PARENTS AND members of the local authority in New Ross have expressed their horror and disgust at syringes being found in the vicinity of a popular playground in the town.
The hypodermic needles were found near the Grant at the top of Mary Street and parents of young children have said that something needs to be done to ensure the safety of children using the amenity.
One mother who spoke to The Echo said it was disgusting that someone would leave a discarded needle near where children play.
The woman, who wished to remain anonymous, said she was concerned in case her child or other children who use the playground picked up a syringe or worse got pricked by a needle which, it’s believed, did happen to a local man within the last few days.
Cllr. John Dwyer is the Chairperson of the Parks and Open Spaces committee and when contacted by this newspaper about the matter he confirmed that he was aware of the situation and would be asking that a special meeting of the sub-committee be convened to discuss the matter.
“It’s a very serious problem and could lead to very serious injury to a child or adult,” he said.
He also commented that in some cases a child might get pricked by a needle but not mention it to his or her parents which could have potentially lethal consequences.
“There is a problem with heroine and drug addiction in New Ross,” said Cllr. Dwyer.
“That is a fact and it’s something that we need to face up to and not shy away from,” he added.
“In that regard New Ross is no different to any other urban area in the country.”
He suggested that the local authority should implement CCTV measures to monitor parks like those at the Grant and the Town Park itself to ensure that ordinary decent members of the public can enjoy such facilities without fearing for their safety and the safety of children.
“I would also plead with members of the public that if they see people using drugs in places like the Town Park that they notify the relevant authorities because this is a very serious matter,” he said.
He also confirmed to this newspaper that the issue of syringes being found in places like the Grant has not been raised at previous meetings of the Parks and Open Spaces Committee.
However, anti-social behaviour in the Town Park has been discussed in the past.
“The problem of hypodermic needles being left in any of our parks has not been discussed but anti-social behaviour has,” said Cllr. Dwyer.
He also said he planned to contact officials in the local authority to see what plans are in place to ensure that incidents like what occurred at the Grant are not repeated.
“I want people who sit down on the grass with the family on a fine day to feel safe doing so,” he said.
“I would like to know that everyone who uses our public amenities are assured that the local authority has done everything it can to make them safe.”
Cllr. Dwyer also said a joint approach is needed between various authorities to ensure the safety of everyone.
The Echo also contacted Senior Official, Mick McCormack, about the matter. He said the local authority had not received any complaint or report about such an incident but he added that it would be looked into and if syringes have been found it would be dealt with as a very serious matter of concern.
