Councillors call for tougher action on antisocial behaviour

Councillors have called for stronger action to tackle persistent antisocial behaviour in Carrick-on-Shannon, including the possible use of exclusion orders, tenancy warnings, repossession proceedings and CCTV in areas where residents are experiencing ongoing intimidation and disruption.

The issue was raised at a recent Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District meeting by Sinn Féin councillor Cormac Flynn, who sought support from Leitrim County Council, in conjunction with An Garda Síochána, for a more robust strategy to deal with serious and repeated incidents in council-owned and managed housing.

Cllr Flynn said the council must develop a clear approach around repossessions, evictions and exclusion orders where there is “persistent and extreme” antisocial behaviour.

He told the meeting that residents in some estates and housing developments were being “held to ransom” by the actions of a small minority.

“We all know the types of behaviour that are causing misery for residents: public intoxication, threats and harassment of neighbours, criminal damage, dumping of rubbish, loud parties late into the night and early morning, vandalism, violence, intimidation, and ongoing breaches of the peace,” Cllr Flynn said.

He said residents were in regular contact with him about antisocial behaviour and that the impact on families was becoming increasingly serious.

“The level of distress is deeply concerning. Some families have no option but to temporarily leave their homes to get peace and escape intimidation,” he said.

The meeting heard that residents have been contacting both Leitrim County Council and An Garda Síochána several times a week seeking action.

Cllr Flynn said vulnerable people were among those most affected, with some elderly residents afraid to leave their homes and children unable to play safely outside.

“Where serious antisocial behaviour persists, Leitrim County Council must be prepared to use every legal mechanism available, including exclusion orders, tenancy warnings and, ultimately, repossession proceedings where necessary,” he said.

The motion was supported by Fine Gael councillor Maeve Reynolds, who said CCTV should be considered in areas where incidents are known to occur.

“I think where it is known that these cases happen, CCTV should be explored because people are afraid of their lives of reporting things. I think CCTV would alleviate those worries,” Cllr Reynolds said.

The council confirmed that a review of the county’s antisocial behaviour policy is currently under way, with a view to strengthening the measures available to respond to serious cases.

Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.