COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF TALLAGHT AREA COMMITTEE

Monday, April 22, 2024

MOTION NO. 3

MOTION: Councillor M. Duff

"That this Area Committee calls on the Manager to carry out a Graffiti Survey, in the Tallaght Area, focusing on walls and utility boxes across both LEAs, with an intention of eliminating this visual litter?"

REPORT:

South Dublin County Council is responsible for ensuring that public roads are kept litter free (including graffiti) in so far as it is practically possible and the prevention of the creation of litter through the following measures:

SDCC removes graffiti as it arises around the county, utilising staff and probation services to respond effectively to any graffiti that is reported. Any graffiti that is considered offensive due to its content is always prioritised. A contractor is also engaged for specialist graffiti removal.

It is a criminal offence to deface property, and it is a requirement of Section 20 of the Litter Pollution Act 1997 for property owners to remedy defacement. 

In a limited number of circumstances, it may not be possible to remove the graffiti owing to difficulties accessing sites.

There is continuous assessment of benefits and rewards available under the Social Credits Scheme and as groups develop and engage in the Social Credits Scheme more requests are being received and approved for assistance with removal of Graffiti.

An initial survey of graffiti has been conducted in the Tallaght area and a more detailed survey will now be carried out throughout the county. While carrying out the initial survey, it was noted that a large amount of graffiti was on traffic signs, sign poles, public lighting columns, traffic light control kiosks and other kiosks associated with public lighting. There is also graffiti on some litter bins, utility boxes and on boundary walls which for the most part are private.

Public Realm and a number of other Directorates within SDCC are responsible for the maintenance of these items above. Utility boxes belonging to one or other of the utilities companies need to be dealt with through either the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) or enforcement. Therefore, this survey will be carried out in conjunction with all relevant Directorates and utility companies. 

SDCC understand the frustrations that graffiti brings to residents and businesses and is working with many groups and organisations to improve the aesthetic appearance of the county. We are grateful to all Councillors and members of the public who continue to help us by identifying areas of graffiti and also where Tidytowns groups have helped in the clean-up of same.