CONCERNED residents in the Lohercannan/Whitehall area of Tralee met with public representatives this afternoon about drug dealing in one of the most beautiful parts of the town.

Deputy Michael Healy Rae and Cllr Sam Locke met with a number of residents who told them there has been heightened activity over the past six weeks in the Lock Gates area and they have seen dealers openly selling drugs in broad daylight at the scenic spot.

Just last year, the Lock Gates area was identified by Kerry County Council as an ideal spot to develop a picnic area for families. People drive to the car park there to go for a walk by the canal or enjoy the scenery.

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However, one local resident told TraleeToday.ie that he has seen a drop in the amount of people using the amenity in recent weeks due to the antics of dealers and their clients.

He said that while drug dealing has been going on there intermittently for about 18 months, in the past six weeks there is a constant stream of motorbikes and cars travelling at high speed on the narrow road from Lohercannan to the Lock Gates and there are concerns for walkers’ safety.

They have contacted the Gardaí on numerous occasions and they have responded quickly, but the resident said the dealers can see the squad cars coming from a distance and quickly flee in the Cockleshell direction.

Deputy Healy Rae and Cllr Locke told residents they would do all they can and consult with  gardaí to see if more can be done to stop the illegal activity.