Last Sunday evening, next to the skateboard park in Clondalkin Leisure Centre, a schoolboy and his two friends were attacked by a gang of eight youths. They also stole his phone. The boys are still processing this frightening, traumatic and completely unprovoked attack. Unfortunately, it's not an isolated incident. 

Clondalkin Leisure Centre is a vital community point where our youth can gather, socialize, and grow. It is one of the very few places in the village where kids can go and be kids - play basketball, football, skateboard or use the outdoor gym - as well as being a lovely place for walking your dog. It's imperative we preserve it.

While accepting garda resources are stretched, having a safe space in the village for our kids should be a priority. Parents should never be afraid of allowing their children go out and play in such a public space. But that's where we're headed if we can't make some changes.

And that is the motivation behind this petition. We are trying to be realistic and not asking for too much, and have two main requests:

1 - that Garda patrols in the area be increased, and more importantly,

2 - for a regular and visible Garda presence on Saturday and Sunday afternoons and evenings after the centre has closed. 

People usually wait for tragedy to strike before they act. Please let's act now before the unthinkable happens! These children are our future and it is our duty to keep them safe. Please, sign this petition today.