Howth locals fear that the new coastal park plan worth €26 million could attract antisocial behaviour to the area.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine launched a public consultation on the plans and they will submit a planning application to Fingal County Council in May.
The reclamation of almost five hectares of land at the West Pier in Howth will use material dredged from the harbour’s seabed.
The aim of the project is to dredge silt from within the harbour seabed to make the water, fishing, leisure and lifeboat craft more accessible.
But locals in the area are afraid that this area could be a new location for antisocial behaviour.
Lately, the areas of Howth, Baldoyle and Sutton have felt the presence of an antisocial behaviour gang of local youths calling themselves D13.
And recently a golf course in the area suffered from the reckless behaviour as parts of the green were set on fire, covered in petrol and dug up.
Councillor for Howth Jimmy Guerin referenced the act as "disturbing and pitiful."
He told Newstalk: "Howth, Sutton, Malahide, Baldoyle, and Portmarnock seasonally increase in antisocial behaviour every year when the schools close.
“It's an area that attracts people and we've had loads of instances in the past, too, during midterm breaks."
Staunton pleaded for locals in the area to keep an eye out and make contact if they notice anything unusual.
He said: "We just need everyone's help. Anybody who lives in the local area if you see any antisocial behaviour (should) call the guards."
Meanwhile, Facebook users reacted to the news of the park plans.
One said: “Howth residents are already prisoners on a sunny day.”
Someone else said: “More space, bigger crowds.”
Another user asked: “Is my favourite view in the world from Aqua restaurant ruined?”
But all the comments weren’t negative, someone said: “Incredible proposal, will really enhance the amenity of the pier for tourists and day trippers. Hope it happens.”
And one other user said: “It would be great. And seems like the best way to deal with all the dredged material from the harbour.”
Local Green Party councillor and the Mayor of Fingal, David Healy welcomed the proposal.
He said it was important that the removal of contaminated material was done properly while maximising biodiversity and conservation.
Mr Healy said the use of the dredged material for infill was a better option than dumping it at sea.
He believes that: “It has the potential to create a wonderful, new public space.”
The new public amenity will also have car parking and storage areas for fishing and leisure equipment which will reinforce the area as an important tourist destination.
If approved, the creation of the new land contributing to the diversity of Howth Harbour will take around 18 months to complete.
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