Anti-Social Behaviour discussed at Ratoath Riverwalk Group Meeting

23rd July 2010

The Ratoath Riverwalk Committee discussed the impact of anti-social behaviour at their recent meeting and were astonished to hear from An Garda Siochana that there is a cohort of just 10 teenagers in the Ratoath Riverwalk during their patrols.

Ratoath Riverwalk Committee Chairperson Deputy Mary Wallace stated “Two months ago a section of newly planted trees in the Riverwalk were vandalised by anti-social behaviour. We all contribute to the payment of funding for this type of tree planting which is community tree planting and the question is why would young people from the community damage trees belonging to the community. “

Deputy Wallace continued “The Gardai is to be praised for their constant patrolling of the Ratoath Riverwalk and who frequently take the names and addresses of the teenagers involved.”

“The Committee were surprised to hear at the meeting that the Garda were recently approached by one adult enquiring why they were making life difficult for the teenagers involved by such persistent patrolling.”

“The Ratoath Riverwalk Committee do not agree with the ridiculous views of this one adult and are 100% supportive of the work of An Garda Siochana in this area.”

“The committee would like an opportunity of talking with the 10 teenagers involved in the Riverwalk and the one adult involved and are calling upon them to come forward with their ideas for the Riverwalk.”

“A suggestion box will be maintained in the Reception in Ratoath Community Centre for the next 2 weeks and people are asked to give their views so that together the community can go forward in the enjoyment of this Riverwalk without this ridiculous behaviour in the community.”

“The 2006 Census maintained that 33% of the population of Ratoath was under the age of 14, that 33% are now under the age of 18 years and the figures would indicate there are approx 1500 teenagers now living in Ratoath. This would also indicate that 1490 teenagers are not involved in the Riverwalk activities and deserve the respect and support of the entire community as they move from one activity to another in a village that is full of activities for young people.”

“The 10 teenagers that are involved in the Riverwalk activities are now asked to join in the bigger picture where the entire community can go forward in being a fabulous place for young people and especially for teenagers in the years ahead.” Deputy Wallace concluded

The Ratoath Riverwalk Committee decided that it would invite the Irish Wildlife Trusts Education Team, a representative from Fingal County Council and the Garda Crime Prevention Officer to the next Riverwalk Committee Meeting and to give their views on the situation from their expertise and experience gained from similar projects. Following on from the meeting the Committee will then set out a plan as to how the project should move forward to have a Riverwalk for the community that can be enjoyed by the whole community.

Deputy Mary Wallace and Cllr Nick Killian met with the OPW and confirmed that the OPW are going to clean the debris from the river and the Committee thanked the OPW for this work.

The Committee was informed by Meath County Council that Ward and Burke will be handing the Riverwalk back to the Council in July. This is great news as Meath County Council has confirmed that it has a fund of €125k for enhancement works after the installation of the sewerage pipe and ongoing maintenance at the Riverwalk.

Within the €125k allocated to the Riverwalk project, the Committee also asked the Council to assess the condition of the bridges along the river to assess what works need to be done to preserve the bridges and consider the possibility of putting a new iron bridge in place. Welded palisade fencing will be erected to replace the fencing that was removed. The Council will also plant trees and some daffodils and bluebells, this will be done in the autumn and will create a nice environment on the Riverwalk for the people of Ratoath. Additional paths and lighting are also being considered.

The meeting concluded with Mary Wallace T.D thanking Michael Killeen, The Area Manager from Meath County Council for all his encouragement and especially for all his hard work on the Ratoath Riverwalk Committee over the past number of years and said that his contribution to the Committee was invaluable and always greatly appreciated. Deputy Wallace was joined by the Committee in wishing Michael all the best for his retirement and said that he would always be welcome to return to see the completed Riverwalk project as his input and guidance had been invaluable.

Ends