LARGE GROUP: Ballyspillane residents are living in fear as large groups congregate daily to play bowls.

EXCLUSIVE

By Sean Moriarty

Residents of the Ballyspillane estate in Killarney are living in fear of their lives as large groups of people continue to congregate in the green area in the middle of the estate.

The group, which is violating current COVID-19 imposed restrictions, gather on the estate’s green area every day to play road bowls.

Residents are concerned that some participants are coming from outside of Killarney to play the game.

Wayward bowling balls have landed in residents’ lawns with groups of people entering to retrieve them.

Local residents are fearful that correct social distancing procedures are not being observed when members of the group enter properties creating a risk of spreading Coronavirus to people.

One resident, who did not want to be named for fear of a retaliation attack by the group, told the Killarney Advertiser that there are groups of up to 50 at one-time bowling all day. "Bowls are entering peoples' back gardens with kids playing inside,” they said.

Killarney Gardai are aware of the situation and have visited the estate several times since extended restrictions were announced before the Easter break.

“We are aware of anti-social behaviour up there and that people are not complying to health restrictions,” Superintendent Flor Murphy told the Killarney Advertiser. “We will attend to every call up there and where we find evidence of breaches we will prosecute.”