Councillor Shane Murray made the comments following incidents in Tullamore.
Anti-social behaviour is on the rise across the Midlands.
That is according to Councillor Shane Murray, who says a number of threatening incidents have taken place in Tullamore in recent times.
The local representative highlighted incidents involving cars being burnt out in the town, as well as two houses being targeted in an arson attack.
His comments come as his party colleague, Cllr Hugh Egan, has put forward a motion calling for a new prison to be built in the Midlands to help deal with those who break the law.
Cllr Egan's motion highlighted the difficulties facing authorities in tackling anti-social and threatening behaviour, particularly amid concerns over a shortage of prison spaces and the ability to impose sentences.
Cllr Murray says the problem extends beyond Tullamore, with similar incidents occurring across the wider Midlands region.
He believes society has become too lenient towards anti-social behaviour, also raising concerns about what he sees as the normalisation of drug use.
Both councillors have called for tougher action to address the issue, arguing that greater accountability is needed for those engaging in criminal activity.
They say building an additional prison in the Midlands would be an important first step in tackling the problem.
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