When a Community Destroys Its Own Facilities, Who Pays the Price?

A playground in Darndale Park in north Dublin has been destroyed by fire, sparking anger over yet another attack on a community facility.

Local TD Barry Heneghan described it as more than an attack on a playground, saying it was an attack on the entire community.

And this is far from an isnt.olated incide

Crumlin GAA grounds were targeted twice in two days in July. A children’s park in Artane was set on fire in May. Oscar Traynor Park in Coolock was badly damaged by arson last November, while repairs following a fire at Diamond Park were estimated at around €300,000.

In this episode, Niall speaks to callers about the growing problem of vandalism and anti social behaviour in communities around Dublin.

We are constantly told that young people get into trouble because there is “nothing for them to do.” But councils spend millions providing playgrounds, sports facilities and public spaces, only for some of them to be vandalised, wrecked or burned down.

And why does this appear to happen more often in some areas than others?

There are playgrounds and community facilities in places like Malahide and Dalkey too, but we rarely hear about them being destroyed in the same way.

So where does responsibility lie?

Should councils be doing more to protect these facilities? Are Gardaí failing to monitor problem areas? Or does the responsibility ultimately come back to parents who should know where their children are and what they are doing?

Niall hears from callers with very different views on who should take responsibility when the very facilities provided for a community are destroyed by people living within it.