Ballina bench has become 'a magnet' for troublemakers

Councillors in Ballina have called for a bench where young people are loitering and causing vandalism to be removed.

Cllr Michael Loftus said the bench between the Ballina Library and the Bank of Ireland on Pearse Street has been a ‘magnet’ for large groups of youths causing trouble since it was installed.

The bench is located on Moy Lane outside the library and the youths have been reportedly standing on the bench and banging on the window of the library, causing disruption to staff and library users.

“There are youngsters being disrespectful to staff members in the library and the bank and it is not fair,” said Cllr Loftus.

There was a serious incident of vandalism where substantial damage was caused that resulted in the destruction of a new entrance system to the library.

“They destroyed a new entrance system that cost €2,000 and the council is going to have to pay for that. Ultimately, it is the taxpayer who pays for that,” he said.

Cllr Loftus added there were also incidents of graffiti on the side of the bank and the library, adding that he would like to see an increase in the number of Gardaí walking the streets in Ballina.

Cllr Mark Duffy said there was now an opportunity to move the bench to another location that may benefit from having it. He suggested that if the bench is moved, it be relocated to the Foxford Road, as there are not enough places for elderly residents living in the area to sit and take a break walking on their way into town.

Cllr Annie May Reape said there is a growing problem in Ballina with the use of e-bikes.

“I hate them,” she said. “E-bikes being used on our footpaths is dreadful, they are zigzagging in and out between pedestrians, it’s dangerous.”

She agreed with Cllr Loftus and called for more Gardaí on the streets, in particular, to deal with rampant speeding on Emmet Street.

“We need to push the agenda to get more Gardaí on the streets or else the fear will be gone,” she said.