GARDAI have launched an investigation after six cars were set on fire within The Paddocks estate in Lucan last week.
The incident occurred on May 29 at approximately 2.45am, leading to the six cars being badly damaged in a parking area within the estate.
A Garda source told The Gazette it was now believed that one car was initially set on fire, which led to the flames spreading to the five others.
He said: “An investigation is being carried out to determine what happened.
“It seems as though there was a fire in one car and the flames were carried over to the others.”
Gardai had sealed off the scene for a technical examination, and are investigating the incident as a case of criminal damage.
No arrests have been made to date.
Cllr Guss O’Connell (Ind), who is also the chairperson of the South Dublin County Joint Policing Committee, said CCTV cameras should be installed within the parking area.
He also encouraged the establishment of a residents’ association in the area.
He said: “I believe such things as CCTV cameras are very necessary.
“I believe that as a society we need to discuss how we can make the streets and public areas safer, and I do believe CCTV cameras play a huge role in ensuring that.
“I would encourage all residents to set up an area watch in their neighbourhood.
“Areas with residents’ associations generally see a decrease in established crime and you’re more likely to have a prosecution in cases such as these.”
Sinn Fein Cllr Danny O’Brien told The Gazette he intended to meet with some of the residents in The Paddocks and local gardai in an attempt to establish what exactly went on.
He said: “What’s after happening in The Paddocks is appalling.
“These type of things don’t often happen. It’s a very quiet estate, and there are people from all different areas living there.
“I don’t know 100% of its background, but I will be meeting up with local residents and the guards to find out what exactly happened.”
A resident from the area contacted The Gazette about the incident.
That resident also called on the developer of the estate [O’Dwyer Property Management] to install CCTV cameras and spotlights. “There are no CCTV cameras installed in the estate .
“There have been a lot of rows from residents, who are not seeing any security measures taking place from the management fees that they are expected to pay.
“I think there should be CCTV cameras put in place on the apartments facing the parking lot, along with several floodlights.
“The reason the car park is there in the first place is because there’s not enough spaces for people to park their cars outside their homes,” said the resident.
Gardai are continuing to appeal for witnesses, or anyone who may have been in the area at the time, to contact Lucan Garda station on 01 666 7300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
At the time of going to press, O’Dwyer Property Management had not responded to a request for comment.
