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CONCERNS were expressed about crime and policing in Tralee Town Park at the online meeting of the Kerry Joint Policing Committee meeting on Friday afternoon.
A question was submitted by Chris O’Shea from Tralee asking what were the gardai doing about “open drug dealing and drinking sessions in our Town Park?”
Responding, An Garda Síochána said they “are not tolerating any such activities and are proactive in our response to drug abuse, drug dealing and antisocial behaviour.”
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“Gardaí in Tralee continually perform regular patrols at Tralee Town Park on a daily basis. The situation within the town environs is continuously reviewed and when deemed appropriate targeted operations are put in place to tackle this issue.”
“Additional resources have been allocated to the Divisional Drugs Unit, which highlights our ongoing commitment to tackling Drugs throughout the county. Public areas are monitored by Garda members for the consumption of alcohol.”
“We would urge members of the public to report antisocial behaviour and also ask that people behave in a responsible manner with regard to the consumption of alcohol, particularly in public areas.”
Chairman of the Kerry Green Party Anluan Dunne said he would like to see more foot and bike patrols in the Town Park rather than a patrol car in the area.
Sinn Fein Kerry TD, Pa Daly said there was a lack of garda visibility in Tralee town centre and in the Town Park where groups of young people congregate. He said more gardai patrolling the park would make people feel more safe.
This is the same old story, Gardaí in Tralee patrols are never continuous especially over the months or years – a couple of weeks at best!
There should be a permanent security presence and facilities for the town park.
Kerry County Council are to blame here.