Kilkenny Residents Demand Action Against Anti-Social Behaviour This Halloween

Concerns are mounting in Kilkenny as local residents voice their frustration over escalating anti-social behaviour, particularly during the Halloween period. Reports indicate that communities in Kilkenny City and Callan are experiencing disturbances linked to groups of teenagers congregating and setting off fireworks late into the night. These incidents have prompted calls for immediate action from local authorities.

Residents in the Lakeside area have raised alarms about teenagers gathering on the pitch of a local school while fireworks are discharged in the vicinity. This troubling trend is not isolated to one neighbourhood; similar complaints have emerged from the city centre. Many locals express that they have exhausted their patience, urging officials to implement stronger measures to address the ongoing disruptions.

Local business owner Aisling Doyle highlighted the community’s repeated appeals for intervention, stating that despite their efforts, effective strategies to combat the issue remain absent. According to Doyle, the lack of tangible responses from authorities only exacerbates the situation.

Local Leaders Speak Out

In light of the troubling incidents, local councillors have publicly condemned the behaviour. Independent Councillor Eugene McGuinness described the situation as a growing danger. “I can see animals running left, right and centre,” he remarked, emphasizing the reckless nature of the fireworks being used. He noted the serious risks involved, stating, “Some of these fireworks…they’re actually pointing them across roads. They’re deadly dangerous, and it’s only a matter of time before somebody’s going to be injured.”

McGuinness expressed particular concern about the upcoming Halloween celebrations, predicting that the situation could escalate significantly. “I’ve already heard that there are groups of kids who are organising themselves to have big fireworks displays,” he warned. He characterized the behaviour as a “planned assault on communities,” stating that the culprits appear to derive excitement from their actions, akin to a drug-like thrill.

Deputy Mayor Maria Dollard also addressed the issue, acknowledging the distress caused to residents and their pets. “This is causing a nuisance and extreme distress to residents,” she commented. Dollard criticized the disruption to people’s peaceful existence, stating, “These random loud noises and disruption…is simply not acceptable. People are anxious and upset in their own homes.”

Community Urges Immediate Action

As calls for action grow louder, residents are demanding that local authorities step up their efforts to tackle the ongoing disturbances. Community members argue that without a clear response from law enforcement, the situation is unlikely to improve as Halloween approaches.

The collective frustration from Kilkenny’s residents highlights a pressing need for effective solutions to combat anti-social behaviour. Local leaders are being urged to take decisive steps to ensure that Halloween festivities can occur safely and without the threat of danger posed by reckless firework displays.

As Kilkenny prepares for the upcoming celebrations, the community remains vigilant, hoping that their appeals for action will not go unheard. The situation underscores the importance of collaboration between residents, local leaders, and law enforcement to foster a safer environment for all.