'Senseless vandalism' could lead to fatality – Cllr Frawley

THE ONGOING vandalism and arson in the Black Abbey car park area of the city has been slammed by Councillor Noel Frawley of the Labour Party who has been speaking to residents of the area.

"A decisive and oganised response to these deliberate wanton acts of vandalism has to be undertaken before someone is seriously hurt or killed", he told Kilkenny Alive.

He added that some of the people he spoke to were almost developing a siege mentality because of the activities of some people who were frequenting the area.

"The ancient Black Abbey and surrounding picturesque streets such as Blackmill Street, New Building Lane, Abbey Street and Tilbury Place, all nestled in the gigantic shadow of St Mary's Cathedral, represent one of the most historic parts of our city and as such are of hugh importance to Kilkenny's reputation and status", he said, demanding that any anti-social activity within the area should receive particular attention from the local authorities.

While visiting the area, Cllr Frawley said he was reminded by residents that the burning of the two cars last week was not the first incident to disrupt the area in recent times. Last year a rubbish skip parked at Freren Court was deliberately set alight resulting in all residents from the surrounding streets having to be evacuated from their homes in the middle of the night.

Other incidents included the desecration of statues in the grounds of the Dominican Abbey, actions which defied any logical reason and left a mystifying question mark as to the saneness of the perpetrators.

"People are demanding the installation of CCTV cameras by the local authorities and garda patrols of the area at night on a regular basis but particularly at the weekends when most gatherings and parties happen", Mr Frawley said.

He added that the area's unique quaintness with its diversity of laneways and cobbled streets attracted many visitors who could paint a very good picture of Kilkenny abroad. But ongoing vandalism could seriously damage Kilkenny's image.

He praised the people of the area who were determined to addres anti-social behaviour, but they needed the full support of the Corporation and Gardai, to deal with growing lawlessness.