Concerned Residents Group feel that TDs were ‘dismissive’ of their findings

THE ‘Concerned Residents of Clondalkin’ who gathered the views of 1,130 homes in Clondalkin feel their local politicians disregarded their findings.

The group met their local TDs from Fine Gael, Sinn Fein and People Before Profit, but told The Echo that they felt they were “dismissive” of the findings and that Eoin Ó Broin (SF) and Gino Kenny (PBP) had “personal beliefs” that took precedence over the people they represent.

In response Deputies Ó Broin and Kenny told The Echo that they met with the group and were “not dismissive” of their findings, but they have encountered different views from residents in the course of their work in Clondalkin.

“I met with Bernie and had a long and frank conversation. I’m not at all dismissing it. There are a wide range of views in Clondalkin, and I listen to a wide range of people in Clondalkin, and there very mixed views in Clondalkin,” said Deputy Ó Broin.

“Even before the election we knocked on doors around Monastery and the views are mixed. In the Dutch Village most of the issues we are hearing on the doors are about traffic, lack of affordable housing and healthcare.

“The government need to ensure the use of places that are properly run, properly managed and if there is a problem, they want to know who to call.”

Deputy Kenny said he met the group and “wouldn’t say I was dismissive.”

“I listened to what they had to say. I didn’t think it represented the views of most people in Clondalkin, and I don’t agree with most of what they say, some of the language was unhelpful,” said Kenny.

“When the volume of people coming in is large there will be questions about services. We can try and answer that as best we can.

“The majority of people accept we have to take in some. I think it’s a temporary measure, and I know sometimes temporary measures can be more permanent, but it is either that or people are sleeping on the street.”