"It’s dynamite and deadly dangerous" - Fears grow over 'gangs' in Kilkenny at night

Local political representatives have voiced their anger at ongoing anti-social behaviour which has created great fear in parts of Kilkenny.

Residents in several parts of Kilkenny City and Callan are calling on the authorities to take action to bring an end to anti-social behaviour and nightly fireworks.

In the Lakeside area, teenagers are congregating on the pitch of a local school late into the night while fireworks are being set off in the surrounding estates. It has also been an issue in the city centre.

Locals say they have now reached their wits’ end and are appealing for combative measures to be introduced.

One resident and business owner, Aisling Doyle, told Kilkenny Live that despite the community repeatedly highlighting their concerns, no effective measures have been taken. - READ HER FULL COMMENTS HERE

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In response to the ongoing nightly scourge, two local councillors have condemned the behaviour.

"I can see animals running left, right and centre," Cllr Eugene McGuinness said.

"Some of these fireworks, they’re not just solid fireworks that are just standing up in the air, they’re actually pointing them across roads."

"They’re deadly dangerous and it’s only a matter of time before somebody’s going to be injured, either those young kids who are setting off these fireworks, or somebody else who’s getting hit by one. The guards will have to step up," he continued.

"I'd say Halloween  is going to be a disaster right across the town. I've already heard that there's groups of kids who are organising themselves to have big fireworks displays.

"It's going to be a massive explosion here on any of the big weekends," the independent councillor stated.

The culprits 'don’t care' Cllr McGuinness claimed, stating, "this is a planned assault on communities. At the level it’s gone to now, it’s dynamite and deadly dangerous."

Mr McGuinness also believes the fact those responsible are not facing the consequences of the laws means they are getting a 'buzz' from it, commenting, "it's like a drug."

"They are actually gangs and they're looking forward to all of these festivals now," he added.

Meanwhile, Deputy Mayor of the city, Cllr Maria Dollard also shared her concerns.

"This is causing a nuisance and extreme distress to residents and their pets in the area," she commented.

"These random loud noises and disruption to people’s peaceful existence is simply not acceptable. People are anxious and upset in their own homes.

"Traditional fireworks are dirty, polluting, upsetting and old hat," she commented

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