Intimidation by groups loitering in public spaces and street drinking have been named as among the worst forms of anti-social behaviour in urban areas, according to a new survey.
Other forms of behaviour causing major concerns include racing cars, damage to private property and vandalism of public property such as street furniture, trees and plants.
According to the survey, conducted in nine constituencies by the Labour Party, up to 68 per cent of respondents had medium to high levels of concern about certain anti-social activities. These were blamed on insufficient numbers of gardaí, inadequate public lighting, the lack of facilities for young people and the lack of parental control.
The survey revealed a high level of concern about abuse of public spaces and found that groups of people loitering with intent in public areas caused particular concern to older people.
Labour Party leader Pat Rabbitte said the tiny minorities engaged in crime and vandalism were having a major detrimental effect on the quality of life in some areas.
"Anyone who is a bit 'different' gets singled out, like single parents or the elderly," he said. He said drunken violence, vandalism and littering were all "expressions of the selfish side of modern Ireland".
Mr Rabbitte accused Minister for Justice Michael McDowell of neglecting the problem.
Labour's justice spokesman Brendan Howlin conceded there was no "quick fix" to the problem. He said anti-social behaviour had a number of root causes, including poor urban planning, bad housing policy and inadequate educational and youth facilities.
Mr Howlin called for a new rank of community garda to be established and said he was in talks with Garda representative bodies on the issue. He said there were currently only 94 Juvenile Liaison Officers in the State and many more were needed.
Additional youth diversion schemes and better youth and sports facilities were also essential. He said the Labour Party saw the need for a 'support group' similar to the proposed Garda Reserve. Local authorities can also combat crime by passing specific bye-laws in consultation with gardai.
Some 2,012 responses were received to the survey, which was circulated in March in nine constituencies in Cork, Dublin, Limerick, Louth, Meath and Tipperary.