Carlow Gardaí investigate Halloween disorder at John Sweeney Park
The fire that was set in the middle of the road near the entrance to John Sweeney Park. Source: Facebook
CARLOW gardaí are investigating public disorder on Halloween night after three cars were reportedly damaged near John Sweeney Park and a bonfire was lit in the middle of the road.
Footage posted on social media on Saturday night showed youths pointing fireworks at vehicles entering the estate off Tullow Road.
Some residents of John Sweeney Park and nearby Burrin Manor were reportedly unable to enter or leave their estates because of the fire.
Footage also showed fireworks aimed at the council’s new community centre between the estates. No damage to the building was reported.
Supt Anthony Farrell of Carlow Garda Station said gardaí responded to firework-related calls, public disorder and three reports of damage to cars. No injuries or damage to buildings were reported. Investigations have begun and gardaí have contacted victims.
“Anti-social behaviour in any format is condemned, anytime, especially at Halloween. A lot of planning took place between An Garda Síochána, fire service and local authority in the lead-up to Halloween and extra uniform car crews were in place to ensure people could enjoy themselves and be safe this Halloween period,” Supt Farrell said.
“Regrettably, the safety messaging did not reach everyone. A selection of young people tried to destroy the spirit of this family night, putting people in danger, including themselves. This is such a pity, not only for them but also their families and their communities from where they come, who were most impacted by this poor behaviour,” Supt Farrell added.
Anyone with CCTV footage or information about Halloween-related incidents, including public disorder and damage to three cars in John Sweeney Park, is asked to contact Carlow Garda Station on 059 9136620.
Fianna Fáil councillor Fintan Phelan said the behaviour was “completely unacceptable.” “People were left in a very vulnerable position where they couldn’t get in and out of their houses, God forbid there was an emergency that the ambulance had to be called for somebody,” cllr Phelan said.
“There could have been a very serious situation with grave consequences, it is totally unacceptable,” he added.
Cllr Phelan said he would raise the issue at the next meeting of the Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP), which is a collaborative local forum that aims to deliver effective co-ordinated responses to improve safety and wellbeing across Carlow.
Asked whether he feels there is a deeper problem regarding anti-social behaviour among a section of youths in the town, cllr Phelan said there did seem to be a “concerning rise” recently.
“There have always been instances of anti-social behaviour across the country on Halloween, that is not unique to Carlow. But, certainly, there does seem to be a concerning rise, particularly among younger males, in anti-social behaviour,” cllr Phelan said.
“Carlow Regional Youth Services do fantastic work with young people in our town and I think we need a holistic approach from all agencies, and that’s what the LCSP is for, to co-ordinate the response of the relevant agencies,” he concluded.
