Last month on The Agenda, we spoke to Fine Gael councillor in Ashbourne Alan Tobin about ongoing concerns around anti-social behaviour in the town, including reports of intimidation, threats and racial abuse directed at local shop workers and elderly people, which has left many residents worried about safety in the area.
At the time, Councillor Tobin warned that some pregnant women had expressed fear about leaving their homes due to intimidation from groups of youths, with growing calls from the community for stronger action and accountability.
We were joined on The Agenda again this morning by Councillor Tobin, who says the situation is still ongoing despite increased Garda patrols. He says there are now additional concerns around the impact on mental health, continued incidents of fire alarm activations over a number of weeks, and significant vandalism, including the burning of several bins in the town centre — costing the council an estimated €50,000 — raising further alarm among local residents.
We also discussed concerns about the future of Ashbourne’s town centre, following a number of recent shop closures in the town…