Call for extra resources to cut down on anti-social behaviour
by Maurice Garvey
DUBLIN City Council are examining the feasibility of providing additional CCTV cameras in Cherry Orchard – to combat increased levels of anti-social behaviour in recent months.
The Echo has reported how residents have endured a turbulent summer – with feuding gangs, shots being fired, joyriding, cars set on fire and bus routes diverted.
Speaking to the Dublin South Central ACM last week, Area Manager Tony Flynn said the council “is acutely aware of the issues” in the area and that he is raising the matter “with the highest levels of the city council.”
Limited CCTV cameras exist in Cherry Orchard, but the council want to evaluate their effectiveness before deciding to implement further cameras.
Mr Flynn also asked Independent Councillor Vincent Jackson to raise the issue of garda resources with garda chiefs at the Policing Steering Committee today (July 23).
Problems came to the fore on the night of July 5, when a vacant house on Croftwood Gardens was vandalised.
Neighbours attempted to protect the property and local councillors tried in vain to get gardaí to the scene, before back-up was eventually provided to the council crew sent in to secure the property.
Sinn Féin Councillor Daithí Doolan, slammed the lack of garda response on the night, after he was told they “hadn’t got the resources to send anyone out” during calls to Ballyfermot station.
“I’ve written letters to the Superintendent. No response,” said Cllr Doolan.
“It’s foot-dragging. The dogs in the street know there is a serious problem. All the bodies on the council know there is a problem. The only statutory body that hasn’t recognised this is the gardaí.”
Doolan said the previous person living in the vacant house had to move out due to anti-social behaviour and commended neighbours for their actions in trying to protect the property.
A spokesperson for Dublin City Council said they have received a report in relation to the feasibility of providing CCTV at locations in the Cherry Orchard area and are “currently examining this report in the context of an overall plan for this area.”
The spokesperson said: “We believe that there is no one solution capable of dealing with the issues that exist in this and other areas around the city. There is limited CCTV at locations in the Cherry Orchard, Cloverhill Road, and Clifton Road area.
“The City Council would like to evaluate the effectiveness of the cameras in partnership with the existing controllers of the CCTV before any decisions are taken on the provision of additional cameras. The evaluation would need to include the monitoring of the CCTV.”
Cllr Doolan said he will continue to “look for additional CCTV for the Cherry Orchard area” and “hopes to see new cameras in place as soon as possible.”
