Calls for CCTV to improve safety at Louth park

By Olivia Ryan, The Drogheda Independent

A Dundalk councillor has called for CCTV to be reinstalled at the public park in Muirhevnamor to increase “safety and security.”

Cllr. Kevin Meenan told the monthly meeting of Louth County Council that CCTV had been fitted in the park many years ago, at great expense, but was no longer operational.

He said that the park would have a lot more activity, especially when the new athletics track is opened.

Tree and hedge cutting was badly needed to increase visibility for anyone using the park.

“A lot of people who used to walk in the park no longer will because the trees are so overgrown and they don’t feel safe.”

He highlighted “a very serious assault” which took place in the park during the summer, and added that it was important to get the CCTV up and running again in order to improve the safety and security for all users.

Meanwhile, calls for an overall review of the park should be carried out, said Cllr. Maeve Yore.

She called for new benches, hedge cutting, and repairs on the “uneven footpaths,” saying that it could be a “really fabulous space” when the running track is completed in the near future.

Director of Service, David Hanratty, said the parks team would look at what could be done in Muirhevnamor Park, and acknowledged the work which was being carried out at the running track.

He added that the council would look at the overall use of the park, particularly when the new athletics track is in use, and gauge what is needed going forward.