'A Halloween of fear, not fun' for Dundalk and Blackrock residents

Councillor Robert Nash has called on parents to take greater responsibility, following reports of intimidation, dangerous behaviour and antisocial activity across local communities, over Halloween.

Fine Gael representative for Dundalk South, Cllr Robert Nash, has expressed serious concern following reports of widespread antisocial behaviour across parts of Dundalk, Bay Estate and Blackrock on Halloween night, describing the evening as one of fear rather than fun for many local residents.

Councillor Nash said communities in Blackrock, along with numerous housing estates across Dundalk, were affected by groups of young people engaging in intimidating, disruptive and dangerous behaviour.

He said there were reports of elderly residents being intimidated, local shop workers being harassed, property being targeted and young teenagers gathering in large groups with little or no apparent parental supervision.

Cllr Nash told the Dundalk Democrat: “Parents need to know where their children are, who they are with and, more importantly, what they are getting up to.

“We are talking about children as young as 13 and 14 years of age gathering in large groups, with reports of behaviour that is simply unacceptable.

"Parents have a responsibility to know what their children are doing rather than allowing them to congregate in estates and communities without knowing what is happening.

“In Bay Estate, for example, a group of approximately 30–35 teenagers had reportedly gathered, and since approximately 6pm there had been reports of doors being kicked, shop workers being intimidated because they would not sell eggs intended for throwing at people's homes, and fireworks being carried and pointed at people and each other.”

Cllr Nash said that there were also reports of spray cans and lighters being used to create flames, with one incident coming dangerously close to a small child.

Similar concerns, he added, were also reported in Blackrock, particularly around Blackrock Park, where large groups of youths were gathering, fireworks were being thrown at people and disturbances were being caused within the park and surrounding area.

"Let's be absolutely clear”, he stressed, “this is not Halloween fun. It is antisocial behaviour and, in some instances, extremely dangerous conduct.”

Councillor Nash said local shop workers, many of whom are young themselves, should not have to endure intimidation simply for carrying out their jobs, while elderly residents and families should be able to enjoy Halloween without fear of having their property targeted or being threatened.

He also acknowledged the significant pressure placed on An Garda Síochána throughout the evening, with Gardaí receiving numerous calls relating to incidents across local communities.

"We cannot expect Gardaí to be everywhere at once. They were inundated with calls on Halloween night, but parental responsibility must also be part of the solution.

“There is a difference between teenagers enjoying Halloween and engaging in behaviour that puts other people's safety, property and livelihoods at risk.”

Councillor Nash concluded by adding: “The bottom line is simple: know where your children are, know who they are with and ask them what they are doing.

“Residents should not have to put up with intimidation, shop workers should not have to fear groups of teenagers entering their premises, and small children should never be put in danger.

“Halloween should be about community, fun and enjoyment. For many residents this year, it was anything but. Parents need to step up and take responsibility.”