Action plan for Cork neighbourhood path overrun by drug dealers, dumpers and thugs 

A PUBLIC right of way that had become a drug run and a haven for anti-social behaviour is likely to become infill housing.

Councillors in the city north-east ward have decided to recommend the closing of a public path between Glenamoy Lawn and Avonmore Park in advance of planning for three homes.

The right of way and a green area adjacent to it, which runs along a walk known locally as the Tarry Path, has become a target for illegal activity and fly-tipping.

Drug dealing has also been a major issue due to the enclosed nature of the site, which is located between two gable end houses and has no through road for vehicles.

Workers’ Party councillor Ted Tynan said the housing will be hugely beneficial in that it will provide much-needed homes and help to curb the anti-social behaviour dogging the area.

“It’s welcomed by the people in the area,” he said. 

"The dumping there over the years has been appalling between the two gable end houses.

“Whether blocking off the right of way will resolve the problem, I don’t know.”

Joe Kavanagh (FG) described the level of dumping taking place as “unbelievable”.

“I met with residents about this about two and a half years ago and we discussed it and there was a serious problem with people going from Avonmore Park down to Ballinderry Park through that access point,” he said. 

“It was a source of anti-social behaviour in that particular area.

“There is a serious problem with fly-tipping, it’s actually unbelievable on the Tarry Path and the access causes many serious issues and the distribution of lots of unwanted goods.

“The residents have asked for houses and the council looked into it and the city architect developed plans for three infill houses there.

“This will be welcomed by everybody because it’s a source of antagonism for local people.”

The Echo has repeatedly reported on issues along the Tarry Path.

Closer to the North Ring Road, at Lagan Grove, residents have complained at being peppered by stones thrown from the path.

The situation has become so bad that residents have taken to erecting wire mesh protection on their window to protect them.

The city council’s executive agreed in April to facilitate meetings with ward councillors to discuss a possible interim solution to tackle the anti-social behaviour being experienced by people in the Mayfield housing estate.

The council has previously dealt with motions calling for a €40,000 fence to be built behind the houses and for the section of the Tarry Path to be blocked off to public access.