A Garda investigation has been launched into an assault causing harm to a young boy in broad daylight in Shannon.
The incident has sparked renewed calls for action around the use of CCTV in public areas.
Shortly before 6 o’clock on Saturday evening, a young boy walking through Shannon Town Park was approached by a group of youths wearing balaclavas.
He was subsequently assaulted in what Gardaí have described as a distressing incident.
They are appealing for witnesses and are asking anyone who may have camera footage to make it available to investigating officers.
The incident has sparked renewed calls for CCTV to be made operational in Shannon Town Park.
Cameras were installed when the park opened in 1999, but are not currently operational due to GDPR restrictions and Clare County Council has been meeting regularly with An Garda Síochána with a view to resolving the issue.
Shannon Municipal District representative, Cratloe-based Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat O’Gorman says one incident like this is one too many, but efforts to get CCTV up and running have proven more difficult than first envisaged.
A Shannon Sinn Féin representative insists the onus is on the Government to push through legislation on the use of CCTV.
Shane Doody says it doesn’t appear to be a priority for the Justice Minister and there’s huge frustration over the slow pace of progress on the issue.
Anyone with information on the incident at Shannon Town Park last Saturday evening is asked to contact Shannon Garda Station on 065 365 900.
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