Concerns Of Anti-Social Behaviour In Kill Raised Ahead Of Halloween Period

It comes as issues have been raised by residents there in the last two years

A local councillor has raised concerns about the prospect of anti-social behaviour in Kill in the lead up to Halloween.

It comes as issues have been raised by residents there in the last two years.

Fine Gael Councillor for Naas MD Fintan Brett expressed disappointment at the Chief Superintendent for the Kildare/Carlow Garda division Michael Buckley's decision not to meet with local residents.

According to Kildare County Council, Buckley had advised that he "did not wish to undermine the Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP) model or create a parallel structure that could conflict with its objectives and effectiveness".

Cllr Brett had sought a meeting in order to establish "appropriate measures" to avoid any incidents of anti-social behaviour this Halloween.

Members have since written to Chief Superintendent Buckley, asking him to reconsider the decision.

"It is wholly inappropriate and unacceptable that we have Gardaí and people being told not to meet elected councillors, I find it unbelievable," he told Kildare Today.

"I am trying to make sure that the residents enjoy Halloween, everybody's entitled to enjoy Halloween, people should not have to be checking that their bins aren't being taken and thrown into bonfires, because that's what has happened in recent years."

During the meeting of Naas MD, KCC did say that a dedicated meeting for elected representatives will be scheduled before year end in place of meetings with An Garda Síochána, which it says "cannot be facilitated at this time".

It added that the Parks Department will participate with colleagues from other Departments to address anti-social issues during the Halloween season.

The Parks Department will also liaise with An Garda Síochána to collect material when and where feasible, according to KCC.

The council concluded by highlighting a consultation process that has commenced on the first Kildare Community Safety Plan, aiming to identify local community safety priorities and issues as a result.

The full interview can be heard below: