Calls for a wall to be built between two Cashel estates to stop anti-social behaviour

A “green fence” between Oliver Plunkett Park and Rockview Estate in Cashel is not sufficient to combat anti-social behaviour, dumping and broken glass, the Tipperary/Cahir/Cashel Municipal District meeting heard recently.

The issue is causing untold stress to residents and the situation is ongoing now for some time. Councillor Michael Fitzgerald raised the issue in the Notices of Motions and said the council previously made the point to him that fencing “will be considered” but speaking at the recent meeting he said that a wall was needed now to solve the problem.

Cllr Fitzgerald said that the residents in the area are at their wits’ end dealing with this: “The motion clearly spells out the request I have got from the residents of Oliver Plunkett Park.

“There is all kinds of anti-social behaviour, dumping, broken glass and with children playing nearby, an accident will happen there. Those two estates were never meant to be joined as they are now.

“Oliver Plunkett has over the years had a number of older residents and some of them are living alone. It is the late night activity that is causing the concern.

“Putting up a fence again is not the answer. It is being used as a way through for people from Rockview - and I have nothing against the people from Rockview - but it is the people from Oliver Plunkett Park that have asked me is it possible to build a wall and separate the two estates,” he said.

He pointed out that there are “some good people” in the area but said that there is activity happening there that is just not acceptable. Addressing James Swords, the council representative present, Cllr Fitzgerald said to consider reinstating the fence alone is just not acceptable.

“With the amount of people that have expressed concern to me it needs to be further looked at,” he said.
Speaking on the matter, Councillor Roger Kennedy said he had a similar motion five years ago and it was considered at the time but nothing was done about it.

He added the issue has been there since the Rockview Estate was built and said there was probably a right of way established at this stage. He said: “It has impacted on the people in the Rockview Estate as well to be going in between houses without an official walkway going through.

“It is something that children on both sides play together and I understand what you are talking about with the late night problems there. They move from one area to another when someone comes out from one side. It is unsightly to put it mildly.

“There is a problem there. I don't think a wall or a fence will solve it, but I look forward to a solution.”

Councillor Burgess also spoke on the matter stating that he knew the area well as he grew up in Oliver Plunkett Park. He said that this issue is a very delicate matter: “I think it is very important that there is consultation with both estates,” he said.

Councillor Burgess added, “It is not a straightforward issue. I know both Residents’ Associations have views on it and not all consistent views either so it is important that consultation is carried out - whatever happens.”

It remains to be seen if a solution to the dilemma can be found but it is unlikely there will be a swift resolution to the matter.
Commenting on the issue the council representative said they will look into the matter: “It will be next year before you are looking at putting in a wall,” he said.