Anti-social behaviour in The Laurels and St Mary’s Cemetery an ‘absolute disgrace’

THE ESCALATION of anti-social behaviour in The Laurels and St Mary’s Cemetery was described as an “absolute disgrace” that has turned into a “free-for-all”.

Cllr Paul Doogue urged immediate action at the Carlow estate and at St Mary’s Cemetery, describing the response from the authorities to date as simply “not good enough”.

“It’s a free-for-all. There are certain elements who think they can do what they like in this town … both matters need to be treated with the utmost urgency,” he said.

The Fine Gael councillor spoke passionately on the issue at last Thursday’s meeting of Carlow Municipal District, adding that residents of The Laurels on the Tullow Road simply cannot be left to live under this constant threat.

“I felt very sorry for the residents of The Laurels … it’s not good enough. Everyone should be treated with respect and be allowed to live in peace,” he said.

Cllr Doogue pointed out that councillors have “emails galore” from residents highlighting the problems. “This can’t go on. Residents are at their wits’ end, it’s an absolutely disgrace,” he said.

Cllr Doogue remarked that if he illegally parked a caravan on his own road, he wouldn’t be long about being told to move it, so why can’t the same apply in The Laurels.

In relation to St Mary’s Cemetery, cllr Doogue called for a caretaker to be appointed, adding that it was truly shocking what was happening on this “sacred ground”, which means so much to the people of Carlow.

“St Mary’s Cemetery … the sulkies are still going in. I think we urgently need to revisit our by-laws. Our Garda Síochána … I’d like to see a bit more from them, who are passing by it on a daily basis,” said cllr Doogue.

Earlier in the meeting, cllr Adrienne Wallace called for The Laurels to “get priority”, adding that the situation was causing “a lot of distress in the area”. She also welcomed the clean-up that was due to take place in the estate at the weekend.

Town engineer Cian Madden confirmed that a meeting between all of the relevant council departments, including housing and environment, on the issue of The Laurels was due to take place today, 4 March. He confirmed that the council is monitoring the situation, and if notices are required, they will be enforced.

At the end of the meeting, cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council cllr Fergal Browne called for an in-committee meeting (held in the absence of the media) to discuss the issue of St Mary’s Cemetery, which was agreed by members.