COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

QUESTION NO. 5

QUESTION: Councillor M. McDonagh

To ask the Manager to provide a detailed response to the findings of the Sinn Féin report into housing conditions, community facilities and anti-social behaviour in Méile an Rí, Tór an Rí and Búirg an Rí, Balgaddy entitled "Balgaddy - A National Scandal" and published on 28.2.12? (a copy of the report was forwarded to the Council on 2.3.12)

REPLY:

The Sinn Féin document produced is noted as an account of a survey based on set questions put to residents in the Balgaddy area in 2011.  It is not a technical report nor a physical assessment but simply a consumer satisfaction survey.  As only 26% of tenants approached actually responded, the voices of the vast majority of Balgaddy residents are not represented.

Figures quoted in the survey details section represent percentages in turn of the 26% responding for instance "50% of all respondents" in reality represent only 13%.  The precentage of tenants not participating, 3 out of  every 4 Balgaddy residents, is in line with positive experience on the ground of the Council team dedicated to building improvements on the site over the last 12 months.

The survey was issued in February 2012 some 4/5 months after it was carried out and takes no cognisance of ongoing works carried by on-site Council staff in the intervening period, including the extensive window replacement programme.  The works continue on site, house by house.  It should be noted that a number of houses completing the survey have not reported problems identified by them to South Dublin County Council.  A further number have not allowed or facilitated access to their dwellings for investigation by Council staff.

The survey raises issues of inadequate community facilities but the immediate area includes -

• Two children's playgrounds (and access to a third in Rosses Court adjoining)
• A multi-use games area (MUGA) for teens
• Pocket park
• Primary School
• Church and pastoral centre
• Upcoming crèche / community rooms in Méile an Rí (tenders received, finance secured)
• Youth facility in Tór an Rí (not yet opened by community group leasing)
• Shopping within easy walk

Balgaddy has a worthwhile and viable social and community revision.

Balgaddy is not, as is claimed, a national disgrace.  Efforts by the Council in conjunction with their tenants will resolve construction difficulties which earlier dogged this project and disadvantaged the residents.  The positive response of the majority of tenants to the ongoing work is encouraging and shows a worthwhile route forward.