Call for fencing to protect Fairfield pitches

ANOTHER spate of vandalism at pitches in Farranree has led to renewed calls for City Hall to install fencing around the area.

The Fairfield amenity, which is used by four local clubs as well as being a scenic walkway with an outdoor gym, is constantly being vandalised by youths.

Mr Collins said the council needs to look for the funding needed to deliver on his motion which originally he put forward in November 2018.

Mr Collins said over the weekend, teenagers burnt a wheelie bin out at the top of the pitch by the goal posts and pulled down the goal posts as well.

“Cork City Council reacted quickly to the damage that was done and repaired the goal posts but I just think it strengthens the case now that the amenity needs to be protected from anti-social behaviour and I am calling on the Director of Services to sit down and discuss this idea and find a way to enact it.”

The length of the railings needed to enclose Fairfield is 520 metres, plus at least four pedestrian and two vehicular gates.

The estimated cost for installation is €90,000 and a further €20,000 is needed for the opening and closing of gates all year round.

Mr Collins said the costing of the fencing could be looked at, but the concept of enclosing the park should be given top priority.

“I know it is €90,000 but hopefully we can find it because it is constant at this stage. They are stealing wheelie bins and burning them out on paths and this is unacceptable behaviour.”

Mr Collins said that it is teenagers carrying out the anti-social behaviour and they need to be stopped and put on the right path before they take a wrong turn and end up in prison.

“These are teenagers, stealing wheelie bins, which is a cost to someone who has to replace it and some family now is out of pocket and the soccer club has to repair the pitch and there is a cost to the whole community because you have people destroying a fantastic amenity.”