River bank litter and behaviour raised at KCA meeting

Debris left by people swimming or hanging out on access areas to the river during the current hot spell has included mattresses, socks, and towels, in addition to the usual litter, writes Brian Byrne. There are also complaints of anti-social behaviour, including the setting off of fireworks.

The matter was raised at the July meeting of Kilcullen Community Action, as a spinoff from a discussion on the possibility of having a Designated Bathing Area for the town in the Liffey.

Two mattresses had been removed by the club, one from its jetty and another from the river itself, the meeting heard. A report that a third was at a location on the bank would be checked out, the KCA group decided. (In fairness, on a walkaround this morning, the Diary found relatively little litter compared to previous occasions. The third mattress is still on the New Abbey side bank.)

The issues come against a background of some reported bad behaviour in riverside areas, including damage and trespass at the Canoe Club, which has forced the club to upgrade security around its premises. Loud music has also disturbed residents who live in the vicinity of the river.

There have also been some complaints of confrontations with young people coming into Kilcullen from Newbridge. After specific instances of intimidation and shoplifting last month, Kilcullen Gardaí arrested two minors.

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