River walk may be closed

A RIVERSIDE walk in Clonakilty which cost in the region of €70,000 several years ago may now have to be closed off at certain times because of anti-social activity in the west Cork tourist town.

Gates may have to be erected at either end of the 150-yard walk which is across the road from the landmark Waterfront complex and runs along one side of a local supermarket, ending at the well-known Billy Houlihan footbridge.

The measure is believed to be one of a number under consideration, after the issue was raised at meeting of Clonakilty town council, this week.

However, pointing out that a stronger Garda presence in that area, better lighting and the erection of CCTV cameras could prove to be an equally effective deterrent, local councillor Cionnaith Ó Súilleabháin said residents were concerned about what was happening along the walk:

“I have heard that there is drinking and even drug- dealing going on in this area — residents are unhappy with the situation,” he said. “I suggest better lighting, CCTV cameras or more regular policing of that particular area might be more appropriate than just closing it off at certain times.”

Mr Ó Súilleabháin further pointed out only a “small minority” of people were engaging in the anti-social activity which, he claimed, included the scrawling of graffiti on properties in the area.

“Because of these people hanging around here, people are becoming nervous of walking there at night and by day,” he said.

“I am concerned that instead of tackling the root cause of anti-social behaviour in Clonakilty it is being dealt with by closing off public amenities,” he said. A similar issue had arisen during the past summer, he added.