COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, January 23, 2018

MOTION NO. 6

MOTION: Councillor P. Gogarty

"That a taskforce be set up to discuss and remedy issues and opportunities pertaining to the Balgaddy Community in Lucan South within a set timeframe; (Re: Housing tenants - anti-social behaviour, marginalisation and illegal dumping/littering).

REPORT:

There are a number of organisations working in the Balgaddy area who have come together to promote and foster community spirit and development.  A group called "Link and Lunch" meet regularly and they endeavour to foster a combined response to identified issues.

The Community Department and Housing Estate Officer have made premises available to Crosscare who deal with the youth of the area and are actively working with another local group who have expressed in premises locally. 

The Bush Centre offers accommodation to a wide variety to groups who provide activities such as Scouts, dance, bingo and fitness etc. 

The Community Department and Housing Estate Officer working with the Sports Partnership, South Dublin Partnership and CASP have also organised and supported summer programmes such as

• Family days
• Sports activities including football training
• Glee/youth activities

Other activities in the area based in the family centre include gardening and a women’s group

Currently the Gardaí, North Clondalkin Safety Forum and the Council meet on a regular basis in relation to known Anti-Social activities and have now arranged for a new CCTV camera to be installed on a tamper proof column overlooking the park where most of the ASB takes place.  This camera will have a direct feed to the Gardaí in Ronanstown and will assist in dealing with the ASB in that area.    The Gardaí have stepped up patrols in the estate and will continue to do so going forward.  The added information from the CCTV is expected to assist them and the Council in their role within the area. 

Joint visits with the Gardaí and DSP to other targeted families in the estate have taken place and a coordinated approach to tackling ASB/Maintenance/Rent arrears is being followed by all agencies.

In response to requests the Council have replaced all the common access doors to enable them to be locked and are in the process of relocating the post boxes into the buildings.  The doors on the utility meter cabinets are also scheduled for replacement with fire proof doors.

The main issue being reported in the area currently is that of the dumping of materials and household refuse in the common bin areas at the rear of the dwellings.  This is forcing those with bin services to store their refuse in front of the complex and attracting the attention of our litter wardens. It also results in general dumping on the open space at night. A solution to the problem is being explored.