The graffiti reported on the wall at the corner of Bawnogue Road and New Nangor Road was removed on the 28th of September.

SDCC is committed to maintaining a clean and welcoming environment for residents and visitors. This commitment is reflected in a range of measures and programmes aimed at preventing and addressing litter and graffiti through enforcement, regulation and community engagement.

Graffiti is removed as incidents are identified and reported, with offensive graffiti receiving priority attention. Reports that include the exact location and photographs are referred to the relevant department or contractor for action.

To support a more efficient response, an online graffiti reporting form has been introduced and is proving effective: SDCC Forms - Graffiti Report

The form enables residents, community groups and elected members to report incidents and upload photographs, allowing for quicker assessment and referral.

In addition to resources provided by council staff and the Probation Service, a specialist contractor has been engaged to undertake graffiti removal, helping to improve response times. The increasing prevalence of graffiti and its impact on public spaces, transport infrastructure and the appearance of local communities is recognised.

A number of initiatives are also in place to help prevent graffiti and promote civic pride. The Anti-Litter and Anti-Graffiti Awareness Grant is available through the Environmental Awareness Section to support community groups and schools. The Dublin Canvas project continues to reduce opportunities for graffiti through the artistic treatment of traffic light control boxes.

Defacing property is a criminal offence and Section 20 of the Litter Pollution Act 1997 places responsibility on property owners to remedy defacement of their property.

The following protocol guides the management of graffiti and ensures a consistent approach:

1. Where graffiti occurs on public property, arrangements will be made for its removal using appropriate cleaning methods or repainting.
2. Property owners are responsible for removing graffiti from private premises. In the first instance, the owner will be requested to remove the defacement. Where a property is located in a prominent public area, assistance may be provided subject to the completion of an indemnity and agreement on any applicable charges. No works will proceed in the absence of these requirements.
3. Where graffiti occurs on utility boxes, the relevant utility provider will be contacted and requested to arrange removal.

The Council appreciates the assistance provided by elected members, residents, community organisations and Tidy Towns groups in identifying and addressing graffiti. This collaborative approach plays an important role in maintaining the appearance of local areas and supporting cleaner, more attractive neighbourhoods.