Park benches can attract anti-social behaviour - council

Park benches can attract anti-social behaviour, Cllr John Shaw was told when he called for two to be provided on walking loop between Killucan and Rathwire. He made his request at the June meeting of the Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad.

The meeting was reminded that there is a bench on the route at The Green, Killucan. Another suitable location is difficult to agree due to the narrow footpaths and the risk of anti-social behaviour, which may deter regular users of the amenity, it was suggested.

Cllr Shaw argued that it is a popular loop walk and that the Tidy Towns committee wanted the benches. If a suitable location is found, is the commitment there from the council?, he asked.

He was assured that the commitment is there in principle, but benches can attract anti-social behaviour. Input from the local community in monitoring usage would be important.

Cllr Denis Leonard said the council cannot desist from putting in essential amenities for fear of anti-social behaviour. The elderly, the disabled, mothers with young children, they all need a place to stop on Walkers Loop and we need to put in that facility, he insisted.

Cllr Hazel Smyth, chairperson, also supported the call.

In a separate motion, Cllr Shaw asked that the council resolve the flooding issue outside St Joseph’s NS, Rathwire as a matter of urgency. He was seconded by Cllr Frank McDermott. The meeting was told that the matter had been resolved.