In a determined effort to eliminate anti-social behaviour in Gorey Town Park, Garda patrols in the area are to be stepped up and greater vigilance is called for.

Action on the matter has been agreed after a meeting between councillors and senior Gardaí last Wednesday.

Cllr. Malcolm Byrne raised the matter, stressing the importance of ensuring that the facility remains a safe area and that neighbours are not disturbed by late night activity.

“It is hoped that an additional Garda presence from time to time along with new security measures as the long term development plan is rolled out will guarantee the safety of the park and that it is not misused,” said Cllr Byrne.

Last week, Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin said he had been contacted by a member of the public who was concerned at seeing a man openly inject a woman in Gorey Town Park while children played nearby.

“With plans to develop the park and the adjacent Showgrounds for greater use well underway, this needs to be clamped down on,” said Cllr Ó Súilleabháin, who also called for North Wexford to have a dedicated drugs unit to tackle the problems.

He added that the County Wexford divisional drugs unit had their staffing slashed from eleven down to one Garda.

“This is farcical, particularly as we face into the summer period with an influx of visitors to North Wexford,” concluded the Sinn Féin councillor.

Story tomorrow in THE GOREY ECHO.