Anti-social behaviour in estate is ‘not fair on other residents’

A FINE GAEL councillor raised an ongoing issue of anti-social behaviour in The Laurels housing estate at a recent meeting of Carlow Municipal District.

Cllr Doogue pointed out that many of the councillors present at the meeting “are very much aware of the disturbances which occur on a regular basis. There are caravans that move in and generators (used). There is noise and disruption up there on a regular basis, where nappies and gas bottles are left behind”.

He continued: “The green area is a problem, where the cars go in, there are dogs constantly running loose and fouling and we are talking about children getting out to play or not. Could fencing be put up to stop cars getting onto the green, at least, and it might try to curtail (matters)? It just can’t continue the way it is going. It’s just an ongoing battle and not fair on the residents. With all due respect, as generators are running at 10pm and 11pm, this just can’t go on.” 

 Cllr Doogue added that fencing could stop “caravans having their little parties up there”.

Acting senior executive engineer Cian Madden explained that The Laurels estate was on the council’s “programme of works”.

Cllr Doogue also raised the issue of drainage problems at the Barrowlands. He said there are six houses located there and whenever there is a heavy downpour of rain, drainage becomes an issue and sewage comes up.

Badly affected is homeowner Matthew Donaldson, whose 14-year-old son is severely disabled. He is one of only three people living with the condition.

“Mr Donaldson has gone through endless work to get portfolios of all of the houses; he has them all submitted to planning. I would be grateful if the finance department would look at this as a matter of urgency.” 

The councillor outlined that the Donaldson family have to sterilise items from outside if their son has been playing with them.

“I’ve been inside their house and I can even get the smell (of sewage). Nobody should have to go through that in this day and age. I know a lot of work is involved and it’s going to cost substantial money, but this has been going on for years.” 

Cllr Andrea Dalton asked if the estate could be “taken in charge” by the council and if a “timeline” was being considered.

Mr Madden explained that the municipal district has done “extensive clean-ups”. He said that he was liaising with the housing and environment sections of the council to get the matter “cleared”.

“We’ll have to look at the bigger picture with regard to coming up with a plan with the residents’ association,” he added.

It was pointed out that Uisce Éireann was also involved in the matter.