Anti-social behaviour report not true reflection
By Aideen O'Flaherty
THE low levels of reported anti-social behaviour in Rathfarnham, Templeogue and Terenure are not reflective of the true level of anti-social behaviour in the area, according to a councillor.
Figures concerning anti-social behaviour over the second quarter of 2018 were released at last week’s Rathfarnham/Templeogue-Terenure Area Committee meeting, which showed that three instances of violence, intimidation or harassment were reported to the council.
One instance of drug activity was reported to the local authority, while there was one reported instance of squatters/people illegally occupying a property.
Deirdre O’Donovan, an Independent councillor for Rathfarnham and chairperson of the Joint Policing Committee, told The Echo: “The figures are not reflective [of what’s happening in the area] – people don’t bother reporting it.
“If you have a neighbour who is a constant offender, and you have ongoing issues with anti-social behaviour from them, then it’s very, very hard to get someone removed from a council property.
“There are instances where residents’ associations are dealing directly with personnel within the council, so those figures aren’t being recorded. The reality is that if you’re having a problem with a neighbour, you’ll have to make the call.
“They should keep making formal complaints to the council, because at least then the issues are being logged.”
A spokesperson for South Dublin County Council told The Echo: “There have been no evictions of South Dublin County Council tenants living in the Rathfarnham/ Templeogue/Terenure Electoral Area for anti-social behaviour in the past two years.
“The majority of our tenants are law-abiding and only a small minority are engaged in unacceptable behaviour.
“The council works in partnership with our tenants and various other stakeholders and takes a proactive approach to tackling anti-social behaviour through prevention, enforcement, support and rehabilitation.”
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