Councillor calls for CCTV

13:38, 25 Jul 2026Updated 13:38, 25 Jul 2026

Graffiti at the park(Image: Cllr Úna McCarthy)

A refurbished playground, opened last week after a massive community effort, has already been vandalised – with one local councillor calling for CCTV to be installed at the park.

The park in Carrigaline – affectionately nicknamed ‘Pringle Park,’ after the curved yellow toppers on some of the playground equipment – was opened to the public on July 17 after a major €300,000 refurbishment. The six-figure upgrade was partially funded by private sponsorships and grants, and underpinned by a huge local community effort.

But members of that community are outraged that equipment at the park has already been defaced. Sharing a photograph of graffiti, Cllr Úna McCarthy outlined her calls for CCTV at the location: “It is extremely disappointing to learn that the newly refurbished Carrigaline Playground has already been vandalised. This is a fantastic community facility, and it is unacceptable that the actions of a small minority are damaging an amenity built for local children and families.

“Recognising the need to protect this investment, I previously tabled a motion at Carrigaline Municipal District calling for CCTV to be considered for the playground. As Cork County Council outlined in its response, Ireland’s current legislation governing public CCTV has made it difficult and time-consuming for local authorities to install cameras in public spaces, even where there are ongoing issues with anti-social behaviour.”

The new playground has been affectionately nicknamed ‘Pringle Park’

Cllr McCarthy added: “The Government is currently updating the legislation to give An Garda Síochána and local authorities a clearer legal basis for introducing community CCTV schemes. Once these provisions are fully in place, councils will be in a much stronger position to apply for and install CCTV where it is needed.

“I will continue to advocate for CCTV at Carrigaline Playground as soon as the new legislative framework allows. We have made a significant investment in this wonderful facility, and we must do everything we can to protect it.”

The newly fitted-out playground features a jungle gym, a zipline, climbing frames, seesaws, slides, and more. There’s no doubt that the new park will bring thousands of hours of entertainment for local families in the years to come, and its completion is a point of pride for the community.

Commenting on the new playground after its opening, Cllr Jack White said: “This project is a real example of what can be achieved when community, council, and local supporters pull together. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who gave time, resources, and patience to see this through.”

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