Wicklow Struggles With Rising Youth Anti-Social Behaviour Amid A Lack Of Collaboration And Resources

A local TD has described as a growing “sense of lawlessness” for Wicklow, which is matching national standards, when it comes to anti-social behaviour perpetrated by a disaffected, unconcerned youth

Concerns over anti-social behaviour involving young people are becoming increasingly common across Wicklow, with communities in Bray and surrounding areas feeling the strain of what a local TD has described as a growing “sense of lawlessness”.

Speaking about recent incidents highlighted by residents and business owners, Deputy John Brady said the problem is not confined to one town or neighbourhood, but is being experienced across Wicklow and indeed nationwide

“It’s not just Bray. I think most towns and villages across Wicklow, and right across the state, are experiencing similar challenges – anti-social behaviour, criminality, and a real sense of lawlessness across the board,” he said.

Brady, who has served as a public representative for in excess of 20 years, said the issue is deeply worrying, particularly given the young age of those involved.

“There have been points in the past where shopkeepers in Bray and other areas have had knives held to their throats by children. That’s frightening. And what’s probably more worrying is the lack of a response to deal with these issues.”

Garda Numbers Falling as Population Grows

While acknowledging the work of An Garda Síochána, Deputy Brady pointed to declining Garda numbers in Wicklow as a key factor undermining efforts to deal with the problem.

“The Gardaí do phenomenal work – no one is questioning that. But the reality is that between 2020 and 2025, we’re down 11% in Garda numbers across Wicklow.”

He said Garda strength in the county fell from 312 members in 2020 to 278 this year, despite a population increase of up to 8%, particularly in north Wicklow.

 “Those critical boots on the ground and community policing resources are not keeping pace with the needs of the community.”

As a result, residents and shopkeepers are often left frustrated when incidents occur.

 “People ring the guards, but because of the crisis in numbers, there isn’t a patrol car available in the area. That cannot be allowed to continue.”

Drugs, Youth Services and a System Under Strain

Brady also highlighted wider social factors contributing to the problem, including the availability of drugs such as nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas.

“There is a serious issue there. A lot of young children are inhaling nitrous oxide, and it’s having a negative impact on communities and on the health of the children themselves.”

At the same time, he said youth services are struggling to cope due to chronic underfunding and the cost-of-living crisis.

“There is a recruitment and retention crisis in the youth sector. Youth projects that provide safe spaces to get young people off the streets are being scaled back.”

He said some services have even had to reduce basic supports, such as providing food after school.

 “All of these issues on their own might not have a huge impact, but when you combine them, it leads to a breakdown in communities.”

Call for a Joined-Up Response

While stressing the importance of parental responsibility, Brady said enforcement alone will not solve the issue.

“Every parent must know where their kids are and what they’re up to. Parental responsibility is critical. But we need to deal with this comprehensively.”

He has called for a coordinated approach involving Gardaí, Tusla, youth workers and community organisations, similar to task forces established in parts of Dublin.

“It’s not the sole responsibility of the Gardaí. We need all stakeholders around the table – youth workers, child services, community groups. Are we now at the point where we need dedicated task forces in Wicklow?”

Brady said the newly established Local Community Safety Partnerships should make tackling youth anti-social behaviour one of their first priorities.

 “This can’t be a revolving door issue that fades from the headlines only to pop up somewhere else. We need to get on top of it, once and for all.”