‘Verbal abuse’ against families at Letterkenny Town Park sparks calls for wardens

Several recent incidents of “verbal abuse” against mothers and their children in Letterkenny Town Park have led to a call for increased security.

However, the appointment of wardens at both of Letterkenny’s parks - the Bernard McGlinchey Peace Park and the Ballymacool Peace Park - is not possible right now due to budgetary constraints. 

Cllr Gerry McMonagle called for Letterkenny-Milford MD to revisit a request that was previously made. He asked for wardens “to ensure proper park management and address safety concerns raised by park users.”

He said: “With increased numbers using the park, park wardens would ensure the safety of park users and ensure they have a good experience. People use the exercise area and for walking, but they’re living on a knife-edge.

“There has been a lot of investment in the park, and footfall has increased. It is a great service with Cairde le Chéile, the coffee dock and tea rooms.” 

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Cllr McMonagle suggested employing people on CE (Community Employment) schemes as well as retired gardaí on a part-time basis. He said retired gardaí would have “all the experience and background” to deal with antisocial behaviour and urged the council to set aside a budget for employment.

Seconding the motion, Cllr Jimmy Kavanagh said: “If there was a presence of authority, we wouldn't have people causing problems in the park.

“The park is so widely used and it’s a great facility. Since Covid, more people have started to use the park and families can spend hours there without having to spend money. The Vestry and its changing facilities have brought the park on and it is accessible, so it is annoying to hear complaints. 

“We need to try and find a way to do something but we always get the same answer.”

Cathaoirleach Ciaran Brogan asked if the council could meet with gardaí to discuss options.

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In response, the council heard that a security company is currently contracted to patrol and close the park at the end of the day.

“Extension to this contract is being considered to add additional patrols of the park at particular times of the day,” said David McIlwaine, Senior Executive Engineer, Roads. “In addition to this, Donegal County Council have met with the Gardaí and have discussed implementing measures to enhance safety and security in the Town Parks and a request has been forwarded to the Gardai to add more patrols to the Town Parks. 

“CCTV cameras provide extensive coverage of the main areas of the park and these can be used to follow up if any issues occur. Parks and open spaces staff are present in the parks for the majority of the day. 

“There is no additional funding available for the introduction of Park Wardens or Park Rangers and the introduction of the role would likely require bylaws to make the role functional.”