Galway Bay fm newsroom – Galway City Council has refuted claims of serious vandalism and anti-social behaviour in city playgrounds.
A number of councillors have raised concerns about what they describe as ‘an escalation’ of vandalism at facilities across the city.
They claim that over the past two years, deliberate fires, malicious traps, loosened screws, used syringes and destroyed equipment have all been reported.
The City Council is being urged to introduce a range of measures including CCTV, night time lighting, and noise deterrents to safeguard the playgrounds.
However, it says there is only ‘occasional’ issues with vandalism at the facilities.
It says over the coming weeks, council crews will inspect and repair the facilities as part of its annual maintenance programme.
A total of 65 thousand euro has been ringfenced by the local authority for repairs and replacement of worn-out equipment at playgrounds across the city.
The City Council says there is ‘no exceptional level’ of anti-social behaviour or vandalism at city playgrounds.