A north Dublin golf course has suffered the brunt of a recent uptick in antisocial behaviour as parts of the green have been set fire to, covered in petrol and dug up. 

The areas of Howth, Baldoyle and Sutton have all felt the presence of antisocial behaviour of late from a gang of local youths calling themselves D13.

Speaking on Lunchtime Live, Deer Park golf pro Alan Staunton commented on the uptick in local vandalism.

"There have been a lot of people doing anti-social behaviour on the golf course," he said. "There have been motorbikes, bonfires on the golf course... it's been going on all lockdown but it's gotten worse in recent weeks with the days getting longer and the weather getting better.

"It's vandalism. We're obviously looking forward to the golf club reopening, but it's a lot of damage and it seems to be getting worse."

Referencing the cost associated with such behaviour, Staunton commented that: "There's a lot of work to be done. The damage only takes a couple of minutes to do but it's weeks of repair. It's a public amenity, so the damage has been very frustrating.

"All we want is to get back to the golf course and for the phone to be hopping with bookings again."

Joining Alan on air was Independent Councillor for Howth Jimmy Guerin who referenced the acts as "disturbing and pitiful".

"I think we've got to realise is that this isn't a new problem," he said.

"Howth, Sutton, Malahide, Baldoyle, and Portmarnock seasonally increase in antisocial behaviour every year when the schools close. It's an area that attracts people and we've had loads of instances in the past, too, during midterm breaks."

Staunton continued by pleading with anyone who lives in the area to keep a watchful eye and make contact if they notice anything unusual.

"We just need everyone's help," he said.

"Anybody who lives in the local area if you see any antisocial behaviour, call the guards and call the Deer park pro shop just to help us out. Hopefully, we can sort this out."

Main image: Golf balls sit ready for players' use during practice. Credit: Vickie Connor/Desert Sun-USA TODAY Sports/Sipa USA