Co Tipperary playground closed after ‘disgusting incident’ causes concern for parents

A playground in Co Tipperary had to close over the weekend after parents discovered faeces in the area frequented by local children. The playground at Upper Friar Street, Cashel, was forced to closed all day on Sunday, April 14.

Cashel based community activist and local election candidate Liam Browne said he received phone calls from parents on Saturday afternoon, about “frankly a particularly disgusting incident at the playground, which will need cleaning and disinfection before the playground can open to the public again.

“After chatting to the Council workers, who were extremely helpful, I was advised that this is the third occasion in recent months that they have had to deal with similar incidents, along with ongoing levels of intimidation and anti-social behaviour.”

Mr Browne said he will be contacting the Council about the incident. “I think it is now long past time that CCTV is considered for the playground for the safety of those using the facilities,” he said.

“The playground is a wonderful addition to the town, especially since the upgrade in recent years. It is used by hundreds of children weekly, especially with the longer evenings now, and as the weather is getting better. It cannot be left to be run down and destroyed by the ignorant actions of a small number of those, who wish to ruin it for others.

“Please, be careful in making any comment, about apportioning blame,” added Mr Browne.

“I suffered an incident myself at the playground only last Thursday evening, when my car was broken into while canvassing. There was nothing of any value taken, so I didn’t make a big issue of it. But it seems to have been more than a one-off event, and therefore people need to be mindful.

“The Council workers on the ground have a lot to put up with. They need to be helped as much as possible by making sure these problems are stopped as soon as possible,” added Mr Browne.

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