The Lord Mayor of Dublin has expressed his desire to speak with residents following another firework attack at the city's Grand Canal Square.
The latest incident occurred yesterday when a group of teenagers on bikes threw bangers at salsa dancers during a family festival.
A group of teenage boys were also captured on video last week setting off fireworks in front of the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, with members of the public in close proximity.
Common issue
Councillor James Geoghegan told Newstalk that incidents of public disorder have been increasingly common during the summer months.
“The idea that people would think it's funny or even exciting to light a firework and to fire it in the direction of where people live in their apartment is pretty horrendous,” he said.
“Unfortunately, during the summer months in the Grand Canal area, we have seen a repeat of this.
“A lot of it is to do with schools being shut and young people, I suppose, getting up to mischief that they mightn’t otherwise be doing.
“It’s really concerning, it’s really worrying, and I think it’s a bit of a miracle that nobody got hurt.”
03 December 2018, Ireland, Dublin: View of the Grand Canal Square in the Docklands. Photo: Christian Charisius/dpaCllr Geoghegan said he was willing to meet with affected locals.
“I’d be very happy to meet with the residents concerned in relation to this issue,” he said.
“I think what’s really important, and I’m not sure if it happened in at least one of these incidents, is that when you do see incidents of crime or antisocial behaviour, no matter how big or small, do make a formal complaint to An Garda Síochána because they will carry out a thorough investigation.”
The Fine Gael councillor added that he would strongly prefer these incidents not to occur in the first place.
Reporting by Teena Gates.
Main image: Grand Canal Square in Dublin. Image: Radharc Images / Alamy Stock Photo
