Terrified locals tell of how atmosphere in the area has changed
THE alleged rape of a young Spanish student in a public green area in Sandymount/ Ringsend, in Dublin, prompted revulsion and disbelief among locals.
A number of people in Sandymount and on Pigeon House Road spoke yesterday of their deep disquiet at the rape of the young woman.
Among those to express their concern were:
Melanie Markowitz (34), who said: “I like to walk in the green spaces, but people will now have to be more careful at night. Women will have to be much more watchful for their safety.
“Many people walk in this area, so I feel quite safe – but certainly people should not walk here after dark. I love living in Sandymount and it is one of the best places to live in Dublin.”
Elaine Quirke (35), a teacher from Ranelagh, said: “I love to walk here because it is a great amenity. But women will now have to be that extra bit careful after what has happened.
“I like to walk in the evenings, but it is shocking
news what has happened to that student. It’s really terrible.”
Liz Ryan (70), from Sandymount, said: “It’s just horrific what has happened. It’s a real rarity for something as terrible as this to happen in this area. I would urge all women to be very careful and for women not to jog alone.
“It’s such a lovely area and for this to happen to a young foreign student is really awful.”
David Dunne (57), of Sandymount, said: “It’s terrible. Everyone in the area is talking about what happened. Women should not go jogging on their own in the area and it has damaged the atmosphere around here.
“The community feels so sorry for the victim and for her family, who had to travel from Spain and have to find their daughter in such a condition. She was so young.”
Susan Byrne (64), a mother-of-five from Pigeon House Road, said “I hope that justice is done. There are very lonely spots around here and families have to watch out for the safety of their children.
“There are a lot of bushes where people can hide. Many bushes were cut down but there are still many such places. Local people are very concerned.”
Michael Byrne (29), a father-of-four from Pigeon House Road, said: “Much of this area is very dark at night and not well lit-up. People should not take chances by walking alone at night. There are very isolated places around here.
“I would not want to see women walking alone and it is always better to get a lift than to walk by yourself at night.”