Criminals ‘running riot’ since destruction of CCTV in Ballfyermot

By Maurice Garvey

CRIMINALS have been “running riot” since the destruction of a CCTV camera pole in Cherry Orchard last month – with garda cars coming under attack and anti-social activity increasing in the community.

The high-quality security camera at the junction of Cherry Orchard Avenue/Drive, was installed last year at a cost of approximately €60k.

Dublin City Council estimates it will cost an additional €20k to remove, replace and repair the pole, which had five cameras, and was taken out by a sinister criminal element riding roughshod in the neighbourhood.

The total cost of €80k to taxpayers, does not include additional security measures which will have to be installed prior to the re-installation, to protect the pole when it goes back up.

Residents that The Echo have spoken to say “people are living in fear” and “disillusioned” at the current situation.

None wished to give their name for fear of reprisals, but almost all cite a lack of garda resources as a major concern.

Sinn Féin Councillor Daithi Doolan said the camera was targeted by a stolen truck because it was “so effective”.

Cllr Doolan said: “It’s a disgrace. Criminals involved should think long and hard about the cost that the taxpayers of Cherry Orchard will have to fork out. The money could be going towards youth services or the community.

“We have been prioritised a paltry two additional gardai in Ballyfermot, but we need more. I have a motion at the next area meeting, calling on the Justice Minister to place extra gardai in the area.”

At the moment, Doolan says garda patrol cars are faced with a difficult situation when trouble kicks off.

“Either they go in one car and get attacked, or they go in two or three cars and it’s a riot,” he said.

A spokesman for DCC told The Echo: “The CCTV camera array will be replaced shortly. For security reasons DCC will not name a date when the new camera array will be operational. The replacement process will be co-ordinated with An Garda Siochana.

“Additional security measures will be taken to ensure the security of the CCTV cameras. DCC remains committed, in co-operation with gardai, to ensure the safety of the people of Cherry Orchard from crime and vandalism. Extensive and monitored CCTV will assist in this objective.”