A stabbing on Donabate beach, Co Dublin, has led one community group to call for the introduction of CCTV cameras and an increased Garda presence on two of the area's beaches because of an increase in antisocial behaviour.
The request for increased monitoring of Donabate and Portrane beaches follows an incident on Donabate beach on Thursday in which a man was attacked by two individuals and stabbed three times.
Valerie Henderson, chairwoman of Donabate Parish Council, said residents were making an appeal for increased monitoring of the beach this bank holiday weekend when large crowds are expected.
She said extra gardaí were needed in an area where the population has grown by over 20 per cent in the past five years.
"There have been a number of incidents of antisocial behaviour in the area.
"One thing that is noticeable is the absence of a secondary school in the area," Ms Henderson said.
"All teenagers here go to 13 different post-primary schools on the peninsula and have no sense of belonging . . . that might be one of the contributing factors," she said.
Ms Henderson said the recent stabbing highlighted the need for CCTV at locations such as the train station, shopping centre and entrance to the beach.
John Keogh, of the local Neighbourhood Watch group, said gardaí had previously rejected appeals for an increased presence following robberies, hold-ups and car-jackings on the basis that they do not have the resources or manpower.
He said residents were now channelling all funding and plans into the Community Policing Forum, which will provide for CCTV.