Wexford resident says anti-social behaviour has left neighbours fearing for their safety

A Wexford resident has described living in "terror" as she claims anti-social behaviour in her neighbourhood has escalated to unprecedented levels.

Speaking on Morning Mix Mary said what was once considered anti-social behaviour has developed into something far more serious, with residents witnessing public drinking, drug dealing, public urination, defecation, intimidation and other disorder on a daily basis.

"It's gone beyond anti-social behaviour. It is a mob mentality," she said.

Mary described how groups of up to 20 people regularly gather in the area, often arriving with shopping trolleys full of alcohol and portable speakers. She claimed some remain for hours, while on other occasions the gatherings continue well into the early hours of the morning.

She also alleged there have been incidents of public sexual activity and open drug use leaving many residents afraid to walk through the area.

Among the most distressing issues, she said, is the constant smell of urine and the use of laneways around homes as public toilets.

"It's relentless. It's every single day," she said.

Mary said the situation has had a significant impact on her mental wellbeing and claimed she has contacted Gardaí 38 times in the past month alone seeking assistance.

While praising local Gardaí for responding whenever possible she believes they are under-resourced and unable to maintain the level of presence needed to deter ongoing disorder.

"The guards are doing their very best," she said. "They can't be everywhere at once."

She also expressed frustration at what she described as a lack of coordination between agencies, claiming residents are repeatedly directed between Gardaí and Wexford County Council without a long-term solution being found.

Mary said the historic laneways surrounding the area deserve better protection and maintenance, arguing they have become focal points for anti-social behaviour rather than valued heritage spaces.

In one of the strongest comments made during the interview, Mary said she has warned authorities she fears the situation could eventually end in tragedy if more is not done.

"It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have said to the gardai on more than one occasion there is going to be a murder in this area. And I really hope it's not going to be me."

South East Radio has contacted the relevant authorities for comment on the concerns raised.