Call for greater Garda presence in Enfield estate

Problems with graffiti and underage drinking in the Rath Dale estate in Enfield have prompted residents to call for a greater Garda presence in the area. A group of youths from other areas are congregating in Rath Dale, leading to problems with underage drinking and graffiti and a residents" committee was recently formed to take action on the issue. Secretary Clare Barbour said that walls in front of houses and the pillars are being targeted by the vandals and that last weekend another wall was attacked with crude comments written on it. She said that most of the graffiti is carried out at weekends and that it is mostly the same initials. Ms Barbour said it is going to cost thousands of euro to have the graffiti removed and that even if they collected €30 from each house, they would not have enough. In a recent clean-up, residents gathered 20 black bags mostly full of beer cans and bottles. Ms Barbour said that bottles are being smashed and that cars are getting punctures and told how a six-year-old girl fell on the glass recently and ended up getting six stitches. Ms Barbour said the residents are looking at setting up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme to try to prevent the problems. She said they had spoken to Gardai but that it is difficult for the Gardai to do anything unless they catch them doing it. Ms Barbour said residents would like to see a greater Garda presence especially when there are problems in the area. Sergeant Robert Harrison said they had meetings with the residents" committee and are aware of the problem and are investigating the matter. He also said they are patrolling the area. Local councillor Bill Carey said: 'I have asked the Gardai to keep an eye on it. They are doing that in as far as they can and I have advised residents where they can get a new substance to remove graffiti from the walls.' Cllr Carey said he attended one of the residents" meetings and they were hoping to plant shrubs against the wall to cover the wall and that he is getting in touch with Meath County Council to see if they can get a small grant towards this. He said: 'Gardai are aware that people are coming from outside the estate. 'There is a hardcore group of 12-15 youths in the entire area and I am confident Gardai know exactly who they are and they are watching them as best they can.' Cllr Carey has asked where the parents of these youths are. 'They have a serious responsibility to know where their children are and what they are doing. 'There are about 500 teenagers in the entire Enfield area. I don"t believe in saying there is nothing for them to do. The other 480 teenagers find something to do.' He added: 'Until such time as the parents are made responsible for the actions of the teenagers, it is difficult to stop this. The law has to be amended to give Gardai more power to apprehend these people. And even if they are arrested and brought to court, they cannot be named if they are under 17. If the names were given, the parents would very soon look up and take action to stop it.' Cllr Carey commended the Rath Dale residents and said they are doing their best to keep the estate and that it has the makings of a nice area. 'The foundations are there. 'They have a nice green area and the people are community minded. I think they will succeed. Public opinion is behind them to curb this spate of vandalism,' he said.