Gardaí ‘need to do more’ to thwart boy racers in Ballina

Ballina councillors have called on An Garda Síochána to do more to thwart the activities of boy racers in the town.

Cathaoirleach of the Ballina Municipal District, Cllr Seamus Weir, expressed his concerns in a front-page story in last Tuesday’s edition of the Western People. The following day, Cllr Weir put forward a motion at the monthly meeting of Ballina Municipal District calling on gardaí to tackle the situation, which he described as “absolutely ridiculous”.

He said residents are regularly subjected to excessive noise, dangerous driving, and the “blatant disregard for traffic rules and public safety by these boy racers”.

“It is not only a nuisance but also constitutes a significant risk to the wellbeing of the residents, including children and pedestrians. These activities often occur during late hours, disrupting our sleep and causing distress to many of us who are law-abiding citizens,” Cllr Weir said.

He called for increased garda presence, stricter penalties, including hefty fines and vehicle impoundment, and to install speed bumps, traffic cameras, or any necessary traffic calming measures in key locations prone to boy racer activities.

Cllr Mark Duffy said he has received numerous complaints from locals about anti-social behaviour in Diamond car park. He also called on the gardaí to step in and “do more”.

“Even during the day, it totally disturbs the peace, and the gardaí are supposed to be guardians of the peace. The noise pollution frightens elderly people and disturbs young families. We’re talking about regenerating the town centre and this is going on,” he said.

Cllr Annie May Reape said boy- racers often park in Diamond Car Park from 6pm until 2am and referenced an evening where there were 18 cars in line at the car park. She said it is very hard for gardaí as these individuals are using modern radio technology to inform each other when officers are in the area. Cllr Michael Loftus said low staffing in the Garda Traffic Corps is making it harder for gardaí.