
Fine Gael Councillor Mary Howard claims a number of representations have been made to her regarding anti-social behaviour at Elm Park.
A group is said to be engaging in “daily drinking” at the entrance to the estate on the Drumcliff Road behind the Gort Road Shopping Centre.
Locals say the individuals involved are frequently “abusive” which causes them to feel “intimidated” and creates an unsafe atmosphere for children.
Councillor Howard has urged Ennis Municipal District to cut back vegetation at this location in a bid to make is “less inviting” for this kind of behaviour.
She says it makes for an unsavoury dynamic in a residential area.
Ennis Municipal District claims the strump and roots of a tree which fell during Storm Éowyn have now been removed from the site and that it will investigate to see is there are “areas of low hanging branches or hedging that require maintenance”.
It also says that any known instances of anti-social behaviour should be reported to the Gardaí.
Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Daly has branded the behaviour as “disgraceful” and believes the Gardaí should be routinely patrolling the area.
